St. Libory children receive a good
elementary school education for a reasonable cost to the area
taxpayers. Students continue to attain favorable ISAT results while,
according to the Average Financial Indicators, the district taxes at
a lower rate than the average for comparable districts. Further, the
district spends a higher percentage than the state average (47%)
into actual Instruction (55.6%).
St Libory School is one of 92 Illinois
school districts to be awarded a Bright Star Award.
SchoolSearch is a Kansas City based firm that works with
major companies in providing their relocating families school
information. All of
Illinois’ 892 districts were considered for the award and the
award criteria were based on objective factors on which the
districts could be judged fairly.
The award criteria for school districts serving elementary
students were based on those districts whose student’s academic
performance ranked in the upper one-third of Illinois school
districts, but whose expenditure per pupil ranked in the lower
one-fourth of Illinois school districts.
The teachers, parents, taxpayers, and Board of Education
should be proud of this accomplishment.
Every student possible in grades 3, 5 and 8 participated in the
Illinois Standards Assessment Test (ISAT) in the subjects of
Reading, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Writing, while
the state average ranges from 84-93%. St. Libory School placed a
significantly higher percentage of students than the state average
in the “meets” or “exceeds” categories for the areas 4th
Grade Science and Social Studies, 5th Grade Writing, 7th
Grade Science, and 8th Grade Reading and Writing.
Likewise, the percentage of students significantly higher than the
state average in the “does not meet” or “academic warning”
categories was in the area of 8th Grade Mathematics.
A new Internal Review Team has assessed the curriculum and
instruction to identify areas for improvement. The current
recommendations are; 1) Enhance the curriculum to support the
Illinois Standards, 2) Update the yearly achievement tests with
materials better reflecting student achievement on the Illinois
Standards, 3) Better prepare student test taking and study skills,
4) Continue to incorporate updated technology into classroom
activities, 5) Improve spelling results, and 6) Improve handwriting,
composition and legibility. School Improvement Days will provide
time for teachers to work on identified areas.
Southwestern
Illinois College offers two year Associate Degrees in many areas
with only a 20 minute drive. Southern
Illinois University at Edwardsville and McKendree
College are also within driving distance, offering four year
Bachelor Degrees in a wide range of areas.
Our well-known Annual Science Fair has been held
for 32 years--each year sending prize-winning students to Regional
and State Competitions.
The Library/Media Center has a separate PRIMARY
LIBRARY for Kindergarten through grade 3, as well as the General
Library for grades 4-8. It contains over 12,000 volumes.
The Band Program has a 125-member Prize-Winning
Concert Band, a Jazz Band, and a Junior Band. It provides
instrumental instruction for grades four through eight.
Student organizations complement the learning
programs of our school. They include The Student Council, The
Science Club, The Beta Club, and The Lettermen's Club.
District No. 70 is the only elementary school
district in St. Clair County that holds accreditation by the North
Central Association of Schools and Colleges. To qualify for such
accreditation, a school must maintain the highest standards of
excellence in instruction and curriculum as established by North
Central Association.
A full range of Special Education Classes are held
in rooms furnished especially for the needs of the special student.
Among other special items, a set of hand bells and an organ have
been purchased from the bequest of a former teacher in the earlier
schools of Freeburg--William Hamilton Herman.
AWARDS
Sommer
Consulting & Design
