A Park Ridge elementary school is one of 348 schools in the country to receive a 2018 National Blue Ribbon Schools award from the U.S. Department of Education.
Washington School in Park Ridge-Niles School District 64 learned it was a recipient of the award on Monday. The award is given to schools based on “overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups,” according to the U.S. Department of Education.
In the case of Washington, the school was recognized as an “exemplary high-performing school,” the department said.
“Many of our 650 students are the children — and even grandchildren — of Washington School alumni, so our school traditions are deeply rooted and widely celebrated,” said Principal Stephanie Daly in a press release issued by the school district. “We enjoy an enthusiastic partnership with parents. Our families are proud collaborators that work with us to foster a successful elementary learning experience.”
Washington School was nominated for the award by the Illinois State Board of Education after meeting “stringent performance requirements,” the district said. The school was then invited by the U.S. Department of Education to apply for recognition through what District 64 calls “a comprehensive application describing curriculum and instruction, school supports, and strategies for academic success, among other areas.”
An awards ceremony recognizing the 2018 Blue Ribbon School Award recipients is planned for Nov. 7-8 in Washington, D.C., where Washington School is scheduled to receive a flag and engraved plaque, District 64 said. The District 64 Board of Education will recognize the school’s students, staff and families during a meeting on Nov. 12, the district said.
The school is also planning a school-wide celebration in November, according to the district.
This is the 36th year of the National Blue Ribbons Schools Award program. Past Park Ridge schools that have been recipients of the award are Maine South High School (1988-89), Maine East High School (1984-85), Mary, Seat of Wisdom Catholic School (2011), and St. Paul of the Cross Catholic School (2011).
In 2006, Lincoln Middle School in District 64 received a “No Child Left Behind” Blue Ribbon School Award, the district said.
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