The Student Services department has the privilege of assuring all students learn in a supportive and inclusive environment in which every student feels a sense of belonging. 

Student Services is specifically composed of the District’s Special Education Department, Bilingual Department, and Early Learning programs. A common thread among these programs is the emphasis on addressing individual student needs, and embracing individual differences, in an inclusive environment to the greatest extent possible.  

Inclusion is an educational practice in which all students, including students with disabilities, learn together in the same classroom. An inclusive environment is also one in which all students are an important part of a greater community. Inclusive classrooms develop students who are comfortable with differences, skilled at confronting challenging issues, and aware of their interconnectedness (Sapon-Shevin, 2008).

Consistent with our vision, Learning for All, when inclusive education is implemented appropriately, all students benefit (Power-deFur and Orelove, 1997). Inclusive programs celebrate children’s similarities as well as their different abilities and cultures (Illinois Early Learning Project).  

The District embraces the value of individual differences, the obligation to meet unique learning needs in an inclusive environment, and the importance of every child knowing they belong in the District 146 family.  

Arguably, inclusion is not just a legal requirement, philosophy, or best practice, but rather a basic need and a fundamental obligation of schools and society. Historically, the District 146 community has consistently been supportive of inclusive practices in our schools, which has allowed the District to serve as a leader in the areas of inclusion and educational best practices.  

District 146 alumni Ryan Lavin, Jacob Kopczyk, and Kyle Lavin received the opportunity of a lifetime when they were selected to march in the 2017 Tournament of Roses Parade.  

The three were selected by the nonprofit Music for All to join the Bands of America Honor Band at the annual parade. 

Ryan (Fulton, CMS ‘14), Jacob (Memorial, CMS ‘15) and Kyle (Fulton, CMS ‘16) spent a week in southern California to take part in rehearsals and various performances prior to the parade.

Ryan, Jacob, and Kyle are all current students at Marian Catholic High School. Although they do not have concrete plans after graduation, none ruled out including music in their future.

We were fortunate enough to catch up with the young musicials to learn more about their trip and time at District 146. 

How many years have you been involved in band? 

Ryan: I am in my seventh year of playing trombone in band. I spent 4 of those years at District 146 performing in the Marching Band, Concert Band and Symphonic Band.  

Jacob: I have been in band for six years now. Four of those years had been with District 146.

Kyle: I have been in band about five years now, going from 5th grade to 9th grade. I spent four years in District 146 bands, going from 5th grade to 8th grade.

What was the most memorable part of your trip to the Tournament of Roses Parade?

Ryan: Being able to learn from a world-class staff of accomplished music educators from across the United States is something I will never forget, and I plan to use their teachings in my future endeavors.

Jacob: The most memorable moment from my time with the Tournament of Roses Band was at Bandfest. This was a standing performance at Pasadena College. I enjoyed this most because of the adrenaline that this powerful performance caused to flow through me.

Kyle: The most memorable moment was the last night everyone was together. A bunch of the people I got to know over the week came over to our room, and all we did for hours was talk and laugh about the fun things that happened over the week. It was such a good feeling to have all of the people you just met in one room and being able to talk to them one last time.

What is one of your fondest memories of District 146?

Ryan: Performing with the CMS Symphonic Band at the Illinois SuperState competition at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana in 2014. The Krannert Center’s acoustics were absolutely fabulous and our band was extremely well prepared for the performance we had that morning. We had to arrive at school at 3 a.m. in order to arrive for our concert by 8:30 a.m.

Jacob: Winning SuperState in 7th grade. It was such an amazing performance that was truly inspiring.

Kyle: I would have to say my favorite moment of District 146 is when you would have a bad day, you could just walk into the band room and feel like you’re in your own home. It was such a good feeling walking in the band room and always feeling welcome.