The schools’ Innovation Media Specialists (IMS’s) began by cultivating a field of 16 newer books that met the criteria of featuring: 
  • A really great story; 
  • A positive and inclusive depiction of characters and real people who display and reflect the diverse cultures, capabilities, ages, and voices of our own community;
  • An inspiring or relatable message;
  • And appeal to elementary students of all ages.

The schools’ students had the opportunity to experience all books through this playlist of their IMS’s reading them aloud. From there, the books were placed into a bracket where those with similar themes faced off. Students voted on winners that advanced over the course of four weeklong rounds, until today, when Hello Goodbye Dog by Maria Gianferrari was named the champion of the first ever CCSD93 cross-building March Book Madness! 

The project not only increased student enthusiasm for reading, it also provided opportunities for students to engage more deeply with the books through writing and multimedia assignments created by their teachers. 

Here’s an example by a Heritage Lakes student from a writing project designed to mimic the metaphorical style of I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes.
Here’s a Carol Stream student-made poster advertising Hello Goodbye Dog.
It’s terrific to see where our students, teachers and IMS’s were able to take this collaborative project. Special thanks to the IMS’s for their leadership!
5th-8th Grade Bands Provide Great Entertainment With Virtual Concerts
I was thrilled to attend our Virtual Band Concerts on Wednesday night, featuring our 5th-8th grade Band students. The dedication of each student to practice and improve through exclusively virtual lessons throughout the past year is incredibly impressive. Their talent and hard work was apparent throughout the performances. I thank our outstanding Band Directors for guiding our students to this point and for producing such outstanding Virtual Band Concerts.

If you didn’t have a chance to catch them, you can find the concert from Jay Stream and its feeder schools here and Stratford and its feeder schools here.
Reminders for Upcoming Schedules
Last night, parents of all elementary and middle school students were sent personalized messaging with reminders about CCSD93’s spring break next week, our fully remote days April 6 & 7 and our adjusted schedule starting April 8. Please check your email or visit this website for more information on the schedule. The general information is depicted in these two images.
Greater Potential for In-Person Student Quarantine Starting 4/8
As a reminder, while CCSD93’s schedule beginning April 8 provides greater opportunities for in-person learning, it also means a greater potential for students to be quarantined. If a COVID-19 case becomes present, CCSD93 will continue to adhere to the IDPH Decision Tree, which all schools are to follow. As prescribed by the Decision Tree, this means that an entire class at the elementary level and potentially as much as an entire grade level team at the middle school level would need to quarantine for seven to 14 days if a COVID-19 case were to become present. Siblings of those quarantined may also need to be quarantined.
Please Adhere to Guidance if Traveling for Spring Break
If you plan to take a trip during spring break, CCSD93 strongly recommends following the CDC’s guidance for traveling, as depicted below.
Please Continue to Practice Safety
While DuPage County's COVID-19 data continues to trend in the right direction, please continue to stay vigilant in practicing the three W's of wearing a mask, watching your distance, and washing your hands frequently to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and contributing to conditions conducive to in-person learning.
Please review the following for more updates from CCSD93, and enjoy your spring break!

Sincerely,

Dr. David H. Hill
Superintendent of Schools
CCSD93
No CCSD93 Food Service During Spring Break
There will be no grab-and-go food service at CCSD93's schools during spring break. Food service at CCSD93's schools will resume Tuesday, April 6 when CCSD93's entirely remote learning days resume. Visit www.ccsd93.com/meals for more.
8th Grade Graduation - Save the Date for 5/22
As shared today with families of 8th graders, CCSD93's 8th grade graduation ceremonies are now scheduled for Saturday, May 22 as depicted above. Save the date!
Attend Free Programs From
Glenbard Parent Series
Glenbard Parent Series provides terrific, free programming for today's parents. You're invited to attend either of these two upcoming programs virtually. Visit www.glenbardgps.org for more!
3/25 Board of Education Meeting Recap
CCSD93’s most recent Board of Education meeting was held at Stratford Middle School on Thursday, March 25. The following occurred at the meeting.
  • Stratford Middle School staff presented information on the school’s Pride Club, including a video featuring the Club’s students.
  • The Board reviewed the Board of Education meeting presentation topics for 2021-22.
  • The Board reviewed the following 13 Board Policies for first reading:
  • 737 - Use of Educational Technologies: Student Data Privacy and Security
  • 237 - Board Self-Evaluation
  • 257 - Interdistrict Relationships
  • 270.12 - Voting Method
  • 236 - Board Member Media Communications
  • 252 - Board/Staff Communications
  • 262 - Petitions to the Board
  • 265 - Consultants to the Board
  • 335 - Administrative Work Year
  • 345 - Administrative Procedures
  • 350 - Policy Implementation
  • 350.01 - Development of Administrative Rules
  • 351 - Administration in Absence of Policy
  • Superintendent Hill reviewed the progress of the Board Goals.
  • There was a report from the March 23 Finance Committee meeting.
  • The Board voted to approve of the Apple lease agreement for MacBooks and iPads for the 2021-22 school year.
  • The Board voted to approve an extension of the landscaping contract with Twin Oaks Landscaping.
High-quality communication is one of CCSD93's goals. We welcome your feedback. Please call 630.539.3001 or email us with your comments or suggestions.  Tell us what kind of news you'd like to read more about.