From the brand-new kindergarteners with their fresh new crayons, erasers and other supplies all the way up to the eighth-graders with their years of wonderful school memories, students returned to District 58’s 13 school buildings Aug. 25 to begin the 2010-11 year.

They were welcomed into brightly decorated classrooms and hallways by District 58 staff, which this year includes 26 new faces. Each staff member is dedicated to the District 58 mission, which is, in partnership with parents and community, to challenge each child by providing quality educational programs and support services in safe, nurturing environments in order to prepare all students to be lifelong learners and contributing members of society.

While District 58 students continue to be very successful academically, last year recording its highest-ever percentage of students meeting or exceeding standards in math and reading on the ISAT tests, staff continues to work to improve the district’s education program. The District is implementing a revised Language Arts curriculum this year, has reviewed its vocal music program and is focusing on meeting the needs of all learners through Response to Intervention.

District 58 staff cares deeply not only about students’ academic development, but also about the well-being of each child as a whole person. The School Board has adopted a goal to develop and implement strategies that support the social-emotional development of each student as a vital component of the educational program.