D15COVER Magazine

D I5 COVER The District 15 Difference

A Message from Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Laurie Heinz

Dear District 15 Community,

It is a pleasure to present the inaugural edition of “D15COVER,” our newest publication, to all of our valued District 15 residents. Last year, voters overwhelmingly backed the Moving 15 Forward initiative. Because of this support, we are enriching the experiences of our students, staff, and communities and have even more work to come. I’m excited to share that we’ve begun implementing these changes, many of which are visible throughout our 35-square-mile district, spanning seven municipalities—all of Palatine, Rolling Meadows, and Inverness, and parts of Hoffman Estates, unincorporated Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, and South Barrington.

“D15COVER” is crafted to showcase our progress and bring our shared visions to life. We invite you to delve into its pages, use the QR codes to learn more on our website and stay updated by subscribing to our e-newsletter at ccsd15.net/newsletters.

We value your partnership. The stories and information inside this magazine reflect our commitment to using taxpayer funds wisely for the benefit of our students, staff, and educational facilities. It highlights our achievements, the challenges we face, and the focus areas outlined in our new Strategic Plan. You’ll meet students and staff and see our dedication to enhancing teaching, learning, student growth, and our financial and facility management.

We hope “D15COVER” excites and informs you. As we embrace the theme “You Belong Here,” we want every resident to feel a part of our school community.

Your partner in educating the students of District 15,

Dr. Laurie Heinz Superintendent of Schools

“Moving 15 Forward is a community-driven plan developed over many years to benefit every student, school, and community within District 15. Thanks to your support, we can now repair and restore our facilities, update learning spaces, improve student transitions, transform our junior highs into middle schools, bring full-day kindergarten to our elementary schools, and provide students with a neighborhood or near-neighborhood education throughout their years in our district. This has been in the works for nearly a decade and we could not do any of it without our community’s support.”

-Dr. Laurie Heinz

Learn more at ccsd15.net/Moving15Forward

Administration:

Dr. Laurie Heinz SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

Dr. Thomas Edgar ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATIONAL SERVICES

Dr. Claire Kowalczyk DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

Rebecca Latham CHIEF COMMUNICATION OFFICER

Dr. Lori Lopez ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF TEACHING, LEARNING, AND ASSESSMENT

Diana McCluskey CHIEF SCHOOL BUSINESS OFFICIAL

Dr. Mindy McGuffin ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF STUDENT SERVICES

Lisa Nuss ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES

Renee Urbanski ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF MULTILINGUAL SERVICES

Mary Jane Warden CHIEF TECHNOLOGY

Board of Education:

Lisa Szczupaj PRESIDENT

Frank Annerino VICE PRESIDENT

Anthony Wang SECRETARY

Samantha Bray Ader

Wenda Hunt

Zubair Khan

James Taylor

11,000+ Students

400 Preschool

8,000 Elementary

2,600 Junior High

85+ Languages spoken

41% of students are eligible for free and reduced lunch

D I5 COVER

The People Inside District 15

STUDENTS

2,000 Staff Members

5 Elementary 15 Junior High 4 Therapeutic Day 1

70% of staff have Master’s or Doctorate degree Union and non-union groups

58 National Board Certified staff members

1.7 Million square feet across our facilities

28-77 Schools are years old

10,000 Transportation busses students daily

7,000 Nutrition services provides more than meals each day

Serves all or part of 7 municipalities

Palatine Rolling Meadows

Hoffman Estates Inverness

Arlington Heights Schaumburg

South Barrington

Park Districts and Boys and Girls Club sponsor Before and After School Programs

Active Parent Teacher Partnerships (PTA/PTO)

Bilingual Parent Advisory Council (BPAC)

Multilingual Parent Advisory Council (MPAC)

Special Education Parents Accessing Resources and Knowledge (SPARK)

Learn 15 supports adult education in the community

Partners for Our Community (POC)

FACILITIES COMMUNITY STAFF

D15COVER DISTRICT 15 LEADS THE WAY!

Dear District 15 Community,

A Message from Board President

Lisa Beth Szczupaj

This update comes to you at a perfect time. The Board, Dr. Heinz, and the entire staff of District 15 have so much to be proud of, as do our students and their families. Our journey toward continuous improvement is shaping a future of sustained excellence in our schools.

