Passion. Purpose. PROGRESS. Creating Futures2023 Dr. Alicia Geddis | Superintendent
2 CREATING FUTURES DANVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT 118 Ensuring each student reaches their full potential VISIT US 110 East Williams Street Danville, IL 61832 CONTACT US (217) 444-1000 FIND US ONLINE Danville118.org Edison Elementary School (217) 444-3350 Liberty Elementary School (217) 444-3000 Mark Denman Elementary School (217) 444-3200 Meade Park Elementary School (217) 444-1925 Northeast Elementary Magnet School (217) 444-3050 Southwest Elementary School (217) 444-3500 South View Upper Elementary School (217) 444-1800 North Ridge Middle School (217) 444-3400 Kenneth D. Bailey Academy (217) 477-0300 Danville High School (217) 444-1500 We began this journey in the spring of 2015. As a new Superintendent, I was immediately impressed by all Danville School District 118 had to offer the community’s youth. Now, eight years later, we have added so much more to the school district’s narrative. Our primary goal is to ensure that every student has high-quality educational experiences that support their learning and personal growth. We want our students to thrive and graduate from our high school with the skills, knowledge, and understanding to succeed in college, a career, in our community and wherever their dreams take them. While much has been accomplished, continuous improvement remains our daily journey. As a learning community, we have heard the request to provide updates using various communication mediums. We are starting with this publication, which contains information regarding student support initiatives, building improvements, safety initiatives, and curriculum enhancements implemented over the last eight years. It also includes a small part of our story as we worked to navigate a nationwide pandemic. That was a really tough time for us. We continue to see evidence of how the pandemic has greatly affected everyone. We hope you will take a few minutes to learn more about some of the efforts to improve Danville School District 118 and help us celebrate the tireless efforts of our Board of Education, administration, staff, students and parents. This publication is just the beginning of our efforts to change the narrative about Danville and our schools. We will continue to shine a light on the programs and individuals helping students succeed, focus on areas that need improvement, and work to maximize the potential of all our students. Thank you for your continued support! Dr. Alicia Geddis Superintendent Hello Danville Friends and Neighbors LETTER / connect
It is amazing to me how the landscape of education keeps changing and how our staff and administration must proactively continue to navigate these sudden pivots. I am most proud of how our teachers maintain their resilience in the face of such adversity. This publication provides an outline of the work we have done– and sets the stage for us to communicate how we will come together as a district and improve the educational experience for our students. Dr. Randal Ashton President, Danville District 118 Board of Education DANVILLE DISTRICT 118 3 LETTER / moving forward Hello from the D118 School Board CONTENTS / issue 1 5 COMMUNITY THAT CARES 7 SURVIVING TO THRIVING - OUR PANDEMIC STORY 10 SAFETY & SECURITY 12 SOCIAL EMOTIONAL HEALTH 15 GROW YOUR OWN 16 TEACHING & LEARNING 18 BUILDINGS & GROUNDS 22 NOT FINISHED YET
4 CREATING FUTURES F inances are a vital aspect of District 118’s commitment to providing quality education while being fiscally responsible to local taxpayers. The District now receives $15 million more without asking for major local tax increases. Through various administrative Source: Illinois State Board of Education School Report Card illinoisreportcard.com/district.aspx?source=environment&source2=revenueamounts&Districtid=54092118024 2015-16 School Year while Stabilizing Local Taxes Increase Revenues by $15 Million since CURRENT ADMINISTRATION ENTERS D118 efforts, the District is fortunate to receive a higher proportion of its revenue from the state government. This increase in funding helps bridge the gap and ensures essential educational programs, staff and services are maintained. While local contributions remain crucial, additional state funding allows the District to provide equitable opportunities for all students regardless of the local economic disparities and maintain the high standard of education the community values. District 118 continually strives to make the most of every dollar, ensuring that taxpayers’ investment in local schools has a meaningful impact on the education and future of Danville students.
DANVILLE DISTRICT 118 5 Our district is strong at changing and evolving with our community. As the community changes, we are working to IMPROVE AND FOCUS ON THE WHOLE FAMILY. We are doing a really good job of constantly evolving and doing better." Angela McCool, North Ridge Middle School T he service and care District 118 provides to the community goes well beyond traditional education. The district partners on an inspiring and little-known array of programs and services to make the Danville area a better place to live and work. Feeding the Community “One unique way D118 serves the community is by providing opportunities to serve the family as a whole, not just in the classroom,” says Zetta Piggott, Director of Food Services. “We provide extra nutrition in collaboration with Eastern Illinois Food Bank (EIFB) through the monthly Saturday food mobile and the bi-weekly School Market.” The Food Mobile is hosted at Mark Denman Elementary School, typically on the 2nd Saturday of the month from 9:30 am to 10:30 am. Anyone in the community may receive food. D118 hosts the event’s location and provides staff and boxes to help patrons load food into their vehicles. EIFB provides food. “The program started when the Board and Dr. Alicia Geddis realized there was a need for additional food for families outside school hours in February 2020,” says Piggott. “Now, we feed 100 families and approximately 300 people each month.” Beginning in September of 2022, the district launched a bi-weekly School Market where students and their families grocery shop at a rotating list of district schools. The School Market offers everything from meat and bread to simple individual meal items, allowing the students to prepare meals themselves. EIFB and D118 provide the food. The District team hosts, promotes, staffs and donates to the market. “We wanted to provide items the students could make for themselves and add to the dinner table when they needed more food,” says Piggott. Community that Cares Boys and Girls Club students “
6 CREATING FUTURES 100 FAMILIES (300 people) are fed each month through EIFB at D118 50 STUDENTS OR FAMILIES are fed through School Market BIRTH TO AGE THREE PROGRAM designated as a BLUE-RIBBON AFFILIATE by Parents as Teachers Program 275 STUDENTS in Pre-K Program The School Market serves 50 students or families each week. Support for Our Youngest Community Members District teachers and staff understand an early start gives kids the best chance for success. With that in mind, the district invests in children from birth to age five - before the traditional school age. District 118’s Birth to Age Three Program serves Danville and Vermilion County families. The program provides parent education in their own homes and at group events with other families in the program. Parents receive a minimum of two visits per month. The team consists of six home visitors and two central intake coordinators. The program serves 90 families throughout the area. “Our Program was recently designated as a Blue-Ribbon Affiliate through the Parents as Teachers Program,” says Chris Rice, Director of Early Learning at D118. "The program is viewed as one of the top Early Intervention Programs in Illinois.” The district expanded its two preschool programs for children three or four years old. One program is a traditional half-day program, and now the other is a full-day Pre-K classroom as part of the Preschool For All Expansion Program. These new Full Day