10/11/19
In This Issue
CCSD93 strives to maximize the academic, social & emotional potential of each student.
Dear Friend of CCSD93,
Heritage Lakes Innovation Center Officially Dedicated Last Night!
Last night, CCSD93's Board of Education held a formal Dedication of the Heritage Lakes Elementary School Innovation Center, which opened to students at the start of the 2019-20 school year! Heritage Lakes students were on hand to show off its embedded technology, and attendees included local community leaders and dignitaries, CCSD93 Board members, and staff members. It was terrific to see students share the space and to welcome members of our community to get a firsthand look.
Until this school year, the space, originally known as the Library Learning Center, had remained largely unchanged since the school opened in 1990, despite significant changes to teaching and learning methods in the 29 years since.

A committee of Heritage Lakes School staff, CCSD93 School Board members, CCSD93 administrators, and the project's architect met numerous times to collaborate on the redesign prior to construction. After researching 21 st century learning spaces, the group created plans for this cutting-edge hub for learning, sharing, creating, and innovating that takes many of the features of CCSD93's recently renovated Innovation Centers and further improves upon them. Among the highlights of the new design are:
  • Comfortable and flexible spaces and furniture able to accommodate an array of learning environments.
  • Natural lighting from an installed roof skylight.
  • Access to 21st century learning tools like SMART boards, green screens, 3D printers, and more. 
  • Warm, welcoming, and vibrant colors colors.
  • An open concept featuring moveable seating and tables to accommodate any setup.
The updated Innovation Center will better enable students to learn and apply 21st century skills and abilities, take on computer science activities, and engage in design thinking concepts, all of which are parts of CCSD93's primary Strategic Goal of providing a relevant education for all of the school's students for years to come. The learning space also aligns directly with CCSD93's fourth Strategic Goal of creating optimal learning environments, which we're continuously accomplishing by systematically updating school libraries and consistently examining our other learning environments for necessary improvements. View photos of the event here!
Please be sure to read the following timely articles, and enjoy your weekend!

Sincerely,

David Hill, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
CCSD93
CCSD93 Hosts International Educators
Today, CCSD93 was honored to host educators from Shanghai, China through the 21st Century Institute's Educational Ambassador Program! CCSD93 was chosen as a destination for this group of principals and other administrators because of our reputation as a forward-thinking district that engages students in a modern and relevant education. 

After speaking with district administrators, they visited Stratford Middle School and Heritage Lakes School. Along the way, students shared what and how they learn with our guests, as the delegation observed Stratford's Creative Communication & Innovative Arts class, Coding class, STEM Wing, Innovation Center, Mandarin Chinese class and more; as well as Heritage Lakes's grade level classes, Art class, Music class, and its Innovation Center.

We're pleased to have this opportunity to collaborate with our international colleagues. View photos of the visit here!
CCSD93 Middle School Students Observe Local Manufacturers Firsthand
On Thursday, October 10, many of CCSD93's 8th graders had the opportunity to participate in a field trip to learn from local manufacturers. The students visited one of ITW Trans Tech, Antunes, or Prince Industries, where they got to observe an active manufacturing plant. The experience was designed to help students see these major corporations located in their own backyard and understand some of the wide variety of career opportunities available to them. 

From engineers, to skilled workers on the production line, to human resource positions, to salespeople, to marketers, to research and development, and more, students got a glimpse at a number of prospective careers. This exposure got students to begin to think about what they may want to do and further contributed to preparing students for college and careers. Thanks to the Carol Stream Chamber of Commerce, which partnered with CCSD93 for this experience to celebrate Manufacturing Day!
10/10 Board of Education Meeting Recap
Gavel
The most recent CCSD93 Board of Education meeting was held Thursday, October 10 at Heritage Lakes Elementary School. The following occurred at the meeting.
  • The Board reviewed the following new and revised Board Policies for first reading:
    • 715.12 - Video Surveillance & Monitoring 
    • 705.11 - Education for Homeless Students
    • 500.25 - Prohibition of Tobacco Use on School District Property
    • 710.12 - Smoking
    • 715.01 - Student Behavior  
    • 830.02 - Public Conduct on School Property
    • 830.03 - Prohibition of Tobacco Use on School District Property
  • The Board appointed an IASB Delegate to represent them at the IASB Delegate Assembly in November.
  • The Board reviewed IASB Resolutions to decide which to support.
  • There was a review and vote to approve the Truth in Taxation Resolution, which is part of the tax levy process.
  • The Board reviewed and voted to approve the sale of used MacBook/iPads to employees.
  • An employee conference cost report was approved.
  • Dr. Hill gave an update on the Shanghai China Education Delegation visit scheduled for today.
No School 10/14 or 10/15
As a reminder, there will be no school Monday, October 14 for Columbus Day or Tuesday, October 15 as CCSD93's educators will have the opportunity to continue to hone their craft during an institute day.
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.