The 21 Ledger

Registration for returning students is now available for the 2025–2026 school year! Registering early allows our schools to plan staffing and resources more effectively, and gives your family one less thing to worry about later in the summer. Don’t wait—visit ccsd21.org/registration today to complete the process and get ready for another great year in District 21!

We are excited to extend a warm invitation to you and your child to join us for our upcoming Kindergarten Preview Nights! As your child’s educational journey begins, we believe it’s essential for families to explore and understand the environment where their little ones will learn and grow.

• Kilmer - Monday, May 5
• Twain - Tuesday, May 6
• Poe and Riley - Wednesday, May 7
• Tarkington - Thursday, May 8
• Whitman - Monday, May 12
• Frost and Longfellow - Tuesday, May 13
• Field - Wednesday, May 14

Families from across the area gathered on April 26 for our Health & Wellness Fair, where more than 30 local sponsors and service providers offered free resources, screenings, and information to support the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of community members of all ages.

“The Health & Wellness Fair is about creating access,” said Janelle Hockett, director of professional and community learning. "We know that when families have the resources they need to thrive, students succeed in and out of the classroom. This event is one more way we are working to meet families where they are and ensure they feel supported and connected."

We would like to thank all the sponsors and volunteers who helped make the event a success!

Consistent attendance is a key ingredient in student success. When students are in school every day, they have more opportunities to learn, connect with peers, and engage with their teachers. Good attendance helps build routines, fosters responsibility, and sets the foundation for academic achievement. Whether it's a hands-on science experiment, a group project, or a class discussion, every day counts—and every absence is a missed opportunity to grow. Let’s work together to ensure our students are present, prepared, and ready to learn!

District 21 utilizes the MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) Growth assessment as one measure to provide information on student academic growth. MAP is a unique computer assessment that adapts to your child’s level of understanding and mastery of skills. The difficulty level of each question is adjusted based on the student’s answers.

Students in second grade through eighth grade will be assessed in Reading and Mathematics and first grade students will be assessed in Reading during the test window of May 5-16.

If you have any questions about the MAP assessment, please contact your child's principal.

As part of our ongoing efforts to improve communication, academics, and the overall student experience, District 21 is administering the Panorama Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Survey.

Students in grades 3–8 will complete the online survey during the school day, which should take about 20–30 minutes. Their feedback will provide valuable insights into areas such as social awareness, self-management, emotional regulation, and supportive relationships.

For students in preschool through 2nd grade, teachers will complete a separate Panorama perception survey, reflecting on students' SEL skills, including engagement, learning strategies, and self-efficacy.

We encourage all students in grades 3–8 to participate. If you have any questions about the survey, please contact your child’s principal.

Super Saturday-Family Friendly Performances

THE DREAMTREE SHAKERS
Saturday, May 17

11-11:45 a.m.

All ages. An Old Town School of Folk Music family-friendly concert in celebration of their fifth studio album and picture book tie-in release of Baby Bear Wonders About the Sea. With Jeremy Babcock on guitar and vocals, Mani Bances on flute and saxophone, and Lenny Marsh on drums, this magical concert full of stories from the sea is sure to inspire all. TR

TR = Ticket registration. Free tickets distributed 30 minutes before the program on a first-come, first-served basis at the Youth Services Desk.

Did you know… As a district we, are proud to celebrate the diversity of our learning community! These are some traditions and holidays celebrated and acknowledged in our community this month. This month we begin by celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day and Memorial Day. If you’d like to learn more, click on the links. Also, don’t hesitate to reach out and share with our Language Services Department any special holidays or celebrations we can add to our resources!

Please join us in giving a warm welcome and congratulations to the new principals of Holmes, Longfellow and Twain! We are excited to have such dedicated and passionate leaders joining (or continuing their journey in) our District 21 family. Their commitment to fostering strong school communities and supporting student success will help guide each school to new heights.

Congratulations to:

🙌 Ben Neidich on becoming the new principal of Holmes

🙌 Emily Gary on becoming the new principal of Longfellow

🙌 Lisa Applequist on becoming the new principal of Twain

You can read more about them here.

Please join us in congratulating and welcoming two outstanding additions to our District 21 leadership team! We are proud to introduce our Lewis Roberts as our new Executive Director of Human Resources and Sherri Massi as our new Director of Student Services.

These talented professionals bring a wealth of experience, dedication, and a deep commitment to supporting our staff and students. We’re excited for the impact they will have in strengthening our district and helping every learner thrive.

On May 20, CCSD21 will celebrate the one-year anniversary of the District 21 Health Center! In just one year, the center has become a vital part of our school community—offering accessible medical, mental health, and preventative care to hundreds of students.

As we mark this milestone, we encourage families to take advantage of the center’s many services—from check-ups and vaccinations to counseling and health education.

Read more about the health center here.

This past Tuesday, Poe's STEAM night featured a virtual reality activity! Students traveled to places like France, Japan, the Amazon Rainforest, the Milky Way Galaxy, and more, experiencing each destination up close! It was a great night and a lot of learning and fun was had by all!

Field fourth grader Julia C. took the stage with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra on April 30, joining seven other students and a full ensemble of professional musicians for a remarkable performance. At just 10 years old, Julia earned her spot after winning the 2025 Bach Double Violin Competition — a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that showcased her extraordinary talent and marked a major milestone in her musical journey.

Congratulations to London Middle School science teacher Tracy Crowley, who was awarded a prestigious Fund for Teachers fellowship! This summer, she will travel to Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia to study the interconnectedness of human and natural systems. Her hands-on experience will help bring real-world science into her classroom and inspire her students to become curious and engaged environmental stewards.

Don't call it a comeback! For the third time in four years, Cooper Middle School’s Symphonic Winds will return to the Illinois SuperState Concert Band Festival on Friday, May 9, as one of only seven middle school bands in the state to be invited to the state-wide event. Congratulations, Cobras!

With it being my senior year, that means my graduation is coming up! I can’t say that I am necessarily nervous—it’s more of a nervous excitement. While I will, of course, miss certain aspects of high school and the people I’ve met, I am looking forward to the next step.

Read his full update here.

Kenny and 17 talented Knights showcased their skills in writing, design, photography, and broadcast news production, earning the title of best journalism program in Illinois! Congratulations!

Want a quick, easy way to stay informed about what’s happening at the Board of Education level? Our latest Board Briefs is now available! This month’s update includes the introduction of two new board members, a look at our newly structured board leadership, and a heartfelt farewell to longtime board member Phil Pritzker, who competed his service after a remarkable 36 years.

Stay connected. Stay informed.