2022
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NBRS Badge for Hickory Grove Elementary School

Hickory Grove Elementary School - Dunlap, IL

HGES Students Excited for the 2022-2023 School Year

HGES Students Excited for the 2022-2023 School Year

Hickory Grove is the newest elementary school in the Dunlap School District. Creative design and the use of grade level pods have allowed us to effectively manage a growing student population of over 800 students while maintaining a small school feel. The pods are used as an extension of the classroom for collaborative work and projects. Each grade level functions as a smaller school within the larger school environment. Students learn best when they feel safe, welcomed, and supported.

Supporting strong relationships with our students and families is the key to our success. From the moment students arrive at school, teachers and staff intentionally connect and make everyone feel welcome and respected. At Hickory Grove, we believe in our students, not my students or your students. The diversity of our student population is also attractive to families wanting a rich and inclusive experience for their children. We offer a range of special education programs with various levels of support as well as programs designed to support our English language learners.

While the pandemic brought many unexpected challenges over the last few school years, our core beliefs remain steadfast. Relationships and expectations matter. We have now placed a greater emphasis on flexibility and responsiveness. Students are given opportunities for both remediation and enrichment through small groups and personalized learning experiences. Teachers have autonomy to structure and design lessons that are clearly aligned to learning standards. We believe when given the opportunity, teachers are able to craft and deliver content at a deeper, more rigorous level.

2022 Awardee

Hickory Grove Elementary School

2514 W. Hickory Grove Road
Dunlap, IL, 61525-9802

(309) 243-8711

Principal at time of Nomination:
Mr. Jeremy Etnyre

Dunlap Community Unit School District 323

Suburban

School Website

School Facebook

Mission

The Dunlap School Community empowers all students to reach their individual potential. Dunlap students will reach their individual potential as motivated life-long learners, creative critical thinkers, effective communicators, collaborative problem solvers, and responsible and culturally aware citizens.

Student Demographics

  • Asian: 42%
  • Black/African American: 7%
  • Hispanic: 2%
  • Native American: 1%
  • White: 47%
  • Two or more races: 1%
  • Application