Naperville's Crone Middle School wins national honor

Stanley Gorbatkin sees it every day, but it never gets old.

It's what you dream about when you become a principal: a blend of kids, staff and parents almost all focused on student achievement - and the willingness to go above and beyond to make it happen.

On Tuesday, though, Gorbatkin saw something new - a note from the U.S. Department of Education telling him Crone Middle School was one of 264 public schools in the nation to be named a 2009 No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon School.

It's only the second time an Indian Prairie Unit District 204 school has been selected for the honor; Gregory Middle School was recognized last year.

Gorbatkin is not given to hyperbole, but even he admits the recognition is "incredibly gratifying" for everyone at the Naperville building.

The Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private schools based on one of two criteria: those whose students, regardless of background, achieve in the top 10 percent on state tests or, in the case of private schools, in the top 10 percent of the nation on standardized tests; or those with at least 40 percent of their students from disadvantaged backgrounds that demonstrate dramatic improvement in performance.

In addition, public schools must meet Adequate Yearly Progress in reading and mathematics.

Only 16 Illinois schools were selected for this year's Blue Ribbon recognition.

Gorbatkin said Crone was nominated by state education officials and was recognized in large part based on students' achievements in reading and math.

"I'm very, very proud," he said. "It exemplifies the dedication of the staff members here at Crone. But this doesn't happen without having a good relationship with the community."

Gorbatkin said he sent an e-mail to staff members to share the good news. The faculty already knew Crone was nominated and was "just beaming with pride."

A recognition ceremony has been scheduled Nov. 3 for representatives of the 264 public and 50 private Blue Ribbon schools at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.

A celebration also is likely at Crone, but officials haven't yet determined when that will be or what it might entail.