CCSD21 http://ccsd21.org/news/ News RSS Tue, 27 May 2014 19:29:05 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://floodlightdesign.combucket-band-clubs-build-rhythm-confidence-and-community-at-riley-and-londonhttp://ccsd21.org/news/bucket-band-clubs-build-rhythm-confidence-and-community-at-riley-and-londonFri, 26 Jun 2026 14:01:00 +0000http://ccsd21.org/news/bucket-band-clubs-build-rhythm-confidence-and-community-at-riley-and-londonMusic education is taking on a whole new rhythm across Community Consolidated School District 21 through Bucket Band clubs at Riley Elementary School and London Middle School. Armed with drumsticks, plastic buckets, glowing lights (occasionally) and teamwork, students are discovering confidence, collaboration and creativity…one beat at a time.   At Riley, the club is open to fourth- and fifth-grade students, while London’s program welcomes any interested middle schooler. Though the groups may look different across grade levels, the mission remains the same: giving students a fun, engaging way to connect through music. For Bryan Itzkowitz, general music teacher at Riley, the idea came naturally when he transitioned from teaching band into elementary general music. “I’ve always loved watching drumlines and bucket drumming groups that perform with incredible coordination and energy,” Itzkowitz said. “I thought it would be a really fun and engaging way for our students to experience that same excitement.” Now in its second year, Riley’s Bucket Band continues to grow. This season included 33 fourth graders and 17 fifth graders, with students learning everything from rhythm reading to ensemble performance skills. At the beginning of each season, sessions focus heavily on fundamentals. Students learn where to strike the bucket for different sounds, how to read bucket drum music, and how to stay in sync as a group before eventually building toward performances. “Every single performer is equally important,” Itzkowitz added. “They start to understand that when everyone works together with precision and focus, the result is something much bigger than any one person.” As the year progresses, students begin taking ownership of the music. During Riley’s final concert this year, fifth graders even helped arrange Katy Perry’s “Roar” for bucket drums, creating rhythms and performance ideas of their own. For fifth grader Noah M., the club sparked a growing interest in percussion. “What made me want to join in the beginning is I like drumming a lot,” the student said. “Now I’m doing band for percussion.” The student said some of the group’s most challenging songs included “Ease on Down the Road” because of its fast rhythms, while “Little Shop of Horrors” became a favorite performance piece. The growth over two years has been noticeable. “Well, I used to go really slowly while we were doing rhythms,” the student said. “This year, I’m getting faster with my rhythms.” Fourth grader Cecelia C. joined for similar reasons. “I wanted to join because I like instruments,” the student said. “I didn’t want to do orchestra, but next year I want to do band, so I chose to do bucket band.” The experience has changed how both listen to music outside of school, with each student saying they notice more rhythm in songs now. They also both hope to continue bucket band opportunities at London. Over at the middle school, seventh grader Kylie L. and sixth grader Violet P-F. say the club offers a unique opportunity that stands out from traditional music programs. Violet first became interested in the group after attending her older sister’s performances, while Kylie became aware after club sponsor Lorelei Seither, general music teacher at London, informed her. “I always enjoyed going to her concerts and found it really cool,” Violet said. “I was really excited once I got to middle school that I could join, too.” Seither said the club creates a welcoming environment where students can explore music differently while building relationships with one another. “Bucket Band gives students a chance to be creative, take risks, and work together in a really supportive setting,” she added. “It’s exciting to watch students grow more confident each week and see how proud they are when they perform together.” The students described the club as approachable and collaborative, even for students who may not have prior percussion experience. While both are involved in other activities at the middle school – for instance, Violet also plays saxophone in band – they said Bucket Band offers a different atmosphere. “It’s more chill because there aren’t as many people,” Kylie added. “If you mess up, they may just not know.” Beyond performance skills, Itzkowitz said the club helps students develop focus, teamwork, and confidence that extend well outside the music room. “Some students who start out a little hesitant become leaders in the group by the end of the season,” he