Marquardt Magazine Volume 2 Issue 1

V O LU M E 2 : I SS U E 1

MAKING HISTORY PROVIDING STUDENTS WITH THE SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE NECESSARY TO BECOME PRODUCTIVE MEMBERS OF SOCIETY AND LIFE LONG LEARNERS

D15.US LETTER FROM SUPERINTENDENT | NEWS & EVENTS | FACILITIES TOUR | FINANCE UPDATE

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 1 3

Letter from Superintendent

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News & Events

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Year of Firsts: COVID-19 Shutdown and Reopening

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A New Day: Full Day Kindergarten for Every Child

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Facilities Update: Tour Winnebago’s Expansion

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Finance Update: Property Tax Relief Grant

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Board Member Q & A: Enrique Arroyo

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Community Connections

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In Memoriam: Dr. Lawrence J. Golden

MARQUARDT MAGAZINE is published twice a year by the MSD15 Communications Department BOARD OF EDUCATION Jean Randazzo, President James Vargas, Vice President Danuta Polsakiewicz, Secretary Enrique Arroyo Elisabeth Betancourt Luz Luna Rich Pugh SUPERINTENDENT Dr. Jerome P. O’Shea

LETTER FROM SUPERINTENDENT DR. JEROME P. O’SHEA As we end this historic year and begin the next, I am grateful to so many in our school community: remarkable students who have excelled despite challenges and changes due to the pandemic; committed parents and families who have partnered with us to support their child’s education whether at home or in school; and extraordinary teachers and staff who have shown that their skill, passion, and dedication know no bounds.

In this issue of the Marquardt Magazine, you’ll learn about the District’s transition to full-day, tuition-free kindergarten, the impact of the COVID-19 shutdown and reopening on our schools, and the property tax relief grant the District secured for FY2020-21 and FY2021-22.

Our “Community Connections” celebrate local churches, businesses, non-profits, and civic organizations whose generosity help keep our focus on student learning and growth. We’ll also give you a tour of the newly renovated and expanded Winnebago Elementary School and honor the late Dr. Lawrence J. Golden, former teacher, principal, and superintendent in Marquardt School District 15.

On behalf of the Board of Education, I want to thank all of you for the big and small ways you have supported our schools over the past year. Whether you volunteered at a food distribution event, supported your child through remote learning, kept in touch with neighbors, friends, and relatives, or practiced social distancing, wore a mask in public, or stayed home---you have made a difference in the lives of the children in our community.

In these uncertain times, one thing is for sure: Marquardt School District 15 will continue to work tirelessly towards our mission to provide our students with skills and knowledge necessary to be productive members of society and life long learners, no matter the circumstance. Wishing you health and happiness in the new year.

Sincerely,

EDITORIAL TEAM Rebecca Bald, rbald@d15.us Mary Ellen Graf, mgraf@d15.us

COVER: Kindergartners Emely Garcia and Elena Lopez arrive at Hall Elementary on the first day of in-person hybrid learning.

INSIDE COVER: Second grader Belinda Jaimes walks her little brother, kindergartner Bryan Jaimes, to greet his teachers at Reskin Elementary.

CONTACT 1860 Glen Ellyn Road Glendale Heights, IL 60139 (630) 469-7615

Dr. Jerome P. O’Shea FACEBOOK.COM/MARQUARDT15

INSTAGRAM.COM/MARQUARDTSD15

TWITTER.COM/MARQUARDTSD15

VIMEO.COM/MSD15

M A R Q UA R D T M AG A Z I N E

PLAY IS THE THING

Every student has a laptop this year as part of MSD15’s fully expanded 1:1 technology initiative.

Over the summer, the Department of Technology sped up its long-time goal of getting a device in the hands of each student, preschool through grade 8, in order to quickly meet the needs of families during the pandemic. The 1:1 initiative helps to individualize instruction, increase engagement, and improve equity. In addition to distributing devices, MSD15 is also working to support families who are unable to access highspeed internet during remote learning. Eligible families have the opportunity to apply for free District-sponsored internet service to support all students and families.

