Reminder: Inclement Weather and School Closures
As a reminder, please review the linked letter, which is sent to parents/guardians of students, and staff each fall. Ensuring the safety of our students and staff remains our top priority.
When making a decision to close school buildings due to weather conditions, multiple factors are carefully considered. Whenever possible, closure notifications will be sent the evening before. If a decision must be made in the morning, notifications will be issued no later than 5:30 AM on the day of closure. Parents, guardians, and staff will be informed through the following channels:
- ParentSquare (via email, phone call, and text, based on your notification preferences)
- Butler School District 53 website
- District social media accounts
A Board Report of the February 10, 2025 Board of Education meeting
This Board of Education meeting was held in the boardroom at 2801 York Road, Oak Brook, Illinois 60523; the regular meeting place. The public can attend Board of Education meetings in person, access an audio livestream of the meeting on the District’s website, or listen to meeting recordings that are uploaded to the District’s website within the meeting week.
District Updates
2025-2026 Calendar Approval
The 2025-2026 School Calendar has been approved, returning to a pre-construction model. Prior to winter break, a survey was shared with D53 families and staff to gather input on the calendar. All staff members were also invited to join the annual Calendar Committee, which reviewed the survey results and an attendance study highlighting days with higher absenteeism rates.
Of the 291 survey respondents, 39 more preferred a post-Labor Day start. However, after reviewing all feedback and survey comments, the Calendar Committee recommended the pre-construction August start calendar. This decision reflects the committee’s belief that this option better supports student attendance patterns and incorporates the majority of survey input.
The approved calendar aligns with Hinsdale Central D86’s winter and spring breaks, beginning four days after D86’s start and ending five days after D86’s final exams. The first day of school for D53 students is Monday, August 18, 2025, and the last day is Friday, June 5, 2026 (if no emergency days are used).
Registration Fees 2025-2026 Approved Without Increase
The Registration Fees for the 2025-2026 school year have been approved, with no changes.
Potential New Playground
The board approved the superintendent collaborating with the PTO on a fundraising plan for a potential new playground project at Brook Forest Elementary School. However, the board clarified that this approval does not authorize the construction of a new playground. Instead, it allows for research into options, the development of a plan, and the presentation of funding opportunities to the board at a future date.
School and Department Updates
Brook Forest Elementary
Principal Prola updated the Board on Brook Forest Elementary’s recent activities and upcoming events.
Brook Forest Elementary is making progress on key goals. AI tools are enhancing instructional strategies, while virtual reality is being integrated into STEAM classes, with students exploring virtual tours in Spring 2025. Teachers are collaborating monthly to implement cross-curricular activities aligned with the new social studies curriculum and State Literacy Plan, as well as piloting literacy resources for the upcoming school year. Social-emotional learning is supported through feedback on classroom management programs, and new tools are being tested in Parent Square to improve community communication.
Upcoming events include early dismissal and parent-teacher conferences on February 14, and no school on February 17.
Butler Junior High
Principal Hamilton updated the Board on recent and upcoming events for Butler Junior High students.
- Sports Update:
- Boys basketball season ended on January 21, with significant improvement from both JV and Varsity teams. Thanks to coaches Ms. Leah Carter, Mr. Erik Hansen, and Mr. John Little for their dedication.
- Girls volleyball season is underway, with recent games against Herrick and Eisenhower. Good luck to the JV and Varsity teams in their home games against Westmont tomorrow, led by coaches Ms. Milligan and Mr. Shum.
- International Day:
- On January 31, Butler students celebrated International Day with global cuisine provided by the PTO, featuring Chinese, Greek, Italian, Middle Eastern, and Indian dishes.
- Activities included a Brazilian Capoeira demonstration and cultural learning opportunities facilitated by teachers. Special thanks to the PTO and staff for organizing this meaningful event.
- February Parent-Teacher Conferences
- Spring parent-teacher conferences will be held by invitation on February 14, from 12:30–4:30 PM.
- These collaborative group conferences allow multiple teachers to meet with parents. Families can contact teachers directly for progress updates.
Student Services Department
Happy New Year! The Student Services team is excited to continue finding innovative ways to support our students in 2025.
Team Events:
- IEP Bootcamps:
- Dec. 13: Parents learned strategies to support their child’s academic and social-emotional growth.
- Jan. 17: Parents met service providers (Social Work, Speech & Language, OT, PT, ELL, School Psychologists, and Nurses) and explored service delivery models (push-in vs. pull-out).
- Local Wellness Committee (LWC): Feb. 7 Meeting: The LWC collaborated with the district to review Marla’s Lunch Program, which has been a big hit. Students loved Culver’s and Canes, and feedback from parents and staff was overwhelmingly positive.
- ACCESS Testing: Began Jan. 15. Students are tested in listening, speaking, reading, and writing to determine ELL services eligibility for next year.
