Winter 26 Newsletter

WINTER 2026

SD81ENGAGE

NEWS FROM OUR LEARNING COMMUNITY

A MESSAGE FROM SUPERINTENDENT KARTSIMAS As winter turns into spring, it offers a meaningful moment to reflect on the incredible work happening each day across School District 81. I am deeply proud of the dedication, talent, and heart that defines SD81. This time of year offers a great opportunity to reflect on the growth and accomplishments we’re seeing from our students and the strong partnerships that support them.

I am continually inspired by the hard work our staff puts in every single day. Whether in the classroom or through our many extracurricular opportunities, our educators do far more than teach academic content. They foster growth, spark curiosity, and build meaningful relationships with students. Beyond the school day, our professionals dedicate their time and energy to clubs, athletics, activities and enrichment opportunities that allow students to shine, explore new passions, and discover their strengths. These connections form the foundation for authentic learning and student success.

One of our district’s goals is to continue to share our story and strengthen communication with our families and community. I am thrilled to see our partnerships flourishing as we come together to support a brighter future for all. Our parents and families are an essential part of this work. I see your involvement in our schools, at events, and in your partnership with educators as you support your children’s educational journeys. Thank you for being such an active and supportive part of the SD81 family.

As we head into the second half of the school year, we do so with strong momentum and great optimism. I am grateful for the warm welcome you have extended to me during my first year as Superintendent, and even more thankful for the trust you place in us to educate and care for your children. Together, we create meaningful opportunities for students to learn, connect, and succeed. We’re grateful for your involvement and look forward to all that we will continue to accomplish in the months ahead.

Sincerely, Dr. Melissa Kartsimas

A MESSAGE FROM BOARD PRESIDENT, TINA EWANIO On behalf of the Board of Education, I want to share our immense pride in the progress our students and staff make every day. Our district continues to be a place where excellence is the standard. From our strong academic programs to the diverse after-school activities that allow our students to explore new interests, we are committed to nurturing the “whole child”. It is inspiring to see how our students build confidence, form lasting friendships, and discover their unique potential. None of this would be possible without the dedicated professionals who lead our classrooms and buildings. Our faculty, staff, and administration go above and beyond, proving daily that they truly care about our children.

As members of this community and taxpayers ourselves, the Board of Education remains committed to the responsible and transparent use of district resources. We are pleased to see these investments being used thoughtfully and aligned with our goals. Thank you for your continued support and interest in our schools! We look forward to a productive spring filled with growth, academic achievement, and continued community connection.

Jen Ziegler, Tina Ewanio, Stephanie Fiore, Allison Downs, Patricia Bowcock, Andrea Del Zotti, Enas Saada

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SD81engage Newsletter WINTER 2026

TEACHING AND LEARNING IN SD81 Washington School’s Reading Room Exemplifies Literacy Instruction Small-group literacy instruction is a cornerstone of how School District 81 supports students as they grow as readers. Our unique model, known as the Reading Room, is designed to benefit all learners by providing targeted, responsive literacy instruction tailored to each student’s needs. Reading Room instruction begins in kindergarten at Kennedy School for students in grades K–3 and continues at Washington School for students in grades 45, with additional literacy intervention support offered at Lincoln Middle School. In this model, reading teachers work collaboratively with classroom teachers to deliver targeted, small group instruction for every student. This cooperative approach allows for flexible grouping ensuring students receive instruction based on their current reading level and can move between groups as they develop new skills.

In fourth and fifth grade, Reading Room instruction emphasizes key literacy skills such as reading comprehension, vocabulary development, fluency, and applying strategies to understand increasingly complex texts. Students engage with high-interest books and passages that are carefully matched to their instructional levels, helping them remain motivated while being appropriately challenged. Most importantly, the Reading Room is not just an intervention – it is a dedicated time where all students participate, learn, and grow. By meeting students where they are and supporting them in reaching their academic goals, the Reading Room helps build strong, confident readers across School District 81.

Kennedy’s Social and Emotional Learning Program Builds Happy, Healthy Learners Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) at Kennedy Elementary School focuses on helping children feel happy, confident, and connected to their school community. Our youngest learners are provided opportunities to understand their feelings, work through challenges, and show kindness to others, resulting in a strong sense of self and their place in the community. These important skills are taught in age-appropriate ways that are woven into the school day, primarily through our Social-Emotional Learning curriculum, Second Step. Second Step provides students with consistent instruction in skills such as empathy, emotion management, problem-solving, and responsible decision-making, helping students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.

