This year-end episode of the Voices of D303 podcast spotlights three outstanding members of our Class of 2025–James Shimon, Ellen Jahoda, and Tanner Karsjen. They talk with Dr. Gordon about finding their pathways and their “people,” as well as the experiences they most treasure and most look forward to as they get ready to head off to college.

Effective Collaboration is one of three key priorities in the District 303 Strategic Plan, and Professional Learning Communities, or PLCs, play a vital role in bringing this priority to life. PLCs are thriving in every school across the district, including Corron Elementary, where educators are seeing a significant impact from collaborative teaching. Corron Principal Christine Balaskovits and 5th Grade PLC Leader Erik Robinson recently joined the Voices of District 303 podcast to share their insights on what makes PLCs so effective.

A key theme of their discussion was the importance of vulnerability—teachers openly sharing data and welcoming peer feedback. Even veteran educators are prioritizing transparency and continuously reflecting on their strategies to ensure the best outcomes for students.

“Because it’s all about the students, they’re not afraid to ask for help,” Balaskovits said. “Just because you’re the leader doesn’t mean you’re always going to have the best data, the most growth.”

Many PLCs, including Robinson’s, bring together educators with a range of experience levels. This mix of perspectives allows teams to blend time-tested teaching strategies with innovative, research-based approaches to enhance student learning. Robinson explained how this collaboration leads to dynamic problem-solving.

“We are bringing not only the old tried and true methods, but we are also bringing the new methods that research is uncovering. We’re able to try a lot of different things to see what works,” he said. “Some classes try one thing, other classes try another thing, we all come together to see what’s working, what we can go forward with, what do we need to adjust, what did you do that I want to try, or what can I give you that you might want to try to help your students achieve more.”

For many educators in District 303, formative assessments serve as a diagnostic tool, helping them to analyze the effectiveness of their teaching methods. Receiving real-time feedback on student achievement encourages flexibility, as instructors are able to tailor lessons to each individual class and revisit concepts that kids may be struggling with.

Tina King, Senior Director of Learning and Teaching, compares formative assessment data to mission control.

“If I don’t get good feedback along the way when we’re flying the shuttle, we’re not going to hit that target,” King said. “[Formative assessment] is that super clarity for teachers on learning targets and that input along the way, so we don’t get to the end of a unit of study and realize that we didn’t get students where they need to be.”

Formative assessments can take many different forms, from entrance slips, to homework checks, to short quizzes. Jennifer Anderson, Math Department Chair at St. Charles North, believes that no matter how they look, formative assessments emphasize ongoing learning, rather than one-time evaluations.

“That’s really important for students to be explaining their work as they go because then those misconceptions can come to light. That’s our teaching moment, for our teachers to jump in and say ‘I’d like to add on to that’ or provide some clarification,” Anderson said. “Or turn it to other students [and ask] ‘anybody want to add to this?’ to help provide and get that conversation going amongst them.”

Extracurricular academic programs or internships take learning outside of the classroom and can be instrumental for students looking to discover their passions. St. Charles East juniors Kunal Gaind and Rahil Bukhari recently joined the Voices of District 303 podcast to talk about what they’ve learned by getting involved.

Kunal discussed how rewarding it was to take STEM classes at Johns Hopkins University, while Rahil shared that volunteering to learn more about health care professions through the Northwestern Medicine Discovery Program was a life-changing experience.

“(I learned a lot that was) science-related: this is how we analyze DNA, this is how we approach patients,” said Rahil. “But I think something more valuable is honestly the rudimentary skills you learn. Just having empathy for other people and learning the value of kindness.”

Now, the pair is encouraging other D303 students to seek out similar opportunities. Working with East teachers and administrators, they’ve created a spreadsheet that details some of the summer programs in the area, laying out any associated costs and how to apply.

“Ultimately, at the end of the day, we’re all residents of St. Charles and we all want these amazing opportunities,” said Kunal. “We all care for our futures.”

The students also talked about the importance of self-advocacy, and discussed ways to take ownership of your own learning.

District 303 graduates Cheryl Denz, Rick Gibson, Jeffrey LaDeur, and Karen Schmidt were recently honored as the Distinguished Alumni Class of 2024. As part of their return to their former schools, the four award winners joined the Voices of D303 podcast to discuss the honor and what it means to be recognized.

“My time at this school is very close to my heart, but I haven’t lived here in 15 years,” said LaDeur, a 2004 graduate of East High School who now works as a successful pianist and music mentor. “It brought back a lot of beautiful memories and gratitude for this place–just a real honor.”

The alumni offered advice for current students, emphasizing that they remember what it’s like to be young and unsure what lies ahead.

“Not every kid is the star student,” shared Denz, a 1991 graduate of St. Charles High School who still lives in the area and provides mental health support to children as a licensed counselor. “I wasn’t that kid, but I still had a lot of potential and I still had the wherewithal to succeed and hopefully make a difference in the world. It doesn’t necessarily start in high school, and that’s okay.”

Several honorees also reflected on their time in District 303, and how they believe the educational system has progressed since they attended school.

