A Message from Superintendent Dr. Khelghati |
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As we near the start of spring, I hope this letter finds you and your families well. It is hard to believe how quickly this school year has progressed, and with just a few weeks remaining until spring break, I am providing you with some updates.
First and foremost, I am grateful for your ongoing support and cooperation as we navigate through the challenges and opportunities of this academic year. Your partnership with us in ensuring the success and well-being of our students is truly invaluable. I have the opportunity to attend many events, programs, and competitions, and I never cease to be amazed by the talent of our students and the ongoing support they have from families.
As the weather begins to transition and the days grow longer, it is essential to maintain focus and momentum in our educational endeavors. With state assessments, final projects, and various school activities on the horizon, it may become challenging for students to remain fully committed to their studies and actively engaged in their learning experiences. Your encouragement and reinforcement of the importance of academic achievement are instrumental in this final stretch of the school year.
I want to draw your attention to an exceptional annual event that is quickly approaching: Amplify! This year’s event is themed “Walk a Mile in Our Shoes” and allows students to share their experiences, challenges, and stories. Students will lead discussions that delve deeper into topics impacting their daily lives. Their courage and hope will leave everyone inspired. The evening will include several vendors, food trucks, breakout sessions, and a larger gathering. Please set aside a few hours to show up for these students who are showcasing their walks- in their shoes. I look forward to seeing you at Amplify on March 21 from 5-8:30pm (main program Amplify the Coalition is 7-8:30pm) at Oswego East High School.
March is set aside to celebrate and honor many professionals, experiences, and holidays. Among them is Women’s History Month. I encourage you to engage in discussions with your children about the many contributions of women to events in history and the development of our contemporary society. One of our partner organizations, Waubonsee Community College, hosts many events to celebrate Women’s History Month; check it out!
Finally, I want to remind you that our district is committed to effective and transparent two-way communication. Please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher, the school principal, or our district administrators. We are here to partner with you to help your child succeed, and we want to address any questions or concerns you may have. Take care, |
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When visiting Grande Park Elementary School I was so impressed by the outgoing and inquisitive students I had the pleasure meeting. This is 5th grader Lawson Lowe telling me about his work using vertical surfaces, together with classmates, to solve math problems. |
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| Statewide Tornado Drill A statewide tornado drill is planned for Illinois on Wednesday, March 6th. The drill is set to take place at 11 a.m. The test is part of Severe Weather Preparedness Week. While sirens will sound briefly statewide, our schools will not experience a disruption in normal operations indoors. |
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Important Dates in March
March 6: College and Trade Expo, 4-6pm, Oswego High School
March 7: Mobile Food Pantry, 5-6:30pm, at Long Beach Elementary School
March 8: Oswego Satellite Food Pantry, 6-7:30pm, at 61 Franklin Street, Oswego March 9: Operations and Transportation Open Interviews! 10am- 1pm, at 71 Stone Hill Rd., Oswego
March 11: Finance and Facilities Board Committee Meeting, 6pm, at DAC (4175 Rt. 71, Oswego) March 12: Mobile Food Pantry, 5-6:30pm, at Lakewood Creek Elementary March 13: Equity and Teaching & Learning Board Committee Meeting, 5pm, at DAC (4175 Rt. 71, Oswego)
March 18: Board of Education Meeting, 7pm, at Oswego East High School March 19: Election Day- No School March 20: Policy and Legislative Board Committee Meeting, 5pm, at DAC (4175 Rt. 71, Oswego)
March 21: Amplify: Walk a Mile in Our Shoes, 5-8:30pm, Oswego East High School March 25- April 1: Spring Break- No School |
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Why the 5Essentials Survey
The 10-15-minute survey gathers data related to five indicators that can predict important student outcomes, including improved attendance and larger test score gains. These five indicators that affect and predict school success are: - Effective Leaders
- Collaborative Teachers
- Involved Families
- Supportive Environments
- Ambitious Instruction
Prior research in more than 400 schools has shown that schools that were strong on at least three of these “5Essential” indicators were 10 times more likely to improve student learning gains in math and reading than those that were weak on three or more of the 5Essentials indicators.