- Professional Development
- Special Education Teachers: Brook Forest staff trained in the Wilson Reading System to support students with learning disabilities like dyslexia.
- Early Childhood Staff: PD focused on managing developmental delays and challenging behaviors.
- School Psychologists: Topics included behavior monitoring, executive functioning, and meaningful observations.
- ELL Interventionist: Completed WIDA training for ACCESS testing.
- Paraprofessionals: Training sessions on sensory needs and data-driven strategies to enhance student success.
- Health Services:
- Nurses recertified in BLS CPR/AED.
- Staff reviewed the Medical Emergency Plan.
- Vision and hearing screenings were completed district-wide.
We are proud of these efforts and remain dedicated to ensuring all students have the tools and support they need to thrive!
Student Learning and Staff Innovation
The 2024-2025 school year has seen significant progress in Butler School District 53’s goals for mentoring, curriculum alignment, and technology integration. The revamped mentoring program, guided by feedback from new hires and mentors, has received positive reviews, with plans to address additional training needs in curriculum and technology for the next school year. Celebrations and surveys have strengthened the program’s effectiveness. In English Language Arts, the literacy team is aligning resources with the 2024 State Literacy Plan, having developed evaluation rubrics and identified resources for a 2025-2026 pilot program. Science, STEM, and Social Studies teachers have made strides in updating curriculum documents and creating shared rubrics, while professional development efforts focus on writing instruction, enhanced articulation, and collaboration between schools to unify core competencies.
Innovative technology like AI-powered tools and VR/AR experiences is being explored and implemented to enrich teaching and learning. Teachers participated in training sessions to integrate these tools into classrooms while district policies for AI use are under development. Professional development has been a strong focus, with workshops addressing articulation between Brook Forest and Butler Junior High and cross-district collaboration with District 86 to prepare for the next school year. Moving forward, the district plans to pilot updated literacy and STEM resources, refine mentorship processes, and expand professional learning opportunities to ensure students and staff are well-prepared for continued success.
PTO Updates
Brook Forest:
- Winter Clubs: Draw and Paint for Life, Chess, Improv, Spanish.
- Reading Night: Huge thanks to the PTO for sponsoring this event for our 5th graders last month!
- Valentine’s Day Celebration:
- Rose Sale: Thank you to everyone who ordered! Flowers will be delivered on Feb. 14th at the end of the school day. Special thanks to Jamie Lock and Karuna Dhar for organizing.
- Valentine’s Day Sale: A beloved tradition! Students will shop during assigned times on Feb. 14th. Items are priced by category, with a raffle prize up for grabs. Cash only, please!
Butler:
- International Day: Last month, Butler students enjoyed a variety of ethnic foods to celebrate International Day. Huge thanks to all the volunteers and special recognition to Mrs. Danielides and Mrs. Stavors for organizing!
- Glow Party (Sock Hop): Join us on Friday, March 7th, from 6:30-8:30 PM in the Butler School Multipurpose Room for an evening of food, dancing, games, and more! Students are encouraged to wear neon, white, or black to glow. RSVP by 2/28 via Google Form.
- Valentine’s Day Sale: On Feb. 13th, students can shop for Valentine’s Day items, candy, chocolate, and other treats during lunch. Cash only. Proceeds will support 8th-grade graduation.
District News:
- Daddy Daughter Dance: Last Friday’s event was a huge success! Fathers and daughters enjoyed a memorable evening together. Special thanks to Alan Rocca of Rocca Fine Jewelry for donating two beautiful raffle pieces and pledging 20% of sales that night and through February to the PTO.
- Community Fundraiser: Alan Rocca Fine Jewelry will donate 20% of sales to the PTO through February when you mention Brook Forest or Butler. Visit his Oak Brook store for stunning handcrafted jewelry or repairs.
- Playground Project: The PTO is partnering with schools to raise funds for a new playground at Brook Forest! This year’s budget and additional fundraising efforts are focused on making this dream a reality.
- Family Night – Chicago Wolves Game: Join us Friday, March 21st, as the Wolves face off against the Texas Stars. Each ticket includes a free Wolves hat and a raffle entry for a Zamboni ride!
- Family Carnival – Save the Date: Mark your calendar for April 25th! The PTO Carnival is our biggest and most exciting fundraiser of the year. We’re seeking sponsors for Carnival-themed activities—please consider signing up if you or your company can help.
- PTO General Meeting: Join us on March 14th at 9:00 AM in the Butler Junior High Multipurpose Room.
Upcoming Board of Education Meetings
February 14, 2025 at 9:00AM: Education: Committee of the Whole
February 25, 2025 at 6:30PM: Special Board of Education
March 10, 2025 at 4:30PM: Policy: Committee of the Whole
March 10, 2025 at 6:30PM: Regular Board of Education Meeting