2018 - 2019 State of the District Highlights

Back to School - August 16 FULL DAY

Be sure to be on time for the first day of school! Learning will begin on August 16 for a FULL DAY OF SCHOOL! Parents of returning students should ensure all address information is updated with your local school. Details about immunization requirements, school supply lists and the district calendar can be found here.

New Student Enrollment

ENROLL NOW! If your child is currently enrolled in School District 189, you do not have to re-register but you must provide updated contact and emergency information and updated immunization records. This can be completed during the summer at the Family and Community Engagement Center (401 Katherine Dunham Place) or at your student's school orientation in August. Updated information must be collected by Thursday, August 16th, the first day of school in 2018.

Board Consolidated Election

Three seats on our seven-member Board of Education will be filled at the April 2, 2019 consolidated election. Interested candidates should carefully review service expectations and the nominating process, paying close attention to upcoming deadlines.

Student Academic Growth

Student academic performance in East St. Louis School District 189 is continuously improving and is near meeting national expectations according to the results of an analysis of five years of Northwest Evaluation Association Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) test data.

Urban Ed Teacher Residency Program

District 189 is seeking talented, committed individuals to join our first Urban Ed Teacher Residency Program. The intensive and supportive program will develop highly effective teachers through a yearlong, residency-based training model. Urban Ed residents serve full time, receive a $30,000 stipend and obtain a Master's degree in Education. This one year program will prepare teacher residents to become quality teachers and ensure they are culturally and pedagogically prepared for success in the classroom. Apply now at: https://goo.gl/15WUHX

Nutrition Updates

Learn more about Breakfast After the Bell, the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) and new laws regarding allowable food and beverages on school campuses.

SHINE 189 Volume 3

You don't want to miss the May volume of School District 189's SHINE 189 newsletter! This periodic communications tool is focused on Supporting, Helping, Inspiring, Next-Level Educators. Learn about Montez Holton, Valedictorian of the East St. Louis Senior High School Class of 2018, and his walk across two stages this month: earning a high school diploma and associate’s degree.

SHINE 189 Volume 2

Please review the December volume of School District 189's SHINE 189 newsletter! This quarterly communications tool is focused on Supporting, Helping, Inspiring, Next-Level Educators.

Message to Graduates - May 2018

To the Class of 2018: I am honored to have been your Superintendent and I wish you the best in your future endeavors. I stand proud as I reflect on the Class of 2018’s accomplishments. Your hard work, along with your school, your family and your community, have shaped you to be prepared for a specific purpose. While we celebrate the milestone of your high school graduation, I encourage you to remember this is not the end. This is the beginning of a critical chapter in the story of your life.

The Power of Belief - March 2018

Our thoughts are one of the most powerful tools we possess. The self-talk we do in our minds will motivate or minimize our actions. I know firsthand that life shrinks or expands in proportion to our beliefs, courage and expectations. In District 189, we are committed to excellence. This frame of thinking has led to intentional, focused hard work. The fruits of our labor are becoming more evident.

Spirit of Giving - December 2017

As we approach the holiday season, it is a perfect time to reflect and be thankful for the wonderful blessings that come our way. The spirit of giving is all around us. It is amazing that with all the responsibilities you have, many of you go above and beyond the call of duty to meet the needs of our students. I would like to recognize a few of those major giving initiatives.

Progress on the Path - December 2017

District 189 is making progress. The annual Illinois Report Card shows our students are making real academic gains that are leading to improved graduation rates, college readiness, college enrollment and persistence.

Committed to Excellence - August 2017

We are blessed to be chosen to work with our community’s most precious resource, our children. They depend on us to provide them with a high-quality education in spite of every adversity we face. For children, education is the gateway to opportunity, the pathway to the future and their ticket to the middle class.

Finish Strong - April 2017

The school year will soon be coming to a close. It is hard to believe that most of the school year is already completed. There have been many great experiences and successes during this time. Four high school students will be graduating with their high school diploma and their associate’s degree from SWIC through the Running Start program.

Reflections on Excellence - December 2016

At the close of a calendar year, it is customary to reflect on our successes and challenges. Reflection is a crucial habit to ensure continuous improvement. A commitment to excellence requires us to never settle for low quality, mediocrity or poor performance. On our journey toward excellence and greatness, we should celebrate our successes; however, we must not be content until we reach our destination.

True Grit: The Predictor of Excellence - September 2016

As staff, teachers and administrators, we must be ever mindful about the importance of grit in our work. Educating children is a long-term investment of our time, skills, creativity and work ethic.