classrooms are designed to support students transitioning to a kindergarten classroom. "Both of our preschool programs provide students with a full-time social worker and counselor for support and to teach social skills lessons in the classroom,” says Rice. “A solid team of 14 classroom teachers, 17 teaching assistants and a range of support staff help students transition from our Early Intervention Programs at the Birth to Age Three level to becoming full-time kindergarten students. Approximately 275 students are enrolled in the Pre-K Programs. “The Pre-K Program has taken off in the last five years due to the need for providing early interventions and support to our families,” says Rice. Giving Back The district’s many teachers and staff members volunteer thousands of hours every month to support organizations and causes in the community. “Our teachers and staff believe in supporting the well-being of the entire community,” says Dr. Geddis. “They volunteer their time in non-profits, community leadership, and churches across every community sector. I’m proud to see how our team shares their time, gifts and talents to make our area better.” Danville Sunshine Rotary Club’s donation to the Northeast Fitness Park DHS WECEP student volunteer bell ringers 6 CREATING FUTURES
I n March 2020, the world turned upside down due to the COVID pandemic. Education was on the frontline of entities that needed to create new systems with no previous blueprints. When the district realized COVID would be much bigger than anyone could have imagined, the D118 Transition Team came together to reimagine the existing teaching, learning and administration systems. They needed to develop plans to keep students and staff safe while developing new ways to educate students. Behind the scenes, teachers, staff and administrators began working seven days a week, all day and well into the night, creating constantly changing systems as new guidelines came to schools in two-week increments. The district team had to move – fast. “Within 48 hours, we had to figure out how to do everything a school does with no playbook or history and with restrictions we had never followed,” says MaryEllen Bunton, Director of Curriculum. “All of this was outside our normal setting, and without the tools we normally use. We had to rebuild school with new tools, in new locations, with new communication methods in two days.” Bunton offers the highest praise for the whole team. “They kept focused on the practical aspects of teaching and learning as well as the social and emotional needs of the students,” she says. “Essentially, hearts and minds first, learning second. They wanted to know the students were okay.” One of the first steps was getting supplies and Chromebooks into the hands of students. The team descriptively The DANVILLE DISTRICT 118 7 Pandemic and District 118 1 to 1 PROGRAM Every student has a computer called this early part of the supply distribution process “Turn and Burn.” School supplies were ordered, coordinated and distributed in a drive-through setup, delivered to the students' homes, or sent home in other ways. Chromebooks were provided to each student through a general district-wide checkout process at the DHS Field House. “One of the biggest changes I've seen is one-to-one, meaning every student now has a computer,” says Cheryl Learning during COVID-19
Swafford, a 3rd-grade teacher at Liberty. “They can take the computer home, and on remote days, they can continue to do classwork, take tests, and gain access to outside resources. It was a learning curve for the staff, but we see it as a game changer for our students.” Bunton says the district has a whole team of logistical wizards. “We can put supply distribution systems in place in no time if we need to; we have lots of practice! We used every method we could think of and then refined them based on feedback. Everyone pitched in. It took all of us, and everyone rose to the occasion.” The team developed, implemented and distributed a Remote Learning Plan to families that answered the most pressing questions involving teaching and learning, safety, food and supplies distribution, medical care, internet access, and so much more. Bunton can’t say enough about the work of the district’s teachers and staff. “We are ALWAYS proud of our teachers because they care so much about our students, and they work so hard to build relationships with families,” she says. “That became so much more evident during the pandemic. In the supply and food lines, car after car would thank us and tell us story after story about how ALL D118 staff members were going above and beyond to help our students. We see it all the time, but those stories don't get told enough.” The pandemic took a toll on the team. “The district went out of its way to help teachers and staff with mental health and stress issues during COVID,” says Jennifer Bartlett, an English teacher at Danville High School. Feeding Students Food distribution to all students was a critical piece in the COVID puzzle. Inside the district, the Food Service Committee distributed meals at non-contact distribution sites, including the school warehouse and via local school freezers. School social workers 8 CREATING FUTURES We have taken the best of pre-COVID learning and during-COVID learning and combined them. Some students flourished in an online environment. It was important to remember others did not. It reminds us of what we already knew: SCHOOL IS NOT A ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL THING. We were also reminded what happens at home has an enormous impact on how students perform in school.” Mary Ellen Bunton “ UPPER LEFT: WECEP students and McDonald’s team LOWER LEFT: Lunch Lady Apron RIGHT: North Ridge Redcoats heading to a competition in Manteno
distributed food using the Rose Gates Backpack program using First Student buses. Partnership with McDonald’s Dr. Geddis and the Witzel McDonald’s imagined and created a first-of-its-kind food distribution program. The district created and mailed postcards to all students’ homes allowing families to pick up meals at any of the three McDonald's locations in Danville. All Pre-K – Grade 12 students received breakfasts and lunches each week at the Danville McDonald’s locations. The Illinois State Board of Education quickly realized the model's value and asked that Dr. Geddis share the program details with all districts in the state of Illinois. “The project was Dr. Geddis’ idea,” says Deanna Witzel, co-owner/ operator of Witzel McDonald’s. “She was concerned about her students’ food insecurity because of school being closed. We’ve partnered with schools in Danville and Vermilion County for years, so she knew we’d be willing to help.” Because the Witzels have three locations in Danville, the team was able to serve students from neighborhoods across Danville. From March 25 through August of 2020, 62,961 meals were served to D118 students. Witzel says the response was nothing short of amazing. “All the families and students were so appreciative. We had three high school boys come to our Main and Bowman restaurant at 7am to get breakfast. They were hungry! Our team felt honored to help our students and families. It made us all feel so good to be able to serve our community in such an important way during a very difficult time.” The project caught the attention of McDonald’s corporation at the regional and national levels. “McDonald’s corporation was very helpful and supportive,” says Witzel. “They had to give us special registers keys to ring up the meals. They also provided nutritional information to help us figure out the right menu to meet the state guidelines. They invited me to speak on regional and national calls to explain our program. Many other McDonald’s restaurants and school districts copied our idea.” Partnership with Neuhoff Media Teachers and administrators understand the importance of reading and knew the kids would miss hearing their teachers read stories. They also were looking for creative ways to share instruction. With that in mind, the award-winning Teacher Time with Neuhoff Media was born. “We