August 2026 Board of Education Report

BOARD REPORT A Board Report of the August 10, 2026 Board of Education meeting This Board of Education meeting was held in the boardroom at 2801 York Road, Oak Brook, Illinois 60523; the regular meeting place. The public can attend Board of Education meetings in person, access an audio livestream of the meeting on the District’s website, or listen to meeting recordings that are uploaded to the District’s website within the meeting week. District Updates Policy: Committee of the Whole The Board of Education held its  Policy: Committee of the Whole  meeting to review updates to District policies. Families, and staff are encouraged to review the full policy updates and additional information from the meeting. While the majority of the revisions focused on minor updates to legal references, some policies in general, relevant to students and families, are worth noting. Policy 6:70 Teaching About Religions Policy 6:80 Teaching About Controversial Issues While the revisions primarily involved legal references, these policies provide an opportunity to remind families as stated in our Handbooks that parents/guardians  may contact their building principal and request that their child be exempt from using a particular instructional material or program by completing a Curriculum Objection Form ( Policy 6:260 ). Policy 6:190 Extracurricular and Co-Curricular Activities This policy addresses criteria for participation. For students in kindergarten through eighth grade, the selection of members or participants is at the discretion of teachers, sponsors, or coaches, provided the selection criteria conform to District policies. Students must satisfy all academic standards and must comply with the activities rules and the Student Conduct Code. This is not a new policy, it was reworded for clarity. Policy 7:240 Conduct Code for Participants in Extracurricular Activities Although the update was also related to legal references, this is an opportunity to highlight expectations regarding extracurricular conduct for participants. e-Learning Program Renewal The Board renewed District 53’s e-Learning Program in Lieu of Emergency Days, as required every three years. The plan provides the District with the option to use e-Learning during inclement weather and also serves as a remote learning plan in the event of an unforeseen or extended emergency. The District continues to have five emergency days built into the end of the traditional school calendar. For brief closures when e-Learning is not used, those emergency days may be utilized as needed. Safety and Security Partnership The Board approved the renewal of the District’s Intergovernmental Agreement with the Village of Oak Brook for safety and security services. With the District’s obligation to reimburse the Police Department for squad vehicles now fulfilled, the District anticipates approximately $20,000 in annual savings moving forward. Board Meeting Platform Transition District 53 will transition from BoardDocs to  Community by Diligent  following Diligent’s decision to discontinue support for the current BoardDocs platform. After reviewing available options, the District identified  Community  as the best fit for maintaining accessible and transparent Board agendas and materials for families, community members, administrators, and Board members. The District anticipates completing the transition in time for the December Board of Education meeting, with additional information to be shared with the community ahead of the change. Health Life Safety and 2026–2027 Budget Planning The Board continued its discussion of Health Life Safety needs and potential funding options, building on conversations that began during the previous school year. The Board is expected to make a decision regarding funding in the coming months. The District is also preparing for the 2026–2027 budget hearing, which will take place during the September 14 Board of Education meeting. The Board is scheduled to take action on the budget at that meeting. Additional Board Approvals The Board approved updated student and employee handbooks for the 2026–2027 school year, along with the Paul Butler Cultural Arts Program activities for the year. School and Department Updates Brook Forest Elementary Brook Forest is preparing for the start of the 2026–2027 school year with several new learning opportunities and upcoming events for students and families. The school will launch District 53’s new advanced learning model for English Language Arts, supported by K-5 Advanced Learner Program Teachers/Differentiation Specialists Christine Denari, Gail Scimeca, and Tyara Morales. Specialists will work directly with students and teachers across grades K–5, while all students will participate in a daily intervention and enrichment block. Student progress will be monitored throughout the year using assessments including Assess 360, Benchmark end-of-unit assessments, and NWEA MAP. The school will also continue building on its Beyond the Bell initiative, connecting classroom learning with hands-on experiences and community partnerships. As part of this work, Brook Forest’s professional learning teams will develop experiential learning projects tied to core instruction and Benchmark Advance. Families can look forward to several opportunities to kick off the new school year. New Family Orientation and the Curriculum Overview will take place August 17 at 4:00 PM , followed by a special Kindergarten Clap-In on the first day of school, August 20. Brook Forest will also hold