D57 to showcase Lions Park expansion with Nov. 4 event

The Mount Prospect District 57 school board will host a ribbon-cutting and informal tours at Lions Park School Thursday, Nov. 4, to officially unveil the expansion that was completed at the end of the summer.

Following the tours, there will be a Community Forum, with district administrators addressing social-emotional learning in the district's four schools.

The ribbon-cutting with village of Mount Prospect officials begins at 7 p.m., followed by the tours and the Community Forum from 7:30 to 8 p.m. Lions Park School is at 300 E. Council Trail, Mount Prospect.

"The Lions Park expansion would not have been possible without the support of the community, so we're eager to show residents how the new space enables us to better serve the students of today and tomorrow," says Superintendent Mary Gorr.

"We're also excited to talk to the community about SEL, which is so important during the formative elementary and middle school years, especially now as many young people are struggling with mental health issues as a result of the pandemic."

Gorr says District 57 has prioritized SEL because it provides necessary support for students, promotes a positive learning environment, supports academics and helps teach behavior and interpersonal skills that children will draw upon throughout their lives.

Eileen Kowalczyk, school board president, agrees that SEL is an important and timely topic that is well suited for a Community Forum.

"We've been holding these sessions regularly for several years now. They're always a great opportunity for community members to learn about and discuss issues affecting the district, and for board members to hear feedback and ideas," she says, adding that the board is also pleased with the way the Lions Park project turned out and looks forward to sharing it with the community.

The Lions Park expansion includes four new classrooms and an expanded multipurpose room/cafeteria. Gorr says the added space at the school, which had been at capacity prior to the addition, will help the district manage growing enrollment.

District 57 serves approximately 2,260 prekindergarten through eighth-grade students.

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