Hello!

I’m Lisa Small, Superintendent of High School District 211. 

Though we still have some summer left, I wanted to update you on a few items as our schools prepare to welcome you to the 2023-2024 school year.

As to not interrupt our school year operations, summer is the time for major work at our schools doing maintenance and renovations. 

I’m in the Culinary Arts classroom designed with a new commercial-style kitchen including new student and teacher cooking stations. 

Improvements like this are necessary to keep our learning spaces the best they can be and continue to provide safe, effective opportunities for teaching and learning to all.

Thank you to everyone involved in these renovations including packing and unpacking, demolition and creation, and the final cleanup before our students and staff enjoy the new spaces on the first day of school.

A video showing some of the work that occurred over the last two months across all of our schools is available in the video section of the newsletter below.

I also wanted to provide a brief security update. 

You may not realize our schools are in constant use - well before classes begin in the morning and into the late evening - and that can become a security challenge. We’ve recently added new safety and security personnel who are not police officers and are not armed and will assist our school resource officers and our administrators to help ensure the continued safety and support of all students and staff.  

These individuals are easily identifiable as they will be wearing gray shirts with white security lettering. If you see them, please say hello or certainly ask them for help if needed. We like to create a positive and ongoing relationship between our students, staff and our security personnel. We look forward to having them on our campuses from the early morning into the late evening and having our students get to know them, trust them and use them as a resource whenever they need help. 

I am so proud of the opportunities District 211 continues to develop for students.  You’ve probably heard many people tell you to enjoy every moment. It’s true. Once the school year begins, it will go quickly.  So, I’d like to offer a few tips for making the high school days count:

Try something new. In each of our schools, you are able to choose from more than 60 activities.There is something for everyone, and participation can help you build a new hobby, meet new people or possibly shape your future. Find out more about your school’s activities on your school’s website. I challenge you all to try something new this year. 

Let us help you. District 211 has administrators, college counselors, career advisers, social workers and other counseling staff ready to support you on a personal and academic level. Don’t be hesitant to step into our Student Services departments or team rooms. You’re also able to book appointments with counselors by clicking on the icon on your District-issued iPad. We want to make sure you are supported while you are in our schools preparing for college, careers and life when you graduate. 

I also encourage parents to attend the meetings your principal holds at your school. You’ll find important information discussed there and make new connections.  Each principal will advertise those dates. 

Come to class. Every day of school is important, and absences build up quickly. We encourage seven or fewer days off of school in a single school year. Nothing can replace the value of being in a classroom, learning together with your teacher and interacting with your peers. Research also shows that improving your attendance can improve your academic performance. You may not realize that missing about two days a month – or 18 days a year – equates to missing 10 percent of the school year and is considered chronic absenteeism. Being in school creates a better sense of belonging and makes you part of our unique culture. Daily attendance is important to your success in school, access to Harper Promise scholarships and making the most of the opportunities we have for you during your four years in high school.  As a goal, have 7 or fewer absences from school across the entire year. 

Explore the future. Our schools offer college fairs, career fairs, college planning sessions, career treks and more to help you with your future decisions. We want to help you discover what you’d like to do when you leave high school. There are so many opportunities to take classes that will provide college credit or a chance to earn career credentials. Make sure you talk with your counselor about opportunities that will work for you.   **

A few months ago, we asked our graduating seniors to give additional advice to incoming freshmen, and you can see some of their thoughts in the spotlight video within this newsletter along with other useful information.

I am so excited about the upcoming school year.  I look forward to joining our 2,000 staff members in District 211 as we welcome our 12,000 students to their first day of school on Monday, August 14.

Here’s to a great year!