Welcome Back!
August 14, 2024
A Message from Superintendent of Schools Dr. Laurie Heinz
August 14, 2024
Dear District 15 Families,
The final weeks of summer are upon us — a bittersweet time for educators and students alike! I hope you and your family have had a fun-filled summer and are looking forward to what will be the most exciting start to the year ahead in D15 history. To say we have been busy this summer is truly an understatement!
Whether you are new to District 15 or returning, we want you to know and feel that You Belong Here. We are proud of our schools and this district. We want you to share our pride and we very much look forward to the new school year – a year full of limitless possibilities and many updates and upgrades as a result of our Moving 15 Forward plan. As you drove through the community this summer, I hope you saw some of the construction we have taking place at 12 out of our 20 schools.
Our facilities are undergoing a major transformation – one that has never before been seen in this district and we cannot wait for staff, students and families to return to school to see just what I mean.
Institute Days & Meet the Teacher
During Institute Days, teachers will be hard at work getting their classrooms settled. These days allow staff to engage in ongoing education designed to support their use of new curricular resources. Staff will also spend time with building leaders and colleagues in order to get the school year off on a positive and student-focused note.
As part of Institute Days, elementary families are invited and encouraged to attend our annual Meet the Teacher on Tuesday, September 3rd from 1:45-2:30 pm. During this time, families are able to visit the classroom to drop off heavy school supplies, meet their teacher and classmates, and check out their school.
12 of our 20 schools were under construction this summer so expect to see changes! We know everyone will be impressed with how amazing our schools look and will especially like the warm and inviting learning environment their teachers have created, spaces that will only get warmer once students return to school.
Every Day Counts Attendance Initiative
As we gear up for the new school year, I am excited to introduce our Every Day Counts: Here Today, Achieve Tomorrow initiative. This initiative emphasizes the importance of daily attendance to foster academic success and personal growth.
One key feature of this program is sending families personalized, monthly communication about their child's attendance and how it compares to their peers in District 15. Families need to opt in by replying with a "Y" to the first text; you can opt out at any time.
Let's work together to ensure every student maximizes their learning through consistent attendance. Together, we can make every day count!
Fall MAP Testing
It may seem too early to even think about Fall Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) testing, but it’ll be here before we know it due to our later start dates. Here’s what you need to know about MAP testing:
Students in grades 2-8 will participate in MAP Testing in reading and math beginning September 11. MAP tests are unique because they adapt to your child’s responses to measure your child’s skill level. If your child answers a question correctly, the next question is more challenging. If your child answers incorrectly, the next question is easier.
These results provide a more complete picture of what your child knows and is ready to learn — whether it is on, above, or below their grade level. MAP tests measure students’ achievement and growth. Teachers use results to identify students with similar learning needs, tailor classroom lessons, and set goals for students. MAP results will be shared with families in early October.
Still Hiring – You Belong Here!
District 15 is still hiring bus drivers, program assistants, and substitute teachers, along with a few other positions. If you or someone you know is interested in applying to join the D15 team, please visit our employment website!
