Excitement and high energy are part of the start of every new school year in District 96!
We’ve been in session just about a week and my visits to all our schools have shown me that your children are getting comfortable with their new routines. Classroom discussions are engaging, our teachers and staff are passionate about helping kids learn, and there’s anticipation for all in knowing that the months ahead will bring myriad opportunities for academic, social/emotional, and professional growth.
Indeed, District 96 is an exceptional place to learn and work. I appreciate the privilege daily in my role as superintendent and I hope you’ll take time to read the STATE OF THE DISTRICT REPORT I presented to our Board of Education on July 18 to know why I say this with conviction. The report is a comprehensive look at the 2016–17 school year in Kildeer Countryside School District 96–including highlights from District departments and our goals for the school year now underway.
Another source for pride in District 96 is the initiative that began last year and continues strong–our very deliberate work to engage families new to our culture and District community. Our Guiding Coalition for Interculturalism (GCI)–a group including parents and staff–is working hard to guide our efforts toward multiculturalism, such as work we’re doing with faculty and staff to equip them to best serve our diverse community.
You might have read about our Newcomers’ Meeting held on Aug. 9. We’re also offering the same opportunity on Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. at Woodlawn Middle School (6362 Gilmer Rd., Long Grove). The program is specifically for families who recently moved to the United States or the area and are experiencing our social customs and educational practices for the first time. It is not to share the curricular or procedural info of the sort that parents receive on our Curriculum Nights, but rather to give info about our home-school connection, classroom dynamics, and patterns of communication to expect.
Central to this mission is the warm message of welcome we want to communicate to every family. Please take a moment to enjoy this brief VIDEO in which our own students star!
Another celebration and tradition emphasizing community–our District 96 Dash–is one we’re looking forward to at a new time. We’ve moved it from the fall season to Sun., April 22, 2018, with the thought that more families and students will be able to participate. Please save the date and watch for more info on this fun event hosted by our PTOs working together to benefit the PTO Coordinating Council Kids in Need Fund, serving District 96 students whose families are experiencing financial need.
Our community’s unwavering commitment to help every student succeed is truly inspiring. Best wishes to your children for a great year of learning and growth!
--Superintendent Julie Schmidt