Superintendent
Dear Oak Lawn Families,
I hope this message finds you well and that you have enjoyed a restful and enjoyable summer break. As we prepare to welcome students back for the upcoming school year, I wanted to take a moment to share some important updates and what you can look forward to in the months ahead.
I’m thrilled to announce that we are embarking on a new strategic planning process this school year to shape the future of Oak Lawn Community High School District 229. This initiative will be a collaborative effort designed to align our goals, resources, and efforts to better serve our students. In preparation for our strategic planning process we are pleased to share our new strategic dashboard which can be found on our website by clicking HERE.
We are finishing up a number of capital improvement projects around campus. The new turf in our stadium was replaced in July and we are putting the final touches on our track around the field. The North parking lot is being expanded to increase parking as we will begin construction on our new fieldhouse in our current south parking lot in the Spring of 2025.
We are here to support all students to succeed in school. We value the partnership between home and school and are dedicated to fostering meaningful family engagement. As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the educational experience and to ensure a productive learning environment, we ask that you engage in conversations around three important topics with your students to ensure that they have a successful school year!
Campus Safety: The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our top priority in District 229. We remain steadfast in providing students and staff with a safe learning and teaching environment. Our staff will continue to undergo extensive training in emergency response protocols, including fire drills, lockdown procedures, and first aid. We are also in the process of refining our reunification plan to ensure that everyone is prepared and knows their role in an emergency situation. In addition, the emotional well-being of our students is integral to overall safety, our counselors and support staff are available to help students navigate any challenges they may face throughout the school year.
Cell Phones: Research and feedback from both teachers and students have highlighted the impact that cell phones can have on classroom focus and overall academic performance. Please discuss the importance of minimizing cell phone use during school hours with your child and emphasize the benefits of staying focused during class. Encourage Compliance: Support our efforts by ensuring that your child adheres to the no-cell-phone policy during class. Remind them that this policy is in place to help them succeed academically. Information regarding District 229’s cell phone policy can be found on page 41 of the student handbook.
Student Attendance: Consistent attendance is not only crucial for academic achievement but also for developing important social and emotional skills. Research consistently shows that students who attend school regularly are more likely to excel academically, build meaningful relationships, and engage in their communities. We understand that there are circumstances where absences are unavoidable, such as illness or family emergencies. As partners in your child’s education, we appreciate your efforts to ensure your student comes to school every day and that they are on-time for all classes. Our dedicated teachers and staff work diligently to provide the best learning environment possible, and regular attendance is key to ensuring your child benefits fully from these efforts. Information regarding student attendance can be found on page 12 of the student handbook.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the students in District 229. Together, we can positively impact all our students in District 229.
Best regards,
Dr. Shahe Bagdasarian
Superintendent
Oak Lawn CHSD 229