2/28/20
In This Issue


CCSD93 strives to maximize the academic, social & emotional potential of each student.

Dear Friend of CCSD93,
Embedding Equity Practices Improves Student Education
Equity and excellence is a focus of many educational institutions across the nation, and I want to take the opportunity to update you on the work CCSD93 has done to embed this mindset in all that we do.

In January of 2018, CCSD93 formed an Equity & Excellence Committee with representation from staff in a variety of roles throughout CCSD93's schools and central office. The committee is dedicated to studying, learning about, and helping to guide the District to address opportunities and ensure that each student is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged while being treated with the utmost equality and social justice regardless of race, religion, culture, gender, sexual preference, or sexual orientation.  
While CCSD93 has always sought to be as equitable as possible in its offerings and services for students, the formation of the Committee helped the District begin to examine equity in a much more focused, systematic, and nuanced way. By identifying gaps and barriers that exist in District processes and procedures that can inhibit students from receiving a relevant education and prevent families from feeling connected to our schools, we are able to then begin to work toward improving the learning experiences of all students.

The attention to equity is not simply a passing fad but an imperative for educators everywhere. At CCSD93, it is embedded in our [Strategic Plan], which guides all that we do. The Strategic Plan's first two Strategic Goals inherently require equity among students and families as they call on CCSD93 to provide a Relevant Education for All Students (Goal 1) and Engaged and Connected Employees who are committed to student success and connected to the students' families (Goal 2). As we have sought to put more equitable operations in place, professional development for staff members and practices throughout the District have shifted to focus more heavily on inclusion, understanding, and relationships to support each student in maximizing their academic, social and emotional potential. 

We are glad that progress has been made, and we know much work remains to ensure every student has the most equitable experience possible. We are excited to move forward to the next phase of our equity endeavors by involving the parent voice within our Equity & Excellence Committee to help further inform our efforts. Together, we'll continue to better meet the needs of each CCSD93 student.
Middle Schools Compete in First Ever CCSD93 Unified Sports Tournament!
On Saturday, Jay Stream and Stratford, along with Keller and Addams middle schools from School District 54, played to a packed house in CCSD93's first ever Unified Sports Basketball Tournament! Each team in this inclusive event was comprised of students with disabilities and students without.

Students and fans alike enjoyed an electric atmosphere, thrilling competition, and excellent sportsmanship. Special thanks to the referees, who made a concerted effort to continue to teach the game and ensure all participants had opportunities to show off the skills that they've learned throughout their Unified Sports experience!

The event truly provided equitable opportunities for those who may not otherwise have the chance to participate in extracurricular sports.
Western Trails & Carol Stream 5th Graders Pledge to Remain Drug & Alcohol Free with DARE Graduation
Wednesday, Carol Stream and Western Trails 5th graders graduated from the DARE program! Congratulations to these students for pledging to remain drug and alcohol free. Special thanks to the Carol Stream Police Department and Officer Castro for providing DARE education at all CCSD93 elementary schools.
Register for Innovation Summer Camp Starting 3/3
This summer, CCSD93 will again offer Innovation Summer Camp for incoming 2nd-8th graders the week of June 15-19, 2020 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. The camp will again offer students terrific hands-on opportunities to create, innovate, invent, code, and work with robotics and within the field of visual arts.
 
For more information on courses, visit www.ccsd93.com/innovation. Registration opens on Tuesday, March 3. Parents will receive a flyer in their child's backpack on Monday and an email on Tuesday at 7 a.m. with a link to register.   
 
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Attend Free Parent Workshops 
Glenbard Parent Series (GPS) is offering the following upcoming FREE parent events throughout the next few weeks as part of its ongoing series geared toward helping adults navigate parenthood in modern times.

They're terrific resources for our community, and even though it has Glenbard in its name, CCSD93 parents with or without students in high school absolutely are invited to attend.  Visit   www.glenbardgps.org for more!
2/27 Board of Education Meeting Recap  
Gavel
The most recent CCSD93 Board of Education meeting was held Thursday, February 27. The following occurred at the meeting. 
  • There was a Finance Committee meeting report from the February 18 Finance Committee meeting.
  • There were three revised Board Policies for first reading:
    • 520.12 - Personnel: Substitute Teachers
    • 520.45 - Personnel: Salary Schedule Advancement
    • 540.15 - Educational Support Personnel: Duties and Qualifications
  • There were three revised Board Policies for second reading:
    • 235 - Board Member Ethics
    • 240 - Board Member Conflict of Interest
    • 275 - Board Policy Development
  • Dr. Hill updated the Board on the progress the District is making to achieve the Board Goals.
  • There was a presentation from Arcon and F.H. Paschen to review the Western Trails Innovation Center and front entrance redesigns, and the Board voted to proceed with the project during the summer of 2021.
  • The Board reviewed the District Winter Student Growth Report.
  • The Board reviewed a resolution to refinance existing bonds.
  • The Board approved employee conference expense reports.
High-quality communication is one of our goals.  We welcome your feedback. Please call  630.539.3001 or  email us with your comments or suggestions.  Tell us what kind of news you'd like to read more about.