The mission of the LaSalle Public Elementary Schools is to provide a nurturing, challenging learning environment in order to assist each student in becoming lifelong learners and socially responsible citizens.

A Message from the Superintendent

Welcome back!  I hope everyone had a safe and relaxing fun filled holiday break.  As we return for the 2^nd semester of the school year, I would like to share with you the plans for our district. 

The Board of Education completed a planning session recently and identified important district goals.  These goals have been published on the web site and will guide the entire school district as we plan and implement programs to benefit our students. 

Curriculum enhancement and development continues to be one of the top priorities for LaSalle Elementary School District 122.  The staff and administration will continue to work together to make sure that our students have access to the best curriculum available.  That includes continuing our efforts to provide the most up to date technology available to insure that our students are prepared to move forward with their education as they move upward and onward through the years.

  The district is also committed to being fiscally responsible during these tough economic times.  The Board and Administration have made it a priority to look for ways to reduce expenses while having the minimum negative impact on classrooms and instruction.  Everyone in the district will be working together to make sure that we can offer the best possible education while living within the financial constraints caused by inadequate levels of state funding and a declining local property tax base.

One of the biggest challenges facing LaSalle Elementary School is adequate space.  Jackson School, the oldest facility in the district, is quickly becoming inadequate for use as a preschool.  The cost of repairs and maintenance is having a negative impact on the operations and maintenance budget.  Northwest and Lincoln Schools, while in excellent physical condition, do not have the space necessary for all of the district programs.  A Facilities Planning Committee, made up of community members, teachers and parents, has recommended that the District explore the possibility of building a new school to replace Jackson School in order to accommodate our increasing school population and free up space at Northwest and Lincoln Schools.  Towards that end, LaSalle Elementary School District 122 has applied for two school construction grants.  One of these grants is specific to preschool buildings while the other is for regular school buildings.  If approved, the majority of the funding for the construction projects would come from the state.  We are anxiously awaiting notifications regarding the awarding of these grants.

I am excited about the future of LaSalle Elementary Schools.  Despite the many challenges facing schools in Illinois, I believe that our community and the dedication of our entire staff and Board of Education to our children are the most valuable assets that we have.  I believe that we will be successful because of all of you.   I echo the motto of our City Fathers.  I believe in LaSalle.

Sincerely,

Daniel F. Marenda, Superintendent

Congratulations to the December Students of the Month from Northwest Elementary: