News from District 153
June 1, 2026: End-of-Year Edition
It is August of 1992, and I remember it like yesterday. It was sunny and humid, and with a briefcase in my hand and a full suit and tie, I got out of my car and headed into the school building for my first day as a teacher.
Now, I sit at my desk on this, the final day of my 34th year of school. To say it has gone quickly is an understatement. To steal words from the great Lou Gehrig, I consider myself the luckiest man on earth. I have a loving wife, I am physically and mentally healthy, and I have had the opportunity to work with thousands of students and adults in my role as a teacher and administrator.
I want to thank all of our Homewood families for trusting what you most cherish in this world- your children- to our care each day. Over the past few days, I have interviewed over 180 of our employees, and one of the most resounding themes was their unbridled love of what they do. They thoroughly enjoy their interactions with children, and the role they play in helping them learn not only academics, but also appropriate social skills and a strong feeling of self-worth. They also love working specifically in Homewood, with countless staff citing the supportive atmosphere in this district and community.
There is also a cautionary tale in their words. There is an ever-increasing demand being placed upon them from many directions, but nothing is causing them more stress than the slow erosion of support in their work with students. We need your partnership to help us do the important work we do. We need you to trust that our hearts are in the right place and that students learn best when messages about expectations are consistent both at home and at school. A “perfect day” of school is one where everything that we plan goes off without a hitch, where all students are happy, learning, and well-behaved. Not one of us wants students to misbehave, but when it occurs, we ask for your support in addressing it. I am fearful that if we as a society do not do better in this regard, we will continue to see fewer and fewer talented and loving people enter this wonderful profession.
I thank all of the Homewood 153 school community for the opportunity to work alongside you and to lead this wonderful district. I know you are in capable hands with our new superintendent, Dr Teresa Hill, and I look forward to watching the great things that will occur in Homewood SD 153 under her direction.
With gratitude,
Dr. McAlister
Willow School's annual rite of passage--the boxcar parade-- occured on May 27th when kindergartners "cruised into first grade."
James Hart School students were able to spend some time at Lion's Club Pool during the last few days of the school year.
Willow School's Wildcats enjoyed a beautiful day outside participating in all kinds of games and craft during their Field Day on May 28th.
Early Registration Aids Classroom Assignments
At the end of the school year, half of our current families have not yet started the online registration process for the 2026-2027 school year.
The most important reason to register now is to help school building administrators make the best possible classroom assignments for children. An influx of summer registrations can result is a last-minute scramble to reassign children to re-balance compositions of classrooms. And as we all know, last minute efforts are rarely the best efforts.
Important note: you don't have to pay fees at the time of registration!
