Board Highlights

District 97 schools are committed to creating engaging and inclusive learning environments that support every child’s growth. Each year, our building leadership teams (BLTs) create detailed school improvement logic models to plan, implement and evaluate school improvement initiatives.

All 10 schools will be presenting their school improvement logic models at board meetings throughout the 2024-25 school year. Hatch and Whittier elementary schools kicked off the presentations on Tuesday night, sharing how they are applying their logic models to create positive, student-centered changes.

• Hatch Elementary School highlighted the importance of student voice, cognitive engagement and belonging. Notably, Hatch students expressed a desire for more hands-on activities and discussion-based learning, leading teachers to incorporate new strategies, like math games, to make learning more interactive and fun. Efforts to engage families through various channels, like newsletters and events, were also highlighted as key in fostering community involvement.
  
  

• Whittier Elementary School is also seeing positive academic growth, thanks to its focus on core instructional practices, teacher collaboration and continued implementation of the school’s “Strategic 7.” They are enhancing the school climate by making sure every student feels welcome and included, with a focus on reviewing data to ensure all students have equitable access to resources. Family engagement is a priority, with surveys, focus groups, and parent involvement in school activities.

You can view the full presentation by clicking the following links (specific school portions are linked above): Recording | Slides

Information about future school logic model presentations will be shared ahead of board meetings via our Weekly Wrap-Up newsletter.

As part of Transformation Goal 2, “We Design for All,” District 97 is focusing on improving how we teach at both elementary and middle schools. One of our top priorities this year is enhancing K-5 literacy instruction.

Tuesday’s presentation highlighted the district's Respect-the-Practitioners approach, which values the expertise, collaboration and input of teachers working directly with students. This year, several schools (Beye, Hatch, Irving and Whittier) are piloting new literacy resources that are aligned with state standards and supported by research. Teachers are receiving ongoing training to help all students develop strong reading and writing skills, focusing on foundational elements like phonics and vocabulary.

Families will also play a key role in this process by providing feedback on the new resources being tested. For more information about the literacy pilot and curriculum review process, check out our recent community update, “K-5 English Language Arts Pilot in Full Swing Across District 97,” or our Frequently Asked Questions.

District 97 is excited to continue its work with teachers and families to foster stronger literacy skills and a lifelong love of reading for all students.

2024 Illinois Report Card

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) will release the annual Illinois Report Card on Oct. 30. The 2024 Report Card provides a snapshot of school performance data from the 2023-24 school year.

Our school report cards will be available at www.illinoisreportcard.com, and will also be linked in next week’s Weekly Wrap-Up newsletter.

Data from the Illinois Report Card will be integrated into the district’s Transformation Goal updates throughout the 2024-25 school year. You can learn more about the four D97 Transformation Goals in the Oct. 8 Board Highlights.

Next Board Meeting

The District 97 Board of Education will hold its regularly-scheduled business meeting on Nov. 12, 2024.

Meeting agendas, recordings and materials can be found on our new Diligent platform: https://op97.diligent.community/Portal/