Last summer, MSD15 completed renovations and expansions at each of its elementary school playgrounds. Thanks to a collaboration between administrators, staff, and parent groups, new play structures were selected and old structures were repaired or replaced. New play structures are ADA compliant and provide opportunities for multisensory play. Kudos to the parent organizations across the District who fundraised to contribute to this project. Playgrounds are an extension of the classroom and promote the physical activity that is vital to student growth and development. As public spaces, these new playgrounds will not only benefit the students of MSD15, but all children in the community for decades to come.

NEWS & EVENTS

CROSSING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE

Central Kitchen Manager at Marquardt Middle School, Margo Gusman, was named School Nutrition Association’s Manager of the Year in Illinois in 2020.

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Black Hawk fourth grader, Simona Simonovic, attends class remotely in the spring of the 2019-20 school year during the statewide school shutdown.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT Marquardt Middle School’s Central Kitchen Manager, Margo Gusman, has been named School Nutrition Association’s Manager of the Year in Illinois. Margo was recognized for her ability to develop her team professionally, along with her creativity and passion for school nutrition.

Margo is a key member of the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) team who worked quickly to adapt their operations to distribute over 362,394 emergency meal packs (and counting) during the pandemic. Meal packs contain five breakfast and five lunches and are distributed weekly. FNS continues to use a drive-through format to safely provide meals to families during this time.

SAFETY (AND HEALTH) FIRST

During supply pick-up, Black Hawk principal Kim Roberts and health aide Cathy Gilbert safely greet students and families to kick-off the 2020-21 school year.

A LOTTA TLC

STREAM DREAM

Four times this school year, students will receive a package of manipulatives, books, and other learning tools as part of a Tools for Learning Creatively (TLC) pack. TLC packs vary by grade level and support all content areas, including the arts and physical education, while students are learning at home. Teachers utilize these tools to provide engaging, interactive, hands-on learning opportunities in a remote setting. Items are selected to complement the school curriculum and were funded through the ESSER grant, a grant made available to school districts through the CARES Act. By the end of the school year, the District will have distributed 10,000 TLC packets to students.

Every elementary school now has a STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, Math) lab to help students build problem-solving skills and give them a competitive edge. There, students engage in a hands-on approach to problem-based learning with a focus on the 4Cs: critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity. STREAM labs allow for coding, robotics, and enrichment. Middle schoolers visit the MMS STREAM lab as well, known as the Innovation Space, during a six-week exploratory course. The Innovation Space is part of Marquardt Middle School’s award-winning Performing Arts Center.

Distributed to students four times a year, Tools for Learning Creatively (TLC) packs encourage dynamic, hands-on learning while students are at home.

The playgrounds at Black Hawk, Hall, Reskin, and Winnebago were renovated and expanded to create more opportunities for physical growth and development.

Recent studies have shown that as many as 27% of school children now have a chronic health condition, such as asthma, diabetes, seizure disorders, or severe allergies. Over the years, the District has seen this trend in its own student population as well. To meet these needs and more, MSD15 has hired additional full-time nurses. This year, the District is also temporarily working with a health agency to assist in assessing and caring for sick students, as well as assisting in COVID-19 contact tracing efforts. Kudos to Health Services staff who have gone above and beyond to protect the health and safety of students during this global health crisis.

STREAM labs, like this one at Reskin Elementary, provide students hands-on courses in coding and robotics. These dynamic learning environments foster students’ critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity.

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YEAR OF FIRSTS

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COVID-19 SHUTDOWN AND REOPENING

When the State of Illinois ordered schools to close in March, school district officials had

little time to develop a contingency plan. Parents and teachers worked feverishly to adjust to a changing reality. And everyone was asking the same question: What next?

Parents who worked outside the home scrambled to find childcare. Others began working from home and caring for their children at the same time. Some lost their jobs, others left their jobs, and all worried for their family’s health and future.

Teachers, whose training and expertise was in instructing students in-person, were tasked with delivering lessons virtually and from their own homes, all while their own families learned and worked beside them.

And students, from preschool to grade 8, left the familiarity of bus rides and class routines, lunchtime and recess, band practice and basketball games, and entered a new chapter in their lives and in the history of public education.

