Superintendent Updateadvanced & Accelerated placement
One of the important ways we help our students reach their fullest potential is by providing them with rigorous instruction that is aligned with their level of ability and readiness.
Because over 80% of our students are above the 50th national percentile and 40% of our students are above the 80th national percentile, we can deliver more rigorous Tier 1 instruction for all students within their own grade level than is possible at schools where students' achievement is at or below national norms.
Accelerated or advanced programming is an effective strategy to help students in the upper achievement bands maximize their academic growth. Our advanced and accelerated programming is not “better” than our on-level programming. Rather, it is more beneficial for some students because it provides the appropriate level of rigor and challenge.
We use the following criteria to best match the rigor of our advanced and accelerated classes with students who have demonstrated the need and readiness for it.
Kindergarten - Grade 3
The criteria for K-3rd include standardized assessments, an above-level math test or writing assessment, and other important factors as needed, such as classroom performance and teacher input.
Grades 4-8
The criteria for grades 4-8 incorporate five standardized assessment data points taken over the course of multiple years and consideration of other important factors as needed, such as classroom performance, teacher input, and the district writing assessment.
Next Steps & Timeline
For more information about our efforts to appropriately challenge all our students and our advanced programming, please review this SUMMARY or the COMPLETE REPORT .
District and building administrators will collaborate on the process of applying these criteria to our students’ scores to ensure every student is placed in a course that will provide them with the appropriate amount of rigor and challenge.
- If your child will be placed in an advanced or accelerated course for the first time in the upcoming school year, you will receive an email notification on Thursday, July 3.
- If your student was in an accelerated or advanced course last year, your student will continue in the advanced course track unless you are contacted individually by the building principal.
We are committed to providing each of our students with the most beneficial level of rigor and challenge.
Superintendent Update
advanced & Accelerated placement
One of the important ways we help our students reach their fullest potential is by providing them with rigorous instruction that is aligned with their level of ability and readiness.
Because over 80% of our students are above the 50th national percentile and 40% of our students are above the 80th national percentile, we can deliver more rigorous Tier 1 instruction for all students within their own grade level than is possible at schools where students' achievement is at or below national norms.
Accelerated or advanced programming is an effective strategy to help students in the upper achievement bands maximize their academic growth. Our advanced and accelerated programming is not “better” than our on-level programming. Rather, it is more beneficial for some students because it provides the appropriate level of rigor and challenge.
We use the following criteria to best match the rigor of our advanced and accelerated classes with students who have demonstrated the need and readiness for it.
Kindergarten - Grade 3
The criteria for K-3rd include standardized assessments, an above-level math test or writing assessment, and other important factors as needed, such as classroom performance and teacher input.
Grades 4-8
The criteria for grades 4-8 incorporate five standardized assessment data points taken over the course of multiple years and consideration of other important factors as needed, such as classroom performance, teacher input, and the district writing assessment.
Next Steps & Timeline
For more information about our efforts to appropriately challenge all our students and our advanced programming, please review this SUMMARY or the COMPLETE REPORT .
District and building administrators will collaborate on the process of applying these criteria to our students’ scores to ensure every student is placed in a course that will provide them with the appropriate amount of rigor and challenge.
- If your child will be placed in an advanced or accelerated course for the first time in the upcoming school year, you will receive an email notification on Thursday, July 3.
- If your student was in an accelerated or advanced course last year, your student will continue in the advanced course track unless you are contacted individually by the building principal.
We are committed to providing each of our students with the most beneficial level of rigor and challenge.
May 20 Board meeting summary
The District 106 Board of Education convened for its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, May 20 at 7:00 pm in the Middle School Commons.
A summary is included below. To access the agenda, review the documents submitted to the Board, or access the meeting live stream, use the links below.
reports and discussions
The Superintendent’s Report included updates on the progress of the playground, summer school, and 2025-26 staffing.
Ali Beiermeister and a group of teachers presented the recommendation to adopt i-Ready as the new District math curriculum for the 2025-26 school year.
Progress continues to be made on the transition from the Lyons TTO to the Proviso TTO.
Action items
The Board approved the Consolidated Grant Application, a Board Policy that clarifies and guides staff when faced with an immigration issue, and annual contracts with food and transportation providers.
It's a pleasure to serve the students, staff, and families of Highlands.
