Romona Elementary School has been named a National Blue Ribbon School as announced today by the U.S. Department of Education and Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona. This significant achievement marks the third time that Romona has earned the National Blue Ribbon Schools distinction (2006, 2017).
“We are incredibly proud of all of our students, faculty and staff for their hard work and excellence,” said Dr. Kari Cremascoli, PhD, Superintendent of District 39. “Our Romona students demonstrated academic excellence while also serving as outstanding examples of D39 Scholars who are preparing to lead academically successful, socially responsible, compassionate, and purposeful lives. Thank you, teachers, staff and students!””
“We are truly honored to have earned the National Blue Ribbon Award this year!” said Romona Principal Cindy Anderson. “This is Romona’s third time earning this award, and it is a testament to the continued hard work and dedication from our students, staff, and families. We are so proud of our entire Mustang community!”
The National Blue Ribbon School award affirms and validates the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in striving for – and attaining – exemplary achievement. Romona was recognized by National Blue Ribbon Schools as an “Exemplary High Performing School,” one of only 14 in the State of Illinois to be honored in that category. Schools earning this designation are among their state’s highest-performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
While awardee schools represent the diverse fabric of American schools, they also share some core elements. National Blue Ribbon School leaders articulate a vision of excellence and hold everyone to high standards. They demonstrate effective and innovative teaching and learning, and the schools value and support teachers and staff through meaningful professional learning. Families, communities, and educators work together toward common goals. National Blue Ribbon Schools serve as models of effective and innovative school practices for state and district educators and other schools throughout the nation, widely recognized as symbols of exemplary teaching and learning.
With a nod to the District’s five-year Strategic Plan, Dr. Cremascoli celebrated the D39 teachers and staff who work hard every day to “foster a thriving learning community that cultivates growth through highly engaged learning, an empowered mindset, and an inspired community.
In addition to today’s announcement, all 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools will be honored at an awards ceremony on Nov. 16-17 in Washington, D.C. Romona students and staff celebrated the honor this afternoon at an all-school assembly and the school is planning a community celebration later this fall, after the awards ceremony.
Romona Elementary is one of six schools within Wilmette Public Schools District 39 and educates approximately 450 students in grades K-4. Additionally, Romona is home to the district’s Lechner Early Education Program (LEEP), which serves 56 of D39’s youngest learners. Romona was nominated for this award based on its overall high academic achievement and growth paired with its success in closing the achievement gap, and subsequently launched the rigorous 8 month application process for this Illinois Exemplary School to be considered as a candidate for the U.S. Department of Education’s National Blue Ribbon Award.
Overall, District 39 serves approximately 3,200 students in PreK-8th grade throughout Wilmette and parts of Glenview. A District 39 education engages, empowers, and inspires its students to lead academically successful, socially responsible, compassionate, and purposeful lives. District 39 is committed to providing a safe and equitable learning environment that fosters a mindset of empathy, respect and belonging for all students and staff.