McKenzie Monitor

All Six District 39 Schools Named “Exemplary” By Illinois State Board of Education

District 39 is extremely proud to share that all six of our schools have earned the “exemplary” distinction as the Illinois State Board of Education released its annual Illinois Report Card this morning! This is the first time that all six D39 received the top honor from ISBE. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication from our students and staff as well as the strong, collaborative partnership with our families as we all strive to help our students learn and grow.

The Illinois Report Card is a data-driven overview of every public school and district in the state of Illinois. The process evaluates academic proficiency, student growth, school environment, and school staff, resources, and finances to determine each school’s summative designation. For more information, please visit their website.

Board of Education

The Board of Education gathered on Monday night for its monthly business meeting. In addition to hearing committee reports, the Board recognized our District principals and assistant principals on Principal Appreciation Day, was presented with the Spring 2026 Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) report and Fall Enrollment report, reviewed the estimated 2026 tax levy, and conducted a first reading of several Board policies. In addition, the Board received public comment regarding negotiations with our Support Staff Union. Information regarding negotiations is publicly posted here and here.

Agendas and materials for Board of Education meetings are posted online the Friday prior to the meeting. More information on our new Strategic Plan (2026-31), including a video highlighting our strategic priorities, is available on our strategic plan webpage.

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Fall parent/teacher conferences are scheduled to take place Nov. 19-20, immediately preceding Fall Break (Thanksgiving week). Conferences will be held virtually through the Tes Parents’ Meeting platform, with in-person appointments available by request. Families received an email yesterday (Thursday, Oct. 29) containing sign-up information and login credentials. Online registration will open on Monday, Nov. 2 at 9 am.

Parent Education – Kate Hannigan Visit Postponed

District 39 is sorry to share that our visit from award-winning author Kate Hannigan, scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 4, is postponed due to an unexpected change to her schedule. We are committed to rescheduling this anticipated Parent Education event and will share more information when it becomes available. Please visit our D39 Parent Education webpage for our full 2026-27 Parent Ed schedule as well as recordings of presentations from previous years.

Second Annual District 39 Educational Foundation’s Innovative Educators Award

The District 39 Educational Foundation will soon be accepting applications for the 2nd Annual Innovative Educators Award. This award recognizes educators who demonstrate excellence in innovative teaching and learning practices in their classrooms and who model the characteristics of the D39 Educational Foundation’s mission.

Nominees for the Innovative Educator Award are educators who think beyond traditional teaching methods and programs. Some descriptors of Innovative Educators are listed below:

• Try new practices and approaches to reach and teach students.

• Create an environment of innovation within their classrooms.

• Show leadership among their peers and share their innovative practices for the benefit of all students.

• Provide new and innovative opportunities for students in their varied interests and talents.

• Innovative in building a welcoming community within their classrooms where every student is valued for unique abilities, background, and talents.

Families are encouraged to nominate qualified faculty/staff as we seek to showcase our amazing D39 educators! Nominations for this award will open on Monday, Nov. 2.

District 39 Educational Foundation Bingo Night!

Join the fun at the D39 Educational Foundation’s Annual Bingo Night on Friday, Nov. 13 from 6-8 pm at the Highcrest cafeteria! Every bingo card played during this fun, family-friendly event supports innovative teaching and learning across District 39! Lou Malnati’s thin crust pizza will be served. Last year’s event sold out, so please plan to get your tickets in advance! Visit the D39 Ed Foundation website for more information.

Online McKenzie Book Fair Ends Tonight (Friday) Midnight!

Thank you for attending our Book Fair event. The online Book Fair is open until midnight tonight and sales still support the school. Use up digital gift card balances and complete your teacher's wishlist. Thank you for your support. Shop HERE.

VARIETY SHOW Sign-up Deadline 11/1

McKenzie Variety Show sign-ups are open! Join the fun on stage or behind the scenes. Sign up today!

Link- https://forms.gle/wXYbqP4NVS7woHYU7

McKenzie Annual Parent Party- Buy Tickets Now!

When: Friday, November 13, 2026 (7-10pm)

Where: Michigan Shores

Saddle up for a Wild West night filled with food, music, drinks, dancing & plenty of fun! 🌵 🥃 🎶

Link To Buy Tickets HERE

Sharing committee is back with Share the Warmth this fall!

We’re collecting clothing and winter essentials for our long-time sister school, Carman-Buckner School, a pre-K–5th school in Waukegan, and would love your help!

We’re looking for gently used or new items in a wide range of children’s sizes for boys and girls:

• Pants — all sizes, especially sweatpants

• New underwear — sizes 4T- Youth XL

• New socks — all sizes

• Snow boots — all sizes

• Gloves/mittens — all sizes

• Jackets/coats - children’s sizes

Place items in designated bins located in the front and back of McKenzie.

Garden Volunteer Sign Ups

If you enjoy being outside, visiting with the kids, and crafting, please join us in the McKenzie Garden! We are open as a recess option on Mondays & Fridays but need your help to supervise.

Grades 1-4 sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0A4EAAA82FAAFD0-56963489-mckenzie#/

Kindergarten sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0A4EAAA82FAAFD0-56963488-kindergarten#/