8/17/18
In This Issue
CCSD93 strives to maximize the academic, social, and emotional potential of each student.    
Dear Friend of CCSD93,
Starting the 2018-19 School Year by Building Positive Relationships
It was terrific to see the enthusiasm among our students, parents, and staff members as the 2018-19 school year got underway on Wednesday. We couldn't be happier to have students back in our buildings!

While it is indeed an exciting time, we know that some students can be anxious about the start of the school year for a variety of reasons. This year I've challenged our educators to devote some extra time in these first weeks towards sharing a bit about themselves: what they learned over the summer, favorite hobbies, family experiences, or what it was like for them when they were students.
This helps to establish a strong, positive relationship where students see their teacher's humanity, find similarities, and understand that their teacher has their best interest at heart. We know from research that students achieve at a higher level when they feel supported, and our goal is to partner provide the most supportive learning environments we can.
Learn About CCSD93's New 2018-23 Strategic Plan!
After a thorough strategic planning process during 2017-18, which included input from more 1,700 CCSD93 staff, parents, and community members and deeper dives by CCSD93's DLT (comprised of staff members, parents, and administrators from each CCSD93 building), CCSD93 has a new Strategic Plan!

The Strategic Plan is CCSD93's guiding document. It's a roadmap for where our community wants CCSD93 to take our students. It sets the district's vision, goals, and focus for next five years. I shared information about it with you in June when it was approved by our School Board, but if you haven't had a chance, I invite you to visit www.ccsd93.com/StrategicPlan to find out more!
Does Your Student Ride a Bus? Look for More on Bus Tracking App on 8/30!
back-school-bus.jpg
If your child rides a CCSD93 bus, you'll be able to track the bus with CCSD93's secure FirstView bus app. Parents of students who ride the bus will be emailed more information on logging into that app on August 30. For more information, visit www.ccsd93.com/firstview.
Students Innovate & Create at STEM Camp
This summer toward the end of June, we hosted 2nd through 8th grade students at the 3nd Annual CCSD93 STEM Summer Camp!  Students learned and applied real-life concepts of coding, robotics, and invention while solving problems and collaborating. Students were able to accomplish so much in one short week of exploration. To get even more of an idea of what the camp was all about, click the photo above!
Summer Lunch & Library Program Serves 2,200 Meals!
CCSD93 worked together with several community organizations to provide more than 2,200 meals for students in need throughout our community this summer at Western Trails School! In the third year of the program, we set a new record for number of meals served. In addition to enjoying a meal, the children who attended had fun playing games, taking on arts and crafts with CCSD93 staff members, borrowing books, and playing sports of all types throughout the summer.

I thank our partners in this endeavor, including Heritage Presbyterian Church, the Northern Illinois Food Bank, the Carol Stream Park District, the Carol Stream Woman's Club, the Carol Stream Public Library, Fellowship Church of Carol Stream, St. Andrew United Methodist Church, and the Village of Carol Stream.
Students at Summer Band & Orchestra Camps
Hone Their Skills
Over the summer, 118 students in CCSD93's Band program and 60 students in CCSD93's Orchestra program honed their craft at Summer Band & Orchestra Camps! They rehearsed for four days, and the fun and exciting experience culminated with a concert performance for parents, family, friends, and CCSD93 staff members. Check out the Band performance here and the Orchestra performance here. 
Download CCSD93's App to Stay Connected!
 CCSD93 offers parents (and any community members who want to download it) a free mobile app to help you stay even more connected to your child's education. With just a few taps, CCSD93's app enables you to access:
  • School supply lists
  • District & school-specific news
  • Online payments
  • Standard scores
  • Teacher webpages
  • Bus info
  • Lunch & breakfast balances
  • Calendar events
  • & much more!
Parents received an email on Monday (8/13) with instructions for downloading and logging into the app. You can download the app to your mobile device any time by searching your app store for "CCSD93," or directly by clicking this link for iTunes  or this link for Google Play
. If you have questions about your login information, please contact 630-539-3004. 

Check out this video to see the login process in action and for a quick tutorial of the app!
Follow CCSD93 on Instagram!
New this year, CCSD93 is on Instagram! You can find us @schooldistrict93. Follow us for the latest news and highlights from the district!

As always, you can follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CCSD93,Twitter @CCSD93, and YouTube at www.YouTube.com/schooldistrict93.
8/23 Board of Education Meeting Preview
Gavel
The next CCSD93 Board of Education meeting will be held Thursday, August 23 at Stratford Middle School at 7 p.m.
Immediately preceding the meeting will be a Dedication of Stratford's new STEM Wing and Innovation Center. At 6:45, community members are invited to attend the CCSD93 Board Listening Post, which is a time when you can meet face to face with a Board member in a less personal setting. The following are among the agenda items for the Board meeting.
  • New Jay Stream Assistant Principal Amy Gray and Early Childhood Assistant Principal Nichole Casolari will be introduced to the Board.
  • Stratford Principal Patrick Dawson will share student and staff reactions to the new Innovation Center and STEM Wing.
  • The School Board will vote on the approval of the 2019-2023 Contract Extension between the Board and the Carol Stream Support Staff Association.
  • CCSD93 Curriculum Coordinator Susan Grady will review CCSD93's Summer STEM Camp.
  • The Board will review staffing and enrollment numbers at all of the schools.
  • I will update the Board on start of school year.
  • The Board will vote on approval of the resolution to ratify the proposed amendments to the Articles of Agreement for CASE, CCSD93's special education cooperative.

Enjoy your weekend!

Sincerely, 

Bill Shields, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
CCSD93






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