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π€ Our Portrait of a Graduate January Focus: Growing ...
β β β β β β β β β β January 10, 20225 β Dear District 57 Families, Happy New Year! As we return from winter break and look ahead to a bright 2025, Iβm excited to continue our focus on the essential skills and attitudes that define a District 57 graduate. These skills, outlined in our Portrait of a Graduate framework, guide our efforts to prepare students for success in high school and beyond. Our Portrait of a Graduate identifies five core skills: Collaborative, Critical Thinker, Resilient, Empathetic, and Adaptable. These skills are taught, modeled, and celebrated across our schools to help students develop the habits and mindsets they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. This January, we are focusing on the skill of Collaboration. β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β January Focus: Collaboration β In January, weβre focusing on Collaborationβa key to building strong relationships and achieving shared goals. Being collaborative means: Balancing independence and interdependence: Knowing when to take initiative and when to work with others. Contributing and participating: Sharing ideas and engaging fully in group efforts. Exemplifying cooperation and teamwork: Building trust and working toward shared goals. Demonstrating accountability and responsibility: Taking ownership of actions and fulfilling commitments. Reflecting on collaboration: Thinking about what went well and how to improve next time. Throughout the month, teachers will incorporate lessons, activities, and discussions about collaboration into their classrooms. Students will have opportunities to practice teamwork, reflect on their group experiences, and celebrate their collaborative achievements. We invite families to join us in reinforcing collaboration at home. Here are a few ideas to get started: Encourage teamwork: Work together on a family project, like cooking a meal or tackling a home improvement task. Model accountability: Share examples of how you keep your commitments and follow through. Reflect on collaboration: Ask your child about a time they worked with others. What went well? What was challenging? β β β β β β β β β β β β β β This Year's Framework β Each month from December through April, staff will engage students in discussions, activities, and lessons related to a featured Portrait of a Graduate skill, while also noticing and celebrating moments when students demonstrate it. Families will also receive updates, including ideas for how you can reinforce these skills at home. Hereβs the schedule for this yearβs focus months: December: Empathetic January: Collaborative February: Resilient March: Adaptable April: Critical Thinker During parent-teacher conferences, families should have received a Portrait of a Graduate magnet. This magnet serves as a helpful reminder of the essential skills we are focusing onβEmpathetic, Collaborative, Resilient, Adaptable, and Critical Thinkerβand helps bridge the connection between school and home. If you havenβt already, be sure to display your Portrait of a Graduate magnet as a reminder of the skills we are cultivating together. If you need one, please contact the front office at your childβs school. β β β β β β β β β District 57 is proud to partner with families in preparing our students to contribute positively to their communities. Collaboration is a vital skill that helps our students succeed in school and life. Letβs celebrate it together this month! Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Warm regards, Dr. Mary Gorr Superintendent, District 57 β β β β β β β β β β β β β Dr. Mary Gorr District 57 Superintendent of Schools Email: mgorr@d57.org Website: https://www.d57.org/ Location: 701 West Gregory Street, Mount Prospect, IL, USA Phone: 847-394-7300 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dist57/ Twitter: @dist57 β β β
Saturday, Jan 11 2025
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Important Information Regarding PowerSchool Cybersec...
