The 21 Ledger

Starting on Monday, we will practice emergency scenarios based on the Standard Response Protocol (SRP), a comprehensive approach to safety that has been carefully developed and implemented across our district. Check ParentSquare for your school's specific schedule!

This March, CCSD21 reminds families that at every stage of life, it's never too early or too late to eat healthy! The benefits of good nutrition add up over time—bite by bite. Small changes make a big difference! Healthy eating supports learning by fueling growing bodies and minds, helping students stay focused and ready to succeed in school. Here are some simple tips to help get started!

We, your school resource officers, have been visiting classrooms to discuss different internet safety topics. One of the topics we have been discussing is what a positive and negative digital footprint or online reputation looks like. In addition, it is even more important to have the conversation now, especially for those who are a few months away from becoming high school students. Read their full update here.

Every spring, our students take federally required assessments that help us understand how they are growing academically, compared to their peers across the state. The Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR), which assesses students in grades 3-8 in both English language arts and math, will run through March 21. The Illinois Science Assessment (ISA) is slated to be administered to all fifth and eighth grade students between April 2 and 11. What can you do? Ensure your child arrives at school on time, have them eat a healthy breakfast at home or at school, ensure they get a good night of sleep, and gently encourage them to do their best! If you have questions, please feel free to contact your child’s principal.

Help your student AND their classmates! Research shows that one student’s absence negatively impacts the learning of an entire classroom.

Encourage your student to be in class everyday they’re not sick to support the success of all students.

The two-year, $20,000 grants for each of the three schools will be used to cover the cost of training, materials and opportunities for elementary school students to participate in PLTW modules through school clubs as well as summer school science, technology, engineering and mathematics opportunities.

Read the full story here.

Another total lunar eclipse is coming to America on March 13-14! Here is some more information about this spectacular astronomical event!

The Indian Trails Library has many events and workshops for students and their families during February. Check out the calendar of events for specific activities and times this month.

Did You Know… As a district we are proud to celebrate the diversity of our learning community! Some of the celebrations taking place during the month of March include: Read Across America, International Women’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Greece’s Independence Day, Holi: Festival of Colors, Casimir Pulaski’s Day, Beginning of Ramadan. If you’d like to learn more, click on the links! If there is a celebration that we missed, don’t hesitate to reach out and share it with our Language Services Department.

During Ramadan, we want to remind our families that we are here to support you and your children during this special time. If your child requires any special consideration during this time (e.g., having an alternative location during lunchtime or avoiding strenuous activities during PE), please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to help and want to ensure that all students feel comfortable at school during Ramadan.

Looking for a fun and engaging way to keep your child active over spring break? OMNI’s Spring Break Camp, running from March 24-28, features group challenges, social skill games, interactive fun, and plenty of sports and active playtime!

• View the flyer (English)
• View the flyer (Spanish)

During their meeting on Feb. 20, the Board of Education officially approved the process by which approximately $2.75 million will be transferred from the district’s internal service fund to its education fund. "By responsibly managing our financial resources, we are able to strengthen the educational experience for our students, support our educators, and continue making strategic investments that align with the district’s long-term goals," said Micheal DeBartolo, assistant superintendent for finance and operations/CSBO. Read the full story here.

Congratulations to Jillian Dorn, who was named the new principal for Tarkington Elementary School, effective July 1! Jillian has served as the school's assistant principal for the past four years.

Read the full story here.

With two years of college credits, college students are now able to sub. If you know someone that is interested in subbing, please send them this link!

More information about our substitute procedures can be found here.

Click here to learn about six easy cybersecurity tips to keep your accounts safe!

Here are some tips about how to keep your student’s Chromebook clean:

• Use a microfiber cloth, paper towel, or even an old T-Shirt to gently wipe off stains.

• Do not use water or soaking wet wipes: this can damage the device. Instead, please use a spray cleaner that is designed for electronics.

• Compressed air works great for removing stubborn crumbs and pieces hiding between the keys.

• Keep food and drinks away from the Chromebook.

• Remind your student to please carry their Chromebook in the case to prevent it from getting dirty.

SEVEN staff members across our district were among the Illinois State Board of Education’s 2025 recipients for the Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year program, which honors educators who have made significant contributions to Illinois’ public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools. Read the full story here.

A very special thank you to The Picklr, an indoor pickleball club in Mount Prospect, for their recent $700 donation to Frost for the elementary school to purchase brand-new pickleball equipment. “This can get kids involved in a new activity while building social relationships, as it is a pathway for children to stay active while having fun,” said Brian O'Malley, club coordinator for The Picklr Mount Prospect. Read the full story here.

The festival’s long-awaited return marked a milestone for the district, as the production itself had not been held since 2020. From 2015 to 2020, the event spanned three nights, with each evening dedicated to a different feeder area. Read the full story here.

Thankfully, as it starts to get warmer, we get closer and closer to Spring Break! I feel like the period right before Spring Break is when classes ramp up the workload. It's such a gloomy time of year, and sitting in class reading excerpts from Aristotle’s writings doesn’t help. That being said, the light at the end of the tunnel—Spring Break—keeps me going! Read his full update here.

The livestream video of the February 20, 2025, meeting of the Board of Education is now available.

The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on March 20, 2025, at 7 p.m. at the District 21 Community Service Center and Administrative Office.