its first Safety Day on August 26, giving students and staff hands-on practice with fire, severe weather, bus evacuation, and lockdown procedures. Fall MAP testing begins in September, and families are invited back for Curriculum Night on September 10. Butler Junior High Butler Junior High is preparing for the 2026–2027 school year with several curriculum enhancements designed to expand learning opportunities for students. The school’s 6-8 Advanced Learner Program Teacher/Differentiation Specialist, Vanessa Dotson, will work alongside ELA teachers to provide advanced instruction, monitor student progress, and adjust learning opportunities based on ongoing assessment data. Professional Learning Community teams will also meet regularly to review student progress and use data to guide instruction, support, and enrichment throughout the year. Science and STEM teachers are continuing to strengthen the curriculum as the school enters its second year using Savvas Elevate Science. This year will bring greater integration between science and STEM, along with a year-long enrichment experience that allows students to explore science concepts in greater depth. Eighth graders will also have a new Financial Literacy exploratory course, Game of Life, featuring real-world experiences related to employment, major purchases, career planning, financial goals, and personal budgeting. Butler Junior High will continue its second year of Beyond the Bell, expanding partnerships with community organizations and connecting classroom learning with hands-on, real-world experiences.  As students return, families are invited to the School and Curriculum Orientation and PTO Ice Cream Social on August 18 at 4:00 PM.  Cross country practices begin on the first day of school, August 20, and the school will hold its first Safety Day on August 26. Fall MAP testing will take place September 15–16, followed by Curriculum Night on September 18, which will also include an internet safety presentation for families. Student Services Department The Student Services Department remained active throughout the summer preparing students, families, and staff for the 2026–2027 school year. The team completed special education eligibility meetings, annual reviews, and reevaluations, finalized staffing assignments, and reviewed individual student needs and IEP requirements to ensure appropriate services are in place for the start of school. Section 504 plans for returning students were also reviewed and updated, with procedures established to support consistent implementation across both schools. The department continued strengthening the District’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), including procedures, forms, and intervention documentation designed to improve consistency and accountability. English Learner records and service plans were also updated, with staff coordinating student placement, scheduling, and language support for the coming year and preparing for annual language proficiency screening and ACCESS testing. Student Services also focused on safety and family engagement. Emergency response resources and crisis response training materials were updated to strengthen districtwide preparedness. Looking ahead, the District is planning its annual in-person IEP Parent Bootcamps, which will provide families with information and resources to better understand the special education process and strengthen collaboration between families and schools. The first session is planned for September. Student Learning & Staff Innovation Professional learning remained an important focus over the summer as District 53 prepared staff for the new school year. Districtwide training and development opportunities are being prepared in areas including differentiated instruction, co-teaching, MTSS processes, special education and 504 practices, Crisis Prevention Institute training, and crisis response procedures. This work builds on the District’s continued emphasis on collaboration and consistent instructional and student-support practices across both schools. Through professional development and shared processes, staff will begin the 2026–2027 school year with additional tools and training to support a wide range of student learning needs. PTO Updates Upcoming Events: Brook Forest Welcome Back Parent Social – August 20  – The PTO will welcome parents back for the new school year with coffee and treats during first-day drop-off, providing an opportunity to reconnect and welcome new families to the Brook Forest community. Butler Junior High Ice Cream Social – August 18  – The PTO will welcome students and families back to school with Kona Ice following the School and Curriculum Orientation. Membership & Get Involved: Become a PTO Member  – Families are encouraged to join the PTO for access to volunteer opportunities and the online school directory while supporting programs and activities throughout the District. Volunteer Opportunities  – Families can get involved by attending quarterly PTO General Meetings or volunteering as event leads, committee members, and Brook Forest classroom parents. Additional volunteer sign-ups and information will be shared with families. Spiritwear: Dolphins & Vikings Spiritwear  – Spiritwear is available for students, parents, and staff. Families can watch weekly school communications for links to the online stores. Stay Connected Follow us on  Instagram   and  Facebook !  Upcoming Board of Education and Committee Meetings 6:00PM September 14, 2026 - Regular: Focus Education including Beyond the Bell

