School Scene - Monthly Newsletter, June 2023

Prospect Heights School District 23

June 16, 2023

Happy Summer!!

Dear Parents and Staff,

While my grandson, Alex, is not quite ready for graduation, both of my sons walked across the stage in May! One graduating from Illinois State and one from University of Tennessee, I am so proud of their accomplishments and how they have grown into young men of strong character.

In the same way, we celebrate our MacArthur 8th graders as they mark the end of their middle school career and embark upon the journey of High School. We are proud of the gifts and talents that they have developed and shared during their time in District 23, but even moreso of their kindness, creativity, resilience, and character. We wish them all the best!!

As we wrap up the 2022-23 school year, we thank all of the parents, volunteers, and partners who support and enrich the lives of our students and staff. To all of our teachers and staff, I wish you a restful and relaxing summer break (knowing that you're already booked for a few professional development and planning activities). And to our students I say...HAVE FUN!! I hope you have a great summer!

The summer in the District is actually a really busy time, but the work changes. Our custodial and maintenance crews step into the spotlight as we clean, repair, and update our facilities. Summer construction projects take center stage as we navigate the weather, supply chain, vendors, and different trades to complete everything on time and under budget.

This summer, you'll see some HUGE cranes at MacArthur as we complete the repairs to the HVAC units on the roof.

The Ross/Sullivan multipurpose gym is getting a facelift with a fresh coat of paint and a new replacement divider.

Some plumbing repairs are occurring in the 5th grade wing at Sullivan that will require new concrete and flooring.

Projector and white board replacements will wrap up at Ike this summer, giving all instructional spaces across the district this needed enhancement.

Lastly, paving, concrete repairs, sealcoating, and striping will happen at various sites this summer.

Many thanks to our Operations department for coordinating all of these elements that provide safe, clean, and inviting spaces for our students and staff.

We've also got a few instructional programs underway in the District. Our Extended School Year program for some of our students with special needs runs the month of June at Eisenhower and our Spanish Bilingual Reading in the Park takes place Mondays and Wednesdays at Muir Park at 1:00pm. Don't forget to review the summer learning opportunities shared by the principals in their last newsletter for some interesting and engaging activities for all of our students.

However you fill the time, I hope you are enjoying a great summer. Congrats again to our MacArthur 8th graders on their promotion to high school!

Dr. A

Upcoming Events

If you have not yet registered, please do so ASAP so we can schedule buses and class placements.

Hope to see you along the Prospect Heights 4th of July Parade route on July 1st.

Board of Education Meeting

No July Meeting

August 10 @ 7:00pm - Grodsky Admin Building

SAVE the DATE

National Night Out

August 1st @ the AH and PH Park Districts

Quick Links

Visit the D23 website

Link to: Board of Education Agendas and Meeting Highlights June 14, 2023

Board of Education and SEIU Agree to New Four-Year Contract

Using an "interest-based" bargaining process, the Board of Education and our Custodial group, represented by SEIU, collaborated to develop a four year negotiated agreement.

We are happy to support the backbone of our school community and thank them for their continued hard work and dedication to safe, clean, and ready schools!

The final version of the agreement will be posted to the District website following final revisions.

Board Adopts Updated Strategic Plan

This year, Administration and our partners at Silver Lining Learning, engaged various stakeholders to review and update the District's Strategic Plan.

We thank all of the students, staff, parents, and community members who shared their insights through our Safety and Security Scan, Equity Audit, and Strategic Plan surveys and focus groups. The end result is a "living" document that will guide the work of the District for the next five years. Click HERE to review the 2023-2028 Strategic Plan.

Thanks to our PTO!!

PTO presidents, Jill Lisius and Sarah White shared a summary of all of the amazing contributions made by our PTO this year. We thank all of our PTO volunteers for their work to support and enrich District 23.

The Board also recognized and thanked Mrs. Lisius for her time and service as co-president.

We look forward to continued partnership and collaboration with our PTO next year.

Enrollment, Registration and Fees

Dr. Angelaccio shared an update regarding the status of enrollment and registration. We have received 96% of the anticipated registrations and families who have not yet done so, are encouraged to complete that online process ASAP.

Fee Invoices will be sent home at all registered families in early July. Payments are best made online and the District is hosting two Fee Payment Nights on July 19 and 27 to help families create accounts.