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Click the District 47 calendar below for more information on these events.

November

• Nov. 25 & 26: No School; Parent-Teacher Conferences (PreK-8th Grade)
• Nov. 27-29: No School; Thanksgiving Break

December

• Dec. 16: Board of Education Meeting
• Dec. 23: No School; Winter Break Begins

** The 2025-2026 school calendar is board approved and is now available on the website. Click the link below to view.

This month’s Standards-Based Grading update focuses on summative assessments, which evaluate a student’s understanding at the end of a unit or topic. Click here for the full update, or visit the Standards-Based Grading page on our website for all communications, resources, and frequently asked questions.

This school year, 3rd and 5th grade students will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) between December 2 - 13. This assessment is one measure the district uses to determine extended curriculum (EC) placements for students. Results will be shared in January, EC placements will be shared mid-late May, and parents will be contacted by their child’s school if they qualify for the program. Click here for more information.

District 47 continues to be a leader in providing mental health resources and early intervention for students. This Fox 32 Chicago news segment highlights the peer-to-peer support of our Hope Squads and Daybreak, our teletherapy service available to students and families in need. Highlighting another key partnership, Elyssa's Mission supports our suicide prevention efforts by funding Hope Squads and providing depression awareness programs for middle school students. The district is raising awareness and reducing the stigma around mental health, adding an important layer to our school safety initiatives by addressing student needs before issues arise.

At the November 18 board meeting, Dr. Hinz presented an overview of the boundary review process, the factors considered, and details of the two scenarios. A recording of the presentation is available for anyone who couldn't attend or watch during the meeting. Click here to view the presentation. A final vote is scheduled for the next board meeting at 7:00 p.m. on December 16 at the CORE Center, 300 Commerce Drive, Crystal Lake. If you have not already provided your thoughts, we encourage you to share your feedback with the board through the form on our website. The board values this input and is considering it as they make their decision.

Kindness is making its mark in our middle schools thanks to a new virtual kindness wall sponsored by the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Part of a nationwide effort, this initiative encourages students and staff to share uplifting messages that rotate across all three schools. In just the first day, more than 250 submissions were made by students and staff. Click here to read more and see some of the positive messages.

Kindergarteners imagined it, middle schoolers created it! North’s little artists designed frightfully fun monsters, and Bernotas 7th/8th grade FACS students brought them to life, stitch by stitch. From creepy to cuddly, these handmade creatures show the power of teamwork, creativity, and building connections across grade levels.

The Strategic Planning Committee held its first meeting on November 12, kicking off an important process to guide our district's future. The group began by reviewing the current mission statement and sharing ideas to shape a new direction for the district. The next meeting on December 4 will focus on refining the vision statement.

This strategic planning process will chart our course for the next five years, building on strengths and identifying opportunities for growth. The committee represents a diverse group of stakeholders, including board members, staff, students, parents/guardians, and community members, ensuring all voices are heard.

The purpose of Faces of D47 is to highlight any individual who serves District 47. We know we have a strong community in our district and want to learn more about the individuals who make District 47 a great place to work, learn, and volunteer. Be sure to check out our most recent posts!

Our district celebrated Veterans Day by inviting family members to join in a day of crafts, assemblies, performances, and more. It was a wonderful chance to honor veterans and connect with our community. Thank you to everyone who helped make the day special!

Mrs. Winsor's kindergarten class wrapped up their Global Read Aloud adventure at West Elementary. Over the past six weeks, they explored picture books, completed activities, and connected virtually with a class in Canada to exchange stories about their homes and schools.

After a public hearing at the District 47 board of education meeting on November 18, 2024, the board voted to adopt the 2024 tax levy. Visit the District 47 website for more information on the tax levy.

With winter weather approaching, it's a good time to review our Winter Weather Guidelines and Emergency Alerts & Closings information on the website. District 47 utilizes the Blackboard notification system to alert families to an emergency situation or to cancel school due to inclement weather. Blackboard is linked to Synergy (ParentVue), our current student database management system, so in the event of an emergency you will receive alerts to all devices that are currently on file with your child’s school. Please contact your school to update your information if necessary.

View Meeting Agenda

Meeting Highlights

• Dr. Hinz and Aimee Kasper presented a Fall Data Review, including demographics, 5Essentials survey results, ACCESS, IAR, and Fastbridge assessment results.
• The Board of Education discussed the two Middle School Boundary change options. Before the board's discussion, Dr. Hinz presented an overview of the boundary review process, the factors considered, and details of the two scenarios. A recording of the presentation is available for anyone who couldn't attend or watch during the meeting. Click here to view the presentation.
• In an official hearing and resolution adopting and directing the filling of the certificate of the 2024 tax levy, the Board of Education approved the 2024 Tax Levy. Click here for more information.
  

The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 16, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. at CORE Center (300 Commerce Dr., Crystal Lake) and virtually via Zoom.

This board update is a summary that includes brief highlights of selected topics and items from the meeting. This summary is not meant to replace minutes. The minutes for each meeting are approved and posted after the next regularly scheduled meeting. The complete Board packet of information, including presentations and reports, is available online.