Highland School Receives Blue Ribbon Designation

From Downers Grove Grade School District 58:

District 58 is proud to announce that Highland School was named a 2011 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced the national roster of 305 schools, which included just 19 in Illinois, at a press conference September 15.

“America's long-term economic prosperity and civic engagement depends on our children receiving a world-class education," Duncan said. "National Blue Ribbon Schools are committed to accelerating student achievement and preparing students for success in college and careers. Their success is an example for others to follow."

The Blue Ribbon Schools program, administered for 28 years by the U.S. Department of Education, recognizes public and private elementary, middle and high schools that are either academically superior or that show dramatic gains in student achievement to high levels.

“This award is for school communities who have demonstrated their commitment to achievement and seeing every student reach their maximum potential,” said Christopher A. Koch, Illinois’ Superintendent of Education. “Everyone at Highland School should be very proud of this accomplishment, and Downers Grove should be proud of the students, staff and parents who made this a reality.”

Highland School Principal Dr. Judy Kmak and a teacher will travel to Washington D.C. in November for a two-day seminar and ceremony sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education.

“We are honored to receive this designation. It truly is a testament to the continued commitment to excellence demonstrated daily by our staff and students, as well as the strong support from our parents and community,” Dr. Kmak said.

The application included responses on assessment, curriculum, instruction, professional development, school leadership, and school vision and mission. Schools also submitted five years of testing data and showed how they share strengths and successes with other schools. A school can only be nominated every five years.

“Highland’s recognition as a Blue Ribbon School speaks very highly of the quality of a District 58 education. It reflects the many ways in which Highland’s staff and students are living out the District 58 mission with wonderful support from parents and the community, particularly the Board of Education,” said District 58 Superintendent Paul Zaander.

Highland is the second District 58 school to be named a National Blue Ribbon School in the past five years; Pierce Downer School achieved this distinction in 2007.

For more information on the Blue Ribbon Schools Program, visit www.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs.