News from District 153

September 27, 2024

The Illinois State Board of Education has released early results from its Teacher Vacancy Grant (TVG) Pilot Project created to help school districts recruit and license new hires and support retention of current educators.

District 153 was able to staff several hard-to-fill positions this school year thanks to a $117,000 TVG grant. 153 used the grant to pay increased tuition reimbursements to prepare six special education teachers, two English Learner (EL) teachers, and two physical education teachers for the classroom. In addition, stipends were paid to current staff for mentoring student teachers and hiring bonuses were given to three student teachers to encourage them to stay in the district.

“We are very appreciative of the legislature understanding the challenge we are having in finding and retaining teachers throughout the State of Illinois and are very grateful to have been selected as a recipient of this grant funding. The TVG has enabled us to pay for current staff to pursue endorsements in hard-to-fill areas such as special education and English Learner programs,” said Dr. Scott McAlister, superintendent of District 153. “It is our sincere belief that once people can remove or minimize the financial barrier to becoming a certified teacher that many will find their life’s calling.”

McAlister says the district intends to continue these efforts going forward pending state funding availability.

Congratulations to James Hart School’s industrial arts teacher, Tom Jaminski! Mr. Jaminski has received the Middle School Teacher of the Year Award from the Technology Education Association of Illinois (TEAI). The award acknowledges outstanding teachers who not only keep abreast of developments in technology education and apply that knowledge in the classroom but also maintain a positive rapport with students and families. Way to go, Mr. Jaminski!

Above, Steve Buchtel from GoodSpeed Cycles stopped by Matt Somodi’s physical education class at James Hart School to deliver the proceeds from the Ho-Flo Hundred. The August event raised about $1,400, enough to purchase three additional mountain bikes for the James Hart Riding for Focus program. Many thanks to GoodSpeed and all those who participated in the Ho-Flo Hundred!

So many 153 students get their musical start at Churchill School. That's where 4th- and 5th-grade students can choose to learn a musical instrument for the first time. Plenty of excitement this week as 5th-grade beginning band students started small group lessons!

You don't have to ride a bike to support James Hart. You can just eat donuts! The Little Red Donut Truck will at James Hart School (HF Sports Complex parking lot) on Monday, Sept. 30th, 3:00-6:00PM. Proceeds will help offset the costs of PBIS activities and rewards.

Cozy hoodies, t-shirts and other goodies for the Panther, Bulldog or Wildcat in your life are on sale now in PTA's online spiritwear store.

CLICK HERE FOR THE PTA SPIRITWEAR STORE

Password: QV659

Register to be a vendor at the first Homewood Winter Market sponsored by Foundation 153! We're looking for crafters, makers, vendors, and businesses of all kinds. Foundation 153 is a not-for-profit organization that funds grants for staff in School District 153. We have sponsored everything from flexible seating in classrooms to field trips for students and curriculum for all staff. Help support us by letting us help support your business.

Homewood School District 153 is the proud home of the James Hart Panthers, Churchill Bulldogs and Willow Wildcats.

Email: shelley.peck@hsd153.org
Website: hsd153.org
Location: 18205 Aberdeen Street, Homewood, IL, 60430
Phone: 708-799-8721
Facebook: facebook.com/hsd153
Instagram: instagram.com/homewood153