Dear D53 Families and Staff:
I hope that you and your families enjoyed a restful summer and are looking forward to commencing the new school year in just a few days. At the district, we have been busy working throughout both buildings on Phase II of the Capital Improvements Vision Projects. The newly renovated areas at Brook Forest and Butler Junior High have been transformed to foster collaboration, innovation, and personalized learning. Check out the Construction Corner for photos from progress made throughout the summer.
Our teachers return to the buildings next week to prepare their classrooms and spend two days together in collaboration, professional development, and final preparations for the year ahead. We look forward to having them back, welcoming new additions to our team, and kicking off the new school year.
Some initiatives that we will be working on through this year:
- Further implementation of the Otus gradebook, personalized learning plans, data analysis, and MTSS progress monitoring
- Enhancing the district communication software and transition to Parent Square, the same system used by District 86
- Preparations for our final Phase III of the Capital Improvements Vision projects of next summer
Building principals have begun their back to school communication and we cannot wait to have our students back in the classrooms on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 - our official first day of school for students!
Stay well, be safe, and enjoy the final days of summer!
Dr. Paul O'Malley
Superintendent of Schools