Β January 9, 2025 On Jan. 7, 2025, PowerSchool, Mount Prospect School District 57βs Student Information System, notified us and many other districts across the country that they recently experienced a global security breach on December 22, 2024, that compromised the data of a significant number of school districts. PowerSchool first became aware of the breach on December 28, 2024, and immediately notified law enforcement, secured their systems, and enlisted the assistance of cybersecurity experts from CrowdStrike and Cyber Steward to investigate the incident and secure the data. PowerSchool reports that they have taken all appropriate steps to contain the incident and to prevent the data from further unauthorized access or misuse. Types of Data Compromised: Mount Prospect School District 57 has confirmed that the following data controlled by the District has been compromised: Student and family contact information Limited medical alert information (e.g., allergies, life-threatening conditions) Doctor name and phone number Date of birth Dates of enrollmentΒ Free and Reduced Lunch status Staff school email addresses, personal contact information, and ID numbers Importantly, PowerSchool has assured Mount Prospect School District 57 that the following types of data have NOT been compromised by the breach: Financial information Student and staff pictures User credentials District Response: Although this breach occurred within PowerSchool-operated systems, Mount Prospect School District 57 has taken several steps to ensure the security and integrity of its systems and to ensure that the data is protected. In response to the breach, Mount Prospect School District 57 has taken the following steps: Working closely with PowerSchool and attending their ongoing webinars to stay informed. Monitoring our internal systems, which include robust network security measures. Maintaining two-factor authentication for all employee accounts as an additional security layer.Β PowerSchoolβs Response: Conducting a comprehensive investigation with third-party cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike. Their final forensic report is expected to be released at the end of next week and will provide a clearer understanding of the incident and its potential impact. Monitoring the dark web to ensure the data obtained during the breach is not disseminated. Strengthening their internal protocols and working with federal authorities, including the FBI. Continuing communications regarding the breach, including offering credit monitoring and support, will be forthcoming. What Can You Do: While PowerSchool has assured us the risk of misuse is low, we encourage you to take these precautions: Review any recent communication from PowerSchool. Be cautious of any unsolicited emails or phone calls. Monitor email accounts for any unusual activity. SOPPA (Student Online Personal Protection Act):Β The Student Online Personal Protection Act (SOPPA) is a law in Illinois designed to ensure that student data collected by education technology companies is protected. Here are the requirements of the law: Notification of the breach : A school must notify the parent of any student whose covered information was involved in the breach no later than 30 calendar days after the school receives notice of a breach from an operator or determines a breach has occurred. This notification must include the date or estimated date of the breach, a description of the compromised information, contact information for the operator and school, contact information for consumer reporting agencies and the Federal Trade Commission, and a statement that the parent may obtain information about fraud alerts and security freezes from the FTC and consumer reporting agencies. Notification may be delayed if a law enforcement agency determines it would interfere with a criminal investigation. HERE is more helpful information. Public disclosure of breaches: Schools must also maintain a list of breaches on their website or make it available at their administrative office. The list must include the number of students affected (unless this would violate the Personal Information Protection Act), the date or estimated date of the breach, and the name of the operator if the breach occurred under Section 15. A school may omit from this list any breach involving fewer than 10% of the student body, breaches for which parents are not required to be notified, breaches occurring prior to July 1, 2021, or any breach previously posted on this list more than 5 years prior to the update. Updating Breach Lists : The school must update the list of breaches at least twice per year, no later than 30 calendar days following the start of a fiscal year and no later than 30 days following the beginning of a calendar year. Next Steps: At this time, Mount Prospect School District 57 is working in collaboration with PowerSchool to monitor the situation and complete a thorough investigation of the incident. PowerSchool reports that a full incident report should be completed by January 17, 2025. Although PowerSchool does not anticipate misuse of personal information, they are offering credit monitoring services to affected adults and identity protection for impacted minors, as required by regulations. Once the investigation is complete, the parents of each student whose information was compromised by the breach will receive individual notice including additional information about the incident and available resources. Mount Prospect School District 57 will continue communicating transparently about this situation as more information is learned. In the meantime, please be on the lookout for additional updates regarding the ongoing investigation. Β
Thursday, Jan 09 2025
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D57 Superintendent Message
Β Dear District 57 Families, I hope you had a wonderful, restful Thanksgiving and Fall Break! With only three weeks until Winter Break, I want to challenge all D57 Families to maintain strong home routines for rest, wellness, and academics, which help set up our students for success amidst the busyness of this season. Kids take their cues from the adults around them, so be sure to take care of yourself as well, which is no easy task! Safety Β Consistent withΒ my prior communication , the District continues to implement its Board Policies relative to student discipline and student support. Keeping our students and staff safe is our top priority. We will continue to proactively communicate with our school community regarding any concerns related to school safety that may affect your childβs educational experience.Β We are grateful to partner with you in the honor of being part of your child/renβs life!Β In the spirit of education,Β Mary Gorr D57 SuperintendentΒ Β
Sunday, Dec 01 2024
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π District 57 Update: Board Meeting Highlights, Fall...
β β β β β β β β β β November 21, 2024 β Dear District 57 Families, This week has been a difficult one for all of us, as the weight of recent events has impacted staff, students, and families. It has taken an emotional toll, and I want to reassure you that the safety and well-being of our students remain our top priority. If you haven't had a chance to read my previous related communications, please take a moment to read them now (First Incident Communication A, First Incident Communication B, Second Incident Communication A). Despite the challenges, our staff has shown incredible resilience, and our students continue to thrive in an environment that values their safety and growth. In this message, you'll find important updates, including a recap of Tuesdayβs Board of Education meeting. As we move forward, we are committed to continuing the work that makes District 57 such a strong community. You can watch the entire November 19 Board of Education meeting here. β β β β β β β β β¨ Building Brighter Futures: Exciting Updates Ahead! π β Our Building Brighter Futures projects have hit the ground running! We are deeply grateful to our community for approving this referendum. Your support allows us to take these important next steps in building a stronger future for our schools. Below are a few highlights shared at the Board meeting related to our Building Brighter Futures projects. β β β β π§ Building Brighter Futures: Project Timelines π We are excited to share that the district has developed detailed timelines for both the Lincoln Middle School and Westbrook School for Young Learners capital projects. These timelines outline key milestones, including Phase 1 for Lincoln Middle School, and provide a clear roadmap for progress. Infographics showcasing these timelines will help keep our community informed about each step of the process. Weβre also working hard to create resources on our website where you can read more about our plans and stay updated on our progress. β β β β β β β β β β β β π‘ Building Brighter Futures: Review of Plan of Finance Robert Lewis, Senior Vice President & Managing Director of PMA Securities, LLC, provided an overview of how the district plans to manage the bonds approved by voters in the November 5 referendum. His presentation included strategies to maximize savings and earnings by leveraging provisions in the tax code. Lewis and the Citizens Finance Advisory Committee recommend issuing the first bond in the amount of $12 million by the end of 2024 to begin the capital projects at Lincoln Middle School and Westbrook School for Young Learners. He outlined a framework for allocating these funds at a specific rate of spend-down to ensure the district gets the most value from the dollars. π Watch the presentation here: YouTube link π View the presentation slides: Slides link β β β β β β β β π Track & Field Excellence: A Season of Resilience & Teamwork πββοΈπββοΈ β Coaches Steve Shaffer and Kelly Bailey presented certificates to the outstanding runners who represented Lincoln Middle School at the State Cross Country competition in October. Weβre proud to acknowledge all of our students who qualified for State: Julia A., Sofia C., Alex K., Juliana M., Millie K., Mackenzie M., Ashley S., Brooklyn S., Georgia S., Graham S. and Lucy W. These students exemplify our Portrait of a Graduate skills of resilience, collaboration, and adaptability, showing what is possible when we work together and persevere. Congratulations to all of our athletes for an outstanding season! β β β β β β β β β β β β Celebrating the You Roar Program at Lions Park! π¦π β Principal Katie Kelly and Assistant Principal Bre Grzybek of Lions Park Elementary School showcased a special program for the Board celebrating the impact of their You Roar program. This program empowers Lions Park students to embrace their strengths, grow as leaders, and make positive contributions to their school community. The You Roar program is a key part of creating a supportive and engaging learning environment for all students, and we are proud of the progress Lions Park students have made. Enjoy the video spotlight below! β β β β β β β β π Celebrating Native American Heritage Month β November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the rich cultural diversity and lasting contributions of Native Americans. The land we now call Mount Prospect was once home to the Potawatomi people, a Native American tribe of the Great Lakes region. District 57 honors their enduring legacy and the vibrant heritage of Native Americans, which continues to thrive today. Throughout this month, our classrooms have explored Native American history, traditions, and culture through read-alouds, videos, and engaging activities, supported by lesson plans and biographies designed to spark meaningful discussions. By celebrating Native American Heritage Month, we honor the first Americans and deepen our studentsβ understanding of the diverse stories that shape our shared history. β β β β β β β β π Fall Benchmarking Data: Key Insights & Progress π β