Focus on 47

Para leer este boletín en otro idioma, haga clic en el enlace en la parte superior del correo electrónico o en cualquier parte del boletín. Luego, haga clic en el botón Translate (Traducir) en la parte superior y elija su idioma en el menú desplegable.

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

October

• Oct. 23: Early Release Day
• Dismissal is 2pm (grades K-5); 1pm (grades 6-8); no attendance for PreK.

November

• Nov. 4: No School; Teacher Institute Day
• Nov. 5: No School; Election Day
• Nov. 13: Early Release Day
• Nov. 18: Board of Education Meeting

D155 dual credit students in McHenry County College's Intro to Education program recently shadowed teachers at Husmann Elementary and Bernotas Middle School. This experience provided insights into the teaching profession, allowing students to observe classroom management techniques and student engagement strategies. We loved teaming up for this enriching opportunity that helps shape the next generation of educators!

This month’s Standards-Based Grading update explores the role of formative assessment and how it ties into standards-based grading. Click here for the full update or visit the Standards-Based Grading page on our website for all communications, resources, and frequently asked questions.

Check out our story on NBC Chicago featuring our Director of Social Emotional Learning, Kristin Schmidt, and one of our Hope Squad members from Hannah Beardsley, 8th grader Ava. See how we’re taking action to support mental health in our schools through our partnership with Daybreak Health, offering free telehealth services, and empowering students with peer intervention training through Hope Squads.

The boundary committee selected two scenarios to present to the Board of Education. Every family in District 47 will receive an email today, October 22, with information specific to their address. (Please note: These letters were sent only to the residential parent in our system because they were personalized based on the main residence associated with Parent 1. The student's main residence is not always linked to Parent 2, which could lead to an incorrect boundary determination for them.)

The Board of Education will discuss the two scenarios at the November 18 board meeting, and the topic will return for a final vote at the December 16 board meeting. Please email communications@d47.org if you need clarification on your boundary assignment. Additional information including the two scenario maps, a FAQ, and feedback form can be found on the District 47 Boundaries page on the website.

Throughout District 47, our students and teachers celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month. From researching famous figures and painting the Mexican flag to diving into books and media that highlight Hispanic heritage, our classrooms were filled with meaningful activities all month!

Dr. Barbara Marler recently led a session for District 47 Special Education and EL educators, focusing on the importance of collaboration and resource sharing. A professional development opportunity funded by the district's IDEA grant, Dr. Marler offered valuable strategies for fostering inclusive, successful classrooms.

Don't forget to nominate a deserving staff member for the Elevate Award! Nominations for the fall round of our 2024-25 Elevate Awards are open until November 8th. Click here to nominate now!

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!

Tune in to the latest District 47 podcast where we turn our focus to the new math curriculum, exploring what problem-based instruction means and what it looks like in the classroom. We’re joined by Dr. Carolyn Stadlman, Director of Math, Science & STEM, along with Krystal Winsor, Kindergarten teacher at West Elementary, and Hannah Martel, 7th grade math teacher at Hannah Beardsley Middle School. Whether you're curious about how these changes will benefit students or just want to learn more, this is the perfect listen. It’s all about helping our students become stronger problem solvers and creative thinkers!

District 47 is proud to support the Crystal Lake Food Pantry by participating in the Community Harvest Food Drive again this year. Donations can be dropped off at the CORE Center, 300 Commerce Drive, or check your school's newsletter for other drop off locations. Click here to see a list of the most wanted items. Donations at the CORE Center will be accepted until Friday, November 22.

Email notifications can be sent out to inform District 47 families when lawn care product applications will take place on school grounds. If you would like to receive these notifications, please email communications@d47.org to be added to the list.

View Meeting Agenda

Meeting Highlights

• Approval of 2025-2026 School Calendar: The first day of school for students 1st-8th will be August 18, 2025, and the first day of school for PreK and kindergarten students will be August 19, 2025.
• Approval of the Crystal Lake Elementary Teachers' Association contract
• 2024 Tentative Tax Levy- The Board approved the 2024 tentative tax levy resolution and authorized administration to publish the public hearing notice following the timeline provided.

**Note: The student handbook was updated with language from new policies approved at the November board meeting.

The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 18, 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.