News from District 153

On May 15th, Willow School hosted a petting zoo. Every class took a turn feeding and petting sheep, goats, a cow, chickens, rabbits and a particularly assertive llama.

In an annual District 153 rite-of-passage, our 6th-grade James Hart Panthers returned to the Oregon, Illinois White Pines Ranch during the week of May 11-15. There, they participated in all kinds of outdoor learning activities such as aquatic studies, orienteering, digging for fossils in the quarry and horseback riding.

Churchill School hosted its annual Field Day on May 21st. Our Bulldogs had a blast playing games and participating in other fun activities to celebrate their successful school year! Many thanks to all the grown-ups who volunteer their time to make events like these happen.

Willow School hosted a Fun Run on May 20th. Students earned a sticker for every lap. The competition for world sticker dominance was fierce, but fun!

The Parent Music Association (PMA) celebrated the achievements of the school district's student musicians and said farewell to our graduating 8th-grade band, choir and orchestra students at its annual "Pass the Baton" event on May 19th. All photos courtesy of PMA.

The Parent Music Association awarded scholarships to the following student musicians to help them attend the Illinois Summer Youth Music Camp at the University of Illinois.

153 hosted a reunion for James Hart School hosted a reunion for its Class of 2022 on May 19th. About 40 former middle school graduates—current high school seniors—returned to reconnect with teachers, giggle over old yearbooks, and report on their post-high school plans. We can't wait to see what they do next!