said. For many students, the lasting memories matter just as much as the music itself. “Years from now, I want them to remember standing in the gym with their friends, the lights off, the glowing drumsticks, and the excitement of performing together,” Itzkowitz said. “If they leave with a love for making music, pride in what they accomplished as a group, and the memory of how fun it was to create something together, then we did our job.” ]]>board-briefs-now-available-for-june-18-meetinghttp://ccsd21.org/news/board-briefs-now-available-for-june-18-meetingMon, 22 Jun 2026 14:36:00 +0000http://ccsd21.org/news/board-briefs-now-available-for-june-18-meeting ]]>nspra-honors-d21-with-three-awards-for-outstanding-school-communicationshttp://ccsd21.org/news/nspra-honors-d21-with-three-awards-for-outstanding-school-communicationsFri, 05 Jun 2026 16:56:00 +0000http://ccsd21.org/news/nspra-honors-d21-with-three-awards-for-outstanding-school-communicationsCommunity Consolidated School District 21 is proud to announce that its Communications Department has been recognized with three Publications and Digital Media Excellence Awards from the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA). The annual awards program honors outstanding communications efforts from school districts and education organizations across the country in categories ranging from publications and marketing materials to photography, digital media and branding. Each submission is evaluated on quality, effectiveness, creativity and overall excellence in school communications. Awards are presented in three tiers, with the Award of Excellence representing NSPRA’s highest level of recognition, followed by the Award of Merit and Honorable Mention. District 21 received the following accolades:
  • Award of Excellence – Annual Report: A Year in Review: 2024-2025 – The district’s comprehensive annual report highlighting key accomplishments, student success stories, strategic initiatives and community engagement efforts throughout the school year.
  • Honorable Mention – Marketing Materials: “Know the Difference” Anti-Bullying Cards – A set of educational cards designed to help students, families and staff recognize the distinctions between bullying, conflict and mean behavior while reinforcing District 21’s commitment to creating safe and supportive learning environments.
  “We are honored to receive this recognition from NSPRA,” said Cassandra Young, director of communications and community engagement. “These awards reflect our department’s commitment to telling the stories of our students and staff, providing meaningful resources for families, and creating communications that inform, engage and inspire our school community.” NSPRA will formally recognize award recipients at its annual National Seminar in New Orleans this summer. (Russian, Spanish and Ukrainian versions of the annual report can be found on our website) ]]>the-june-2026-family-community-newsletter-is-now-availablehttp://ccsd21.org/news/the-june-2026-family-community-newsletter-is-now-availableFri, 05 Jun 2026 14:19:00 +0000http://ccsd21.org/news/the-june-2026-family-community-newsletter-is-now-available ]]>london-science-teacher-earns-5000-nea-grant-to-expand-global-wildlife-storytelling-projecthttp://ccsd21.org/news/london-science-teacher-earns-5000-nea-grant-to-expand-global-wildlife-storytelling-projectWed, 03 Jun 2026 19:44:00 +0000http://ccsd21.org/news/london-science-teacher-earns-5000-nea-grant-to-expand-global-wildlife-storytelling-projectLondon Middle School sixth-grade science teacher Tracy Crowley has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the National Education Association Foundation to expand a global science storytelling initiative focused on wildlife conservation and student collaboration. Crowley received the Learning & Leadership grant for her Wildlife HomeStories project, which will fund a research trip to Kenya in July to study ecosystems and climate change alongside naturalists and scientists in collaboration with National Geographic. The work will help shape a curriculum designed for global classrooms, including all sixth-grade students at London. “I really did not expect this to happen,” Crowley said. “I submitted on a whim and can’t believe it came through.” While in Kenya, Crowley will work with local experts to develop learning experiences that help students build empathy skills by “stepping into the shoes” of endangered wildlife. The curriculum will also explore climate change and ecosystem health through field-based research and storytelling. The Wildlife HomeStories project is part of a broader effort to connect students through narrative science writing using the ESRI/Out of Eden Walk HomeStories Map, a digital platform associated with National Geographic funded Out of Eden Walk. . Crowley said the grant will also help expand partnerships with schools in Kenya and other African