News from District 153

October 31, 2024

The annual school report card from the Illinois State Board of Education is now online. (Click here.) The report card contains school performance data from the 2023-24 school year.

The annual report card is an opportunity we welcome to celebrate our strengths and reflect on our goals, so that every student can reach their fullest potential. In 153, we believe every single student can meet high expectations and that families are a critical partner in their child's education.

On our 2024 Report Card, we are proud to see our students' significant growth in English Language Arts (ELA) performance across all grades and segments of our student body. We believe these ELA scores reflect our investments in research-based reading strategies and staff training.

Our students' growth in math, particularly our students with disabilities, is an area of concern, however. Our students with disabilities at Willow and Churchill made gains in math, but not as much as we would like to see. Therefore, the state has designated those two schools as needing "Targeted" support. As part of this support, the state will provide a limited amount of funds to each building to enable us to engage in a School Improvement Plan over the next four years. This will provide us with the opportunity to bring all stakeholders together to look closely at our data and our practices to best determine how to improve in these areas. We are happy to see that James Hart School retains its "Commendable" designation.

The data also shows a need to focus much more attention on chronic absenteeism and attendance, especially in the younger grades.

In District 153, we believe students and their schools are more than test scores. Our schools focus not only on academic success but also on caring for the whole child. We aim to equip every one of our students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in their lives and chosen careers.

When we all work together on behalf of our students, we can achieve more. Therefore, we encourage your feedback and suggestions.

Sincerely,

Scott McAlister, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Mother Nature played a Halloween trick on our Willow Wildcats! Rain forced the annual Halloween parade indoors, disappointing all the family members who usually wait outside to see their student(s) and classmates parade by in their costumes. We hope you enjoy this consolation prize video.

Students and staff enjoyed crafts, games, and even dance parties at Churchill School on Halloween!

District 153 is profoundly grateful to the Homewood PTA and its volunteers for organizing all the fun and making the day so special for our students!

District 153 recognized its three outstanding school leaders on October 25th, National Principals Appreciation Day.

"There is not a more challenging job in education than that of a building principal. Yet, each day these three wonderful people balance student, family and staff needs and do so with a smile and humility," said Superintendent Scott McAlister.

Monday, November 11th is Veterans Day, a day set aside to recognize and thank those who have served our country. While many school districts and businesses close as part of this recognition, District 153 schools stay open as an opportunity to educate our students and publicly recognize many of the veterans and others who have or are serving our country from our community.

Once again, we will host our annual Veterans Day Celebration on Monday, November 11, 2024 at James Hart School. If you are a veteran, active-duty, reservist, or National Guard member, we cordially invite you to join us for the festivities and breakfast as a token of our gratitude for your service. Click here to RSVP.

You can help us get the word out by sharing this invitation with friends, family, and neighbors who are service members.

Before the James Hart fall musical, Moana, Jr., hits the stage on November 21 and 22, area senior citizens are invited to a special sneak preview of the production on Wednesday, Nov. 20th at 9:00AM.

District 153 needs substitute nurses in each building to staff the health offices in case of an absence. Do you have an active Illinois Nursing license, enjoy working with kids, and have some free time? If so, please stop by the District 153 Administrative Office at 18205 Aberdeen Street for more information.

Questions? Contact Jessica Kors, James Hart School Nurse at Jessica.kors@hsd153.org. Thank you!

Homewood School District 153 is the proud home of the James Hart Panthers, Churchill Bulldogs and Willow Wildcats.

Email: shelley.peck@hsd153.org
Website: hsd153.org
Location: 18205 Aberdeen Street, Homewood, IL, 60430
Phone: 708-799-8721
Facebook: facebook.com/hsd153
Instagram: instagram.com/homewood153