D303 Insider Newsletter
November 16, 2023 Edition
In this Issue:
- Superintendent Message: Facility Decisions
- Staff Spotlight: Our Bus Drivers
- ICYMI: IL Report Card Highlights
- Upcoming Events
- Open Enrollment Ends Nov. 19
- Educator of the Year Nominations Now Open
Thoughts From Superintendent Gordon
This week, the Board determined that Davis and Richmond will return to K-5 schools beginning with the 2024-2025 school year. This was yet another decision made about the future of our facilities that understandably is challenging for the staff, students and families it directly impacts, as well as another significant change to the physical makeup of our District.
As we've been communicating for several months, we are in a time of significant change. From the repurposing of Lincoln, Fox Ridge and Haines, to Monday's decision on Davis-Richmond and the upcoming reveal of new attendance boundary scenarios; we are no doubt addressing very large projects in a short amount of time. This is necessary work to alleviate overcrowding, create more equitable learning experiences for our students, and support our long-term goals.
I recognize that the recommendations from Administration and decisions by the Board do not always yield universally favored results. However, I have full confidence in the resilience and expertise of you - our exceptional educators and staff - to help our students, their families and your colleagues through these transitions. Please continue to share your feedback to help us support a stronger District 303.
Sincerely,
Dr. Paul Gordon
Superintendent
Overview of the Boundary Informational Sessions
In-Person and Virtual Meetings
November 28: North High School Auditorium @ 6:00pm
November 29: Norris Cultural Arts Center @ 6:00pm
The purpose of these meetings is to inform staff, families, and community members of the boundary scenarios created by our demographer, RSP & Associates.
Please note you do not need to attend in person in order to receive access to all the information. Should you choose to attend virtually, you will still be able to view the boundary scenarios and access the survey. More details about the meeting structure will be available on the District 303 website tomorrow evening. Communication will be sent to families tomorrow as well.
Celebrating our Transportation Staff!
October 22 was Illinois Bus Driver Appreciation Day and students and staff alike shared their thanks to the wonderful individuals who ensure students get to and from school safely.
Davis and Richmond students celebrated Bus Driver Appreciation Day by giving each bus driver a wonderful “Student Delivery Specialist” travel mug filled with sweet treats and thoughtful notes. The Wasco Spirit Club worked with the Bus Buddies to draw and write notes and posters to give to the bus drivers thanking them for all they do, and gifted them Wasco swag.
Recently, the School Transportation News publication received nominations for its 2023 Rising Stars feature. Tracey Alsup, Commercial Driver's License Trainer and Bus Driver, was nominated as a 2023 Rising Superstar by District 303 Safety Manager, April Miller.
“Tracey is such a dedicated school bus driver and is always willing to help or take on extra,” expressed Miller. Tracey is a long-time CDL trainer for District 303 with over 23 years of service. With a team player attitude and positive outlook, Tracey works closely with other transportation staff and provides them with training and tools to help them be successful. Her flexibility and willingness to work with others has allowed her to be successful in her roles and has made her an essential member of the driver training program.
For the past eight years, School Transportation News has requested nominations of student transporters who are displaying leadership or innovation in their local school bus operation, but who may have not received the public or industry-wide recognition that they deserve. This year, the magazine received over 50 nominations, with 10 of those individuals selected to be featured in their October issue.
Highlights from the Illinois Report Card
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) awarded all District 303 schools with exemplary or commendable Annual Summative Designations, the two highest results schools can earn based on their accountability data. Four schools earned exemplary designations, which represents overall performance in the the top 10 percent of all Illinois schools with no groups of students who are falling behind.
Overall, District 303 saw gains in academic proficiency over the prior year and exceeded the state average by significant margins in both English language arts (ELA) and math.
- ELA: 58.7% proficiency (6.0% increase)
- Math: 55.1% proficiency (2.8% increase)
On the Illinois Science Assessment, over 73% of students achieved proficient or exemplary levels this year, with the number of exemplary students increasing by more than 4% compared to last year.
Do you have celebrations to share? Let the Communications Department know through the Share Your Story form! Click the image below to submit a story.
Upcoming Events
School Board and Committee Meetings
- November 27 | 5 PM: Business Services
- November 27 | 5:30 PM: Learning and Teaching
- December 11 | 6 PM: Regular Board
- December 18 | 5:30 PM: Learning and Teaching
- December 21 | 5:30 PM: Business Services
- November 23: Thanksgiving
- November 28 | 6 PM: Boundary Session
- November 29 | 6 PM: Boundary Session
- November 29 | 6:30 PM: Parent Education - College Credit
- Nov. 28 - Dec. 10 | Boundary Survey
- December 6 | 10:30 AM: Parent Education - Calming Anxiety
- December 6 | 6 PM: Parent Education - Calming Anxiety
- December 19 | 6:30 PM: Detecting Vaping
Open Enrollment Closes Sunday, November 19
Open enrollment for 2024 begins on November 1 and ends on November 19. All benefits-eligible employees can enroll through iVisions. Information was sent via email and posted on the Staff website.
Please contact Kristin Brunson if you have any questions (331-228-6832 or kristin.brunson@d303.org).
48th Annual Educator of the Year
Nominations for the 48th Annual Educator of the Year are now being accepted! This event recognizes the outstanding teachers, administrators, and support staff of Kane County.
Nominations are due on Friday, March 8, 2024.
Save the date for the banquet on Friday, May 3, 2024 at the Q Center in St. Charles. Tickets will be available after April 1, 2024 through local district offices.
This document will be continuously updated.