Education Partners, good afternoon,

The news never stops…

• In what will be the first of several encouragements/reminders over the next few weeks, I am happy to announce that the Greater St. Charles Education Foundation will host its 11th annual Jazz Event on February 11, 2006 at the Q Center, 1405 N. Fifth Ave. in St. Charles.
  
  The evening will feature musical entertainment from St. Charles East and North high schools, a wonderful sit-down dinner, and live and silent auctions. Tickets are $75 per person.
  
  As always, all proceeds will benefit the students and schools of District 303. The Education Foundation has raised and donated over $700,000 to District 303 since its inception in 1992. The Jazz Event is the Foundation’s main fundraiser for the year. Visit the Foundation’s website for more information:
  
  http://www.stceducation.com/id45.html
   
• This fall, District 303 embarked on an exciting and ambitious school improvement initiative called Secondary School Redesign. This important initiative will help District 303 meet the community’s goal to “improve individual student achievement and personal growth” for ALL students.
  
  To help the community better understand and participate in this effort, we’ve posted a special Secondary School Redesign webpage on the front of the district website (www.d303.org). Please peruse the site when you have a minute: http://www.d303.org/administration/secondary%20school%20redesign/redesignmain2.htm
   
• Hot off the presses, here’s the first District 303 FOCUS newsletter for the 2005-06 school year, full to overflowing with what we hope is interesting and useful information. The paper version will arrive in mailboxes soon. Meanwhile, click here: http://www.d303.org/news/focusv4-1v2final.pdf
   
• Mary Crambes, District 303’s K-12 Social Studies/World Languages/English Language Learner Curriculum Coordinator, is a member of the Illinois English Language Learner Assessment Advisory Committee, which advises the Illinois State Board of Education on all issues related to the ELL Assessments. Kudos to Mary for this prestigious assignment.

NEW PICTURES

• Getting the “Scoop” – St. Charles Republican columnist visits Fox Ridge Elementary School: http://www.d303.org/news/newsphotos/fox%20ridge%20newspaper/index.htm
• Holiday Strolling – Fox Ridge Elementary orchestra entertains school: http://www.d303.org/news/newsphotos/fox%20ridge%20musicians/index.htm

Finally, sincere wishes for a very happy, safe and joyous holiday season.
Tom Hernandez
Director of Communications