Prospect Heights School District 23
September 17, 2021
How will we communicate?...let me count the ways!

Dear Parents and Staff,

When my oldest, Katie, was a freshman in high school, my wife and I found ourselves in the challenging spot of having four kids in three different schools and between two Districts. Sound familiar???

The volume and frequency of communications - Newsletters, emails, phone calls, etc. can be difficult to monitor. But we all know that it is very important for parents to stay informed and connected to the schools and District.

We have been working to streamline and manage our communications more effectively. We want to make it as easy as possible for parents to stay informed and access information in District 23.
For us to be able to reach you using the above avenues it is critical that we have your current contact information in our student information system, PowerSchool. Most contact information is pulled from the registration forms completed each Spring.

If you need to update any of your contact information or if you have not been receiving communications, please contact your school office.

We know that time is limited and there can be a lot of information shared, so we have tried to consolidate our communications into fewer messages. But we need you as our partners to read through these communications for important surveys, links, and updates.

We look forward to another exciting school year and LOVE sharing the awesome things going on in our schools with you! We are so #Proud2BD23 of all of our students and staff. I've included the links below to help you access and follow our social media.

Best wishes,
Dr. A

District Website:

Twitter:
Facebook:
Upcoming Events
Vaccination Event

Sept. 22
3:00-8:00pm
MacArthur Middle School








Back to School
Family Movie Night

MacArthur
Sept. 24
6:00pm






No School
Monday, Oct. 11
October 2021
Board of Education Meeting

Wed., 10/13 7:00pm
Eisenhower School
Quick Links
PHSD23






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.
We hope to begin screening and testing in early October, but have not yet received confirmation from the State. It is our goal to schedule the screenings to minimize classroom disruption but have some constraints in the testing that will limit.

For more SHIELD FAQs, click this link.
Back to School Blueprint Update
Dr. Angelaccio presented an update to the Back to School Blueprint highlighting the focus modifications in seating, food service, and transportation since the start of the school year. Dr. Zaher also presented an overview of the Academic Bridge program and response to learning loss.

Click HERE for a link to the presentation.
Curriculum and Instruction Presentation
Amy Zaher, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, presented an overview of goals for the District:

  • Our English/Language Arts Curriculum is under review this year and a committee is investigating new materials for adoption this Spring.

  • Professional Development themes and ongoing Committee work was highlighted including Social Emotional Learning and MTSS (Multi-tiered systems of support).

  • Balanced Assessment calendar and enhanced use of data. Knowing how valuable instructional time is, we need to capitalize on the assessment data that we gather from each of the State and local assessments.

Click HERE for a link to the slide presentation.
District 23 Adopts Balanced Budget and ESSERs III Plan
Following public hearings, the Board of Education adopted the FY22 Budget and the approval of the plan for use of ESSERs III COVID relief funds.

Click HERE for a link to the slide presentation.
Congrats and Welcome!
The following faculty were recognized for having achieved tenure status in District 23:
Samantha Alvaro, MacArthur
Jessica Hoyer, Eisenhower
Bryan Quesea, MacArthur

We welcome the following individuals who are joining our District 23 family this year:
Zoe Anselmi, MacArthur
Gabriela Ayala, Eisenhower
Kelly Brockway, Eisenhower
Margarita Coronel, Sullivan
Haley Dircks, Eisenhower
Filip Dudic, MacArthur
Izabella Gieron, MacArthur
Heather Jackson, MacArthur
Pam Jelaca, MacArthur
Joan Lewis, Eisenhower
Ashley Patek, MacArthur
Katrina Peterson, MacArthur
Alyssa Rollins, Eisenhower
Caitlin Roser, Ross
Emma Schwager, Eisenhower
Jessica Slowik, Eisenhower
Jaqueline Trejo, District
Victoria Vargo, MacArthur
Amy Whitcomb, Sullivan
Mike Ziaja, District
Vaccination Event at MacArthur Middle School
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.
Transportation Reminders
A few important Transportation reminders:
  • Face masks are required for ALL students while onboard the school buses.  Students will not be allowed to ride the bus unless they have their face mask on and properly covering their nose and mouth.

  • We have received reports of parents attempting to board the school bus for various reasons. The security of our students remains a top priority.  We ask that if you should have a concern at any time, please contact your school office. Per First Student's policies, Parents are not allowed to board the school bus.  Parents attempting to board will be asked to step down.  First Student is authorized to all 911 in the event of ANY situation that may pose a threat to the students on board.  The driver may contact the police should there be a situation or individual that poses a security risk to the students on board.  Thank you for your understanding of this important matter.

  • We will continue to monitor ridership on all routes, as we work to keep our targeted number below 50 riders.  Should you have any concerns, please contact the Business Office at 847-870-3850.
Hope to see you at the PTO Golf Outing on October 1, 2021

Arlington Lakes Golf Course

2:30 Registration
3:30 Shotgun Start

Dinner Follows
Connect With Us
Administration: (847) 870-3850
Superintendent

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction

Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations
Assistant Superintendent for Student Services

Director of Technology

Mr. Mike Ziaja
Director of Operations