February 24, 2025
Dear D7 Families,
As we come to the end of February, we reflect on the rich lessons and experiences our students have gained during Black History Month. Through classroom activities, discussions, and exploration, our students have developed a deeper understanding of the impact of Black history and culture. We are so proud of their learning and engagement!
Looking ahead, we are excited to transition into March, which marks National Reading Month. This is a wonderful opportunity to further ignite a love of reading in our students as we wrap up the winter months. I encourage you to spend quality time reading with your child or discussing the books and stories they are exploring in their classes. Your involvement in their reading journey has a lasting positive impact.
Not only have we been busy educating our students, we have also been very focused on creating welcoming, safe, and comfortable learning environments within our buildings. Since last summer, we have installed new heating univents in all three elementary buildings including air conditioning at Bedford Elementary. This winter, we are wrapping up a project with the installation of air conditioning at AHS in the auditorium. Finally, we will install air conditioning at both Pardee and Polk Elementary buildings this summer.
Furthermore, I am thrilled to share some exciting news about a transformational project that will enhance the experience of our Bedford Elementary students and our community as a whole for years to come! Thanks to the collective effort of our incredible community, we are bringing a brand-new Bedford Elementary playground and improved pick-up and drop-off loops to our district.
This project is more than just an upgrade—it’s a testament to what we can accomplish when we come together with a shared vision for our children’s success. Our new outdoor space will offer something for everyone! Students will enjoy picnic tables, outdoor classrooms, and interactive games like four square, a fitness course, an elementary basketball court, and a dedicated soccer area. At the heart of it all is a high-quality, state of the art, inclusive playground structure designed to ensure that every child, regardless of ability, can play, explore, and thrive.
In addition to providing a space for fun, fitness, and learning, safety remains our top priority. Our two, new pick-up and drop-off car loops will streamline traffic flow, making arrival and dismissal safer and more efficient for families, students, and staff.
All of these exciting projects would not have been possible without the support of the D7 Board of Education, the Building and Site Committee, staff and community members. Thanks for your support! Below is a rendering of the new Bedford playground!
NEWS FROM POLK ELEMENTARY
At Polk Elementary School, something fun and exciting is always happening. This month, we hosted the second series of parent-teacher conferences. The staff are thankful for this very productive time to spend with parents and work together to help our students achieve their fullest potential. We are very proud of our students and all the work they do to succeed in school.
One of the fun activities we held this month included a School Spirit Week. Students especially had fun dressing up like their teacher. We spent some time spreading love and appreciation with the Valentine's Grams hosted by Polk’s fabulous PTO. Students and staff are celebrating Black History Month with interesting classroom lessons, activities, and posters throughout the building. Janetta Riggins and the AHS Step Team will perform for the Polk Panthers. The 5th-grade classes held their annual wax museum, where each student chose a historically significant person to represent and talk about that person’s life and accomplishments. Later this month, Polk will host a Family Dining event at Culvers and a Skating Party to benefit the Positive Behavior and Intervention Supports (PBIS) program at Polk.
In March, everyone looks forward to celebrating Reading Month and transitioning 5th graders to middle school. During Reading Month, Mrs. LeBlanc has a special reading activity planned each day on the Reading Month Calendar. This year’s theme is “Reading is Dino-mite” with Stomp, Chomp, and Read activities. One of the highlights is Polk’s Cranbrook Science Day. Last but not least, Mrs. LeFevre and Mrs. Brant will hold an amazing Book Fair for classes and parents to visit in the library.
March is also the time when the O. W. Best Middle School counselors visit the 5th graders at the elementary schools. Later in the month, the 5th graders will visit the Middle School to take a tour and have lunch with their middle school pen pals. This is a very informative experience for the fifth graders as they prepare to leave the Elementary School and enter the Middle School. In the summer, students and parents will have the opportunity to visit O. W. Best Middle School again during 6th grade Orientation.
Please see the pictures below that capture some of the exciting events at Polk Elementary:
Thank you for your continued support, and let’s make March a month of growth, learning, and shared stories!
Sincerely,
Mark Kleinhans
Superintendent, D7 Schools