Dr. Kristin Vonder Haar, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning, delivered the β2024 Illinois Report Card & Fall Benchmarking Overviewβ presentation to the Board. The presentation highlighted continued academic excellence across all of our schools, with three of four schools earning "Exemplary" status on the 2024 Illinois School Report Card, placing them in the top 10% statewide. The district's students consistently outperform national averages in math and reading, as evidenced by strong IAR and NWEA MAP scores. Growth in math is nearing pre-pandemic levels, while improvements in chronic absenteeism and attendance reflect the district's proactive measures. Opportunities remain to address achievement gaps and enhance English Learner proficiency. Collaborative efforts, data-driven strategies, and new instructional programs are helping ensure all students are inspired to reach their full potential. π Watch the presentation here: YouTube link π View the presentation slides: Slides link β β β β β β β β π District 214 Strategic Plan Survey β Share Your Feedback! π β As District 57 students transition to District 214 after graduating from Lincoln Middle School, it's important that we all stay informed and involved in shaping the future of our students' educational journey. District 214 is currently working on a long-term vision, including a Portrait of a Graduate and a comprehensive plan for the next 5 years. We invite our families to watch the segment of the Board presentation by Member Jen Ciok who is also a Sender School Representative on District 214βs Strategic Planning Steering Committee. Access the slides presented by clicking the link here. Once finished, D214 is asking that members of the D57 community provide feedback on their Strategic Plan at this survey. Your feedback is critical in helping District 214 create a vision that is bold, innovative, and reflects the needs of our students. β β β β Complete the D214 Survey Here! β β β β β β β β β β β β β π Celebrating Our Substitute Educators! π β Tomorrow, November 22, we celebrate Substitute Educator Day β a day to recognize and thank our incredible substitute educators who support our students every day. These dedicated professionals play a crucial role in ensuring the continuity of learning and care across our schools. Whether theyβre stepping into classrooms, assisting with student needs, or providing needed health services, substitutes are a vital part of our school community. We are deeply grateful for their flexibility, dedication, and commitment to keeping our schools running smoothly. They help create a positive, welcoming environment for students, even when regular staff members are unavailable. If you're interested in joining this important group of professionals and making a difference in our schools, consider becoming a substitute educator! Itβs a rewarding way to support our district and work directly with students. To learn more about how to sign up, visit www.d57.org/Employment. Thank you to all of our substitutes for the important work you do! π β β β β β β β β β π Celebrating Our Board of Education! π β On November 15, we celebrated School Board Members Day, a time to honor the dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to ensure that our schools provide the best possible education for all students. At our November 19 Board meeting, we took a moment to recognize and thank our incredible Board of Education members in person for their leadership, vision, and commitment to our community. We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to: President Kim Fay Vice-President Corrin Bennett-Kill Members Vicki Chung, Jen Ciok, Chris Lettow, Eileen Kowalczyk and Pam Nelson The Board of Education plays a critical role in our district, making decisions that impact everything from academic policies and budgets to long-term planning and strategic goals. Their responsibilities include advocating for students and families, ensuring financial accountability, and guiding the direction of our districtβs growth and development. To express our appreciation, our students and staff came together to create a special video to thank the Board members for their dedication. We hope you enjoy it! β β β β β β β β Thank you for taking the time to read through this message β there's a lot happening in our district! I truly appreciate your engagement and commitment to staying connected. After this difficult week, we encourage everyone to take the holiday break to connect, recharge, and care for one another. We look forward to seeing our students back on Monday, December 2. Grateful for our partnership, Mary Gorr β β β β β β β β β Dr. Mary Gorr District 57 Superintendent of Schools Email: mgorr@d57.org Website: https://www.d57.org/ Location: 701 West Gregory Street, Mount Prospect, IL, USA Phone: 847-394-7300 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dist57/ Twitter: @dist57 β β β
Thursday, Nov 21 2024
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Important Update from Mount Prospect District 57 Sup...
