West’s Class of 2012

The West Aurora High School Class of 2012 received their diplomas on Sunday at Northern Illinois University’s Convocation Center in DeKalb. Graduates and their families heard from students Lauren Wilson and Edwin Sak and Superintendent Jim Rydland, among others, during the commencement. …

Kaneland freezes administrator salaries

The School Board on Monday approved a recommendation to freeze current salaries and wages of administrators for the next school year.

Superintendent Jeff Schuler recommended that salaries be frozen in light of the financial challenges the district faced in planning the new fiscal year budget. …

New principal chosen for Blackberry Creek school

Kaneland Blackberry Creek Elementary students will see a new face when the doors open next year.

The School Board this week approved the appointment of Andrew Gibbs, a dean of students in Central School District 301, to be principal at the Elburn school next year. …

Academic Spotlight: NPR’s From the Top to feature Metea violinist

Claire Bourg, a junior at Metea Valley High School will be featured this month on “From the Top,” one of the nation’s most popular classical music radio programs. Hosted by Christopher O’Riley, the series showcases America’s best young musicians on public radio, reaching 700,000 listeners …

O’Donnell honors Kane’s top educator on his home turf

AURORA — The world has changed in the 14 years since Ed Brouch has been principal. It’s the kids that haven’t changed much.

“Kids still need a hug and their shoes tied,” Brouch said.

On Monday morning, the O’Donnell Elementary School principal was honored for …

Full-day program has a ‘huge impact’ on West kindergartners

Oh what a difference a day makes! This year’s crop of 5-year-olds is the first ever to receive a full day of kindergarten in School District 129. And after receiving the equivalent of three additional months of instruction, their reading proficiency levels are well ahead …

East Aurora school leaders urge focus on academics on Pride Day

AURORA — Many strides have been made this year in the East Aurora School District, but a teacher’s work is never done. As hundreds of district administrators, board members and educators gathered for their annual end of the year celebration, it was a time to …

Indian Prairie announces layoffs — and promotions

AURORA — There will be a lot of people in new positions, and a lot of people missing, in Indian Prairie School District buildings in the fall.

Superintendent Kathy Birkett said the School Board approved releasing a total of 59 full-time classified positions this week. …

Ex-Geneva student, NIU grad wins prized Fulbright grant

DEKALB — Northern Illinois University’s Nora Lindvall, who last fall was named the university’s Student Lincoln Laureate, or top senior, can hang another tassel on her mortar board this spring. Lindvall, who grew up in Geneva, has been awarded a 2012-2013 Fulbright U.S. Student Grant …

Bill Gates helps pay for East senior’s dreams

AURORA — Dreams can come true.

If you need proof, talk to East Aurora High School senior Brian Nunez.

As the recipient of the coveted Gates Millennium Scholarship, Nunez will receive an all-expenses-paid post-secondary education — right up through a doctoral degree.

Each year, only …

East, West vote to switch special ed busing contracts

AURORA — The East and West Aurora school boards voted Monday night to switch their joint special education busing services from longtime provider Richlee Vans to Durham School Services.

The West Aurora School Board voted unanimously to switch to California-based Durham School Services. The East …

Oswego School Board files complaint against itself

OSWEGO — The Oswego School Board has filed a complaint against itself under the Illinois Open Meetings Act. Kendall County State’s Attorney Eric Weiss confirmed Monday that a representative of the Oswego School Board late last week filed a request for review of a possible …

East High students meet Nobel Peace Prize winner

During a weekend of giving, a group of 14 East High School students shared a more intimate sit-down with 1992 Nobel Peace Prize winner Rigoberta Menchu during the 10th annual PeaceJam Conference in Kalamazoo, Mich., last month.

Art project focuses on creating memories for African children

Metea Valley High School students used their artistic talents to brighten the lives of children in Namibia, Africa. The teens took part in the Memory Project, an international initiative in which art students create portraits for children who have been orphaned, neglected or disadvantaged.

Freedom Writer to speak at East High auditorium Tuesday

AURORA — His story was told in the hit Hollywood movie, “Freedom Writers,” and on Tuesday he will return to Aurora to share that story with the Aurora community. Area churches, social service agencies and the East Aurora School District are inviting community residents to …