Dear FSD 157-C Families and Staff,

Across our district, we remain committed to providing students with high-quality instruction and diverse learning experiences. In addition to our core academic subjects, we take great pride in our Encore programs, including art, music, STEM, and foreign language. One standout example is Hickory Creek Middle School’s Tiger TV course, where students gain hands-on experience in writing and producing a weekly television segment showcasing school events and news. The creativity and dedication of both students and staff in this program are truly remarkable. We invite you to view the one of our recent episodes of Tiger TV by clicking the picture below.

Registration for both new and returning students will begin this March. Detailed information on the registration process will be shared with you via email in February. Additionally, at our most recent Board of Education meeting, the Board confirmed that student fees will remain unchanged for the upcoming school year. Please refer to the attached document for further details on registration costs for the 2025-2026 school year, and stay tuned for additional registration updates.

As we navigate the winter season, our top priority remains student safety. At the same time, we recognize the importance of in-person learning and aim to minimize e-learning days whenever possible. However, unexpected challenges, such as the transportation disruptions we experienced last week for a few of our buses, require reflection and accountability. We apologize and take responsibility for the challenges we faced with transportation disruptions due to the cold. I appreciate your patience as we continue evaluating and refining our plans to ensure a smoother experience moving forward.

Please see the attached document at the "Cold Weather Procedure" button below. The document outlines our assessment strategies for winter weather decisions related to cold.

Finally, National School Resource Officer (SRO) Appreciation Day is celebrated on February 15th every year. School Resource Officers play a vital role in keeping our schools safe by providing security, guidance, and support to students and staff. They build positive relationships, promote a safe learning environment, and help educate students on important safety topics. Our goal is to ensure that every child feels secure, supported, and has a positive connection to our SRO.

The SRO program is in its seventh year at FSD 157-C. Officer Tom Mineo has done an excellent job in his first year leading the program for our district. We extend our gratitude to the Frankfort Police Department, the Village of Frankfort, and Officer Mineo for their ongoing collaboration and support in the success of the 157-C School Resource Officer program.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child's education.

Sincerely,

Doug Wernet, Ed.D.

Frankfort School District 157-C Superintendent

The Board of Education meeting on January 21st, 2025, covered various topics including facilities maintenance, a PowerSchool cybersecurity incident, third-party risk assessment procedures, and upcoming staff trainings.

Financial reports included open enrollment changes, the Treasurer's Report, and tax levy data; social-emotional learning programs across the district were also reviewed. In addition, the Board discussed several proposed capital projects, including playground renovations, fence and seal coating work, and LED lighting retrofits, with further discussion and approval slated for March.

The meeting addressed the 2025-2026 school calendar. The draft calendar is set to be approved at the February regular Board of Education meeting.

The Board also approved various resolutions, including budget transfers, personnel matters, and extracurricular activities.

Click the link below for the recap. 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.

• Friday, February 14: School Improvement Day - Early Dismissal

• Monday, February 17: Presidents Day - No School

• Tuesday, February 18: Board of Education Meeting - 7 pm

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: February

Chelsea Intermediate School's Newsletter: February

Hickory Creek Middle School's Newsletter: February

Grand Prairie

Chelsea

Hickory Creek

During the checkout process, you will need to list your child’s name and homeroom teacher. If you would like to order more than one yearbook for the same school, select “Add to Cart & Keep Shopping” to then purchase another yearbook.

If you need to order yearbooks from different schools, you can add the first yearbook from one school to the cart, and then click “X” to change the name of the school and then search your child at the second school.

Your cart will be saved throughout the process, even if you need to order multiple yearbooks from one school or multiple yearbooks from different schools.

Yearbook orders are due Thursday, April 3 at midnight.

If you have any questions, please contact VIP at support@vipis.com.

The Frankfort School District Education Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit that supports all the students of the 157-C School District.

Their annual spring event, Casino Night, is March 7, 2025 at Tuscany Falls. Tickets are on sale now.

https://my.onecause.com/event/organizations/b6ffcf3b-f566-4d55-9e43-6922946c64d7/events/vevt:8613ae78-b85e-4368-bead-e519a592a2bf/home/story

​All proceeds from this event will directly benefit the students of Grand Prairie Elementary, Chelsea Intermediate and Hickory Creek Middle School through teacher-written grants to enhance education.

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!