• 🏫 Superintendent's Message: Welcome Back! Important ...

    August 7, 2026 Dear District 57 Families, Welcome to the 2026-27 school year! I hope your family has enjoyed a wonderful summer filled with opportunities to relax, recharge, and make lasting memories. We are excited to welcome our students back for another year of learning, growth, and connection. By now, you should have received a welcome letter from your child's principal. If not, please contact your school's main office—they'll be happy to help. As the first day of school approaches, we want to make sure you have the information you need when you need it. Below are several important updates and reminders to help your family prepare for the new school year. Then, watch for a few additional back-to-school messages from me next week with important dates, school events, and introductions to support your family throughout the year. 📆 Important Dates Please mark these upcoming dates on your calendar: Tuesday, August 11 (between 1-2 p.m.): Lincoln Middle School schedules available in the PowerSchool Parent Portal Tuesday, August 11 (1:00 p.m.): Class assignments released for Westbrook, Fairview, and Lions Park through ParentSquare Thursday, August 13 (2 p.m.): Bus route information available for all schools Tuesday, August 18: First day of school for students in Grades 1-8 Thursday, August 20: First day of Kindergarten Thursday, August 27: First day of Preschool 🧑🏽‍💻 Learning First: Our Ongoing Approach to Technology Questions about technology and children have become increasingly important in recent years. Like families, schools across the country are working to find the right balance between the benefits technology can provide and the importance of hands-on learning, personal connections, creativity, and time away from screens. Research continues to evolve, new technologies emerge, and best practices change. That’s why District 57 views this as ongoing work—not a finished product. We take a thoughtful, intentional approach to technology. We regularly review emerging research, consider guidance from organizations focused on children’s health and learning, and reflect on our own practices to ensure technology continues to support our students’ growth and success. As our understanding evolves, we remain committed to making purposeful adjustments that align with our goals for student learning and well-being. Here are a few examples of how our approach has evolved over the past few years: Phone-free environments: Our classes are cell phone-free environments, and personal cell phones and other personal devices are not part of the school day. We promote device-free social times like lunch and recess, when we want students to be engaged with the people and world around them. We are intentional about technology. Two years ago, we removed at-home student access to YouTube on District-issued Chromebooks and implemented a 10 p.m. automatic shutdown for devices. Reducing take-home screen time. Beginning this school year, students in kindergarten through third grade will no longer be taking Chromebooks home. Fourth- and fifth-grade students will bring their devices home only as needed. Students will have access to these devices while at school. Preparing students for an AI-driven world. As artificial intelligence becomes part of everyday life, our Library Resource Center directors are developing digital citizenship learning experiences that help students become thoughtful, responsible, and ethical users of technology. Technology remains an important instructional tool, but it is only one of many tools our teachers use. As technology continues to evolve, so will our approach. We don't expect to have every answer, but we are committed to staying informed, listening to our community, and making thoughtful decisions that put students' learning, well-being, and healthy development first. 🏗️ Building Brighter Futures Construction continues to make exciting progress at both Lincoln Middle School and Westbrook School for Young Learners, and we remain on schedule to welcome students into both projects for the 2027-28 school year. At Lincoln, the building is quickly taking shape. Steel framing, concrete floors, masonry, roofing, and mechanical systems continue to progress, and families can now begin seeing the building's exterior brick being installed. Every week brings visible changes as the future home of our middle school community becomes a reality. At Westbrook, construction on the addition supporting full-day kindergarten is well underway. Foundation work, site preparation, interior renovations, and utility improvements continue throughout the campus, and families will notice significant progress throughout the school year. Thank you for your continued patience and support as we invest in learning environments that will serve District 57 students for generations to come. 🍎 Preparing for Full-Day Kindergarten Although full-day kindergarten doesn't begin until the 2027-28 school year, important planning is already happening today. This year, our Kindergarten Council will continue refining the program by focusing on play-based learning, social-emotional development, family engagement, classroom design, and developmentally appropriate instructional practices. This thoughtful work is helping ensure that when full-day kindergarten opens next year, our youngest learners will experience joyful, engaging classrooms designed specifically for how young children learn best. We look forward to sharing more about this exciting work throughout the year. Thank you for partnering with us as we begin another wonderful school year. We are excited to welcome our students back and can't wait to see all they will accomplish this year. Enjoy these last few days of summer—we'll see you soon! Warmly, Dr. Mary Gorr Superintendent Dr. Mary Gorr District 57 Superintendent of Schools 📧 Email: mgorr@d57.org 🌐 Website: www.d57.org 📍 Address: 701 W. Gregory Street, Mount Prospect, IL 60056 📞 Phone: (847) 394-7300 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/dist57 📸 Instagram: @mpdist57

    Friday, Aug 07 2026

  • 🌞 Superintendent's Message: 2025-26 Year in Review &...