Take care,
John Munch, Superintendent
advanced and accelerated programming
Providing every student with an appropriately challenging education is a priority of the Highlands School District. We employ many strategies to accomplish this goal, such as rigorous and research-based curricular resources, targeted instruction informed by regular formative assessment, intervention and remediation services, and advanced and accelerated placement options and course offerings.
There are a few key points regarding our advanced and accelerated programming.
Rigorous instruction occurs in all our classrooms, not just the advanced or accelerated courses. Our assessment and instructional methods are designed to challenge students at all performance levels through formative assessments and differentiated instruction.
Highlands' students' above-average achievement allows us to deliver more rigorous instruction in all classrooms than is possible at schools where achievement is consistent with national norms.
Our advanced and accelerated courses are not "better" than our on-level classes; it's truly a matter of which course is best for the individual student. Advanced and accelerated classes are an effective strategy to help some students maximize their academic growth. For others, classes focused on grade-level standards are most effective and appropriate.
When planning advanced and accelerated programming at Highlands, we must keep the end goals in mind. Laying a solid foundation in math and reading, providing age and developmentally-appropriate levels of challenge, and matching our pacing with the course offerings at LT are more important than rushing students through content.
Highlands' advanced and accelerated programming includes the following components:
- Early entrance to kindergarten and first grade
- Whole grade acceleration (skipping a grade)
- Single-subject acceleration in math or reading (K-3)
- Accelerated math (4th-8th)
- Advanced language arts curriculum (5th-8th)
Several student data points are evaluated to determine whether an advanced or accelerated placement is appropriate for each student. The criteria vary based on the type of acceleration being considered but always include multiple forms of student assessment.
Our accelerated math sequence compacts the learning standards, allowing students to complete algebra in 8th grade.
As shown below, completing algebra in eighth grade allows students to take an additional year of advanced math in high school. It is important to note that students who take algebra as freshmen are still on a course that fully prepares them for college placement exams.
Beginning in fifth grade, our advanced language arts program challenges students through increased text complexity, faster pacing, and more extensive writing opportunities. The resources and learning activities are designed to prepare students to successfully master the reading and composition requirements of Honors English I as freshmen.
Providing every Highlands student with the appropriate level of challenge, regardless of their current achievement level or class placement, is an important goal for us. Accelerated placement is not the best or only strategy to accomplish this goal, but it is an important component for those who require the rigor of advanced coursework to be appropriately challenged.
May 20 Board meeting previewThe District 106 Board of Education will convene for its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, May 20 at 7:00 pm in the Middle School Commons.
A summary is included below. To access the agenda, review the documents submitted to the Board, or access the meeting live stream, use the links below.
celebrations
The Annual Art Award winners will be recognized:
- D106 Educational Foundation Scholarship: Izabella Landt, Grade 3
- Superintendent’s Choice: Lillian Kennedy, Grade 4
- MS Principal’s Choice: Victoria Strama, Grade 8
- ES Principal’s Choice: Jacob Janssen, Grade 2
- Assistant Principal’s Choice: Ariana Sanchez, Grade 8
reports and discussions
- Superintendent’s Report: Updates will be provided on the playground’s progress, summer school, and 2025-26 staffing.
- Mathematics Curriculum Recommendation: The board will discuss a recommendation to implement the i-Ready mathematics resource and curriculum.
- TTO Progress Update: Transition progress will be reviewed.
action items
- Approve Consolidated Grant Application: The consolidated grant application streamlines the federal grant application process and enables the District to apply for specific Title I and Title II grants.
- Board Policies Regarding Immigration: The Board will approve a new policy that clarifies and guides staff if/when faced with an immigration issue.
- Contracts: The Board will renew the food contract with Just a Dash and the transportation contract with First Student.
consent agenda
Approve the minutes of previous meetings, financial business, personnel report, FOIA report, and destruction of a previous closed session audio recording.
It's a pleasure to serve the students, staff, and families of Highlands.
Take care,
John Munch, Superintendent
Partnering for Student safety
As the weather warms, our students will be spending more time outdoors and more students will be walking and biking to school. We are asking for your partnership in a few important areas.
Many of the roads to school are shared by cars, walkers, and bikers. In order to get everyone to school and home safely, it's very important that our students who walk or bike to school follow the rules of the road. Specifically, stopping at all stop signs to check for cross-traffic is vitally important. As we observe our students getting to school, ignoring posted stop signs has created most of the dangerous situations.