knew radio was something most people can access, and Neuhoff Media is always willing to partner with the community,” says Bunton. Beth Neuhoff, then President of Neuhoff Media, challenged her team to develop ways to help the organization’s communities. “She said, ‘Let’s focus on the schools. Let our local districts know, if there is anything we can do, we will do it!’” says Mike Hulvey, now President/CEO of Neuhoff Media. Before widespread remote learning existed, Hulvey and his team coordinated with Dr. Geddis and the district team to have local teachers talk directly to students and parents via the radio. “We stopped playing music and starting sharing reading and lessons,” says Hulvey. “Just what a locally focused broadcast company is supposed to do.” Teachers signed up to pre-record reading stories aloud for the radio program and asked questions about the reading. “Teachers were so excited to take a turn to help out!” remembers Bunton. The response was overwhelming. “We heard more teachers were asking to share than airtime available,” says Hulvey. “We heard from parents thanking us for trying to help. We even heard from listeners who said it was a good thing they weren't still in school because they got the answers wrong on the quizzes. Hearing that adults were leaning into what was being broadcast was funny and rewarding. Truly, our team was proud to be doing something to help the community. When they told their radio friends, ‘We stopped playing music and started grade school reading programs,’ that gave them a sense of real community service.” Neuhoff Media offered the same broadcast as a podcast on Vermilion County First.com. If a student missed the broadcast lesson, they could listen when it was more convenient for their family. The company expanded the idea into its other Midwest radio markets. They dedicated the project in the name of owner Louise Neuhoff who loved to read and was a strong advocate for education. The Illinois Broadcasters Association recognized “Teacher Time” as a First Place Award Winner at its annual meeting. DANVILLE DISTRICT 118 9 62,961 MEALS McDonald’s served to D118 students from March to August 2020 1ST PLACE AWARD by Illinois Broadcasters Association for “TEACHER TIME” RADIO SHOW partnership with Neuhoff Media D118 staff assisting with food distribution
10 CREATING FUTURES Making School Safe and Welcoming Danville Fire Department teaching D118 students about fire safety
T he best school safety and security systems create an environment where teachers can teach, and students can learn. This enhanced level of safety is exactly what is occurring because of recent District 118 innovations. “The district has a multi-pronged approach to safety and security for all school buildings,” explains Seth Oldfield, Director of Operations, D118. “Our top priority is to keep students and staff safe. Our security apparatus is constantly evolving to address the ever-changing threats schools face. The district has been proactive, and we will continue to maintain a strong security posture.” Some of the most significant safety improvements over the past few years include security camera systems in each building, the Raptor Visitor Management System in all schools, limited entry points in each building, exit alarms on doors not used for entry to the school, clear book bags at Danville High School and North Ridge Middle School, and weapons detection systems at Danville High School, North Ridge Middle School, and South View Upper Elementary. Visitor Management and Building Access D118 takes building entry and access seriously. Entry points to all school buildings have been reduced to one or two doors for the whole school. All access is assigned, restricted, monitored and audited. Exit alarms alert staff in the building if a door not designated as an entry point is opened or tampered with. The system prevents a person in the building from letting in a person from the outside. The most recent addition – Raptor Screening - occurs as visitors enter through the designated entry points. The Raptor Visitor Management System screens all school building visitors for sexual offender convictions using a person’s driver’s license/ID. The system alerts administrators and system operators immediately if a match is found. Visitors who pass the screening receive a printed single-use badge with their name and the area of the building they are permitted to visit. In the event of a positive match, school staff escort visitors out of the building. “The system went live at all school buildings in November 2022 but has been in use at North Ridge Middle School and Danville High School for over a year,” says Oldfield. “We piloted the system at both schools before committing to implement the system district-wide.” The district utilizes RFID technology to allow staff access to district buildings. In 2020, Superintendent Dr. Alicia Geddis required all staff members to wear an ID badge with their photo, name, and staff designation. The ID card also serves as an electronic RFID key to access the building. Security and Safety Every building in the district uses security cameras. Significant additions and upgrades have taken place in the past couple of years. Last Fall, Danville High School installed a weapons detection system. The system uses advanced sensors to discreetly screen for weapons upon entering the building without sacrificing the high school’s welcoming atmosphere. “We received positive feedback from students and staff regarding the weapons detection system,” says Oldfield. “They feel much safer in the building knowing threats will be caught at the door.” In November of 2022, the D118 Board of Education approved purchasing and installing the same system at North Ridge Middle School in 2023 with full implementation occurring in April 2023. Clear Book Bags Danville High School and North Ridge Middle School provide all students with clear book bags. The idea originated from a state school safety workshop. While it took a few tries to find the right size and quality backpack, the district has landed on a bag that is a good fit. “By having clear bags, we discourage contraband from being brought into the school,” says Oldfield. School Resource Officers The School Resource Officers (SRO) program is a partnership with the school district and the Danville Police Department. The three officers – two at Danville High School and one at North Ridge Middle School - inform, educate, and support the district’s teachers, students and community. Officers maintain a high level of visibility inside and outside the school, work collaboratively with D118 staff to recognize and address various situations, educate in the classroom on law enforcement related topics, provide crisis training to staff and students, and build relationships/rapport with students by being positive role models and mentors. Each officer is trained to be a school resource officer, specifically as Certified Police/Juvenile Police Officers with two years’ experience, SRO and ALICE (active shooter) Certified. They participate in continuous yearly training. “The relationships students build with the officers and how it fosters community, inside and outside of school, have been very positive,” says Oldfield. “They are part of the D118 family when they are in the role of an SRO.” The SRO officers also love their role working with staff and students. “Some of the unexpected positive benefits are how well the students accept the SROs in the school environment and how it reflects when the SROs engage with students outside of school in their own home and neighborhood environment,” says Danielle Lewallen, School Resource Officer. “The relationships between the SROs, students and staff are very positive and supportive.” Team Effort Safety is a team effort in the district. Safety committees from each building work collaboratively with the building administrator and the district operations department to make safety recommendations to Dr. Geddis and the board. The teams’ work means students, staff and visitors have the right kind of environment to enjoy teaching, learning, extra-curricular events and community activities. 100% SCHOOLS with safety and security upgrades DANVILLE DISTRICT 118 11