    June 4, 2026 Dear District 57 Families, As we wrap up the 2025-26 school year, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to our students, families, staff, and community for another remarkable year of learning, growth, and achievement. This year brought many exciting milestones across District 57 - from celebrating student accomplishments and strengthening school-community connections to making significant progress on the new Lincoln Middle School and Westbrook addition projects. Together, we continued to build opportunities that will benefit our students for years to come. I invite you to take a moment to reflect on all we've accomplished by exploring our 2025-26 Year in Review Newsletter. The stories, photos, and highlights within showcase the dedication, resilience, and spirit that make District 57 such a special place. As summer begins, I hope your family enjoys time to relax, recharge, and make lasting memories. Thank you for being an important part of our District 57 community. We look forward to welcoming students back in August for another exciting year of learning and growth. Wishing you a wonderful summer! Dr. Mary Gorr Read our 2025-26 Year in Review! Dr. Mary Gorr District 57 Superintendent of Schools 📧 Email:mgorr@d57.org 🌐 Website:www.d57.org 📍 Address: 701 W. Gregory Street, Mount Prospect, IL 60056 📞 Phone: (847) 394-7300 📘 Facebook:facebook.com/dist57 📸 Instagram:@mpdist57

    Thursday, Jun 04 2026

  • 🏫 Superintendent’s Message: New District 57 Leaders,...

    May 22, 2026 Dear District 57 Community, It’s hard to believe we are down to just a handful of days left in the school year. This time of year always brings a mix of excitement, celebration, reflection, and anticipation as we prepare to honor another incredible year of learning and growth across District 57. I hope you and your family enjoy a long weekend of connectedness and rest as we head into the last days of the school year. Last night, the Board of Education held its regular meeting. Below is a recap of several highlights and important district updates. If you would like to watch the meeting in its entirety, visit this link: [FULL MEETING LINK]. 🎉 Welcome to Our New District 57 Leaders Last night, the Board of Education officially approved two important leadership appointments for the 2026-2027 school year. We are thrilled to welcome both Kelly Vignocchi and Andy Piper to District 57. Kelly Vignocchi Named Principal of Westbrook Kelly Vignocchi was approved as the next Principal of Westbrook School for Young Learners. Kelly brings more than 20 years of experience in elementary education and leadership, including the past 14 years as Assistant Principal at Patton Elementary School in Arlington Heights District 25. Throughout the interview process, Kelly stood out as a collaborative, student-centered leader with deep experience supporting early learners, strengthening school culture, partnering with families, and supporting staff growth and development. We are excited about the warmth, experience, and leadership she will bring to the Westbrook community. Andy Piper Named Director of Student Services The Board also approved Andy Piper as District 57’s next Director of Student Services. Andy brings more than 25 years of leadership and administrative experience within student services, including more than two decades with TrueNorth Educational Cooperative 804. Most recently, he served as Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and previously held several leadership roles supporting students, families, and staff across multiple districts. Throughout the interview process, Andy distinguished himself as a highly collaborative, systems-oriented leader with a deep commitment to special education, student well-being, and building strong relationships. We are excited to welcome his expertise and leadership to District 57. 🏅Celebrating Our District 57 Special Olympics Athletes Last night, we had the privilege of recognizing our incredible District 57 Special Olympics athletes and coaches following their participation in the 2026 Special Olympics Illinois Region B Spring Games. Special recognition was given to Katianne Olson, Special Education Teacher at Fairview and coach of this year’s team, for the extraordinary dedication, encouragement, and leadership she brings to the program each year. We also want to recognize the many staff members who helped support our athletes throughout the season and at the competition: Sara Cilia, Mary Kate O’Brien, Carol Bemben, Paul Meske, Katie Messing, Julie Gayle, Chris Pielak, Paula Anderson, and Ashley Adams. This year, nine student-athletes proudly represented District 57 at the Spring Games at Hoffman Estates High School, with five students participating in their very first Special Olympics competition. Our athletes demonstrated resilience, adaptability, teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship throughout the event. We are incredibly proud of all of our athletes and grateful to the staff and families who helped make this unforgettable experience possible. 🥇 Yasir M. – 1st place, 50m 🥇 Caleb W. – 1st place, 50m 🥈 Noah C. – 2nd place, 50m 🥈 Teddy W. – 2nd place, 50m 🥉🏅 Sammy S. – 3rd place, Softball Throw & 4th place, 50m 🏅 Micah A. – 5th place, 50m 🏅 Connor C. – 6th place, 50m 🏅 Connor K. – 5th place, 50m & Softball Throw 🏅 George A. – 5th place, Softball Throw & Participation Ribbon, 50m Kids’ Corner Registration Opens July 1 A reminder to families that registration for District 57’s Kids’ Corner program for the 2026-2027 school year will open on July 1. Kids’ Corner offers before- and after-school child care services for students in kindergarten through fifth grade at Westbrook School for Young Learners, Fairview Elementary School, and Lions Park Elementary School. The program provides flexible part-time and full-time options on days when school is in session and is designed to offer students a safe, engaging, and supportive environment outside of the regular school day. Additional registration details and information will be shared with families prior to July 1. Thank you, as always, for your continued partnership and support of District 57. As we approach the final days of the school year, we look forward to celebrating our students, staff, and community together and finishing the year strong. Wishing you a wonderful weekend and a joyful end to the school year. Warmly, Dr. Mary Gorr Dr. Mary Gorr District 57 Superintendent of Schools 📧 Email:mgorr@d57.org 🌐 Website:www.d57.org 📍 Address: 701 W. Gregory Street, Mount Prospect, IL 60056 📞 Phone: (847) 394-7300 📘 Facebook:facebook.com/dist57 📸 Instagram:@mpdist57

    Friday, May 22 2026

  • 🏫 Superintendent’s Message: D57 Retiree Open House C...

    April 17, 2026 Dear District 57 Community, Last evening was a special one in District 57 as we came together to celebrate the incredible careers of our retirees during our Retirement Open House. It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the lasting impact these individuals have had on our students, schools, and community. Following the celebration, the Board of Education held its regular meeting, where a number of important updates and recognitions were shared. Below are highlights from the meeting. If you would like to watch the meeting in its entirety, you may do so here: [Full Meeting Link]. 🎉 Celebrating Our Retirees We were thrilled to see such a strong turnout last night as we honored seven exceptional staff members whose combined 183 years of service have made a lasting difference in District 57. This year’s retirees include: Michele Logar – 41 years, Teacher, Fairview Carol Gray – 32 years, Teacher, Lincoln Alicia Driver – 28 years, Teacher, Lions Park Robin Moran – 27 years, Clerical Assistant, Lincoln Loretta Rose – 21 years, Teacher, Lincoln Roseann Schmitz – 21 years, Special Education Teacher, Lincoln Kathy Minogue – 13 years, Instructional Assistant, Westbrook Each of these individuals has made a profound impact on our school community. We are deeply grateful for their dedication and wish them all the very best in their retirement. 🎉 Welcome Our New Assistant Principal at Lions Park We are pleased to announce that Kimberly Lopatka has been selected as the next Assistant Principal at Lions Park Elementary School, beginning July 1, 2026, at the start of the 2026–2027 school year. Ms. Lopatka currently serves as a Behavior Specialist in Community Consolidated School District 62, where she collaborates closely with teachers, support staff, and administrators to support both individual student needs and schoolwide systems. She brings a strong commitment to student-centered leadership, with a particular passion for supporting diverse learners and creating inclusive environments where every student feels valued and capable of success. We are excited to welcome Ms. Lopatka to Lions Park and look forward to the positive impact she will have on students, staff, and the entire school community. 🏗️ Building Brighter Futures Update Last night, Dr. Jason Kaiz, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations, shared a very positive update on our Lincoln and Westbrook construction projects. Both projects are trending on time and on budget Competitive bidding brought costs down significantly, with bids coming in at just under $81 million, well below initial estimates As a result, the District will seek to secure bids for additional priorities originally identified in the referendum but held off as initial costs were determined, including playground improvements and security needs identified through our security audit. Even with these additions, the District is projected to: Finish under budget Reduce the long-term financial impact on taxpayers This reflects thoughtful planning and strong financial stewardship for our community. 👉 Read the Building Brighter Future Update Memo here 👉 View this segment of the meeting 💻 Technology Update Mark Fijor, Director of Technology, shared updates on how his department is supporting teaching, learning, and operations across the District. His highlights included updates on AI usage in our schools, cybersecurity practices, and ParentSquare Pay, among other things. These efforts reflect a balanced and thoughtful approach to innovation—centered on what’s best for students. 👉 Read the Technology Review Memo here 👉 View this segment of the meeting 🏐 Lincoln Girls Volleyball Champions! Congratulations to our 7th and 8th-grade girls' volleyball teams on an incredible season! Both teams captured regular season championships and went on to win their conference tournaments—an outstanding accomplishment! To top it off, in the always-anticipated Staff vs. 8th Grade Volleyball Game, the students came out on top—way to go! 🎉 7th Grade Team: Julia A., Jelena B., Skylar B., Liv B., Marley C., Gabriela G., Emma H., Lea J., Brianna M., Liv M., Angelina M., Kara M., Leah M., Gabriela N., Erika S., Karolina Z., Coach: Laura Juliano 8th Grade Team: Leah A., Siena A., Amelia W., Kelly B., Denisa Z., Adelae N., Mischa O., Giuliana P., Nicole R., Maria R., Talia R., Ainsley W., Juliana Z., Coach: Kelly Bailey Managers: Malia K., Merita S. 🤝 Student Advocates & ALOP Program Karen Schwartzwald, Director of Human Resources, shared plans for a new partnership to further support students at Lincoln Middle School. Beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, the District plans a partnership with the North Cook Intermediate Service Center to bring two full-time Student Advocates to Lincoln. These advocates will: Support students who may need additional guidance Partner with families and staff Help develop and monitor Student Success Plans Programs like this have demonstrated strong success, with over 90% of students identifying their advocate as a trusted adult. 👉 Read the ALOP Program Memo here 👉 Learn More About ALOP 👉 View this segment of the meeting 💙 Disability Awareness Week: Celebrating All Minds and Abilities March was National Disability Awareness Month, a time to celebrate, support, and encourage individuals with disabilities to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives. In District 57, students marked this through Disability Awareness Week (March 30–April 3). Across all four schools, students engaged in activities and discussions that build empathy, understanding, and inclusion. Students and staff also gave back by purchasing Disability Awareness stickers, with proceeds supporting Special Olympics Illinois. Thank you to Katianne Olson, Fairview special education teacher, whose leadership and dedication make this impactful week possible year after year. We are so grateful for her incredible work. 🚲 Bike & Roll to School Day - May 6 District 57 is proud to participate in this year’s Bike & Roll to School Day in partnership with the Village of Mount Prospect! Who can participate? Students at Lions Park Elementary, Fairview Elementary, and Lincoln Middle School are encouraged to bike or scooter to school and join the fun! Why participate? 🚗 Reduce traffic and emissions 💪 Support healthy, active lifestyles 🤝 Strengthen our community Part of National Bike Month Join a nationwide movement supporting safe routes to school! Thank you for your continued support of District 57. We are grateful for the strong sense of community that makes evenings like last night—both celebratory and forward-looking—so meaningful. Warmly, Dr. Mary Gorr Dr. Mary Gorr District 57 Superintendent of Schools 📧 Email:mgorr@d57.org 🌐 Website:www.d57.org 📍 Address: 701 W. Gregory Street, Mount Prospect, IL 60056 📞 Phone: (847) 394-7300 📘 Facebook:facebook.com/dist57 📸 Instagram:@mpdist57

    Friday, Apr 17 2026

  • Westbrook Principal Transition & Family Input Opport...

    April 16, 2026 Dear Westbrook Families, As Principal Heffner shared in his email communication earlier this week, he will be stepping down from his role at Westbrook School for Young Learners at the end of June. He has accepted a principal position at Elizabeth Meyer School in Skokie, School District 73.5, where he previously worked, and which is closer to his home and family. As the Westbrook Principal for the past two years, Marty has built positive relationships with students, staff, and families. We are grateful for his leadership. Marty is committed to finishing the school year strong and will continue to keep the needs of students, staff, and families at the forefront during this transition. We are committed to finding an exceptional leader to serve as the next principal of Westbrook. As we begin the search process, we invite you to take a few minutes to complete the input form linked below. Your feedback will help guide our selection criteria and ensure we are prioritizing the qualities that matter most to our school community. Please share your input here by April 24. Our goal is to conduct a successful search and support a smooth leadership transition. Marty will remain at Westbrook through June 30 and will work closely with staff and district administrators to prepare for the 2026–2027 school year. Thank you in advance for your partnership and thoughtful feedback. We look forward to keeping you updated as the process moves forward. In partnership, Dr. Mary Gorr Parent Input - Principal Search Dr. Mary Gorr District 57 Superintendent of Schools 📧 Email:mgorr@d57.org 🌐 Website:www.d57.org 📍 Address: 701 W. Gregory Street, Mount Prospect, IL 60056 📞 Phone: (847) 394-7300 📘 Facebook:facebook.com/dist57 📸 Instagram:@mpdist57

    Friday, Apr 17 2026

  • 🎉 Reminder: District 57 Retirement Open House Celebr...

    Dear District 57 Families and Staff, As a reminder, you’re invited to join us TONIGHT for our Retirement Open House as we celebrate and honor seven incredible staff members whose combined 183 years of service have made a lasting impact on our schools and students. 📅 Date: Thursday, April 16 ⏰ Time: 5:45 PM - 6:45 PM 📍 Location: Fairview Elementary School, 300 N. Fairview Ave., Multipurpose Room - ENTER THROUGH DOOR 9 This year, we are proud to recognize: Michele Logar – 41 Years of Service, Teacher, Fairview Elementary School Carol Gray – 32 Years of Service, Teacher, Lincoln Middle School Alicia Driver – 28 Years of Service, Teacher, Lions Park Elementary School Robin Moran – 27 Years of Service, Clerical Assistant, Lincoln Middle School Loretta Rose – 21 Years of Service, Teacher, Lincoln Middle School Roseann Schmitz – 21 Years of Service, Special Education Teacher, Lincoln Middle School Kathy Minogue – 13 Years of Service, Instructional Assistant, Westbrook School for Young Learners This is a wonderful opportunity to thank them for their dedication, celebrate their contributions, and wish them well as they begin this exciting new chapter. We hope you’ll consider stopping by to celebrate alongside us! Warmest regards, Dr. Mary Gorr Dr. Mary Gorr District 57 Superintendent of Schools 📧 Email:mgorr@d57.org 🌐 Website:www.d57.org 📍 Address: 701 W. Gregory Street, Mount Prospect, IL 60056 📞 Phone: (847) 394-7300 📘 Facebook:facebook.com/dist57 📸 Instagram:@mpdist57

    Thursday, Apr 16 2026

  • 🎉 You’re Invited: District 57 Retirement Open House ...

    Dear District 57 Families and Staff, You’re invited to join us for our upcoming Retirement Open House as we celebrate and honor seven incredible staff members whose combined 183 years of service have made a lasting impact on our schools and students. 📅 Date: Thursday, April 16 ⏰ Time: 5:45 PM - 6:45 PM 📍 Location: Fairview Elementary School, 300 N. Fairview Ave., Multipurpose Room This year, we are proud to recognize: Michele Logar – 41 Years of Service, Teacher, Fairview Elementary School Carol Gray – 32 Years of Service, Teacher, Lincoln Middle School Alicia Driver – 28 Years of Service, Teacher, Lions Park Elementary School Robin Moran – 27 Years of Service, Clerical Assistant, Lincoln Middle School Loretta Rose – 21 Years of Service, Teacher, Lincoln Middle School Roseann Schmitz – 21 Years of Service, Special Education Teacher, Lincoln Middle School Kathy Minogue – 13 Years of Service, Instructional Assistant, Westbrook School for Young Learners This is a wonderful opportunity to thank them for their dedication, celebrate their contributions, and wish them well as they begin this exciting new chapter. We hope you’ll consider stopping by to celebrate alongside us! Warmest regards, Dr. Mary Gorr Dr. Mary Gorr District 57 Superintendent of Schools 📧 Email:mgorr@d57.org 🌐 Website:www.d57.org 📍 Address: 701 W. Gregory Street, Mount Prospect, IL 60056 📞 Phone: (847) 394-7300 📘 Facebook:facebook.com/dist57 📸 Instagram:@mpdist57

    Tuesday, Apr 07 2026

  • 🏫 Superintendent’s Message: Board Recap, Math Recomm...