Wednesday, Aug 12 2026

Notice: Public Hearing - E-Learning Program Renewal

DISTRICT UPDATE This communication serves as notice that on Monday, August 10, at 6:00PM immediately prior to the Regular Board of Education Meeting, the District will conduct a public hearing regarding the renewal of its e-Learning Program, which allows the use of approved e-Learning Days in place of emergency school closure days. State law requires Districts to renew this program every three years. A draft of the plan can be found in the District’s BoardDocs Library . The Board is expected to consider action on the renewal later that evening during the Regular Board Meeting.

Wednesday, Jul 29 2026

March 2026 Board of Education Report

BOARD REPORT A Board Report of the March 9, 2026 Board of Education meeting This Board of Education meeting was held in the boardroom at 2801 York Road, Oak Brook, Illinois 60523; the regular meeting place. The public can attend Board of Education meetings in person, access an audio livestream of the meeting on the District’s website, or listen to meeting recordings that are uploaded to the District’s website within the meeting week. District Updates New "Push-In" Model for Advanced Learning Most significantly, the Board approved the Administrative Team Action Plan recommendation for the Push-In Model for the Advanced Learning Plan after a year of preparation and refinement. The Board’s approval of the new Push-In instructional model marks a major step forward in expanding access to advanced learning for all students. Under the Illinois Accelerated Placement Act, the district must ensure that students who demonstrate high ability have meaningful access to accelerated coursework. A recent data audit showed that 80% of our students meet the criteria for advanced instruction, but our existing pull-out structure limits access due to rigid schedules and staffing constraints. Expanding the current model would require a major operational overhaul and significant staffing increases. The Push-In model, on the other hand, solves that challenge by making advanced rigor the norm in every classroom while specialists provide in-class support. This approach delivers universal access to high-level learning without adding staff and creates a system that’s both efficient and sustainable. This shift is significant because it changes how opportunity is delivered. Instead of separating students into tracks, the Push-In model raises the level of instruction for everyone. Advanced standards become the baseline rather than the exception. Classroom teachers work alongside specialists in a collaborative, co-teaching structure that strengthens instruction in real time and builds staff expertise across the district. Significant grant funding supports this transition, including specialized training through Northwestern’s Center for Talent Development so teachers have the tools to challenge every learner. The model also creates stronger consistency for students, more flexible instructional support, and faster response when needs arise through aligned MTSS systems and targeted coaching. At its core, this is a significant change to the status quo. It's a move away from sorting students and toward building capacity among teachers and learners alike. It creates equitable access to advanced learning, strengthens classroom instruction district-wide, and establishes a long-term framework that supports both student growth and professional excellence. Planning for 2026-2027 Underway We recognize that the Board’s generous investments in Elevate Science and Benchmark Advance have required a tremendous amount of dedication and professional learning from our staff this year. As we look to the future, our upcoming curriculum milestones include: Grades 6-8 ELA: Curriculum review. Grades 6-8 Social Studies: Resource adoption. K-8 Math: Curriculum review. In addition to these curriculum goals, our Strategic Plan continues to emphasize personalized learning and cutting-edge technology in every classroom. To ensure our teachers have the dedicated time needed to develop curriculum and work toward these district goals, Dr. Z. will be sending a Summer Professional Development and Curriculum Planning Interest Form to all staff this week. While staff participation is entirely optional, we look forward to providing these opportunities for our team to learn, grow, and collaborate over the summer months. Furthermore, Dr. Z. will provide a detailed update on our professional learning initiatives and summer planning during the April Board of Education meeting to showcase the ongoing progress and expertise of our staff. Policy Meeting & Decennial Survey Additionally, there was a Policy: Committee of the Whole meeting, which covered student behavior, prevention and response to bullying, depression awareness and prevention, equal educational opportunities, and much more. You can view the  full agenda and updates here . Lastly, the Board acknowledged and approved a Decennial Survey performed by Cordogan Clark. This is a mandated 10-year life safety survey that is submitted to the Illinois State Board of Education. School and Department Updates Brook Forest Elementary Brook Forest Elementary is making strong progress toward district goals focused on staff development and collaboration. As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen teacher support, Brook Forest mentors will meet with administrators to reflect on the mentoring program and highlight what’s working well while identifying opportunities for growth as planning begins for the 2026–2027 school year.  The school is also working to enhance staff culture and collaboration. Recently, Grade 5 teachers shared engaging technology, reading, and writing activities that can be used across grade levels and subject areas. The presentation sparked great discussion among staff, and the positive feedback has led to plans for additional modeling and hands-on practice during upcoming faculty meetings. Curriculum work is also moving forward as K–5 English Language Arts teachers continue collaborating with administrators to implement Benchmark resources. Teams are aligning formative and unit assessments to strengthen data conversations and PLC work, while also reviewing whether additional resources may be needed for next school year. The administrative team is also exploring draft scheduling options for 2026–2027 with OBEA officers, focusing on ways to support consistent routines, social-emotional learning, and common planning time for teachers.  