Glendale and Lincoln Heights Elementary Schools Named as “Hall of Fame Schools” in Ohio School Recognition Program

Cincinnati, OH - April 9, 2025 - Princeton City School District announces that Glendale Elementary School and Lincoln Heights Elementary School have been selected by the Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators (OAESA) for the 2025 Hall of Fame School Recognition Program.

The OAESA program has been awarding exemplary educational programs across Ohio since 1984. The Hall of Fame School Award recognizes exemplary educational programs that go above and beyond meeting the needs of students in elementary and middle-level schools across the state.” Schools are selected by two sets of committees, one group that reads the applications and another that conducts on-site evaluations.

“It’s a rare honor for a district to have more than one building selected in this highly competitive process, and we were honored to have two of our schools awarded this prestigious award, out of the eleven schools selected across the state,” announced G. Elgin Card, superintendent. “The Hall of Fame Awards recognize that our schools and staff are engaging and provide a quality school experience. Across the Princeton City School District, our staff are empowering each of our students for college, career, and life success.”

This year, Glendale Elementary Principal Tim Walker and Lincoln Heights Elementary Principal Dawn Bailey worked with their respective Building Leadership Teams and staff members to submit the extensive written application. The applications documented the effectiveness of the school’s educational program in multiple areas.

“The application process focuses on the instructional systems, student achievement, student development, and school climate,” said LaDora Hill, elementary director of Teaching and Learning. “Because all of our Princeton elementary buildings use the same instructional emphasis to develop and enrich achievement in reading, mathematics, science, and social studies, the honor truly reflects the work being done across the district.”

The district proudly celebrates its ongoing tradition of educational excellence with the latest school joining our distinguished roster of Hall of Fame School Recognition Program winners. This achievement builds upon an impressive legacy that includes Woodlawn Elementary School's selection in 2018, Heritage Hill and Springdale Elementary Schools in 2019, and Evendale and Sharonville Elementary Schools in 2021. This consistent recognition across multiple schools over the years highlights the district's commitment to exceptional educational standards and student success throughout our community.

OAESA will formally present the awards to the Princeton City School District during the OAESA Level Up & Lead Reception and Awards presentation. The ceremony will take place on June 16, 2025, as part of the OAESA Professional Conference and Tradeshow being held in Columbus, Ohio. For more information about the award program, visit https://oaesa.org/about/recognition/, and for more information about Princeton City Schools, visit https://www.princetonschools.net/.

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Additional quotes:

"At Glendale Elementary, we've created a vibrant ecosystem of opportunities that empower every student to grow as leaders and active participants in our community. From kindergarteners to fifth graders, all students showcase their talents through annual stage performances, including Veterans Day celebrations and holiday events. Our commitment to student voice is reflected in our Youth Truth and Leader in Me surveys, ensuring that students help shape our programs.

Leadership development is woven throughout our approach—fifth graders serve as bus helpers and hallway monitors, while students across all grades participate in morning announcements. Our distinguished Student Leadership Team of twenty students works year-round on service projects and our recycling program, demonstrating our commitment to community and environmental responsibility.

We're particularly proud of our diverse extracurricular offerings—from tennis and sketchbook club to Chorale and March Empowerment (where students decide what skills they want to learn or improve upon)—and our quarterly awards ceremonies that celebrate student achievements. For students needing additional support, our after-school tutoring program served 50 students last year. Our family engagement is exceptional, with 91% of families attending at least one after-school event, including our popular Literacy and Math Nights that make learning a family affair.

Glendale Elementary is a place where every child can find their voice, develop their talents, and experience the joy of contributing to something greater than themselves—all while building the academic and leadership skills they'll need for future success." --- Principal Tim Walker, Glendale Elementary

“At Lincoln Heights Elementary, we prioritize engaging families in the learning process, recognizing their critical role in students’ academic success. Our commitment to achieving 100% parent participation is reflected in the variety of events we offer, fostering strong connections between home and school. We believe that when families are involved, students are more likely to excel academically and socially and develop a love for learning. To ensure every family feels welcomed and empowered, we create opportunities for parents and caregivers to actively participate in school activities.

Marking learning fun is one way we engage families in the educational process. STEM Night involves families participating with their children in hands-on science and math activities. Thematic literacy events focus on effective reading strategies that can be used at home. Families are invited to workshops focused on state testing expectations to learn how to support students. Student-led conferences, guided by students’ leadership portfolios, offer a unique opportunity for students to showcase academic progress and other areas of success. Academically focused events provide families with practical ways to support their children’s learning outside the classroom.

In addition to our academic events, we recognize the importance of offering opportunities for families to come and enjoy engaging with staff and students in non-academic ways. Events such as Donuts with a Grown-Up, Family Movie Night, Sweets with Someone Sweet, and Grandparents’ Luncheon allow families to engage in informal interactions with teachers and staff, helping them feel more connected to the school environment. For families without favorable school experiences of their own, these events create a positive and inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels valued and encouraged to support one another.

Families are a part of everything we do. Their opinions matter as we plan for future activities, and we strive to keep their feedback at the forefront of what we do.” --- Dawn Bailey, Principal of Lincoln Heights Elementary

2025 Hall of Fame Schools - Glendale & Lincoln Heights Elementary Schools