U N C H A RT E D WAT E R S Marquardt School District 15 administrators and school principals quickly developed a continuity of education plan to keep schools operating during the pandemic. Though some districts had short term remote learning for snow days, planning for extended remote learning required new thinking, tools, and resources.

“To meet the needs of students and staff and to do our part to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, we had to act fast,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jerome O’Shea said. “Schools support students’ academic development, but also their social-emotional and physical well-being, so our planning centered on the needs of the whole child.”

SCHOOLS SUPPORT STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC GROWTH, BUT ALSO THEIR SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICAL WELL-BEING, SO OUR PLANNING CENTERED ON THE NEEDS OF THE WHOLE CHILD. DR. JEROME O’SHEA, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

This meant that in addition to getting laptops, books, and other learning materials into the hands of students, the District worked to return medications and distribute emergency meal packs, too. Once students had reconnected with their teachers and adjusted to the new rhythm of their remote learning schedule, schools worked together to plan spirit weeks, car parades, and ceremonies to keep students and teachers connected and morale high.

“The message during the shutdown was that we were in this together and ‘together’ meant safe and learning at home,” O’Shea said. “But as soon as we began to get comfortable with remote learning, we started thinking about how to safely return students to classrooms in-person. By early summer, that is where our focus was.”

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Hall’s Mary Ellen Biedke works with kindergartner Prabhnoor Samra during in-person instruction.

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M A N Y V I E WS , O N E V I S I O N

P R E PA R I N G FO R T H E U N K N O W N At the end of June, the State of Illinois released joint guidance in partnership with the Illinois Department of Public Health that laid out a series of recommendations for transitioning to inperson instruction. “To best educate students, everyone agreed that they needed to be back in school in-person, but the questions were how and when to bring students back safely,” O’Shea said. The District began building out a framework with learning models that would account for three potential scenarios: fully remote learning, hybrid learning, and fully in-person learning.

They also began to create a robust health and safety plan for staff and students.

Though the joint guidance provided school districts a few knowns--everyone would be required to wear masks and stay socially distanced while in school, for instance--there were still plenty of unknowns. The reality was that each of these three learning models could take place at different points in the year, depending on a number of factors, so schools needed to prepare for and be able to transition between all of them.

The State worked closely with the Illinois Department of Health to outline the health and safety requirements, but unlike in the spring when schools had no choice but to learn remotely during the shutdown, this time the State left it up to school districts to determine when students would be learning in person and when they would be learning remotely.

“Every school district and community has unique needs and conditions,” O’Shea said. “We built our plan around what was best for our students and staff and began to put it into action for the 2020-21 school year.”

“There was no one-size-fits-all solution to any of the challenges the pandemic posed for schools.

Driving our planning, though, was parent choice. We wanted families to be able to do what was best for their children, while still giving all students, whether in-person or remote, a high-quality education.”

WE WANTED FAMILIES TO BE ABLE TO DO WHAT WAS BEST FOR THEIR CHILDREN, WHILE STILL GIVING ALL STUDENTS, WHETHER IN-PERSON OR REMOTE, A HIGH-QUALITY EDUCATION. DR. JEROME O’SHEA, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS Carmela E. and Jackson K. learn in-person in Mrs. Goc’s class at Hall.

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Winnebago second grader, Christopher Sotelo, shares his number line skills with Ms. Rost.

To make the plan for the 2020-21 school year a reality, school nurses, secretaries, principals, lunch supervisors, technicians, custodians, teachers, administrators, and social workers---not to mention, parents, families, and students--- needed to change the way they “did school” and shift their understanding of what going to school looked like. Ultimately, all MSD15 students began the school year in the fully remote learning model and some transitioned gradually to the hybrid plan, which combines in-person and remote learning.

The District staggered the return of in-person learners, bringing in a limited number of high need student groups and younger students first, then adding more student groups over a period of days and weeks. This approach allowed the District to scale itself up while ensuring the safety and health of staff and students. Families were given at least two weeks’ notice before their children’s in-person start date and they had a choice whether their children would return to schools in-person with stringent health and safety procedures in place, or stay learning remotely at home.

