Hadley Middle School in Homer Glen has been acknowledged as a National Gold Star School by the National Association of Elementary School Principals. It is one of four schools in Illinois to achieve this honor. Nationwide, 57 schools received this inaugural award, which evaluates leadership, innovation, and commitment to student success.
Recognizing Excellence
According to Principal Kristen Schroeder, the school’s decisions are always made with the students’ best interests in mind. “This award supports the purposeful work that occurs throughout the school daily and embodies who we are as a school community,” Schroeder stated.
School representatives submitted a comprehensive application illustrating how the school’s culture, values, vision, family engagement, empowerment of students and teachers, and community support align with the association’s pillars for a successful learning community. Letters of recommendation from teachers, parents, Superintendent Craig Schoppe, and former board member and teacher Karen DeFilippis were also included.
The Preparation and Celebration
It took about three months for the school to prepare the application. The process involved writing essays and gathering evidence to highlight Hadley’s accomplishments. Upon learning about the award, the excitement of Principal Schroeder and Assistant Principal Holly Odom was described as overflowing. Schoppe emphasized how the recognition highlighted the dedication and hard work of both the teachers and students.
In sharing the news, Hadley’s sixth-grade students calculated the small percentage of schools nationwide earning this recognition, demonstrating their math skills. Schroeder expressed pride in how the entire school works towards shared goals, noting the school’s culture prioritizes strong relationships and valuing every person.
Student Empowerment and Activities
Hadley offers various organizations that promote academic and leadership growth. The Student Council helps maintain a positive school tone, contributing to assemblies and celebrations and advising on school matters.
The annual Student Expectations Assembly showcases student leaders acting out scenarios to demonstrate real-life applications of school expectations. Students can acknowledge peers through the Mustang Shout-Out campaign, rewarding kindness and good citizenship.
The Multicultural Club celebrates diverse backgrounds by hosting fairs with ethnic foods, dances, and presentations. The Hadley Literacy Committee focuses on improving writing skills, which has boosted test scores.
Schroeder highlighted the collective effort required for school success: “It’s every person, directly or indirectly, impacting the school. Focusing on what’s best for children is the key.”
A Broader Perspective
Students participate in community service, such as packaging food for the nonprofit Feed My Starving Children. These activities teach them self-advocacy and the importance of their voices. Hadley Middle School will receive the Gold Star award in a ceremony in Florida in July. Other recognized Illinois schools include Pleasantdale Elementary School, St. Giles School, and St. Benedict Preparatory School, part of the Archdiocese of Chicago.