Students and teachers take the 5Essentials survey at school. Our district also administers the optional parent portion of the survey. To receive the results, 20 percent of parents need to participate in the survey. Your participation will help SD 308 understand the conditions at your child’s school and guide improvement. For parents with children enrolled in multiple schools, please participate in the survey for each school. Your identity and survey responses will be kept completely confidential and will never be connected to you or your child. Parent survey data is not included on the State Report Card.
On behalf of the Illinois State Board of Education, the Illinois 5Essentials Survey will be administered online by UChicago Impact at the University of Chicago. The deadline to participate is March 29th. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts with us!
Please note that for all SD 308 schools, parents should enter Kendall County to begin their search. |
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Board of Education News February 26th's Board of Education meeting illustrated the Board’s direction toward greater alignment in planning, coordination, and systems across the district. Several presentations were shared, each supporting the goals the Board and administration set forth and aligning with the organization's overall direction.
To read about the presentations shared with the Board of Education on Monday, Feb. 26, click here.
Student-Led Public Forum
Yesterday night was the first student-led Public Forum hosted by the Board of Education. The evening was facilitated by the two Student Ambassadors to the Board, Luke Lockwood and Isabelle Gershon. Through teamwork between students, staff, administrators, and parents, the group helped develop components of “Portrait of a Learner,” which is a shared vision, the aspirations of what students should know and be able to do when they graduate from SD 308. Additionally, they worked on the "Portrait of an Educator" and "Portrait of a Leader" which encompass what characteristics, qualities and values are desired in those teaching and leading our students.
The Board continues to shine a light on the importance of student voice across the District, knowing that this is their education journey, and their hopes, dreams, and opinions are what should shape it. To hear more details about the event, click here. |
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Introducing the Leadership Cord
Beginning with 2024 Graduates, SD 308 is pleased to announce the addition of a new graduation honor, the Leadership Cord. The Leadership Cord recognizes students' outstanding commitment and contributions across the SD 308 community. Recipients of the Leadership Cord will be graduates who actively contribute to their school community by dedicating significant time and effort to projects, initiatives, or activities that positively impact the broader SD 308 learning community. This cord symbolizes the students' outstanding leadership, initiative, and dedication to making a meaningful difference in their school and district. It honors those who have mentored, led, and helped build success among other students. Advisors/coaches from school teams, clubs, and organizations will nominate students for the cord. Students are only eligible for one Leadership Cord, even if nominated multiple times, but will receive recognition for all nominations at Senior Awards Night. The cord will be bronze.
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Pathways 4th Annual Spring Shoppe
March 14th (3-6pm) is Creations by Pathways’ 4th Annual Spring Shoppe. The students will have new spring and St. Patrick's Day decorations, gifts, and the ever-popular bath products for sale!
All the items are student-created and the students participate in the sale; please stop by! |
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Nominate a Staff Member for Recognition
Nominations are always open for PRIDE Recognition! Proudly Recognizing Individuals Demonstrating Excellence honors a teacher, assistant, bus driver, secretary, nurse, custodian, or other staff member doing great things. Please take a moment to submit an online nomination form! Any community members (staff, parents, and friends) can nominate a staff member in SD 308!
Please note that district supervisors and administrators are not eligible for the award. |
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The Illinois Department of Public Health and CDC have issued revised guidance for COVID and other common seasonal respiratory illnesses. Read more. |
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Oswego Community Unit School District 308
4175 Route 71, Oswego, IL 60543
(630) 636-3080 |
NOTICE: This email message is for the sole use and the intended recipient(s) regarding the business of the Oswego Community Unit School District. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure, or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact SD 308 and destroy all copies of the original message.
The Oswego Community Unit School District promotes mutual respect, tolerance and acceptance of differences. We empower, support, and motivate all students to thrive along their unique educational journey. |
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