In an effort to celebrate students, staff and guardians who go above and beyond for our school community, we recently launched a segment called "Doing More for Lombard 44." Superintendent Dr. Ted Stec and Hammerschmidt Principal Dave Danielski nominated a group of student reporters to be the first recognized by the Board of Education as part of this segment.

Known as Starcast, students at Hammerschmidt can participate in their school's broadcast club. The Starcast Reporters worked as official media correspondents during the district's recent Connect 44 Center event. You can watch their news segment by clicking here.

"We are thankful to have such talented students to cover such an important event in our district's history. They did a wonderful job capturing the excitement of that evening, and to have their news reporting be linked to the historic opening of The Connect 44 Center really resembles what our district prioritizes most -- the growth of our students," said Dr. Stec.

Anyone in Lombard District 44 can be nominated to be recognized for their efforts. They will be invited to a Board of Education meeting to be formally recognized, showcased on our website as well as featured in this monthly communication.

If you would like to nominate someone to be recognized in this way, please e-mail communications@sd44.org.

• First Day for Staff: August 14
• First Day for Students (K-8): August 16
• Winter Break: December 25-January 5
• Last Day for Students (pending no emergency days used): May 22
• Last Day for Staff (pending no emergency days used): May 23

The calendar will be officially posted to the District 44 website in the coming days. You may also click here for the Board report.

We are currently seeking interested families to showcase a specific cultural tradition during the event. From Henna to dance, music to food, craft making to poem recitals, we know there are so many different ways you can share unique traditions. Our goal through the event is that we are able to better connect with one another and learn about the diversity present in our community.

If you are able to participate, please complete this form.

Please see below for more information. We look forward to connecting with you!

Note: This communication should not be viewed as a replacement to the minutes taken at each Board of Education meeting. While we aim to provide critical information about need-to-know topics, all of our stakeholders are encouraged to view the full agenda and minutes from each meeting in order to have a deeper understanding.