Our elementary schools are proud to offer a variety of educational opportunities and support programs to our students. Our rigorous core curriculum is aligned to the Illinois Learning Standards, which incorporate the Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards.

The elementary instructional program includes the following subject areas:

• Language Arts/Literacy (reading, writing, listening, and speaking)
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social Studies
• Comprehensive Music—Students in full-day Kindergarten through Grade 6 receive two 30-minute music classes each week. Half-day Kindergarten students have music instruction for one 30-minute period per week.
• Health
• Physical Education—Two 30-minute physical education classes per week are scheduled for students in Grades 1-6.
• Visual Arts—Students in Grades 1-6 participate in one 60-minute art class every week.

Resources

The following resources are available in support of or in addition to the instructional programs listed above:

• Learning Resource Center (Library)
• Student Services Team, School Social Worker, School Psychologist, School Nurse
• Technology in the Classroom
• Video/Broadcast Studio
• Instrumental Music: Band/Orchestra—Fifth- and sixth-grade students may join band or orchestra.
• Chorus—Chorus is a school-sponsored club that may be available for students in Grades 5 and 6. 
• Intramurals—Fifth- and sixth-grade students are eligible to participate in intramurals.
• Spelling Bees—Grades 4-6

Student support programs include:

• Academically Talented and Gifted Services
• Accelerated Placement (Early Entrance, Grade Skipping, or Accelerated Placement)
• Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Teaching
• Erin's Law - Personal Safety
• Reading Interventions
• Special Education Programs
• Multilingual Programs
• Special Olympics

D15 Homework Guidance

As a district, we believe that any work assigned to students, including homework, should be done with a high level of intentionality and planning. Student well-being should be considered and the amount of homework assigned should be age-appropriate.

We encourage families to identify a specific time and place for children to complete homework. If any concerns arise regarding homework, please contact the classroom teacher.

The following guidelines for suggested amounts of time to be spent on homework may be helpful:

Homework Guidelines

Citation: Hanover Research. “EFFECTIVE HOMEWORK PRACTICES.” Hanover Research, 2019. 

The following aspects should be considered when students are assigned homework:

• Provide clear instructions for students;

• Can be completed successfully;

• Are not too long;

• Can be completed in a flexible timeline;

• Use information and materials that are readily available;

• Reinforce and allow practice of previously taught skills;

• Are not just unfinished class work;

• Are interesting to students and lead to further exploration and study;

• Stimulate creativity and imagination in the application of skills;

• Encourage students to work cooperatively; and

• Stimulate home and class discussion.

Helping our students develop a life-long love of reading is important to us. That is why we recommend children set aside time for recreational reading each day.