There is no doubt our work today is rippling through generations. I hope you are as proud as I am to be a resident of CCSD15 as you read the countless stories of student, staff, and district success.

I have served on the Board of Education for six years and have had the privilege of serving as the President of this wonderful Board since 2017. Your Board has worked hard to be responsive to the many expectations of our community for our schools, balancing fiscal responsibility with a vision for meeting the needs of students now and for decades to come.

We’re grateful for the community’s involvement in developing our improvement plan and the overwhelming support for the November 2022 referendum. Our promise to you is to remain diligent stewards of your tax dollars and to keep you engaged as we implement educational and facility enhancements.

We are honored to have your trust and are delighted to be Moving 15 Forward with you.

Your partner in our community,

Lisa Beth Szczupaj

Lisa Beth Szczupaj

The District 15 Board of Education serves the community through policy and fiscal oversight. Top to bottom, left to right: James Taylor, Anthony Wang (Secretary), Frank Annerino (Vice President), Zubair Khan, Wenda Hunt, Lisa Szczupaj (President), Samantha Bray Ader.

Board Recognizes Students, Staff, and Community

Staff Recognition: Above and Beyond Award

Keith Garcia, Assistant Manager of Technology Services, stepped up to the plate and leveraged technology to ensure student safety.

Select D15 students and their teachers are nominated to be recognized at the monthly board meetings. Students Lead the Pledge of Allegiance

Safety Patrol Honored for 45 Years of Service

Sharon Lawson was selected for an Above and Beyond award for her dedication to the Thomas Jefferson Elementary community. She has ensured student safety as a crossing guard for 45 years. Thank you, Sharon!

DISTRICT 15 STUDENTS, STAFF, AND SCHOOLS TOP THE CHARTS!

Winston Campus Junior High School AMLE School of Distinction

WCJH was one of 11 schools internationally - and the only school in Illinois - to earn the prestigious award for outstanding and strategic support to students. AMLE stands for the Association for Middle Level Education.

SupportMusic Merit Award for Walter R. Sundling Junior High School

This award celebrates a distinct and continued commitment to music education by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation.

Golden Achievement Award for Community Engagement

D15 earned the award for comprehensive community engagement outreach from the Illinois Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association (INSPRA).

Student Earns Personal Achievement Honor

Maria, a student at Conyers Learning Academy (CLA), received the 2023 Infinitec North Technology Achievement Award, honoring students who excel in their use of assistive technology.

75 Years Celebrated at Gray M. Sanborn Elementary

D15 celebrated its oldest building with a 75th birthday party featuring past and present principals.

Platinum Recognition for All 20 Schools

All 20 schools in District 15 were recognized as Platinum Level Schools for their Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).

Walter R. Sundling Junior High School National Blue Ribbon

The U.S. Department of Education awarded Walter R. Sundling a Blue Ribbon, making it the 9th school in the district with this prestigious award.

Golden Apple Excellence in Leadership Recipient

WCJH Principal Martin Da Costa

Thomas Jefferson Elementary Earns Exemplary Rating

Thomas Jefferson Elementary school earned an Exemplary rating from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) in its last year as an active elementary school.

Social-Emotional Learning Diverse Programming

Intervention to Acceleration Programming

Curriculum Reviews

Moving 15 Forward Plan and Referendum

Reorganization of the Educational Service Center

Dynamic Staffing for Diverse Learners

Professional Development

Improved proficiency in demographic and socioeconomic student groups

Student Achievement

Instructional Coaching Support

Recognition and Wellness Committees for Retention

Commendable or Exemplary School Designations

Higher than average proficiency rates among students with disabilities

Our Mission

By leveraging strengths & providing highquality support, we will honor our diverse learners in reaching their full potential.

Actively engage all learners to believe that they can & will learn.

The Moving 15 Forward Plan moves all learners forward through four main priorities, extends the work from our Portrait of a Graduate (page 10), aligns with our Moving 15 Forward Facilities Plan (page 14), and encompasses our overall vision to actively engage all learners to believe they can and will learn. District 15 has developed a new four-year strategic plan, building on the success of the 2019-23 plan.

D I5 COVER

The District 15 Portrait In Action

District 15, in collaboration with Battelle for Kids, proudly presents our first-ever Portrait of a Graduate. This initiative, a fusion of staff and community insights, involved rigorous research and development to define key competencies for our students. It’s an integral part of our Moving 15 Forward plan, reflecting a community-wide conversation about shaping future-ready learners.

