THE LIFELINE FOR STUDENTS & SCHOOLS

Schools across the West40 area and Illinois received their state report cards on Friday and the state is celebrating a variety of gains in key metrics of student success. Illinois has set a new record for its highest-ever four year graduation rate of 89.8%, which continues a long-term trend of improvement. Students across the state also made academic proficiency gains in English language arts (ELA), math, and science. Attendance continues to improve and the teacher workforce

Trooper enjoys playing catch, his favorite food is pizza crust, and he is trained to provide comfort and smiles wherever he goes. In fact, the four-year-old Border Collie Mix has been deployed across the country supporting those who have experienced a tragedy and helping others open up to share their feelings. llinois is the first state in the country to certify law enforcement therapy dogs, and the calming power of Trooper, from Springfield, and other K9 therapy dogs from C

It’s one of the highest honors students and educators can receive in education and this year three West Cook County area schools have been named a 2026 Illinois Governor’s Blue Ribbon School. The honors go to John Mills Elementary (Elmwood Park District 401), Lincoln Elementary School (River Forest School District 90), and Seventh Avenue School (La Grange School District 105). The state-wide award honors schools that have demonstrated educational excellence through high acade