Board Briefs

March 2023

Doing More for Lombard 44: Manor Hill School Store

At this month's Board meeting, the district recognized two incredible initiatives: The Manor Hill School Store and The World Expo.


The Manor Hill School Store was developed in response to students wanting to sell and have access to their own spirit wear. With support from Instructional Facilitator Joe Graffo and 4th Grade Teacher Robyn Cordell, students were given a chance to build it from the ground up. From designing products, to pitching investors for funds, to creating advertisements, balancing the books and more, students have been exposed to and have had the opportunity to master all aspects of running a business.


A major highlight for the district was when Superintendent Dr. Ted Stec, members of his administration and members of the Board of Education were asked to "invest" various products to be featured in the school store. We invite you to watch the video below, which captures this incredible moment.

Manor Hill: Shark Tank

Doing More for Lombard 44: The World Expo

Last week, thousands of families, staff members and students came together at The Connect 44 Center in celebration of an historic event: the district's first ever World Expo. From traditional irish dancing, to sampling foods from other countries to learning about dozens of different cultures, the World Expo served as an incredible celebration of our diversity.


The district would like to thank the countless number of parents, staff members and students who volunteered their time to make this event such a success. The World Expo Planning Team, which consists of Abeer Meah, Saba Syed and Kainat Mohammad, was also personally recognized during the Board meeting. We are grateful for their leadership and commitment.


The district was fortunate to have several reporters from WHS Starcast to provide coverage of the event. We invite you watch their video recap below.

WHS Student Reporters Present: World Expo
Board Hears from Middle School Scheduling Committee

Board Hears from Middle School Scheduling Committee

GWMS Principal Scott Stehlik along with representatives from the Middle School Scheduling Committee provided the Board with an update about their efforts to improve the middle school schedule.


The work of re-examining the middle school schedule first started in 2019 but was halted once the pandemic hit. In an effort to continue this work while also incorporating critical pieces of feedback about GWMS from the district's Well-Being Action Team, a new committee was formed last school year.


The committee, which included representation from all grade levels and internal stakeholders, was formed to identify ways students could be provided greater and more equitable opportunities throughout their school day. GWMS is looking to implement this new schedule starting with the 2024-2025 school year, using all of next year to provide professional development and support to staff, as well as communicate more specifically with parents.


Highlights of the new schedule include:


  • All school advisory at the start of every school day (can be used for homework support, SEL support, seeking additional help from teachers, etc.)
  • Three PRIME classes built in daily. PRIME stands for PE, Resource, Intervention, Music and Explore. Right now, students often have to choose between these, causing them to pick one over the other.
  • Access to more Explore offerings throughout the entire school year
  • Instrumental Music built into the school day


It should be noted that while there will be improvements to the schedule, there will not be significant impacts on families or staff. More specifically, the school day will not change, staffing will not change and students will be exposed to more opportunities vs. any academic reductions. To learn more, you can click here to see the Board presentation.

Board Hears from Middle School Scheduling Committee

EVENT REMINDERS

District 44 Partners with Community Organization for Belonging Series

We All Belong: A Three-Part Series will begin next month. We are hopeful members of our school community and beyond will join us to take part in conversations about diversity and inclusion.


Led by members of the District 44 Administration and Kaveria Lezza, Founder of Building Love Amongst Cultures, we are hopeful you will take part in this experience meant to break down walls and bring together our community.


Please make sure and RSVP as space will be limited. Additionally, childcare is available via the Lombard Park District. Reservations is required and can be made here.

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Annual Science Fair: April 29

The annual Science Fair is approaching. We hope you will join us on Saturday, April 29. The judging appointments will occur from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm and the public viewing of the projects will be from 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm. The event will again take place at The Connect 44 Center. If you would like more information, please click here.

We Need Substitutes!

Right now, all of DuPage County is experiencing a severe substitute teacher shortage, and Lombard District 44 is no different. Below you will find more information on how you can become a substitute teacher in our district. You can also call the Administration Center with any questions.


Not sure if this is the right fit for you? Click here for a brief video to learn more about all the perks of being a sub in our district!

Translate Our Newsletters

To translate any of our newsletters, click the icon at the top right that says "translate." You can then select your preferred language. Please see below for more information.

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Meet the Lombard District 44

Meet the Lombard District 44

Meet the Lombard District 44
Lombard District 44 is governed by an all volunteer, seven-member Board of Education. These individuals are elected to serve the community. For more information, please click here.
150 West Madison Street, Lombard, IL, USA 630-827-4400 sd44.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=435498&type=d&pREC_ID=946172

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.