Wescott Elementary School - Northbrook, IL

Wescott School, part of Northbrook/Glenview School District 30, is located in Northbrook, Illinois and is home to 380 first through fifth grade students. Families from many different countries move to the school community; over 35 languages are spoken in the homes.

Students, staff, and parents work together as ‘One Big Family’ to keep academic achievement levels high while developing positive character traits. Formative assessments are used regularly to plan instruction. Specialists, instructional assistants, community volunteers, and high school students provide support and interventions for students. Staff members are engaged in on-going professional development based on individual, team, school, and district needs.

Children are taught the importance of giving. A Helping Hands Committee plans and organizes service projects for the year. Collection drives are organized for our Sister School (located in Chicago), the food pantry, soldiers and disaster victims.

Parent involvement is high. Parents volunteer to support PTO events and school activities, including helping in the lunchroom daily. The staff also participates and even become servers at a local restaurant to raise funds for the school.

Recognition and annual traditions are important parts of Wescott’s culture. Each fall an all-school movie highlighting the year’s theme is created. The school family enjoys watching each other, sharing laughs and emotions as the video plays. The principal recognizes student and staff birthdays during morning announcements. Every year grade levels put on musical shows written by the award-winning music teacher.

Intergenerational activities are implemented and senior citizens are seen volunteering in classrooms, being pen pals or hosting visits to the nearby senior residence. Upper grade classes are paired with lower ones for reading activities and special projects throughout the year.