Marengo-Union

Fall is a wonderful time of the year where the colors of the trees are brilliant, the air is crisp, and football consumes our Friday nights as we cheer for our home teams and watch our marching bands step in time.  That is what is so wonderful about living in small towns like Marengo and Union.  Last weekend was Settler’s Days and the weekend festivities provided lots of opportunities for family fun.  Even the weather cooperated.  As I walked in the parade on Sunday with the District 165 float, I was reminded of the importance of community in the lives of children.

Historically, the school and the family have been two of the major formative institutions shaping the values and character of the young.  Working at cross-purposes they put children at risk.  Working together they have a great potential to set our children on the path to a successful and virtuous life.  The community in which we choose to live and raise our family is often times a reflection of our value system.  Being part of Marengo defines a part of who we are.  The school system is an integral part of our community.

Community schools know that it is not enough to mean well, they must do well. Each community school ideally is organized around a strategic framework that allows communities to move systematically toward results. Stakeholders come together to identify the results they are seeking for children, families and communities and to devise ways to measure progress toward achieving these results. Their discussions also serve as a forum for articulating and solidifying the purpose and goals of the community school initiative.

Community schools across the country are collecting data related to student learning and achievement, youth development, family well-being, and community life. Results of these data collection efforts suggest that when adequately sustained, community school activities can contribute to improvements in these areas.

Here at the Marengo-Union School District 165, we are striving to educate your children in this type of environment.  All members of the community are stakeholders in the schools and are involved both directly and indirectly in the educating of the child.  A community school differs from a traditional school because the various partners are not conducting business as usual. They are working together toward common results; changing their funding patterns; transforming the practice of their staffs; and working creatively and respectfully with youth, families and residents to create a different kind of institution

The influence of the community is readily apparent in our children’s lives as we support the local school systems in their education.  The tax dollars that we pay into the schools fund their educational programs.  Strong and viable schools help to keep communities moving forward and progressing.  They attract new businesses that employ local people thereby creating sustainable economies of scale.  New homes are built and families are attracted to living in an area because it reflects their moral and value structure. 

I continue to be a proponent of a “community” school whereby all the people of the Marengo Union area are welcome and feel that they have a vested interest in quality education for all the children in the community.  I am proud to say that I live and work in the Marengo Union community—and I hope you are too!

Yours in Education,

Lea Malaker-Damisch

Superintendent

Marengo-Union Elementary CSD #165

Please mark your calendars with these important dates:

Friday, November 21 - MCMS Choir sings at the Ice Hogs game (over 200 Marengo attendees expected!) 

Wednesday, November 26 - 2nd Quarter mid-term

Wednesday, November 26 - Early dismisssal Locust/1:50 P.M. & MCMS/2:00 P.M. 

Thursday, November 27 - No School - Thanksgiving 

Friday, November 28 - No School - Thanksgiving Holiday 

Friday, December 5 - 2nd Quarter mid-term reports go home 

Friday, December 5 - MCMS Holiday Tea for Honor Roll students and parents/guardian.  Please call to make a reservation by Wednesday, November 26, 2008.  

Thursday, December 18 - Winter Concert in the auditorium at 7:00 P.M.           

Friday, December 19 - End of 2nd Quarter

Friday, December 19 - Early dismissal Locust/1:50 P.M. & MCMS/2:00 P.M.

Monday, December 22, 2008 to Friday, January 2, 2009 - No School-Winter Break; School resumes on Monday, January 5, 2009

We are initiating an intercom monitoring system. The school doors will remain locked throughout the day and visitors need to ring the bell located to the right of the front door. A camera lets the office see who is there and visitors will be buzzed in. Visitors will then sign in at the office, obtain a visitor's sticker then return to the office and sign-out when leaving. 

The Mission 

District #165 is dedicated to academic excellence through the cooperation and interaction of students, staff, parents, and community. We are committed to providing opportunities for students to achieve their personal best, become responsible and productive citizens, and embrace the value of learning.
 
 
Keep Your Students Information Updated 
If you are withdrawing your child at anytime during the school year, you must come in, to fill out the necessary paperwork releasing your child from our school district. The school office(s) Monday-Friday 8:00 A.M.-3:50 P.M.   MCMS 815-568-5720, Locust 815-568-7632.

Please continue to notify the school(s) of any changes being made to phone numbers and addresses as they occur.

Please help to keep all family lunch accounts current.