School District 45

GOLD CIRCLE OF QUALITY: ExceleRate Illinois has recognized the District 45 Early Childhood Center with a Gold Circle of Quality for its Preschool for All (PFA) program. "This recognition reflects the hard work and commitment that our staff provides to our students and families every day," said Principal Kelly Nettleton. "Our staff is quite dedicated to our youngest learners, and we always seek to improve our skill set." ExceleRate uses a set of standards that focus on early learning and development and prioritize instructional excellence, family services, staff qualifications, professional development, and program administration. Based on its most recent monitoring results, the ECC achieved the Gold Circle of Quality. Congratulations to all our staff at the Early Childhood Center!

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) PROFESSIONALS DAY: Today is IT Professionals Day, and we celebrate the professionals who perform the critical but often unseen work to keep our student and staff computers, networks, and applications running. Our D45 IT Team serves as an invaluable resource to our district. They maintain, update, and replace our devices. They keep us online and connected. They bring creative solutions, agile minds, and solid skills and talents to help support student success. Thank you, IT professionals! 

Happy Labor Day from School District 45!

On August 21, a group of Jefferson Middle School student musicians went on a "Demonstration Tour" with Jefferson Area Band Director Chris Wallbruch and Orchestra Director Rachel Kayser. The group presented at North and Schafer Schools. Students there heard an instrument demo of 12 instruments, with each Jefferson student playing a solo, followed by a group performance. Jefferson 8th grader Noah Corona, who also attended North School, was part of the tour and demonstrated the violin. "The kids we played for today looked excited," said Corona. "I noticed that some of the kids at Schafer were really interested in the bass because of how big it is." With band and orchestra sign-ups taking place next week, the musical demo was a great way for students to learn about the instruments.

FIRST DAY ARRIVES: The new school year is here! Last week, students and families arrived at North, Jefferson, and at schools throughout District 45 for the first day of the 2024-25 school year. Hundreds of teachers, staff, and building leaders were on hand to welcome our students and their families. At North School, Vanessa Sosa, who waited outside with her kindergartener, felt the emotions that many parents feel on the first day of school. "For me, it's very emotional, but I’m excited for him,” said a teary-eyed Sosa. “He loves socializing. He's a social butterfly." Here's to a new year of learning. Here's to new friends, good laughs and great memories. Here's to student growth and potential, filled with fun and inspiration. Here’s to moving forward together. To all our D45 students, families, and staff: Happy first day of school!

District 45 presents "What We're Learning" — a series of lessons from classrooms throughout our schools to show how creativity, purpose, and fun can combine to ensure high levels of learning. In this segment, PE students at Ardmore Elementary take on teamwork challenges while learning sportsmanship and good communication. See how educator Jon Kueper helps students have fun while getting their muscles moving.