News from the Superintendent

December 2022
 
Summit Hill School District 161 Families,
 
What a great beginning to our school year, one which saw much more normalcy than in past years, and a general sense of everyone settling into a post-Covid school experience. We have seen an ever-increasing number of parents, families, and community members at events cheering on our students and it’s heart-warming to witness a community pulling together to celebrate our most valuable asset – our students.
 
In the coming days, you should be receiving the next edition of the Engage161 Community Newsletter in your mailboxes at home, offering highlights from the Fall. Engage161 aims to do just that – offer opportunities for our community to see what great things are happening in our schools. Beyond our newsletter, if you are interested in additional news about SHSD161, please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @summithill161.
 
Our theme this year across the school district is “Think BIG!” We challenged staff and students alike, that if they were going to be thinking anyways, why not think BIG. What a great thought as we head into 2023, something that we invite everyone involved with SHSD161 to do. Our “Think BIG” theme has led to some amazing results, academically for students and professionally for our staff.
 
And finally, what we have learned over the past few years is that in order for SHSD161 to be successful, we need everyone to participate and help. This is what defines us – this togetherness – and I couldn’t be prouder of our amazing staff and wonderful students!
 
Our goal for 2023 is to continue the school year with the same energy we started with in August and to so far surpass people’s expectations that they’re amazed by our work…now that is Thinking BIG!
 
Thank you for your continued participation and support! Happiest of holidays to you from all of us here at SHSD161. Sincerely,
 
Dr. Paul McDermott
Your Superintendent

 
August 2022
 
District 161 Parents and Guardians:
 
As we open the 2022-23 school year, our Summit Hill School District 161 team hopes you had a restful and recharging summer and that you are ready for another fantastic year, one that looks much more normal to start!
 
Last school year, we asked everyone who works at Summit Hill School District 161 the same question: if you were going to think big about next year - about your own development and growth, about your future students - what would you think big about? The responses were amazing and have become part of how we are approaching this school year for our students.
 
During the 2022-23 school year, our team will be focusing on this “Think BIG…” theme as we work with your children. There is a feeling of enthusiasm and excitement that is palpable, and our team is energized and ready to offer a progressive, relevant, exciting, and enjoyable educational experience to our students.
 
Here’s to a wonderful year!
 
Sincerely,
 

 
Your Superintendent