As Principal Gaylyn Grimm looks on, Michael Dlouhy (center) practices place values with students Myasar Al-Tahleh and Ali Hakawati (right) during class at Glen Oaks School in Hickory Hills, IL on Thursday August 23, 2012. | Matt Marton~Sun-Times Media

Principal Gaylyn Grimm walks outside of Glen Oaks School in Hickory Hills, IL on Thursday August 23, 2012. It was recently named a Blue Ribbon School Award winner by the U.S. Department of Education. | Matt Marton~Sun-Times Media

Principal Gaylyn Grimm (center) talks with team leader Kristen Morphew at Glen Oaks School in Hickory Hills, IL on August 23, 2012. It was named a Blue Ribbon School Award winner by the U.S. Department of Education. | Matt Marton~Sun-Times Media

Team leader Kristen Morphew (left) talks with Principal Gaylyn Grimm at Glen Oaks School in Hickory Hills, IL on August 23, 2012. It was recently named a Blue Ribbon School Award winner by the U.S. Department of Education. | Matt Marton~Sun-Times Media

Bader Alushi reads at Glen Oaks School in Hickory Hills, IL on Thursday August 23, 2012. It was recently named a Blue Ribbon School Award winner by the U.S. Department of Education. | Matt Marton~Sun-Times Media

Robin Jankiewicz teaches at Glen Oaks School in Hickory Hills, IL on Thursday August 23, 2012. It was recently named a Blue Ribbon School Award winner by U.S. Department of Education. | Matt Marton~Sun-Times Media

Gamilah Hujaji (center) practices place values with students at Glen Oaks School in Hickory Hills, IL on August 23, 2012. It was recently named a Blue Ribbon School Award winner by the U.S. Department of Education. | Matt Marton~Sun-Times Media

A ribbon given to teachers is seen during class at Glen Oaks School in Hickory Hills, IL on Thursday August 23, 2012. It was recently named a Blue Ribbon School Award winner by the U.S. Department of Education. | Matt Marton~Sun-Times Media