Looking ahead, students in Grades 3–5 will take the IAR assessment March 17–19, and the school community is preparing for Spring Break from March 27–April 6, with classes resuming April 7. Butler Junior High Butler Junior High has had a lot of great momentum this month. Teachers are deep in the work of improving student learning, teaming up in PLCs to dig into MAP and IAR data and compare it with real-time classroom performance so instruction stays sharp and targeted. One highlight: our Spanish team is closely tracking 6th graders’ progress toward mastering question words and subject-verb agreement; small skills that make a big difference in language confidence. Activities are in full swing across campus. Girls volleyball is underway, with JV and Varsity heading into a busy week of matchups before the conference tournament. Huge thanks to Coaches Milligan and Shum for leading the charge!  Spring sports are ramping up too: soccer tryouts kick off in mid-March (weather permitting) with daily practices through May, and track and field is expanding this year with more practices and four meets on the schedule. Students interested in participating need to have a current health physical on file with the school nurse's office and contact Mrs. Revord or Mrs. Goodell for more information. Our fine arts students are making memories beyond the classroom! Band members recently visited the University of Illinois Bands, and band and choir students will perform at the Wolves game on March 11, continuing a favorite annual tradition.  Academically, students are gearing up for key milestones as well, with the National Spanish Exam and IAR testing right around the corner. It’s a busy season, and our students and staff are rising to it.  Student Services Department Student Services has been moving full speed this month, with a strong focus on making sure every support system is consistent, compliant, and genuinely helping students thrive. A full audit of the 504 process is underway, and the team has maintained 100% timeline compliance. Enrollment trends are being closely tracked and district data shows a really encouraging pattern: more students who previously needed IEPs in elementary school are transitioning to 504 Plans by junior high. That’s a strong sign that early intervention and targeted support are working, skills are sticking, and services are being right-sized as students grow. Decisions continue to be grounded in solid data, team collaboration, and a commitment to the least restrictive environment. A Family and Staff 504 Satisfaction Survey will roll out in May to keep that feedback loop strong. The same level of care is happening across special education and multilingual services. IEP processes remain fully compliant, with annual reviews and reevaluations completed on time and goals tightly aligned to grade-level standards. Data systems have been strengthened so instruction is measurable, responsive, and clearly documented, while audits ensure eligibility, service minutes, accommodations, and placements are accurate and student-centered.  Staff development continues to be a priority, with paraprofessionals receiving targeted training this month in executive functioning strategies, behavior supports, and assistive technology. Meanwhile, ELL teachers are teaming up with classroom staff to build language support into everyday instruction, helping multilingual learners succeed across subjects. ACCESS testing has been successfully completed, with results arriving in May to guide next steps. It’s thoughtful, coordinated work that keeps student growth front and center. Student Learning & Staff Innovation The District has been sharpening instruction and giving teachers better tools to help students thrive. Curriculum reviews are moving forward across key subjects, with junior high math teachers taking a close look at additional materials before making a final recommendation and the Grades 6–8 social studies team actively reviewing new resources. At the elementary level, K–5 teachers continue building momentum with Benchmark Advance, most recently diving into professional learning focused on strengthening writing instruction. Instructional growth is just as active in our classrooms. Butler Junior High teachers recently partnered with Northwestern’s Center for Talent Development for hands-on training focused on differentiated learning. This gives teachers new ways to increase student choice, elevate questioning strategies, tailor learning activities, and extend learning opportunities. Brook Forest teachers will participate in the same training this month, keeping instructional practices aligned across buildings.  On the professional learning front, even more opportunities are on the way, with district-wide summer and 2026–27 professional development plans coming soon. It’s focused, practical work that keeps teaching fresh and student learning moving forward. PTO Updates Upcoming Events: PTO General Meeting:  Thursday March 12th @7pm via Zoom Wolves Games:  All D53 families welcome to buy tickets to fundraise and show support for the BJH band/choir performance at the Wolves game  3/11  PTO Sponsored Clubs (after school):  Sign up for the new PTO 2nd and 3rd grade Choir; Brook Forest Young Voices was a success. All slots were filled up in a weekend.   Mother Daughter Event:  Friday Evening, April 24th, 2026 Past Events: National Cereal Day:  The PTO treated the teachers and staff to cereal for National Cereal day. Thank you to the Duggal-Stephens family and Nature’s Path Foods for their amazing generosity! Thank you Hala Souman for arranging!  Valentine’s Day sale and Valentine’s Day flower sale:  The PTO had so much fun handing out flowers and helping students shop the Valentine’s day sale. Thank you to Karuna Dhar, Krista Best, and Jamie Lock for all their incredible hard work  BJH Sports  boosters:  continuing to support thru Carabiners and tags for each sport  BJH Music Booster:  We are working with the music department to fund bussing for the multiple new field trips.   INK Gallery:  Another month of art and writing submissions will be posted on the website. Thank you to our group of young artists and writers!   Get Involved! How? Become a PTO member to receive access to  Directory Spot  and PTO email communications. Next PTO General Meeting is on March 12 @7PM via Zoom Stay Connected Follow us on  Instagram   and  Facebook !  Upcoming Board of Education and Committee Meetings April 13 -  Regular Board of Education; Education Focus May 5 - 9:00AM  - Finance/Infrastructure Committee May 11 -  Regular Board of Education June 8 -  Regular Board of Education

Wednesday, Mar 11 2026

Reminder: Inclement Weather and School Closures

DISTRICT UPDATE Dear Butler D53 Families and Staff, As we continue to experience winter weather, I wanted to send a reminder about the school district's inclement weather and school closure policy. While I consider closing our school buildings to be an exception and place a strong emphasis on keeping our schools open, my first priority is keeping our students and staff safe. It is important that you know that the weather prediction itself is not the only determinant. There are several factors that are carefully analyzed when making a decision to keep the buildings open or to close. To highlight some: Safety and well-being of students and staff Severity of the weather (extreme cold, excessive snow, ice, flooding, etc.) Timing of the weather-related events Ability of buses, cars, and walking students to travel safely Operable condition of our buildings   In a situation of pending inclement weather, I am in constant contact with the Hinsdale Township School District 86's superintendent, surrounding community school administrators, the Village of Oak Brook, and First Student Bus Company. While it is good to collaborate, I will ultimately make the decision with the focus on our own student and staff safety. Notification of a Closure:   School building closure decisions will normally be made the evening prior, if at all possible. But the latest, by 5:30AM, the day of. The closure of school buildings also means that all extracurricular activities will be canceled. Notification to parents/guardians of students, and staff will be communicated as follows:   An automated message via ParentSquare with email, telephone, and text (dependent on your notification preferences) Butler School District 53 website District social media accounts Parents/guardians must remember to update their contact information during registration each year, and throughout the year if you change any of your contact information. You can update your contact and notification preferences by contacting our registrar, Daisy Fernandez ( dfernandez@butler53.com ). Because our District has an approved remote learning plan on file with the DuPage Regional Office of Education, emergency days will not have to be utilized in the event the school buildings are closed. Students, teachers, and staff have the ability to remote teach and remote learn if it is declared a day that the buildings will be closed. In this instance, further communication will come from building principals and teachers. Stay well, be safe! Dr. Paul O’Malley Superintendent of Schools

