As the new school year began, District 54 launched its “First 15 Days” initiative, a special start to the academic year aimed at building strong relationships and supporting the social-emotional needs of our students. These first 15 days were dedicated to fostering connections between students and staff, prioritizing teamwork, communication, and empathy before diving into academics.
The “First 15” is designed to ensure every student feels seen, heard, and supported from day one. The initiative creates a foundation for the weekly social-emotional lessons that will continue to be woven into the fabric of the school year. Here’s a glimpse into some of the activities that took place across the district during this special kick-off period:
Churchill Elementary School
Kindergarteners shared their “summer souvenirs” to help get to know each other. This heartwarming activity allowed students to bond over summer vacations, outings and activities like sports and camps, setting the stage for meaningful connections in their first school year.
Fairview Elementary School
Fifth-grade students at Fairview Elementary closed out their Wednesday afternoon with a game of Pictionary. Not only did it spark laughter, but it also helped students sharpen communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. The game provided an opportunity for them to practice patience and empathy, building the foundation for a collaborative and supportive classroom environment.
Stevenson Elementary School
Second graders in Katherine Maloney’s class shared “5 Fun Facts” about themselves, leading to the discovery of shared interests and new friendships. These conversations helped the students see how much they have in common and encouraged new connections as they head into the school year.
Nathan Hale Elementary School
First-grade students took on the ‘paper chain challenge,’ an exercise in teamwork and sportsmanship. Through this hands-on activity, students built essential collaboration skills and demonstrated the spirit of unity that will carry them through the year.
Enders-Salk Elementary School
Fifth graders engaged in an “Everything Speaks” lesson, learning how their words, tone, and actions influence those around them. This thoughtful exercise helped reinforce positive habits for daily interactions, ensuring that students are mindful of how they impact others in and out of the classroom.
Jane Addams Jr. High School
Seventh graders at Jane Addams tackled a unique drawing challenge using strings and markers. This engaging activity, while full of fun and laughs, also served as an opportunity for students to enhance their communication and teamwork skills from the very first week of school.
Lakeview Elementary School
Sixth graders participated in the ‘human knot challenge,’ an activity that promoted problem-solving, collaboration, and teamwork. This fun, interactive experience has set the tone for a year focused on connection and cooperation among students.
Eisenhower Junior High School
Students at Eisenhower raced against time to complete the “Perilous Pipeline Challenge,” working together to build a functioning pipeline in their hallway. Through this hands-on activity, students practiced creative thinking, teamwork, and effective communication—all while having fun.
Hoover Math and Science Academy
Fourth-grade students conducted interviews with their classmates, learning more about one another and presenting their findings to the class. This meaningful activity helped build connections among students and ensured that everyone felt included as they embark on the school year.
The First 15 Days initiative has already made a significant impact across the district, laying the groundwork for strong social-emotional development and positive classroom environments. By focusing on building relationships first, we’re creating spaces where students feel valued and supported throughout the entire school year.
Stay tuned as we continue this journey, and look forward to more activities that foster connection, creativity, and success in District 54!