countries, with additional plans to collaborate with schools in Canada. Students will exchange conservation ideas and stories while building global awareness of environmental challenges. Locally, the project will continue to grow its partnership with the Illinois Forest Preserves, where students will engage in field-based learning with naturalists and environmental experts. Crowley said there is also interest in developing a community showcase or public event highlighting student work. Natalie Milo-Nicolisan, assistant principal at London, helped spark a key local partnership for the project after connecting Crowley with an incoming family involved in forest preserve education. At the school’s recent incoming sixth-grade night, Milo-Nicolisan met a parent who works in the education department for the Cook County Forest Preserve. Seeing Crowley nearby, she said the connection was too important to pass up. “I immediately looked up and saw Tracy walking our way and said, ‘We must loop Ms. Crowley into this conversation,’” Milo-Nicolisan said. “After a conversation with the two of them, it was clear this was a serendipitous meeting for the ages.” Crowley said the goal of Wildlife HomeStories is to help students develop empathy, scientific understanding and a sense of global responsibility by connecting classroom learning with real-world ecosystems and conservation work. “Students need to research and then use empathy to imagine what home should be like for these wildlife and tell a heartfelt story that drives action,” she added. Looking ahead, she hopes to build a global curriculum network connecting classrooms through shared storytelling and conservation learning. ]]>meet-alexis-phttp://ccsd21.org/news/meet-alexis-pWed, 03 Jun 2026 09:03:00 +0000http://ccsd21.org/news/meet-alexis-p ]]>d21-to-launch-more-than-28-4-million-in-summer-construction-projectshttp://ccsd21.org/news/d21-to-launch-more-than-28-4-million-in-summer-construction-projectsWed, 03 Jun 2026 08:52:00 +0000http://ccsd21.org/news/d21-to-launch-more-than-28-4-million-in-summer-construction-projectsCommunity Consolidated School District 21 will undertake more than $28.4 million in construction and facility improvement projects this summer, marking one of the most significant investments in district facilities in recent years. Completed primarily during the summer months, the projects will focus on modernizing instructional spaces, addressing long-term infrastructure needs and preparing schools for future generations of students. The largest investment will focus on transforming instructional spaces at the district\'s three middle schools. Renovations will include science classrooms, family and consumer sciences labs, Project Lead the Way spaces, music rooms and student support areas. The work also includes new furnishings, equipment and technology upgrades designed to support modern teaching and learning better. “These projects represent an investment not only in our buildings, but in the experiences our students have every day,” said Superintendent Dr. Michael Connolly. “Our goal is to create learning environments that inspire curiosity, collaboration and creativity while ensuring our facilities remain safe, functional and welcoming for everyone who walks through our doors.\" In addition to instructional upgrades, District 21 will complete several major facility projects to maintain and extend the life of its buildings. Roofing work totaling almost $2 million is planned at Field, Frost and Kilmer. The district has also budgeted an additional $1.25 million for roof repairs at Cooper and Holmes. Other projects include asbestos abatement at Cooper and London, new sound systems for music programs, furniture installations, appliance replacements and infrastructure improvements. The construction work follows action by the Board of Education to authorize the transfer of funds that will help support the district\'s long-term capital improvement plan. Much of the investment is intended to address aging infrastructure while creating learning environments that better support modern instructional practices. \"Our community expects us to be good stewards of its resources,\" Connolly said. “These improvements help preserve our facilities while creating spaces that better reflect the needs of today\'s learners and educators.\" Construction is expected to begin shortly after the end of the school year, with the majority of projects scheduled for completion before students return in August. District officials will provide updates throughout the summer as work progresses across the district\'s schools. The summer projects represent a comprehensive effort to improve both the educational experience for students and the long-term condition of District 21 facilities, while positioning schools to meet future instructional and operational needs. [collapsable_section title=\"Our full list of projects\"]