SEL comes to life at Kennedy also through engaging school-wide assemblies that foster school spirit, encouragement, and joy. During these assemblies, students celebrate positive behavior and personal accomplishments, reinforcing a culture of kindness and respect. Special appearances by the school mascot, Kenny the Kubbie, bring added excitement and energy, making these moments memorable for our kindergarten through third grade students.

Kennedy School is a place where children love coming to school each day. Our caring faculty, administration, and staff work together to create a welcoming environment where each child feels a true sense of belonging. From daily classroom learning experiences, to all-school assemblies, students know they are valued and celebrated for who they are. This strong sense of community helps children build confidence, enjoy learning, and grow not just as students, but as happy, caring individuals.

TEACHING AND LEARNING IN SD81 Lincoln Middle School Introduces a New Class Focused on Financial Literacy

During the Entrepreneurship unit, students develop a business concept that addresses a real-world problem or need within the SD81 school community. They create business and marketing plans and design advertisements, gaining valuable experience in purposeful writing for a target audience.

Lincoln Middle School has prioritized financial literacy with the introduction of a new course for students in grades sixth through eighth. Introduction to Business was designed to build early financial literacy skills, helping students understand how everyday choices can influence future success and overall well-being. Through this course, students design, plan, and implement meaningful entrepreneurial projects while strengthening school-to-community connections through serviceoriented entrepreneurship.

Engaging learning experiences include My Future Life Project, which allows students to explore career paths, corresponding income levels, and budgeting skills to better understand how financial decisions affect personal and long-term economic well-being.

Overall, Introduction to Business not only prepares students for high school coursework and future college and career opportunities, but also fosters student agency, confidence, and practical decision-making skills, equipping them to navigate real-world financial choices with greater understanding and confidence.

FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT At SD81, we are committed to providing our families with meaningful engagement, valuable resources, and ongoing encouragement throughout their child’s educational journey. This school year, we have already hosted several impactful events, including STEAM night, Winter Wonderland, hosted by the Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC), featuring guest speaker, Sergio Negri, Family Sports Night, and many more opportunities for engagement.

These gatherings brought families together through motivational speakers, games, educational activities, community resources, and thoughtful gifts.

Beyond the activities themselves, these events created important opportunities for relationships and connections to grow outside of the classroom, offering a safe, welcoming space where families and staff could come together, connect, and build a strong sense of community.

SD81 Family Sports Night

Schiller Park Police Department Holiday Visit

Lunch with the Schiller Park Fire Department

SD81 STEAM Night

BPAC Winter Wonderland

Each event created lasting memories and meaningful connections for our families.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated SD81 staff and community partners for making these special opportunities possible for our students and families. When families are connected to schools, students are more successful, and the community is stronger.

SD81engage Newsletter WINTER 2026

School District 81 9760 Soreng Avenue Schiller Park, IL 60176

Non-Profit Org US Postage PAID Franklin Park IL Permit No 198

THE SD81 BOARD OF EDUCATION & DISTRICT 81 FINANCES

SD81 Receives Top Audit Results for FY25 School District 81’s FY25 audit resulted in an unmodified opinion, the highest level an organization can receive. This outcome confirms that the District’s financial statements are accurate, complete, and reliable.

As part of the audit process, the District’s Financial Profile was calculated. This profile provides a clear picture of a school district’s financial health and assigns a financial designation to districts across the state. For the 23rd consecutive year, School District 81 earned the highest designation, Financial Recognition, demonstrating continued financial stability and long-term solvency.

School District 81 remains committed to responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars while ensuring students have access to high-quality, 21st century learning experiences.

The SD81 Board of Education Leads with Intention and Involvement SD81 is guided by seven dedicated School Board members who are deeply committed to our district’s mission and to serving our community with care and integrity. The Board works tirelessly to carry out the important work of the district and holds monthly public business meetings to ensure transparency and community engagement.

SD81 is also pleased to welcome its newest Board member, Patricia Bowcock, who was appointed to fill a Board vacancy and took the Oath of Office at the November 19, 2025 meeting. A District 81 parent and active community volunteer, Mrs. Bowcock brings a strong commitment to studentcentered decision-making and community service.

The SD81 School Board is committed to excellence in local school governance, demonstrated through ongoing learning and participation in workshops alongside Superintendent Kartsimas.

Board members are also active supporters of school and district events and consistently make thoughtful, student-centered decisions at the board table. We are grateful for their service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to SD81 and the students and families they serve.

ECRWSS POSTAL CUSTOMER