T he D118 team understands it takes a village to support overall student success. “In the last few years, we’ve had a culture shift to ensure the social, emotional and physical needs of students are met,” says Molly Bailey, Director of Special Education at D118. “D118 focuses on the whole child. I think that makes us stand out from other districts because we ensure we utilize the whole community. I don’t think the community realizes all the ‘out of the box’ things people in this district do for the students and families.” A caring army of school psychologists, school social workers, home interventionists, behavior interventionists, guidance counselors, and support staff take care of students' needs every day. Services include counseling, referral to outside agencies, assistance with clothing, transportation, help with food bags, and work with physicians to ensure a proper diagnosis, food allergy and medical information. Bailey estimates at least 15% of the D118 student population receives intensive support. The pandemic and changes in families and society mean student behaviors have changed, requiring changes in services and delivery. “We’re seeing more students who are dysregulated and have trouble with self-control,” says Bailey. “During the pandemic, we had to completely change how we did business. Teachers, speech and other therapists went above and beyond to figure out how to provide services in a virtual environment in a two-week timeframe. Special education staff was the first to provide virtual and in-person instruction simultaneously. I truly believe what the special education staff accomplished was remarkable.” Health and Wellbeing The district developed a unique partnership with the Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation (SIHF) to Meeting Social, Emotional and Physical Needs D118 students celebrating good behavior. RIGHT: DHS Band of Vikings 12 CREATING FUTURES bring medical services directly into the building at Danville High School. The innovative idea developed as Dr. Geddis learned more about SIHF through the community-wide Step Up project. “The more I learned about the services offered through SIHF, the more I realized our students would benefit,” says Dr. Geddis. “We renovated a space in the lower level of DHS to begin offering medical services to meet our students’ medical needs without ever leaving the building.” The project is funded through a SIHF grant. Thanks to District 118, the Carle Mobile Clinic is also available in Danville one Friday a month. It is now located at New Life Church. D118 schedules the mobile clinic one or two times a year, typically at the beginning and end of the school year, often at Danville High School. Any community member may access the clinic when located at New Life Church. Molly Bailey, Director of Special Education for D118, is the staff member who works with Carle to bring the Students
clinic to town. “The nurses and school promote the date,” says Bailey. “District nurses work with parents ahead of time to schedule appointments. Typically, we have at least one nurse and home liaison at the event to assist families and take their paperwork right then.” The program started two or three years ago. When the district’s centralized registration began, the staff scheduled a physician on-site to conduct physicals and a bus to the health department for immunizations. The results? “I know that our non-compliance numbers have dropped, says Bailey. Psychiatric Services D118 students are among a fortunate number of young people to benefit from school-based child and adolescent psychiatric services. Dr. Angela Mahome, MD, SC, a board-certified child psychiatrist, works with D118 students in person and virtually two Saturdays a month. “If not for Dr. Mahome, our families would be placed on a 6–9-month waitlist to see a child psychiatrist and have to travel more than an hour for the appointment,” says Lindsey Nixon, Assistant Director of Special Education at D118. “With Dr. Mahome, we have never had more than a month wait time for our families. If there are emergencies, Dr. Mahome has also rearranged her schedule to meet those needs.” Nixon says research indicates there are only 8,300 practicing child and adolescent psychiatrists in the US and over 15 million children and adolescents in need of the special expertise of a child and adolescent psychiatrist. “We are extremely fortunate Dr. Geddis helped District 118 secure Dr. Mahome’s services for our students and families,” says Nixon. “There was a huge mental health need that Dr. Mahome has helped us meet.” Homeless Students Coordinating the district’s services for homeless students to ensure they aren’t left behind is the job of Brandie Kuchefski, Title I Grants Coordinator (EL Coordinator / Homeless Liaison) for D118. She assists homeless students with enrollment and with other barriers. School administrators, social workers, and home interventionists work as a team to help students with resources, supplies, and other supports as needed. “We work together to offer as many wrap-around support services as possible," says Kuchefski. "Last year, we were able to begin having a tutor at the Women's Shelter to offer after-school tutoring services. As homeless liaison, I assist with enrollment, transportation, housing assistance, supplies, and other support as needed. I also work to build relationships with many of our community agencies and resources, such as Crosspoint at the Y, the Dwelling Place, VCHA, etc., to offer those supports to our students and families.” ELL Program About four percent of the district’s students’ home language background is a language other than English, and they need assistance developing the language skills required for school. Students have a mix of nine different languages other than English. The district offers English Language (ELL) services to build students' English language skills while maintaining grade-level content expectations. “ELL services are provided in the general education classroom and small group settings outside the classroom to focus on targeted language skills,” says Kuchefski. Laurie Grant, ELL Teacher at Mark Denman, says the district has worked hard over the last ten years to assist bilingual students. “We have at least eight or nine different languages represented across the district,” she says. “In fact, we welcomed eight ELL students into the District in March. Viscofan, as one example, brought many bilingual families to our community. Everyone works to create a warm, friendly environment. The teachers make students feel a part of the classroom by letting them share their language and experiences.” The district finds other ways to further ensure students’ success. “We keep our ELL students together in each grade level,” says Jeanne Wise, 2nd grade teacher at Southwest. "This way, they have peers at school to develop relationships and feel comfortable. It helps the students, and it also helps us with scheduling and resource availability." Community Agency Partnerships One unique way the district serves the community is through partnerships with community agencies for after-school Michael Remole introduces therapy horses DANVILLE DISTRICT 118 13
