COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Message From Superintendent Dr. Keisha Campbell
Welcome to the latest edition of Community Connections, where we proudly highlight the achievements within Elmhurst District 205!
This issue emphasizes the profound impact of assistive technology, which serves as a cornerstone in enhancing the educational journey for students with diverse learning needs. From adaptive iPads facilitating communication to specialized tools supporting visual and hearing impairments, these resources ensure that every student can actively participate and excel in their educational experiences.
Additionally, we celebrate the York High School Class of 2024 for their graduation and the exciting new adventures that lie ahead. Their achievements have culminated in a diverse range of post-graduation plans, with many choosing paths in higher education, vocational training, military service, and various promising career opportunities.
As a unified community, let us continue to wholeheartedly support and celebrate the remarkable achievements of our students. By nurturing their talents and ambitions, we collectively contribute to shaping a future where every student not only thrives but also contributes meaningfully to our community and society.
Thank you for taking the time to read our newest edition of Community Connections. We look forward to seeing at the start of the school year!
NSPRA AWARDS
The District 205 communications team recently achieved a remarkable milestone by earning five prestigious national awards from the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA).
The team was awarded two Excellence Awards, one for their outstanding newsletter and another for an exceptional single video. They also garnered two Merit Awards: one for an impressive video series and another for a single video, showcasing their strength in visual storytelling. The communications team earned an Honorable Mention for a photo from the year as well.
These achievements reflect the hard work and innovative spirit of the District 205 communications team. Congratulations to the entire team for their well-deserved honors and continued excellence in their field.
Award of Excellence | Newsletter: Community Connections Newsletter
Award of Merit | Video Series: Produced InHouse: Community Connections Video Series
Honorable Mention | Photo: York Community High School Baseball Team Wins 2023 Super Sectional
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY IN DISTRICT 205
In District 205, assistive technology (AT) is changing educational landscape for students with diverse learning needs and helping us ensure that we are creating environments that allow us to engage all students. Assistive technology is a range of devices and equipment designed to help children access the learning environment and curriculum.
“Assistive technology can be as simple as a pencil grip or special lined paper,” explained Brigid Peterson, the Assistive Technology Specialist at Elmhurst District 205. “But it also includes high-tech devices that helps children with minimal or no verbal communication to interact with their peers and teachers.” Since stepping into her role
five years ago, Peterson has broadened the program, ensuring that as many students as possible can benefit from assistive technology. “Having technology available to students is going to help them access their learning environment,” she emphasized.
The variety of assistive tools used in District 205 is extensive. Most commonly, students use iPads, which can be adapted with various apps and programs to support communication. Larger screen Chromebooks are provided for students with visual impairments, and specialized devices assist those with hearing impairments.
“My students have benefited from access to assistive technology by increasing their communication overall
“IT’S CHANGED HOW THEY COMMUNICATE WITH THEIR FAMILIES, UNDERSTAND THEIR ENVIRONMENT AND GAIN AN EDUCATION. IT’S JUST SUCH A HEARTWARMING FEELING TO SEE THAT THE EFFORTS THAT THE TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT PUTS IN PAYS OFF IN THAT WAY.
in school. They’re able to participate in classes more extracurricular. They’re able to socialize with their peers and expand their communication of their wants and needs to help
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them self-regulate, promoting student independence,” said Megan Hendrickson, a teacher at Sandburg Middle School. The district’s approach ensures that students receive the right tools as early as possible. “Our youngest learners, they come to us when they’re three, and we can get a variety of different methods of communication put in place in their classroom so that they’re able to explore and just play around with different forms of communication to see what’s going to work best for them, and they can start learning it as early as possible,” Peterson said.
The partnership between the assistive technology and IT departments is critical to this success. “We work closely with the technology department, especially Molly Marquardt, to get iPads and other devices are ready for students quickly,” Peterson explained. “This
response means there’s not a long wait time for students, which is crucial for meeting their needs.”
The impact of these efforts is evident in the classroom. “Technology has changed these kids’ lives,” said Molly Marquardt, the Learning Technology Supervisor at Elmhurst District 205. “It’s changed how they communicate with their families, understand their environment and gain an education. It’s just such a heartwarming feeling to see that the efforts that the technology department puts in pays off in that way.”
