From Feedback to Action

What We Heard:

• Discrepancies between online gradebooks and actual assignment submissions
• Students appearing to submit assignments that were not actually turned in
• Differences between what teachers report and what parents see online
• Lack of verification for late or missing work
• Consider posting district-wide grading guidelines to be publicly available
   

Our Response:

• Skyward is the official source for current grades and assignment status. Google Classroom may not always reflect real-time accuracy.
• Parents are encouraged to contact teachers directly to verify assignment completion.
• Teachers provide secondary students with a syllabus outlining how grades are calculated and collected.

What We Heard:

• Requests for vegan and pescatarian meal options
• Allergy information to be collected during registration
• Robocall reminder about reporting dietary needs and submitting doctor’s notes
   

Our Response:

• Families may request special diets with a doctor’s note provided to the school nurse.
• Enrollment forms include a section for medical, learning, physical or other special needs.
• A robocall will be sent in the fall reminding families to share new dietary needs and submit a doctor’s note.

What We Heard:

• Concerns about missing funds during one fundraising event
• Requests for clearer safeguards for handling money
   

Our Response:

• Stricter financial procedures are in place for collecting and depositing funds from fundraisers, concessions, and dues.
• Families and staff are encouraged to avoid cash when possible and instead use cashier’s checks or money orders.

What We Heard:

• Frequent bus delays, especially for special education routes (1–2 hours late)
   
• Request that families be notified directly about significant delays
   

Our Response:

• The District contracts with Illinois Central for student transportation. Driver shortages have impacted pick-up and drop-off times.
   
• The District is offering incentives to recruit and retain drivers and is pursuing additional contracts with alternative providers.
   
• Expanded Phone Support: Parents can call 618-646-3192 starting at 6:30 a.m. if there are bus issues.
   
• Our commitment remains to minimize disruptions and provide reliable transportation for all students.
   

What We Heard:

• Concerns about elementary students bringing phones to school
• Yondr pouches are not used at the elementary level; temporary storage methods were cited as insecure
   

Our Response:

• The District maintains a cell-phone–free environment to support learning, safety, and a positive classroom experience.
• Families are encouraged to have students leave phones at home whenever possible.
• Elementary students’ phones are to be collected and securely stored during the school day.
• At the secondary level, Yondr pouches are used to safely secure phones, smartwatches, and similar devices.
   

What We Heard:

• Parents suggested providing written summaries of questions raised during meetings along with district responses
   

Our Response:

• The District will consider options for providing written feedback and will begin by sharing summaries at upcoming Key Communicator Network meetings and posting them on our website.

Students, staff, and parents voiced a growing request to eliminate uniform requirements district-wide, citing cost concerns, limited availability of sizes and colors, and a desire for greater student self-expression.

The District transitioned all schools to a dress code expectation, effective August 2025.