programs. “Each of these agencies provides specialized academic, social and emotional support and services to our students,” says Kelly Truex, Director of Educational Support Programs at D118. “We utilized ESSER funds for some of these partnerships.” Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) grants provided federal pandemic relief funding to enable schools to operate safely and create and implement a return to learn plan to meet the needs of students returning to in-person instruction after COVID. ESSER Partners include: • It Takes a Village Mentoring Program - K-4 grade mentoring • East Central Illinois Community Action - Tutoring K-12 • Gateway Family Services – Equestrian therapy at North Ridge and Mark Denman • Laura Lee Fellowship House - South View, North Ridge and DHS after-school program and lunch program • Project Success - an after-school program for K-12 students • DEF20 – one-on-one health and wellness sessions for DHS students “After the board approved the legal service agreements, each agency received payments based on the number of students being served,” says Truex. “This way, they could utilize the funds to start the program.” Agencies provide pre and post-survey data, attendance records, permission slips, and descriptions of expenditures. All agency employees were required to have background checks organized through the district's Human Resources department. When Truex attended the ESSA conference, she shared the Community Agency funding idea. Many large unit districts followed D118’s lead after hearing about the program. “With the shortage of teachers for after-school programs, partnering with our community agencies filled a need to begin closing the COVID gap for students and also helped community agencies recover from COVID loss,” says Truex. The Illinois State Board of Education featured D118 and the Community Agency model in the organization’s newsletter. “By working with community agencies for after-school programs, we are helping our community and our students,” says Truex. Home Interventionists When the Center for Children’s Services was recently downsized, many Licensed Clinical Social Workers were set to lose their jobs. “They knew our students and families, so we got creative to set up Home Interventionist job titles so we could utilize their expertise and knowledge without having the school social worker license, says Bailey. “This kept services in our community. One went on to get her school license and became a social worker. They assist our students and families with things the social worker would, without actually counseling in a manner that requires the school licensure.” Bringing Outside Partners In Research shows when services are brought to students, they are much more likely to attend appointments, leading to better outcomes. “Our social workers refer students to various agencies - Crosspoint, Survivor Resource Center and Rosecrance as examples,” says Bailey. Agencies schedule weekly appointments with students during the school day. The D118 staff ensures students don't miss their most important subjects. Rosecrance and Crosspoint schedule full days of services in the district. Many agencies do not charge for the services brought to students. "At Mark Denman, the district brought in Gateway Family Services equine therapy to help kids with trauma,” says Alissa Wright, 2nd grade teacher at Mark Denman. “We look for the right community partners to add additional support to find a good balance and the right prescription for our kids. We know students need more than academics, and we help find the strategies they need to cope." More Innovative Ideas Dr. Kevin Tan from the University of Illinois secured an R3 grant for additional district services. “The grant provided one year of counseling at North Ridge and KDBA from Two Roads Wellness,” says Bailey. “In the second year, that moved to Crosspoint. It also provided group/classroom lessons from the Hope Center in elementary buildings (Meade Park, Mark Denman, and Edison). This year an additional social worker from the U of I is providing additional lessons.” Students in the district’s 18–22-yearold program attend WorkSource and have a new option to attend Crosspoint’s day program. At WorkSource, they learn vocational skills while being assisted. At Crosspoint, they will learn various life skills, including pre-vocational, recreation and leisure. Northeast students being creative 14 CREATING FUTURES
DANVILLE DISTRICT 118 15 Graduating seniors in 2022 got a big surprise. Superintendent Dr. Alicia Geddis met personally with every upcoming graduate to talk about their future. The idea originated so students would make the most of employment, training, and education opportunities available right in front of them. Dr. Geddis didn't bring the students to her office. Instead, she went to them, meeting with each one at Danville High School. “She sat with students and listened to them, learned about their interests and hopes for their future,” says Kimberly Pabst, Director of Human Resources. “From there, Dr. Geddis guided them in the right direction. She worked with students on everything from college applications to job applications! She made many phone calls to area businesses, business owners, and organizations to make connections for our students.” Over several weeks, students filled out FAFSA (federal student financial aid) forms, completed online applications for education and the workforce, enrolled in college, and so much more. Pabst says Dr. Geddis wanted to ensure students know that their futures are bright and they have many people – in the district, at home and in the community - rooting for their success. Students, families and the community weren’t the only ones to benefit. “I can certainly tell you every time Dr. Geddis returned from DHS, she was smiling and elated by the conversations and successes from working with the students,” says Pabst. “Her care for our students was written all over her face.” Dr. Geddis continued meeting with the 2023 graduates and has expanded the conversation to include all sophomores to begin intervening before a student’s senior year. Growing Our Own Teachers 2022 graduating seniors with plans to become teachers were eligible for a life-changing offer. If the student enrolled in an accredited Illinois college or university, they were invited to apply for tuition funding in return for agreeing to come back and teach in Danville District 118 after graduating. “Dr. Geddis launched the Grow Your Own Program last year after meeting with all of our graduating seniors,” says Pabst. “After reviewing the applicants, we selected eight students to receive fully-paid tuition in the field of education.” The first-of-its-kind program encourages students to return to Danville and help fill the teacher shortage being experience locally and nationally. The Board of Education expanded this program to include any student graduate since 2020 who was pursuing a career in education. The program is also available for district staff members interested in earning a teaching degree and using it in the district after graduating. Plans are in the works to expand the program to help fill other in-demand positions like social work and psychology. The creative program is another way the district invests ESSER grant dollars to enhance teaching and learning. Growing Our Students in the Summer Beginning in 2022, all graduating seniors interested in teaching, trades, culinary and technology careers were given a unique employment opportunity. For the first time, the district offered the chance to work in the student’s area of interest – inside the district! “This was an idea brought forward by Dr. Geddis as she wanted to create an opportunity for our graduating students to try working in areas of interest,” says Pabst. “The program allowed students to gain valuable work experience. And we happily hired one of the graduating students as a fulltime employee in Building and Grounds.” For the last few years, sophomores, juniors and seniors at Danville High School, were invited to apply for residential and virtual University of Illinois Summer Camps. The camps were free to students accepted into the program. During the week-long camps, students could choose from education and opportunities in 11 engineering fields, graphic design, architecture, acting, dance, drawing/painting/sculpture, lighting and stage management, music and creating original hip hop music. Encouraging the Existing Team The district also developed an incentive program to help fill the hardest-to-fill positions. The program included innovative options to help pay for classroom supplies, loan forgiveness, incentives for perfect attendance, and payment for returning to school or signing on in hard-to-fill positions like special education teachers, psychologists and social workers. “In the past year, we have implemented a teacher mentoring program,” adds Jennifer Bartlett, an English teacher at Danville High School. “The district has partnered new teachers with existing teachers. This helps new staff members know who to call when a specific issue arises. And we believe it will help retain teachers.” 100% OF SENIORS Dr. Geddis met with before Graduation Growing Our Own DHS graduate
