Dear Fremont Staff, Parents, and Community,
Happy New Year! We hope you enjoyed a restful winter break. We enjoyed welcoming back our students and staff as they returned with positive energy for the new year. January is a natural time to reflect back upon the school year to celebrate progress. Enjoy the following highlights:
District Honors & Recognition
On January 13, we learned that the Illinois Principals Association named two Fremont leaders as the Lake Region Principals of the year. Our very own Fremont Middle School principal Krista Winkelman (middle school category) and Elementary/Intermediate School principal Stefan Ladenburger (elementary school category) were selected as recipients of this honor.
On October 27, the Illinois State Board of Education announced the 2022 designation status for schools. Not only were all of our schools at the level of "Commendable" once again this year (a consistent designation since 2018), but Fremont Elementary School/Lincoln and Fremont Intermediate School have earned “Exemplary” status (in the top 10% of schools statewide with no underperforming student groups).
The Fremont Board of Education was named one of just 33 in the state to earn the 2022 School Board Governance Recognition designation.
Student Achievements, Activities & Service
Middle School 8th-grade Green, 8th-grade White, and 7th-grade White boys basketball teams all claimed conference championships.
For the 30th year, the grade 1-2 and 3-4 multi-age classes raised funds and then shopped at Target in Mundelein in order to benefit those in need during the holiday season via the Fremont Township Pantry.
Elementary School hosted computer scientist Janet Knowles from Argonne National Laboratory for a presentation during Computer Science Week.
Intermediate School fifth-grade classes attended Feed My Starving Children in Libertyville for a service project. Together, the classes packed over 300 boxes of food, which was enough food to feed more than 150 kids for a year.
45 seventh- and eighth-graders explored potential career fields by participating in a fall STEAM event at Lake County Tech Campus.
Safe & Secure Schools
FSD79 staff members participated in an enhanced annual safety summit with officials from Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Mundelein Police Department, and Countryside Fire Protection District.
The District participated in a safety and security audit with a national consultant in order to review and improve practices, facilities, and operations. Improvements to our entrance vestibules, visitor procedures, and internal communications are valuable outcomes that will result from this work.
A new “Text-a-Tip” program for our middle school students launched this year, providing access to a live mental health counselor within minutes of an initial text.
Prior to the start of the school year, we chose to incorporate the theme of “Better Together” to emphasize the importance of belonging and connection. It has been inspiring to see our theme not only incorporated but lived out throughout the District. Our teachers and staff remain dedicated and committed to the whole child educational approach in which our students feel supported in a safe and welcoming learning environment. I cannot wait to see what we will accomplish together by the end of this school year!
Sincerely,
Dr. Trisha Kocanda
Superintendent of Schools
