June 14, 2024

This spring and summer, we’ve kicked off a series of community engagement events to gather feedback on how to best address some of our district’s biggest challenges. We’re gearing up to offer the state-mandated full-day kindergarten program by the 2027-2028 school year and tackle the facilities challenges at both Westbrook School for Young Learners and Lincoln Middle School.

Join us at one of these upcoming Public Engagement events to lend your voice!

Our family feel and individualized approach create a special environment where our students excel. They perform well above the state average, and our schools are highly rated, with two exemplary and two commendable ratings. Many of our graduates return to raise their families here, and many of our staff members and teachers are district graduates and residents themselves.

But we’re facing a big challenge. The State of Illinois requires us to implement full-day kindergarten by 2027, and we don’t have the space or staff to meet this unfunded mandate. Our neighboring districts already offer full-day kindergarten, and our families deserve the same opportunity.

Our community has also voiced the need for additional improvements. We have the largest class sizes among our peer districts, outdated classrooms and science labs, and limited space for innovative and STEM programming. Teachers often provide one-on-one and small group instruction in hallways due to a lack of space. Our gyms are too small, and some schools lack fire sprinklers and have accessibility challenges.

Despite being one of the most fiscally conservative districts in the region, we can’t achieve full-day kindergarten or the desired improvements without additional funding. To implement full-day kindergarten without new revenue, we’d have to increase class sizes, use mobile classrooms, and divert resources from athletics, music, and art.

That’s why we’re coming together to develop a fiscally responsible plan. By working together, we can provide a comprehensive kindergarten experience and improve our learning environments. This collaborative process will identify key improvements for our schools, resulting in a community-driven plan for the future.

Join us on this journey! Follow our progress and get more information at our new Community Engagement webpage Let’s ensure our kids receive the same quality educational opportunities as students in neighboring districts. Together, we can make a difference. 🌟📚

Check out our new Community Engagement webpage to learn more!

We are thrilled to welcome Marty Heffner as the new principal of Westbrook School for Young Learners! Announced at the June 13 Board of Education meeting, Marty will officially step into his new role on July 1, 2024. With Westbrook's stellar reputation for early childhood education, we couldn't be more excited about the wealth of experience and enthusiasm Marty brings to the table.

Marty's impressive background includes a Superintendent Endorsement from Northern Illinois University and a Master of Education in School Leadership from Northeastern Illinois University. His journey in educational leadership has seen him excel as Assistant Principal at The Joseph Sears School in Kenilworth, IL, and Dean of Students at Oliver McCracken Middle School in Skokie, IL.

"I am thrilled to join the Westbrook community and lead a school that is so dedicated to the foundational years of education,” says Marty. "I look forward to working with the talented staff, engaged parents, and our youngest learners to create a nurturing and dynamic educational experience."

Marty is known for fostering collaboration, enhancing teacher and student development, and building meaningful relationships with everyone he works with. His leadership roles have included program coordination, staff development, student behavior support, and community engagement. He has also developed and implemented comprehensive curricular programs and initiatives that align perfectly with Pre-K-8 programming.

“Marty Heffner brings a wealth of knowledge and a collaborative spirit that perfectly aligns with the values of Westbrook and District 57," said Dr. Mary Gorr. "His proven track record in educational leadership will be invaluable as we continue to support our students’ growth and development in their critical early years.”

To celebrate Marty’s arrival, Westbrook is hosting a fun-filled Popsicles in the Park event at Westbrook School for Young Learners, 103 Busse Rd., on August 1, 2024, at 5:00 PM. Come meet Marty, enjoy a sweet treat, and join us in welcoming him to the Westbrook family!

Mark your calendars and get ready to give a warm welcome to Marty Heffner! 🎉🍦

This May, Lincoln Middle School did it again! For the sixth year in a row, they've been recognized as a 2023-24 Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished School. This prestigious honor is awarded to select middle schools across the U.S. for providing outstanding learning experiences through the dynamic STEM curriculum, PLTW Gateway, for grades 6-8.

"I am incredibly proud that our school has received this award," said Principal Eric Larson. "This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to providing unique learning experiences for our students. Together, we will continue to inspire and empower our students to excel in the dynamic fields of science and technology."

The PLTW Distinguished School recognition shines a spotlight on District 57's dedication to increasing student access, engagement, and achievement in STEM. Lincoln Middle School met various criteria, including the percentage of students participating in PLTW, the number of PLTW units offered, and efforts to ensure equitable access to these courses.