If you are driving your child to or from school, please be aware, patient, and follow our communicated process for student drop-off and pick-up. Distracted or frustrated drivers and parking in areas where it is not permitted create safety concerns for our students.
Please have conversations with your children about how to be aware of and respond to unsafe situations. This morning, we learned about an incident that was reported to the Countryside Police Department that involved a suspicious individual offering a middle school student candy. After an investigation that resulted in a conversation with the suspicious individual, it was determined that it was not an actual threat. Fortunately, the student did the right thing by running into the house and reporting the incident to an adult.
We will continue to teach and reinforce ways students can keep themselves safe, but your support with these conversations at home would be appreciated.
Have a great weekend,
John
Superintendent Updatefinal push for playground upgrades
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we’re thrilled to share that our Playground Makeover Initiative is moving full steam ahead! From family contributions to business sponsorships, your support has brought us closer than ever to giving our students the updated, imaginative playgrounds they deserve.
We’re especially excited to announce that construction on the first playground will begin before the end of the school year! The second phase is planned for this summer—and we can't wait to bring both spaces to life for our students.
As we gear up for groundbreaking, we're making one final push to raise additional funds. These donations will help offset remaining costs and bring even more value to this project—whether it's adding a safe play surface, enhancing equipment, or making the space even more inclusive and fun for all.
If you haven’t had the chance to donate yet, there’s still time to be part of this exciting transformation. Every dollar truly makes a difference.
💙 Donate here
💙 Learn more about the initiative
Thank you for your continued support, generosity, and commitment to our students and schools. Together, we’re building something special!
student celebrations
A summary of the April 22 Board meeting is below. To access the agenda, review the documents submitted to the Board, or access a recording of the meeting live stream, use the links below.
School Board Elections & organization
Congratulations to Katy Fattaleh, Jodi Golm, Aquila Lykouretzos, and Jennifer Mitchell for being elected to the school board.
New officers were elected:
- Jennifer Dunleavy: Board President
- Jodi Golm: Vice-President
- Anna Kahriman: Secretary
Special thanks and recognition was given to Kristi Bruno for her outstanding service on the Board over the past four years, and to Andy Taylor for his great leadership as Board President for the past four years.
Reports & Discussions highlights
- PROVISO TTO: Paul Bellisario, Treasurer for the PTTO, answered questions regarding the PTTO office and the services they will provide to D106.
- SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT:
- The first phase of our playground upgrade project will begin in May thanks to the support and generosity of our parents and community. The back playground will be fenced off and unavailable during the month of May.
- We will be offering additional sports opportunities next year to increase student participation. A 7th-grade boys' basketball B-team will be offered, as will a B-team for a girls' sport to be determined in the coming months.
- STRATEGIC PLAN OVERVIEW: A strategic planning process will take place during the 2025-26 school year and will involve representatives from all stakeholder groups. Additional information and opportunities for involvement will be shared as the process moves forward.
- BOARD POLICIES REGARDING IMMIGRATION: The Board was presented with policies and administrative procedures that would guide district officials in the process of navigating the new and shifting immigration policies. Our goal is to safeguard our students' rights and well-being while complying with our legal obligations.
- FOOD SERVICE CONTRACT: In response to our Request for Proposals, only two food service companies responded with interest in providing our students with lunch service. Making a change would require the district to subsidize $30,000 in expenses, or pass along a 29% increase in the cost of lunches for families. For these reasons, it is likely that we will remain with the current food service provider for next year.
action items
- Intergovernmental Agreement with Proviso TTO: The Board entered into an intergovernmental agreement with the Proviso Township Treasurer’s Office for services, and a resolution to appoint Paul Bellisario as school treasurer was adopted.
- DuPage West Cook IGA: The Board approved changes to an IGA, which eliminated the DuPage West Cook Special Education Board and transitioned it into an Oversight Committee.
- 2025-26 Technology Purchase and Liquidation: Technology items were approved for purchase, and current assets will be liquidated at a sale for community members in the summer of 2025.
- Compensation: Administrator contracts and increases for support staff were approved.
- Resolution to Waive the Administrative Costs Limitation: The board adopted the resolution associated with the public hearing held at the beginning of the meeting.
