The 10 Most Admired School Districts

MASCOUTAH COMMUNITY

SCHOOLDISTRICT 19

Educating Every Child, Every Day

Where Visionary Districts Define Tomorrow!

DearReaders,

Inarapidlytransformingworld,educationhasbecomemorethanagatewaytoknowledge—itisthe foundationofadaptability,innovation,andleadership.Asthelinesblurbetweentechnology,globalcitizenship, andreal-worldapplication,theroleofschoolshasexpandedfarbeyondacademics.Themodernlearnerneeds morethaninformation;theyneedinspiration—aneducationthatconnectsthemtopurpose,community,and possibility AcrosstheUnitedStates,certainschooldistrictshaverisentothischallenge,reshapingtraditional modelstomeettheneedsofafuture-readygeneration.Thesearedistrictsthatdon’tjusteducate—they empower.

ThiseditionofTheEducationMagazine, “The 10 Most Admired School Districts,” honorsthoseinstitutions thatareshapingfuture-readycitizensthroughinclusivity,excellence,andforward-thinkingleadership.

Ourcoverstory,MascoutahCommunityUnitSchoolDistrict19,capturesthisspiritofempowermentwith remarkableauthenticity.NestledintheheartofIllinois,Mascoutahcarriesthesoulofasmall-towncommunity enrichedbythevibrancyofnearbysuburbanneighborhoodsandtheglobaldiversitybroughtbyScottAirForce Base.Thisuniqueblendoflocalrootsandworldwideperspectivehasshapedadistrictdefinedbybothtradition andtransformation.

Overthepastdecade,MascoutahCUSD19hasevolvedintoamodelofinclusiveandcollaborativelearning. Familiesaredrawntoitsschoolsnotonlyforacademicexcellencebutforitsunwaveringbeliefinpartnership betweeneducators,parents,andthewidercommunity.Itsguidingprinciple, “Engage every child, every day, in meaningful learning,” isn’tjustamissionstatement;it’salivedrealityineveryclassroom.Through ProfessionalLearningCommunitiesandcross-collaborativeteaching,Mascoutahhascreatedasupportsystem wheresuccessissharedandeverystudent’spotentialiselevatedtogether

Thisspecialeditionalsocelebratesothervisionarydistricts,CumberlandCommunityUnitSchoolDistrict77, BeecherCUSD200U,EarlvilleCommunityUnitSchoolDistrict9,andAdlaiE.StevensonHighSchool,each provingthatadmireddistrictsaren'tjustinstitutionsoflearning;theyarecatalystsoflastingchange.

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Story

Districts Mascoutah

School District 19

Educationhasalwaysbeenamirrorofthe communitiesitserves.Schoolsriseandchange alongsidethefamilies,towns,andinstitutions thatsurroundthem.Inplaceswheretraditionmeets growth,thestoryofadistrictisrarelyastraightline. Instead,itbecomesareflectionofbothheritageand progress,carriedforwardbythepeoplewhocallthat communityhome.

Mascoutahisonesuchplace.Tuckedintheheartof Illinois,itcarriesthecharacterofasmallruraltownwhile sittingclosetoexpandingsuburbanneighborhoods. AddingtothismixisthepresenceofScottAirForce Base,whichbringswithitfamiliesfromacrossthe countryandeventheworld.Thisblendofhometown roots,suburbanenergy,andglobalinfluencehasshaped theMascoutahcommunityintosomethingdistinct.Over time,thatcharacterhasgiventhelocalschooldistrict bothchallengesandopportunitiesunlikeanyother

MascoutahCommunityUnitSchoolDistrict19has grownsteadilyoverthepastdecade,notonlyinsizebut alsoinreputation.Familieshavebeendrawntoits schoolsbecauseofthedistrict’scommitmenttobuilding partnershipsamongeducators,parents,andcommunity leaders.Atthecenterofitsworkisasimplebutpowerful idea:engageeverychild,everyday,inmeaningful learning.ThroughProfessionalLearningCommunities andcollaborativeteachingpractices,thedistricthas createdaculturewherestudentsaresupportedbymore thanjustindividualclassrooms.Theyarepartofasystem designedtoliftthemuptogether.

Theresultsaremeasurable.Today,fourofthedistrict’s fiveschoolshold “exemplary” statusunderIllinois’rating system,placingtheminthetoptenpercentstatewide.The fifthisrated “commendable,” thenexthighest distinction.Theseoutcomesreflectadistrictthathonors itsroots,embracesitsdiversity,andseesgrowthasa responsibilitytoitscommunity.

ACurriculumDesignedforEveryLearner

AttheheartofMSD19isacurriculumbuilttoserveall learners,fromPre-K,servingnearly240studentsinthat programalone,throughhighschoolgraduation.The districthasworkedtoensurethatitsprogramsareboth richandviable,withasteadyemphasisoncollaboration intheclassroom.Thisapproachallowsstudentstobenefit fromteacherswhosharestrategies,aligngoals,andbuild ononeanother’sstrengths.

Thedistrict’sacademicofferingsstretchacrossthefull spectrumofstudentneeds.Giftedlearnershaveaccessto programsthatchallengeandextendtheirabilities,while studentswhorequirespecialeducationservicesare supportedthroughcarefullydesignedplansandresources. Thisbalancereflectsthedistrict’scorebeliefthatevery childdeservesthechancetoengageinmeaningfullearning, nomattertheirstartingpoint.

Inrecentyears,MSD19hasplacednewenergyinto expandingCareerandTechnicalEducationaswellas vocationalprograms.Thesepathwaysgivestudents opportunitiestoexplorepracticalskillsandcareeroptions beforegraduation.Whetherastudentplanstocontinueto college,entertheworkforce,orpursuetechnicaltraining,or jointhearmedforces,thedistrictworkstoensurethat relevantoptionsareavailable.

Beyondacademics,thedistrictinvestsheavilyinfinearts, athletics,andextracurricularactivities.Music,theater,and visualartsaregiventhesameattentionascompetitive sports,helpingstudentsdiscovertalentsandpassionsthat extendbeyondtheclassroom.Clubsandactivitiesalso provideoutletsforleadership,teamwork,andcreativity.

LeadershipRootedinPeopleand Community

Strongschoolsystemsarerarelybuilton programsalone.AtMSD19,leadership understandsthattheheartofitssuccess liesinitspeople.Teachers,staff, administrators,andboardmembersform thefoundationofadistrictthatcontinues togrowandthrive.Eachgroupplaysa roleinshapinganenvironmentwhere studentshavethesupportandresourcesto reachtheirfullestpotential.

SuperintendentDr.DaveDeetsseesthis asthedefiningstrengthofMascoutah19. Heoftenpointstotherelationshipsthat connectschool,home,andcommunityas thekeytosustainingprogress.

“Mascoutah 19 is successful not just because of the strong programming and resources that we provide, but because of our people,” heexplains. “We are blessed with amazing teachers, staff, administrators, and school board members who all work so hard to provide the best opportunities for our students to reach their fullest potential.”

Thiscommitmenttopeopleshowsupin everycornerofthedistrict.Teachers collaboratethroughProfessionalLearning Communities,ensuringthatnochildslips throughthecracks.Administratorsstay closelytiedtofamilies,buildingtrustand opencommunication.Boardmembers worktokeeplong-termgoalsalignedwith theneedsofthecommunity Together, theymakeMSD19morethanjusta collectionofschools;itbecomesaplace wherefamiliesfeelconnectedand studentsknowtheybelong.

Dr.Deetscapturesthisspiritwith optimismfortheyearsahead. “We also have such a strong relationship between school, home, and community that really maximizes our potential as a district,” he says. “It really is a special place to be, and I'm excited for what continues to lie ahead for Mascoutah CUSD 19.”

GrowthThatDefiesStatewideTrends

Overthepastdecade,MSD19hasexperiencedsteadyand meaningfulgrowthinstudentenrollment.Whilemanydistricts acrossIllinoishavefaceddecliningnumbers,Mascoutah19has movedintheoppositedirection.

Inthespringof2015,thedistrictrecordedanenrollmentof3,760 students.Bythecloseofthe2024–25schoolyear,thatnumber hadrisento4,357.Theincreaserepresentsnearly16percent growthovertenyears.Thispatternstandsoutsharplywhen comparedtostatewidetrends.Duringthesameperiod,Illinoisas awholeexperiencedanenrollmentdecreaseofroughly11 percent.

Thesenumberstellastoryaboutmorethanjustpopulationshifts. Theyhighlighttheconfidencethatfamiliesplaceinthedistrict andthedrawofitsschoolsasplaceswherestudentscanthrive. ThegrowthalsoreflectstheuniquesettingofMascoutah,where small-townstability,suburbanexpansion,andthepresenceof ScottAirForceBaseconvergetocreateadynamicanddiverse studentbody.Familiesnewtothecommunityoftenfind themselveswelcomedintoschoolsthatmirrorthisdiversityand embracethevaluesofinclusionandopportunity.

Theriseinenrollmenthasalsoreinforcedthedistrict's commitmenttocollaboration.Asclassroomsexpandandstudent needsevolve,teachersandstaffcontinuetorelyonshared practicestoensurethatnolearnerisleftbehind.Inmanyways, theincreaseinnumbershassharpenedMSD19'sfocusonits mission: engaging every child, every day.

Foradistrictthatvaluesbothtraditionandgrowth,theenrollment figuresunderscoreapromisingreality.MSD19isnotonly keepingpacewithchangebutalsosettinganexampleofhow schoolscanthrivewhencommunity,leadership,andfamilies moveforwardtogether

C

Mascoutah 19 is successful not just because of the strong programming and resources that we provide, but because of our people. “

SupportingEveryLearner,EveryDay

MSD19hasbuiltitsapproachtostudentsuccessonthe understandingthatnotwolearnersarethesame.Differencesin learningstyles,abilities,andculturalbackgroundsrequire schoolstomovebeyondasinglemethodofinstruction.Forthe schooldistrict,theanswerhasbeentoembracecollaborationat everylevel.

NowinitsfifthfullyearasaProfessionalLearningTeam district,MSD19hasmadesharedpracticethecenterpieceofits work.Teachersandstaffmeetregularlyincollaborativegroups, reviewingstudentprogress,identifyingneeds,anddesigning strategiesthatfitthelearnerratherthanforcingthelearnertofit thelesson.Thissystemallowseducatorstorespondquicklyand consistently,ensuringthateachchildisengagedinmeaningful learningexperiences.

Thestrengthoftheseeffortsisamplifiedbythedistrict’sBoard ofEducationanditscommunitypartners.Together,they providetheresourcesneededtomakeindividualizedsupport possible.Thisincludesinterventionstailoredtospecificstudent needs,ongoingprofessionaldevelopmentforstaff,andaccess toinstructionalcoachingthatsharpensclassroompractice.By investingnotonlyinstudentsbutalsointhegrowthofteachers, thedistrictcreatesacyclewhereeveryonebenefits.

ThesestrategieshelpensurethatMSD19remainsaplace wherediversityisnotjustacknowledgedbutcelebrated. Studentsfromawiderangeofbackgroundsfindthemselvesin classroomsthatarepreparedtomeetthemwheretheyare. Teachers,inturn,aresupportedbyanetworkthatvalues innovationandsharedresponsibility.Theresultisadistrict whereeverychildisgiventheopportunitytothrive,andevery educatorisequippedtohelpmakethatpossible.

EnrichmentBeyondtheClassroom

MSD19believesthatlearningdoesnotstopwhenthe lastbellrings.Thedistrictencourageseverystudentto joinagroup,club,orteam,knowingthatthese experiencesarejustasimportantasacademicsin shapingayoungperson’sdevelopment.Beingpartofan activityhelpsstudentsformfriendships,build confidence,anddiscovernewinterests,allofwhich enrichtheirschoolexperienceinlastingways.

Opportunitiesareplentifulacrossallgradelevels,witha specialfocusatthemiddleandhighschoollevels. Mascoutah19workstoensurethatthereissomething foreveryone,fromcompetitiveathleticstoclubsthat supportawiderangeofhobbiesandcauses.Thedistrict alsoplacesastrongemphasisonthearts,creatingspaces forstudentstoexplorecreativityandperformance.

Successintheseareashasbecomeapointofpridefor thecommunity Athleticprogramshavebuiltreputations forbothachievementandteamwork.Atthesametime, thefineartsprogramshaveflourished.Band,chorus,and theaterarenotsimplyextracurricularoptions;theyare award-winningprogramsthatbringrecognitiontothe districtandjoytoaudiences.Theseachievementsshow howstudentsareencouragedtoreachforexcellencein everyfield,notjustintheclassroom.

Thephilosophybehindtheseofferingsissimplebut powerful:whenstudentsfeelconnectedtotheirschool throughactivitiestheycareabout,theythrive.MSD19's commitmenttoenrichmentensuresthateachchildhas thechancetofindtheirplace,whetheronthestage,on thefield,orinaclubthatsparksalifelongpassion.