Just as the State had given districts local control of major decision-making, the ultimate decision was up to families on what school would look like for their children during the 2020-21 school year. A difficult choice for any parent, the initial results to the summer survey was split: about half of the families chose to return if and when safe and about half chose for their children to remain learning from home.

Not long after MSD15’s elementary students made the transition to hybrid learning, the District decided to return to the fully remote model, as the community spread of COVID-19 spiked near the Thanksgiving holiday. The District examines four criteria to determine when in-person learning will occur, including local health data and metrics, staffing, quarantine restrictions, and safety protocols and equipment.

“This year has been a year of extraordinary learning and growth of everyone,” O’Shea said. “I am proud of the way our school community has worked together to do right by kids. It hasn’t been an easy time for schools, but we continue to lean on and look out for one another so that we can give the children in our community the education they deserve.”

For more information on MSD15’s reopening plan, visit www.d15.us/guide, and to view the COVID-19 Dashboard go to www.d15.us/covid-dashboard.

Samantha U. and Sophia L. take a brain break in Ms. Flemming and Ms. Paulin’s third grade class.

Black Hawk’s Terron Fleming works hard for Mrs. Flatter.

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A N E W DAY FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN FOR EVERY CHILD

A special group of five and six-year-olds made history last school year. After years of strategic planning and advocacy, Marquardt School District 15 transitioned to tuition-free, full day kindergarten for the first time since it’s founding 128 years ago.

The significance of the move was not lost on Dawn Hursh, a veteran kindergarten teacher at Reskin Elementary School. “As a District kindergarten team, we are excited to be moving to a full day program,” Hursh said. “This shift will allow our students opportunities to be exposed to music, art, physical education and the STREAM lab. They will also have more time to focus on academic areas while continuing to develop social/emotional skills.”

The benefits of full day kindergarten are rooted in decades of research. Students who attend all day have more time to develop critical early literacy, numeracy, and social skills. Early exposure to library, STREAM lab, music, art, and physical education not only impacts a child’s cognitive, physical, and social development, but it also increases their love of learning.

The District joins over 70% of school districts in Illinois who have a full day option. For years, the Board of Education has dreamed of providing this opportunity to the community, and parents and teachers, too, have championed the benefits of full day kindergarten. There simply hasn’t been classroom space in the District to implement the program districtwide, until now.

A DREAM COME TRUE Building expansion and renovation projects at Winnebago and Hall over the past five years gave the District the space it needed to make dreams of full day kindergarten a reality. MSD15 was able to responsibly fund these early childhood expansions, in addition to the construction of the Performing Arts Center at Marquardt Middle School, after being awarded Qualified School Construction Bonds as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. “The Board’s vision was to update some of our older facilities for students and staff, which would not only serve their educational needs, but offer them new and exciting opportunities,” said Board President Jean Randazzo. Full day kindergarten was at the top of their list.

“We know that this transition will assist all students in developing independence and freedom to explore,” Hursh said. “We can’t wait to see the growth of each and every student!”

WE KNOW THAT THIS TRANSITION WILL ASSIST ALL STUDENTS IN DEVELOPING INDEPENDENCE AND FREEDOM TO EXPLORE. WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE THE GROWTH OF EACH AND EVERY STUDENT! Kindergarten teacher Dawn Hursh teaches her class at Reskin Elementary during the 2019-20 school year.

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DAWN HURSH, KINDERGARTEN TEACHER, RESKIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

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EX PA N D I N G B U I L D I N G S , M I N D S To increase long-term student achievement, Marquardt School District 15 has invested in early childhood literacy and numeracy in preschool, kindergarten, first, and second grade over the past several years. The transition to full day kindergarten comes on the heels of the District’s preschool expansion in 2018.

More than twice as many children with high needs and multiple risk factors are now enrolled in its half day preschool program for 3 and 4-year-olds, and special education services such as speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy are provided to preschool students who qualify. The preschool program is run in partnership with Metropolitan Family Services, a non-profit that provides a wide variety of programs and services designed to strengthen families and help them realize their full potential.

This year, MSD15 implemented a districtwide co-teaching model at grades 1 and 2 to build on its early childhood investment. Co-teaching, where two teachers share instructional responsibility for a single group of students in one classroom, has numerous benefits for children and teachers. Co-teachers can offer more small group and one-on-one instruction time. Co-teachers also have mutual ownership and joint accountability for the students and share their resources, know-how, and skills in planning and teaching.

First and second graders in co-taught classrooms have the opportunity to connect, bond, and learn from two teachers. Students in these classrooms are introduced to a variety of teaching styles, personalities, and areas of expertise. In MSD15’s specialized co-teaching model, first graders are taught by a classroom teacher and a reading specialist, and second graders are taught by a classroom teacher and an English Language specialist.

During the 2019-20 school year, Reskin Rocket Anthony Reeves is all smiles. Reeves was one of the school district’s first-ever full day kindergarteners.

Dalilah Dawson waits excitedly for her math lesson at Reskin.

Kindergartners Odalys C. and Kenia Gonzalez get hands-on in their learning.

Shayaan A., Vera Marasigan, and Maryam I. sit cross legged in front of Mrs. Hursh.

A ST R O N G STA RT Full day kindergarten is not yet mandated by the State of Illinois, so parents still have the option to enroll their children in a half day, if that is what is best for their family. Last year, when students transitioned to full day kindergarten mid-year, a few families chose to remain in the half day model. This year, though, all enrolled families have chosen full day kindergarten for their child. With a high-quality preschool, robust full day kindergarten, and early primary co-teaching model, Marquardt School District 15 students have a stronger start on their educational journey.

E A R LY C H I L D H O O D I N V EST M E N T Marquardt School District 15 MSD15 expands its preschool program in partnership with Metropolitan Family Services, more

2018-19

than doubling its capacity to educate age 3 and 4-year-old students in the community. The program focuses on early intervention and serves students with high needs and multiple risk factors. Preschool classrooms are housed in the early childhood wings at Hall and Winnebago, which were designed specifically to meet the needs of young learners. For more information about MSD15’s preschool program, including how to schedule a screening for your child, please call Metropolitan Family Services at 630-784-4801.

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MSD15 transitioned from half day kindergarten to full day kindergarten mid-year. Students who attend full day kindergarten will have an increased opportunity to develop strong literacy, numeracy, and social skills. The full day classroom allows for a less hurried learning environment and opportunities for students to engage in library, STREAM lab, music, art, and physical education. Information on how to enroll your child in full day kindergarten and dates for kindergarten orientation will be available this spring at www.d15.us.

MSD15 implemented a co-teaching model in first and second grade classrooms at all four elementary schools. At first grade, the co-teaching pairs include a reading specialist. At second

2020-21

grade, the co-teaching pairs include an English Language specialist. Co-teaching, when two teachers share instructional responsibility for a single group of students in one classroom, has numerous benefits for both students and teachers.

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W I N N E BAG O EX PA N S I O N & R E N OVAT I O N The expansion and renovation at Winnebago, along with a similar project at Hall, has allowed MSD15 to more than double its preschool enrollment capacity. The additional classroom space has also enabled MSD15 to transition from half day to full day kindergarten for the first time in the District’s history.

Gymnasium Expansion The Winnebago gymnasium no longer needs to do double duty as a lunchroom. A new fullsized gym, which is three times larger than the previous one, means more physical education opportunities, after-school activities, and community partnerships.

EXPANSION/RENOVATION HIGHLIGHTS •

Early childhood classroom and playground addition

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New gymnasium three times larger than the old one

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New multipurpose space where students eat

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Cross-curricular STREAM (science, technology, reading, engineering, art, math) lab

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Parking lot upgrades

Highlights •

Six basketball hoops

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Dividing curtain creates flexibility to create multiple areas within the space

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High windows fill the gym with natural light

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Long-lasting LED light fixtures bring energy-efficient, high-quality lighting

Multipurpose/Commons Renewal Renovations transformed the shared gym/lunchroom into a multipurpose room/commons. The expanded space helps MSD15 provide nutritious breakfast and lunch options for every child at Winnebago.

