Dear FSD 157-C Community,

As we enter the final stretch of the 2024-2025 school year, both students and staff are eagerly anticipating a variety of exciting end-of-year activities, including field trips, special events, and student celebrations. A few standout events include step-up days at Chelsea and Hickory Creek for the families of rising kindergarten, third and sixth grade students:

• “Kindergarten Here We Come!” will take place on Thursday, May 15, from 4:30–6:00 PM. This event is an excellent opportunity for families with incoming kindergarten students starting at Grand Prairie during the 2025–2026 school year. Principal Mrs. Szudy and Assistant Principal Mrs. Reiser will lead a presentation and families can tour the school.

• Fifth Grade Step-Up Night at Hickory Creek Middle School will also be held on Thursday, May 15, at 5:30 PM. Families of rising sixth graders are invited to learn all about Hickory Creek from Principal Mrs. Tricia Dotson, Assistant Principals Mr. Crockett and Mr. Sinclair, and the sixth-grade teacher and staff teams.

• Second Grade Step-Up Night at Chelsea Intermediate School will take place on Thursday, May 22, at 5:30 PM. Families will have the opportunity to meet Principal Ms. Newcomb, Assistant Principal Mrs. Paymaster, and Dean of Students Mr. Innocenti. Staff will also be present to share information about Chelsea.

We’re also looking forward to seeing our talented student musicians and chorus members take the stage to perform for their classmates, families, and community:

• The 5-8 Band Concert is Wednesday, April 30 at 6:00 PM and the 5-8 Orchestra Concert is Tuesday, May 20 6:00 PM. Mr. Adams, Mrs. Shanahan, and Ms. Bauman will lead their respective performances by our student musicians with both shows at Hickory Creek Middle School.

• The Chelsea Fourth & Fifth Grade Chorus Concert is Tuesday, May 13 at 6 PM. Mrs. Lazzo, Mrs. Zito and Mrs. Zottarella have the students excited to showcase their vocal abilities on Chelsea’s big stage.

• Mrs. Walton and company are prepared to inspire the entire school community audience with the HCMS spring musical, High School Musical 2, May 16 – May 18 at Hickory Creek Middle School.

May is also a time to recognize and celebrate two vital groups in our school community: our dedicated teachers and school nurses. We are incredibly thankful for the passion and hard work our educators bring to Frankfort School District 157-C. Teacher Appreciation Week, held May 5–9 in partnership with our Family School Partnership (FSP), will give us an opportunity to show our gratitude. On May 7, we’ll also honor our amazing school nurses on National School Nurse Day, recognizing the essential role they play in keeping our students healthy and cared for each day.

Finally, we are excited to celebrate the achievements of the graduating eighth-grade class of 2025. Throughout their years at Frankfort School District 157-C, these students have demonstrated dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to growth. The graduation ceremony will take place at Lincoln-Way West High School on Friday, May 30 at 6:00 PM. Congratulations to all our graduates — we are proud of all you’ve accomplished and look forward to honoring you on this special day.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. We look forward to wrapping up the school year in strong fashion.

Sincerely,

Doug Wernet, Ed.D.

Frankfort School District 157-C Superintendent

Each eNews edition will feature a summary from the most recent Board of Education meeting.
Click the link below for the recap from the April 15, 2025 meeting. As a reminder, the recap is different than the meeting's official minutes. Official minutes are approved, then released to the public, at the next Board meeting. Official minutes can be found on the Board of Education page on our website.

• May 6: Board of Education Reorganization Meeting

• May 13: Fourth & Fifth Grade Chorus Concert at Chelsea Intermediate School | 6:00 pm
• May 15: "Kindergarten Here We Come!" Open House at Grand Prairie | 4:30 – 6:00 pm
• May 15: Fifth to Sixth Grade Step Up Night at HCMS | 5:30 pm
• May 16 - May 18: HCMS Spring Musical
• May 20: Board of Education Meeting | 7:00 pm
• May 22: Second to Third Grade Step Up Night at Chelsea | 5:30 pm
• May 23: School Improvement Day - Half-Day
• May 26: Holiday – No School
• May 30: HCMS Graduation at Lincoln-Way West | 6:00 pm
• June 3: Last Day of School & School Improvement Day

Below, you will find the monthly newsletter for our three schools at 157-C. Please take a moment to read each newsletter as they have important updates from each school's principal, staff, and teacher teams.

Grand Prairie Elementary School's Newsletter: May

Chelsea Intermediate School's Newsletter: May

Hickory Creek Middle School's Newsletter: May

Grand Prairie Elementary School is excited to host our incoming Kindergarteners and their families for a night of information and fun!

When: Thursday, May 15th | 4:30 - 6:00pm

Where: Grand Prairie Elementary School, 10480 W Nebraska, Frankfort, IL 60423

Students will get a chance to participate in fun activities in the classrooms while parents hear all about the upcoming year in Kindergarten through a presentation by the administration.

Please call 815.469.3366 to reserve your child’s spot! We can’t wait to see you there!

The approved student calendar and important dates calendars are linked for your convenience below!

2025-2026 Student Calendar (click link)

2025-2026 Year at a Glance Calendar (click link)

Families, it's time to register your child for the upcoming school year! Timely registration helps us plan effectively, so please review the details below.

Kindergarten & New Student Registration

If your child is new to FSD 157-C or will be 5 years old by Sept.1, 2025, please call us to schedule an appointment at the District Office to register your child for next year. Call 815-469-5922 to schedule your appointment. Visit www.fsd157c.org for required documents.

Returning Student Registration

Returning student registration is now also open. Utilize the snap code provided in the registration letter that was sent to you to register your child for the 2025-2026 school year.

Residency Verification

The district is partnering with a third party for verification. Only families requiring additional documentation will be contacted by Mrs. Chris Brooks via phone, email, or certified letter. If you don’t hear from her, no action is needed.

Student Fees

• Grades K-2: $135
• Grades 3-4: $155
• Grades 5-8: $175

Payments are processed through My School Bucks once registration is complete. New families will receive details at their in-person appointment.

Frankfort School District 157-C utilizes a more environmentally friendly and efficient method for sharing information. Flyers, posters, and media from district schools, non-profit organizations, intergovernmental agencies, and approved business partners are available on our "Virtual Backpack" webpage. This approach replaces the traditional practice of sending materials home via students' backpack mail, ensuring easier access and reduced paper waste.

Click the link below!