LookingAheadwithPurpose

MSD19viewsthefuturenotasachallengeto managebutasanopportunitytobuildonwhathas alreadybeenachieved.Thedistrictplanstosustain thestrengthofitsacademicprogrammingwhile expandingthelayersofsupportthathelpstudents growaswholeindividuals.

Acentralfocusfortheyearsaheadisthecontinued developmentofsocial-emotionalandbehavioral supports.Leadershiprecognizesthatstrong academicsalonearenotenough.Studentsneed toolstonavigatestress,buildresilience,andfoster healthyrelationships.Bystrengtheningthese supports,thedistrictaimstocreateschoolswhere studentsfeelsecure,connected,andreadytolearn.

Theapproachisintentionallyproactive.Rather thanwaitingtorespondwhenchallengesarise, MSD19isworkingtoputsystemsinplacethat anticipatestudentneeds.

Thisincludestrainingstafftorecognizeearlysigns, equippingclassroomswithresourcesforintervention, andmaintainingopenlinesofcommunicationwith families.Thegoalistocreateanenvironmentwhere everychildhasanetworkofsupportaroundthem, bothacademicallyandemotionally.

Atthesametime,thedistrictremainscommittedto maintainingexcellenceinitscoreprogramming.By weavingtogetherstrongacademicswithsocialemotionallearningandbehavioralhealth,MSD19is shapinganapproachthatreflectstherealitiesof today’sstudents.Itisnotsimplyaboutpreparingthem fortestsorgraduation.Itisaboutpreparingthemfor life.

Withavisionrootedinbothachievementandcare, MSD19continuestostandoutasadistrictthatknows successcomesfromnurturingthewholechild.The futurepromisesmorethangrowthinnumbers.It promisesadeeperinvestmentinstudentsaslearners, leaders,andindividualsreadytomaketheirmark.

How a Suburban Behemoth Became a Blueprintfor Public Education

ThefirstthingyounoticeaboutAdlaiE. StevensonHighSchoolisthescale.It doesn’tfeellikeahighschoolsomuch asawell-fundedcorporatecampusorasmall, exceptionallytidycity.Sprawledacross76acres ofsuburbanIllinoisprairie,itsbuildingsare connectedbyaglass-encasedwalkwayknown simplyas“TheLink.”Studentsmovethroughit withapurposethatseemslesslikethebell-driven shuffleofteenagersandmorelikethefocused transitofprofessionalsmovingbetween departments.Oneofitsnewestadditions,an extensiontotheEastBuildingcompletedin2019, boastsagreenroof,livingwalls,andsolarpanels, anambitiousattemptatanet-zeroenergy footprint.It’saphysicalstatementaboutthe future,amissioncastinconcreteandsteel.

ThisisDistrict125,asingle-schooldistrictthat functionsasaneducationaljuggernautin Lincolnshire,Illinois.Withanenrollmentof 4,614studentsforthe2023-2024schoolyear,it servesasthesolesecondaryinstitutionfora sprawling42-square-mileterritorycoveringallor partsof16differentcommunities.Itis,byalmost anymeasure,astunningsuccessstoryin Americanpubliceducation.It’stheonlypublic highschoolinIllinoistoearntheU.S. DepartmentofEducation’scovetedBlueRibbon AwardforExcellencefivetimes.ItsAdvanced Placementprogramisanationalpowerhouse, regularlyleadingtheMidwestinparticipationand rankinginthetopfiveworldwide.

ButtounderstandhowStevensonbecamethis paragonofacademicachievement,onemustfirst understanditsalmostcomicallydisastrous beginning—astorynotofgranddesign,butofa messydivorce,anemptybuilding,andacolossal shippingerror

AnUnfinishedBuildingandaMisplaced ShipmentofDesks

Theschoolthatexiststodaywasbornfrom disagreement.In1964,theformerEla VernonHighSchooldistrictwasfracturing, withthewesternportion,nowLakeZurich, breakingawaytoformitsowndistrict.This lefttheeasterncommunitieswithahalf-built secondschool,anamehonoringtheformer IllinoisgovernorAdlaiE.StevensonII,and verylittleelse.Whenitsdoorsopenedon September7,1965,toamodestcohortof467 studentsand31teachers,theplacewasa shell.Thelibraryhadnobooks,theathletic fieldswerenon-existent,andinalogistical blunderfortheages,mostoftheschool’s newfurniturehadbeenmistakenlyshippedto PrairieView,Texas,insteadofPrairieView, Illinois.

Itwasaninauspiciousstart,askeletonofa schooldroppedontotheflatlands.Foryears, itwasjustthat—aschool,servingits community Theturningpoint,themoment Stevensonbeganitstransformationfroma competentlocalhighschoolintoanational model,cameinthe1980s.Thedecadebegan withthepublicationof“ANationatRisk,”a landmarkreportthatsoundedthealarmona perceiveddeclineinAmericaneducation.It wasinthisclimateofnationalself-reflection thatanewprincipal,RichardDuFour, arrived.DuFourdidn’tjustmanagethe school;hebegantoarticulateaphilosophy. Hechampionedtheideaofa“professional learningcommunity,”acollaborative environmentwherethecentralmissionwas notjustteaching,butensuringthatevery studentlearned.

Adlai E. Stevenson

Stevenson High School

Thisphilosophyrequiredscale.In1992,withenrollmentgrowing, thecommunityfacedachoice:buildasecondhighschoolor expandtheexistingone.Inapivotalreferendum,52%ofvoters chosetokeepStevensonasthedistrict’ssoleinstitution.This decisionsetthestageforaperiodofexplosivegrowth.In1995,a $25millionexpansionprojectincreasedtheschool’sphysical footprintbymorethan50percent,growingittooversixtimesits original113,000squarefeet.Thisprojectgavebirthtothemassive EastBuilding,thestate-of-the-artPerformingArtsCenter(PAC), thePatriotAquaticCenter,andtheFieldHouse.In2002,withthe district’sfinancesstabilizedbyataxreferendumthatpassedwith nearly70%communitysupport,themachinewasfullybuilt. DuFour,whoretiredthatyearandbecamealeadingvoicefor schoolreformuntilhisdeathin2017,hadlaidthefoundation.

TheMachineryofExcellence

Today,walkingthroughStevensonisliketouringtheoperational hubofaFortune500companydedicatedtohumanpotential.The numbersalonearestaggering.Thestudentbodyof4,614isguided byafacultyof281.6(onafull-timeequivalentbasis),maintaining astudent-teacherratioof16.38to1andanaverageclasssizeof22. Thisisafeatoflogisticsandmanagement,deliveringpersonalized attentiononamassivescale.

Thestudentpopulationreflectsadiversecross-sectionofsuburban America.The2023demographicdatashowsastudentbodythatis 46.6%White,39.3%Asian,9.0%Hispanic,1.7%Black,and3.2% TwoorMoreRaces.Thesestudentscomefromaweboffeeder schools—DanielWright,Aptakisic,TwinGroves,Woodlawn, Fremont,andWestOak—andconvergeonthissinglecampus.

Here,theyarepresentedwithauniverseofchoice.Thecurriculum includesmorethan200coursesandover20AdvancedPlacement classes.Theresultsofthisapproacharequantifiableand consistentlyexcellent.FortheClassof2016,anastonishing99.9% ofgraduatesattendedcollege.Thatsameyear,360studentswere namedIllinoisStateScholars.Publicationslike U.S. News & World Report andthe Washington Post haverepeatedlynameditthetop open-enrollmentpublichighschoolinthestate.In2021, U.S. News rankedit#171intheentirenation.

Thisacademicrigorismatchedbyacultureofcompetitive excellence.Theschool’sacademicteamsaredominant,withthe ScienceOlympiadteamwinningtheNationalChampionshipin 2023,andstatetitlesinChess,ScholasticBowl,andMath.The DebateTeamhaswontheprestigiousHarvardNationalChampions tournamentthreetimes(2008,2011,2019).It’saculturethat breedssuccess,producingalumnilikeHoldenKarnofsky,CEOof theOpenPhilanthropyProject,andGeneStupnitsky,headwriter andexecutiveproducerof The Office

ThePatriotWay

Theschool’smascot,thePatriot,feelsapt. Thereisafierceprideandadisciplineddrive thatpermeateseverything,especiallyathletics. TheNorthSuburbanConferencepowerhouse hasatrophycasegroaningundertheweightof itsachievements.TheschoolwonIHSAstate championshipsinbothFootballandBoys Basketballinthesameremarkable2014-2015 season.ItsGirlsWaterPoloteamisamodern dynasty,capturingstatetitlesin2015,2017, 2018,2019,2023,and2024.TheBoysand GirlsGymnasticsteamscollectedatroveof championshipsinthe2000s.Thelistgoeson: BoysWaterPolo,BoysBowling,Boys Swimming&Diving,thePatriettesdance squad.

Thisathleticcruciblehasforgedanimpressive rosterofprofessionalandOlympicathletes. TheNBA’sJalenBrunson,atwo-timeAll-Star andcaptainoftheNewYorkKnicks,walked thesehalls.SodidWNBAlegendandMVP TamikaCatchings,Olympichockeyplayer MeganBozek,andOlympicgymnastPaul Juda.Theschoolproducesnotjustscholars, butdisciplined,high-achievingcompetitorsin everyfield.

TheEnduringBlueprint

Fromitshaphazardbirth,AdlaiE.Stevenson HighSchoolhasrelentlesslyengineeredits ownsuccess.Itwilleditselfintoexistence throughstrategicplanning,immense communityinvestment,andanunwavering beliefinacoremission.Itsstoryisapowerful casestudyinthebusinessofpubliceducation, demonstratingthatwithvision,resources,and acultureofhighexpectations,asingleschool canbecomeaworld-classinstitution.

Theschool’soldmotto,apredictionmade over40yearsago,claimeditwas“destinedfor greatness.”Standingintheshadowofitseverexpandingcampus,watchingthousandsof studentsstreamtowardtheirfutures,it’sclear thatthiswaslessapredictionandmoreofa promise—onethatStevensonHighSchoolhas decidedlykept.

in the Classroom More Than a Trend, AI

Artificial Intelligenceisnolongerjusta futuristicidea—it’salreadyreshapinghow studentslearnandhowteachersteach.From lessonplanningtoadaptivetools,AIintheclassroom isnowpartofeverydayeducation.Butbeyondthe buzzwords,thisshiftismorethanjustusingachatbot orgradingsoftware.It’saboutbuildingsmart, responsivesystemsthathelpeducatorssavetime, supporteverylearner’sneeds,andimproveoutcomes atscale.However,therealpowerofAIdependson howwiselyweuseit.Responsibleusemeansclear rules,strongethics,andthoughtfulplanning.Inthis blog,you’llexplorehowAIistransforminglearning, howschoolscanuseiteffectively,whatethical challengeslieahead,andwhyeducators—not algorithms—muststayatthecenterofitall.Thegoal isn’tjustsmarterclassrooms.It’smoreinclusive, efficient,andhuman-centerededucationthroughthe rightuseofAIintheclassroom.

TheTransformativePowerofAIintheClassroom

ArtificialIntelligenceisnolongerjustabuzzwordin education—it’snowpartofeverydaylearning.From simplifyingtaskstopersonalizinglearning,AIinthe classroomishelpingbothstudentsandteachersinreal, practicalways.Asof2025,almosteverystudent interactswithAItoolsdaily,whilemanyteachers dependonthemforplanning,grading,andinstruction.

● A.PersonalizedLearningatScale:

○ AdaptiveLearningPaths

AItoolsnowadjustthewaylessonsaretaughtbasedon howeachstudentperforms.Thesystemchangesspeed, content,andteachingmethodstofitindividualneeds.This helpseverylearnermoveattheirownpace,withoutfeeling leftbehind.

● Studentslearnbetterbecausethecontentmatchestheir level.

● Itfillsknowledgegapsandsupportsstrengthsatthe sametime.

● 25%ofeducatorssaypersonalizedlearningisthebiggest benefitofAIintheclassroom.

○ AddressingDiverseNeeds

AItoolsnowsupportstudentswithdifferentchallenges.For example:

● Text-to-speechhelpsstrugglingreaders

● Livetranslationsupportsnon-Englishspeakers

● Simplifiedcontentmakestoughtopicseasierto understand

Thesetoolspromoteinclusion.AccordingtoUNESCO,AI mustensureequallearningchancesforall.WithAIinthe classroom,educationbecomesmorefairandaccessible.

● B.EmpoweringEducators:StreamliningTasksand EnhancingInstruction:

○ AutomatedAdministrativeSupport

AIsavestimebyhandlingcommonclassroomtasks:

● Grading

● Feedback

● Attendance

● Timetables

42%ofteacherssaythisisthemosthelpfulpartofusing AI.Itallowsthemtofocusmoreonteaching,not paperwork.

