An End-of Year Message from Dr. Mitchell

First Day of 1st-Grade

Last Day of 1st-Grade

Dear District 153 Family,

It’s hard to believe another school year has come to a close, and we are celebrating all the great accomplishments of the school year.

I'd like you to take a good look at Jia Tyler and Ryllie Burmeister (above) from Mrs. Thompson's 1st-grade class at Willow School. The picture on the left is from the first day of school. Hesitant and perhaps a bit fearful, they find a little bit of bravery by holding the hand of a new friend as they walk into class that first day. (And I can't help but admire the beautiful symbolism of "justice" and "peace" walking hand-in-hand into Willow School.)

The picture on the right is from today, the last day of school. Still holding hands, but our students are happy and confident in their school "family" of the past year.

This is the essence of what we strive to do in District 153. We meet kids where they are on day one and help them grow in knowledge, abilities, maturity, and confidence over the course of the year and over the course of all the years they are with us.

And in my opinion, this school district has never been better or accomplished more.

Tuesday night, I had the opportunity to enjoy my 24th James Hart graduation ceremony so I feel I have a little perspective on the quality of this event. I have to say it was one of the best. Everything was well-organized. The Panther Choir performance was uplifting. The conduct of our students was outstanding. And the behavior of the audience during the awarding of diplomas was exemplary.

And not that there's really ever any doubt in my mind that we have prepared our students well for high school, but my belief in our success is reinforced each spring when we welcome back our James Hart alum who are graduating from high school. (Photo from this year's event is below.)

If you want to feel great about your community and hope for the future, you should just listen to their after high school plans. Impressive!

Educational fads will come and go. The standardized test du jour will continue to change.

What hasn't changed is District 153's tradition of excellence. We continue to be an amazing school district thanks to the dedication and extraordinary efforts of an amazing staff with the continued support and passion of our parents and community. And I will be forever grateful to be a member of this family.

I wish you all a safe, healthy, and restful summer.

Dr. Dale Mitchell, Superintendent

Budget Agreement Passed!

There is some good news to report from Springfield. The State of Illinois has passed a state budget for next year!

District 153 is guaranteed at least as much state education funding as last year. However, we remain underfunded at 67% of adequacy according to the Illinois State Board of Education. Passage of a budget means we'll at least be able to plan better for the dollars we know are coming.

Correction!

We made a mistake in an earlier email by omitting the name of one of our retirees. So sorry!

Here's the correct photo identification:

(L to R): Kim Genduso, Assistant, Willow School; Mary Steiner, Resource Room Assistant, Willow School; Sally Parker-Johnson, 6th-Grade Teacher, James Hart School; Kathy Thompson, 1st-Grade Teacher, Willow School; Deb Farino-Stranc, Head Cook, Churchill School; Terry Colins, Assistant, Churchill School.

For a wonderful school year.