Focus on 47

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Click the District 47 calendar below for more information on these events.

December

• Dec. 23: No School; Winter Break Begins

January

• Jan. 6: School Resumes
• Jan. 20: No School; Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• Jan. 21: Board of Education Meeting
• Jan. 29: Early Release Day
• Dismissal is 2pm (grades K-5); 1pm (grades 6-8); no attendance for PreK.

February

• Feb. 3: Kindergarten Registration Opens! Register by March 14 to get a free Kindy Ready T-shirt!

** The 2025-2026 school calendar is board-approved and is now available on the website. Click the link below to view.

Informational meetings about District 47's Dual Language program will be held in January, February, and March for parents/guardians who have an incoming kindergarten student for the 2025-2026 school year. Information regarding the program, as well as the lottery selection process will be shared. If you are interested in placing your child into the program and you do not have a child currently enrolled in the dual language program, attendance is required at one of these meetings. You may join the meeting in person or via Zoom. To view the meeting dates, click here.

This month’s Standards-Based Grading update focuses on communicating learning behaviors to provide a better understanding of a child's progress. Click here for the full update, or visit the Standards-Based Grading page on our website for all communications, resources, and frequently asked questions.

Winter FastBridge testing will occur for all K-8 students during the window of Jan. 13 - Jan. 27. In addition, all K-5 students will have the SAEBRS (Social, Academic, and Emotional Behavior Risk Screener) assessment completed for them by their teacher. This will also take place Jan. 13 - Jan. 27. Click here for more information. Winter 2025 FastBridge results for students in all grade levels will be available for viewing under the Documents tab in ParentVue on Monday, February 10th, at 3:00.

Listen to our podcast episode on fall data to gain insights into the Illinois State Report Card, FastBridge results, and 5Essentials survey data. Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction Aimee Kasper discusses trends, addresses challenges, and celebrates achievements. Also, click here to view the full presentation to the Board of Education.

Bernotas Viking Buddies had the opportunity to participate in the Unified Champion Schools: Unified Generation Summit with Special Olympics. Students worked together and engaged in fun-filled leadership activities to promote inclusion throughout our school community.

At the December 16, 2024 Board of Education meeting, the Board voted to approve Option 1 of the boundary changes recommended by the boundary committee. By the end of the week, all families will receive an email communication indicating whether or not their address is impacted, and an updated boundary map will be available on our website, allowing you to enter your address and verify your assigned school. Click here to read more.

Check out our latest Hall Pass, highlighting 5th grader Kaelyn, a true North Star Husky! As a Safety Patrol member, Kaelyn keeps students safe on and off the bus while making new friends along the way. Her kindness and leadership make North shine brighter every day.

In this new video series, D47 principals select a student to interview, highlighting programs, academic achievements, clubs, and more! We are excited to share some of the things going on in each of our schools, straight from the source = students!

The Strategic Plan Committee met on December 4 to continue refining the District's mission, vision, and core values. Tonight, December 17, the committee will meet again to review feedback from the Strategic Plan Survey and use this data to inform the development of goals.

This strategic planning process will chart our course for the next five years, building on strengths and identifying opportunities for growth. The committee represents a diverse group of stakeholders, including board members, staff, students, parents/guardians, and community members, ensuring all voices are heard.

"Inclusion isn't about geography and where the student sits; it's about meaningful participation in the curriculum and with their peers." Dr. Paula Kluth joins the District for this podcast episode to reflect on her recent workshop with staff, "Don't We Already Do Inclusion?: Creating Schools & Classrooms for All." Tune in as we discuss what the district is doing to support all learners, fostering growth and confidence.

The purpose of Faces of D47 is to highlight any individual who serves District 47. We know we have a strong community in our district and want to learn more about the individuals who make District 47 a great place to work, learn, and volunteer. Be sure to check out our most recent posts!

Coventry kindergarteners explored Diwali, India’s biggest holiday, also known as the Festival of Lights, as part of their "Holidays Around the World" journey. The lesson was taught by the parent of a kindergartner, who shared cultural insights and traditions with the students.

Law enforcement and District 47 staff came together to spread holiday cheer to local children in another successful Shop with a Cop event. Hosted at Glacier Ridge Elementary, volunteers from the Crystal Lake Police Department and McHenry County Sheriff's Office took select children in need shopping for presents, then returned to Glacier Ridge for breakfast and a visit with Santa while volunteers wrapped the gifts.

TJA designed an amazing Lilo & Stitch-themed bus for the 2024 Downtown Crystal Lake Festival of Lights, earning the official title of Most Creative!

View Meeting Agenda

Meeting Highlights

• The Board recognized our Fall Elevate Award nominees and winners. Read more about our Fall winners here.
• The Board of Education voted to approve Option 1 of the middle school boundary changes recommended by the boundary committee. Click here to read more.

The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at CORE Center (300 Commerce Dr., Crystal Lake) and virtually via Zoom.

This board update is a summary that includes brief highlights of selected topics and items from the meeting. This summary is not meant to replace minutes. The minutes for each meeting are approved and posted after the next regularly scheduled meeting. The complete Board packet of information, including presentations and reports, is available online.