○ IntelligentContentCreation

TeachersnowuseAIto:

● Buildlessonplans

● Createquizzesandassignments

● Designclassroomactivities

In2023:

● 38%ofteachersusedAItoplanlessons

● 37%createdclassroommaterialsusingAI

● 44%saidAImadetheirjobseasierbyreducing workload

○ Data-DrivenInsights

AIhelpstrackandanalyzestudentperformance.It identifieswho’satrisk,what’sworking,andhowto improve.

● Teachersgetcleardataforsmarterteachingchoices

●Theycansupporteachstudentwiththerightplan

● 47%ofeducationleadersnowuseAIdailytomake betterdecisions

ThisishowAIintheclassroomempowersteachers whileimprovingoutcomes.

● C.BoostingStudentEngagementandSkill Development:

○ InteractiveLearningExperiences

Morethan51%ofeducatorsnowuse:

● AIchatbotsforQ&A,debates,andstorytelling

● GamespoweredbyAItomakelessonsfun

● VRandARtoolstohelpstudents“experience” learning

Thesetoolsincreaseattentionandmakelearningmore active.

○ Fostering21st-CenturySkills

AIpreparesstudentsforthefuturebybuilding:

● Problem-solving

● Creativity

● Digitalliteracy

● Criticalthinking

58%ofhighschoolteachersnoticedstudentsbecame moreconfident.

49%ofcollegeprofessorssawstudentslearnfaster withAI'shelp.

○ ResearchandRevisionAids

StudentsnowuseAIto:

● Researchtopics

● Writedrafts

● Fixgrammarandstructure

73.6%ofstudentsandresearcherssayAImakes writingandreviewingfasterandeasier.Itactslikea smartguidethathelpswithoutdoingtheworkfor them.

NavigatingtheChallengesandEthicalLandscape

AI’sintegrationintoclassroomsbringstransformative benefits,butalsoraisescomplexchallengesaround academicintegrity,dataprivacy,fairness,equity,and thepreservationofhuman-centeredlearning.

● A.AcademicIntegrityandtheChallengeof Misuse:

1. ThePlagiarismDilemma

AItoolslikeChatGPTarenowusedby89%of studentsforhomework.Thischangeisreshaping academichonesty

Atthesametime,68%ofteachersrelyonAItocatch plagiarism.Interestingly,whileAI-generatedcontent rose76%,plagiarismratesdropped51%.Thatshift suggestsstudentsareusingAIinnewways.

Still,mostteachersbelieveusingAIforhomework countsascheating.Asaresult,disciplinecasesfor dishonestyincreased—from48%to64%thisyear

2. CultivatingOriginality

Traditionalplagiarismdetectorscan'tcatch everythingAIproduces.So,manyeducatorsnow encouragestudentstocriticallyengagewithAI outputs.

They’reassigning:

● Personalreflections

● Processjournals

● Oralpresentations

Theseassignmentsmakeithardertodependonlyon AIintheclassroom.Studentslearntothinkfor themselveswhilestillusingtechasasupporttool.

● B.DataPrivacyandSecurityConcerns:

1. SafeguardingSensitiveInformation

Schoolshavebecomemajortargetsforcybercrime.In 2025,weeklycyberattacksonschoolsroseby75%.

Ransomwaredemandsnowaverage$6.6millionin lowereducationand$4.4millioninhighereducation.

Educatorsareworried:

● 51%feeluneasyaboutpersonaldatasafety

● 63%areveryconcernedaboutAI-drivenattacks

AIintheclassroommustincludestrictprivacy protectionsforeveryoneinvolved.

2. ComplianceandTransparency

In2025,53%ofschoolshaveacybersecurity plan—upfrom34%in2022.

Theynow:

● Runregularsecuritychecks

● Encryptstudentdata

● Explainhowthatdataisused

Thisbuildstrustwhilestayingcompliantwithprivacy laws.

● C.AlgorithmicBiasandFairness:

1. UnderstandingInherentBiases

AIsystemscanrepeatthebiasestheylearnfromdata. Thiscanunfairlyaffectstudents,especiallythosefrom marginalizedbackgrounds.

That’swhyongoingreviewofdatasetsandresultsis criticalinclassroomsusingAI.

2. PromotingEquity

Schoolsareadoptingthesefairnessstrategies:

● DiverseteamsinAIdesign

● Regularauditsforbias

● Clear,explainablerecommendationsfromAI

ThesepracticeshelpAIintheclassroomserveevery studentfairly

●D.TheDigitalDivide:EnsuringEquitable Access:

1. BridgingtheGap

Manystudentsstilllackaccessto:

● AItools

● Reliableinternet

● Personallearningdevices

Thisgapcreatesdeeperlearninginequalities.

2. PolicyandInfrastructure

Governmentsnowfund:

● Low-costdevices

● Subsidizedconnectivity

● Targetedhelpforunderservedcommunities

ThesestepsaimtobringthefullbenefitsofAIintheclassroom toalllearners,notjustaprivilegedfew.

● E.Over-relianceandPreservingtheHumanElement:

1. MaintainingCriticalThinking

IfstudentsdependtoomuchonAI,theircreativitymaysuffer Teachersarenowfocusingon:

● Open-endedquestions

● Projectswithreal-worldapplications

● Personalstorytelling

Thishelpsstudentsbuildskills,notshortcuts.

2. TheIrreplaceableRoleoftheEducator

AIcanhelpwithteaching.Butitcan’treplaceateacher’s:

● Empathy

● Motivation

● Judgment

Thebestschoolsin2025don’treplaceteacherswithAI. Instead,theyuseAIintheclassroomtosupportdeeper,more human-centeredlearning.

StrategicImplementation:BestPracticesforSchools

SuccessfullyleveragingAIineducationrequiresmorethanjust adoptingnewtechnologies—itdemandsthoughtfulplanning, inclusivepolicy-making,andacommitmenttocontinuous improvement.Here'saroadmapforschoolstoensure responsible,impactful,andequitableAIintegration.

● A.DevelopingComprehensiveAIPoliciesand Guidelines:

1. ClearExpectations

SchoolsmustsetclearrulesforusingAIinlearning.These rulesshouldexplainwhatisallowedandwhatisnot.

● DefinehowstudentsandteacherscanuseAI

● Setstandardsforhonestyandfairness

● Explainconsequencesformisuse

Infact,manyschoolswithstrongAIpoliciesreport fewercheatingcases..

2. StakeholderCollaboration

Greatpoliciescomefromlisteningto everyone—students,parents,teachers,andstaff.

● Includeallvoicesindiscussions

● UpdaterulesoftenasAItoolsevolve

● Buildtrustandmakeeveryonefeelheard

ThiscreatesstrongersupportforAIinthe classroom.

● B.EmpoweringEducatorsThrough ProfessionalDevelopment:

1. BeyondBasicTraining

Teachersneedmorethanaquickguide.Theyneed real,hands-ontrainingwithexpertsandpeers.

● Offerregularworkshops

● Buildpeerlearninggroups

● Inviteguesteducatorsfordemos

Evenin2025,morethan50%ofteacherssaythey don tgetenoughAItraining. ’

2. CultivatingAILiteracy

TeachersmustknowwhatAIcanandcannotdo. Thishelpsthemuseittherightwayinclass.

● TeachAIstrengthsandlimits

●ShowhowtoblendAIwithrealteaching

●Encouragethoughtfuluse,notoveruse

ThisbuildsconfidenceinusingAIintheclassroom therightway.

● C.FosteringStudentAILiteracyandAgency:

1. CriticalEvaluationSkills

StudentsshouldlearnhowtothinkaboutwhatAIgives them—notjustacceptit.

● QuestionAIanswers

● Comparewithtrustedsources

● Spotbiasanderrors

ManystudentsinAI-literateschoolsarebetterat evaluatingsources.

2. ResponsibleCreation

EncouragestudentstouseAItobuildnewideas,notjust copy.

● LetthemcreateAItoolsorapps

● UseAIinprojectsandpresentations

● Teachthemtodesignwithethicsinmind

ThismakesAIintheclassroomatoolforthinking,not justclicking.

● D.MeasuringImpactandIterativeImprovement:

1. AssessingEffectiveness

Schoolsshouldtrackwhatworksandwhatdoesn't.Use numbersandstoriestogetafullpicture.

● Monitortestscoresandattendance

● Collectteacherandstudentfeedback

● WatchhowoftenAIisused

2. ContinuousAdaptation

Stayopentochange.Reviewandreviseyourstrategies often.

● Holdreviewmeetings

● Askforinputfromallusers

● Improvebasedonrealfeedback

That'showschoolskeepAIintheclassroom effectiveandmeaningful.

● E.EngagingParentsandtheWider Community:

1. TransparentCommunication

Tellparentswhat'shappening.Behonestandclear aboutgoalsandsafetysteps.

● Shareupdatesonschoolwebsites

● Showrealclassroomexamples

● Explainhowdatastaysprivate

2. AddressingConcerns

Openthedoorforquestions.Letparentsfeel involved.

● HostQ&Asessions

● Shareguidesorvideos

● Listentotheirworries

MorethanhalfoftheparentssaytheysupportAI morewhentheyfeelincluded.

TheFutureofAIinEducation

1. EmergingTrends

AItoolsnowcustomizelessonstomatchevery student’space,interest,andskilllevel.Thisensures nolearnerfallsbehind.

● Studentsgetlessonsbasedonhowtheylearn best

● Progressbecomesfaster,smoother,andmore confident

● Everyonelearnsattheirownpacewithout pressure

ThisshiftshowshowAIintheclassroomismaking educationmorepersonalandstudent-focused.

AI-DrivenCollaborativeLearning

Classroomsarebecomingmore interactivethankstoAI.

● AIformsstudygroupsbasedon studentstrengths

● Itsuggestsgroupprojectsand moderatesonlinechats

● Teamworkandsharingideasbecome easierandmorefun

Thishelpsstudentsconnect,both in-personandonline.

PredictiveAnalytics

AInowspotstrendsinhowstudents perform.Itpredicts:

● Whomayneedextrahelp

● Whattopicsareharderforcertain students

● Whentooffersupportbefore problemsgrow

Thesetoolsletteacherstakeactionearly. That’sanothersmartuseofAIinthe classroom.

2. AIasaCollaborativePartner

Inthefuture,AIandteacherswillwork sidebyside.AIhandles:

● Planninglessons

● Trackingprogress

● Givingcustomcontent

Thisfreesteacherstofocusonwhat mattersmost—talkingtostudents, understandingemotions,andbuilding thinkingskills.WithAIintheclassroom, learningbecomesdeeperand morehuman.

3. ContinuousAdaptation

Schoolsmuststayflexible.AsAIchanges, soshouldpoliciesandteachingtools.

● Updatetrainingforteachersregularly

● Askforfeedbackfromstudentsand parents

● Keepimprovingbasedonwhatworks

Bydoingthis,schoolscanuseAIwisely, safely,andfairly ThefutureofAIinthe classroomisnotjustabouttools—it'sabout smarter,kinder,andmoreeffectivelearning forall.

KeyTakeaways

What sclearisthatwe vealreadystepped ’ ’ intoaworldwhereAIispartofhowwe learn—andthere snoturningback.Butthat ’ doesn tmeanwetreatitlikemagic.Itmeans ’ weunderstandwhat'satstake.AIinthe classroomispowerful,butonlywhenit’s usedwithintent.Itcanbringefficiency, personalization,andcreativity.Butifleft unchecked,itcanalsocreatedependence, bias,andevenwidenexistinggaps.

Whatreallymattersisthemindset.Schools thattreatAIasapartner—nota shortcut—arealreadyseeingbetter engagementanddeeperlearning.Teachers whoseeAIasanassistant,notathreat,are reclaimingtimetodowhatmachinesnever will—buildtrust,inspire,andconnect.

Thisshiftisn tjusttechnical.It scultural. ’ ’ It saboutrethinkingwhatgreateducation ’ lookslikeinaworldthat sevolving ’ fast—andmakingsureeverylearnerbenefits fromit.

Beecher CUSD 200U

JustbeyondtheedgeofChicago’sreach, smalltownscarryaquietstrength.They preservetraditionwhilepreparing thenextgenerationtomoveforward.Beecher,a villageestablishedin1855,reflectsthatbalance. Atthecenterofthecommunitystands BeecherCommunityUnitSchoolDistrict200U, adistrictthathasgrownwiththetownitself.

Fromitsfirstelementaryschoolin1930toa juniorhighbuiltin2006,thedistricthas expandedthoughtfully.Withamissionrootedin qualityeducation,citizenship,andacademic excellence,BeecherCUSD200Ucontinuesto shapestudentswhooftenreturntostrengthen theirhometown.