Our Portrait outlines six essential competencies, blending skills and mindsets to equip students for lifelong success. This blueprint is our commitment to nurturing adaptable, resilient learners, ready for tomorrow’s challenges and opportunities. Welcome to a new era of learning in District 15 – where we move all learners forward!

Effective Communicator

Empowering Connection in a Multilingual Community

District 15, home to the 13th largest English Language Learner (ELL) population in Illinois, educates over 4,000 English Learners speaking more than 85 languages. Our programs include a robust continuum of services that focus on enhancing English proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing while also supporting native language mastery. We are especially proud of our Spanish Dual Language Program that helps students develop bilingualism, biliteracy, and cross-cultural competencies and prepares them to become effective communicators in a diverse, global society.

Social-emotional Learning Unlocks Culture of Care

Teachers incorporate vital skills like self-awareness, emotional management, friendship building, conflict resolution, and responsible decision-making into lessons. Our teachers are equipped with the tools to build students’ academic capacity while validating and affirming home language and culture. We are committed to creating school communities where all learners feel safe, supported, and connected.

Good Collaborator

Electives and Experiences Open Doors

Student-selected electives, clubs, and extracurricular activities play a pivotal role in enhancing collaboration and engagement. Our diverse offerings, ranging from Fine Arts and STEM to World Languages and Physical Education, allow students to tailor their learning experiences. Through these opportunities, students not only explore their interests, but also shape a well-rounded and dynamic educational journey.

Critical Thinker

Technology Equipped to be Knowledge-ABLE

District 15’s commitment to a technology-rich learning environment enables students to engage, question, and create, fostering essential 21stcentury skills like communication, collaboration, and creativity across cultural and digital divides. Embracing Dr. Michael Wesch’s concept of being ‘knowledgeABLE,’ we empower students to use technology for finding, analyzing, and evaluating information. This approach helps them make sense of the world, unlocking their passions and potential in a digital landscape.

The Curricular Experience

Our theme, #AtTheCore, focuses on personalizing learning for each student. Students come to school with varying levels of readiness. Our commitment to daily instruction designed by staff in reading, math, science, and social studies ensures all learners are motivated, engaged, and growing to mastery.

New! CHAMPS!

Safe and Civil Schools’ CHAMPS is District 15’s framework to enhance student behavior and foster a sense of success and belonging. CHAMPS guides teachers in defining and teaching expected behaviors. A visual display outlines expectations for conversation, assistance, movement, and participation. CHAMPS embodies two of our core values: shaping student habits through structured environments and focusing on proactive behavior management with positive feedback for students.

Empathetic Citizen

Resilient Learner

Adaptable Learner

D I5 COVER The District 15 Learning Experience

PRESCHOOL FULL-DAY KINDERGARTEN (NEW IN 2024-2025)

Engaging half- and full-day sessions focus on playful, hands-on learning. We nurture language, social, sensory, and motor skills to seamlessly transition into kindergarten.

Our full-day program provides more time to enrich strong foundational skills and build friendships. Active instruction is designed to keep our students engaged and growing!

6TH GRADE TRANSITION (NEW IN 2024-2025)

Sixth graders will join their seventh and eighth grade peers gaining access to specialized courses, STEM and science labs, as well as broader social and extracurricular activities. Three years in middle school creates stronger school-family connections and fosters adolescent development.

ELEMENTARY

Aligned with the Illinois Learning Standards, our core curriculum of literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies is complemented by art, music, PE, and socialemotional learning, fostering whole child development.

JUNIOR HIGH BECOMES MIDDLE SCHOOL

Students explore personalized paths in core subjects and electives like world languages, fine arts, STEM, and more. A rich array of extracurriculars, including sports and clubs, rounds out the adolescent journey, paving the way for high school.

CORE LEARNING BEYOND THE CORE

Literacy: Our primary grades feature a comprehensive literacy program, explicitly teaching foundational skills and comprehension strategies.

Mathematics: Students grow in confidence as they collaborate to explain their thinking and problem solve, with many D15 graduates completing Algebra.

Science: Hands-on science starts early, fostering inquiry, curiosity, and analytical skills.

Social Studies: Exploring local to global perspectives, D15 promotes inquiry-driven learning and a deep understanding of civic engagement.

