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Early Voting Ends Nov. 5
Or Vote at the Polls Nov. 6
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District 153 encourages everyone to vote! And why not take your student with you to the polls? It's the perfect time to model for your kids what it means to be an involved citizen. Show them how it all works!
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A Message from the Superintendent
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After last Sunday’s somber message to our district families, I just wanted to update you about our week here in District 153. I’m happy to report that we had a pretty good week!
Spirits were high Wednesday as our schools celebrated Halloween with special treats, games and clever costumes. I hope you got to witness some of the fun or at least heard about it from your student.
Teaching and learning continued as usual during the rest of week.
153's Month of Gratitude
All during November, District 153 will be counting our many blessings and emphasizing the concept of gratitude. We’ll be highlighting some of the things, people, and accomplishments we’re grateful for on our Facebook page and elsewhere this month.
As always, we depend on our parents and guardians to let us know when there are issues or concerns. Thank you for your continued partnership.
Sincerely,
Dr. Dale Mitchell, Superintendent
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2017-18 School Report Cards Released
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School and school district report cards were released this week by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). The new report cards categorize each district and school as exemplary, commendable, underperforming or lowest performing as a way of benchmarking progress toward the goal of preparing all students for success in college and career. In addition, the state’s new support and accountability system evaluates schools based on a fuller picture of school quality, including the performance of individual student groups and measures beyond test scores.
- Average class size is 22 students.
- Student attendance rate is 95%
- Teacher retention rate of 91%
- 63% of our teachers have a master’s degree or higher.
- English Language Arts (ELA) growth is 62% in 153 compared to 50% statewide.
- ELA growth is higher in every group of 153 students than statewide growth.
- Math growth is 54% in 153 compared to 50% statewide.
- Math growth is higher in every group of 153 students than statewide growth.
It is important to note that District 153 is currently funded at 61% adequacy according to the state’s new Evidence Based Funding model. The state report card shows that we are funded at 67% adequacy, but that is last year’s number.
A higher percentage of District 153 students met or exceeded ELA proficiency standards on last year’s PARCC test than the state average. We know District 153 students are growing in math skills from year to year, but we also know we have more work to do to ensure that more of our students meet or exceed math proficiency standards. To that end, we adopted a new math curriculum two years ago that we are continuing to implement. This year, we have hired a math instructional coach who will be working intensively with our math teachers on best practices. Parents can help, too, by reviewing their child’s math assignments and working closely with their child’s teacher.
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Here are some important stats that are not on the state report card or measured by a standardized test:
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- 96% of our students have zero or only one referral to the office for a discipline problem.
- District 153 offers about 70 after-school clubs and sports.
- The Homewood Parent Music Association has been supporting 153’s outstanding music programs for 64 years—the oldest parent music organization in the state.
- The Homewood PTA has been raising funds and recruiting volunteers to help in our schools for the past 105 years.
- Since it was created in 2005, the all-volunteer Foundation 153 has raised and awarded over $400,000 for various projects, teacher trainings, and equipment for our schools.
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153 to Host Military Service Appreciation
Breakfast Nov. 9
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District 153 encourages our parents and guardians to take
this short survey about our schools’ learning environments. The Illinois State Board of Education’s “5 Essentials” survey assesses school climate and learning conditions. The survey provides a unique opportunity for students, teachers and parents to have a voice in improving their schools.
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The parent survey will be administered online from October 23 through January 18. The parent survey is to be completed by parents, guardians, or other caregivers with a child in grades prekindergarten through 12. It is available in English and Spanish and takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. If you have more than one (1) child and they attend the same school, you may elect to participate multiple times. For parents with children enrolled in multiple schools, we recommend that you participate in the survey for each school. Only one parent per household may participate in the survey.
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James Hart Band Presents a Special Evening of Patriotic Music
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After you vote on Nov. 6, please join the James Hart Band for their fall concert featuring patriotic selections.
Concert starts at 7:00 PM in the gym.
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No School: Election Day
Fall Band Concert (grades 6-8), JH Gym, 7:00 PM
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Fall Orchestra Concert (grades 5-8), JH Gym, 7:00 PM
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Veterans Day Military Service Appreciation Program and Breakfast, JH, 8:10 AM
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PTA BOOK FAIR WEEK
Book fairs at all schools during the school day
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School Board Meeting, JH Media Center, 7:00 PM
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PTA KidStuff Coupon Book Sale Underway
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The Homewood PTA is selling the super valuable KidStuff Coupon Book, which includes a 12 month membership to the New KidStuff App! The app has local and national coupons for savings on the go…even across the country! It’s a win-win! You save money and time AND you are helping us raise money for our schools!
Books are $25 and Homewood PTA earns 50% profit! Books were sent home with your child. If you’re not interested, just send the book back.
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