MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release

September 15, 2009

Contact: Holly Goldin

goldinh@wilmette39.org

847-512-6038

CENTRAL SCHOOL GETS NATIONAL

BLUE RIBBON RECOGNITION

(Wilmette, Illinois…) Central Elementary School has been named one of 314 National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education. The announcement was made today by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.

Central is one of six schools in District 39 and it serves approximately 570 students in kindergarten through fourth grade. The Blue Ribbon Schools  – 264 public and 50 private – will be honored at an awards ceremony on November 3 in Washington, D.C.  A celebration at Central School will take place soon after the ceremony. A date will be announced as soon as it is determined. Traveling to Washington to accept the award on Central’s behalf will be Central School Principal Melanie Horowitz, Central teacher Romy DeCristofaro, and District 39 Superintendent Dr. Raymond Lechner. Central follows Wilmette Junior High School and Romona Elementary School, which are both previous recipients of this award. For the past 27 years, more than 6,150 of America’s schools have received this coveted award.

Central School Principal Melanie Horowitz was thrilled with the news. “I couldn’t be happier that Central is being recognized in this way. In summarizing our many strengths and accomplishments at Central, I'm always drawn to a remark made by a parent during a school improvement planning session that highlighted more than great test scores as the cornerstones of our success.  She noted the incredible levels of teaching expertise and commitment to students, the value put on enriching learning experiences, the high levels of parent involvement, the strong home-school partnerships, and the attention that is given to making our children better people.  I couldn't say it better - we have a wonderful team!”

District 39 Superintendent Ray Lechner commended the students, faculty, staff, and administrators at Central. “We are so proud of what Central School accomplishes each and every day. Every member of Central’s faculty and staff, the Principal and Assistant Principal, and all the Central students deserve to be recognized for their part in this achievement. It is most well-deserved!”

The award honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools that are either academically superior, or have made dramatic gains in student achievement and helped close gaps in achievement among minority and disadvantaged students.  Each year since 1982, the U.S. Department of Education has sought out schools where students attain and maintain high academic goals.  

A total of 413 schools nationwide can be nominated, based on the number of K-12 students and the number of schools in each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The Chief State School Officer (CSSO) nominates public schools, and the Council for American Private Education (CAPE) submits private schools’ nominations.  The schools are invited by the Secretary of Education to submit an application for possible recognition as a Blue Ribbon School. 

NOTE TO EDITORS:  A list of the 2009 Blue Ribbon Schools is available at http://www.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/awards.html.

Wilmette Public Schools District 39 - 615 Locust Road – Wilmette, IL 60091- 847-256-2450