Celebrating some of District 203's outstanding students

School is back in session for 2015 after winter break and we have much to share and celebrate with our community.

Naperville Unit District 203 has remarkable students. Once a month, at a board of education meeting during the school year, we recognize students who exemplify a part of our District Mission, our "Mission Makers."

These students have been nominated by their principals to receive this recognition. Below is a brief description of this school year's Mission Makers thus far:

• Colin Iverson, an eighth-grader at Kennedy Junior High School, was recognized for being a Community Contributor and Collaborative Worker for donating time during lunch two to three days a week to help during social skills groups.

Also from Kennedy, seventh-grader Olivia Nelson was recognized for being a Quality Producer and Self-Directed Learner for always doing her best, going above and beyond, showing pride in her work, and volunteering in and outside of school.

• Senior Baylor Griffin of Naperville North High School was recognized as Collaborative Worker, Quality Producer and Community Contributor for his pervasive optimism, ability to acclimate, and natural leadership ability, which caught the attention of his peers and teachers alike almost immediately.

• Morgan Ceresa, a sixth- grader at Madison Junior High School, was recognized for being a Community Contributor. She suggested that the lockers of special needs students be decorated for their birthday to put a smile on their faces and let them know that their birthday is special.

Also from Madison, eighth-grader Sophia Bezanis was recognized as a Community Contributor for raising awareness and funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

• Steeple Run Elementary School fifth-graders Ricky Yarshen, Brandon Tran and Cade Dimailigwer were recognized as Community Contributors for Center of Trash Control (COTC), which independently plans and carries out a cleanup of garbage on the school playground and field twice a year.

Congratulations to our District 203 Mission Makers!

Focus 203

Have you ever wondered how today's classroom compares to those of the past? One remarkable way education has changed is by the use of technology. We invite you to discover how technology plays an increasingly large role in curriculum and instruction in our schools.

Please join us at one of our next Focus 203 community engagement sessions at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, at Naperville Central High School or 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, at Grace Methodist Church in Naperville.

The topic will be on digital learning, specifically the district's Digital Learning Initiative, blended learning options, and Expanding Learning Opportunities consortium with Indian Prairie Unit District 204 and Wheaton-Warrenville Unit District 200.

More information on Focus 203 can be found on our website: Naperville203.org.

As always, thank you for your continued support of Naperville Unit District 203. I look forward to sharing our celebrations with you again in the coming months.

• Dan Bridges is superintendent of Naperville Unit District 203. His column appears monthly in Neighbor during the school year.