Cooper

  • Bathroom and sink upgrades in Family and Consumer Science (FCS) and science classrooms
  • New lighting in the main stairwell, FCS, and science rooms
  • New flooring throughout the building
  • New whiteboards for FCS and science rooms
  • New appliances and furniture for the FCS room
  • New servers
  • Ceiling, painting, and sound system upgrades in the main stairwell
  • Asbestos abatement
  • Roof repairs
 

Holmes

  • Sink and lighting upgrades in the FCS room
  • New flooring in the FCS and music rooms
  • New whiteboards, appliances, and furniture for the FCS room
  • New servers
  • New sound system
  • Roof repairs
 

London

  • New boilers
  • Bathroom and sink upgrades in FCS and science rooms
  • New lighting and flooring in FCS and science rooms
  • New appliances in the FCS room and the nurse’s office
  • New servers
  • Asbestos abatement
  • Conversion of select science rooms to support the orchestra program
  • South Commons conversion for Project Lead the Way classrooms
  • Renovation of the front office and North Commons
  • New sound system
 

Field

  • Roof repairs
 

Frost

  • Roof repairs
  • Toilet replacements throughout the building
 

Kilmer

  • Roof repairs
  • Toilet replacements throughout the building
 

Poe

  • Boiler warranty work
 

Tarkington

  • Boiler warranty work
[/collapsable_section] ]]>meet-allison-lhttp://ccsd21.org/news/meet-allison-lWed, 03 Jun 2026 08:48:00 +0000http://ccsd21.org/news/meet-allison-l ]]>d21-transfers-20-million-to-support-summer-construction-projects-facility-improvementshttp://ccsd21.org/news/d21-transfers-20-million-to-support-summer-construction-projects-facility-improvementsWed, 03 Jun 2026 08:47:00 +0000http://ccsd21.org/news/d21-transfers-20-million-to-support-summer-construction-projects-facility-improvementsDuring its May 21 meeting, the Community Consolidated School District 21 Board of Education approved the transfer of $20 million from the district\'s Education Fund to its Operations and Maintenance Fund and subsequently into its Capital Projects Fund to support a series of construction and facility improvement projects scheduled to begin following the end of the 2025-26 school year, as well as future work identified through the district\'s 10-Year Facilities and Maintenance Plan. District officials said the funding will primarily be used to launch major construction work across schools throughout the district once students leave for the summer, including flooring replacement, restroom renovations, classroom and office upgrades, roofing projects and other facility improvements. The transfer was approved as part of the 2025-26 Annual Budget and authorizes the movement of funds into the Capital Projects Fund, where they will be used to complete planned construction and infrastructure work. Under Illinois State Board of Education administrative code, school districts may transfer eligible revenues from other funds into the Capital Projects Fund to pay for capital improvements. \"The timing of this funding allows us to move directly into a number of important construction projects as soon as the school year ends,\" Superintendent Dr. Michael Connolly said. \"These improvements are part of our ongoing commitment to providing safe, modern and well-maintained learning environments for students and staff across District 21.\" District officials noted that the Operations and Maintenance Fund includes property tax receipts and other local, state and federal revenues that may be used for capital projects. The $20 million transferred from the Education Fund will provide dedicated funding to support the summer construction schedule while also advancing longer-term facility planning efforts. \"This investment gives us the ability to efficiently coordinate and execute several major projects during the summer months when school buildings are less occupied,\" Director of Operations Glen Michelini said. \"It allows us to address high-priority facility needs in a focused and timely way while continuing to preserve and improve our schools for the future.\" District leaders said the upcoming projects are part of a broader effort to maintain and upgrade district facilities and ensure learning environments remain safe, functional and aligned with student needs. ]]>meet-lukyan-dhttp://ccsd21.org/news/meet-lukyan-dTue, 02 Jun 2026 14:57:00 +0000http://ccsd21.org/news/meet-lukyan-d ]]>