North High School in Downers Grove was recognized by Regional Supt. Dr. Darlene Ruscitti at the DuPage Regional Office of Education’s annual “Equity and Excellence for All” conference Feb. 4, in Glen Ellyn.

North High School was one of only six schools to be placed on the DuPage School Honor Roll for making Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), as measured by the U.S. Department of Education. In addition, North High received the honor of making a presentation at the conference, the only high school to be chosen to do so.

The North High team presented, "If You Build It, They Will Grow: North High's Journey to Achieving Excellence." Presenters included Principal Maria Ward along with staff members Anne Easley, Melissa Hampton, Jon Heldmann, Elaine Simos, Pete Theis and Scott Wuggazer. 

In their presentation, the North High team members outlined multiple strategies for success, including a focus on increased co-teaching in core courses, ensuring that all students have access to higher levels of curriculum, and implementing a widespread use of literacy coaching throughout all subject areas. By setting clear goals and measuring the results, North High was able to increase student achievement and student enjoyment of learning.

“I am so proud of our staff and their collective efforts to support student learning and achievement,” said Ward. “This kind of growth does not occur by chance. It has been deliberate, focused, and data-informed.”