District 200

District 200 Newsletter

Tuesday, August 13, 2024

A message from Superintendent Dr. Jeff Schuler:

Dear District 200 Community, 

It is with great excitement that I welcome you to the 2024-25 school year! Tomorrow marks the return of our 1st through 12th graders, with our youngest learners in pre-K and kindergarten joining us on Thursday.

Our dedicated team of administrators, faculty and staff have been working diligently to get our buildings ready to welcome nearly 12,000 students back, and ensure our schools are equipped with the resources, programs, and support systems necessary for your child to reach their highest level of learning and personal development. We are committed to providing your children with an extraordinary educational experience filled with opportunities for growth, discovery, and achievement.

As we embark on this new school year, your involvement in your child’s education is vital to their success and sense of belonging. When parents engage actively in their child's education - whether it's through attending school events, helping with homework, or simply showing interest in their daily experiences - it creates a powerful connection between home and school. This partnership not only boosts academic achievement, but also strengthens our entire CUSD 200 community. Together, we're not just shaping individual futures; we're building a thriving, interconnected school family where every child can flourish.

As we look forward to a year filled with learning, growth, and new experiences, I want to thank you for your continued support and partnership. Together, we will make this school year a remarkable journey for every student in our district. Let’s work hand in hand to ensure that CUSD 200 remains a place where every child feels valued, inspired, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jeff Schuler
Superintendent
Community Unit School District 200

A Look at Facilities Work This Summer

While students and many staff members were gone during the summer, the District 200 facilities team was busy completing a number of projects at our schools. 

Below is a list of work that was done at some of our schools this summer:

Wheaton North High School 

  • Renovation of two bathrooms in the 100 hallway for improved accessibility. 

  • Replacement of three sections of the roof.

Pleasant Hill Elementary School

  • Replacement of several exterior doors.

  • Replace kindergarten playground adjacent to the building.

Hawthorne Elementary School

  • Update playground area and add new swings.

  • New asphalt/concrete around the back and east side of building.

Johnson Elementary School

  • Update concrete around building based on 10-year life safety report.

Sandburg Elementary School

  • Replace existing playgrounds.

  • New asphalt/concrete around the building.

Wiesbrook

  • Full mechanical update. 

  • Replace all ceilings and light fixtures.

Bower Elementary School

  • Replace gymnasium rooftop units and add cooling component.

Hubble Middle School

  • Replace three existing boilers.

Physical Security Work

District 200 completed physical security upgrades at all of our buildings this summer.


Elementary Buildings

  • Installation of NightLock door security devices on the doors of all classrooms and breakout areas.

  • Security cameras covering all exterior doors and playgrounds.

  • Improved front door cameras for visitor identification.

  • Installation of electronic door swipes at key priority doors.

Middle School Buildings

  • Improved front door cameras for visitor identification.

  • Electronic door swipes at key priority doors.

High School Buildings

  • Complete interior and exterior security camera replacement.

  • Improved front door cameras for visitor identification.

  • Electronic door swipes at key priority doors.

District 200 Staff/Student Celebrations

Wheaton North Bass Fishing Competes in National Championship

Earlier this month, Zach Widelski and Ty Nielsen, who recently graduated from Wheaton North and were members of the 2024 State Championship Bass Fishing team, competed in the Bassmaster High School National Championship in Dayton Tennessee. The duo placed 16th out of 273 teams. Congratulations!

Wheaton North Bass Fishing Team Competes at National Tournament

District 200 Welcome New Certified Staff

Nearly 120 new certified staff participated in new hire orientation August 7-8, getting to know our district, connecting with colleagues, and gearing up for an amazing school year ahead.

From classroom strategies to district culture, our new hires are now equipped to make a positive impact on our students' lives.

Parents and students, get ready to meet some incredible new faces who are passionate about education and ready to help our learners thrive. View more pictures by clicking here.

New Hire Orientation

District 200 Staff Mentors

Last week, 87 District 200 certified staff members attended training at the School Service Center to serve as mentors for new staff members during the 2024-25 school year. The goal of the mentor program is to support new staff as they adapt to the school climate and culture.

