News from District 153

February 6, 2025

District 153 Family,

We recognize news about recent executive orders raises questions and concerns about public education, especially for our community's children.

All children deserve a high-quality education that fosters academic excellence and well-being regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, ability, religion or any other identifying characteristic.

District 153 stands by our community and school district values which include learning, relationships, respect, excellence and equity. These values guide us every day and anchor us when navigating difficult circumstances. We will do everything within our power to uphold them.

We are committed to maintaining local authority over our curriculum, teaching and learning. In addition, we will strongly support our teachers and staff as they implement our curriculum and policies, including those that support the social and emotional well-being of our students.

We understand there are also concerns about the possible loss of federal education funds. Although a small percentage of District 153's funding comes from federal sources, we will closely monitor any developments for their possible impact on our schools.

Education is a fundamental right guaranteed to all children and foundational to a democratic society. A strong and thriving public school system is essential to the success, prosperity and future of our communities, states and nation.

District 153 and its Board of Education will remain focused on our mission that all children will learn, and all children will be served.

Sincerely,

Shelly Marks, President

District 153 Board of Education

Scott McAlister, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Welcome to Black History Month 2025! All month long, Panther TV at James Hart School will produce and air a different BHM segment each school day.

CLICK HERE to view the series and check back each school day to learn something new.

District 153 salutes all the athletes from our three schools who participated in recent Special Olympics basketball skills competitions! And many, many thanks to their coaches, peer partners and loved ones who have cheered them on every step of the way.

Athletes from James Hart: *Brian Blach, Andy Carron, Tristan Clark, *Angel Corona Ramirez, Ross McManus, and Alonzo Wilson

Athletes from Churchill: *Jessie Jursa, Aris Olive, Aaron Payne, Randall Walters

Athletes Willow: John Donovan, Ashton Freeman, Logan McKeon, Moriah Nelson, RaAsim Rhymes, Grace Sailsberry, Tre Sanders, Kainoa Watson

*Qualified for the state competition in March!

The Board of Education celebrated the winning season of James Hart School's 8th-grade girls basketball team at its Feb. 3rd meeting. The Panthers reached the final four in the state tournament.

Team Members: Kylee Evans, Khloe Figures, Gavynn Hall, Cirai Henderson, Lynn Hill, Alonna Latham, Isabella Laxton, Mykel Leigh, Jia Tyler, Skylar White, Taja White

Coaches: Chris Blankenship, Henry Stuttley

February 6th marked the 100th day of school. Our Willow Wildcats celebrated with centenarians in kindergarten, master brain builders in 1st grade, and a salute to the Roaring Twenties in 2nd grade.

Homewood School District 153 is the proud home of the James Hart Panthers, Churchill Bulldogs and Willow Wildcats.

Email: shelley.peck@hsd153.org
Website: hsd153.org
Location: 18205 Aberdeen Street, Homewood, IL, 60430
Phone: 708-799-8721
Facebook: facebook.com/hsd153
Instagram: instagram.com/homewood153