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September, 2009
Dear District 163
Families,
Welcome
back to school and the 2009-2010 school year. The administration and
teachers have planned throughout the summer months for an enriching
academic year. Additionally, construction and custodial crews worked
during the schools’ down time to refresh buildings and complete the
renovation of the locker room area at Forest Trail. The buildings were
sparkling and our grounds were well groomed to welcome our students back
for a new year. We are off to a great start.
I am pleased to
update you on several good news items. The state recognized District 163
for its excellence in finance noting that the District is within the Financial
Recognition range, the highest category obtainable for the School
District Financial Profile.
In another piece of
financial news, our District will be debt free by December of this year.
This is quite an accomplishment given the state of the economy and our
state government’s budget woes. Our Board of Education is to be
commended. The members have been extremely prudent in their oversight of
the District’s finances.
Our 2009 ISAT
(Illinois Standards Achievement Test) scores indicate that we are continuing
to make consistent upward progress. Forest Trail Middle School achieved
the highest scores it has had in six years. The state’s AYP
(Adequate Yearly Progress) benchmark was 70 percent and the
District’s overall AYP was 73.5 percent of our children meeting/exceeding
reading standards and 82.5 percent meeting/exceeding math standards. This
is great progress for a school district that has an 80 percent free and
reduced lunch population.
We recently learned that we received an Illinois State Board of Education
grant of $297,000 that will broaden our technology program. Its funding
will mean more professional development for our teachers and the
opportunity for our students to connect with students and museums around
the world for learning experiences. We also hope to implement adult literacy technology
evening classes with the grant funds.
As in past years, our expectations are high for this school year.
Please help your children to experience a successful school year. Engage
them in reading at least 60-120 minutes per day outside of school; ensure
that they attend school regularly and on time; review homework; and
acquaint yourself with your children’s teachers.
Have a
wonderful school year. If you have any questions or concerns, please
contact me at 668-9427.
Sincerely,
Joyce Carmine, Ed.D
Superintendent
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