School District 308, Old Post Elementary Representatives Travel to Washington, DC to Accept Blue Ribbon School Honor

Oswego, Ill. (November 19, 2015) — Representatives from School District 308 and Old Post Elementary School traveled to Washington, D.C., last week to take part in the National Blue Ribbon ceremony.

Last September, Old Post Elementary School became the first District 308 school to win the Blue Ribbon distinction from the U.S. Department of Education. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matthew Wendt, Old Post Elementary School Principal Toia Jones, and fifth grade teacher Christine Alesia made the trip on behalf of the district and school to accept the award. Board of Education Vice President Brad Banks also attended the event while in Washington on unrelated business at the Pentagon.

“It was a great event. I was so pleased Old Post staff and students were able to watch online the awards ceremony. This award demonstrates SD 308 is headed in the right direction and it should be expected that more district schools will be honored in the future,” stated Dr. Wendt. “Our students are as capable as any students in the nation, and with continued adjustments in teaching and learning, more honors will be achieved over time.”

Jones is pleased about what the award means for the school and the district on a national level.

“I think this is not only a wonderful opportunity for Old Post, but for School District 308,” Jones said. “This is hopefully the first of many times the faculty, staff, and students at Old Post will be recognized for their hard work and dedication.”

Every year, the U.S. Department of Education seeks out and celebrates excellent schools demonstrating that all students can achieve at high academic levels. Old Post was one of 335 schools recognized by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan at the event. The award places the school among 8,000 institutions that have won the award over the 33-year history of the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program.

Alesia said it was a great honor to represent Old Post and the district while in Washington.

“We impact lives every day,” she said. “We are making a difference every day that we are there for the future and our society.”

The Board of Education will honor Old Post Elementary School for this national award prior to their Board of Education meeting on Monday, November 23 at a special recognition scheduled for 6pm at Oswego East High School.