News from District 153

The annual school report card from the Illinois State Board of Education is now online. (Link below.) The report card contains school performance data from the 2024-2025 school year.

The annual report card is an opportunity we welcome to celebrate our strengths and reflect on our goals, so that every student can reach their fullest potential. In 153, we believe every single student can meet high expectations and that families are a critical partner in their child's education.

On our 2025 Report Card, we are proud to see our students' growth in both Math and English Language Arts (ELA) performance was on par or greater than comparable students in the state. As a result, all three of our schools have been designated as “commendable.”

Churchill and James Hart parents and guardians are encouraged to attend this special workshop on Monday, Nov. 17 to learn more about their student's test scores.

Students and staff enjoyed crafts, games, and even dance parties at Churchill School on Halloween!

District 153 is profoundly grateful to the Homewood PTA and its volunteers for organizing all the fun and making the day so special for our students!

This year's parade featured creepy underwear (it's a children's book), lots of Mario Brothers, a "ukelady", and Student Support Dinosaur, Walter.

During Digital Citizenship Week, (Oct. 20-24) our Wildcats, Bulldogs, and Panthers learned more about staying safe, kind, and respectful online. Here are some examples of the week's lessons.

We are bursting with pride for our Panther musicians who auditioned their way into the highly sought-after Illinois Music Education Association's District 1 Music Festival in November. Way to go, musicians!

It's still early in the school year, but our music department has kicked off its concert schedule with Oct. 23rd's Fall Choir Concert.

Coming Soon:

Fall Orchestra Concert, Nov. 4th

Fall Band Concert, Nov. 13th

Bullying Awareness Week brought out the creativity of our Churchill Bulldogs. Oct. 21st was "Step into Kindness Day," and students and staff celebrated all their beautiful differences by wearing mismatched and/or crazy socks. Here are just a few!

District 153 was blessed to have a trio of terrific school principals to celebrate during Principals Appreciation Week!

James Hart School had some extra fun in store for Principal Kim Johnson. The school surprised her with a parade through the hallways of the school with a marching band, cheerleaders, flowers, signs and lots of high-fives.

Tuesday, November 11th is Veterans Day, a day set aside to recognize and thank those who have served our country. While many school districts and businesses close as part of this recognition, District 153 schools stay open as an opportunity to educate our students and publicly recognize many of the veterans and others who have or are serving our country from our community.

Once again, we will host our annual Veterans Day Celebration on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at James Hart School. If you are a veteran, active-duty, reservist, or National Guard member, we cordially invite you to join us for the festivities and breakfast as a token of our gratitude for your service. Please click here to RSVP.

You can help us get the word out by sharing this invitation with friends, family, and neighbors who are service members.

Oct. 31: Early Dismissal

Nov. 10: School Board Meeting, 6:30 PM *Please note earlier start time."

Nov. 11: Early Dismissal

Nov. 24-Nov. 28: No School for Parent/Teacher Conference & Thanksgiving holiday