a blue ribbon for kildeer countryside elementary
In November, the U.S. Department of Education will honor approximately 219 public and 50 private schools for overall academic excellence. District 96 Kildeer Countryside Elementary School in Long Grove is among the nation’s 2012 National Blue Ribbon Schools selected to receive this distinguished award.
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced the recognition on September 7, noting, “Schools honored with the National Blue Ribbon Schools Award are committed to accelerating student achievement and preparing students for success in college and careers. Their work reflects the conviction that every child has promise and that education is the surest pathway to a strong, secure future.”
Public and private elementary, middle, and high schools receive National Blue Ribbon School recognition in one of two categories–“exemplary high performing” and “exemplary improving.” Kildeer School, serving children in grades 1–5, earned recognition in the high-performing category, as measured by state assessments and nationally normed tests.
Based on the most recent overall Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT, 2011) results, 98 percent of Kildeer students meet or exceed state standards. “Many dedicated teachers and staff contribute to make Kildeer School a welcoming and exceptional place for our children to learn,” notes Principal Jennifer Smith. “We collaborate very purposefully to be sure that each of our students grows academically, socially, and emotionally. We also are truly grateful for our strong home-school partnership. Kildeer families are wholehearted partners in our efforts to help our students thrive.”
In an assembly at the end of their school day on Sept. 10, Mrs. Smith and teachers shared news of the award with their Kildeer students, explaining that later this fall, the children and faculty and staff will celebrate their blue ribbon recognition with a guest representative from the U.S. Department of Education, the District 96 Board of Education, and other distinguished guests.
Kildeer Elementary School is the fourth District 96 school to earn U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon recognition. Middle schools Twin Groves (2007) and Woodlawn (2009) and elementary school Ivy Hall (2008) also have been honored. Likewise, the District 96 Willow Grove Kindergarten and Early Childhood Center has earned program accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Located in Lake County, District 96 serves families in portions of the following communities: Buffalo Grove, Long Grove, Kildeer, Hawthorn Woods, Lake Zurich, and Vernon Hills. Most District 96 students continue their education at Adlai E. Stevenson High in Lincolnshire.