Β Dear District 57 Families, We know this has been a difficult day for Lincoln Middle School and our entire District 57 community. As a District, our priority has beenβand always will beβkeeping our children safe while ensuring they feel supported and cared for. I am so proud of the District 57 Staff for their responsiveness and professionalism in providing calm, supportive environments, especially given the disruption events like this can cause.Β We want to take a moment to share what weβve done to protect our school community and to help our children process and heal. Stepping Up Support for Safety and Well-Being |Β To ensure everyoneβs safety, weβve worked closely with the Mount Prospect Police Department to increase the number of officers present at Lincoln during morning drop-off, afternoon pick-up, and throughout the school day. Their visible presence has brought reassurance to many of our families, and we are so grateful for their partnership. Weβve also brought in additional mental health professionals, including social workers and psychologists from our other schools, to provide extra support for our Lincoln students and staff. These dedicated individuals are available to listen, guide, and help our children navigate this challenging time. As part of their Advisory period, Lincoln students participated in a healing circle activity today. This was an opportunity for them to share their feelings, ask questions, and come together as a community. Itβs a powerful reminder that even in difficult moments, we can lean on one another. Looking Ahead |Β We are grateful for the collaboration with the Mount Prospect Police Department (MPPD) throughout their investigation that began Sunday. Their thorough work throughout this evolving process has helped ensure the safety of our school community. Please know we are continuing to work in coordination with MPPD to make decisions informed by all information available. The District does not comment on student disciplinary actions; however, if/ when the student is scheduled to return to the building, we will communicate with the Lincoln School Community in advance.Β Resources for Our Students and Families |Β As parents and educators, we all share the same goal: to ensure that our schools are safe, welcoming spaces where our children can learn and thrive. There is no place for violence in our community. We know this situation has been hard and frightening, and we are here to support you and your family in any way we can. We are your partner and want to equip you with resources to help you and your family. We know some students may be aware of the situation and ask questions. We also anticipate media coverage. Members of our Student Services team have identified the following resources to help guide your discussions. NASP- Talking to Children About Violence- Tips for Families and Educators Talking To Kids About School Safety-Mental Health Safety We want to express our heartfelt thanks to the brave students who used theΒ See Something, Say Something Β form to report this situation. Their courage and sense of responsibility are what make this school community so special. Their actions truly made a difference, and we couldnβt be prouder of them.Β Thank you for trusting us with your children and for coming together as a community during this challenging time.Β With care and gratitude, Dr. Mary Gorr Superintendent, District 57 Eric Larson Principal, Lincoln Middle School
Monday, Nov 18 2024
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Important Information Regarding Safety Concern at Li...
Dear District 57 Families, This afternoon, we were made aware of circulating Snapchat social media posts, including one referencing a threat to school safety. District 57 has been working with the Mount Prospect Police Department to immediately investigate the situation and ensure a swift and appropriate response.Β School will be in session on Monday, and we are taking extra steps to ensure a safe and supportive environment for everyone. We will share any important updates as they come up. Students in grades 4th-8th grade will receive reminders about the importance of reporting any concerns to an adult and the importance of using ourΒ See Something Say Something Form Β when they are concerned by an incident.Β To provide additional security and peace of mind, the MPPD will maintain an increased police presence at Lincoln Middle School this week. This is purely a precautionary measure. As always, please reach out with any questions or concerns.Β In partnership, Dr. Mary Gorr [Sunday, Nov 17 at 6:41 PM] Dear District 57 Families, Many of you have reached out with additional questions and concerns, and I will be responding to each of you personally. In the meantime, I want to provide additional information to all families. Earlier today, the Mount Prospect Police Department (MPPD) made personal contact with the student and the studentβs family. The student in question will not return to school while the investigation is ongoing. The MPPD and District 57 will share further investigation results once they are available. While we are limited in the details we can share, please know incidents of this nature are treated with utmost seriousness. Threats of violence have no place in our school community. Based on their investigation, the Mount Prospect Police Department has determined that it is safe to hold school tomorrow. Our commitment to maintaining a safe, secure, and healthy school environment grows stronger when we work together, as evidenced in this most recent situation. Please contact me or your school principal if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for partnering with us to build a culture of safety in our District 57 community. In partnership, Mary Gorr
Sunday, Nov 17 2024
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24-25 Inclement Weather Information and Updates
