News from Homewood School District 153/September 26, 2017
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Bear Sighting at Willow School!

Staley Da Bear, the mascot for the Chicago Bears, delighted the kids at Willow School during an outdoor assembly on Sept. 20th. Staley helped illustrate and reinforce the rules of the Willow Way: Be Caring, Be Safe, Be Ready.
Students Honored for Outstanding Achievement
Congratulations to the three students honored by the Board of Education on Sept. 18th for outstanding student achievement.

The students were presented with the "Tom Dockweiler Award" which celebrates students who showed great academic improvement during the previous school year through hard work, persistence and a positive attitude. The award is presented yearly to one student in each of the school district's three schools and is named in honor of Thomas Dockweiler, a former school board member who retired from the board in 2007 after 21 years of service.

Award recipients for the 2016-17 school year and their current grade levels are:
Alexis DeLeon, James Hart School 
8th-grade

Caylum Ganshirt, Churchill School 
4th-grade

Genesis Kimbrough, Willow School 
3rd-grade

Morin Awards for Excellence in Education Presented to Four Staff Members
Congratulations to the four outstanding staff members who were honored by the Board of Education on Sept 18. They are this year's recipients of the "Jerry Morin Excellence in Education Award." The annual award recognizes outstanding teaching and service in School District 153 and was established in honor of former school board member Jerry Morin who retired in 2007 after 14 years of service.

These four certainly personify our staff motto of "Strong. Proud. Loyal." Thank you for all you do!
Jen Keating

James Hart School's winner is 6th/7th grade math teacher Jen Keating. Noting the significant gains her students achieve in math and the respect of her peers, Keating was honored for leadership of the district's math curriculum group.
Vicki Nieto

Churchill School's winner is 3rd-grade teacher Vicki Nieto. She was honored for her many contributions to students and her colleagues. She is known for her willingness to accept new tasks and to exceed all expectations. 
Denise Mastela

Willow School's winner Is physical education teacher. Denise Mastela. She was commended for her enthusiasm for learning that she models for her students. She was praised for the many leadership roles she has assumed both at Willow School and throughout the school district.
Ann Snedden

Ann Snedden is the honoree from the District Administrative Office. She was praised for her positive attitude and her willingness to find new ways to better serve both students and staff.
School Board Approves FY2018 Budget

The Board of Education approved a budget for FY18 at its Sept. 18th meeting. District 153 is projecting a deficit of $640,000 in FY18. Revenues generated from the 2016 referendum will cover this difference between revenues and expenditures and allow us to maintain current programs and staffing.

District 153 is awaiting more information about how recently passed education funding reform legislation will impact the school district.

Click here for more details about the FY18 budget.
James Hart Baseball Celebrates Great Season

Congratulations to the James Hart Baseball Team! They beat regional rival Parker Jr. HIgh on Sept. 18 to advance to the sectionals of the state tournament. Unfortunately, they were edged out by Manteno on Sept. 23rd, 2-1.

Thanks for another fun and successful season, Panthers!

Calling All Student Artists!
Click here for entry form


Future Dates

September 28 Willow School Open House, 6:45-8:00 PM
October 5 Music Showcase Concert (7th/8th Choir), JH Gym, 7:00 PM
October 5 Bilingual Parent Education Meeting, Willow School, 6:00 PM
October 6 No School: Institute Day
October 6 Youth Night at HF High School football game
October 9 No School: Columbus Day

Homewood School District #153 | 708.799.8721 |   hsd153.org