Kennedy Junior High principal honored
Don Perry recently found himself sitting in some pretty august company.
The Kennedy Junior High principal was in Washington, D.C., last month to collect his school's award as a 2008 No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon winner.
He found himself sitting in a room with top-notch educators from 340 schools of all grade levels being feted nationwide for helping students achieve at very high levels or making significant progress in closing the achievement gap.
"It was awesome," Perry said this week. "There were people there from the 40 best middle schools in America. I felt I was in very distinguished company."
Kennedy, a Naperville Unit District 203 school in Lisle, was selected because its students scored in the top 10 percent on state ISAT tests and because, even at its high level, its scores continue to improve.
Gregory Middle School in Indian Prairie Unit District 204, also received its Blue Ribbon award at the Oct. 20-21 celebration in Washington.
Perry says Kennedy plans to share its honor with the entire school community at a reception from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, in the game gym at the school, 2929 Green Trails Drive.
Perry said there will be free food, music from the school's chorus, band and orchestra, and some brief speeches from assorted dignitaries, including a spokesman from the U.S. Department of Education, Superintendent Alan Leis and Lisle Mayor Joseph Broda.
The entire presentation should take about 30 minutes, he said, giving people plenty of time to mingle or come and go as they please.
This is the second time Kennedy has won the national honor since Perry became principal. The school also won the award in 2001-02.
When he learned Kennedy was a repeat winner earlier this fall, Perry attributed its success to "a supportive parent base, terrific kids and outstanding teachers."
Combine that with a strong district curriculum and community support and you've got a winning combination, he said.
Perry likely will reiterate all that at Sunday's celebration, with a distinct focus on the success of Kennedy's students.
"That's why we're in business," he said.
If you go
What: Celebration of Kennedy Junior High's designation as a national Blue Ribbon School
Where: In the school's game gym, 2929 Green Trails Drive, Lisle
When: 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 16
Cost: Free
Info: (630) 420-3220