Β Dear District 57 Parents/Guardians:Β Β As we enter the winter months, District 57 would like to update you on some of the factors that contribute to closing school in the event of inclement weather and when you can expect to be notified. Over the past several years, we have engaged in collaborative discussions with District 214 and our neighboring districts. Β Together, we are committed to a process that ensures decisions are made wisely and in a timely fashion regarding the safety and well-being of our entire school community. Β District 57 will follow these general guidelines when closing schools for winter-related closings: Β Schools will be closed if there is a forecasted sustained wind chill of -30 degrees Fahrenheit or colder, or when the actual temperature is a sustained -15 degrees Fahrenheit or colder between the travel times of 5:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. and/or 2:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. The District will use forecasts provided by the National Weather Service. For snow, ice, or other weather-related closings, District 57 will monitor the current conditions, the forecasted conditions between the travel times listed above, the ability of our staff to plow parking lots and sidewalks, as well as the ability of local municipalities to plow and make streets passable. District 57 will also be in contact with our transportation companies to assess their ability to run buses safely. In these situations, the District will also contact our neighboring districts, our local and State officials, and meteorologists to make the most appropriate decision with the facts known at that respective time. District 57 will notify families and staff if school is closed by 5:30 a.m. the day of the closing, knowing that you may need to arrange for childcare or other schedule changes. If we can make the determination the night before to close school β meaning the forecast undoubtedly warrants closure β we will attempt to notify you between 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. that night.Β Typically, we do not send out a telephone notice after 9:30 p.m., as the system can sometimes take up to an hour or so to complete all calls. Additionally, the District will update its website, social media accounts ( facebook.com/dist57/ , instagram.com/mpdist57/ , and the Emergency Closing Center website ( www.emergencyclosingcenter.com ) as soon as a decision has been made. However, if the decision to close school is made after 9:30 p.m., the District will wait and send out the telephone notice by 5:30 a.m. the following morning.Β When school is closed due to inclement weather, all extracurricular programs and school meetings (except for Board meetings) are canceled. Β It is important to remind you that the Illinois School Code and district policy allow parents to call their student(s) out, as excused,Β in the event that the district keeps schools open because, as a family, you have concerns about your child safely traveling to or from school. On Monday, November 11 at approximately 5 p.m., Β we will conduct a test of the districtβs emergency alert system. For the most timely and official information regarding school closures, please follow District 57 on Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/dist57 ) and log on to our website . These social media avenues will be updated in real-time as a decision is made.Β Β FEEDBACK REQUESTED Β District 57 has approval from the Illinois State Board of Education to offer E-Learning Day/s in place of a Snow Day. All D57 Parents/Guardians will have the opportunity to provide feedback on how they would prefer that emergency non-attendance days be handled this year.Β Β Families will receive a feedback form in ParentSquare. The deadline to submit feedback is Monday, November 4 at 11:59 pm.Β Families should submit a separate form for each D57 student in their household.Β Β As always, the safety and security of our students and staff remain a top priority of District 57, our high school district, and our community. Thank you for sharing your input and support.Β Β In the spirit of education, Β Dr. Mary Gorr Superintendent of Schools
Monday, Oct 28 2024
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π¬ A Message from Dr. Mary Gorr: Celebrating Our Prin...
β β β β β β β β β β October 18, 2024 β Dear District 57 Families, Iβd like to take a moment to celebrate the incredible leadership of our school principals in honor of Principal Appreciation Day. At District 57, we are so fortunate to have such a dedicated and passionate team of principals! Marty Heffner, Westbrook School for Young Learners: As our newest principal, Principal Heffnerβs dedication is already making a tremendous impact! He connects with students & staff daily and deeplyβwhat a treasure to have in our community. Dan Ophus, Fairview Elementary School: Known for his positivity and unwavering integrity, Principal Ophus believes in the capacity and abilities of every student and every staff member. He brings an openness and community-minded approach to everything he does. Katie Kelly, Lions Park Elementary School: Principal Kellyβs dedication to creating a supportive and engaging learning environment for our students & staff is truly inspiring. She works tirelessly to ensure that each student feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. Eric Larson, Lincoln Middle School: Principal Larson is a great listener, always looking for ways to improve Lincoln and build a strong sense of community. He is deeply committed to connecting with his students & staff and ensuring their success. Please join me in thanking our principals for their outstanding service and commitment to our schools! β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β πβ¨ Highlights from the Board of Education Meeting π« β Last night, we held our Board of Education meeting. You can find the full agenda here and watch a recording of the entire meeting here. Below are some highlights from the meeting: Fiscal Year 2024 Audit Presentation As required by Illinois school code, District 57 conducted its annual financial audit for the period of July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024. John Epperson, CPA, Principal at Miller, Cooper & Co., presented the audit findings at last nightβs meeting. Iβm pleased to share that the audit showed our district is in a positive financial position, with an unmodified/clean opinionβthe highest level of assurance any auditor can provide. You can review the full audit here and the