Elementary Specials: A variety of experiences are provided in art, music, and physical education.

Junior High Electives: Options expand to STEMfocused electives providing hands-on, careeroriented learning experiences.

Extracurriculars: A variety of clubs and activities enrich the D15 student experience, fostering personal growth and community involvement.

Dual Language: Our dual language program promotes bilingualism and cultural competence.

Interscholastic Sports: Jr. High students have the option to participate in Soccer, Basketball, Girls Volleyball, Wrestling, Cross-Country, and Track and Field.

SYSTEMS OF SUPPORT

Accelerated Academic Program: Advanced Math and English courses challenge high-achieving students, preparing them for honors-level high school classes.

Gifted programs: Tailored instruction emphasizes independent and complex project management.

Intervention: Specialized services are offered to students in need of additional support to reach proficiency in English Language Arts and Math.

Student Services: Inclusive education means our services address a range of needs, including special education, health services, and support for unhoused families. Fact: 99% of our students with an individualized education plan (IEP) are educated within our 20 schools!

Curricular Reviews & Continuous Improvement: Work is ongoing to ensure resources and teaching methods meet diverse student needs and align with Illinois Learning Standards.

Our Facilities

The District 15 Master Facility Plan is designed for every student, school and community to benefit. Maintaining our facilities is important because these are the spaces where teaching and learning happen. The Moving 15 Forward plan includes the community-approved referendum work as well as maintenance, upkeep, and updates included in the district’s larger Master Facility Plan. Visit our website for details on our efforts to maintain safe, positive, and engaging learning environments that reflect our community’s pride and commitment to education.

Repair & Restore Facilities

Moving 15 Forward: Facility projects funded 50% with non-referendum dollars.

50% Nonreferendum funds Update Learning Spaces

Construction began at Jane Addams, Winston Campus, Frank C. Whiteley, Lincoln, and Pleasant Hill Schools. Fall 2023

Spring 2023

Construction began at Thomas Jefferson, Plum Grove, and Walter R. Sundling Schools for middle school transition in September 2024.

50% Voter-approved referendum funding

Spring

2024

Construction begins at Gray M. Sanborn, Kimball Hill, Willow Bend, and Hunting Ridge Schools.

Design initiated on Gray M. Sanborn, Kimball Hill, Willow Bend, and Hunting Ridge Schools. Winter 2023

Moving Forward

Our entire school community will benefit from the district’s comprehensive facility updates. Every student in every school will be positively impacted in more ways than one!

September

2024

Full-day kindergarten program begins districtwide. 6th grade students transition to Middle Schools.

Thomas Jefferson becomes our fifth middle schoolthe first ever in Hoffman Estates.

D I5 COVER District 15 Fiscal Outlook

District 15 meets the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of every student, every day while valuing our taxpayers’ investment in our schools. We appreciate our community’s investment in our schools and we reinvest each dollar into the educational options and offerings described throughout this magazine.

FY23 Results

The Quality of Our Schools Rely On Local Support to Operate

94 Cents of Every Dollar Directly Supports Students

Financial Fast Facts

In Progress

12/20 schools are currently in progress with construction or renovation.

On Time & On Budget

Despite inflationary pressures, District 15 has maintained an on-time and on-budget construction schedule.

Project Work Complete

This work includes upgrades to LED lighting, renovated libraries, comprehensive 360 security systems, updated HVAC systems, flooring, repaired concrete, athletic tracks, and parking lot improvements to name a few.

Aa2 Moody Rating

District 15 is recognized for its strong financial management with an Aa2 Moody rating, which means better value for our residents.

Maintaining Funding

District has continued to maintain a 35% fund balance for FY 2022-23.

Want more information?

No problem! Visit: ccsd15.net/finances

@D15Schools @CCSD15

2024-25 REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

Full-Day Kindergarten and new student registration is open now! ccsd15.net/registration

There are many unmet needs that still exist in our schools. You could be the missing link! Reach out to speak with us about how you can impact our schools and classrooms. ccsd15.net/partners Key Collaborations Include:

Since 1989, this foundation has raised over $2 million for District 15, recently pledging nearly $200,000 for initiatives like Blessings in a Backpack and teacher mini grants.

This program provides over 2,500 elementary students who depend on school meals with weekend food supplies. Annually, it reaches about 700 students, with an ongoing need for more support.