ASeamlessPathfromKindergartentoGraduation

BeecherCUSD200Utakesprideinofferingaconnected journeyforitsstudents.Attheelementarylevel,teachersbuild astrongfoundationincoresubjects,earningrecognitionasan exemplaryIllinoisschool.Juniorhighextendsthatlearningby sharpeningskillsandpreparingstudentsforthedemands ahead.Bythetimestudentsreachhighschool,opportunities expand.

Theycanchoosefromadvancedplacementclasses,dual-credit coursesinpartnershipwiththelocalcommunitycollege,and career-focusedprogramsthroughregionalcollaborations. Whetheraimingforcollegeorhands-ontradeslikenursing, construction,orlawenforcement,studentsfindapaththatfits theirfuture.

“

OpenAccessandCommunityCommitment

Asapublicschooldistrict,BeecherCUSD200U keepsadmissionssimple:studentsmustresidewithin districtboundariestoenroll.Eachyear,theoffice receivescallsfromfamiliesoutsidethearea,butthe ruleremainsfirmtoensureresourcesservethelocal community Withinthoseboundaries,thedistrict workscloselywithfamilieswhofaceeconomic challenges.

FederalTitleIfundssupportprogramstailoredfor low-incomeandat-riskstudents,ensuringnochildis leftbehind.Byaddressingbothacademicandpersonal needs,thedistrictreaffirmsitsmissionofproviding accesstoqualityeducationforeverystudentitserves.

ShiftsinGrowthandDiversity

BeecherCUSD200Uhasexperiencedthesame challengesthattouchedmanycommunitiesafterthe housingcrashmorethanadecadeago.Enrollmentthat onceshowedpromiseslowedasfamiliesputdown fewerroots.Recently,however,signsofrenewalhave emerged.Developersareonceagaininvestinginthe area,andnewsubdivisionsarebeginningtogrow.

Alongsidethissteadychange,thedistricthasseena shiftinitsstudentbody.Overthelastsixyears,the Hispanicpopulationhasrisenbyabout10percent, addinggreaterdiversityandshapingthedistrict’s approachtosupportingallstudents.

MeetingStudentsWhereTheyAre

BeecherCUSD200Urecognizesthatstudentslearnin differentways,andthedistrictbuildsitsprograms aroundthatunderstanding.Attheelementaryschool, theWINprogram(shortfor“WhatINeed”)meets eachchildattheiracademicleveleveryday.Junior highexpandssupportwithdoubleblocksofEnglish languageartsandmath,alongwithstudyhallsfor extrahelp.

Atthehighschool,studentscanuselibrarytime beforeschoolanddedicatedstudyhallslaterinthe day TomeettheneedsofagrowingHispanic population,thedistrictaddedbilingualteachersandan ELteachertosupportlanguagelearning.

CommunitySupportandStudentWell-Being

Fromtheyoungestlearnerstograduatingseniors, BeecherCUSD200Ubenefitsfromstrongcommunity involvement.ThePTOcreatesopportunitiesfor elementarystudents,fromplaygroundupdatestostaff support.AnewlyformedBeecherBoosterClubhas alreadymadeanimpactbyfundingnewscoreboards forathleticfields.

TheBeecherEducationFoundationprovidesanother layerofsupport,givingteachersandadministrators accesstograntsbeyondthestandardbudget.Safety andwellnessarealsopriorities.TheSchoolResource Officerprogramstrengthenstiesbetweenpolice, school,andfamilies,whileWellnessWednesdayoffers highschoolstudentsaspacetobuildhealthyhabits andchoices.

LeadershipRootedinCareandCommitment

BeecherCUSD200Ubenefitsfromleadershipthatis deeplyinvestedinitsstudentsandstaff.Superintendent Dr.JackGaham,alongwiththedistrict’sthreeprincipals, emphasizeslisteningtostaffideasandfosteringstrong connectionsthathavekeptturnoverminimal.Their approachensuresthatteacherswanttostayandfamilies feelwelcomed.

TheBoardofEducation,recognizedwiththeIASB SchoolBoardGovernanceAwardin2023–2024,shares thiscommitment.Dr.Gahamnotesthat “every decision we make centers on what is best for our students and community,” reflectingthedistrict’ssharedfocuson growth,excellence,andpositiveoutcomes.

VibrantStudentLifeandExtracurricularSuccess

Despitebeingasmalldistrict,BeecherCUSD200Uhas seenremarkablesuccessinathletics.Highschoolsoftball teamshaveclaimedfivetitles,includinglastyear,and juniorhighsoftballhassixchampionships.Individual athleteshaveearnedstaterecognitionintrackandcross country,includingarecord-settingdiscthrow

Otherteams,fromjuniorhighvolleyballtohigh schoolgolf,havemadesignificantstateruns.Beyond sports,studentsenjoyarangeofenrichment opportunities,includingdramaclub,band,pepband, choir,artclub,environmentalclub,mathteam, scholasticbowl,andcoding.Thedistrictencourages everystudenttoexploretheirpassions.

CollaborativeLeadershipandEssential Departments

BeecherCUSD200Ureliesonaclose-knitstructureto keepthedistrictrunningsmoothly.Eachschoolisled byaprincipalandsupportedbyateacherleadership teamthatplansforcurrentandfutureneeds.Essential departments,includingmaintenance,transportation, andtechnology,playacriticalroleindailyoperations.

Theirworkallowedthedistricttoimplementa one-to-onedeviceprogrambeforeCOVID,creatinga foundationforremotelearningthatcontinuestoday. Eveninasmalldistrict,thiscollaborationensures classroomsrunefficiently,systemsremainstrong,and studentsreceivethesupporttheyneedtothrive academicallyandsocially

PromotingDiversityandInclusion

AlthoughBeecherCUSD200Uisasmalldistrict,itplacesa strongemphasisondiversity,equity,andinclusion.Thedistrict activelyseekstohireteachersandstaffwhoreflectthechanging demographicsofthecommunity,ensuringstudentssee themselvesrepresentedinleadershipandclassrooms.

Thisapproachsupportsalearningenvironmentwhereall studentsfeelvaluedandunderstood.Byaligningstaffing decisionswiththecommunity’sevolvingneeds,thedistrict reinforcesitscommitmenttoprovidingequitableopportunities. Evenwithastreamlinedstructure,BeecherCUSD200U demonstratesthatinclusionisnotjustapolicybutacentralpart ofitseducationalmission.

GuidingStudentsBeyondtheClassroom

BeecherCUSD200Usupportsstudentsinplanningforlifeafter graduationthroughavarietyofprograms.Thehighschool counselorworkscloselywitheachstudenttoidentifythebest pathforward.Studentscanparticipateinwork-studyprograms andengagewiththecommunityduringanannualcareerdayfor juniorhighandhighschoollearners.

Collegesandserviceorganizationsalsovisitduringlunch periodstoconnectwithinterestedstudents.Additionally,the districtpartnerswithCASE,aninternationalprogramthathosts foreignexchangestudents,givinglocalstudentsexposureto globalperspectivesandopportunitiesformeaningfulcultural exchange.

LookingAhead:ExpandingOpportunities

BeecherCUSD200Ucontinuestofocusoncreating opportunitiesthatpreparestudentsforlifeafterhighschool.Ina smalldistrict,manyinitiativesgrowdirectlyfromstudentneeds. Thehighschoolprincipalisexploringearlygraduationoptions, andthework-to-schoolprogramhasexpandedinrecentyears.

Partnershipswiththelocalcommunitycollegeprovide additionallearningexperiencesduringtheschoolday.Teachers arealsoidentifyingresourcestohelpstudentssucceedon Illinois’ACTassessmentsinMath,Science,andEnglish.By respondingtoneedswithpracticalsolutions,thedistrictensures everystudenthasthetoolstoachievetheirfuturegoals.

BEST SELF DEVELOPMENT BOOKS

Whatifonebookcouldchangeyourentire life?Nowimagineten.

Welcometotheultimatementalupgrade—a handpickedlistofthe10bestselfdevelopment booksthatdon’tjustsitprettyonyourshelf—they reprogramyourmindset,sparktransformation,and turnpotentialintopower.Thisisn’tfluff.Thisisfire.

Ifyou’veeverfeltadeeppulltowardbecoming more—more-focused,morefulfilled,more fearless—you’reexactlywhereyouneedtobe. Thesearen’tjustbooks;they’reyournewmentors, silentmotivators,andmind-expandingallies.Crafted bylegendarythinkers,psychologists,and entrepreneurs,eachoneholdsablueprintto masteringyourthoughts,habits,emotions,and purpose.

Forgettemporarymotivation.We’retalkingabout lastinginnershifts.Whetheryou’reastudent levelingup,aleaderrealigning,oraseekerona missiontoevolve,thislistdeliversthetools,truths, andtacticsyouneedtorise.

Readytostepintothestrongestversionofyou?Let’s crackopenthewisdomthat’salreadychanged millionsoflives—andnow,it’syourturn.

1.TheAlchemist

Oh,thisbook!It’slikeadirectlinetoyourheart, puremagiconpaper.PauloCoelho’sTheAlchemist isn’tjustoneofthebestselfdevelopmentbooks;for many,it’sTHEonethatchangeseverything.It’snot justastoryyouread;it’ssomethingyoufeel.

• YourEpicAdventureKicksOff:

Okay,sopicturethis:ayoungshepherd,Santiago,hasthis wilddream.Andwhatdoeshedo?Heactuallygoesforit! HeheadsofffromSpainonthismassiveadventure, chasingahiddentreasurenearthelegendaryEgyptian pyramids.

• WayMoreThanaTreasureHunt:

Buthere’sthething–thisjourney?It’saboutsomuch morethanjustfindinggold.It’sadeepdiveintolife’s biggest,mostbeautifulmysteries.

• Wisdom,Love,andaDashofMagic:

Alonghisdustytravels,Santiagobumpsintothese incrediblywisementors,experienceslovethat’llmake yourheartsoar,anduncoversthemind-blowingsecretsof alchemyandthe‘SouloftheWorld.’Seriously,canyou feeltheshivers?

• FindingYour‘PersonalLegend’:

Thesearen’tjustenchantingtales;they’repowerfulclues thatleadhim(andnudgeyou!)towardhisPersonalLegend –thatthinghewastrulyborntodo,hisuniquedestiny

• LivetheStory,Don’tJustReadIt:

Trustmeonthis,TheAlchemistisn’tabookyoujustskim through.It’sanadventureyoupracticallyliveandbreathe, ajourneyintoyourselfthat’llleaveyoubuzzingwith inspiration,readytochasedownyourownbigdreams.

• ThatLittleVoiceinYourHeart:

Thismasterpiecewilllightafireunderyou,pushingyouto finallylistentothatinnervoice,topursuewhattrulymakes yoursoulsing.ThatwholeideaofthePersonalLegend? It’sincrediblyempowering–it’syouruniquemarkon theworld!

• FacingDownThoseFears:

Itshowsyou,withsuchwarmthandsmarts,howtostare yourfearsrightinthefaceandkickthoseobstaclestothe curb.

• SpottingtheUniverse’sWinks:

Itbrilliantlyteachesyoutonoticethesigns,thoselittle winksandnudgestheuniversesendsyourway.Start payingattention,andwatchthemagichappen!

• BigNamesLoveItToo:

It’snosurprisethatmillions,includingtheone-and-only WillSmith,havebeentotallycaptivated.Heevensaid, “It’sthemostimpactfulbookI’veeverreadinmylife.” Nowthat’safive-starreview!

2.ThinkandGrowRich

Alright,let’stalkaboutatruegiantintheself-helpworld, abookwhosewisdomfrom1937stillhitslikealightning bolttoday!ThinkandGrowRichisacornerstonefora verysimplereason:itworks.NapoleonHilldidn’tjust pulltheseideasoutofthinair;hespenttwentysolidyears diggingdeep,studying500ofthewealthiest,most successfulself-madefolksofhisera.Canyouimagine thatkindofdedication?

• YourPersonalRoadmaptoRiches(NotJust Money!):

Thinkofthisbookasyourowndetailedmaptoachieving amazingthings.Andnope,it’snotjustaboutpilingup cash;it’saboutcreatingtruerichnessineverypartofyour life.

• GetYourMindRight,GetYourGoals:

Itteachesyoutheincrediblepowerofmasteringyour thoughtsandhowtolaser-focusyourmindtonailpretty muchanygoalyousetyoursightson.

• The13KeystotheKingdom:

Hillbreaksdown13coreprinciplesforsuccess–we’re talkingaboutthingslikeawhite-hotDesire;an unshakeableFaith;avibrant,colorfulImagination;and goodold-fashioned,stubbornPersistence.Thesearen’t justnicewords;they’reyouractualpowertools!

• DreamIt,DoIt:

Theseprinciples?They’reyourticketto smashingthroughanybarrierandturningthose big,audaciousdreamsintoyoureveryday reality.Howcooldoesthatsound?

• MoreThanaBook–It’saLifePlan:

ThinkandGrowRichissomuchmorethanjust pageswithwords;it’sawholephilosophyfor livingalifepackedwithachievementand meaning.You’llfeelthatambitionbubblingup!

