A Message from Dr. Kelley Gallt
May 31, 2022
Dear District 95 Families,
As the 2021-22 school year comes to an end, I hope you and your children have had opportunities to gather with friends and classmates in celebration as we acknowledge this milestone. Summer break represents not only the typical movement from one grade level to the next but, also, in the case of this year, a return to a more normal school experience within the era of this pandemic.
As we depart for the summer break, I ask that families look for opportunities to continue reinforcing messages taught these past few months. As you know, teaching social-emotional learning standards has been a district focus for the past several years - and will continue to be a focus area as we look ahead to the 2022-23 school year. One standard, which aligns with our district value of Respect, involves appreciating the unique differences of others and learning to work effectively with those who may not be exactly like ourselves.
Unfortunately in recent months we have seen an increase in negative comments between students in relationship to a variety of differences (such as religious and ethnic differences, as well as just general disagreements). I am hopeful that continued school-based efforts of kindness, coupled with families reinforcing messages of treating others with respect, regardless of background and thinking, will help move our system forward in this regard. It is our belief that teaching our children to use kind, respectful language across all settings is a critical skill needed for life beyond District 95 - and that it will take a whole community teaching this skill for us to be successful. Please join me in this mission for kindness towards others this summer!
Best wishes for a happy, healthy, and safe summer for all!
Sincerely,
Dr. Kelley Gallt
Safety & Security
As a district, we are committed to keeping our school community safe. In the wake of the recent tragic school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, we want our families to know that District 95 has invested in safety and security across our schools and we have partnered with local law enforcement agencies. We will continue to do so because keeping our students and staff safe comes first. To read more about just some of our initiatives, click here for an update on safety and security.
Reminder about School Day Changes for 2022-23
The following information illustrates the newly approved start and end times for each level along with the key impacts that are achieved by making these adjustments.
Elementary Schools Current Schedule: 8:25 AM - 2:50 PM
Elementary Schools New Schedule: 8:05 AM - 2:50 PM
Impacts:
- Increases minutes to meet state mandates in the areas of PE and recess
- Increases teacher collaboration time to 60 minutes
- Increases instructional minutes for English/Language Arts and Mathematics
- Increases opportunities for additional student support
Middle Schools Current Schedule: 7:30 AM - 2:20 PM
Middle Schools New Schedule: 7:20 AM - 2:10 PM
Impacts:
- Increases CORE instructional periods by 12 minutes per day
- Increases Encore instructional periods by 2 minutes each day
- Blends English/Language Arts and Writing instruction into one instructional period
- Maintains Band/Orchestra/Choir schedule during homeroom
- Transportation morning pick-up window for 2021-22 was 6:30-7:05AM and for 2022-23 will be 6:32-7:01AM
High School Current Schedule: 8:05 AM - 3:21 PM
High School New Schedule: 8:40 AM - 3:43 PM
Impacts:
- Maintains 9-period instructional day
- Increases teacher collaboration time
- Increases office hours for student support
- Flexible end of the day schedule for after school activities/athletics
- Later start time honors research regarding sleep needs for adolescents
Message from Ela Area Public Library
Please take a moment to read the following information and take a brief survey from the Ela Area Public Library.
We need your help as we plan for the future. The pandemic has changed how we think about just about everything, including the Library. Folks prefer remote services now more than ever, and the Library wants to respond. Should the Ela Library provide delivery service? How about remote drop boxes? Are you comfortable coming in the building? Do you prefer the drive-through window? Should we continue take-home craft kits? With all the streaming services, should we eliminate the DVD collection?
Please take a few minutes to help us be sure that the Library considers your opinions when planning for future services. The survey asks about your views of the Library building, physical collections, online collections, programs, staff, and services. Ultimately your opinions will help us develop our next Strategic Plan. The survey is online until mid-June and takes less than 5 minutes to complete. Please let us know what you think so we can best serve you.
Click here to take survey: https://www.opentownhall.com/11636
Mass Communication System
More information will be provided in the summer - however, the transition to Blackboard should be seemless to users.
2022-2023 School Fee Waivers
Fee Waivers for the 2022-2023 school year will be accepted by the Business Office beginning July 1, 2022. Fee Waivers received prior to that date cannot be processed pending updated Federal guidelines. If you have already submitted a Fee Waiver for next school year you will need to resubmit the Fee Waiver form and current supporting documents after July 1st. If you have any questions regarding the Fee Waiver process please contact the Business Office at businessoffice@lz95.org
School Bus Drivers Needed!
Looking for an opportunity to give back to the community? Retired and looking for a way to stay active and connected? A parent wanting to have the same schedule as your children? Want to bring your preschool aged child to work with you? Join our amazing team of bus drivers. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY.
Benefits Include: · Paid Behind the Wheel Training · Partial Paid Health Insurance · Retirement Benefits · Sick Leave · Personal Days· Competitive Pay including pay for prior experience
Qualifications: · Good Driving Record · Minimum of 21 years old (Drivers) · Pass required Federal Background check · Pass a pre-employment/ annual physical & drug test · Enjoy working with kids!!
If you have any questions, contact the District 95 Transportation Department at 847-438-2834.
Click here to apply online by visiting our website or go to www.lz95.org/jobs ~ Click on Job Openings ~ Select Transportation ~ Select Apply button