Prince of Peace School Earns Second Blue Ribbon Award
Prince of Peace Catholic School has announced that it has earned a 2021 Blue Ribbon Award.
Not only is this the second time winning the award, but Prince of Peace also is the only Catholic elementary school in the entire state of Illinois to have earned the award this year, and one out of only four schools throughout the state (including private and public).
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona recognized Prince of Peace Catholic School, along with the other schools, as a National Blue Ribbon School for 2021 based on overall academic excellence or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.
Prince of Peace received the award for being an "Exemplary High-Performing School," demonstrating that all students can achieve to high levels.
Since first winning the Blue Ribbon Award in 2014, Prince of Peace has worked consistently to ensure that the school has continued to be high performing. Faculty and staff worked together to update and upgrade the curriculum program in math, science, social studies and reading.
The more advanced material has an online component and teaches to higher standards, integrating skills and information across the platform. Additionally, the school recently completed a new STEM Lab to teach integrated lessons that utilize science, technology, engineering, and math.
This dedicated space provides the ability to be more organized for long-term projects and to collaborate with other grade levels while incorporating STEM more heavily into the daily curriculum.
The handling of the COVID-19 pandemic is another way that Prince of Peace stands out. During the remote learning year (March to June 2020), faculty, staff, parents and students worked together to re-imagine learning methods and successfully kept the school's reputation for academic excellence intact.
During the 2020-21 school year, when many schools remained remote, Prince of Peace worked with the Archdiocese of Chicago and local guidelines to return to in-person school. As a result of many stringent safety protocols, students successfully returned to their classrooms.
"Our faculty, staff and teachers work hard every day to make Prince of Peace a safe place for our students to learn and to thrive. We are proud to be recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School," Principal Dr. Stephanie Stoneberg said.
"Being a two-time winner is a wonderful honor for our school and parish community."
The department will honor 325 schools at a recognition ceremony in November. In its 39-year history, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed 10,000 awards to more than 9,000 of America's schools.
"This year's cohort of honorees demonstrates what is possible when committed educators and school leaders create vibrant, welcoming, and affirming school cultures where rich teaching and learning can flourish," Cardona said.
"I commend this school and all our Blue Ribbon honorees for working to keep students healthy and safe while meeting their academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs.
"In the face of unprecedented circumstances, you found creative ways to engage, care for, protect, and teach our children. Blue Ribbon Schools have so much to offer and can serve as a model for other schools and communities so that we can truly build back better."
For information, contact Principal Stephanie Stoneberg at (847) 356-6111 or visit school.princeofpeacelv.org.
In-person tours following all safety guidelines also are available.