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Small addition with floor-to-ceiling glass increases seating and natural light

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New warming kitchen with walk-in-cooler five times larger than previous storage area

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Acoustic wall panels better absorb sound

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DISTRICT RECEIVES PROPERTY TAX RELIEF GRANT M

arquardt School District 15 was selected as one of two school districts in DuPage who received part of a $53.6 million property tax relief grant. The Property Tax Relief Grant allows school districts to cut local property taxes and replace revenue with state funds.

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jerome O’Shea, said District and school board officials were excited to hear the news last spring. MSD15 will be receiving almost $2.1 million from the State, and will proceed to abate around $2.4 million in order to receive the grant, with the abated amount being split between all property owners within school district boundaries.

“It’s great news for our District and community,” O’Shea said. “This grant will provide much needed financial relief to our community, while allowing us to maintain high-quality schools and programming.”

The grant is part of the Evidence-Based Funding for Student Success Act. Last year, the State expanded eligibility to additional districts and required tax abatement for two consecutive years (FY 2020-21 and FY 2021-22) for the grant amount to become a permanent part of the school district’s Base Funding Minimum going forward.

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B OA R D M E M B E R Q & A

E N R I Q U E A R R OYO Q: What is your background?

A: I have four beautiful daughters, three of which have attended MSD15.

I am a Marine Corps Veteran and attended Triton College and Northeastern Illinois University. I am currently a Vice President of commercial lending at Pan American Bank and Trust and have been in banking for over 20 years.

Q: How did you end up in Glendale Heights?

A: After looking for homes in the near west suburbs, I decided to look further west. The home I purchased in 2003 was walking distance to Black Hawk Elementary School in a beautiful, quiet cul-de-sac with great neighbors. I decided DuPage County was the best option for my kids’ education.

Q: How did you first get involved with Marquardt School District 15?

A: I first became involved with MSD15 when I volunteered for events held at Black Hawk with my daughter’s Girl Scout troop. I then volunteered for events held by the PTA/Boosters and enjoyed spending time with my daughters at all the events sponsored by the school. Eventually, the principal at Black Hawk approached me and asked if I would be interested in serving on the school board.

Q: Where does your passion for education and the community come from?

A: I admire the passion I see in teachers and the way education has evolved. The school district is always looking for ways to improve their curriculum and programming, whether it is improving the schools with building renovations and expansions, updating technology, or using data and statistics to improve the way teachers teach and students learn.

Q: You have been such an integral part of MSD15. What/who inspired you to do this work?

A: I initially majored in education when I attended Northeastern University in hopes of teaching at the K-8 level. My career path changed to banking, but my love for seeing students get an equal opportunity to succeed in the classroom will always be there.

Q: How does your history as a MSD15 parent and your skill set in your professional life impact your work with MSD15 schools?

A: It is my responsibility as a parent to be involved in my child’s education and communicate with teachers and administrators in order to hold my child, as well as the teachers and the administrators, accountable for the performance of the school and district. Working in the finance industry has allowed me to use my knowledge to add feedback to help ensure the fiscal responsibility and sound financial management of the school district.

Q: What’s the most rewarding part of being on the Marquardt District 15 Board of Education? Has one particular moment or experience stood out over the years?

A: Being involved with the addition of the Performing Arts Center at Marquardt Middle School and seeing students and community use the space has been rewarding. I look forward to greater participation from the school and the community as even more events are added and awareness about the space continues to spread.

Marquardt Performing Arts Center at Marquardt Middle School

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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS Generosity by local churches, businesses, non-profits, and civic organizations has helped the District keep its focus on student learning and growth during this historic school year. Below are just a few vital Marquardt School District 15 partnerships that made a difference.

BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK provided $26,500 in food support to families on weekends from September 2019 until March 2020. Lake Park National Honor Society, Glenside Public Library District, Young Men’s Service League, and Kiwanis of Glendale Heights volunteered to pack food for this program.

BLOOMINGDALE CHURCH leaders volunteered to help pack meals when MSD15 had to emergency pack a large volume of meals in March of 2020.

CORNELIUS INC., global supplier of beverage dispensing and cooling equipment, donated $6,000 in school supplies to support Marquardt School District 15 students this school year.