Monday, Dec 08 2025

November 2025 Board of Education Report

BOARD REPORT A Board Report of the November 10, 2025 Board of Education meeting This Board of Education meeting was held in the boardroom at 2801 York Road, Oak Brook, Illinois 60523; the regular meeting place. The public can attend Board of Education meetings in person, access an audio livestream of the meeting on the District’s website, or listen to meeting recordings that are uploaded to the District’s website within the meeting week. District Updates The Board of Education meeting focused on several key actions and updates, each reinforcing the district’s long-term goals around academic excellence, financial stewardship, and strategic planning.  Annual Levy Resolution District Treasurer Dr. Jerry Brendel reviewed the levy details for the board, following his earlier presentation to the Finance and Infrastructure Committee on November 4. His overview provided helpful context on the district’s financial outlook, ensuring continued alignment between projected needs and responsible fiscal planning. The Board of Education adopted the resolution regarding estimated amounts necessary to be levied for the year 2025. Beyond the Bell Committee Approval  The Board also approved the goals for the Beyond the Bell Committee. These newly adopted goals will guide the committee’s shared direction and strengthen collaboration among all stakeholders. With clear administrative alignment and a realistic implementation timeline, the committee is positioned to continue supporting meaningful, structured school programming this year and in the years ahead. Superintendent’s Report The superintendent exceeded goal expectations based on 100% of students willing to participate in MAP and IAR assessments. Highlighting  Student Academic Performance Math MAP  where 68% of students met/exceeded expected math growth targets for Spring to Spring. Furthermore, in  Student Academic Performance ELA MAP  where 60% of students met/exceeded expected reading growth targets for Spring to Spring. Senior Data Specialist Ryan Marron presented. Spring 2025 NWEA Map Attainment scores continued to be high across all grade levels, where 85% of the 461 K-8th Grade students tested in Reading were At/Above the National Average and 92% of the 461 K-8th Grade students tested in Math were At/Above the National Average.   Overall, NWEA Map Reading Growth was above average, where 60% Met/Exceeded their Spring to Spring Reading Growth Targets while also achieving 120% of their expected overall Spring to Spring Reading Growth Target.  Overall, NWEA Map Math Growth was above average, where 68% Met/Exceeded their Spring to Spring Math Growth Targets while also achieving 133% of their expected overall Spring to Spring Math Growth Target. For IAR, in SY25 88.1% of the 312 3rd-8th Grade students tested in ELA were At/Above Proficient (IL State = 53.1%) while 80.4% of the 312 3rd-8th Grade students tested in Math were At/Above Proficient (IL State = 38.5%). 61.4% of students were At/Above the 50th Growth Percentile in ELA and 53.0% of students were At/Above the 50th Growth Percentile in Math. Facilities Condition Assessment The meeting included a Facilities Condition Assessment presented by Cordogan Clark architect Brian Kronewitter. His in-depth report outlined both immediate and long-term capital needs, offering the board a comprehensive view of the district’s facilities and the investments required to maintain safe, high-quality learning environments. School and Department Updates Brook Forest Elementary Brook Forest continues to focus on mentoring, collaboration, and strong instructional practice. This month, mentors met with first-year teachers to review classroom goals, support instructional growth, and provide guidance following fall observations. Grade 4 teachers also shared their latest instructional strategies and data-aligned practices, which will be presented to staff at the upcoming November faculty meeting. Across classrooms, K–5 English Language Arts teams are reviewing formative and summative assessment data to ensure gradebook consistency and support ongoing implementation of core resources. Administrators are also actively exploring scheduling options to better meet the needs of all students as they plan for the months ahead. Looking forward, Brook Forest has several events on the calendar. Picture Retake Day is scheduled for November 13, and the Grades 2 and 3 Music Concert will take place on November 20 at 7 PM. School will be closed November 24–28 for Thanksgiving Break. Butler Junior High Butler Junior High continues to prioritize collaboration, data-informed instruction, and strong school-home communication. Teachers are actively engaged in analyzing MAP and IAR data within their PLC teams, using these insights to strengthen classroom instruction and support ongoing student learning. Staff are also beginning to use enhanced ParentSquare features that streamline communication with families, with each department preparing quarterly updates to share recent learning and upcoming activities. This month, students will take part in the Signs of Suicide (SOS) program, which provides important lessons in depression awareness and suicide prevention. All students who have not opted out will complete the program and screener during their PE classes throughout November. The fall season also brings notable student activities and achievements. The girls basketball season is underway, with teams traveling to Old Quarry and Westmont for upcoming games. Coaches Jordan and Carter continue to support both JV and varsity players as they begin competition. In addition, the BJH choir will perform at the Oak Brook Historical