Prospect Heights School District 23 Transitions to Grade Level Centers

This fall, the three elementary schools in Prospect Heights District 23, Betsy Ross, Anne Sullivan, and Eisenhower, converted to Grade Level Centers (GLCs). All students in the same grade district-wide now attend the same school.

It was a big change for everyone – students, teachers, parents, and staff. But the transition was carried out successfully thanks to detailed planning.

Once the Board of Education voted last January to go to GLCs, planning went into high gear. From parent volunteers to staff, everyone did their part to insure that things would run smoothly and learning would take place the moment the students stepped through the doors in August.

“Having a short timeline made it a greater priority for everyone involved,” said Superintendent Dr. Gregory Guarrine. “We looked at every person in every position to execute an effective plan. Our entire team worked extremely hard to accomplish this as expeditiously as possible with minimal disruption to students. The time and effort focused on the transition made it a success.”

The physical moves among the three buildings went off without a hitch, and at minimal cost (less than $5,000) to the District, thanks to Maintenance Supervisor Ron DeGeorge and his staff. Teachers, on the other hand, faced the challenge of being part of a new team – many in a new building and a new classroom. This was quite a change for those who had been in the same spot for upwards of 25 years. However, their willingness to work with the new configuration resulted in consistency in planning at all grade levels.

Parents are getting used to a new building, too. Most have offered positive feedback. According to Anne Marie Thomas, who was part of the committee that sought library volunteers for the transition, parents from all three schools have been very helpful and involved. She has observed some differences this year.

“I drive my daughter to school and have noticed there are fewer cars in the lot,” said Mrs. Thomas. “It does get a bit congested at times when the buses are pulling out, but nothing that a minute or two of patience can't resolve.”

As for her second-grader, Mrs. Thomas reports that the change has had very little impact on her. “Frankly, I hardly think she has noticed! She has met many new children and remains close to most of her ‘old' friends.”

Diana Hrametz credits the teachers with how well the school year is going for her three children. “These compassionate teachers have allowed the children to interact with each other in such a positive way that it has benefited them both personally and academically and helped with the transition. When my children are happy socially, they also excel academically.”

This feedback is consistent with Dr. Guarrine's impressions. “Change is always difficult, but it is harder for adults than kids,” he said. “I've been in every classroom in the District and the youngsters have settled in nicely. I see the same wonderful kids and lots of smiling faces. The children are just fine.”

As times goes on, Assistant Superintendent Deb Wilson also expects to see social and emotional benefits for the middle school students.

“We draw from four different communities, so our students will have an opportunity to get acquainted with all their classmates at an earlier age. As they move to MacArthur, they will be more comfortable already knowing everyone."