presentation here. Superintendent Goals Update I provided an update on the progress of my goals for this year, which you can view in the report here and watch the presentation here. One exciting initiative is the recruitment of two student Board members from Lincoln Middle School. Applications are open through November 20, and we already have 13 applicants! One 7th-grade student will serve a two-year term, and one 8th-grade student will serve a one-year term, providing a valuable student perspective to help improve our schools and student experiences. I had the pleasure of presenting this opportunity to our 7th and 8th graders this weekβbe sure to ask your child about it! β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β π³οΈ 17 Days Until Election Day! π β Lastly, we have several upcoming events related to our Referendum 2024: Building Brighter Futures. These events provide a great opportunity for families to ask questions, learn more, and stay informed: π« Saturday, October 19 | 8:30 AM Lincoln Middle School, 700 W. Lincoln St. | Town Hall π₯ Monday, October 21 | 10 AM - 12 PM Frisbie Senior Center, 52 E. Northwest Highway | Information Booth π Tuesday, October 22 | 1 - 2:30 PM Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St. | Town Hall π» Tuesday, October 29 | 12 PM Another chance to join us on Zoom! Register HERE. π« Friday, November 1 9 AM: Guided Tour at Westbrook, 103 Busse Rd. 10:30 AM: Guided Tour at Lincoln Middle School, 700 W. Lincoln St. For more details, please visit our Referendum 2024 webpage here and check out our latest video, "Referendum 2024 - Building Brighter Futures," on our YouTube channel here. β β β β β Referendum 2024 Outreach Events β β β β β β β β Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we work together to provide the best possible educational experience for our students. All my best, Mary Gorr β β β β β β β β β β β β β Dr. Mary Gorr District 57 Superintendent of Schools Email: mgorr@d57.org Website: https://www.d57.org/ Location: 701 West Gregory Street, Mount Prospect, IL, USA Phone: 847-394-7300 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dist57/ Twitter: @dist57 β β β
Friday, Oct 18 2024
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π Attendance Matters: Help Your Child Thrive This Ye...
β β β β β β β β β β Tuesday, October 1, 2024 β Dear D57 Parents/Guardians, I hope your family is settling into the new school year! I want to take a moment to emphasize something pivotal to your student's success: showing up. We know that when our students attend school regularly, they not only strengthen their academic skills but also build meaningful relationships with their peers and teachers. Research shows us that students who are chronically absent (missing 10% or more of the school year) are less likely to read proficiently by third grade, achieve in middle school, and graduate from high school. That is why as a district, weβre committed to reducing absenteeism so our students can make the most of these critical learning and social experiences. We also know families play a huge role in this effort, and we need your partnership to make sure our students are showing up and thriving. Here are some ideas and information to support our partnership: β β β β β β β β β What You Can Do at Home: Talk to your student about the importance of being at school every day. Let them know their presence matters - to their teachers, their friends, and their future. Create a consistent bedtime and morning routine. It helps more than we realize! Prepare for school the night before - complete homework, pack backpacks, and get a good nightβs sleep. If something comes up and getting to school becomes a challenge, lean on your support network. Ask a family member, neighbor, or fellow parent for help! If your child says they donβt feel well, check in to see if they might be experiencing something like anxiety. Sometimes listening and a little encouragement are all they need to get to class! If you notice sudden changes in your childβs behavior, speak to their teacher. It could be related to something happening at school. Avoid scheduling appointments or vacations during school days whenever possible. β β β β β β β β β β Our Commitment to You: We track attendance daily and will reach out to you if we notice any concerning patterns. If attendance becomes an issue, we will listen and understand what might be causing your child to miss school. We will identify and offer resources and support to help overcome any challenges affecting school attendance. β β β β β Valid Absences According to the Illinois State Board of Education, a valid absence is one that is excused for a reason beyond the studentβs control, or for a reason that is a concern for the studentβs safety or health. Valid reasons for absence include: Illness, including mental or behavioral health Medical or therapeutic appointments Victim services provider appointments Religious holidays Death in the immediate family Family emergency Civic events β β β β Additionally, weβve gathered some resources from Attendance Works: Advancing Student Success By Reducing Chronic Absence and you can find them here. These resources offer additional information, strategies, and support to positively impact your childβs attendance and success. β β β β Check out Additional Resources! β β β β At the end of the day, we all want the same thing - for our students to reach their full potential and feel confident as they move through their school journey and life. Together, we can make that happen by ensuring theyβre in school, engaged, and supported. You can find more information on the District 57 website. Please know we are here for you and your child. Reach out with any questions or concerns. In the Spirit of Education, Dr. Mary Gorr Superintendent β β β β β β β β β β β β β Dr. Mary Gorr District 57 Superintendent of Schools Email: mgorr@d57.org Website: https://www.d57.org/ Location: 701 West Gregory Street, Mount Prospect, IL, USA Phone: 847-394-7300 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dist57/ Twitter: @dist57 β β β
Tuesday, Oct 01 2024
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β¨π Board Meeting Highlights + Upcoming Town Halls Info!