“I was impressed by a lot of the different opportunities that are given today,” said Gibson, a 1985 graduate of St. Charles High School and lawyer who has also joined with his wife, Beth, to create a non-profit focused on improving the lives of children with Down Syndrome. “(Classes in) business, accounting, marketing–all those different disciplines that we didn’t have an opportunity in. It’s really refreshing to see that District 303 continues to evolve and keep up with the demands of the world.”

All of the graduates agreed that they enjoyed the chance to pay it forward by meeting with current students and staff.

“As a parent, I’m sure that there’s a little bit of uncertainty of what happens when the student walks out the front door,” said Karen Schmidt, a 1996 graduate of St. Charles High School who works as the managing partner at an executive search firm. “Every single parent of every single student I interacted with should know with certainty that their kids are making them proud by how they went into those conversations (with us).”

Learn more about the Distinguished Alumni recipients on the District 303 website.

District 303 educators are embracing new brain research that suggests that caring teachers can alter a student's brain chemistry for the better. Gifted Coordinator Yvette Stahl cites one study that showed students may respond more favorably to stressful situations when in the presence of a trusted adult.

“The results were clear, and they weren’t behavioral in nature- they were biochemical. Those children who had an established caring adult in the room with them did not have any of the stress hormone release,” said Stahl.

The research is reinforcing for educators the value of building relationships to improve classroom learning.

For Jackie Balster, AT Math Teacher at Ferson Creek, it means thinking about “how I can best support them and create a caring environment where they can really thrive.”

East Science Teacher Ben Provencher adds it’s important to be open with students about the “why” of this work.

“You don’t have to hide the punchline,” he said. “I think it’s important that we are transparent and make kids feel comfortable.”

Homecoming week is a time for high schoolers to showcase their school pride while making lifelong memories. Three students who are involved in planning their school’s homecoming celebrations recently joined the Voices of District 303 podcast to discuss their favorite traditions at both East and North, and offer advice to underclassmen who may not know about all the different ways that they can participate.

Between Small Games competitions, class volleyball, and the parade and football game, organizers stressed that there is something for everyone.

“It’s not about always winning- it’s honestly just about having fun,” said Haylee Kaliski, a junior and member of the Student Council Executive Board at East. “It’s so much fun to see your whole school community come together. Seeing the school spirit, especially when you drive down Main Street and see all the windows, the golf carts, everything like that.”

Anna Gagne, a senior at North who serves as the student body president, talked about how there are plenty of opportunities to get involved early.

“Ask questions if you don’t know what time an event is, or what an event is, or what’s happening in homecoming week. Ask someone, ask a teacher, ask someone who is in the student council who might be involved, ask a friend who might be very well-aware,” Gagne said. “ You don’t have to compete, but you could go. Because the spirit that you’re giving, the cheers that you’re making, it goes to your team. And it brings a lot of positive energy as well.”

Aliya Clayton, senior class president at North, shared how she was apprehensive about going to events as a freshman before ultimately finding her friend group.

“You’ll set yourself up for so much success, meet so many new friends and staff members, students that you’ve never seen before. I think you should put yourself out there- who cares if you don’t have a date?”

Homecoming week at St. Charles East starts September 9, with the parade and football game taking place on September 13.

Homecoming week at St. Charles North starts September 23, with the parade and football game taking place on September 27.

High school is a transformational time for students, as they begin to establish their independence as young adults. Four members of Dr. Gordon’s Superintendent Student Advisory Council recently joined the Voices of District 303 podcast to talk about their high school experiences and share secrets for success.

One key takeaway from their conversation was the importance of getting involved.

“While academics are such a big important thing, having the different clubs and extracurriculars to be a part of, that gives you more of a drive to go to school. You meet so many new people, and you learn so many different skills. It really changes your perspective on school, and it made it a better place for me,” said Maddy Spaeth, a senior at East High School.

Each student detailed how devoting time to hobbies and passions outside of the classroom has helped them develop into more well-rounded people. These experiences gave them the chance to discover new talents, increase social interactions with peers who shared similar interests, and improve time management skills.

“It does get pretty hectic and busy sometimes, and there’s definitely a balancing act to it,” said Evan Reck, a junior at North High School. “But I do think you should try to do as many things as you can, within reason. That’s how you’re going to find the most friends and opportunities.”

They also addressed misconceptions that people might have about high schoolers, as well as how to navigate peer pressure.

“I just feel like it’s very important to say no, and to learn to say no, because I was never someone who would say no to anyone. Now, I constantly say no if that’s not something I align with,” said Nishi Patel, a senior at East High School. “The first time is hard, but eventually it gets easier-just take the first leap.”

The students took time to celebrate educators who have been influential to their academic journeys and their view on what makes a great teacher.

“I would say the majority, if not all, of our teachers are exemplary at what they’re teaching. But I think moving past that, it’s the relationships built that really makes someone their favorite teacher,” said Keshav Gupta, a senior at North High School. “The times they might see them in the hallway or outside of school and spark that conversation. It’s the little things, those extra moments.”