• WhyIt’sStillaBestseller:

Itjustplaindelivers.Those13principlesarethe nutsandboltsyouneedtobuildalifethat genuinelyoverflowswithsuccess.

• ChangedCountlessLives:

TheimpacthasbeenHUGE!Millionsof readersandsomeofthebiggestnamesin leadershiphavebeentotallyfiredupbyit.Just listentothelegendaryOgMandino:“During thepasttwenty-fiveyearsIhavebeenblessed withmoregoodfortunethananyindividual deserves,butIshuddertothinkwhereI’dbe today,orwhatI’dbedoingifIhadnotbeen exposedtoNapoleonHill’sphilosophy.It changedmylife.”Goosebumps!That’sthekind ofearth-shatteringimpactwe’retalkingabout here.

3.The7HabitsofHighlyEffectivePeople

Letmeaskyousomethingstraightup:Areyou aftersuccessthatsticks,andhappinessthat’sthe realdeal,notjustfleetingmoments?Ifyou’re noddinglikecrazy,thenyouneedtomeetThe7 HabitsofHighlyEffectivePeople.Thisbook isn’tjustfamous;it’salife-changingblueprint.

●NotJustIdeas,It’saHow-To:

Thisisn’toneofthosebooksyoureadand forget.It'sapractical,down-to-earthguidethat showsyouexactlyhowtobuildsevenpowerful habitsthatcantotallyreshapeyourcharacter andthewayyouseeeverything.

●TheBigShift:DependencetoInterdependence:

Coveymapsoutthisamazingjourney:startingfrom dependence(whereyourelyonothersorcircumstances), movingtoindependence(whereyou'reself-reliant),andthen levelinguptointerdependence(whereyouteamupwith otherstocreatesomethingevenbigger).Thinkaboutthat powershift!

●GrabtheWheel&MakeaDent:

So,what’sinitforyou?Itmeansyougettobeinthedriver’s seatofyourownlife,buildawesomerelationships,and actuallymakeapositiveimpactontheworldaroundyou. Thisbookisyourguide!

●LivingwithPurpose:

It’satimelessclassicforareason.Itdoesn'tjustshowyou howtotickoffgoals;itteachesyouhowtolivealife burstingwithintegrity,honesty,andgenuinedignity.Pretty impressive,huh?

●ItAllStartswithCharacter:

Coveybelievedthattruesuccessandhappinesscomefrom whathecalledthe‘characterethic’–it’saboutwhoyouare deepdown.

●HabitsThatRevolutionize:

Thesevenhabitsthemselves?Totalgame-changers.We're talkingaboutthingslikebeingproactive(notreactive!), startingwithaclearvisionofwhatyouwant,puttingfirst thingsfirst,andreallylisteningtounderstandothers.

●AnAll-AroundUpgrade:

Whenyoustartlivingthesehabits,youwon’tjustseeyour worklifeimprove;yourrelationshipswillgetbetter,you’ll feelhealthier,andyoursenseofpurposewillgetaserious boost.It'safull-lifemakeover!

●LeadersLoveIt:

Thepraisecomesfromallcorners!AriannaHuffingtonputit sowell:“Dr.Covey’semphasisonself-renewalandhis understandingthatleadershipandcreativityrequireustotap intoourownphysical,mental,andspiritualresourcesare exactlywhatweneednow.”Shetotallyhitthenailon thehead!

4.TheFourAgreements

Areyouhuntingforthatsweetspotinlife–you know,morejoy,morepeace,thatawesomefeeling ofbeingtrulycontent?Ifyourheartjustdidalittle leap,thenyou’veGOTtocheckoutTheFour AgreementsbyDonMiguelRuiz.Thislittlebookis apowerhouse,packedwithancientToltecwisdom that’sbothincrediblydeepandrefreshinglysimple.

●AncientSecrets,MadeEasy:

DonMiguelRuiz,atruespiritualguide,sharesfour beautifullysimpleprinciplesthatcantotallyrock yourworld,inthebestwaypossible.Thesearen’t complicatedrules;they’relikelifecommitments:

○ 1.BeImpeccableWithYourWord:Speak truthfullyandwithintegrity.Saywhatyou mean,andmeanwhatyousay.Don’tuseyour wordstotearyourselforothersdown.

○ 2.Don’tTakeAnythingPersonally:Seriously, nothingotherpeopledoisbecauseofyou.It’s allabouttheirownstuff,theirownreality. Whenyougetthis,youstopsuffering needlessly

○ 3.Don’tMakeAssumptions:Gotaquestion? Askit!Wantsomething?Sayso!Clear communicationstopsmisunderstandingsand dramabeforetheyevenstart.

○ 4.AlwaysDoYourBest:Look,your‘best’ changesdaybyday,momentbymoment.Just doyourbestinanygivensituation,andyou'll steerclearofself-judgmentandregret.

●FeelThatWeightLift?

Justreadingthosecanmakeyoufeellighter,right? Whenyouactuallystartlivingtheseagreements, youbegintosmashthosesneakyself-limiting beliefsandnegativevibesthathavebeendragging youdown.

●YourCompasstoLove&Peace:

Thinkofthemasyourpersonalcompass,always pointingyoutowardsalifefilledwithunconditional loveandareal,solidsenseofpeace.

●FreedominYourPocket:

TheFourAgreementsisn’tjustsomebook; it’slikeapracticaltoolkitforunlockingyour ownpersonalfreedom.Howamazingdoes thatsound?

●TinyBook,MassiveChange:

Thisgemwillgenuinelysetyouonapathto feelingfreeandtrulyhappy Thesefourlittle agreements?Theyhavethepowertoreshape yourentireworld.

●MillionsSwearByIt:

Andit’snotjustussayingso!Millionsof folks,includingtheawesomeEllen DeGeneres,absolutelyadoreit.Sheoncesaid, “It’ssuchaneasybooktoread...Iwasreading thebookonanairplaneforabouttheseventh time.”Thattellsyouit’sbothincredibly simpleandprofoundlyimpactful!

5.The5AMClub

Evergetthatfeelingthatthesupersuccessful people,theoneswhoreallymakehistory,have somekindofsecret?Whatifahugechunkof thatsecretsauceisbrewedbeforemostofus evendreamofwakingup?Ifthatjustperked youup,thenThe5AMClubbyRobinSharma isabouttoblowyourmind!Thisisn’tjusta bookaboutsettingyouralarmearly;it’san invitationtoawholenewlevelofliving.

●WanttoJointheElite?

Fancybeingpartofthatcrewwhogreetthe sunriseat5AM,totallypumpedandreadyto owntheirdaywithlaserfocusand unstoppableenergy?Thisbooklaysoutthe redcarpet.

●SuperchargeYourDay(AndLife!):

Itbrilliantlyunpackshowtocreateamorning routinesorock-solidit’llsendyour productivitythroughtheroof,makeyou genuinelyhappier,andseriouslyupgradeyour overallwell-being.Soundsprettygood,right?

●The‘BigFour’ofWorld-Changers:

ThisrevolutionaryroutineisbuiltonwhatSharmacallsthe‘four focuses’ofthegreats:

○CapitalizationIQ(sharpeningandusingyourbesttalents).

○FreedomfromDistraction(unpluggingtothink,create,and plan).

○PersonalMastery(committingtodailyself-improvement).

○DayStacking(makingsmall,smartchoicesdailythataddupto hugewins).

●TapIntoYourHiddenPower:

Whenyouweavethisroutineintoyourlife,you’renotjustwaking upearly;you’resteppingintoyourA-game,crushingthoselimiting beliefs,andsystematicallyknockingdownyourbiggestgoals.

●It’saLifestyle,NotJustaBook:

The5AMClubiswaymorethaninkonpaper;it’sacommitment toahabitthatwillchangeeverything.Areyoureadytoexperience themagicofthoseearlyhours?

●GrabYourDreamsbytheHorns:

Thisbookisatreasurechest,plainandsimple,designedtohelp yousnatchthosebigdreamsandbuildalifethattrulymakesyou jumpoutofbed.Sharmaisconvinced:Ownyourmorning,own yourlife!

●MasterYourInner&OuterWorld:

You’lllearntocraftamorningritualthatdialsupyourfocus, ignitesyourenergy,andunleashesyourcreativegenius,helping youmasteryourmind,energizeyourbody,andfeedyoursoul.

●KickDoubtstotheCurb:

Imaginefinallysilencingthosenaggingfearsanddoubts,freeing yourselfuptochaseyourpassionslikeyourhair’sonfire!

●ExpertsRecommendIt:

Thewell-knownbloggerBjornsumsitupnicely:“Irecommend thisbooktopeoplewhoarenewtopersonaldevelopmentorifyou needareminderoftheprinciplesthatleadtolong-termsuccess.” Can’tbeatthat!

Let’scuttothechase:ifyou’reseriousaboutlevelingupyourlife andactuallyhittingthosebig,hairy,audaciousgoals,itallcomes downtoonething–yourhabits.Andwhenitcomestobecominga totalhabitninja,AtomicHabitsbyJamesClearisTHEbookyou need.It’sarunawaybestsellerforavery,verygoodreason!

●TinyTweaks,MassiveImpact:

Thisbookisallaboutthemind-blowingpowerofsmallchanges. JamesClearbrilliantlyshowshowmakingtiny,almostinvisible ‘atomic’improvementsconsistentlycanleadtotrulyremarkable, life-rockingresults.

●BuildGoodOnes,DitchBadOnes:

Hedoesn’tjusttalkabouthabits;hegives youasuperclear,yetincrediblypowerful, step-by-stepplantobuildthehabitsyou wantandfinallykicktheonesyoudon't.

●Science-Backed&Actionable:

Andhere’sthereallycoolpart–thisisn’t justabunchofgoodideas.Hisframework ispackedwiththemosteffectivemethods straightfrombehavioralscience.How awesomeisthat?

●The4LawstoMakeHabitsStick:

ByfollowingClear’ssuperpracticaladvice,you’lllearn thefourcruciallawstomakeyournewgoodhabits:

○Obvious(soyoucan’tmissthem)

○Attractive(soyouactuallywanttodothem)

○Easy(sothere’snofriction)

○Satisfying(soyoufeelgoodandrepeatthem)

●DodgeThoseProgressKillers:

Plus,you’llbecomeaproatspottingandsidestepping thosecommonmistakesandsneakyprogress-killersthat tripsomanypeopleup.Imaginetheconfidencethatgives you!

●YourUltimateHabitHandbook:

Thinkofthisbookasyourfriendly,super-smartcoach walkingyouthroughthewholeprocessofhabit transformation.

●UpgradeEveryPartofYourLife:

Whenyouputtheseprinciplesintoaction,you’regoingto seeamazingimprovementsinyourwork,yourhealth,your relationships–literallyeverypartofyourlife.The possibilitiesarehuge!

●PeopleAreRavingAboutIt:

Millionsofreaderscan’tbewrong!LisaKickbushshared herthoughts:“Iwouldrecommendthisbooktoanyone whoislookingtomakeevensmallhabitchangesintheir lives.Ifoundthisbookeasytoread,andformeitwas definitelymotivating.”Easytoreadandmotivating?Sign meup!

7.TheSubtleArtofNotGivingaF*ck

Alright,let’sstirthingsupabit.Whatiflivingatruly ‘good’lifeisn’tabouttryingtocareabouteverythingand plasteringonafakesmile,butaboutbeingsuperselective withwhatyougiveyourpreciousenergy(or,asManson putsit,yourf*cks)to?Ifthatjustmadeyourearsperkup, thenTheSubtleArtofNotGivingaF*ckbyMarkManson isabookyouabsolutelyneedtogetyourhandson.

●FlipsSelf-HelponItsHead:

Thisbookislikeabreathoffresh,brutallyhonestair Itteachesyouthecrucialskillofchoosingwhat genuinelymatterstoyouandthen,withaliberating shrug,lettinggoofalltherest.

●LifeIsn’tAlwaysRainbows(AndThat’sOK!):

Mansonpullsnopunches.Hearguesthat,hey, sufferingiskindofpartofthedealofbeinghuman. Butourhappiness?Thatcomesfromchoosingwhich problemswe'rewillingtotackleandwhatstruggleswe deemworthwhile.

●YourFlawsAreYourSuperpowers(Almost!):

It'saboutembracingyourimperfections(yep,weall havethem!),acceptingyourlimits,andstaringyour fearsdown.Andguesswhat?There’sincredible strengthandfreedominthat.

●GetMoreConfident,MoreResilient:

Theawesomepayoffisthatyoubecomewaymore confident,incrediblyresilient,andmuchbetterat handlingwhatevercurveballslifedecidestothrow yourway

●RealConnections,RealImpact:

You’llfindyourselfconnectingwithpeopleonamuch moregenuinelevelandfeelingempoweredtomakea realdifference–allbybeingmoreunapologetically you.

