Dist. 204 rally celebrates student achievement
New Superintendent Kathy Birkett stole the show Monday during a back-to-school celebration with roughly 3,000 Indian Prairie Unit District 204 staff members.
Most of Indian Prairie's faculty gathered in the auditorium of Calvary Church in Naperville for a two-hour pep rally in preparation for the start of classes Thursday for 29,000 students in the district that serves portions of Naperville, Aurora, Plainfield and Bolingbrook.
In recent years, superintendents have tried different approaches to motivate teachers preparing for the new year. Birkett's was to turn the celebration's focus to the students.
The District 204 Step Team kicked the show off, along with performances by Fischer Middle School's chorus and all three high schools' marching bands.
"I hope you all feel a different vibe in the room. This is about kids. Aren't we all about kids?" Birkett asked to a rousing ovation. "I've sat in your shoes, where you are right now, through five superintendents. I have heard very serious talks. I have heard jovial ones. I have sung songs. I have recited poems and I have watched slide shows. I'm not gonna do any of that. I'm sorry."
Birkett officially took the superintendent's reins on July 1. She has served the district in numerous capacities since 1979, most recently as deputy superintendent.
During her first year leading Indian Prairie, Birkett told teachers they will be focusing on three goals: improving communication among themselves and the community, improving district finances and, "most importantly," improving student achievement.
"I know how hard you have all been working to bring up all the students who have not been achieving and to challenge those that are achieving above and beyond. We need you to continue to do that great work," she said. "You work your hind-ends off and I know it and I will continue to appreciate it in this role."
School board President Curt Bradshaw, a 1990 graduate of Waubonsie Valley High School, also addressed the faculty and recounted how a one-minute discussion with a geography teacher helped him reach his full potential.
Bradshaw, who is now an executive director at Morgan Stanley, urged all faculty members and administrators in the district to strive to leave a similar mark on all their students.