Cicero District 99 proudly welcomed back our incredible administrators, school secretaries, and clerical teams for a powerful day to reset, refresh, and reconnect as we gear up for the school year — which is just three weeks away!

Superintendent Dr. Aldo Calderin, now entering his fifth year of leadership, cast a bold vision for the year ahead. Building on our story so far —
📖 Chapter 1: Change the Narrative
🤝 Chapter 2: Collective Efficacy
💡 Chapter 3: The Possibilities
🌟 Chapter 4: Impact

This year, we step into Chapter 5: Aligned Acts of Improvement. This year is all about how learning works — for students, and for all of us. We explored two key learning principles:

🧠 Cognitive Load – the brain’s ability to process and retain information
👀 Attention – focusing on what matters most so learning sticks

From team games like Telephone to interactive challenges like "Find the Real Penny," the day was packed with meaningful activities that made us think critically about how we work, how we grow, and how we support one another. 

Dr. Calderin reminded us that trust is at the heart of school success. It's not just a feeling — it's an actionable asset built through listening, respect, competence, and integrity. Trust fuels teamwork, innovation, and improvement.

We ended the day with valuable updates from Technology, Teaching & Learning, Special Education, and MTSS — all focused on building a culture of: positive climate and culture, responsiveness to parents and staff, clean data, and clear communication.

As we enter this new chapter, we're asking ourselves: What routines helped us last year and what needs to change? How can we reduce cognitive overload to become more effective, more often? What do we already know that helps us and where can we grow?

We're not just preparing for another school year. We're building momentum for something greater.

Let's make this a year of aligned action, relational trust, and intentional improvement — for ourselves, our teams, and most of all, for our students! We're starting strong, leading with purpose, and growing together!