A full-day kindergarten option, implementation of a formal STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) program, the addition of a dual language option, systemic interventions and/or enrichments and the addition of instructional coaches – these were the top educational priorities identified in Phase I of Focus 205 – a collaborative conversation between the community and Elmhurst School District 205.
District 205 launched this community engagement program last fall. Phase 1 involved four town hall-style meetings held September through December of 2015, focusing on next generation learning, future-ready educational environments and utilization of resources for maximum student success. The Focus 205 Findings Report summarizes the work of this phase. Phase 2 began last spring with a comprehensive Educational Alignment study; an update was presented to the Board of Education on May 24, 2016.
Focus 205 continues this fall with two more community meetings on October 3 and December 5, beginning at 7 PM in the York High School Commons, 355 W. St. Charles Road. We hope you will join us as we recap the work done last year, celebrate student achievement in District 205 and begin exploring options that will support educational priorities in Elmhurst for years to come. RSVP at (630) 617-2300 ext. RSVP or online at www.focus205.org. Please indicate if you require childcare (for ages 3-12).
In between those meetings, District 205 will be gathering community input through an online, interactive and completely confidential survey administered by a company called Thoughtexchange. What is Thoughtexchange? Watch their one-minute video to find out.
This is your chance to share what you value about District 205 as a parent and/or community member, what your vision is for our students’ future-ready learning, as well as ask any questions or contribute any thoughts you might have regarding public education in Elmhurst. Watch for the link in early October, and join the conversation!
Also, on Monday, October 24, Focus Group meetings will be held at each of our three middle schools beginning at 7 PM. Parents of elementary and high school students are encouraged to attend their child’s “feeder” middle school. These meetings will involve a short formal presentation, followed by some questions to which attendees will be asked to react. There will be a moderator and a note taker to record comments. This feedback will help shape the Monday, December 5 Community Engagement Session #6.