Each of the mentors attended a 90-minute training on August 6 facilitated by Danielle Moran and Scott Chedister of the Educational Services Department. The training provided mentors with an overview of the program and an outline of suggested topics for mentors to cover with their mentees throughout the year. Additional topics covered during the training included the importance of building a meaningful relationship between the mentor and mentee, how to navigate difficult situations, and looking through the calendar for important events and times of the year in order to plan ahead.

Thank you to the 87 certified staff members who will guide and support our new staff this year.

Mentor Training
Mentor Training
Mentor Training
Mentor Training

Wheaton Warrenville South Alum Earns Bronze at the Olympics

2012 Wheaton Warrenville South High School alum Thomas Jaeschke competed in the 2024 Olympics as member of the USA Men’s Volleyball Team! The USA earned a Bronze Medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics!

This is Jaeschke’s third time competing in the Olympics. He also competed in the 2021 Olympics and earned a Bronze Medal in the 2016 Olympics!

WWS alum earns Bronze in 2024 Olympics
WWS alum earns Bronze in 2024 Olympics
WWS alum earns Bronze in 2024 Olympics

District 200 High School Students Travel to Iceland

Students from Wheaton Warrenville South and Wheaton North high schools who are part of the District 200 Travel Club had the opportunity to travel to Iceland this summer. The purpose of the trip was to provide students with the opportunity to travel and explore, while simultaneously learning about renewable energy, career pathways, the effects of climate change, cultural aspects, geographical navigation, and history.

During the trip, students learned:

  • about the history of the herring market and the major contribution of women to the industry.

  • about bioengineering, fish by-products, fishing regulations, and marketing.

  • about geothermal energy (renewable energy) and its ability to power the entire nation.

  • about chemistry and geology in a lecture regarding tectonic plates and the tools Iceland uses to fight the impacts of climate change.

  • tried new foods such as the Greenland Shark.

  • how to use Google Maps to navigate our land area.

  • how to manage our time, self-advocate, self-monitor, and care for the wellbeing of others.

  • about Icelandic culture throughout the journey, however, playing soccer with Icelandic kids for three evenings had a major impact.

  • about whales and fishing.

  • about the political, geographical, and economical effects of the recent volcanic eruptions.

  • about the tourist industry / real estate industry and their impact on Iceland's economy.

  • about numerous career pathways that may provide new goals for our travelers.

  • how to break free from our comfort zones and explore.

To view more pictures, click here.

The District 200 Travel Club still has available spots for the trip to Germany and Switzerland next July. This trip is open to all incoming 9-11 graders. For more information, email Wheaton North High School Social Studies Teacher Keagan Castro at Keagan.Castro@cusd200.org.

D200 Travel Club
D200 Travel Club
D200 Travel Club
D200 Travel Club

Wheaton Warrenville South Students Travel Abroad

In June, 26 French and German students and four teachers from Wheaton Warrenville South had the opportunity to travel to France, Germany and the Swiss Alps with EF Tours. The trip was for students enrolled in the world language program at WWS to help promote further language-learning and broaden their cultural experiences.

Europe
Europe
Europe
Europe

PACE Summer Program

Rising fifth and sixth grade students participated in the PACE (Program of Accelerated Curriculum and Enrichment) Summer Program at Edison Middle School. For six action-packed weeks, these dedicated students dived into an immersive curriculum designed to give them a head start on their PACE journey. They gained a comprehensive understanding of key standards they would otherwise miss with their advancement, ensuring they're ready to excel in the upcoming school year.

PACE SUMMER PROGRAM
PACE SUMMER PROGRAM
PACE SUMMER PROGRAM
PACE SUMMER PROGRAM

District 200 Important Dates

  • First Day of School for grades 1-12 - August 14

  • Board of Education Meeting - August 14, 7 p.m. at Whittier Elementary School

  • First Day of School for Pre-K and Kindergarten - August 15

  • Free Mobile Food Market - 4:30-6 p.m. at Villagebrook Apartments in Carol Stream

E-School Bag