Connection

Thank you for reading our latest newsletter! Connection is meant to inform our entire Minooka 201 community on what's happening around the district. You can expect a newsletter every quarter keeping you up to date on everything Minooka 201.

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It is easy to look around our District and see abundant evidence of growth and progress on a daily basis. We are proud to continue to share, celebrate, and recognize:

• The effort, character, growth, and achievements of our learners.
• The essential partnership and engagement with our families.
• The dedicated staff who support, challenge, and care for our learners.
• The community members who make an investment of time or resources into our children and schools.

As 2025 comes to a close and we wrap up the first half of the school year, we extend our deepest gratitude for your continued partnership. We wish you and your family a restful and joyous holiday season and we eagerly look forward to the continued growth and accomplishments that 2026 will bring!

In gratitude and partnership,

Rachel Kinder, Ed.S.

Superintendent of Schools

One formal source that tells a story of our progress through quantitative data is the Illinois School Report Card. The 2025 Illinois School Report Card was recently released for all public schools in the state of Illinois. This annual report is a publicly available snapshot of several data points compared to statewide averages for every public school district and school in the state of Illinois.

Our 2025 Report Card shows many encouraging signs of positive growth—the tremendous school improvement efforts in our buildings are showing in measurable ways in the learning and growth of our students!

Goal 1: Student Growth and Achievement: Demonstrate continuous improvement in student growth and achievement.

Known as Student Growth Percentiles, SGPs measure how much a student has improved on the Illinois Assessment of Readiness compared to academically similar peers across the state. An SGP of 50 indicates average growth, while scores above 50 show greater-than-average progress.

Our overall average Student Growth percentiles show above-average growth and have climbed since last year:

• ELA Growth Percentile from 47.2 (2024) to 53.1 (2025)

• Math Growth Percentile from 48.4 (2024) to 55.4 (2025)

ISBE determines and assigns Summative Designations by a multi-measure accountability system that assigns points to each school based on several indicators of student success and school quality.

Key indicators include:

• ELA and Math Proficiency (based on IAR Assessments)

• Student Growth

• Science Proficiency

• English Learner Progress to Proficiency

• Chronic Absenteeism

• Climate Survey Participation

ALL of our buildings earned a Summative Designation status of Commendable or higher. ALL of our buildings have great progress to celebrate:

• Minooka Elementary sustaining significant increases achieved last year (+8 points) and achieving Exemplary Status

• Walnut Trails showing strong accelerated growth from last year to this year (+10 points) and achieving Exemplary Status

• Aux Sable & Minooka Intermediate School showing strong accelerated growth from last year to this year (+10 points)

• Jones & Minooka Junior High School showing steady and continuous growth last year and this year (+6 points overall)

Another encouraging trend as a district is that we have decreased the chronic absenteeism rate by 2.6% from last year to this year.

It is true that quantitative data only tells a portion of our story. At the same time, it is very important that we celebrate and see these encouraging signs as reminders that we are growing and moving in the right direction, even if we are still working to refine our path and make improvements along the way.

We have several resources available for you to view and review multiple data pieces of your child’s growth and progress over the course of the school year.

As Superintendent Kinder said, quantitative data only tells a portion of the story. The state has an IAR and ISA Family Portal that can show your individual student results and resources to support everything you need to know about your child's performance on the Illinois Assessment of Readiness for English Language Arts and Math and the Illinois Science Assessment.

The IAR was taken last year by our current 4th graders (then in 3rd grade), while the ISA was taken last year by our 6th graders (then in 5th grade)

This portal also allows you to see your child’s quantitative IAR results and access them in the future (and previous scores too). You will need your child’s State Student ID and your child’s teacher or school staff can help you get that ID number. You may also find the Family Portal Resources useful in navigating your child’s results.

The easiest way to get a feel for what's happening at school is by using ParentSquare, Minooka 201's primary communication app.

ParentSquare is your go-to source for important messages about what is happening in your child's classroom, their school building, and the district as a whole.

We don't want you to miss any of the updates, so be sure to download ParentSquare on your mobile device, or regularly check the website!

