Crossings: Half Day School

Half Day School

Address: 239 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire

Phone: (847) 634-6463

School Web site: www.halfday.district103.k12.il.us/

District's name and Web site: Lincolnshire-Prairie View District 103, www.district103.k12.il.us

Number of students/grade levels offered: 371 third- and fourth-graders attend school.

Number of staff: 38 staff including teachers and support staff

School mascot: the Hawk

When was school built: Half Day School originally was established in 1839, and its first students met in a one-room log cabin. When the school outgrew its quarters, it was moved to a two-room private home where it met the next 61 years. In 1938, the old frame structure was replaced with a new modern, brick building. Between 1958 and 1965, 11 more classrooms and a gym/lunchroom were added to accommodate a growing population. But the additions were not enough. The district built two new schools, and Half Day School was closed in 1983. The school was reopened in 1993 to again serve the community. Four years later, eight more classrooms, a second gym and new entryway were added.

An interesting tidbit: Half Day School was not always occupied by District 103. From 1985 to 1992, it was leased to Hawthorn District 73. When enrollment rose, District 103 reoccupied the building.

Principal: Jennifer Able

• She has served as principal for two years. Prior to that, Able taught fourth grade for four years starting in 1999 and then served as an administrator at Daniel Wright Junior High School for three years before coming back to Half Day.

• What is your favorite memory from Half Day School? "It is so hard to single out one thing. There are so many things that make this school special. The learning opportunities are so enriching," Able said. They range from the students state fair to chorale concerts and musicals and studying the pyramids at the Rivershire Nature Center.

• What do you think is an unique aspect of your school? Able said serving only third and fourth grades, they are able to focus on students in that specific age and grade level. "We become experts on what it is like to be 8 to 10 years old and what is important in their life," she said. She added as the students move onto grade levels, the school creates a close grade level class.

• If all school enrollments were determined by choice, like an eBay auction site for education, what would you say to potential parents to convince them to choose Half Day School for their children? "Half Day is a school that values children, values learning and engaged, enriching, active experiences. We promote best practice and are reflective on what's working for kids," she said. "For me, that's the measure of a good school. It keeps kids at the focal point."

• How has technology changed the way students learn over the past five years? Has that been a good change? Able said keeping up with technology is essential as American society and global society move forward with technology. Students can now research in real time and gather much more information using the Internet. They also are able to present research in new advanced ways and learning these skills at a younger age. But, she added, they also want students to understand technology should not replace other forms of research and communication. "There is still value to find information in a book or the experience to write a personal note as opposed to sending an e-mail," she said.

• If you can get one thing accomplished between now and the end of May in your school, what would it be? Implementing a new report card this year, Able hopes to be able to analyze the feedback received from parents and staff and implement alterations to the report card. Beginning to solicit formal feedback last January, she said results thus far are positive. But she adds they want the report card to be an instrument that shows programs in a clear way and consistently from class to class.