HOMER GLEN, IL — The National Association of Elementary School Principals has recognized Homer Glen's Hadley Middle School as a 2026 National Gold Star School, District 33C shared in a news release.
Hadley Middle School is one of 57 schools in the country and only four in the State of Illinois to receive this recognition in the award’s inaugural year, according to the District.
“This recognition is a reflection of the passion, dedication, and collective impact of our students, teachers, staff, district partners, and families,” said Kristen Schroeder, principal of Hadley Middle School. “Together, we have built a culture where every individual is valued, challenged, and empowered—and this award belongs to all of them. It is one of the greatest honors of my career to lead this learning community.”
According to a news release, National Gold Star Schools are selected based on NAESP’s framework of the Three Pillars of the Principalship: 1) Established Culture: Shared values, family engagement, and well-being; 2) Empowered People: Collaborative teaching, distributed leadership, and holistic support; and 3) Optimal Systems: Effective use of talent and resources, district support, and strategic focus.
Students, staff, and administrators have built a positive community at Hadley. This shared commitment shows up in events like the Multicultural Fair, which welcomed 1,500 attendees and featured local restaurants, performers, and an interactive ‘passport’ experience that fostered global awareness, the District said.
"It is equally present in the way students are empowered as leaders—from co-designing school-wide assemblies to a student-led initiative in which Hadley students collected and analyzed peer data, collaborated with park designers, and served on a committee to explore the feasibility of a new playground design," a news release shared.
“The values of good citizenship exemplified by our students, staff, and school leaders, which led to Hadley receiving this award, have the entire District beaming with pride,” said District Superintendent Dr. Craig Schoppe.
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