Our superstar Broad Experience teacher, Elizabeth Straczek, who leads the program, added, "It's a source of pride to instruct this program within a school and district that prioritizes both fine arts and STEAM curricula. Receiving this award for the sixth consecutive year underscores our dedication to offering equitable educational opportunities to our middle school students."

Middle school is a critical time for influencing future success in high school, college, and careers. By providing our students with relevant, engaging, and real-world learning experiences, we open doors to a multitude of career paths and possibilities.

Dr. David Dimmett, PLTW President and CEO, praised Lincoln's efforts: "We are honored to recognize Lincoln Middle School for their commitment to providing students with exceptional educational experiences while ensuring equitable access to PLTW programs. We congratulate them on this achievement and celebrate their dedication to empowering students with the knowledge and skills to succeed, not only in STEM subjects but preparing them for future careers and life beyond the classroom."

Our Lincoln Middle School community, alongside PreK-12 schools, colleges, universities, and corporate partners across the country, is united in our mission to inspire, engage, and empower our students. We are excited to continue this journey of excellence in STEM education!

For more information about PLTW’s Distinguished Program Recognition, visit pltw.org.

Way to go, Lincoln Lions! Keep roaring! 🦁🎓✨

This spring our schools continued some cherished traditions that blend education, history, and community spirit. Each year, our students participate in activities that not only enrich their learning but also deepen their connection to Mount Prospect's vibrant heritage.

One of the most beloved traditions is the annual 2nd-grade Mount Prospect historical tour. Our 2nd graders from Fairview Elementary and Lions Park schools went on an exciting journey through Mount Prospect's past. This immersive experience includes visits to William Busse's historic homes, where students learn about one of the town's founding figures. They explore St. John Lutheran Church and its cemetery, gaining insights into the significance of this landmark. At Central School, they delve into the roots of education in Mount Prospect, and at St. Paul Lutheran Church, they uncover another layer of the town's rich history. The trip culminates in a delightful treat at Capannari Ice Cream, a sweet spot that used to be the Moehling General Store, tying together the past and present in the most delicious way!

Other incredible traditions include...

The annual wax museums and science fairs at both Fairview Elementary and Lions Park schools are always a highlight. These events spark a love for history and foster a love for science, as our young scientists explore, experiment, and proudly showcase their findings.

As first graders prepare to become rising 2nd graders, they take special tours of their respective schools, Fairview and Lions Park. This helps them feel comfortable and excited about moving up, building anticipation and confidence for the new school year.

For our 5th graders, the transition to middle school is made smoother with a preview tour of Lincoln Middle School. This tradition helps ease any anxieties, making students feel welcomed and ready to take on the exciting challenges of middle school.

These traditions (and more not listed!) are integral to the fabric of District 57, fostering a sense of continuity, excitement, and community among our students. As we celebrate these events year after year, we are reminded of the importance of honoring our past, engaging with the present, and looking forward to a bright future for all our students.

Here’s to another year of learning, exploration, and joy in District 57!

We are thrilled to celebrate the incredible journey of the Lincoln Middle School Class of 2024. This remarkable group of 8th graders culminated their middle school experience with an unforgettable graduation ceremony on May 28 that featured special guest speakers, musical performances, awards, and more. While we already miss these wonderful humans, we are so excited for their journeys to come. To view the full photo gallery from the graduation, click here.

Our 8th graders had a memorable sendoff: a trip to Great America, an aloha-themed dance, a picnic, and a wall of their baby photos alongside their 8th-grade photo. What a wonderful tribute to their dedication, resilience, and community!

We wish the Lincoln Middle School Class of 2024 the very best as they embark on their high school journey and beyond. May they continue to be adaptable, resilient, collaborative, critical thinkers, and empathetic individuals who make a positive impact on the world.

Congratulations, graduates! Your future is bright! 🌞

This past school year was a time to celebrate some very special members of our Mount Prospect District 57 family: our retirees and staff who have reached significant milestones, marking 10 to 30 years of dedicated service. 🎉

We recognize the incredible contributions of our retirees, who have each made a lasting impact on our students, staff, and community. Their dedication, passion, and hard work have helped shape countless young minds, and we are forever grateful for their service. Best wishes to: Alice Chapman, Mary Hunt, Heidi Jorgenson, Donna Kennedy, Diane Reddinger, Laura Stamison, Randy Steen, Carolyn Young, and Michelle Walsh.

In addition to our retirees, we celebrated our milestone staff members who have hit impressive marks in their careers with District 57. From 10-year service awards to those who have been with us for an amazing 30 years, these individuals have shown unwavering commitment and love for what they do. Their years of service reflect not only their professional excellence but also their deep connection to our district's mission and values.