District 300 students return to classroom additions, new programs

Classes for 21,000 students in Community Unit District 300 began Tuesday.

The Algonquin-based district debuts its DREAM (Dedicated Reinforcement, Engagement And Motivation) Academy at Perry Elementary School in Carpentersville. The program aims to provide additional support in smaller classroom settings for 100 students in first through fifth grades who are struggling with emotional traumas and behavioral issues.

Several construction and maintenance projects were completed over the summer.

The district built classroom additions at Gilberts and Wright elementary schools costing $5.2 million. Each school got eight new classrooms and additional restrooms to accommodate future growth.

Paving projects were completed at Golfview and Perry elementary schools, Algonquin and Dundee middle schools, and Dundee-Crown, Hampshire and Jacobs high schools. Some schools had gymnasium floors refurbished and others received new kitchen equipment. Perry Elementary School's media center was refurbished to incorporate areas where students can create and collaborate on projects.

"We are using that as a pilot this year to start to grow that into more of a flexible space for students," Superintendent Fred Heid said.

Radios and cameras on school buses have been updated, allowing officials the ability to access video recordings remotely in real time.

District 300 is in its second year of one-to-one device implementation. Last year, all students in first through eighth grades got Chromebooks. This year, students in ninth through 12 grades receives them. The one-to-one program includes digital curriculum in science, English language arts and math.

Lake in the Hills Elementary School's new principal is Michelle Smith, a Jacobs graduate. She was assistant principal at Lakewood School the past two years.