    March 20, 2026 Dear District 57 Community, Happy first day of Spring! There has been a palpable energy and excitement in our hallways this week anticipating Spring Break and a well-earned period of rest, rejuvenation, and (hopefully!) sunshine. Our Board of Education met last night for its regular March session. Below is a summary of the meeting's highlights and several important district updates. If you would like to view the proceedings in their entirety, you can [watch the video at this link]. You're Invited! Celebrating Over 150 Years of Service: 2026 Retirees Last night, the Board was honored to invite the community to an upcoming celebration for six remarkable District 57 staff retiring at the end of this school year. Together, these educators and staff members have dedicated more than 150 years of combined service to our students and families. We look forward to honoring Michele Logar for her 41 years of service, Carol Gray for 32 years, Alicia Driver for 28 years, Loretta Rose for 21 years, Roseann Schmitz for 21 years, and Kathy Minogue for 13 years. PLEASE JOIN US for a Retirement Reception to share your gratitude and help us celebrate their incredible contributions. 🔹 Thursday, April 16 🔹 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. 🔹Fairview Elementary School Multipurpose Room Student Achievement: Patriot’s Pen Essay Winner The Board had the pleasure of recognizing Michael S., an 8th grader at Lincoln Middle School, for his remarkable success in the VFW “Patriot’s Pen” essay contest. After being named the winner for VFW Post 1337, Michael’s work went on to win at the district and state levels and is now advancing to the national competition—an incredible distinction. In his moving essay, Michael reflects on how patriotism is demonstrated through service to others, a perspective inspired by his grandfather, a World War II veteran and Purple Heart recipient. Michael shared his work with the Board last night, and his reflections on honoring those who came before us were truly inspiring. We are incredibly proud of the way Michael represents Lincoln Middle School and District 57. Congratulations, Michael! 🎥 Watch Michael S. read his essay. Official Adoption: Resolution Affirming a Safe Educational Environment Last night, the Board of Education officially voted to adopt the Resolution Affirming District 57’s Commitment to a Safe Educational Environment, School Access, and Immigration Enforcement Protections. To provide context on the process leading up to this vote, this resolution was originally discussed at the February 19 Board meeting. While a majority of the Board voted affirmatively on an initial version, the Board chose to pause to allow for a collaborative revision process. In the interest of reaching a unanimous consensus that reflects the shared values of our entire community, President Corrin Bennett-Kill approved a request for a draft that incorporated further enhancements regarding existing safety protocols and relevant legal citations. I am pleased to share that through this collaborative effort, the Board reached a unanimous vote in favor of the final resolution. This document serves three vital purposes: it addresses the current moment regarding immigration enforcement concerns, highlights the existing policies that keep our schools safe, and provides a formal values statement ensuring every student feels welcome and protected. We would like to extend our deepest thanks to the community for your active engagement throughout this process. Whether you voiced your concerns during the Community Comments portion of our meetings or wrote to us with your thoughts, we are grateful for your help in understanding the diverse perspectives of the community we serve. This final resolution is a reflection of our collective commitment to the well-being of all District 57 students. Read the Resolution Here Recommendation for Elementary Math Instructional Materials Last night, the Board of Education received a formal recommendation for new elementary mathematics instructional materials, scheduled for implementation in the Fall of 2026. This presentation was the culmination of a year-long pilot and research-based review process aimed at identifying resources that prioritize deep conceptual understanding and equitable access for all learners. Based on extensive data and feedback from our pilot teachers, students, and parent surveys, the Elementary Math Committee recommends the adoption of i-Ready Mathematics for Kindergarten and 1st Grade and Math in Focus for grades 2 through 5. This transition includes a robust professional learning plan for our staff and a commitment to high-impact strategies like "Number Talks" and language routines that encourage students to actively communicate their mathematical thinking. I want to extend a sincere thank you to the entire Elementary Math Committee for their tireless work over the past year. I'd also like to give a special thank you to the committee members who presented the recommendation to the Board last night: Grace Brunzell, Westbrook 1st Grade Teacher; Natalie Cotner, Lions Park Math Support Specialist; Dan Ophus, Fairview Principal; Melissa Redmon, Lions Park 2nd Grade Teacher; Kristi Roy, Westbrook 1st Grade Teacher; Mandy Steegmueller, Westbrook Special Education Teacher; Kim Stortz, Westbrook Special Education Teacher; and Kristin Vonder Haar, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning. 🎥 Watch this portion of the Board meeting. Collaboration in Action: 5th Grade Fairview Musical Last night, Principal Dan Ophus spotlighted the arts and the power of collaboration at Fairview Elementary. He shared a special video showcasing the 5th Grade production of Willy Wonka Kids, a project that beautifully blended student creativity, teamwork, and plenty of "pure imagination." This production served as a wonderful reminder of the joy that occurs when our students create and collaborate. Collaboration is one of the five core competencies of District 57’s Portrait of a Graduate—skills we work to strengthen in every student throughout their journey in our district. We invite you to take a few minutes to watch the video below; it is a fantastic opportunity to see the behind-the-scenes dedication it takes to pull off a musical of such high caliber. District Leadership Update I also want to share that Sara Tyburski will be leaving District 57 on June 30 after 15 remarkable years with our District. She began her D57 career as a school psychologist, supporting students and families for six years before stepping into the role of Director of Student Services, a position she has held for nearly nine years. Throughout her time here, Sara has been a tireless advocate for students, skillfully overseeing special education, IEPs, 504 plans, and so much more. Her leadership, compassion, and unwavering dedication to keeping students at the center of all we do have left a lasting impact on our schools, families, and staff. A search for her replacement will begin soon, and we are committed to a smooth transition with no disruption to student supports. We are deeply grateful for Sara’s years of service and wish her all the best as she begins this next chapter of her life. Transportation: New Branding & Safety Vests Our transportation provider, Grand Prairie, was recently acquired by First Student. While your daily routes and familiar drivers will remain the same, you will notice some changes in the coming weeks. High-Visibility Uniforms: Drivers and monitors will begin wearing First Student-branded, high-visibility yellow safety vests. Safety First: These vests are designed to make employees easily identifiable to families and increase visibility during loading and unloading in busy traffic or low-light conditions. Summer Programs 2026: Registration Now Open We are excited to welcome students to a summer full of learning, creativity, and connection! Registration is now officially open for all 2026 Summer Programs, which offer a wide range of opportunities designed to spark curiosity and support student growth. Most of our programming—including our $150 Summer Enrichment courses and our invitation-only Summer Bridge, Extended School Year (ESY), and Multilingual (ML) programs—will take place at Lions Park Elementary School from July 6 through July 24. Families whose children qualify for the invitation-only programs (Bridge, ESY, or ML) should have received an email invitation prior to March 5. Please remember that registration for these specific programs uses the same central link as our general enrichment courses. We invite you to [click here to register for all Summer Programs] and explore our full Summer Programs Brochure for detailed course descriptions and grade-specific session times. In addition to our July offerings, our incoming 6th through 8th graders are encouraged to keep their musical skills sharp through our Summer Band and Orchestra program. This program will be held at Lincoln Middle School on August 6, 7, 10, 11, and 12, with specific time slots and placement information to be shared with families this coming May. We look forward to another wonderful summer of learning and fun! Community Resources Guide We are pleased to share our updated Community Resources Guide. This document contains a comprehensive list of supports within and around our Mount Prospect District 57 community, including: Emergency hotlines Mental health supports Housing assistance Food and clothing resources And more We hope families find this resource helpful. (Link available in the newsletter.) Check out the Guide Here! We look forward to welcoming our students back to school on Monday, March 30. Have a wonderful Spring Break! Warmly, Dr. Mary Gorr Dr. Mary Gorr District 57 Superintendent of Schools 📧 Email:mgorr@d57.org 🌐 Website:www.d57.org 📍 Address: 701 W. Gregory Street, Mount Prospect, IL 60056 📞 Phone: (847) 394-7300 📘 Facebook:facebook.com/dist57 📸 Instagram:@mpdist57

    Friday, Mar 20 2026

  • 🏫 Superintendent’s Message: Board Recap, Safety Reso...

