Parent Update Friday, March 21, 2025 |
Dear SD 308 Community,
Earlier this week, our Board of Education approved the Strategic Plan; the next chapter of "Our Story" encompassing many voices and aspirations for an exciting future. Thank you to everyone who shared feedback through surveys, focus group and town hall participation, or by hosting a community conversation. With our unified direction established, I want to take a moment to reflect on and reaffirm the core values that guide our district and unite our community.
I am incredibly proud of the rich diversity that defines SD 308. It is one of the many reasons I was drawn to this district. Our diversity is something to be celebrated—it strengthens us, enriches our learning environment, and helps shape this vibrant, inclusive community.
However, when harm occurs—whether intentional or not—we all share the responsibility to reflect, learn, and respond with empathy and action. At times, some students may experience feelings of isolation because of aspects of their identity, such as race, gender, ability, or sexual orientation. In those moments, our commitment to inclusivity becomes even more important.
In SD 308, we are actively working to create an environment where every student feels seen, valued, and supported. Our approach to addressing experiences of harm or isolation is guided by district policy and a shared belief in respect and inclusion. We are intentional in celebrating our differences and fostering understanding through our curriculum. One example is our use of “windows” and “mirrors”—instructional tools that provide students with opportunities to see into the lives of others (“windows”) while also recognizing and affirming their own experiences (“mirrors”).
We know this important work is never done and that we won't always get things right. However, we are committed to learning, growing, and providing the very best for every single student in our district. Thank you for your ongoing dedication to supporting our mission and making SD 308 a welcoming place for all.
Have a wonderful Spring Break, |
Superintendent of Schools
Oswego Community Unit School District 308 |
Last Thursday, our students took the stage to bravely share their stories at AMPLIFY! Click here to watch the recording of this event. |
March 24-31: Spring Break - No School April 1: Students Return from Spring Break April 1: Finance & Facilities Committee BOE Meeting 6 pm
April 2: Equity and Learning & Innovation Committee BOE Meeting 5 pm April 3: Policy & Legislative Committee BOE Meeting 5 pm April 4: Oswego Satellite Kendall County Community Food Pantry 6 pm April 7: School Improvement Day - No School April 7: Board of Education Meeting 7 pm
April 18-21: District Closed - No School
April 28: Board of Education Meeting 7 pm Check out the 2025-26 academic calendar here! |
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Panorama Education Spring 2025 Survey |
From April 14-25, Panorama Education will be administering surveys to gather valuable information about students' experiences at and perceptions of our schools. Our partnership with Panorama helps provide insight to educators.
In SD 308 specifically, we utilize this platform to enhance how we support 3rd-12th grade students social-emotional learning (SEL) needs. Students are given the opportunity to complete this survey twice a year (Fall and Spring). This framework ensures that every student receives the right level of academic and behavioral support. We also utilize Panorama’s school climate and student voice surveys to gather feedback from students—helping us create a supportive school environment where all students are rightfully present.
Please complete this Google Form by Wednesday, April 9 if you would like your child to opt out of taking the survey. Please note that if your student was opted out of the Fall Panorama Survey, you will still need to opt them out for the Spring Panorama Survey. Click here to learn more about Panorama and this upcoming survey.
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Junior High Bands Gain Wisdom from Residency |
In the midst of a busy season before Winter Break, three Oswego Community Unit School District 308 junior high school bands had the privilege of hosting a special guest.
Laura Estes, a former band director and current composer based out of Georgia, visited Bednarcik, Murphy, and Thompson junior high schools for a composer residency. "The students were amazing, they were excited, asked lots of great questions," Ms. Estes said. "They all just played beautifully."
Read more here!
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| Teachers Reflect on New ELA Curriculum |
This fall marked a new chapter in the story of Oswego Community Unit School District 308's English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum.
A common theme shared among SD 308 teachers is the perspective that Benchmark is an adaptable curriculum aimed at serving all students' learning needs. "There are so many resources embedded into the curriculum to differentiate and meet all learner needs," said Ali Quill, instructional coach at Long Beach Elementary School. Read more here! |
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All Returning Students Need to Register! |
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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.
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April is Autism and Neurodiversity Appreciation Month! |
April 1 marks the first day of Autism and Neurodiversity Acceptance Month. During this month, we raise awareness for neurodiversity and foster inclusivity within our school environments.
This month is a great opportunity for students to learn more about neurodiversity in their classrooms and through meaningful conversation at home. |
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Regional College Fair - Wednesday, April 2 |
Over 115 colleges will be represented at the Regional College Fair being held at Oswego High School from 6 to 8 pm! Click here to learn more and register. |
Courageous Connections Learning Series
Wednesday, April 2, 9, 16, & 23 |
Courageous Connections presents "Raising Changemakers: A Parent University Family Learning Series." All community members are invited to join us for these virtual sessions that will offer helpful tools to guide family conversations about diversity, fairness, and understanding. These sessions will take place from 6 to 7 pm. Click here to learn more and register!
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Mobile Food Pantry - Friday, April 4 |
Kindergarten Dual Language Informational Night
Wednesday, April 9 |
This meeting will take place at Hunt Club Elementary School from 6:30-7:30 pm. Click here for more information. |
College & Trade Expo - Thursday, April 24 |
This expo will provide the opportunity for students and families to learn about career and training options that do not require a four-year degree. The event will take place at Oswego High School from 5 to 7 pm. Click here to learn more!
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Junior High Fine Arts Festival Fascinates |
Our five junior highs recently came together for their annual Fine Arts Festival at Thompson Junior High School. This display of our students' hard work and talents has taken place for over 20 years. The event featured performances from each school's sixth, seventh, and eighth grade choirs and bands, as well as an art gallery bursting with numerous pieces. “It’s nice being able to collaborate with the other junior highs and bring everyone together under one roof,” said Dr. Angela Robinson, art teacher at Thompson.
Click here to read more! |
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Business Professionals of America Chapter Celebrates State Successes |
Over 85 students from Oswego and Oswego East High School's Business Professionals of America chapter recently competed at the State Leadership Conference.
Of those students, 36 medaled and 31 earned a spot to compete at the National Leadership Conference in Orlando, Fla. this May.
Click here to read more! |
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| Dell Scholar Selected from
Oswego High School |
Oswego High School senior Shaniya Love was awarded the Dell Scholarship! She has been accepted to 11 colleges: Wingate, Kentucky, NIU, SIUE, SIU, Aurora University, Loyola, St. Mary's, Illinois State, and Western Illinois. Each year, only 500 students become Dell Scholars. They will receive financial assistance, academic advising, career coaching, and a support team throughout their college educations. Students must be participating in an approved college readiness program, such as AVID. Congratulations, Shaniya! |
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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. |
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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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