District 205 is one of 40 schools nationwide invited to join the National Innovation & Transformational Leadership Network. The Network is hosted by the American Association of School Administrators and the Successful Practices Network, an arm of the International Center for Leadership in Education. The D205 Innovation Team is comprised of Superintendent Dr. David Moyer, Learning and Teaching Committee Chair Jim Collins, Assistant Superintendent for Innovation and Growth, Dr. Mark Cohen, Field Principal Heidi Thomas, and Sandburg English Department Chair, Frank Dahlman.

Started last fall, the cohort is a year-long experience during which superintendents and their leadership teams are­ supported to apply innovative best practices toward redefining what it means to be successful in school.

Dr. Moyer said, “The top three characteristics of innovative districts from across the country, based on the research of the Successful Practices Network, are that they all have a system of standards based reporting, focus on personalized learning, and commit to tending to the behavioral health of their young learners.”

Building on the success of innovative classes like Project Lead the Way, which blends real-world, project-based, applied learning experiences with the core subjects at the middle school level, the Innovation Team has identified the area of interdisciplinary learning as an innovation priority. Next school year, D205 will pilot several interdisciplinary experiences for learners in second grade at Field Elementary; eighth grade at Sandburg, and for juniors and seniors at York High School.

These experiences will feature key elements such as:

• Flexible Class Time

• Blended Learning Opportunities - Combining traditional classroom work with online and independent study.

• 21st Century Learning Skills like Communication, Collaboration, Leadership, Creative and Critical Thinking, and Information and Technology Literacy

• Supports for Student Behavioral Health Needs i.e. Stress, Anxiety

Former Program Director for Education for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and current President of the Successful Practices Network Dr. Ray McNulty travels extensively to mentor school districts like D205 as part of the Innovation Network.

“The world of learning is not what it used to be. There are many more ways to learn than ever before, and education systems need to prepare their learners (students) for success in the world in which they will live and work,” Dr. McNulty said.

"District 205 is rapidly becoming a national leader in future-ready learning. Our focus on interdisciplinary learning and behavioral health will help improve rigor, relevance, and student engagement. I can't wait for it to manifest itself in classrooms across the District," Dr. Moyer concluded.

On Saturday, January 26th, a group of eighth grade girls from Churchville and their mothers were able to attend the annual Dare to Dream Conference. At the conference, the girls attended career and school panels led by Latina women, who shared their own experiences of overcoming obstacles and the steps they have taken to pursue higher education. Mothers attended workshop sessions in which they gained insight on how to support and encourage their daughters.

At the end, all girls and their mothers participated in a powerful activity where they exchanged letters. The Churchville girls left the conference feeling empowered, stepped out of their comfort zone, and made connections with other girls their age. They all look forward to receiving their certificates of participation from State Representative, Kathleen Willis.

Sam Walsh was named "Athlete of the Month" by the Chicago Tribune this week for the month of January.  Country Financial recognized Sam Walsh for this great award and presented the boys' basketball program with a $500 donation at the York/ IC Prep game on Monday, February 4th.  

Elmhurst D205 is proud to announce that York High School Business Department Chair Jim Borel has been named the 2019 Junior Achievement for the Educator of the Year. Former teacher and Elmhurst Kiwanis President Rich Rosenberg also has been named Junior Achievement Volunteer of the Year. Both gentlemen received their honor for their co-sponsorship of JA Titan Simulation with the York H.S. Honors Business Management class.  The duo has run JA Titan with this class since 2008. 

JA Titan is an on-line business simulation, where students run virtual companies and make decisions regarding price, marketing, research and development, capital investment and charitable giving.  These decisions are changed up to 12 times to simulate a 3-year, business cycle.  The computer then ranks the companies by their total amount of retained earnings. 

“­­­It's a great simulation and Rich is awesome relating his experiences with our students.  We are both very proud to represent York and the Elmhurst community,” Borel said.

Junior Achievement will honor both award recipients on February 28, 2019 at the JA DuPage Annual Fundraiser. JA DuPage serves more than 88,000 students with the help of teachers and volunteers like Jim Borel and Rich Rosenberg.

This morning, Superintendent Dr. David Moyer addressed District 205 staff as part of Institute Day. That presentation has been posted here.