District 228 is one of 85 Illinois School Districts who have earned the SchoolSearch 2012 Bright Star Award for educational excellence (out of 868 school districts).  All school districts in Illinois are considered for the award and the award is based on objective factors on which all districts are judged fairly.  The award criteria are based on those districts whose students’ academic performance ranks in the upper one third of Illinois school districts, but whose expenditure per pupil ranks in the lower one-fourth of Illinois school districts (based on the 2011 Illinois School District Report Card data).

Here is a link for more information and to see the entire list of schools who are recognized in Illinois.  This is truly a team effort between the teachers, administrators, Board of Education, parents, students and greater school community, and can be another great source of pride for our efforts!

There were many questions asked during, and after, the Chicago Public Schools strike.  How might this impact downstate schools?  Part of the most recent debate regarding pension reform has surrounded folks in Chicago, particularly their Mayor, upset that they have to contribute to downstate teacher pensions, but downstate taxpayers are not subsidizing the Chicago educator pensions.

Here is an article you may find interesting that takes a stab at speculating what we may see following this strike.

The turnout for Back to School Night was fantastic; we thank you for your support of the evening and of the change we instituted by having two separate nights.  We would ask that you take a quick moment to complete this survey to provide us with feedback so that we may improve the 2013 Back to School Night(s) even more.
Click here to take survey

What kindergarten students do on first day of school.

It has become easy for me to take for granted the first day of a new school year.  I was thinking this morning in the shower that this is now my 45th consecutive “first day” since I was in Miss Pletkovich’s  kindergarten class at Central School in Kewanee.  (I was in the p.m. half-day class which worked well for a nap….)

Perhaps reflecting on our youngest boys first day of their “last year” of high school (Yes, I know that there will be first days of college, but that’s different), gave me pause to think about how energizing and exciting it is to get back to see your friends, compare summer stories, meet and make new friends, find new classrooms, hear from new teachers.  It’s as if we celebrate a feeling of Spring, while we end the Summer and then head into Fall.

Be assured that the faculty, staff and administration of District 228 are prepared to create opportunities for students to be as successful as they commit themselves to be.  Our true mission is to “Maximize Achievement”, and we will do our best to meet that need for ALL students.

So whether you have a “first day” kindergartner, a “first day” senior, or a group of children somewhere in between— we wish you and yours a safe and successful 2012-13 school year!

What seniors do before the first day of school

We are proud that the leafprints magazine has received one of only 3 national Awards of Excellence for magazines by the National School Public Relations Association!  Congratulations to Laura Kashner, Communications Coordinator, and all who contribute to the magazine for this elite recognition.  Our magazine will be available in the Publications Exchange Center at the NSPRA National Seminar in Chicago this week and will undoubtedly be picked up by school districts across the country!  The magazine is designed to share the good news of the district– so now the good news goes across the country AND wins a NATIONAL AWARD!

The year end wrap up edition is now available as well! 

This is the time of year we celebrate Seniors preparing for Graduation. It’s also a great time to celebrate the time and commitment invested by staff throughout the year, the talents and persistence so many students have exhibited since August, and the accomplishments and learning that continues to build across the District.

This was Caylie Harned’s final project for Painting 2. The color scheme was a new technique for her. She saw it in another painting and wanted to use it in her own artwork. It took a lot of trial and error. It is acrylic paint on clayboard.

Never underestimate, nor under appreciate how blessed we are in this school community. I hope you enjoy this one piece of artwork that spoke to me on many levels.

Have a wonderful summer— Scott Kuffel

Recently, U.S. News & World Report conferred a Silver Medal award to Geneseo High School as one of the nation’s best high schools, using criteria of school size, achievement test results, and Advanced Placement performance.  GHS is also listed as #52 within IL and the second highest ranked “downstate” high school.  This is a wonderful time to celebrate the students, parents, staff, administration and great support staff at Geneseo High School.  We also should celebrate the support, mentoring, guidance and commitment from students, staff and parents at the elementary and middle schools!