School Scene - Monthly Newsletter, November 2021

Prospect Heights School District 23

November 12, 2021

Let it Go or Let it SNOW?

Spanish Translation

Dear Parents and Staff,

I'm one of those people who loves ALL of the seasons of Chicago and Winter SNOW is just as exciting to me as a beautiful, warm summer day. I spent a lot of time outdoors as a kid, through sports, Cub Scouts, and the suburban "street light" rule.

Winter weather reminds me of sledding at the tobaggan slides on Devon and hot chocolate with my Busia (grandma) after shoveling her driveway.

It also marks important shifts in our school experiences and family schedules. With the darker, colder weather, we know that the holidays are approaching and that school is in full swing.

One new question that I've been receiving is about the future of SNOW DAYS!! Are they gone forever?

The answer is "no", BUT...

some weather events will not result it a snow day, but rather an e-Learning Day. The letter below describes the factors and conditions that go into the decision making process and the timelines for communication.

Our responsibility is to balance the safety of all of our students, staff, and service providers with the importance of continuity of learning. Some weather events will surprise us unexpectedly in timing or severity. In these cases, we will likely continue to use our tradition SNOW DAYS.

But when weather events are clearly forecast in advance and we have time to prepare students, staff, and families, we will likely shift to an e-Learning Day.

The goal in these cases is to provide enough time for everyone to prepare materials, technology, and childcare so that we can engage in teaching and learning remotely, without the need to make up additional days in the Summer.

So as the snowflakes begin to fall, let it go or let it snow... I hope you will enjoy the Thanksgiving break with friends and family. I hope you are able to disconnect and recharge a bit, reflecting on all that which you are thankful.

From my family and on behalf of the District 23 family, I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and a Blessed Hanukkah to our families who celebrate!

Best Wishes,

Dr. A

Seeking your feedback...

We ask you to please complete a brief survey to share your thoughts about Parent Teacher Conferences. As we use new and improved tools, we recognize that the traditional purpose or goals of PTCs may no longer require traditional Parent Teacher Conferences. We are investigating how best to use the time we have with parents to keep you informed, engaged, and feeling supported by our schools and staff.

Your input will help to inform our plans for Parent Teacher Conferences in the future. Thanks!

Parent Teacher Conference Survey

Upcoming Events

Vaccination Events

MacArthur Middle School

9:00-2:00

November 13

9:00-2:00

December 3

No School

Thanksgiving Break

Nov. 22-26

BPAC Family Event

Dec. 3 @ 7:00pm.

December 2021

Board of Education Meeting

Wed., 12/8 7:00pm

MacArthur Middle School

Quick Links

Visit the D23 website

ANOTHER VACCINATION OPPORTUNITY

We have also been in contact with Northwest Community Health Group and they have provided the following opportunities for children and adults to receive the COVID-19 vaccination:

Children ages 5-11 vaccine services:

Beginning November 16, children aged 5-11 can receive their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine at the NCH Vaccine Clinic at: 3060 Salt Creek Lane, Arlington Heights, 60004.
Appointments are available on Tuesdays from 3:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. and can be scheduled through MyChart or by calling 847-618-0242.
A parent or legal guardian must be present at the appointment.
The parent or legal guardian will provide a driver’s license and insurance information.

NCH Covid-19 Vaccine Clinic located at 3060 Salt Creek Lane is also providing Covid-19 booster vaccines:

Pfizer booster vaccines are provided on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Moderna booster vaccines are provided on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
It is recommended that booster shots be the same brand as your initial vaccine series.
Optimal booster shot timing is no earlier than 6 months after the second dose, and no later than 12 months after second dose.
Please be prepared to present your vaccine card to validate the correct dose will be administered and to record your booster.

Please direct any questions to the NWH Covid-19 Vaccine scheduling team at: 847-618-0242.

Link to: Board of Education Agendas and Meeting Highlights November 10, 2021

Unified Soccer Team lead our Pledge of Allegiance

Representatives of the Unified Soccer team lead our Board of Education Meeting's Pledge of Allegiance. These students participate in friendly competition against other schools, including high schools, in multiple seasons. This year, our MacArthur/Sullivan team took home the Silver Medal! We congratulate these students and all those who contribute their time and energy to provide this amazing opportunity to our kids.

Student Growth and Performance Data

Each Fall we are joined by our partners from ECRA Group to present their report of student growth and proficiency. Proficiency measures performance against a set standard (like grade level) and growth measures performance against past performance and expectations. Both of these measures are important data for us to monitor and review to help identify individual student needs, to observe impacts of curriculum, and to assess trends that develop over time. A link to the presentation can be found HERE.

Financial Updates

The Board of Education reviewed the tentative tax levy and set the Truth in Taxation Hearing for 7:00pm on December 8 at MacArthur Middle School. While not required, we offer this hearing to increase transparency and build trust with the community.

We are also pleased to report that the Board received and accepted the FY2021 Audit completed by Baker Tilly. Our audit had no findings and is considered "clean".

News and Information

Litigation Settlement and Summer Construction Plans

The Board of Education reached a tentative settlement in our litigation with our former architect and engineering firms. We are pleased to bring this chapter to a conclusion as we stand up for the investments made by our community.

The proceeds from this agreement will be directly returned to the capital projects fund to support ongoing repair and maintenance needs. Mr. Mike Ziaja, Director of Operations, presented an overview of planned Summer 2022 Construction including ongoing HVAC retrofit work at MacArthur and Roof replacements at MacArthur and Anne Sullivan. Click HERE to view the Operations Update.

Trimester 1 Strategic Goals Update

At the conclusion of each Trimester, the Administrative team develops a summary of progress toward current Strategic Goals. This document is used to monitor our progress and to identify potential changes in resource allocation. Community members can view this document HERE.

District 23 Students Honor our Veterans

Although we were unable to host our traditional Veterans' Day Breakfast and Assembly at MacArthur, District 23 students did participate in the Virtual celebration by submitting videos or speeches and performances. The ceremony was held on Nov. 11 at the Mount Prospect Board room and was LiveStreamed to the community. It is also available for viewing on the city's YouTube Channel at THIS LINK.