●It’sAboutCaringSmarter,NotLess:

Thisstraight-shootinggemhelpsyouliveagoodlife byfocusingyourenergywhereitcounts.Mansonisn’t sayingdon’tcareaboutanything;he’ssayingcare abouttherightthings,thethingsthattrulylightyouup.

●LovedforItsRawHonesty:

TheHuffingtonPostsummedupitsuniquecharm perfectly:“TheSubtleArtofNotGivingaF*ck...isa deeplyinspiringbookaboutvaluesandpurpose cleverlydisguisedincrudefour-lettervulgarity, negativity,andapocalypticdoom.”Afterreadingthat, youjusthavetopickitup,right?

MyOpinion

Weliveinatimewheredistractionsareendlessand attentionisararecommodity That’sexactlywhythebest selfdevelopmentbookslikethesemattersomuch.They’re notjustgoodreads—they’relifeguides.Whetherit's figuringoutyourgoals,gettingyourhabitsinshape,orjust learninghowtobefullypresent,thislistisastrong companionforanyonetryingtogrow.

Eachofthesebookshassomethingdifferenttooffer.Some pushyoutodreambigger.Othersteachyoutostay grounded.Andthentherearethosethathelpyoufindcalm inchaos.Nomatterwhereyouareinlife,there'swisdom herethatcanmeetyouhalfway Whatmakesthesebooks specialisn’tthehype—it’stheimpactthey’vehadonreal people.They’vehelpedmillionsmovepastfear,get focused,andfinallytakeaction.That'stherealpower:not intheory,butineverydaylife.

Startsmall.Maybeonechapteraday.Lettheideassettlein. Withtime,you'llstartseeingrealchange.Notbecause someonetoldyouwhattodo,butbecausethesepages helpedyouhearyourselfalittlemoreclearly.

HereAreSomeWaysTheseBooksCanTransformYour Life

●ClearerDirection

●BetterEmotionalControl

●SolidRoutinesThatStick

●ConfidenceThatFeelsReal

●PurposeThatGoesBeyondJustWork

CUMBERLAND UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT 77 COMMUNITY

A Legacy of Learning in Cumberland County

TuckedintheheartofCumberlandCounty, Illinois,anetworkofsmalltownssharesa commonthread:acommitmenttolearning thatbindsgenerationstogether.Familiesfrom Greenup,Toledo,Jewett,andnearbycommunitieshave longplacedtheirtrustinoneschooldistrict.

CumberlandCommunityUnitSchoolDistrict77 cameintobeingin1948whenresidentsvotedto consolidateGreenupandToledoschools.Guidedby boardpresidentTheodoreCutrightandsuperintendent LeroyBaker,thedistrictcarriedanameandnumber thathonoredRedGrange,theGallopingGhostof Illinoisfootballfame.

BuildingSkills,Knowledge,andOpportunity

CumberlandCUSD77offersstudentsastrong academicfoundationfromkindergartenthrough graduation.EverystudentreceivesaChromebook, ensuringaccesstodigitallearningtools.Anewlyhired curriculumdirectorisaligninginstructionacrossgrade levelsandstrengtheningMTSSinterventionsto supportstrugglinglearnerswhilechallengingadvanced students.Literacyinstructionemphasizesvocabulary, comprehension,andwriting,whilethemathcurriculum followsthe5Emodeltodeepenunderstanding.

Highschoolstudentshavetheopportunitytotake severaldualcreditcourses.Allstudentsbenefitfrom experiencingadaptivetechnologyandhands-on opportunitiessuchashealthoccupations,agriculture, industrialarts,andtheCEOentrepreneurprogram.

LIFTgivesstudentsaccesstocertifications, internships,andwork-basedexperiences.

Beyondacademics,studentsexcelinScholasticBowl,ACES, andECOteams,earningstateandnationalrecognition. Athleticsthriveaswell,withfootballconsistentlyreachingthe playoffs.Together,theseprogramspreparelearnersforsuccess wellbeyondtheclassroom.

EnrollmentandAccess

Theschooldistrictservesroughly1,000studentsfromPre-K through12thgrade.Admissionisopentoanystudentliving withindistrictboundaries,ensuringeverychildinthe communityhasaplacetolearn.Thedistrictgoesbeyond academicstoremovebarriersforlow-incomefamilies.

InitiativesincludetheBackpackMinistryfoodprogram,‘The ShoeTree’providingshoesandsocks,andchurchpartnerships thatsupplyschoolessentials.Sportscamps,familyengagement nights,andvolunteertutoringstrengthencommunity involvement.SupportthroughtheMcKinney-VentoActhelps studentsfacinghomelessnessstayconnectedtotheireducation.

GuidingwithVisionandHeart

SuperintendentDarrellHouchinleadsCumberlandCUSD77 withafocusonstudents’growthbeyondacademics.Inhisfirst yearatthedistrict,hehasquicklyrecognizedthestrongsense ofcareandsupportwithinthecommunity “Education is more than books and tests. It’s about the overall experience for each and every student to grow in their own unique way,” hesays.

Hisvisioncentersonnurturingcharacter,inspiringexcellence, andpreparingstudentsforlifewithkindness,courage,and resilience.Thismissioniscarriedoutdailythroughthe dedicationofteachers,staff,andcommunitypartners.

Education is more than books and tests. It’s about the overall experience for each and every student to grow in their own unique way. ‘‘

BuildingRelationshipsThatInspireGrowth

CumberlandCUSD77embracesthepowerof relationshipsasthefoundationforstudent success.Teachersandstafftakeprideinknowing theirstudentsandfamilies,creatingasenseof belongingthatdriveshighattendanceratesand genuineengagement.Thiscommitmentispaired withevidence-basedstrategiestomeetdiverse learningneeds.

Thedistrictscreensfordyslexiaearlyanduses benchmarktestingtoidentifylanguage-based challenges,providingtimelysupport.K–8 teachersreceivetraininginscientificallybacked instructionalmethods,ensuringeverychild, regardlessoflearningstyleorbackground,hasthe opportunitytothriveandreachtheirfullpotential.

AVillageSupportingEveryLearner

Theinstitutethrivesbecauseofthestrong networkofcommunitypartnerswhorallybehind itsstudents.Organizationslike4-H,Farm Bureau’sAgricultureintheClassroom,and MeyerArtinspirecreativityandcultural exploration.TheNealCenterYMCAprovides after-schoolprograms,whileHealthyKidsfrom SarahBushLincolnHealthCenter promoteswellness.

Thelocalpaper, The Toledo Democrat, Neal Foundation, First Neighbor Bank, andareachurcheslendcontinuedsupporttoschool activities.Thedistrict’sactiveFFAprogramoperatesitsown greenhouse,teachingstudentsagriculturalskillsand entrepreneurshipastheygrowandsellproductsforthecommunity, blendinglearningwithreal-worldimpact.

ACampusAlivewithOpportunity

StudentlifeatCumberlandCUSD77isvibrantandfullof possibilities.Withnearly1,000studentsfromPre-Kthrough12th grade,thedistrictoffersopportunitiesforeveryinterestand passion.StudentscanjoinFFA,FBLA,ScholasticBowl,orthe SplinterGroupwoodworkingclub.Musicandperformingarts thrivethroughchoir,band,artclub,drama,andmusical productions.

Academicclubsincludemath,history,andWYSE,whileECOand environmentalgroupsencouragestewardship.Athleticsareequally strong,featuringfootball,basketball,wrestling,andmorewitha recentstatewrestlingchampionhighlightingtheschooldistrict’s commitmenttoexcellencebothinsideandoutsidetheclassroom.

TheTeamBehindtheScenes

Thedistrictreliesonawell-coordinatedteamtokeepitsschools runningsmoothly.Atthecorearethesuperintendent,three principals,aspecialeducationdirector,aTitleIcoordinator andcurriculumdirector,atechnologyspecialist,anda transportationdirector

Eachplaysadirectroleinsupportingteachersandstudents.The districtalsodependsonparaprofessionals,busdrivers,custodians, secretaries,cooks,anditsnurse.Thesefacultymembersgive muchneededsupporttoourstudentseveryday.Theirdedication createsanenvironmentwhereclassroomsstayfocusedon learningandstudentsreceivethesupporttheyneedtosucceed.

Diversity,Equity,andInclusion

Diversity,equity,andinclusionareatthecenteroftheschool district’smission.Theschoolboardhasformalpoliciesthatguide thisworkandfullysupportsfacultyandstaffincarryingitout. Teachersfocusonprovidingeverystudentwiththetoolsand resourcesneededtosucceed,understandingthateachlearner’s pathmaylookdifferent.

Thisapproachensuresthatstudentsofallbackgroundsfeel valuedandincludedintheschoolcommunity.Bycombining strongpolicieswithdailypractice,CCUSD77createsan environmentwhereeverychildcanlearn,grow,andreachtheir fullestpotential.

StudentSupportServices

Theinstituteinvestsdeeplyinguidingstudentsthroughevery stageoftheirgrowth.Adedicatedcounselingteam,madeupof schoolcounselorsandasocialworker,focusesonacademic planning,social-emotionalwell-being,andcollegeandcareer readiness.Theyalsoprovidebehavioralsupporttoensurestudents stayontrack.

Counselorsregularlyvisitclassroomstoteach collaborationskillsandhelpstudentsexplorehealthy waystomanageemotions.Thisproactiveapproach givesstudentsthetoolstofacechallengeswith confidenceandprepareforlifebeyondgraduation, makingsupportanintegralpartofthedistrict’s learningexperience.

PreparingTodayforTomorrow

CumberlandCUSD77looksaheadwithaclear vision.Leadersaredesigningprogramsand pathwaysthatmatchthepaceofachangingworld whilehonoringtheuniquegoalsofeverystudent. Thefocusisongivinglearnersownershipoftheir educationandtheconfidencetotaketheirnextstep, whetherthatmeanscollege,acareer,or militaryservice.

Thedistrict’smissionistograduatehealthy,curious, andcapablecitizenswhoarereadytocontributeto theircommunities.Byplanningwithintention, CCUSD77ensuresitsstudentsarepreparednotjust forschool,butforlife.

HowDoes Inquiry-Based Learning Ignite Deeper Understanding?

Rememberthefeelingofbeingakid,yourmind

buzzingwithamillion‘whys’?Whatifwe couldbringthatboundlesscuriositybackinto theclassroom?Fortoolong,educationhasfeltlikeaone waystreet:lectures,memorization,andthentheinevitable braindumpafteranexam.Studentsfeeldisconnected,and theinformationjustdoesn’tstick.It’sagenuinecrisis. Butwhatiftherewasawaytoflipthescript?

Toturnclassroomsintovibrantlabsofdiscoverywhere studentsleadthecharge?That’stheincrediblepromiseof Inquiry-BasedLearning(IBL).It'snotjustanother teachingmethod;it’sacompleteshiftfrompassively receivinginformationtoactivelyexploringit.Getready, becausewe’reabouttodiveintohowIBLcancreatean unforgettablelearningadventureandbuildaprofound, lastingunderstanding.

Let’sExploreHowInquiry-BasedLearningSparks DeeperUnderstanding

1. WhatisInquiry-BasedLearning?(AndWhatIt’s Not)

So,what’sthebigdealaboutInquiry-BasedLearning (IBL)?Atitsheart,it’satotalgame-changerthatputs students’ownquestionsandideasrightinthespotlight.

● It’saMindsetShift:Thinkofitasmovingfroma teacher-focused‘knowledgedump’toastudent focused‘knowledgeconstruction.’Thecoreidea, rootedinconstructivistlearningtheory,isthatweall buildourunderstandingbyexploringanddiscovering thingsforourselves.Thegoal?Todevelopthose awesomehigher-levelthinkingskills.

● It’sNotJust‘ActiveLearning’:People sometimesmixIBLupwithotherstrategies.While activelearningisgreat,IBLissuperspecific.Itall startswithacentralproblemoraburningquestion thatthestudentsinvestigatetobuildtheirown knowledge.

● It’sDefinitelyNotOld-School:Thisisthepolar oppositeofendlesslectures,worksheets,and textbookdrillsthatoftenmakestudentstuneout. Justdoingagroupactivityorahands-onproject doesn'tautomaticallymakeitIBL,especiallyifit doesn’tspringfromthestudent’sowncuriosity.

2.TheSpectrumofInquiry

Here’sthecoolpart:Inquiry-BasedLearningisn’t anall-or-nothingdeal.Itexistsonaspectrum,kind oflikeasetoftraininglevelsinavideogame.The teachercanadjustthedifficultybychanginghow muchguidancetheyprovide.Therearefourmain levels,andmovingthroughthemstep-by-stepisthe keytosuccess.Youwouldn'tthrowabeginnerinto thedeepend,right?

