HAZEL CREST SCHOOL DISTRICT 152½ CELEBRATES RECORD GROWTH YEAR MARKED BY ACADEMIC GAINS, IMPROVED SCHOOL CLIMATE, AND PROFOUND STUDENT EVOLVEMENT

HAZEL CREST SCHOOL DISTRICT 152½ CELEBRATES RECORD GROWTH YEAR MARKED BY ACADEMIC GAINS, IMPROVED SCHOOL CLIMATE,  AND PROFOUND STUDENT EVOLVEMENT

 

DISTRICT 152½ ADVANCES WHOLE-CHILD SUCCESS WITH ENHANCED MTSS FRAMEWORK AND 50 PERCENT REDUCTION IN SUSPENSIONS

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION, EDUCATORS, AND FAMILIES DRIVE DISTRICT

TO THE YEAR OF MEASURABLE STUDENT ADVANCEMENT 

AND TRANSFORMATION

 

(Hazel Crest, IL) As the 2025–2026 school year comes to a close, Hazel Crest School District 152½ is celebrating a year marked by measurable academic progress, strengthened student supports, operational improvements, and a renewed commitment to excellence across every level of the organization. Through the collective efforts of the Board of Education, district leadership, educators, staff, students, and families, the district has continued building momentum toward long-term success while creating meaningful opportunities for every learner to thrive.


Throughout the school year, District 152½ made significant strides in strengthening teaching and learning. Educators expanded their use of data-driven instruction, implemented more targeted interventions, and enhanced instructional planning to better meet the needs of students. As a result, students demonstrated notable gains in reading and mathematics on the NWEA MAP assessment, with growth surpassing the previous year across multiple grade levels. A substantial number of students also met or exceeded their projected growth targets, reflecting stronger instructional alignment and more effective intervention strategies.


The district’s success was further fueled by the dedication and professionalism of its teachers, who embraced continuous learning, collaborative planning, and instructional innovation throughout the year. Teachers participated in focused professional development, mentored colleagues, facilitated Professional Learning Communities, refined curriculum, and strengthened classroom practices that directly contributed to student achievement. Their efforts helped create engaging learning environments where students were supported, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential.


“Our Board of Education remains committed to ensuring every decision we make is centered on student success,” said School Board President Dean Barnett. “The accomplishments we celebrate today are the result of a shared vision and a collective commitment from our administrators, educators, staff, families, and community partners. Together, we have strengthened our schools, enhanced opportunities for students, and laid a strong foundation for continued growth and excellence in the years ahead.”


In addition to academic growth, the district significantly strengthened its Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) by expanding both academic and social-emotional interventions. Schools implemented daily peace circles, restorative practices, and social-emotional learning initiatives designed to help students build healthy relationships, regulate emotions, and develop conflict-resolution skills. These efforts contributed to a substantial reduction in crisis-level incidents and a remarkable 50 percent decrease in out-of-school suspensions, reflecting the district’s commitment to creating safe, supportive, and equitable learning environments. District 152½ also enhanced its ability to monitor and support student progress through the implementation of Mobile Principal, a digital platform that streamlines intervention tracking and documentation.


“Our progress this year demonstrates what is possible when a district comes together with a clear vision and unwavering focus on students. I am incredibly proud of our teachers, staff, administrators, students, families, and Board of Education for embracing continuous improvement and working collaboratively to advance our mission. While we celebrate these accomplishments, we remain committed to building upon this momentum and ensuring every student receives the support and opportunities they deserve,” said Superintendent Dr. Cynthia Levy.


Student achievement extended well beyond the classroom. The district proudly celebrated its graduating eighth-grade class while continuing to provide opportunities for students to excel in athletics, extracurricular activities, and emerging programs. Among this year’s highlights, two student-athletes advanced to the State Championship in Track and Field, and the district continued growing its eSports program, offering students innovative opportunities to develop teamwork, strategy, and digital literacy skills.


As Hazel Crest School District 152½ looks toward the future, district leaders remain focused on sustaining the progress achieved during the 2025–2026 school year. With stronger systems, improved instructional practices, enhanced student supports, and a culture rooted in collaboration and high expectations, the district is well-positioned to continue transforming vision into impact for every student it serves.

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