    March 6, 2026 Dear District 57 Community, Welcome to March! The countdown to Spring Break has officially begun. This time of year always brings a little extra energy to our schools as we look ahead to a well-earned break and the promise of spring. Last night, the Board of Education held its regular meeting. Below is a summary of a key discussion from the meeting, along with a few additional items of information. For those who would like to view the meeting in its entirety, you can watch the video recording at this link. Resolution Affirming a Safe Educational Environment At last night's meeting, the Board discussed a revised Resolution affirming District 57’s commitment to a safe educational environment, school access, and protections regarding immigration enforcement. To provide some context: this resolution was originally discussed at the February 19 Board meeting. While a majority of the Board voted affirmatively on the initial version, three of the seven members requested the opportunity to revise the language to further improve the sections regarding existing safety protocols, cite relevant policies and laws, among other revisions. In the interest of reaching a unanimous consensus that reflects the shared values of the entire Board, President Corrin Bennett-Kill approved this request. Last night, the Board reached an unofficial, unanimous consensus in support of a newly revised draft that maintains the original version's intent while incorporating the thoughtful enhancements requested by fellow Board members. You are invited to read the draft resolution here. Please note that some language may still be refined before it is officially presented for a formal vote at the March 19 Board of Education meeting. The purpose of this resolution is to: Address the current moment regarding immigration enforcement concerns within our community. Highlight existing policies and procedures that currently keep our schools safe. Provide affirming language that serves as a formal District 57 values statement, ensuring every student feels welcome and protected. We would like to thank our community for their active engagement regarding this resolution. Whether you showed up to voice your concerns during the Community Comments portion of our board meetings, or you wrote in to tell us your thoughts, we appreciate and are grateful for your help in understanding the perspective of the community we serve. READ DRAFT RESOLUTION Congratulations to Our Board of Education This week, our Board of Education received the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) School Board Governance Recognition. District 57 was one of only 42 school districts across Illinois to earn this distinction for demonstrating strong governance practices and a commitment to continuous learning and leadership. The IASB Governance Recognition program honors boards that model effective governance behaviors and actively engage in professional development to strengthen their leadership in support of students, staff, and the community. Our Board members dedicate countless hours to studying issues, engaging with our community, and making thoughtful decisions that guide the future of our schools. Their work is often behind the scenes, but its impact is felt across every classroom and throughout our district. On behalf of our students, staff, and families, we extend our sincere congratulations and appreciation to our Board of Education for this well-deserved recognition and for their continued commitment to the success of District 57. REMINDER: 5Essentials Survey Closes March 13 Your voice matters. The statewide Illinois 5Essentials Survey is open through March 13. This survey helps us understand what is working well and where we can improve to provide the best possible learning environment for students. Responses are completely confidential and are never connected to you or your child. Families can take the survey here: https://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/ The survey is administered by UChicago Impact on behalf of the Illinois State Board of Education and focuses on five key indicators that research shows predict school success: Effective Leaders Collaborative Teachers Involved Families Supportive Environments Ambitious Instruction Thank you in advance for taking a few minutes to share your feedback — it truly makes a difference. Take the 5Essentials Survey Celebrating Women’s History Month March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor the contributions of women throughout history and within our own community. Throughout the month, our students will engage in various learning activities that highlight the trailblazers, scientists, artists, and leaders who have shaped our world. We are proud to celebrate these stories and inspire the next generation of leaders within our classrooms. Community Resources Guide We are pleased to share our updated Community Resources Guide. This document contains a comprehensive list of supports within and around our Mount Prospect District 57 community, including: Emergency hotlines Mental health supports Housing assistance Food and clothing resources And more We hope families find this resource helpful. (Link available in the newsletter.) Check out the Guide Here! Thank you for your continued partnership and for staying engaged with the work of our Board and schools. I wish you and your families a wonderful, relaxing weekend. Warmly, Dr. Mary Gorr Dr. Mary Gorr District 57 Superintendent of Schools 📧 Email:mgorr@d57.org 🌐 Website:www.d57.org 📍 Address: 701 W. Gregory Street, Mount Prospect, IL 60056 📞 Phone: (847) 394-7300 📘 Facebook:facebook.com/dist57 📸 Instagram:@mpdist57

    Friday, Mar 06 2026

  • 🏫 Superintendent’s Message: Board Recap, Leadership ...

