Schools' hard work pays off with Blue Ribbons honors

When a hometown school gets national recognition for outstanding achievement, that's good news.

It's even better news when two local schools are chosen.

Last month in Rolling Meadows, Willow Bend Elementary and St. Colette Catholic School received word they had won the No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon award.

The prestigious designation is given to public and private schools that are either academically superior or that make significant progress in closing the achievement gap.

"There are only 200-something from the whole country, so to have two from the same town is just great," said Valerie Zemko, principal at St. Colette.

Zemko and Toni Kappel, Willow Bend's principal, traveled this week with staff members to Washington, D.C., to accept the awards. Each came home with a plaque, a flag for the school and huge amounts of pride.

"It's an affirmation of the fine staff, the hard work they do, the high expectations of the kids, as well as the community working together. We're very, very proud," Kappel said.

Willow Bend had sought the award in the past. As a public school, it had to be invited to apply by state officials, who evaluated test scores and other criteria.

When the school was nominated, officials filled out pages of applications to send to Washington. Because of the delayed release of last year's state test scores, "we had to get it written in four weeks," Kappel said.

Parochial schools do it differently. "We had to nominate ourselves," Zemko explained. "It's quite an extensive application." They applied to the national Council for American Private Education, which accepted only 50 applications.

It was the school's first time applying, and Zemko is pleased to have won. "It didn't surprise us, but we were hoping for it.

"The children and teachers are all excited. As all schools do, we work really hard to make sure out test scores are up there," Zemko said.

Toy collection: So many charities are vying for our attention this time of year. Bells ring, requests fill the mailbox, fliers are posted.

The Police Neighborhood Resource Center wants your attention, too. It has begun its annual toy drive, giving Rolling Meadows residents a chance to help kids who may live right in the neighborhood.

"It's for children from lower-income families in Rolling Meadows," said Victoria Bran, PNRC director.

The agency especially needs items for children up to 3 years old and junior high-age kids. For the latter, she says, hand-held toys, nail polish sets, art supplies and gift cards are good bets.

Rolling Meadows drop-off locations are at city hall, the park district Community Center, the library, the Meadows Club and Fifth Third Bank at Algonquin and New Wilke roads.

So while picking up a gift this season for your niece or grandson, why not grab an extra toy for a child in need?