Season Greetings:
It
is amazing how quickly the year has gone by. We are half way through the school year and the holiday season is upon
us. Our staff is making great strides in
educating our students. We know that
none of this would be possible without the support from our parents and
community collaboratively working for the greater good of all students. I have had the opportunity to meet and speak with many
families and community members. More
importantly, I have spent time daily talking with our students and staff to
develop a plan and implement initiatives to improve student achievement.
Academic Achievement & Growth. I am excited
about the work being done to enrich the academic experiences of our
children. We continue to take pride in our STEM
courses at both schools; students have been very innovative in their
creations. Not only are
we investing in our students but we are investing in our staff to ensure they
have the tools and know-how necessary to grow 21st Century Learners. Every decision being made is student centered. Student attendance is extremely important, so let’s continue to make every effort to ensure that every student is in school and on time.
Community Engagement.
This past fall, our team participated in
two Community Walks to introduce ourselves and share our story with the
community. Round two of these walks will
take place in the Spring. This year we have implemented our first “Parent University” which provides sessions on STEM Education for our parents and guardians. Two
classes have already been held and the excitement continues to grow. The next session will be held January 16th
at Barack Obama Learning Academy at 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Reach Out And Read “ROAR” is another initiative that has taken our community’s involvement in the schools to another level. This program is designed to enhance early literacy. Many figures from the communities that we serve including the Mayor, Fire Chiefs, and Police Chiefs and Officers, Clergy and Parents regularly volunteer their time to read with our children.
Our students and staff are doing some phenomenal things and we want to showcase their accomplishments and successes, as well as continue to explore opportunities for growth. We have developed the following shared vision….To Improve Student Achievement by Developing 21st Century
Learners. This vision will keep us focused and grounded to stay the course during our journey.
Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @Crest_5, or
like us on Facebook at Hazel Crest
School District 152.5 and stay tuned to our website, www.sd1525.org to learn more about our upcoming events.
In closing,
school resumes on January 6, 2020; I want to wish every family and Safe and
Happy Holiday Season!
Sincerely,
Dr.
Kenneth Spells
Superintendent of Schools
#TEAMHAZELCREST