● ConfirmationInquiry:Thinkofthisasthe tutoriallevel.Studentsgetthequestion,the procedure,andevenknowtheexpectedoutcome. It'safantasticwaytoreinforceaconceptyou've justtaught.

● StructuredInquiry:Here,theteachergivesthe questionandaclearsetofsteps.Thestudents followtherecipetogettotheresult.It’sagreat nextstepinbuildingconfidence.

● GuidedInquiry:Nowthingsgetinteresting!The teacheronlyprovidesthequestion.Thisgives studentssomeseriousownershipastheyhaveto figureoutthehow Thislevelisoftenconsideredthe sweetspotforamazingsciencelearning!

● OpenInquiry:Thisistheultimatelevelof intellectualfreedom!Studentsdreamuptheirown questionsanddesigntheirentireinvestigationfrom scratch.It'saminimal-guidancezonewheretheyget ageneralproblemandrunwithit.Wow!

3. The‘Why’:TheCognitiveScienceBehindDeeper Understanding

Everwonderwhysomethingsjust‘click’andstickin yourmemoryforever?Inquiry-BasedLearningtaps directlyintothescienceofhowourbrainsarewiredto learn.It’snotjustagoodidea;it’sabrain-friendlyone!

●AlignmentwithConstructivistLearningTheory

Atitscore,IBLisbuiltontheideathatweareactive creatorsofourknowledge,notpassivesponges.

- Thisapproach,knownasconstructivistlearning theory,suggestswelearnbestbybuildingonwhat wealreadyknow

- ThelegendaryeducatorJohnDeweyarguedforlearning basedonexperiencesandreflectivethinkingthattrulysparks astudent sinterest.Makessense,doesn tit? ’ ’

- Similarly,LevVygotsky ssocialconstructivismchampioned ’ thepowerofpeerinteraction.Heshowedthatbouncingideas offeachotherandsolvingproblemstogetherisa super-effectivewaytolearn.IBLisallaboutthatsocial, collaborativemagic!

● FosteringHigher-OrderThinkingSkills

IBLisbasicallyaworkoutforthebrain,pushingstudents beyondsimplememorization.

- Itgetsstudentsdeepintotheprocess:askingquestions, huntingforknowledge,buildingexplanationsfromevidence, andtestingthemout.

- StudieshaveshownthatIBLsignificantlyboostscritical thinkingskillscomparedtotraditionalmethods.Why? Becausestudentsareinthedriver sseatoftheirown ’ experiments,constantlythinking,reasoning,anddeciding whattodonext.

- Thisprocessnaturallybuildsthementalmuscleforanalyzing trickysituationsandpiecingtogetherinformationtodraw solidconclusions.

● NeurosciencePerspective:CuriosityandDopamine

Everfeelthatjoltofexcitementwhenyoufinallyfigure somethingout?That’syourbrainchemistryatwork!

- Inquiry-BasedLearningisacuriosityengine.When studentsgettochasetheirownquestionsanddesign experimentsbasedontheirinterests,theyareinstantly moreengaged.

- Thispowerfulcuriosityisdirectlylinkedtothebrain’s rewardsystem.Thissystemreleasesaneurotransmitter calleddopamine,whichplaysahugeroleinmotivation andcementinglong-termmemories.

-Thatlittlebitofstruggletorecallinformation,thatactive searchforananswer,ispreciselywhatmakesthe knowledgestick.It’slikeamentalworkoutthat strengthensneuralpathways.It’spurebrainmagic!

4.The‘How’:APracticalGuidetoImplementing Inquiry-BasedLearning

Readytomaketheswitch?BringingInquiry-Based Learningtolifeinvolvesashiftinstrategy,turningthe classroomintoastudent-poweredhubofdiscovery.Here’s howyoucandoit.

●TheTeacher’sEvolvingRole

Getreadytotransform!InanIBLclassroom,theteacher’s rolebeautifullyevolvesfromthe‘sageonthestage’tothe ‘guideontheside.’

-You’renolongerjustdeliveringfacts.Instead,youbecome thearchitectofexperiences,designinglessonsthatpique interestandchallengestudentstoapplywhattheyknow.

- Youprovidetherightamountofguidance,masterfully balancingstudentdiscussionsandknowingwhentostep backtoletthemtakethelead.

- Settingclearexpectationsandhavingsolidrubricsare yourbestfriendsinthisnewrole!

● CraftingEssentialQuestions

Thefuelforanygreatinquiryisapowerful,open-ended question.Here’sasimplerecipeforcraftingone:

- StartBroad:Pickakeyconceptfromyourcurriculum.

- TurnitintoaQuestion:Insteadofastatementlike ‘TheWaterCycle,’asksomethingjuicy:“Howdoes watermovethroughourenvironmentandimpactour community?”Seethedifference?Oneisatopic;the otherisanadventurewaitingtohappen!

- MakeitReal:Connectthequestiontoyourstudents’ livesorcurrentevents.

- AimHigh:Thequestionshoulddemandmorethana simplefact.Itshouldrequireanalysis,synthesis,and evaluation.

- KeepitResearchable:Makesurestudentscan realisticallyinvestigatethequestionintheclassroom.

- RefineandRepeat:Tweakyourquestionsbasedonhow studentsrespond.

● In-depthLessonPlanExamples

Let’sseethisinaction.Imagine…

- A5th-GradeScienceLessononTheWaterCycle:

○ TheBigQuestion:Howdohumanactivitiesimpactthe naturalwatercycle,andwhataretheconsequencesfor ourlocalcommunity?

○ TheAdventure:Studentsstartbyobservinglocalwater sources.Theybrainstormwithactivitieslike ‘Think-Pair-Share.’Youprovideresources,andthey conductmini-experiments,likebuildingterrariums. Groupstheninvestigatedifferenthumanimpacts (pollution,dams)andpresenttheirshockingfindings.

○ The‘Aha!’Moment:Theydon’tjustlearnthewater cycle;theyunderstandourdeepconnectiontoit.They buildskillsinobservation,analysis,and communication.

- A10th-GradeHistoryLessononTheCausesof WWI:

○ TheBigQuestion:Towhatextentwasnationalismthe mainreasonforWorldWarI,comparedtootherfactors?

○ TheAdventure:Youkickthingsoffwithaprovocative quotetogettheirmindsracing.Usinga'Jigsaw'activity, differentgroupsbecomeexpertsonspecificcauses (militarism,alliances,nationalism,etc.).

Theythenteacheachotherinnewgroups,analyzing historicaldocumentsandmaps.

○ The‘Aha!’Moment:Thelessonendswithathrilling debateorapowerfulessay.Studentslearnthathistory isn’tjustalistofdates;it’sacomplexwebofcauses. Theydevelopincredibleskillsincriticalanalysisand buildingargumentsfromevidence.That’s super-impressive,isn’tit?!

5. RethinkingAssessment

So,howdoyougradeanintellectualadventure? Traditionalteststhatfocusonmemorizationjustwon’tcut it.WithInquiry-BasedLearning,weneedauthenticways toseehowstudentshavegrown.

● Portfolios:Thinkofthisasascrapbookoftheir learningjourney.Itcanholdeverythingfromtheir initialquestionsandresearchnotestotheirfinal‘aha!’ momentsandreflections.

● RubricsforCollaborativeProjects:Whenstudents workinteams,youcanuserubricstoassessnotjustthe finalproduct,butalsotheirteamwork,individual contributions,andpresentationskills.

● Presentations:Havestudentspresenttheirfindings! Thisisanamazingwayforthemtodemonstratetheir understanding,defendtheirconclusions,andpractice theircommunicationskills.

● StructuredSelf-Reflections:Getstudentsthinking abouttheirownthinking!Simpleactivitieslikea ‘MuddiestPoint’(whatwasmostconfusing?)ora ‘One-SentenceSummary’attheendofalessoncan revealsomuchabouttheirunderstandingandwhat questionstheystillhave.

6. OvercomingtheHurdles:Addressingthe Real-WorldChallengesofIBL

Let’sberealforasecond.Makingtheshiftto Inquiry-BasedLearningisincrediblyrewarding,butitcan comewithafewchallenges.Thegoodnews?Theyareall totallymanageablewiththerightgameplan.

● PrimaryChallenges

- ClassroomManagement:Whenyouempowerstudents tobemoreactive,itcanfeelalittlechaoticatfirst.

- CurriculumCoveragePressures:Withsomany standardstocover,teacherssometimesworrythatIBL istootime-consuming.

- InitialDiscomfortwithAmbiguity:Let’sfaceit,both teachersandstudentsareoftenusedtoclear-cut answers.Theopen-endednatureofinquirycanfeela bituncertaininitially,andittakestimetoget comfortablewithcollaborationandteamwork.

● Practical,Evidence-BasedSolutions

Don’tworry,we’vegotyourback!Herearesomeproven strategies:

- StartSlowwithScaffolding:Youdon’thavetogo fromzerotoahundred.Beginwithmorestructuredor guidedinquiryactivitiestobuildeveryone’sconfidence andskills.

- GetaLittleHelpfromYourFriends:Teachertraining iskey!Sustained,year-roundprofessional development,liketheLessonStudymodel,whereyou cancollaboratewithcolleagues,makesaworldof difference.

- MakeExpectationsCrystalClear:Provideclear rubricssostudentsknowexactlywhatsuccesslooks likeforaproject.Thisremovessomuchofthe guesswork!

- MixItUp:Researchshowsthatahybridapproach combininginquirywithsomedirectinstructioncanbe incrediblyeffective.It'sthebestofbothworlds!

- FocusontheBIGQuestions:Insteadoftryingtocram everythingin,designpowerfulessentialquestionsthat gettotheheartofthemostimportantconcepts.

- LeverageTechnology:Techcanbeyourbestfriend! Useittocreatepersonalizedresources,foster collaboration,andhelpwithevaluation.

-TeachTeamwork:Don’tjustexpectstudentstoknow howtocollaborate.Usefunactivitieslike ‘Think-Pair-Share’or‘Jigsaw’toexplicitlyteachand modeltheseskills.

- EncourageReflection:Buildinregulartimefor studentstothinkabouttheirlearningprocess.It’sa simplebutpowerfulwaytobuildself-awareness.

7. Inquiry-BasedLearninginAction:Inspiring CaseStudies

Stillnotconvinced?Let’stakealookatsomerealworldstories—postcardsfromclassrooms_where IBLcreatedsometrulyprofound‘wow’moments.

● CaseStudy1:UnderstandingChemical KineticsinThailand

- TheScene:Asecondaryschoolchemistryclassin Thailand.

- TheMission:Toshiftstudentsfrompassively learningaboutchemicalkineticstoactively engagingwithitthroughinquiry

- TheProcess:Studentswerethrownintothe action!Theyhadtodrawconceptlists,create scientificquestions,designtheirown experiments,andanalyzetheresults.Canyou feeltheexcitement?

- TheIncredibleOutcome:Theresultswere stunning!Diagnostictestsshowedahugeleapin students’understandingofchemicalkinetics. Theymademassiveprogressineverystepofthe scientificprocess.Evenbetter,thishands-on approachmadethemgenuinelyenjoyand becomemoreinterestedinthesubject.Now that’sachemicalreactionwecanallgetbehind!

● CaseStudy2:ExploringChin’sNatural ResourcesinJuniorSecondaryGeography

- TheScene:Aneighth-gradegeographyclass.

- TheMission:Toexplorethecomplextopicof China’snaturalresourcesusinganinquiry-based approach.

-TheProcess:Thelessonwasbuiltaroundthe7E learningcycle(Elicit,Engage,Explore,Explain, Elaborate,Evaluate,andExtend).Studentswere givenreal-worldsituationsandtaskedwith askingtheirownresearchquestionsabout resourcedistributionanditsimpact.

- TheIncredibleOutcome:Thestudentsdidn’t justlearnfacts;theyacquiredtheactualmethods andskillsofgeographicalstudy!

Thisdramaticallyboostedtheiroverallcompetencein geography.ItshowshowIBLcanempowerstudentsto tacklehuge,real-worldproblemsandthinkliketrue researchers.

8. TheFutureofLearning:IBLintheAgeofAIand InformationAbundance

InaworldwhereAIcanansweranyfactualquestionina nanosecond,what’sleftforourbrainstodo?Alot,itturns out!Inthisnewera,Inquiry-BasedLearningisn’tjust relevant;it’sabsolutelyessential.

IBListheperfecttrainingforaworldoverflowingwith information.AIcanspitoutfacts,butitcan’treplicatethe humansparkofaskinginsightfulquestions,critically evaluatingsources,orcreativelysolvingabrand-new problem.IBLbuildstheseuniquelyhumanskills, preparingstudentstobeadaptable,innovative,andready forafuturewecan’tevenpredict.Theylearnto collaborate,communicate,andbecomelifelonglearners.

Andtechnology?It’snottheenemy;it’sapowerful partnerinthisadventure!

● PersonalizedLearning:AIcancreateresources tailoredtoeachstudent.