Teaching and Learning 16 CREATING FUTURES I nnovation to improve teaching and learning is the name of the curriculum game at District 118. The staff focuses on strengthening existing strategies proven to work well and looks for new ways to enhance student outcomes. Significant changes at every level are resulting in benefits for students and parents. Courses and programs to prepare students for college are an ongoing, successful mainstay of the District’s curriculum. In the last few years, career and technical education have made a comeback. “We don’t want to be gatekeepers,” says Mary Ellen Bunton, District 118’s Director of Curriculum. “We don’t want to decide for students what their path should be. One of the ways we do this is by exposing them to as many different opportunities as possible, as early as possible, so they understand all their options after high school. Whether it’s the trades, military, college or a profession the world hasn’t even dreamed of yet, we prepare them to investigate, develop skills, and be successful no matter what path they choose.” Bunton goes on to point out that the changes in education have been enormous. "I think the biggest ‘shift’ is that as a society, we remembered that a certified tradesman or woman is as important as someone with a college degree,” she says. “Helping students prepare for success starts in kindergarten. Exposing them to different career paths and options, knowing the training each takes and ensuring we provide them with skills to tackle any career they choose is critical and starts early. Schools need to make sure they expose students to all the options and then ensure they have the skill-set to the direction of their choosing.” Dr. Elizabeth Yacobi, former Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education for District 118, agrees and sees similar changes at the secondary or high school level. “I believe the focus on providing our community with a viable workforce by reinvigorating our Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs is a significant change,” says Dr. Yacobi. “While the pandemic slowed us down a bit over the past two years, it will continue to grow as students realize that there are many paths to postsecondary success. The Board of Education has supported our work in discovering new ways to achieve student success. They have recognized that not all students fit into one mold, and they encouraged pilot programs.” A few of the more recent changes include: Centralized Registration The District completely reimagined registration in the 2018-2019 school year. Always Improving Registration moved from individual schools to one location for all schools. The reason is so parents could benefit from a "one-stop shop." Along with school registration, school physicals and immunizations were offered on-site. Community agencies provided information and support services for all D118 families. The first two years of centralized registration utilized paper packets mailed to current families. During the pandemic, the District transitioned to an online process. The team brought back the centralized process during the summer of 2022, holding it at the Danville High School Field House. Opportunities to Excel Existing programs expanded to include more students and offer more options. Advanced Placement (AP) program in the United States and Canada offers college-level curricula and examinations to high school students. American colleges and universities grant placement and course credit to students who obtain high AP test scores. “We now ensure teachers can attend training every three years and that students can take courses with our teaching staff (or online when sections cannot be filled),” says Dr. Yacobi. “We have expanded a course to the freshman level - AP Human Geography - and continue to offer multiple dual enrollment opportunities." Motivating Academically Talented Students (MATS) provides special instruction for students to participate in projects that enhance complex thinking and learning styles. MATS expanded to include second grade and turned the 7th and 8th grade MATS program into an honors program at North Ridge Middle School. One of the D118 retired MATS teachers returned to the program and is developing a program that will meet the needs of high-performing students in each elementary building so they can receive additional exposure to complex tasks and problem-solving in addition to the core curriculum. AVID College Readiness Systems work to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college Danville District 118 is a FAMILY COMMUNITY of dedicated educators and support staff working tirelessly to promote educational success. The teachers, support staff, and administrators work collaboratively to support our students and families educationally, socially, and emotionally. So many supports have been developed to foster student learning and family engagement in the learning process.” Dr. Elizabeth Yacobi, former Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education “
readiness and success in a global society. The District expanded AVID to all buildings, including elementary and alternative schools. The program hosted an Educator Speaker and Dell Scholar at the district-wide summer institute. The team also adopted district-wide academic expectations to support students for postsecondary readiness. Project Lead The Way provides a transformative learning experience for K-12 students and teachers. The District creates an engaging environment where students are empowered to develop in-demand knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in an evolving world. College Express, a program offered by Danville Area Community College, encourages high school completion, increases postsecondary degree attainment, and provides a skilled workforce. D118 students enroll in record numbers, earning high school and college credits simultaneously. Dual Enrollment means a student is taking a class that will earn high school and college credit concurrently. Credit for the course(s) is placed on the student’s high school transcript. District 118 students can now choose from seven college track courses and four career track courses. Staff Collaboration and Innovation District 118 staff members do an exceptional job of taking staff development ideas and implementing best-practice ideas in the classroom. “I think our summer professional development opportunities are unique,” says Bunton. “We have coined them ‘open gyms.’ All summer, instructional staff come to the Jackson Administration Building to work on preparing for the upcoming school year. They collaborate, learn new things, prepare, problem-solve and create – always keeping students at the forefront of their minds. I don't believe there is another district that offers this opportunity. Our staff jump in with both feet and take full advantage. It is great to have an opportunity to work with them and support them not only during the school year but also during the summer.” Thanks to special funding through ESSER (COVID relief funding), staff members can participate in LETRS self-paced training. Staff members learn the best way to help students of all ages read while earning 12 graduate credits and being paid a stipend. Phoenix Program The Phoenix Program was a collaborative effort between the District and Danville Area Community College (DACC). The program started during the 2015-2016 school year with the idea of providing alternative paths for students’ career readiness and preparing qualified, motivated individuals for the workforce. The program served students 17 years or older, who were significantly deficient in credits toward graduation requirements. The students who enrolled in the program were given the opportunity and support to complete a GED and receive career skills