β β β β β β β β β β September 20, 2024 β Dear District 57 Families, I hope you are all settling into your school routines, finding balance, and enjoying the continued warm weather as we transition into fall. Itβs been wonderful seeing our students engaged and thriving in their classrooms, and Iβm so grateful for the strong partnership between our families and schools. As we move further into the school year, Iβm excited to share some important updates from last nightβs Board of Education meeting. β β β β β β β β Congratulations to Our Tenured Staff! β We are so proud to acknowledge our tenured staff members who have shown incredible dedication to our students and schools. At Fairview Elementary, congratulations to Amanda H. Fouch, 2nd Grade Teacher, and Cindy Buell, Emergent Bilingual Teacher. At Lions Park, we are honored to celebrate Carol M. Bemben, SOAR Teacher, Amanda (Mandy) Tainter, 2nd Grade Teacher, and Carolyn K. Zeffery, English Learner Teacher. At Westbrook, Carol A. Capra, LRC Director, and Cheron A. Zei, 1st Grade Teacher, are recognized for their hard work. Finally, at Lincoln Middle School, congratulations goes to Laura M. Juliano, Math Teacher, Linda M. Payne, Interventionist, and Lora Cremascoli, Special Education Teacher. We are so grateful for their commitment to making every day meaningful for our students! β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β β Public Hearing on the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year Budget β In addition to these wonderful recognitions, we held a Public Hearing on the 2024-2025 fiscal year budget, which was officially approved last night. Dr. Jason Kaiz, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations, presented a budget that reflects our commitment to maintaining fiscal responsibility while ensuring that resources are used effectively to create a safe and nurturing learning environment for all. We continue to rely heavily on local revenue, with 91.8% of our funds coming from these sources, primarily property taxes. Kaiz also reviewed our projected revenue and expenditures for the next fiscal year, which will help us stay on track with our strategic financial goals. You can see the slide presentation here and watch the public hearing here. β β β β β β β β β β β β β Advanced Learner Review β Dr. Kristin Vonder Haar, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning, and Melissa Hinshaw from Northwestern Univeristy's Center for Talent Development presented our Advanced Learner Review. This review, which stemmed from our equity audit, provided valuable insights into how we can better serve our advanced learners. While we are proud of our above-average performance in reading and math, the review highlighted areas where we can continue to grow, particularly in supporting special populations. A task force will be established this year to help us address these priorities and ensure every student reaches their full potential. You can watch this Advanced Learner Review presentation here. β β β β β β β β β MPESPA Contract Approval β Iβm also pleased to share that the Board of Education officially approved the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Mount Prospect Educational Support Professionals Association (MPESPA). This contract defines employee rights, compensation, leave policies, and other important provisions. It was a long journey to reach this agreement, and I want to extend my sincere gratitude to MPESPA, the Board of Education, and our Human Resources Department for their dedication to the process. This agreement reflects our commitment to supporting all of our staff members as they continue to play a vital role in each student's success. β β β β β β β β β β β β Upcoming Town Hall Meetings β Referendum 2024 β Before I wrap up, I want to remind you about our upcoming Town Hall meetings on the districtβs Referendum 2024 ballot question. The next Town Hall is Thursday, Sept. 26 from 6:30-8 pm at Westbrook School for Young Learners (103 Busse Road). These meetings are a great opportunity to learn more, ask questions, and take a tour of our facilities. I encourage you to attend and spread the word to neighbors and friends so we can keep everyone informed and engaged. For more details, including how to submit a question or request a tour, please visit the Referendum 2024 section on our website, where we also provide information and FAQs about the referendum. β β β β Referendum 2024 Town Halls β β β β β β β β Thank you, as always, for your continued support. I look forward to seeing many of you at our Town Hall meetings! In the spirit of education, Mary β β β β β β β β β β β β β Dr. Mary Gorr District 57 Superintendent of Schools Email: mgorr@d57.org Website: https://www.d57.org/ Location: 701 West Gregory Street, Mount Prospect, IL, USA Phone: 847-394-7300 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dist57/ Twitter: @dist57 β β β
Friday, Sep 20 2024