● GlobalCollaboration:Onlineplatformscan connectstudentstoworkonprojectstogether.

● DataPower:Toolscanhelpstudents visualizeandanalyzedatalikerealscientists.

● VirtualLabs:Studentscansafelyconduct experimentsthatwouldbeimpossibleina regularclassroom.

Ofcourse,weneedtobesmartaboutit,setting clearguidelinestoavoidover-relianceontech andteachingstudentstobesavvydigitalcitizens.

MyOpinion

Afterdedicatingmycareertoresearching education,Icantellyouthis:I’veseencountless trendscomeandgo,butfewholdthesheer transformativepowerofInquiry-BasedLearning. Itcompletelyredefineswhatitmeanstolearn.

Itmovesuspasttheold,tiredideaofjust pouringinformationintostudents’heads. Instead,itrecognizesasimple,beautifultruth: deepunderstandingonlyhappenswhenwegetto wrestlewithquestions,buildourown knowledge,andforgetourown intellectualpaths.

Inquiry-BasedLearningawakenstheveryspiritof curiosity.Inaworldfacingunbelievablycomplex challenges,theabilitytoasktherightquestions andsolveproblemstogetherisn’tabonus—it’sa survivalskill.IBLdoesn’tjustcreatebetter students;itcultivatessmarter,moreresilient,and moreengagedcitizensforourfuture.

HereAreSomeFutureImpactsof Inquiry-BasedLearning

Beyondbettergrades,imaginetheworldwe couldbuildifIBLbecamethenorm.Hereare somefutureimpactsthatwecanallgetexcited about:

● SmarterCitizens,StrongerDemocracy: IBL’sfocusonquestioningandevaluating evidencecreatescitizenswhocancutthrough misinformationandengageinmorethoughtful civicconversations.

● ATrueCultureofInnovation:By encouragingstudentstoconstantlyfind problemsanddreamupsolutions,IBLplants theseedsofanentrepreneurialmindset, sparkingamoreinnovativeworkforce.

● BuildingtheUltimateTeamPlayer:The deepcollaborationinIBLperfectlyprepares individualsfortheteam-first,problem-solving environmentsofmodernworkplaces.

● ForgingMindsofSteel:Grapplingwith tough,ambiguousquestionsbuildsincredible mentalresilienceandcomfortwith uncertainty—essentialskillsfornavigatingour unpredictableworld.

● UnleashingtheLifelongLearner:Whenyou empowerstudentstodirecttheirownlearning, yougivethemthegiftofpersonalautonomy. Theybecomeself-starterswhoneverstop beingcurious,longafterthey’veleftthe classroom.

Ifthisguidehasignitedasparkofcuriosityin you,helpusspreadtheflame!Sharethisblog withyourfriends,andcolleagues,andonyour socialmedia.Let’sempowereveryeducatorand learnertogether!

EARLVILLE COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT 9

Where Small Size Fuels Big Dreams

Intherealmofeducation,wherelargeinstitutionsoftendominatetheheadlines,smaller,community-focusedschool districtspossessauniquecharmandstrength.EarlvilleCommunityUnitSchoolDistrict9(EarlvilleCUSD9), locatedinEarlville,Illinois,exemplifiesthispotential.Withastudentbodyof403,thedistrictproudlyupholdsits motto,“DedicatedtoExcellence”(D2E),demonstratingthatexceptionalopportunitiesandastrongsenseofbelongingcan thrivewithoutlargenumbers.

Astheemphasisonpersonalizedlearningandcommunityengagementgrows,EarlvilleCUSD9standsasapromising exampleofhowasmallschoolcanempowerstudentstodreambigandequipthemforfuturesuccess.Let’sdelveintothe storyofthisinspiringdistrict,whichshowcasesthebenefitsofdedication,communityinvolvement,andacommitment toexcellence.

BigSchoolOpportunitiesinaSmallSchoolSetting

OneofthemoststrikingaspectsofEarlvilleCUSD9isits abilitytooffera“bigschoolfeel”despiteitsrelatively smallsize.AprimeexampleofthisistheEarlvilleEarly LearningCenter(EELC),auniqueprogramthat providesdaycareservicesforinfantsasyoungas6weeks uptoage5,cateringtoboththecommunityandschool staff.Thisinvaluableresourceextendsbeyondthetypical schooldaywithanafter-schoolcareprogramavailable until5:30pm,especiallybeneficialonearlyreleasedays. Additionally,summercampcarehighlightsthedistrict's commitmenttosupportingfamilies.

Foracademicsupport,thedistrictoffersafter-school tutoringforallagesattheirHomeworkHall.Atthehigh schoollevel,studentsgainpracticalexperiencethrough operatingacoffeeshopcalledRaiderBrew,managinga floraldesignrefrigerator,andrunningat-shirtstorefor athletics,clubs,andfundraisers.Theseinitiatives showcasethedistrict'screativityinofferingdiverse opportunitiesthatrivalthosefoundinmuchlarger institutions.

WhereEveryStudentBelongs:NurturingDiverse Needs

EarlvilleCUSD9isdedicatedtofosteringawelcoming andinclusiveenvironmentwhereeverystudentfeelsa senseofbelonging.Thiscommitmentispowerfully reflectedinthedistrict'sscoreof99%forstudent-teacher relationshipsonlastyear's5EssentialSurvey.

Toaddressthediverseneedsofitsstudentpopulation, whichincludevaryingbackgrounds,learningstyles,and abilities,thedistrictemploysseveralkeystrategies.They collaboratewiththeLaSalleCountyEducational AllianceforSpecialEducation(LEASE)toprovide comprehensivespecialeducationservices.This encompassesinstructionalprograms,resourceprograms, andrelatedservicestailoredtostudentswithdiverse exceptionalcharacteristics.

Understandingthevitalroleemotionalwell-beingplaysin learning,thedistrictintegratesSocial-Emotional Learning(SEL)intoitscurriculum.Theyallocate dedicatedtimeforallstudentstolearnandpractice essentialsocialskills,helpingthemmanagetheir emotions,employcalm-downtechniques,andapply problem-solvingsteps.Theseeffortssupportdiverse learningstylesandpromoteapositiveschoolclimate.

GrowthandDemographics:ADistrictontheRise

EarlvilleCUSD9hasexperiencednotableenrollment growthinrecentyears.Inthe2023-2024academicyear, thedistrictwelcomed403students,markingasignificant 7.8%increasefromthepreviousyear Thedistrict includesthreeschools:

●EarlvilleElementarySchoolwith253students(K-8)

●EarlvilleJr/SrHighSchoolwith99students(9-12)

●EarlvilleEarlyLearningCenterwith52students (Pre-K)

Intermsofstudentdemographics,approximately10%of thedistrict’senrollmentconsistsofminoritystudents.At EarlvilleJr/SrHighSchool,19%ofthestudentsidentify asminorities.EarlvilleElementarySchoolreportsthe followingdemographicdistribution:

●84.7%White

●12%Hispanic

●3.3%Multiracial.

Moreover,thedistrictmaintainsafavorable student-teacherratioofapproximately11:1,with35.65 full-timeequivalentclassroomteachersserving403 students.Thesestatisticshighlightthedistrict’spositive growthtrajectoryanditscommitmenttomaintaining supportiveclasssizeswhileservingadiversestudent population.

ThePowerofTeamwork

Whenaskedaboutkeydepartments,EarlvilleCUSD9 emphasizesacollaborativespirit,stating,“Weareso smallandallontheteam,everyoneplaysanimportant role.”Thisresponseillustratestheinterconnectednessand sharedresponsibilitywithinthedistrict.Althoughspecific departmentswerenotdetailedinatraditionalhierarchical format,itisclearthatthedistrictfunctionsasacohesive unitwhereeachindividual’scontributionisvaluedforthe overallsuccessofthestudentsandtheschoolcommunity.

FosteringaGlobalPerspective:DEIandForeign Exchange

EarlvilleCUSD9iscommittedtoexpandingitsstudents’ horizonsthroughaForeignExchangeprogram.This initiativebenefitsbothinternationalstudentsandthe Earlvillestudentbody.Internationalstudentshavean opportunitytoimmersethemselvesinAmericanculture,

In our small town, we envision our school as an extension of the home, where we strive to develop relationships and cultivate a sense of belonging.

joinsportsteams,attenddances,andevencelebrate graduation.ForEarlvillestudents,thisprogrampromotes cross-culturalunderstanding,enhancesdiversity,andoffers valuableopportunitiestointeractwithindividualsfrom variousbackgrounds.

BeyondtheBooks:EnrichmentandExtracurricular Adventures

EarlvilleCUSD9believesinprovidingawell-rounded educationalexperiencethatextendsbeyondthetraditional classroom.Atthejuniorhighandhighschoollevels,the districtoffersbehavioralincentivetripsthatstudentscanearn bymeetingpredeterminedcriteria.Theseoutingsreward positivebehaviorwithexcitingtripstodestinationssuchas thezoo,MajorLeagueBaseballgames,andtrampolineparks.

Attheelementarylevel,eachgradeisencouragedtotake fieldtripsthatenhanceandsupplementtheircurricula.The districtalsoplacesastrongemphasisoncommunity engagement,facilitatingsupportandtripswithinthelocal area.Thisincludesvisitstothelocalhistorymuseumand localfarms.

Thehistoryclubplaysavitalroleinpromotingcivic pridebyorganizinganannualVeteransDayprogram. Thiseventfeaturesaluncheonforcommunity veterans,followedbyanassemblywherestudents honortheirservice.Ithasbecomeagrowingtradition thatinvolvestheentirecommunity

Thedistrictalsooffersvarioussportsprogramsfor studentparticipation.Atthehighschoollevel,these sportsincludegolf,soccer,volleyball,basketball, cheerleading,trackandfield,softball,baseball,andesports.Inaddition,studentscanparticipatein activitiessuchastheStudentCouncil,thehistory club,theyearbook,FFA,andband.Thejuniorhigh offerssimilarsports,includinggolf,soccer, volleyball,basketball,cheerleading,andtrackand field,alongwithStudentCouncil,FFA,andband.

Furthermore,theafter-schoolcareandsummercamp programthroughtheEELCenrichesstudents'livesby providingopportunitiesforpeerinteraction, leadershipdevelopment,andparticipationinvarious activitiesandcommunitytrips.

SupportServicesforFutureSuccess

EarlvilleCUSD9isdedicatedtosupportingthewell-being andfutureaspirationsofitsstudents.Thedistrictemploys twosocialworkerswhoprovideessentialsocialand emotionalsupportdirectlytostudents.TheWork-Based Learning(WBL)Programoffershighschoolstudents valuablejobshadowingopportunitieswithinlocal businesses.Thisexperienceallowsthemtogainreal-world insightsintopotentialcareerpathsanddevelopimportant skills.Theprogramstrengthenstheconnectionbetweenthe schoolandcommunitybusinesses,enhancingwork experienceandcommunityserviceopportunities.

Theschoolcounselorandwork-basedlearningcoordinator collaboratetofindsuitableopportunitiesforeachstudent’s benefit.Additionally,theHSmentorprogram,builtonthe FourPillarsofService(Academic,Behavior,SEL,and Truancy),aimstobridgethegapbetweenhomeandschool. Itprovidesstudentswithstrategiesforsuccessinvarious aspectsoftheirlives.

PartnershipsforEnhancedLearning

EarlvilleCUSD9activelycollaborateswithlocal businesses,organizations,andcommunitygroupsto enhanceeducationalopportunitiesforitsstudents.In additiontotheWork-BasedLearningprogram,thedistrict isinvolvedininitiativeslikeGenerationExchange,where seniorcommunitymemberscomeintothedistricttowork withstudents.Thisinitiativefostersintergenerational connectionsandallowstheelderlytosharetheirvaluable lifeexperienceswiththeyouth.

TheJuniorHighstudentsalsogivebacktothe communitybydecoratingDodgeParkforthe Christmasseason.Demonstratingacommitment tolocalsupport,thedistrictparticipatesina “CollectingCansforHelpingHands” initiativeonthe100thdayofschool,donating tothelocalfoodpantry Thisyear,they contributedanimpressivetotalof1,522items.

AVisionfromtheTop:TheHeartofEarlville CUSD9

BoardPresidentBarbMeloy,whomovedto Earlvillein2001andhasservedontheBoard for22years,sharesaheartfeltmessage.She envisionstheschoolasanextensionofthe home,highlightingtheimportanceof developingrelationshipsandfosteringasense ofbelonging.

“We may be a small school, but we strive to be a great school that capitalizes on the opportunities of a Pre-K-12 building which presents the opportunity to provide a continuous learning journey for our students, allowing for connections and mentorships along the way.”

“We are also proud of our dedicated staff, whose commitment to providing exceptional instruction is the heart of our school. Together, we are not just a school, but a family dedicated to growth, learning, and success,” President Barbconcludes.