Focus on 47

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With the addition of our preK students yesterday, we have officially welcomed over 6,900 students back to our buildings for the 2023-2024 school year! Click here to see first day photos from all D47 schools and watch our video featuring what students are most excited about this school year!

We started a podcast this year to share even more district insight, through the lens of teachers, students, and community members in addition to district administration. Click here to listen to our first episode with guest Gary Snep, our Director of Safety.

Welcome back, everyone! I can’t wait to share our progress throughout the year and celebrate achievements along the way.

Sincerely,

Dr. Kathy Hinz

Superintendent

• Thursday, August 24: D47 Emergency Notification Test

• Monday, September 4: Labor Day; No school
• September 11-22: FastBridge testing (details below)
• October 2-13: SAEBRS assessment (details below)
• Monday, October 9: Columbus Day; No school
• Board of Education Meetings

• Wednesday, August 30
• Bernotas: 6:00 p.m.
• Hannah Beardsley: 6th grade (6:00 - 7:30 p.m.)
• Lundahl: 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
• Thursday, August 31
• Hannah Beardsley: 7th & 8th grade (6:00 - 7:30 p.m.)
• Wednesday, September 6
• Glacier Ridge: PreK-2nd grade (6:00 - 7:30 p.m.)
• Thursday, September 7
• Canterbury: 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
• Coventry: Session 1 (6:00 -6:35 p.m.), Session 2 (6:50 - 7:25 p.m.)
• Glacier Ridge: 3rd-5th grade (6:00 - 7:30 p.m.)
• Husmann: Last names A-L (6:00 - 6:40 p.m.), Last names M-Z (6:50 - 7:30 p.m.)
• Indian Prairie: 6:00 - 7:15 p.m.
• North: Extended Curriculum (5:15 - 5:45 p.m.), Session 1 (6:00 - 6:30 p.m.), Session 2 (6:45-7:15 p.m.)
• South: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
• West: 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
• Woods Creek: Two sessions offered (6:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m.), EC Presentation 5:30 p.m.; EL Presentations at 5:30 and 6:00 p.m.

District 47 elementary and middle schools were recognized by the Midwest PBIS Network for their work in 2022-23 toward implementing a framework that leads to improved student outcomes. Click here for more information

“We are immensely proud of our school community for earning this recognition for the second year in a row,” said Dr. Kathy Hinz, superintendent. “Our faculty's commitment to fostering a positive, supportive atmosphere, providing support for all learners played a pivotal role in achieving this distinction."

For the 2023-2024 school year, FastBridge testing will occur for all K-8 students during the window of Sept. 11 - Sept. 22. In addition, all K-5 students will have the SAEBRS (Social, Academic, and Emotional Behavior Risk Screener) assessment completed for them by their teacher. This will take place Oct. 2nd - Oct. 13th. Click here for more information.

We are excited to announce a shift in programming in our K-5 dual language classes specific to the area of literacy. This change will provide all dual language students with opportunities to read and write daily in both English and Spanish. Previously, literacy units of study were organized by language, learning an entire unit in one language at a time. This change in fluidity and frequency allows students more daily opportunities to engage in English and Spanish literacy, and access all of their linguistic funds. The 50/50 biliteracy model addresses the changing needs of English language learners and reflects current best practices in biliteracy.

We'd like to emphasize the crucial importance of having open conversations with your children about what is appropriate to bring to school. Discussing and identifying items that could be considered weapons helps them understand the serious implications of such actions. Regularly checking their backpacks together ensures their safety and reinforces responsible behavior. By addressing these topics openly, we create a safer learning environment and equip our children with the knowledge they need to make responsible choices. Safeguarding our school community starts with these conversations and proactive measures. Thank you for your partnership in ensuring a secure and nurturing environment for all students.

We can't wait to see the positive impact our new staff will have on our students' lives. Together, we will create an environment to EMPOWER ALL STUDENTS!

Nominations for the Elevate Award are now open for the 2023-2024 school year. Individuals/ teams nominated should exemplify and uphold District 47's mission/vision statements, model the district's core values and positively impact school culture. Click here to nominate a deserving D47 staff member.

Regardless of your previous experience, District 47 provides an excellent opportunity to learn new skills, assist children as they learn and grow, and work in an amazing, rewarding field! We are hiring lunch/playground supervisors, paraprofessionals, custodians, bus drivers and more! Click here to see all openings.

• Attended by over 500 students and families

• Over 300 items of clothing distributed

• 30 dental exams

• 25 vision exams

• Over 50 CLPL student access cards distributed

• Endless fun!

All District 47 students can get a Crystal Lake Public Library Student Access Card, giving them access to: check out 3 books or audiobooks at a time, access to ebooks and databases, and register for library programs. To get a card, a parent or guardian can visit the library with valid photo ID and current proof of address, and complete a library card application. Click here for more information.

We had such a fun time seeing so many familiar faces at National Night Out! D47 coloring pages, raffle baskets, and a mascot dance-off, it was an amazing night! Thank you to the Crystal Lake Police Department for putting together this event, and to our Canterbury Knight and Willow the Wolf for bringing the dance moves!

It has been a busy summer as the district worked through the list of capital improvement projects! We are excited to welcome staff and students back to buildings with updates like a new PreK playground at Glacier Ridge Elementary, new flooring at Husmann Elementary, and a new classroom in the updated Canterbury Elementary Library Media Center. In addition, facility maintenance in buildings throughout the district included flooring, painting, plumbing, intercoms, clocks, card reader system enhancements, casework, exterior storage sheds, masonry, fencing, pavement, and landscaping. Thank you to our operations team!

The Break Crystal Lake Teen Center provides adolescents and young adults a safe environment to have fun, get connected and find acceptance. The district would like to gauge parent/guardian interest in adding The Break as a bus stop after school, allowing easy access to this resource for students. Please participate in our poll below and let us know your opinion.