McCall Named 2020 National Blue Ribbon School

McCall Named 2020 National Blue Ribbon School
Posted on 09/24/2020
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Waukegan’s H.R. McCall Elementary School was named today as a 2020 recipient of the National Blue Ribbon Schools award. McCall is one of just 367 schools across the United States to earn the prestigious award from the U.S. Department of Education. 


McCall is Waukegan’s first-ever National Blue Ribbon School in the program's 38 year history. The school was nominated in the “Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools” category, which recognizes schools among their state’s highest performing in closing achievement gaps between a school’s student groups and all students.


McCall was nominated for the award in February based on its progress in closing the gaps in student achievement. Staff then completed an extensive application process which detailed its work around collaboration, staff development, and consistent student enrichment/intervention, and how that fits with the school’s mission of “together we succeed with integrity.”


“We’re very excited for this honor. It’s a great testament to the work of McCall's teachers, staff, parents and students,” said Principal Ms. Carol May. “Our staff works hard to ensure we have high expectations for students, and we are committed to helping all of McCall’s students succeed.” 


According to the Department of Education, the National Blue Ribbon Schools award affirms the hard work of educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content. 


A total of 367 schools across the nation, and 21 schools in Illinois earned the award in 2020. The Education Department recognizes all schools in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, student subgroup scores and graduation rates: “Exemplary High Performing Schools,” and “Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools.”


“This is a wonderful and historic honor for McCall, and indicative of all the amazing work taking place throughout the school,” said District 60 Superintendent of Schools Ms. Theresa Plascencia. “The students and staff should take great pride in this achievement, and I look forward to seeing further growth from this hardworking group of Aviators.”


Additional information on award winners can be found here. A video announcing the winners from the Department of Education is available here.

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