A look inside: Adler Park School

Adler Park School

Address: 1740 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville

Phone: (847) 362-7275

Web site: d70schools.org/Adler

District's name and/or Web site: Libertyville Elementary District 70. www.d70schools.org

Number of students/grade levels offered: 270 students (281 with early childhood classes) in kindergarten through fifth grade, and early childhood

Number of staff: 43

School mascot: Alligator named "Sporty"

When was school built: 1959

An interesting tidbit: The school was closed in 1981 due to declining enrollment in Libertyville District 70. As enrollment climbed back up, it reopened as a kindergarten through third grade school in 1988. There was an additional grade added each of the next two years and soon it became a kindergarten through fifth grade school.

Principal: Janet Brownlie

• Brownlie has been at the school since it was reopened in 1988 -- 20 years.

• What is your favorite memory from Adler Park School? "It's probably the last day of every school year. The staff all gathers at the playground to form a bridge for the students to run through as they say goodbye to another school year. Even students leaving by the front door make parents wait while they come to the back playground to join us to say goodbye. It's always an emotional time."

• What do you think is an unique aspect of your school? "I think it is a unique opportunity that our students in kindergarten through fifth have the opportunity to be involved with our Early Childhood students. They are immersed in our "Buddy" program (matching older students with younger students). It's especially nice to see individual students who are eager to practice their reading skills or need that extra confidence boost to go into the Early Childhood classroom and read to our little ones. The younger children love it and so do the students."

• What are you most proud of? "I would have to say the process that earned us the National Blue Ribbon Schools award twice. Being recognized as a Blue Ribbon School is more than just getting the award. It is really for what it stands for. There are seven components to the award including parent and school relationships, the curriculum, our community involvement, to name a few. I am so proud of how everyone has continued to build on what we started at our first Family Association meeting in 1988. We are considered a small school yet our resources provided for our children are huge thanks to the support and interest shown by our district, the parents and the community. We have worked hard to continue to create a caring and warm climate at Adler, with an exceptional instructional program."

• If all school enrollments were determined by choice, what would you say to potential parents to convince them to choose Adler Park school for their children? "I think once parents walk through our doors, they know Adler Park School is good for their children. To me, it's more of a feeling one gets when you see friendly faces in the hallways, students being celebrated for accomplishments and birthdays on our live morning broadcast, 21st century learning skills being taught in the classrooms and the pillars of good character being practiced. Hopefully parents don't have to be convinced."

• How has technology changed the way students learn over the past five years? Has that been a good change? "It's unbelievable the extent to which technology has changed the way our students learn. Throughout the school, you have teachers who have begun to use pod casting as a teaching or a learning tool, as well as teachers who are incorporating Web sites that offer enhancements to their classroom lessons and are providing great research material. Students are now able to communicate with other students not only here in Libertyville, but in far reaches of the world. The change has been good, as it has opened up a whole new world of learning for our students and for us, as well."

• If you can get one thing accomplished between now and the end of May in your school, what would it be? "It's hard to think of what could wait until May because by nature, educators are always filled with ideas and eager to implement them. I would hope that through 21st Century Learning, we prepare our students for the world of work that will be waiting for them. We are focused on teaching our children how to communicate, problem solving, work on teams, make connections and use technology. We want to make sure our students are ready for the work world that awaits them."