Parent Update Friday, May 2, 2025 |
Dear SD 308 Community,
Happy May! We’ve entered the final stretch of what has been a joyful and inspiring school year. I’m excited for all that these next few weeks will bring.
Earlier this week, we had the privilege of recognizing another outstanding group of PRIDE (Proudly Recognizing Individuals Demonstrating Excellence) winners at our Board of Education meeting. These exceptional staff members from Plank Junior High, Oswego High School, Oswego East High School, and the Pathways Transition Center exemplify the values that make our district great. We’re now in the final round of PRIDE nominations for the year. If you’d like to nominate a deserving employee, please do so via this link by Monday, May 5. This round is open to staff in our Transportation, Finance, Operations, and Technology departments, and those at the District Administration Center.
Next week, we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, a time to honor the incredible educators who inspire and guide our students every day. I am truly grateful for the talent, dedication, and heart our teachers bring to their work. Their efforts do not go unnoticed, and I hope they feel especially valued in the days ahead.
Also on Monday, May 5, we will recognize the dedicated service of four outgoing Board of Education members: President LaTonya Simelton, Vice President Eugene Gatewood, Secretary Jared Ploger, and Member Jennifer Johnson. These individuals have given so much of their time and energy in support of our students, staff, and schools. As we thank them, we also warmly welcome new members Dr. Heather Martin, Dr. Rovel Rucker-Pollock, Brandi Robinson, and Erika Sieh to the Board. They will join continuing members Dominick Cirone, Dr. Amy Murillo, and Mary Jo Wenmouth in leading our district forward. We invite you to take part in this moment of transition, either in person or via livestream.
Finally, we’ll also celebrate the achievements of our Special Olympics basketball athletes on Monday evening—a wonderful reminder of the power of perseverance and teamwork. Wishing you a relaxing and enjoyable weekend as we begin to enjoy the warmth and light of the season. Take care, |
Superintendent of Schools Oswego Community Unit School District 308 |
Old Post Elementary School was named an AVID School of Excellence! Only 45 schools nationwide received this recognition. Congratulations to Old Post staff, students, and community members for this honor! |
May 5: Special Board of Education Meeting 6:45 pm
(New Board Members sworn in; Special Olympics recognition)
May 12: Board of Education Meeting 7 pm
May 17: High School Graduation May 22: Last Day for Early Childhood
May 23: Last Day for K-12 (3.5 Hour Student Attendance)
Check out the 2025-26 academic calendar here! |
|
|
As we near the end of this school year, we look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of students as they prepare for the next chapter of their stories.
Our high school graduation ceremonies will take place on Saturday, May 17 at Northern Illinois University. - Oswego East High School: 10 am
-
Oswego High School: 3 pm
Our Eighth Grade Promotion events will take place as follows: -
Bednarcik Junior High School: Wednesday, May 21 at 6:30 pm; ceremony will be held in Bednarcik's gym
Murphy Junior High School: Thursday, May 22 at 7 pm; ceremony will be held in Murphy’s gym Plank Junior High School: Thursday, May 22 at 6:30 pm; ceremony will be held in Oswego East High School’s gym Thompson Junior High School: Thursday, May 22 at 6:30 pm; ceremony will be held in Thompson’s gym Traughber Junior High School: Friday, May 23 at 5 pm; ceremony will be held in Oswego High School’s gym
Click here for more information! |
|
|
Long Beach Club Forming Leaders |
Contrary to popular belief, meeting with the principal doesn’t always mean a student is in trouble. In fact, for a small group of fifth-grade students at Long Beach Elementary School, it means being a part of Gentlemen’s Club, a space for developing young leaders. “One of the first things we talk about is their image, and how anything they do adds or subtracts from their image, so we try to build up that positive image in them,” said Phil Murray, Principal of Long Beach.
Read more here! |
| |
|
|
SD 308 Updates Transportation for Next School Year |
As part of the Oswego Community Unit School District 308 Strategic Plan, transportation will be restructured beginning this fall, improving efficiency for the district and the families it serves. These upcoming changes include the expansion of the Kid’s Connection program, continued bus services, and added safe walking routes. Read more here! |
|
|
All Students Need to Register by May 23! |
|
|
Registration for both new, incoming kindergarten students and ALL returning students for the 2025-26 school year is OPEN! If students are not registered by May 23, 2025, their enrollment will be impacted for the 2025-26 school year. Click here to learn more about kindergarten registration, and click here to learn more about returning student registration.
|
Kid's Connection Registration Opening May 5! |
We are excited to announce that through a continued partnership, Oswegoland Park District will offer Kid's Connection before and after school care next school year at ALL SD 308 elementary school locations. Priority registration for currently enrolled families is open now, and it will open to everyone on May 5. Click here to learn more!
|
|
|
Food Pantry - Friday, May 2 |
OHS Spring Plant Sale - May 5-10 |
The OHS Horticulture and FFA Plant Sale will take place in the OHS Greenhouse beginning Monday, May 5. Click here to learn more!
|
Senior Graduation Walk - May 14-16 |
SD 308 Elementary Schools would like to celebrate their graduating seniors! Click here to learn more about the timing, location, and more of these upcoming events for the Class of 2025! |
Long Beach Mobile Food Pantry - Thursday, May 15 |
Free to those in need; no ID, proof of address, or income is required. Food is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Learn more at www.SolveHungerToday.org/GetHelp. |
Kindergarten Readiness Presentation - Tuesday, May 20 |
Family Support welcomes parents and caregivers of current Early Childhood students to join them for a night of information to prepare for the transition to kindergarten. Click here to learn more and sign up! (Spanish flyer)
|
Kindergarten Step-Up - July 28-August 1 |
This one-week session is a great opportunity for incoming kindergarten students to prepare for a successful year of school! Please register by Monday, May 30. Click here to learn more and access the registration link. |
|
|
|
OHS Artist's Work to be Displayed in Washington, D.C. |
Joelynn Portillo of Oswego High School took first place at the Lauren Underwood for Congress Congressional Art Competition! Her work will be displayed at the U.S. Capitol for a year! Joelynn will be sent to Washington, D.C. for the art opening in July.
Aidan Quach placed second and Laila Green placed third. Their pieces will be displayed in Congresswoman Underwood's office. Other competition participants from OHS include Tyler Sanchez, Ariana Vargas, Addison Tyner, Alexandria Flores, and Alanna Kozbiel. Congratulations to these artists! |
|
|
View All of Our Districtwide Announcements |
SD308 regularly posts announcements on our website to inform parents, guardians and community members. View our announcements to stay informed. |
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