training. The district administrative team interviewed and individually monitored the candidates while they attended DACC. When finished, the students earned a GED, 11 college credit hours, and a shop safety certificate. They were also prepared to take a certified production technician test through the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council and had a well-designed resume. The courses offered in the Phoenix Program provided the springboard into many current career openings in the community, particularly in logistics and manufacturing. Students participated in internships, which provided opportunities for further education and full-time employment opportunities. The program served 20 students. Career Certifications and Endorsements Graduates can leave Danville High School with more than just a diploma. D118 students can now earn career certifications and endorsements while in school, making them more prepared to join the workforce quickly. Dan Hile, the leader of the Career and Technical Education Department, shares the list of ever-expanding industry-recognized offerings: • OSHA 10-Hour General Industry • OSHA 10-Hour Construction Trades • OSHA 30 HOUR General Industry • Adobe Premier Pro • Adobe Photoshop • Adobe InDesign • Microsoft Office Specialist (MS-WORD) • Microsoft Office Specialist (MS-PPT) • Microsoft Office Specialist (MS-EXCEL) Big changes equal big benefits for students, staff, parents and the community. WHAT TEACHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT AVID “The biggest game changer has been adding AVID at the elementary level. It was always in the upper grades. Introducing it earlier helps our students understand the strategies and how to be career and college ready.” Alissa Wright, a 2nd-grade teacher at Mark Denman “AVID has been my passion for 15 years. It has come full circle. Originally it was very limited, and now it is district-wide. It has unified the curriculum in the last ten years. Now students are learning the same thing, no matter their building.” Angela McCool, North Ridge Middle School “The district is doing a good job integrating these common standards at all levels, including the alternative school, for students with different needs, and in classes like music and PE.” Jennifer Bartlett, an English teacher at Danville High School DANVILLE DISTRICT 118 17
"The facility is now state-of-the-art and includes three complete kitchens, new cabinets and appliances." The interest in culinary classes continues to increase, so the district may need to remodel a second classroom. Other significant projects include district-wide window, roof and HVAC replacements in many buildings. Visitors to the district may also notice Danville High School auditorium’s new audio, lighting, rigging and curtains and the new floors and renovations in the gymnasium and field house. The most significant changes occurred in the district's aging Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems. The systems were not energy efficient, costly to operate and unreliable. HVAC replacement at South View Upper Elementary is the perfect example. The new, self-contained HVAC units are independent, quieter, cleaner, and energy efficient. “Being self-contained units, if one unit fails, the others continue to function,” says Truex. “The units the District selected are a reliable and efficient HVAC solution for educational facilities.” With the old HVAC system, South View Upper Elementary's electricity costs averaged about $9,800 monthly, with consumption at 115,000 kwh monthly. With the new systems, electric costs have dropped by 52% and consumption has dropped by 55%. The District expects to save approximately $60,000 annually in electric costs. The same units are scheduled to be installed at North Ridge Middle School and Mark Denman Elementary, resulting in the same considerable electrical cost savings. “We’re proud of everything that has been done in our buildings,” adds Truex. “We have more efficient equipment and have made repairs to keep our buildings up, all while saving money.” 18 CREATING FUTURES A nyone who hasn't visited District 118's many facilities recently might be surprised. In the last few years, all buildings have undergone critical makeovers to improve efficiency and create better teaching and learning environments. Federal ESSER grant dollars funded the recent mechanical and renovation projects. The district secured several million dollars in grants and strategically decided to upgrade outdated equipment that was costly to repair and replace. "These were dollars we never had before, and the District made the wise move to invest in things that will last and are designed for future growth and cost savings,” says Skip Truex, Director of Buildings and Grounds. “The District is always looking for ways to cut costs and make the learning environments more comfortable and efficient.” One of the most visible projects is the renovation of the 100,000-square-foot '72 addition at Danville High School. The $11+ million-dollar project is nearing completion and includes all three floors, the basement and biology rooms in the older section of DHS. The renovation involves the E-sports room, AV filming and interview rooms, science rooms, collaborative rooms, art rooms, and a total remodel of the media center and library. A new elevator was another important installation at DHS. Another of the student-centered projects is the new Food Science Lab at Danville High School. "The project is great for the students," explains Truex. Facility Deliver Cost Savings and Better Learning Environments By regulating temperature and humidity levels, improving indoor air quality, and operating quietly, the self-contained HVAC systems can help create a COMFORTABLE AND HEALTHY LEARNING ENVIRONMENT for students and teachers alike while saving energy and reducing costs.” Skip Truex, Director of Buildings and Grounds “ Upgrades 52% DROP in electric costs and 55% in consumption due to new HVAC systems at South View
DANVILLE DISTRICT 118 19
20 CREATING FUTURES
DANVILLE DISTRICT 118 21 DANVILLE HIGH SCHOOL • New food service classrooms • Library renovation • Both pools updated • Dick Van Dyke Auditorium sound and lighting system renovation • Electrical systems upgrade • New medical clinic added in DHS basement • New elevator • New digital camera system • New windows and exterior and interior doors • Football field and bleachers remodel • Locker room remodel to include new changing rooms . . . more improvements to come NORTH RIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL • HVAC system upgrade • Security and camera systems upgrade • Gymnasium refurbished • Perimeter lighting added SOUTH VIEW UPPER ELEMENTARY • Roof replaced • HVAC system and controls upgraded • Sidewalks, parking lots and driveway repairs • Playground added MEADE PARK ELEMENTARY • HVAC and roof replaced • New driveway, parking lot and sidewalk repair • Ceiling tiles replaced throughout building • Walls repaired • Exterior lighting improved MARK DENMAN ELEMENTARY • Roof repaired • New fencing and play area • Interior painted LIBERTY ELEMENTARY • Roof replaced • Entire electrical system upgraded • New playground areas • Interior painted • Perimeter lighting updated NORTHEAST ELEMENTARY MAGNET • Building addition including new classrooms and cafeteria • Remodel in progress EDISON ELEMENTARY • New HVAC, electrical system, exterior doors, windows and lintels • 2 Classrooms remodeled for full day Pre-K • ADA compliant sidewalk added KDBA • New Lighting and HVAC • Expansion SOUTHWEST ELEMENTARY • Roof and boiler replaced • HVAC controls upgraded • Pre-K playground added • Sidewalks, parking lot and driveways repaired of Recent Projects and Improvements Highlights
