November 4, 2022
For Immediate Release
Harvard CUSD 50 Schools Receive “Commendable” Designation From State Report Card
HARVARD, IL — Harvard Community Unit School District 50 (CUSD 50) is proud to announce that four CUSD 50 schools, Harvard High School, Harvard Junior High School, Jefferson Elementary, and Crosby Elementary, received “Commendable” designations. This is the first time in the new state evaluation system that all of CUSD 50’s eligible schools are “Commendable” in the four-tier system. Washington School does not get a formal state designation but has received acknowledgment for many years as a high-performing school.
Harvard CUSD 50 Superintendent Dr. Corey Tafoya spoke about how much it means to the schools and community to be recognized.
“In just the last five months, Harvard has received national recognition for our dual language program, opened a renovated $6.5 million high school PE facility, had students honored by the College Board for AP and SAT performance, and now received state recognition for academic progress. Even the most skeptical person would have to acknowledge something pretty special is happening here. Our faculty, staff, and administrators deserve enormous credit for what is happening in our district. Their efforts to achieve our goals are why we are seeing Harvard CUSD 50 rise. It is thrilling that people are noticing that CUSD 50 is accomplishing amazing things for the kids of our fantastic community, and we are not even close to being done yet!”
CUSD 50’s principals also commend the district's great work on the district’s goals happening through the collaboration of staff and students.
“Through some of the most challenging years in education, this recognition is the result of perseverance and dedication of our staff and students”, said Harvard High School Principal, Carl Hobbs.
Harvard Junior High School Principal, Tom Cardamone, reflected, “To see where we have come as an entire school, students, and staff, from pre-pandemic to now is inspiring and a reflection of the commitment to the critical students-first mission to which we have committed”.
Dr. Judy Floeter, Jefferson Elementary Principal, added, “It is an affirmation that our efforts are working. Students are showing a desire to learn and a willingness to have a positive mindset.”
"The Board of Education would like to recognize the teachers and staff for their incredible efforts in the face of all the challenges they've encountered over the past few years. We are proud of the hard work put into helping students continue to make progress during some of the toughest times. The Board is ecstatic to have all four of the district's schools achieve this level of higher student performance. It is important to every one of us that all of our students succeed. We will continue to support making additional improvements and investments to strengthen instruction and support for all students, so every student reaches their fullest potential", said CUSD 50 School Board President Melinda Shafer.
#HarvardRising
Media Contact
Mason Sobiesk
Communications Specialist
msobiesk@cusd50.org | 815-943-4022 Ext. 2147
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