Teachers update assignments and standard performance frequently. Here is a look at what data PowerSchool can highlight:

• Attendance

• You can see what classes they are currently enrolled in and their attendance (scroll down on the app for attendance).

• Content Specific Summary

• Each grade/standard will have an overall summary of performance.

• Grade and Skill Drilldown

• Click on an individual standard or assignments, see due dates, their score or performance.

We are finishing up our Winter Benchmark and individual student reports will be going home in January.

Do you have questions, concerns or need more information about your child’s performance? Reach out to their teacher(s) through ParentSquare. We are all here to work together as partners in this endeavor!

This year, Minooka 201 is participating in a survey mandated by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to gather your input on our special education services.

If you receive this survey, please take a few minutes to share your feedback. Your participation is vital as it helps us improve family-school partnerships in special education.

Parents of students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

You will receive the survey in the mail from Measurement, Incorporated, the company currently administering the ISBE survey.

Your answers are confidential; no one from our school district will know how you answered the questions.

Typically, from January 10 through June 30.

Aggregated results will be posted on the State Performance Plan, Data, and Accountability webpage.

Whether you are changing diapers, managing the "terrible twos," or preparing for the first day of school, watching your child grow is an incredible journey. But please remember: you don’t have to do it alone.

Our district is not just a place for "big kids"—we are your partner in your child's development from the very beginning. We are reaching out to families of children ages 3, 4, and 5 to share important information about Kindergarten readiness and the early childhood support services available to you right now.

Is your little one ready for the big step? It is almost time to welcome the Class of 2035! If you have a child who will be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2026, it is time to get excited.

Kindergarten is a milestone year filled with new friends, big discoveries, and the building blocks of a lifelong love for learning.

Keep an eye on your email and the district website for details on how to enroll your future learner!

Did you know that school services can begin before Kindergarten? As educators, we know that the earlier we identify a child’s specific needs, the more successful they will be.

If your child is between the ages of 3 and 5 and you have questions about their development—such as their speech, motor skills, or social interaction—we offer Early Learning Screenings.

• How it works: We partner with the Grundy County Special Education Cooperative to perform screenings that help identify if a child is meeting developmental milestones.

• The Goal: If a screening shows an area of concern, our school-based team can provide a more extensive evaluation to see if your child qualifies for preschool services or other support.

If you have concerns about a child younger than three, we can connect you with Child & Family Connections (CFC). They serve families in Grundy, Kankakee, LaSalle, and Will Counties by providing free screenings and evaluations to identify if early intervention services are needed.

How to Get Started - We are here to help your child thrive.

• For Kindergarten Registration Questions:

• https://www.min201.org/for-families/register

• For Children Ages 3 through 5:

• https://www.grundyspecialed.org/early-learning-screening.html

• For Concerns (Birth-3):

• https://www.svcincofil.org/cfc/

If you have any questions about these forms or your child’s readiness, please feel free to contact Dr. Tiffany Staab, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, directly at 815.467.5042.

Multilingual students in Minooka will soon participate in the state-mandated ACCESS for English Language Learners assessment, with testing beginning on January 14th. This is an essential test required for all students who qualify for multilingual services.

What is the purpose? The results from the ACCESS test provide vital data that helps our district measure your child's annual progress in acquiring academic English. It is the key tool we use to ensure our multilingual services are effectively tailored to support your child's language development and academic growth.

We believe in a strong home-school partnership, which is why we are offering a session to equip families with tools to support their children.

Our Multilingual Services Director is hosting a virtual information session specifically for parents and guardians:

• What: The session will focus on the components of the ACCESS test and provide practical ways you can support your child's English language acquisition year-round.

• When: Monday, January 12th, at 3:30 pm (Virtually).

  
  

• How to Attend: If you are interested in receiving the link to this virtual session, please contact Erika Martinez at [emartinez@min201.org].

For more detailed information about the assessment, please see the official informational flyers:

• English Parent Informational Flyer

• Spanish Parent Informational Flyer

Did You Know?! You can make a real difference in our classrooms and earn supplemental income right here in Minooka 201! We are actively seeking qualified individuals, from former teachers to community members looking for flexible work, to join our substitute team!

