Crystal Lake Elementary District 47

09/11/2026

🏐 Serving up some volleyball fun! Bernotas and Hannah Beardsley girls’ volleyball faced off last night in a game full of energy, teamwork, and school spirit.

09/08/2026

💙 Clinicians from across the district are joining together to support the social-emotional needs of our middle school students. Through Erika’s Lighthouse and SOS Signs of Su***de prevention programs, we teach students to recognize signs of depression, support a friend, and know when to reach out to a trusted adult. We are deeply grateful to our clinicians for their dedication to our students' well-being, and to the Center for Emotional Wellness and Rosecrance for partnering with us in this work.

09/08/2026

Faces of D47: “I grew up in Sleepy Hollow, where I spent most of my childhood. My parents showed me how to work hard and help others. Their guidance helped my sister and me launch careers in education. I went to Elgin Community College, earned my associate’s degree, and trained as a firefighter and EMT before going to Northern Illinois University to study elementary education."

"I initially thought I was going to go into the fire service full-time, but something just felt right about pursuing education. When I was student teaching at Huntley, I fell in love with it and was fortunate to do both. I started my education career in District 47, teaching at Bernotas before switching to elementary. I taught 4th and 5th grade at Indian Prairie before moving to Woods Creek, where I was a multi-age 4th and 5th grade teacher for two years before becoming Assistant Principal. After seven years as Assistant Principal, I felt ready to become the Director of Literacy and Social Science for the district."

"I want students to see writing as something they can enjoy, not just something they have to do. I’m excited to help teachers create that experience in their classrooms and give students more opportunities to write, share their ideas, and enjoy the process together."

"Some of my most rewarding experiences were in the classroom. Seeing students who were different from each other find a place where they felt connected was incredibly rewarding. It was also an honor to be the assistant principal at Woods Creek. My children still attend Woods Creek, and I'm proud to watch them grow under the care of such great people. I’ve also made some great connections in the district. Some of the most important people in my life are right here, including my wife, Jenna, who is currently the librarian at Glacier Ridge. District 47 staff and families have all helped me become a better educator and person."

“I still work part-time as a firefighter/EMT, and I try to bring the values I’ve learned in the fire service into my work in education. I’m fortunate to have found two careers that have become such meaningful parts of my life.” -Jason Brogan, Director of Literacy & Social Science, District

09/04/2026

This is a reminder that there is no school on Monday, September 7. All schools and the district office are closed. Enjoy your 3-day weekend.

09/02/2026

From first draft through the writing process, these young writers are learning the power of being both an author and a supportive audience. 📚 West Elementary’s third graders celebrated literacy by putting their storytelling skills to work! Students explored the different parts of a story, shared their writing and revisions with classmates, and gave each other thoughtful feedback, including compliments and suggestions to make their stories even stronger.

08/25/2026

Tomorrow, 8/26/26, is an early release day for grades K-8. Grades K-5 are dismissed at 2 pm and grades 6-8 are dismissed at 1 pm. There is no attendance for PreK.

08/25/2026

📣 Crystal Lake Elementary District 47 is hiring! We’re looking for lunch/playground supervisors, paraprofessionals, and substitutes to join our team. Flexible schedules ✔️ Competitive hourly rates ✔️ Come to our Job Fair at the CORE Center, 300 Commerce Drive, Crystal Lake:

📅Wednesday, September 9th | 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM
📅 Thursday, September 10th | 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Don't miss this chance to make a difference in our schools!

Frontline Recruiting and Hiring, Applicant Tracking for Educators. Online Job Employment Applications, Web Based Employment Applications for School Districts and Educational Institutions.

08/24/2026

🚌💛 A big thank you to our amazing TJA team for making the first few days of school a smooth ride! We’re grateful for all you do to get our students to and from school safely each day!

08/21/2026

📰 Our latest Focus on 47 newsletter is here! ⏩ https://bit.ly/4dg7cAG. The 2026-2027 school year is underway! 🎒 This edition includes important back-to-school reminders, fall iReady assessments, our Aug. 24 emergency test notification, transportation reminders, upcoming events, and more.

08/21/2026

🛠️☀️ Summer Projects Spotlight: watch this week's video to see the final construction updates at South, North, Bernotas, and Canterbury.

📍 South Elementary: The playground blacktop has been replaced, along with new concrete curbing throughout.
📍 North Elementary: New flooring has been installed in the cafeteria.
📍 Bernotas Middle School: The new secure entryway has been completed along with new Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Systems.
📍 Canterbury Elementary: New light fixtures and ceiling tiles were installed in the library and STEM room.