August 2026
Welcome back to another year of learning and growth in Channahon 17! We hope these first days have been a positive experience for you and your child(ren)!
With each new year, our team spends significant time preparing for our students to ensure they are safe, happy, and engaged in learning. In other words, we try to make sure they have a positive and memorable experience in our schools. Many years from now, they will not remember all that they do this school year. However, they will remember the teacher who believed in them, the friend who welcomed them, the challenge they overcame, or the moment they discovered something they loved. With this in mind, we can establish the conditions where each and every child experiences not only a great education, but also a positive and memorable school year:
The Formula at School:
Create safe, welcoming schools where every student feels known and valued.
Provide strong instruction and high expectations.
Build positive relationships with every child.
Encourage students to take on new challenges.
Celebrate not only achievement, but also effort, growth, character, and perseverance.
Similarly, we know your interactions with your child(ren) at home impacts how they do in school. As you may have heard me say, a child's parents are their first and most important teachers. The following suggestions will help your child to thrive and have a great 2026-2027 school year.
The Formula at Home:
Each day, ask your child open ended questions about what they learned, what challenged them, or what good things happened at school.
Establish consistent routines for attendance, homework, reading, sleep; and restrict access to social media.
Read with them for 20 minutes or more every day.
Encourage participation in after school clubs
Communicate with your child's teacher(s) when challenges arise.
We are grateful for the wonderful partnership we have with our families! Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your children' s lives; it is truly an honor. We look forward to working with you to ensure our students have a year they will remember.
Gratefully,
Dr. Nicholas Henkle