Superintendent, Robert S. Nielsen

September 2008

Dear Colleague,

   The 2008-09 school year is well underway.  The start of the new year provided us with some enrollment surprises and with very good news about the quality of education being provided in all of our schools.

   As of September 12, 2008 enrollment in District 87 was 5602.  We maintain year to year comparisons.  The following chart compares 2007 enrollments with 2008 enrollments.

                                                2007                            2008                Difference

Raymond                    236                              228                  (8)

Elementary                  2456                            2620                164

BJHS                          1222                            1221                (1)

BHS                            1615                            1533                (82)

Total                            5529                            5602                73

 We are in the process of determining where our new student came from and whether this is a one-time change or if our elementary enrollments will continue to increase.  As I get more information about this, I will share it with you.

 I am very pleased to announce that all six elementary schools and BJHS made adequate yearly progress as determined by the accountability system of Illinois.  I will have presented the results of the 2008 Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) to each of our elementary schools by the end of September.  I am very proud of the work everyone in District 87 has done to achieve these results.  Everyone, starting at Sarah Raymond, through our six elementary schools, BJHS and BHS contributes to the academic success of our students.

   This letter does not provide the space needed to provide detailed information for each of our schools.  However, I do want to share some very positive information with you. 84% of our students in grades 3 through 8 meet or exceed state standards in math. 78% of all students in grades 3 through 8 meet or exceed state standards in reading.  I am also very proud to inform you that the achievement gap among our sub populations is at its narrowest point for both reading and math since we began tracking this. 

  We are making significant progress in achieving the five goals for BHS.  These goals are:

• 80% of all students will be enrolled in the core curriculum.

• 90% of all students will earn one year’s credits in one year.

• We will have proportionality in all classes.

• We will have proportionality at all awards and recognition programs.

• Improved test scores for all students in all populations.

·          The 2008-09 school year has already presented us with new challenges.  I have no doubt we will meet those challenges and continue to provide the highest quality of education to all students.

Sincerely,

Robert S. Nielsen
Robert S. Nielsen

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