From the Superintendent: End of the Year Letter
May 28, 2020

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Thank you for your continued patience and support as we work together as a community to keep everyone safe and finish the 2019/2020 school year on Friday, June 5. The entire Worth 127 Staff appreciates your efforts at home in helping provide a continuity of education during Remote Learning in the COVID-19 era. With the end of the school year coming soon, I wanted to share an update on some hot topics as well as share news on exciting administrative changes. Please read the important information below and continue to watch the website for updated information.

Returning Chromebooks
On Friday, June 5, all Chromebooks must be returned to Worth Elementary or Worth Junior High between the hours of 9:00am – 3:00pm. Because Worthwoods is under construction, please return Worthwoods Chromebooks to Worth Junior High.

Final Grades
All students will receive a final report card with a 3rd Quarter and 4th Quarter grade of “P” for passing. Report cards will not be printed, but if you would like a printed copy of your child’s report card, please contact your child’s school.

Registration for the 2020/2021 School Year
Registration will be completed online through PowerSchool. When PowerSchool is prepared for the 2020/2021 School Year, you will be emailed – and USPS mailed – directions on how to register. Please do your absolute best to register as soon as you receive notification that registration is open.

Proof of Residency Process for the 2020/2021 School Year
You will receive information on how to prove residency for the 2020/2021 school year with your registration information.

Exciting Administrative Changes
This is my favorite part of this letter! As the District strives to move forward in numerous areas, one key focus area is in Curriculum and Instruction. Productive change starts with leadership and often by adding new dynamic leadership. Fortunately, Worth 127 has one of the most influential leaders that I have ever met, moving into a new district office position of Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Ms. Linda Esposito. Ms. Esposito has been in the District for 33 years, and she could not be a better fit for this new position. She knows the community, staff, and is an outstanding instructional leader. With Ms. Esposito accepting the Director of Curriculum and Instruction position, this leaves an opening for the Worthwoods principal position. Current Worth Elementary Principal, Tim Hathhorn will be returning to Worthwoods, where he started his career in Worth 127, for his final year before retiring. The fantastic Worth Jr. High Assistant Principal Ms. Maureen Eichstaedt will now be serving Worth 127 as the Worth Elementary Principal. Ms. Eichstaedt is an outstanding leader with a passion for providing avenues for every student to grow academically and socially. The new Worth Jr. High Assistant Principal will be Mr. Jason Tooth. Mr. Tooth comes to Worth 127 from Gurrie Middle School in LaGrange School District 105, where he currently serves as an eighth grade Math teacher as well as a team leader. He will be a great addition to Worth Jr. High and the administrative team.

I know many of you have questions about students returning in the fall. It is my greatest hope that the summer months will bring good news with Illinois rebounding from this pandemic. The Worth 127 staff is planning for students to return, as well as planning for the use of Remote Learning as needed. When registration opens, it is critical to register your children so that the District can assign teachers, prepare materials, and have an accurate count of students. We will continue to aggressively monitor the status of the State and wait for additional guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education and the Governor. As always, you will be provided information and updates as soon as we receive any new information.

This school year will be remembered for generations to come. I remain encouraged by your flexibility and thank you for your patience and understanding. We are all in this together. #WeAreWorth127

Thank you,

Dr. Mark T. Fleming
Superintendent