All CUSD 50 schools have earned a “Commendable” designation by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). These summative designations measure progress in academic, school quality, and student success.
"Our district's efforts to achieve our goals are the reason we're seeing Harvard rise," said Harvard CUSD 50 Superintendent Dr. Corey Tafoya
Harvard High School Band Director Dr. Korey Coffer was selected by the IHSA Music Advisory Committee as the statewide nominee for the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Outstanding Music Educator Award.
“Korey is a great ambassador for our music program here in Harvard and the state,” said Harvard High School Principal, Carl Hobbs. “Because of his dedication and commitment to student learning, many students have pursued music as a career."
Harvard native, Harvard High School graduate, and Rockford University graduate, Maria Mercado, has rejoined her hometown as a 2nd grade teacher at Crosby Elementary this year. Maria is the first student in the history of CUSD 50 to be hired as a certified teacher that graduated from Harvard High School and earned her seal of biliteracy.
"I am most excited about being in the community I grew up in. I am really excited to be a teacher that has accomplished the goal that our teachers have as a goal for the students: to graduate as a seal of biliteracy scholar," said Mercado. "I am the students I am teaching; I see a younger version of me in them.”
Listen to more of Maria's story here on a recent episode of our Education Buzz Podcast.
Jefferson Elementary special education teacher Laura Cardosi is one of 127 teachers across the state of Illinois to certify as a National Board Certified Teacher. It is a rigorous process and demonstrates a dedication to teaching and students.
"For me, National Board Certification is a way for me to improve as an educator," said Laura. "Throughout the process, I have become more reflective on my teaching and how to improve to best meet my students' needs."
#FutureFocused at UW Whitewater
Transition Students Celebrate With a Thanksgiving Feast
CUSD 50 Pre-K through 5th grade students joined in for our annual Cozy Up With a Book event, an evening of fun from the comfort of home! Students cozied up in pajamas, with hot chocolate, a favorite stuffed animal, and family to read a book and do a fun activity with their teachers.
"I really loved listening to the stories, drinking the hot chocolate and being all snuggly at home with my cousin," said Berkeley, a 1st grade student at Crosby. "I like hearing other teachers read and the activities were fun! We listened to one book in English and one book in Spanish!"
Special thank you to the Harvard Diggins Library for handing out the free craft activity bags!