FACT: Not true!

We welcome community members with a four-year bachelor's degree in any field. The main requirement is holding a valid substitute teaching license or professional educator license from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). The process is easy! We’ll walk you through it, step-by-step!

FACT: You have options!

You can work as a Substitute Teacher Aide, which means you work alongside a certified teacher to support students in the classroom, often with small groups or individual attention. The requirement is holding an ISBE teacher aide license or an educator license. Again, it’s easy and we’ll help you through the entire process. Piece of cake!

FACT: If you have a Bachelor's degree, the process is straightforward!

You apply directly through the ISBE Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS). You simply need to submit your official transcripts, pay a small fee, and complete a background check with the Grundy County Regional Office of Education for final authorization. You won’t walk that road alone, we’ll lead you the entire way!

FACT: We offer unmatched flexibility!

Choose when and where you work, allowing you to fit work around your personal schedule.

Plus, we frequently have openings for stable Long Term Leave positions, which offer extended assignments for both teachers and aides, providing more stable work and competitive pay for several weeks or months.

FACT: No way! We are always looking for substitutes for a wide range of positions, from teacher aides to cooks to custodians and nurses! If you would enjoy subbing in any of these roles, we encourage you to apply by clicking below!

We would love to hear from you! If you have questions about our open positions or the application process, please feel free to reach out anytime.

Want some in-person help? Join us for an informal Superintendent Coffee & Chat on Friday, January 23rd, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. It’s a great opportunity to ask Superintendent Rachel Kinder anything on your mind. Our team will also be on hand to answer department-specific questions and can even help you submit your application right on the spot. We look forward to seeing you there!

More information about our Coffee & Chat opportunity!

You can view all current substitute openings, including Licensed Teachers, Teacher Aides, and Long Term Leave positions, and begin your application immediately on our Online Employment Application page.

Here's how much you can earn as a substitute in our district. Click on the job title to start your application!

Substitute Teacher - rate of pay is $150.00/day
Substitute Teacher Aide - rate of pay is $15.50/hour
Substitute Cook & Lunchroom Monitors - rate of pay is $15.50/hour
Substitute Custodian - rate of pay is $15.50/hour
Substitute Nurse - rate of pay is $25.00/hour

If you are interested in subbing in our school district please contact the Superintendent’s Office at 815-467-6121, ext. #1 or email lshanholtzer@min201.org.

Are you a hands-on leader who loves making a difference in your community? We're looking for a new Assistant Director of Buildings and Grounds to join our crew!

We’re looking for someone who is proactive, resourceful, and ready to help manage everything from HVAC systems to snow removal. If you enjoy a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same, this might be the perfect fit for you!

• Lead a Great Team: Work alongside and support a dedicated staff of about 50 maintenance and custodial professionals.

• Impact our Schools: Play a vital role in ensuring our students have a safe, clean, and happy place to learn every day.

• Competitive Pay: Starting salary range of $55,000–$65,000 (based on experience) with a consistent 26-pay schedule.

• A background in construction, maintenance, or facilities management.

• A "can-do" attitude and a knack for solving problems.

• A friendly, professional approach to working with staff and vendors.

Ready to help us build a better environment for our kids? Check out the full job description and apply today!

Did you know that the Minooka I.T. Team live streams many of our special events, such as choir and band concerts, on YouTube? It’s a wonderful opportunity to witness the awesome accomplishments of our students, even if you can't make it to the auditorium in person.

Our YouTube channel is also continually populated with the various videos created within the district!

Keep an eye on our school communications for updates on future events that we stream.

View our YouTube channel here!

(Full disclosure: the attached image is not real. It's an AI generated image of a cold laptop. No actual laptops were damaged in the making of this image)

Please do not leave technology equipment in the trunk of a car parked outside, or any unheated space, over winter break. Exposure to extreme cold, especially the fluctuating temperatures that occur when a very cold device is brought into a warm home, can severely impact the device in several ways:

1. Battery Degradation: Cold temperatures dramatically reduce battery life and can cause damage to the lithium-ion cells, leading to a much shorter battery lifespan.

