School Scene - Monthly Newsletter, October 2021

Prospect Heights School District 23

October 15, 2021

So much to celebrate!!

Spanish Translation

Dear Parents and Staff,

It's hard to believe that we're half way through October already! Thanks to the warmer weather, it doesn't quite feel like Fall, but this is Chicago so that will change!

It is fitting, however, that October also marks the statewide celebration and appreciation for the people who make education possible. We in District 23 share in the recognition of each of the following:

Oct. 4 - Custodial Appreciation Day!

So much of the work of our custodians and maintenance crew goes unnoticed, but their dedication and commitment to safe and clean schools is the foundation of all that we do. Without their time and efforts, our teaching and learning spaces would not be ready to house all of our students, staff, and programs. We thank them for all they do!!

Oct. 22 - Bus Driver Appreciation Day!

It goes without saying that the service provided by our drivers to safely transport our students to and from school is essential to their access. As we all know, their job is not an easy one and requires patience, dependability and commitment. We appreciate our partnership with First Student and all those who not only DRIVE our students, but who care for them and protect them as they would their own.

Oct. 23 - Principal Appreciation Day!

I served 11 years as a building administrator and I can honestly say it is the most difficult job in all of education. The wide range of hats they must wear and the complexity of decision making creates challenges each day that are new and unique. Ask any principal about there book of "things they didn't prepare you for in principal school" and you'll be amazed!

The time and energy that happens behind the scenes to support our students, staff, families, and programs is remarkable and usually only noticed when something does NOT go well. I am so proud of our Leadership Team in District 23 for their commitment to growth and learning, our collaboration, and our focus on continuous improvement.

Nov. 1 - 5 American Education Week

Nationally, American Public Education systems are celebrated the first week of November. Our nation's system of public education is the foundation of a free democracy. With all of its flaws and shortcomings, the American Public Education System is one of the few systems around the world that serves ALL students. The sheer scope of reach and services our schools provide is staggering and built upon an active partnership between professional educators and their communities. We will celebrate all of our staff during the week with a special lunch and other tokens of appreciation.

And last, but not least, we celebrate our students and parents!

We hope you will be able to connect with your child's teacher(s) during conferences to review progress and discuss goals for this school year. The connection between home and school is a critical component of student success. We appreciate how hard our students work every day and know that you are also working hard to support that at home. Keeping lines of communication open can help to support that partnership and our Parent Teacher Conferences are one way to accomplish that goal.

I invite you to take a minute to drop a note, email, or phone call of appreciation as we celebrate the dedication of our entire D23 community in supporting our students to reach their fullest potential!

Best Wishes,

Dr. A

Upcoming Events

Vaccination Event

Watch for date and time of new vaccination event in Mid-November.

BPAC Family Event

Oct. 22 @ 7:00pm.

Costume Parades and Parties

Oct. 29

No School

Teacher Institute Day - Nov. 1

Parent Teacher Conferences 10/25-11/12

November 2021

Board of Education Meeting

Wed., 11/10 7:00pm

Grodsky Admin. Bldg.

Quick Links

Visit the D23 website

Our goal to keep students in school can be supported by an optional screening and testing process currently being planned for District 23. Through a partnership with the Federal and State governments, the SHIELD Illinois program is now available to all schools in Illinois, free of charge.

This 3rd party laboratory analysis uses the SHIELD saliva based test developed by the University of Illinois. More information can be found HERE.

Participation is optional, but requires parental consent. Please complete the form below if you are interested and willing to have your child participate in this program. Registration is ongoing but will require a two-week window before testing can begin.

Complete the SHIELD Informed Consent Form by Clicking HERE

We have begun our screening process and currently have 15% of our student body participating each Tuesday. We encourage you to sign up if you have not already done so to support this important mitigation effort.

For more SHIELD FAQs, click this link.

Link to: Board of Education Agendas and Meeting Highlights October 15, 2021

Eisenhower Students lead our Pledge of Allegiance

Eisenhower students lead our Board of Education Meeting's Pledge of Allegiance. These students represented those who had received the IKE Path Recognition and the Principal's Century Book Club. Dr. Lambatos and the students shared about this special recognition for modeling the IKE Path Way by being safe, responsible and respectful!

Eisenhower School Improvement Presentation

Dr. Luke Lambatos, Ike Principal, and a team of staff presented the Eisenhower School Improvement Plan for 2021-22.

Their goals include the implementation of our newly adopted Second STEP curriculum to support students' Social Emotional Learning (SEL); continued focus on collaboration and instruction; and providing opportunities for parent and family engagement. These events will be advertised through the Ike Newsletter and will occur throughout the year. Similar events are being planned at all of the buildings.

We thank the Ike SIP Team for all of their work and for sharing their time with us to articulate their plan for this year.

Board of Education Recognition

The Board of Education recognized the outstanding contributions of our Custodians, Bus Drivers, Administration, and all staff as we celebrate special days in their honor in the Month of October.

News and Information

Vaccination Event in District 23

We are working with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to support a free vaccination event for D23 students, staff, families, and our community.

We are targeting a date in Mid-November once the vaccine for children ages 5-11 is approved. This event will also make vaccines available for adults and booster shots as directed.

MacArthur Cross Country Send-off

Students and staff at Ross, Sullivan and MacArthur participated in an exciting send-off parade as our athletes travel to Bloomington, IL to run in the State IESA Cross Country Meet. We wish all of our Marauders the best of luck and congratulate them on this achievement!

Unified Soccer Success on and off the pitch!

Mac's Unified Soccer team won silver! Congrats to our coaches and athletes for modeling sportsmanship, inclusion, and respect, all while having fun!

Reading Curriculum Committee planning for 2022-23

Dr. Amy Zaher, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, leads a wide ranging committee of staff through the process of selecting a new English/Language Arts (ELA) curriculum for implementation next year. Aligning to current standards, this committee is reviewing gaps and goals and needed materials to support instruction in reading, writing, grammar, printing/cursive, and application of literacy skills.