Society’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony on November 11. Student Services Department The Student Services Department continues to prioritize professional learning, strong communication, and early intervention across the district. This month, case managers led targeted professional development for paraprofessionals, focusing on key qualities such as dependability, flexibility, positivity, and confidentiality. Training emphasized the essential role paraprofessionals play in supporting instruction, behavior interventions, and the physical or medical needs of students with special needs, while reinforcing teamwork and student-centered support. In recognition of National School Psychology Week, the department highlighted the vital work school psychologists contribute to students’ academic and emotional well-being. Celebrated under the theme  “Finding Your Path,”  the week promoted mental health awareness and ongoing collaboration among staff, families, and students. Butler’s school psychologist, Taylor Harris, continues to strengthen student relationships, provide early interventions, and foster a culture of resilience across the district. This month also includes several important initiatives designed to support students and families. Child Find Preschool screenings will take place to identify young learners who may require early intervention services, ensuring timely access to support. In addition, District 86 High School transition meetings are underway, bringing junior high and high school special education teams together to prepare students with IEPs for a successful transition. These meetings focus on aligning services, sharing key student information, engaging families in post-secondary planning, and introducing students to future academic and extracurricular opportunities. The department will also host its first in-person Student Services Boot Camp at Brook Forest School on November 7. The session will focus on collaboration, professional learning, and shared practices to enhance student support district-wide. An update on the Parent Boot Camp will be shared after the event. Student Learning and Staff Innovation In November, Butler School District continued its strong focus on professional learning, curriculum alignment, and instructional improvement across all grade levels. During School Improvement Day on November 7, teachers participated in ten different professional development sessions, including PowerSchool Gradebook training, K–5 ELA and 6–8 Science resource development, and teacher-led instructional technology workshops. All staff also engaged in a districtwide training on Responding to Immigration-Related Inquiries to strengthen protocols and ensure consistent practices. K–5 teachers began a new round of Benchmark Advance professional development, with additional sessions planned through December to deepen instructional understanding and support classroom implementation. Teachers and administrators also continued the K–8 math curriculum review process, participating in a webinar to explore updates to the Into Math program. Middle school staff are similarly engaged in the Grades 6–8 social studies curriculum review, examining the updated McGraw Hill resource and collaborating with Custom Education Solutions to curate materials for the 6th-grade curriculum. These ongoing initiatives build on the district’s commitment to high-quality instruction, collaboration, and continuous improvement as staff refine programs and resources to best support student learning. PTO Updates Upcoming Events: D53 Make a Difference Awards  – Nominations closed on November 6. The committee is currently reviewing submissions and selecting this year’s winners. Butler Book Fair – Thursday, November 13  – Students are encouraged to bring money to shop. This event supports both schools and the PTO. Turkey Bowl – Sunday, November 16, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.  – The 8th Grade Graduation Committee invites all middle schoolers and alumni to a fun pre-Thanksgiving flag football game. PTO & Oberweis Fundraiser – Wednesday, December 3  – Held after the Band and Choir Winter Concert. PTO General Meeting – Friday, December 5, 9:00 a.m. at Butler Junior High  – All parents are welcome to attend. PTO-Sponsored Clubs (After School)  – Winter sign-ups will open later this month. Planned offerings include Art, Spanish, Improv (grades 2–3), and Chess. PTO Parent Social & Silent Auction – Trivia Night, Friday, January 23, 6–11 p.m.  – Join us for Butler District 53’s largest fundraiser of the year featuring trivia, raffles, and friendly competition. Recent Events: Trunk or Treat  – Thank you to Brittany Grant, Mahsa Meshkat, and all volunteers for organizing a wonderful event with 28 decorated cars. Congratulations to Mrs. Collins and Mrs. McCreary for winning “Best Trunk” with their Care Bears theme. Butler Halloween Party  – Special thanks to Nadia Kalisch and the volunteer team for creating a fun, festive evening for students. Giordano’s Pizza Night  – Families spent $1,583.74, raising $307.75 for PTO initiatives. Parent-Teacher Conference Lunches  – Thank you to Hala and PTO volunteers for providing meals at both schools during conference days. Ink Gallery  – November entries are live for Brook Forest students, with 18 submissions featured on the PTO webpage. Congratulations to all student artists and authors! Get Involved! How? Become a PTO member to receive access to Directory Spot and PTO communications. Attend the next  PTO General Meeting  on  Thursday, December 5, at 9:00 a.m. Stay Connected Follow us on  Instagram   and  Facebook !  Upcoming Board of Education and Committee Meeting December 8  - Regular Board of Education; Finance Focus

Wednesday, Nov 12 2025