Hendrickson highlighted the goal of inclusion. “Even if students don’t necessarily really need the technology, it’s really good exposure for everyone to see that there are different types of learners and how technology can help all
students. Because at some point in their life, at some point in their school career, they’re going to use technology for a variety of reasons. And from my perspective, communication is one of the biggest reasons to use this technology.”
In District 205, assistive technology is more than just a tool, it’s a bridge to a more inclusive, interactive and equitable educational experience. As the district continues to innovate and expand its program, the future looks bright for all its students, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to communicate, learn and thrive.
Scan the QR code with your phone to watch interviews with the Principal, teachers and students.
CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENT: YORK HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2024
The York High School Class of 2024 completed their journey with unparalleled resilience, adaptability, and determination. They navigated their freshman year during the global pandemic, confronting unprecedented challenges and disruptions that shaped their high school experience. Despite these hurdles, they emerged stronger, more focused, and more determined to pursue their future aspirations.
The Class of 2024’s journey culminated in a diverse range of post-graduation plans that showcase the talent and ambition within this remarkable group. Of the graduates, 100 students chose to attend 2-year public colleges, while 140 are heading to 4-year private colleges and universities. The majority, 358 students, opted for 4-year public institutions, reflecting their readiness to embrace higher education and all it offers.
Additionally, a portion of the graduates will continue to their journey at our Transition Center, with some enrolling in courses at the College of DuPage. Others have charted unique paths, with 10 students entering trade or specialty schools and seven planning to join the workforce, some considering specialized programs. A few have chosen to serve their country, with two enlisting directly and another attending a military academy prep school.
Geographically, southern schools have drawn a significant number of York students, with the University of South Carolina being a notable destination. However, the Big Ten schools have proven to be the most popular. This includes high enrollments at the University of Iowa (28), University of Wisconsin-Madison (20), Indiana University (19), Michigan State University (16), Purdue University (14), Ohio State University (9), University of Michigan (6), and a record number
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of 82 students planning to attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC).
In terms of financial achievements, the Class of 2024 garnered over an estimated 150 scholarships while totaling well over $1,000,000 in earnings. This impressive feat underscores the dedication and hard work of these students, as well as the support and encouragement from their families and educators.
This class, having overcome numerous obstacles, now looks forward to their future with unwavering confidence. Their plans reflect a deep commitment to education, personal growth, and making a positive impact in their chosen fields and communities. As they embark on the next chapter of their lives, the York High School Class of 2024 carries with them lessons learned from a challenging yet transformative high school experience. They are poised to make significant contributions, embodying the spirit of resilience and ambition that has defined their journey. Their future is bright, and their potential is limitless.
358 140 100 17 10 7 2 3
Students plan to attend a 4-year public college/university
Students plan to attend a 4-year private college/university
Students plan to attend a 2-year public college
Students continue to receive services through the Transition Center. Some will also enroll at College of DuPage
Students plan to enter trade, specialty schools or apprenticeships
Students are planning to enter the work force
Students attending post-graduate or military schools
Students are enlisting in the military
new district 205 website
District 205 is pleased to announce the launch of our new website, which is powered by Thrillshare! This upgrade is designed to enhance the user experience and improve navigation, providing our community with quick and easy access to vital district information. The new website features a more responsive design and it ensures all visitors can easily find the information they need.
We encourage you to visit the new website at elmhurst205.org to explore its many features and stay connected with the latest updates and happenings in District 205!
EMPOWER
JOIN THE D205 JOURNEY OF EXCELLENCE!
We are regularly hiring for administrative, teaching, support staff, and other positions in each of our buildings. There is currently a high need for applicants in the following areas:
Special Education Teachers
Educational Assistants
Lunch/Recess Supervisors
Custodians
Food Service
Interested people should apply online at https:// qrco.de/D205Jobs, or by scanning this QR code.
- Middle School 4:00 - 8:30 p.m.
& Middle Schools: 8/28, 9/11, 9/25, 10/16, 10/30, 11/13, 12/11, 1/15, 1/29, 2/12, 3/5, 3/19, 4/23, 5/14
School: 8/21, 8/28, 9/4, 9/11, 9/18, 9/25, 10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18, 1/8, 1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26, 3/5, 3/12, 3/19, 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/21
