School District U-46

✏️ U-46 Teacher Interview Day! ✏️ Are you a licensed or soon-to-be licensed teacher who’s passionate about making a difference in students’ lives? We invite you to our upcoming Teacher Interview Day — an event for educators looking to become part of U-46 and help make every day a great day to learn! Book your interview here https://bit.ly/3Reg29A Join us on Tuesday, April 29 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the U-46 Welcome Center! Meet with U-46 administrators, interview for open teaching positions, and even complete fingerprinting on-site if needed. Help us spread the word — share with any educators who might be a great fit. We can’t wait to meet you!

Friday, April 11, 2025 was Attendance Awareness Week Spirit Day! Principals, secretaries, bus drivers, custodians, and hundreds of additional members of our #U46Team showed their commitment to supporting regular student attendance by wearing their “Every Minute Matters” t-shirts! We would also like to recognize our local cities and villages that supported U-46’s Attendance Awareness Week by issuing Attendance Proclamations, fostering a community culture of attendance and supporting our collective effort to reduce chronic absenteeism. Although Attendance Awareness Week has come to a close, it is still important to finish the school year strong and remember that #EveryMinuteMatters

There was excitement - and snow! - in the air this week when a groundbreaking ceremony was held at Kimball Middle School in Elgin. Once finished, the work at Kimball will add about 53,000-square-foot of space to the building, including a new cafetorium, gym, classrooms and science labs. The addition and renovations at Kimball are an important part of U-46’s shift to a true middle school model in which 6th graders will join 7th and 8th graders in middle school. Thank you to everyone who joined us at the groundbreaking ceremony, including our Board of Education members, Kimball staff, District administrators, members of our Plant Operations team, construction company employees, community members, and elected officials. We also are grateful for the talented Kimball Tigers who kicked off the ceremony with music and the Kimball cheerleaders who brought the energy! #WeAreU46

#U46StaffKudos: Mercedes Alejandre was recognized by Lisa Jackson, the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for her work as a Student Success Advocate. In her kudos nomination, Lisa shared: "I deeply appreciate your passion for the work and the positive influence it has on students. Your vision, organizational skills, and the boldness and generosity you showed in sharing your approach with others mean so much to me and others."

Before Spring Recess, about 220 U-46 high school students attended the annual Student Summit at Elgin Community College. Organized by Elgin High School senior Mahitha Ratakonda, the student advisor to the U-46 Board of Education, the summit featured small group discussions on attendance, school safety, post-secondary resources and more. U-46 Superintendent Dr. Suzanne Johnson, Assistant Superintendent of Schools Dr. Annette Acevedo, and the U-46 high school principals all spoke to the students about the importance of their feedback during the summit. Students will take the ideas discussed back to their schools to help improve their learning community. #WeAreU46

This week, April 7-11, is Attendance Awareness Week, and U-46 is grateful to a number of our local cities and villages that are issuing special Attendance Proclamations to highlight this important initiative. These proclamations recognize U-46’s efforts to combat chronic absenteeism, reinforce the importance of consistent school attendance, and support academic success for all. This collective action also underscores the shared responsibility between schools, families, and communities in supporting regular attendance. We encourage everyone to demonstrate their support by attending school every day to show #EveryMinuteMatters #U46Community

#U46StaffKudos: Danielle Rubel was recognized for being supportive and offering encouragement as a Network Instructional Coach by first-year teacher Mariam Surtee. In her kudos nomination, Mariam shared: "Whether that's offering guidance, brainstorming ideas, or just being there when I needed a hand, you’ve been a constant source of encouragement. I’m really lucky to have you in my corner."

📣We’re Hiring: Secretary to the Director of Human Resources📣 School District U-46 is looking for a highly organized, proactive professional to support the Director of HR. This full-time, year-round Type C Secretary role includes managing schedules, coordinating communication, maintaining confidential records, supporting department operations, and more. Starting at $18.12/hour Strong admin skills & HR experience preferred Apply today to make every day a great day to learn!  https://lnkd.in/gVCqpDbE

#U46StaffKudos: Juan Fernandez was recognized by Wendy Witt, also in the World Language department at Elgin High School, for his service to the local community. In her kudos nomination, Wendy Witt shared: "Juan's compassion for others was evident as he led the effort to organize several student groups in collecting, sorting, and distributing more than 3,000 items in support of those who were affected by the Elgin encampment fires."

Construction is officially underway on a 47,000-square-foot addition that will allow Kenyon Woods Middle School to accommodate 6th graders as well as 7th and 8th graders starting with the 2026-27 school year. Thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday at the groundbreaking ceremony, including our Board of Education members, Kenyon Woods staff, District administrators, members of our Plant Operations team, construction company employees, community members, and Jim Breunlin, Village of South Elgin Trustee. A few future Kenyon Woods students even grabbed a shovel! In her remarks, Dr. Ann Williams, Deputy Superintendent of Operations, said, “It’s been said that construction is the act of creating possibility, and today, I think we’ve done just that.” #WeAreU46 #UniteU46