Focus on 47
May 20, 2025
Congratulations to our 8th graders as they complete this important chapter and prepare for high school. We’re proud of all they’ve accomplished and look forward to seeing what lies ahead in this next step of their journey.
We know they will continue to GROW, EMPOWER and THRIVE in the years ahead!
Sincerely,
Dr. Kathy J. Hinz
Superintendent
All Aboard for Kindergarten & PreK!
Is your child starting Kindergarten or PreK in the 2025–26 school year? Join us on Friday, August 1st at the Transportation Joint Agreement (TJA) building (1204 S. McHenry Ave., Crystal Lake) for a fun and informative event! Families will get to meet our transportation staff, explore safety equipment, and enjoy some snacks as we get ready for an exciting new school year. See below for the schedule based on last name:
A–F: 9–10 a.m.
G–L: 10–11 a.m.
M–R: 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
S–Z: 12–1 p.m.
Learn About Standards-Based Grading with Dr. Matt Townsley
Join us on Monday, September 30th, for an engaging session with Dr. Matt Townsley, a national expert on standards-based grading.As an associate professor of educational leadership at the University of Northern Iowa, Dr. Townsley brings a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience in grading reform. He’s worked with schools around the world and has authored more than 30 articles and books on assessment and grading. This is a chance to ask questions, gain insights, and better understand how standards-based grading supports student learning. Two sessions will be offered at 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. at the CORE Center Board Room. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn and ask questions!
Going the Distance at Hannah Beardsley
Hannah Beardsley’s National Junior Honor Society turned miles into money with their first-ever Fund Run—raising an impressive $7,423 to fully fund the 8th grade end-of-year field trip. What started as a student-led idea grew into a schoolwide success. Read more about how they did it!
A Year of Letters Comes to Life
After a year of writing back and forth, Hannah Beardsley Middle School 8th graders met their 4th grade pen pals for the very first time! This special connection was the idea of one thoughtful HBMS student, turning letters into lasting friendships and bringing their words off the page and into real life.
Overflowing with Gratitude
During Staff Appreciation Week (May 5–9), District 47 families shared the love with over 170 heartfelt messages for our incredible staff! Thank you for taking the time to recognize the dedication and impact of our amazing team. Click here to see some fun shoutouts left on our Facebook post, where followers left comments about their favorite District 47 teachers!
Click here to learn more about Mary Laramie.
Click here to learn more about Kate Walsh.
D47 Back to School Resource Fair- SAVE THE DATE!
Save the date for the District 47 Back to School Resource Fair! This event, aimed at preparing District 47 students and families in need for the upcoming school year, will take place on Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at The Evangelical Free Church of Crystal Lake, 575 E. Crystal Lake Ave, Crystal Lake. Churches and community organizations throughout Crystal Lake will gather to provide school supplies, haircuts, dental exams, school physicals, mental health resources, and more to District 47 students and families in need. This is a FREE event for ALL District 47 families! Click here to sign up now for these services!
Free Summer Lunch Program
Free summer lunches are available to ALL children 18 years and younger this summer—11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday at Ladd Park, 556 Coventry Lane, Crystal Lake. Provided by the Northern Illinois Food Bank, a member of the Feeding America network, this program runs from Monday, June 2 to Friday, August 15, 2025. No registration necessary.
Want to see the impact in action? Watch this short video to learn how the Free Summer Lunch Program helps nourish kids all summer long and hear from some of our very own staff members! Click here for more information.
20 Years of Dual Language: A Night of Culture, Community, and Celebration
District 47 recently celebrated 20 incredible years of its Dual Language Program with a vibrant Multicultural Night at North Elementary! From cultural read-alouds to bilingual music and food trucks, the evening was a true celebration of language, learning, and community. Read more about this milestone event!
Board of Education Update
Special Board of Education Meeting- May 12
Meeting Highlights
- New board members Lea Grover, Alena Hansen, and Maria Krause, along with current board member Debra Barton, were sworn in during a special board meeting on May 12.
Board of Education May 19 Update
Meeting Highlights
- First reading of updates to 26 policies
- Approval of building security cameras- external and internal
The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 16, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at CORE Center (300 Commerce Dr., Crystal Lake) and virtually via Zoom.
This board update is a summary that includes brief highlights of selected topics and items from the meeting. This summary is not meant to replace minutes. The minutes for each meeting are approved and posted after the next regularly scheduled meeting. The complete Board packet of information, including presentations and reports, is available online.