It's a pleasure to serve the students, staff, and families of Highlands.
Take care,
John Munch, Superintendent
april 22 Board meeting previewThe District 106 Board of Education will convene for its biennial organization, regularly scheduled meeting, and a public hearing on Tuesday, April 22 at 7:00 pm in the Middle School Commons.
A summary is included below. To access the agenda, review the documents submitted to the Board, or access the meeting live stream, use the links below.
celebrations
The district will recognize a number of outstanding students: the School Citizen Of The Year Award Winners, Western Springs Math Olympiad Winners, and members of the 8th-grade Girls’ Volleyball team.
board election results and organization
The Board will acknowledge the results of the April 1, 2025 Consolidated Election, seat the elected Board members, elect officers, and establish its regular schedule of meetings.
public hearing
A public hearing to waive the limitation on administrative costs for FY2026 will be held.
reports and discussions
- Intergovernmental Agreement with Proviso TTO: Information supporting a recommendation to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the Proviso Township Treasurer’s Office will be presented.
- Superintendent’s Report: Updates will be provided on playground construction and additional sport offerings.
- Strategic Plan Process Overview: A proposal to refresh the expiring strategic plan will be presented.
- Board Policies Regarding Immigration: A proposed Board policy regarding immigration will be presented.
- Food Service Contract: The Board will discuss options for the lunch program.
- Transportation Contract: A recommendation to extend the contract with First Student will be presented.
action items
- Intergovernmental Agreement with Proviso TTO: An intergovernmental agreement with the Proviso Township Treasurer’s Office and a resolution to appoint a school treasurer will be recommended.
- DuPage West Cook IGA: The Board will approve changes to an IGA, which eliminates the DuPage West Cook Special Education Board and transitions it into an Oversight Committee.
- 2025-26 Technology Purchase and Liquidation: Technology items will be approved for the 25-26 School Year, and current assets will be approved for liquidation at a sale for community members in the summer.
- Compensation: Administrator contracts and increases for support staff will be approved.
- Resolution to Waive the Administrative Costs Limitation: The board will consider the resolution that is associated with the public hearing held at the beginning of the meeting.
consent agenda
Approve the minutes of previous meetings, financial business, personnel report, and FOIA report.
It's a pleasure to serve the students, staff, and families of Highlands.
Take care,
John Munch, Superintendent
final reminders
- The 5Essentials survey closes tonight. If you haven't already, please take a few minutes to provide us with some very valuable feedback.
- Please take time to vote on Tuesday, April 1 for the Highlands School Board candidates.
There will be three names on the ballot: Katy Fattaleh, Jodi Golm, and Jennifer Mitchell. These three individuals are wrapping up their first four-year term on the D106 Board and are running for a second term.
One D106 parent, Aquila Lykouretzos, filed the required paperwork to be a write-in candidate. To cast a vote for Ms. Lykouretzos so that all seats on the Board are filled, you will need to write her name on the ballot.
The Highlands School Board is integral to the success of our schools, and we greatly appreciate our Board members' excellent service to our students, staff, and community.
I hope you have a great Spring Break!
John Munch, Superintendent
registration for the 2025-26 school year and 2025 summer school is now open.
registration for early childhood education
NEW ECE STUDENTS for the 2025-26 school year will receive communication in May to begin the registration process.
RETURNING ECE STUDENTS should use the link below to register for the 2025-26 school year or the ECE Summer Camp.
Returning ECE student super long registration LInk
D106 offers a limited number of tuition-based seats in our ECE program. For more information, use the link below.
tuition-based program information
registration for students entering kindergarten
Kindergarten registration will take place by appointment from March 21 to April 11. Use the link below to make your appointment.
kindergarten registration appointment
registration for students entering grades 1-8
Registration will be open from March 21-April 6. Use the link below to register for the 2025-26 school year and 2025 Summer School Camps. Please note that Summer School Camps are only available to students who are currently in kindergarten through 7th grade.
Payment is due immediately for Summer School and by August 19 for the remainder of the registration fees. Credit card, check, or cash payments are accepted.
grades 1-8 and summer school registration
questions?
If you have questions about Summer School, please contact Ali Beiermeister at abeiermeister@district106.net or 708-485-3054. If you have any other registration questions, don't hesitate to contact the appropriate school office.
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