A full-day kindergarten option, implementation of a formal STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) program, the addition of a dual language option, systemic interventions and/or enrichments and the addition of instructional coaches – these were the top educational priorities identified in Phase I of Focus 205 – a collaborative conversation between the community and Elmhurst School District 205.

District 205 launched this community engagement program last fall. Phase 1 involved four town hall-style meetings held September through December of 2015, focusing on next generation learning, future-ready educational environments and utilization of resources for maximum student success. The Focus 205 Findings Report summarizes the work of this phase.

Phase 2 began last spring with a comprehensive Educational Alignment study; an update was presented to the Board of Education on May 24, 2016.

Focus 205 continues this fall with two more community meetings on October 3 and December 5, beginning at 7 PM in the York High School Commons. We hope you will join us as we recap the work done last year, celebrate student achievement in District 205 and begin exploring options that will support educational priorities in Elmhurst for years to come. RSVP at (630) 617-2300 ext. RSVP or at www.focus205.org. Please indicate if you require childcare (for ages 3-12).

In between those meetings, District 205 will be gathering community input through an online, interactive and completely confidential survey administered by a company called Thoughtexchange. What is Thoughtexchange? Watch their one-minute video to find out.

This is your chance to share what you value about District 205 as a parent and/or community member, what your vision is for our students’ future-ready learning, as well as ask any questions or contribute any thoughts you might have regarding public education in Elmhurst. Watch for the link in early October. Join the conversation!

Join other parents at the Elmhurst Public Library on Tuesday, October 18 from 12:30-2:30 PM when Jacqueline Rhew from Alexian Brothers will be presenting Intervention Strategies to Engage Students with Parents Struggling with School Anxiety and School Refusal. Sponsored by District 205 Social Workers, this program is free, but limited to the first 70 in attendance.

Para más información, comuníquese con Maria Gallegos al (630) 832-8682 ext. 3710

Para solicitar traducción al español en este evento, confirme asistencia a Maria antes del 14/10/16

“Welcome to Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205” premiered at elementary and middle school Curriculum Night events last week. It features the voices of D205 students who are also members of the Elmhurst Children’s Theatre. The two-minute video is an overview of the District’s educational priorities, punctuated with images of our students and staff at work and play. It reminds viewers that District 205 is a student-centered, future-focused community which believes all students can and must learn and grow.

Thanks go to the principals and staff of York High School, Churchville Middle School, as well as Lincoln and Field Elementary Schools, for making time in their busy May schedules to accommodate the camera crew from Motion Source. Produced by the Communications Office, the video is posted above and can also be found on the District 205 YouTube channel.

Mark your calendar now for Thursday, September 29, when the Elmhurst District 205 Foundation will again be hosting a Family Night of basketball slams and jams featuring the Harlem Wizards at York High School. They will be playing against our own “D205 All Stars” made up of Elmhurst faculty and staff. Raffle prizes, concessions and awesome merchandise will be offered for sale. Proceeds benefit all Elmhurst public schools through Foundation programs. Get your tickets early to be sure you get the best seats in the house! Limited number of courtside and reserved seating available. Buy tickets now at www.harlemwizards.com.
 

Fall brings back many memories of bygone school days. To bring that past to life, the Elmhurst History Museum's schoolmarm is gearing up for a new year at the Churchville Schoolhouse, the City of Elmhurst's 1850s-era one-room schoolhouse, located in Bensenville. Last year, more than 800 students explored local history through this unique living history experience.

You can visit this area treasure at the annual Churchville Schoolhouse Fall Open House on Saturday, October 1 from 11 AM-2 PM. Featured will be: class with the schoolmarm, musical performances of American folk songs by the Conrad Fischer School Singers (11:30 AM and 1 PM), live music by the Battlefield Balladeers, and new this year - dancing the Virginia Reel and Circassian Circle Dance with the school marm. More information is available here.