2. Condensation Risk: When a very cold laptop is brought quickly into a warm, humid environment (like your living room), moisture can condense on the internal circuits, damaging internal components.

Taking a few moments to bring the device inside and storing it in a room-temperature environment will help protect this valuable learning tool and ensure it is ready to go when classes resume in the new year. Thank you for helping us keep our technology in excellent condition! Don’t forget to charge it the day before school resumes.

We are pleased to remind all Minooka 201 families about the upcoming Free In-School Dental Clinics provided by our partners at Orland Park Dental Services (OPDS). This is a hassle-free way to meet state health requirements and ensure your child’s smile is healthy!

Orland Park Dental Services (OPDS) is bringing their clinic directly to our schools.

The clinics are scheduled for February 2–6 and February 9 and March 2 across the seven Minooka 201 schools. Check the list below for your school’s date.

Free Dental Exams (to satisfy state mandates), Cleanings, Fluoride Treatments, and Sealants are all offered.

Yes! OPDS is now offering Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF), a non-invasive, drill-free treatment that can stop or slow down tooth decay.

Absolutely! This satisfies the dental exam requirement for all Kindergarten, 2nd, and 6th graders who still need to submit their forms. It's also a head start for next year’s incoming K, 2nd, 6th, and 8th graders!

You must complete a permission form. You can use the digital form here or wait for the paper forms to be sent home.

Feb. 2: Minooka Junior High School

Feb. 3: Minooka Intermediate School

Feb. 4: Minooka Elementary School

Feb. 5: Aux Sable Elementary School

Feb. 6: Jones Elementary School

Feb. 9: Walnut Trails Elementary School

Mar. 2: Minooka Primary Center

Our Backpack Food Program provides nutritious food items for families in need—delivered right in your child's backpack at no cost thanks to the generosity of the Rotary Club of Channahon-Minooka.
To take advantage of this program and ask any questions, please email Lori at LShanholtzer@Min201.org or call 815-467-6121, ext. 1

Monday, December 22nd

Winter Break Starts

Monday, January 5th

Teacher Institute Day (No student attendance)

Tuesday, January 6th

Classes back in session

Tuesday, January 13th

Unlock the Secrets of Reading: A Parent Workshop

Monday, January 19th

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - No class

Friday, January 23rd

Superintendent Coffee & Chat - Join Our Team

Monday, January 26th

Board of Education Meeting

Wednesday, January 28th

School Improvement Day (early dismissal)

The QR code gives you access to the District website and social media pages. This includes: the schools' websites, job openings, and the academic calendar. Don't forget to follow us! For mobile users, please click the link below to access the Minooka CCSD 201 Linktree.

Aux Sable 2nd graders take us around the world, led by music teacher Mr. Ewen, during their annual Holidays Around the World program!

The show pieced together multiple disciplines like music, dance, PE, and public speaking and connected it with the curriculum being done in the classroom. Families enjoyed music, dance and stories to share traditions from Ireland, France, Germany, Poland, and Israel, and ended with a big American holiday jig!

This special presentation emphasizes that learning is a dynamic, full-body experience!

Great job, Mr. Ewen and all of our Aux 2nd graders! Thanks to all the families that made the trip to establish a strong connection between learning and home!

Through November, teachers and staff from around Minooka 201 recorded themselves reading their favorite children's books! Here is just one example, but feel free to check them all out on our YouTube page!

A massive shoutout to Minooka Elementary School and Walnut Trails Elementary School for earning exemplary status on the latest ISBE State Report Cards! This success is a shining example of the growth and achievement happening in every classroom across Minooka 201! Let’s keep celebrating these wins and finding every opportunity to grow together!

This Veterans Day, students across all seven Minooka 201 schools took time to honor those who served our country. Through assemblies that filled gymnasiums with pride, letters written from grateful hearts, songs filled with emotion, and conversations that connected generations, our students showed veterans their service will never be forgotten. Thank you for protecting the freedom that allows our students to learn, grow, and dream.