New year builds on last year's triumphs in District 203

The start of school is upon us and we couldn't be more excited at Naperville Unit District 203.

While we're thrilled to be beginning another great school year, I first would like to share some of our district accolades from last school year. We are enormously proud of our students and staff who continue to strive for excellence in all they do. And, as an early childhood through 12th grade unit district, our accomplishments are truly all of ours as so many of our dedicated teachers have impacted our students to achieve from the beginning of their academic careers.

To name just a few accolades:

• 29 students from both high schools received a 36 on the ACT exam;

• Naperville Central High School senior Siqi Liu was one of 141 students nationwide named a 2015 U.S. Presidential Scholar;

• The Naperville North High School chess team took placed first at the IHSA state tournament;

• Naperville North's girls cross country team came in first in state competition;

• One of the Naperville Central boy's relay teams won first place in the IHSA state championship swim meet.

All-day kindergarten is now in all District 203 elementary schools; we have an improved website and new mobile application to enhance our ability to communicate with our families; we continue to align our curriculum with college and career readiness standards, having completed both math and literacy and presently working on science. And, we are implementing a robust school improvement process across all 22 schools that promotes continuous student growth and achievement for all children.

Looking to the year ahead, there are some exciting changes taking place, ones that we have planned for through our Focus 2020 Strategic Blueprint and worked hard to prepare.

The Digital Learning Initiative, which provides personalized and individualized learning for students, was approved in May by the school board. This initiative will be phased in over the next three years, the first of which begins this school year with our high schools going 1:1. Every student in both high schools will receive a Chromebook with Google Apps for Education. Excellent professional learning and collaboration among the high school teachers, administration and staff took place all summer in preparation for the launch of Digital Learning Initiative in our high schools.

Also new this year, the district is hosting a Welcome to 203 Picnic from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. This is an opportunity for those new to our school district to connect with other families in the district while meeting representatives from their child's school and dozens of community organizations.

We have much to be proud of in our school district. We are especially proud of our supportive community. Your advocacy for children and your commitment to a high-quality public education results in a spirit of 203 pride that makes our school community amazing.

Welcome back to school! I look forward to a great 2015-16 school year with many accomplishments to share with our community throughout the year.

• Dan Bridges is superintendent of Naperville Unit District 203. During the school year, his column appears monthly in Neighbor.