Elmhurst School System Shaping Its Future Through 'Focus 205'

District 205 schools will continue their efforts to shape a progressive program for their students Oct. 3 with Phase 2 of what the school board is calling “Focus 205.”

Focus 205, which the school district describes as a “collaborative conversation” between the greater community and School District 205, launched its first phase last fall. The effort was structured into four town hall-style meetings in which participants were encouraged to share their thoughts, concerns and educational priorities for the children attending schools in District 205. Meetings were scattered from September through December of 2015.

Phase I identified several educational priorities important to the area, including:

• A full-day kindergarten option
• Implementation of a formal STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) program
• The addition of a dual language option
• Systemic interventions and/or enrichments
• The addition of instructional coaches

A more comprehensive summary of Focus 205 Phase I’s findings can be found here.

Focus 205 will kick off with its first meeting Oct. 3, and the second is scheduled for Dec. 5. Both meetings will take place at 7 p.m. in the York High School Commons at 355 W. St. Charles Rd., and it’s possible to RSVP online. Childcare can be provided.

School District 205 plans to continue its work with Focus 205 between the fall and winter meetings through conducting a confidential online survey that will allow members of the community to input their ideas and concerns with the added comfort of anonymity.

Focus groups will also take place at each of District 205’s middle schools on Oct. 24, also beginning at 7 p.m. Parents of students across District 205 schools are encouraged by the school board to attend.

For further information about Focus 205 and its efforts, check out its webpage.

Above image via Shutterstock.