22 CREATING FUTURES Ask Superintendent Dr. Alicia Geddis what the community should know about Danville District 118. The answers you get are an inspiring picture of her enthusiasm and passion for the students, staff, district and community. She’s more committed than ever to the district’s mission of ensuring students reach their full potential and to being responsive to the needs of all staff. You’ve been in the community and leading the district for about eight years. What would you like the community to know about District 118? We are dedicated to providing our students with opportunities to be successful, learn, and grow. Our team does this every day. We listen. We adjust. We change. We care for our students inside and outside the classroom. We want to provide every opportunity for our students to thrive. What two or three changes immediately come to mind when you think about the last few years? So many things. One of the first is the focus on our graduates' success. For example, back in 2016 we started the We’reNot Finished Yet! D118 looking forward to seeing our students succeed in the future
DANVILLE DISTRICT 118 23 Phoenix program in partnership with Danville Area Community College for students more likely not to graduate. We called students out; about 15 were in the first group. We decided we were going to help them make it. The students graduated with a GED and walked away earning certificates in the industry where they wanted to work. It was a two-year program, and our students did it in a year. I am so proud of them. In 2021, we also started the Grow Your Own program to help with positions that are hard to fill in the district and across the nation. The Board of Education agreed to pay tuition for D118 students and staff enrolled at an Illinois college and studying education, psychology, social work, etc. To receive the tuition reimbursement, the students and staff agreed to work in the district for a minimum of five years after graduating. Currently, there are approximately 30 DHS graduates in the program. I’m so proud of how our staff came together during COVID. One example I am most proud of is how students around the country were able to eat because of the pilot program we developed with the Witzels and the McDonald's team. We created a food distribution system replicated throughout the country. Tell us about your team. Our teachers love their students and genuinely want the best for them. I appreciate how our teachers take advantage of professional development opportunities to continue learning. They use their planning time to collaborate and work well with one another. They also take the time to be sure our students, staff and parents are heard. Our support staff is equally devoted – from the custodians to the secretaries to the TA’s to the principals, their work ensures the best teaching and learning environment. The administrators? I call them the gladiators. They are committed to finding a way for our staff and students. This administrative team gets it done! The Board of Education is invested in providing opportunities for our teachers to try new ideas. I especially appreciate their pledge to transparency rather than “image management.” They are creating an atmosphere for honest discussions about the issues we face as a school district which can be challenging—our students, staff and the community benefit from this approach. The Board is also dedicated to celebrating the district’s bright spots and positive outcomes that are too often overshadowed. And they look for every way possible to provide salary and benefits to keep our best teachers and plan for the future. Now tell us about the future. What should we be watching for from the district? Curriculum – We are continuously working to align our curriculum to better meet the needs of our graduates. Whether they are preparing for college or a career, we are constantly working towards their success. Safety – Last fall, we implemented the staff-recommended safety programs at Danville High School and North Ridge Middle School. We also added new safety measures in every building across the district. Now, we need to come together with our community partners to address societal problems overflowing into our schools. Graduates’ Success – We plan to continue the pilot program of meeting with every graduate, so they are prepared for their next step – college or a career. I want us to eliminate the gap or barriers that keep students from college or employment. Last year we delivered 65 graduates' resumes into the hands of our local healthcare providers. We plan to use this healthcare model and expand it to other local industries. Attracting and Retaining Staff – The Board voted to add a new position dedicated to staff recruitment, retention and communication. We know we need to improve in these areas and want to be the district of choice for teachers and staff. We're getting there. Helping Students with Physical, Mental, and Emotional Health Needs – We put healthcare services in our high school building to provide immediate assistance to our students. The SIHF clinic is now available to assist all D118 students and staff. We are also partnering with OSF, Carle and Christie to share information with our students, parents and staff about what services they can access locally. Buildings and Grounds – If community members haven't been in our facilities lately, they would be surprised. There have been so many improvements in every building in our district. All buildings now have air conditioning. We've also improved science labs, fixed HVAC systems, and installed much-needed new windows and roofs. The community will also enjoy the updated Dick Van Dyke Auditorium that includes improvements to the audio and lighting technology, seating and painting. We are committed to providing our students with every opportunity to SUCCEED, LEARN, AND GROW. Our team does this every day. We listen. We adjust. We change. We care for our students inside and outside the classroom.” Dr. Alicia Geddis Superintendent, Danville District 118 “
Community / District Relations Vision: Increase engagement with Danville CCSD 118 stakeholders to assess district needs, share district successes, and encourage district involvement. Goals: • Hire a communications/public relations specialist. • Increase/ improve access to information about the District’s programs, activities and direction. • Establish an on-going community advisory committee of Danville CCSD 118 stakeholders to include topic specific forums as well as acting in an advisory capacity. The District 118 Board of Education is dedicated to shaping the future of education in our community. Their primary goal is to provide a high quality and inclusive learning environment that fosters academic excellence, personal growth, and social development for all students. They are committed to making informed decisions that prioritize the needs of and support our diverse student body, support our dedicated educators, and engage with parents and the community to increase transparency and accountability. Through collaborative efforts and forwardthinking initiatives, they aim to prepare students to thrive. Currently, their vision and goals around five areas include the following: Student Achievement / Curriculum Vision: Provide grade-level curriculum aligned to graduation requirements that readies students for success in college and/or the workforce. Goals: • Identify and remove barriers to graduation. • Create opportunities to be successful in college and/ or the workforce. • Give teachers the freedom to adapt the curriculum to meet student and class needs. Programs / Services Vision: Meet the needs of all students, regardless of socioeconomic status. Goals: • Explore alternative education routes and opportunities. • Address the non-curricular needs of students (e.g., food, medical, emotional). Facilities Vision: Create state-of-the-art, safe, welcoming, innovative learning spaces. Goals: • Upgrade security in all buildings. • Invest in modernizing all buildings. • Distribute resources, adequately, to ensure stateof-the-art facilities. District Finances Vision: Manage and support all programs/facilities for the benefit of students and staff. Goals: • Produce an easily understood, balanced budget. • Review the financial needs of district programs and facilities. 1 2 3 4 5 Eye on the Future Postal Customer Danville, IL 61832 *********ECRWSSEDDM**** PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID DANVILLE, IL PERMIT NO. 861