    February 20, 2026 Dear District 57 Families, What a gift that unseasonably warm February weather was this week! ☀️ While February returned to true winter temperatures yesterday, it’s hard not to feel that spring is right around the corner. In this edition, you’ll find several important updates for our community, including the exciting announcement of a new principal for Lions Park, a recap of last night’s Board of Education meeting, an update on our Full-Day Kindergarten planning, and a few important reminders and resources for families. Thank you for taking the time to stay informed and engaged in District 57. Below is a recap of highlights from the February 19, 2026 Board of Education meeting, along with additional information. You may watch the meeting in its entirety by clicking here. New Principal Appointed for Lions Park School I am excited to share that the Board of Education approved the appointment of Bre Grzybek as the next principal of Lions Park Elementary School, effective July 1, 2026. Bre currently serves as Assistant Principal at Lions Park, where she has been a valued member of the school’s leadership team for the past four years. During that time, she provided leadership across many areas of the school, including overseeing special education, coordinating 504 plans, supporting the use of assistive technology, and helping ensure smooth schoolwide operations. Most importantly, she has built strong, trusting relationships with students, staff, and families and has demonstrated a deep commitment to the Lions Park community. Bre was selected following a comprehensive search process that included input from staff and families, who emphasized the importance of a relationship-focused, compassionate, and student-centered leader. She distinguished herself throughout the process with her warmth, integrity, and clear dedication to supporting every student. We are deeply grateful to outgoing principal Katie Kelly for her nine years of outstanding leadership at Lions Park and her lasting impact on the school community. We look forward to Bre’s continued leadership and the bright future ahead for Lions Park. Please join me in congratulating Bre on her new role. Preparing for Full-Day Kindergarten (2027–2028) At last night’s meeting, Westbrook Principal Marty Heffner presented an update on the Kindergarten Council’s work to date. The Council includes kindergarten teachers, support staff, administrators, and specialists, along with early childhood expert Carly Andrews, Executive Director of The Alliance for Early Childhood. This year, the Council’s work has focused on the power of play and purposeful play, designing schedules that intentionally incorporate play-based learning, supporting social-emotional learning, equity, and inclusion, strengthening family engagement, piloting new developmentally appropriate classroom furniture, and establishing a scope and sequence aligned to learning standards. Play is not separate from learning — it is central to how young children grow academically, socially, and emotionally. We are excited about the thoughtful, research-based work underway to ensure a strong and joyful Full-Day Kindergarten experience for our future learners. In case you missed it, check out the rendering of the Westbrook addition interior below! 📊 View the presentation here 🎥 Watch this segment of the Board meeting here Board Discussion: Draft Resolution Regarding Civil Immigration Enforcement At its January meeting, the Board directed district administration to provide a draft resolution limiting the use of District 57 property for civil immigration enforcement staging areas, processing locations, or operations bases. The draft resolution, reviewed by legal counsel, was presented and discussed at last night’s meeting. No official action was taken. The Board will continue refining the resolution at the March 5 Board of Education meeting. No action will be taken at that meeting. 🎥 Watch the Board ICE Discussion Here Lincoln Middle School Math Instructional Materials Recommendation The Board of Education received a presentation on the recommendation for new mathematics instructional materials at Lincoln Middle School. Presenters included Kristin Vonder Haar, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning; Aaron Wilkins, Assistant Director of Professional Learning; and Lincoln math teachers Alexa Martin, Amy Marker, and Kyle Sakowicz. Beginning in the 2024–2025 school year, District 57 engaged in a comprehensive, research-based process to review and pilot math instructional materials aligned with the Illinois Math Standards and the District’s vision for high-quality, equitable mathematics instruction. This process included extensive professional learning, classroom pilots of multiple programs, student and teacher feedback, parent input, and collaborative coaching cycles. Based on this thorough review, the Lincoln math team reached consensus in recommending the adoption of Math and You for grades 6–8. The program emphasizes conceptual understanding, critical thinking, real-world application, and mathematical communication, while providing strong support for diverse learners. The recommendation reflects the District’s commitment to ensuring all students experience engaging, meaningful math instruction that builds deep understanding and prepares them for future success. The Board is expected to vote on this recommendation at a future meeting. 📊 View the presentation here 🎥 Watch this segment of the Board meeting here Please Complete the Illinois 5Essentials Survey Your voice matters. The statewide Illinois 5Essentials Survey is now open. This survey helps us understand what is working well and where we can improve to provide the best possible learning environment for students. Responses are completely confidential and are never connected to you or your child. Families can take the survey here: https://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/ The survey is administered by UChicago Impact on behalf of the Illinois State Board of Education and focuses on five key indicators that research shows predict school success: Effective Leaders Collaborative Teachers Involved Families Supportive Environments Ambitious Instruction Thank you in advance for taking a few minutes to share your feedback — it truly makes a difference. Take the 5Essentials Survey PEPS Family Resources Video: All Brains Welcome I also invite you to watch our latest Family Resources session: PEPS: All Brains Welcome | Creating School Communities for Minds of All Kinds In this session, Stephanie Boron, Assistant Clinical Professor at Northwestern University, explores neurodiversity, belonging, and practical strategies to support learners with different thinking styles, strengths, and needs. Whether you are a parent, caregiver, or educator, you’ll walk away with tools to help ensure every child feels seen, supported, and welcome. This session is part of our Family Resources Playlist and is designed to empower families with actionable strategies. Celebrating Black History Month February is Black History Month—a time to reflect, learn, and celebrate the profound impact Black Americans have had on our nation, our communities, and our schools. It is also a reminder that Black history is American history, woven into the stories we teach and the values we uphold every day. Throughout the month, District 57 students are engaging in classroom lessons and activities that highlight the achievements, voices, and lived experiences of Black Americans, helping students deepen their understanding of history, culture, and inclusion. Families who would like to explore Black History Month at home may find these resources helpful: National Museum of African American History and Culture – Virtual exhibits and family resources DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center – Local history and programs PBS Kids – Child-friendly educational videos Community Resources Guide We are pleased to share our updated Community Resources Guide. This document contains a comprehensive list of supports within and around our Mount Prospect District 57 community, including: Emergency hotlines Mental health supports Housing assistance Food and clothing resources And more We hope families find this resource helpful. (Link available in the newsletter.) Check out the Guide Here! Thank you for your partnership, your engagement, and for taking the time to read these updates. Wishing you a wonderful weekend. Warmly, Dr. Mary Gorr Dr. Mary Gorr District 57 Superintendent of Schools 📧 Email:mgorr@d57.org 🌐 Website:www.d57.org 📍 Address: 701 W. Gregory Street, Mount Prospect, IL 60056 📞 Phone: (847) 394-7300 📘 Facebook:facebook.com/dist57 📸 Instagram:@mpdist57

    Friday, Feb 20 2026