North Palos District 117 Receives "Exemplary" Rating from ISBE

Four of North Palos School District 117’s five schools received “Exemplary” ratings in the annual report card released by the Illinois State Board of Education. Conrady, Oak Ridge, Glen Oaks and Dorn each earned the “Exemplary” designation. Sorrick received a Commendable rating, which is the second-highest rating a school can receive.

Elementary and junior high schools are evaluated on indicators that include English Language Arts (ELA) proficiency, math proficiency, science proficiency, English learner progress to proficiency, chronic absenteeism, climate survey participation, ELA growth and math growth. An “Exemplary” rating means a school is in the top 10 percent of schools in Illinois with no underperforming student groups.

Seventy-four percent of the NPD117 students were proficient in English Language Arts (compared to 35% throughout the state) and 60% of NPD117 students were proficient in math (compared to 27% throughout the state). In English Language Arts, the state of Illinois increased 5.2% from 2022-2023, but North Palos increased 8.3%. In Mathematics, the state of Illinois increased 1.6% from 2022-2023, while North Palos increased 6.5%.

“This year’s report card data is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our students, staff, and families,” said Christine Droba, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning.

The 5th grade English Language Arts and math teams across the district had an impressive year with 85% of 5th grade students meeting or exceeding expectations in ELA. Haneen Amra, Erin Fitzgerald, Nicole Guest, and Kelly Vittorio, members of the 5th grade ELA team, said: "The success of the fifth-grade team can be attributed to our unified high expectations, collaborative approach among teachers, and the belief that all fifth-grade students are considered students of all the teachers. Additionally, the implementation of the 40 Book Challenge and holding students accountable has further contributed to our students’ achievement."

Seventy-two percent of 5th-grade students across the district met or exceeded expectations in math. Julia Herman, Monika Kwak, Sakeenah Shakir, and Christina Tidwell, 5th grade math team members, said, “Our team sets high expectations for all students, and we don’t lower expectations when students are not mastering the concepts. We collaborate and work well together as a supportive team of teachers who are open to implementing new ideas shared by other members of the group.”

Out of the approximately 750 public school districts across the state, District 117 is the 2nd-highest district in math growth; 6th-highest district in ELA growth, 14th-highest district in ELA proficiency, and 25th-highest in math proficiency.

“We are so proud of our students, our staff, and our entire learning community,” said Dr. Jeannie Stachowiak, Superintendent. “We know how important it is to provide quality learning opportunities designed to meet students where they are and ensure that they continue to grow to meet their highest potential. What better way to live up to our district’s motto of "Investing in Our Future, One Child at a Time.”