Hadley Middle School in Homer Glen is one of four Illinois schools to earn recognition as a National Gold Star School from the National Association of Elementary School Principals.
The association recognized 57 schools nationwide to receive the inaugural award that reviews schools’ leadership, innovation and dedication to student success.
“We try to make sure every decision we make is in the best interest of our students,” Principal Kristen Schroeder said. “We do believe this award validates the intentional work that takes place in the entire building every day, and it reflects the heart of who we are as a school community.”
Schroeder said school leaders submitted a detailed application to the association that demonstrated how Hadley Middle School built its culture, established shared values and a vision, engaged with families, empowered students and teachers and cultivated support in the district and community, which were based on the association’s pillars of a successful learning community.
The school also submitted letters of recommendation from teachers, parents, Homer District 33C Superintendent Craig Schoppe and former school board member and teacher Karen DeFilippis.
The application process took about three months to complete as school officials wrote essays and gathered the supporting evidence needed to highlight their successes, Schroeder said.
When Schroeder and Assistant Principal Holly Odom learned Hadley was an award recipient, “their excitement was off the charts,” Schoppe said.
“The excitement really comes from just being able to showcase all our great things, everything that the teachers pour into our kids and how hard our kids work,” Odom said. “It takes a village.”
The school leaders were happy to share their news with the student body. Because only 57 schools earned the designation, some sixth grade students showed off their math skills, trying to estimate the percentage of schools nationwide that earned the recognition. They came up with an extremely low percentage.
Schroeder said the school has set goals and everyone moves in the same direction to reach them.
“Excellence is built on our relentless commitment to students, strong relationships and a culture where every single individual is valued and empowered to succeed,” Schroeder said.
The school has several organizations in place that help students grow both academically and as leaders, she said.
The Student Council helps set a positive tone, she said. The school’s annual Student Expectations Assembly features student leaders performing skits that demonstrate expectations in real-life contexts. The council helps with assemblies, celebrations and acts as an advisory committee.
Students can also nominate their peers as part of the Mustang Shout-Out campaign where they can spread positivity and reward others for being kind and caring citizens, Odom said.
The Multicultural Club helps celebrate everyone’s diverse backgrounds, including hosting a fair with ethnic food, dances, performances and presentations.
The school also has a Hadley Literacy Committee, which has helped boost students’ writing abilities and test scores.
“Not just one person or one thing can make a school great,” Schroeder said. “It’s every single person, either directly or indirectly, that impacts a school. Having your focus on what’s best for kids — that’s the secret.”
In return, students are learning to advocate for themselves and they feel their voice matters, Schroeder said.
Hadley Middle School will receive its award in July at a ceremony in Florida.
In Illinois, other schools that were recognized include Pleasantdale Elementary School in La Grange as well as St. Giles School in Oak Park and St. Benedict Preparatory School in Chicago, which are both part of the Archdiocese of Chicago.
Michelle Mullins is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