DUPAGE COUNTY REGIONAL OFFICE OF EDUCATION (ROE) assisted in providing internet at no cost to eligible families. The ROE also gave school supplies, feminine hygiene kits, earbuds, chargers, and backpacks to students experiencing homelessness.

DUPAGE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT donated COVID-19 Safety Kits to MSD15 to distribute to families in need. Kits included hand sanitizer, masks, and bilingual educational materials to slow the spread of COVID-19.

GLENDALE HEIGHTS JUNIOR WOMAN’S CLUB donated gift cards to support MSD15 families over the holidays. A member of the General Federation of Woman’s Clubs, this group of dedicated women promotes social, educational, civic, and philanthropic projects and encourages pride in the community.

GLENDALE HEIGHTS KIWANIS continue to support MSD15 families through their leadership and volunteerism in the community, whether supporting food distribution events, food pantries, DuPage PADS, or IMPACT Glendale Heights.

GLENDALE HEIGHTS POLICE DEPARTMENT provided staff support weekly from March to July to manage traffic for MSD15’s meal pick-up program.

GLENSIDE PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT donated pocket hand sanitizers in the spring.

MSD15 staff handed these out to families during meal pick up.

GLENBARD PARENT SERIES continues to offer resources to foster self-empowered children who collaborate, communicate, embrace diversity, create, and think critically.

Glenbard Parent Series programs are offered free of charge, no registration is required, and the public is welcome to attend: glenbardgps.org.

MISSION CHURCH donated food and games this spring, which were distributed by Glendale Heights Police Department and Food and Nutrition staff at meal pick-up.

Mission Church donated toys to families over the holidays as well.

OPERATION WARM provided 120 brand-new coats to students in need. Operation Warm partnered with individuals and employees and vendors of Trinity Property Management to make this donation.

VILLAGE OF GLENDALE HEIGHTS donated excess food inventory to MSD15 to give to families during summer meal pick up. The Village also organized food distribution events and a Christmas sharing program that lifted up MSD15 families.

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IN MEMORIAM DR. LAWRENCE J. GOLDEN In 1995, Lawrence J. Golden, former superintendent of Marquardt School District 15, was set to retire when the school board asked him to reconsider. They had conducted a search for a new superintendent, but could not find anyone as good as the man who had been leading students, families, and staff for the past decade.

He agreed, and served the District for another six years before finally retiring after a 35-year tenure in the District.

Like many school superintendents, Golden’s career began in the classroom. He started as a language arts teacher at Marquardt Junior High in 1967 and would go on to work as a guidance counselor there. He became principal at Hall Elementary School and later at Marquardt Middle School after it was built in 1976. On the day of Golden’s second and final retirement, everything came full circle as Marquardt School District 15 dedicated and named its sixth-grade center at Marquardt Middle School after him.

Dr. Golden, loving husband of Rosalyn, passed away in August of 2019 at the age of 77.

“We are forever indebted to Dr. Golden for his service to the children of this community,” said MSD15 Superintendent, Dr. Jerome O’Shea. “His impact on our schools and community will last for generations and we are truly grateful for his service.”

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MARQUARDT SCHOOL DISTRICT 15 1860 North Glen Ellyn Road Glendale Heights, IL 60139

C O N TACT U S

MSD15 ADMINISTRATION CENTER

MARQUARDT MIDDLE SCHOOL

1860 North Glen Ellyn Road, Glendale Heights, IL 60139

1912 Glen Ellyn Road, Glendale Heights, IL 60139

(630) 469-7615 www.d15.us

(630) 858-3850 www.middleschool.d15.us

BLACK HAWK ELEMENTARY

CHARLES G. RESKIN ELEMENTARY

2101 Gladstone Drive, Glendale Heights, IL 60139

1555 Ardmore Avenue, Glendale Heights, IL 60139

(630) 893-5750 www.blackhawk.d15.us

(630) 469-0612 www.charlesgreskin.d15.us

G. STANLEY HALL ELEMENTARY

WINNEBAGO ELEMENTARY

1447 Wayne Avenue, Glendale Heights, IL 60139

195 Greenway Drive, Bloomingdale, IL 60108

(630) 469-7720 www.gstanleyhall.d15.us

(630) 351-3416 www.winnebago.d15.us