Oswego Community Unit School District 308

Oswego, Ill. (April 4, 2025) – For years, Oswego Community Unit School District 308 has offered Dual Credit course options to high school students interested in taking college-level classes for both high school and college credit.

 

Between Oswego High School and Oswego East High School, nearly 1,400 students participated in Dual Credit coursework during the 2023-24 school year.

 

During that time, SD 308’s Dual Credit course offerings resulted in cost savings of over $550,000 in Waubonsee Community College tuition dollars. With the same calculations applied to the average rates of nearby four-year universities, students and their families saved $1.5 million in tuition in the last year alone.

 

“We are grateful for our community partners, like Waubonsee Community College, who are able to partner with us for offerings for our students,” said Dr. Kristen Paul, Assistant Superintendent of Learning and Innovation in SD 308.

 

SD 308 currently offers approximately 20 Dual Credit courses. Although Dual Credit options result in significant savings, the cost to enroll in one of these courses is comparable to most other classes at OHS and OEHS. 

 

As part of SD 308’s recently presented 2025-28 Strategic Plan, the district will be implementing additional career exploration and development opportunities over the next few years. Dual Credit courses will continue to be an area of focus within that plan.

 

“Dual Credit is going to be a big part of our career pathways moving forward,” said Ben Owen, Director of College and Career Readiness in SD 308.

 

For some students who already have an idea of what they wish to study at WCC or another post-secondary institution, Dual Credit courses allow them to “start working toward that end goal without the financial burden,” according to Mr. Owen. These courses also enable students who are less sure of their future career to explore options in a low-cost, low-risk setting.

 

“Any time we can prepare students for their futures, regardless of what that path is now, that is really important,” Mr. Owen said.

Oswego, Ill. (April 3, 2025) – For many students in Oswego Community Unit School District 308, their educational journeys have not concluded once completing high school.

 

Some students have the opportunity to continue in SD 308 through their 22nd birthday as part of the Pathways Transition Program. Here, young adults learn functional academics, vocational and life skills, and independent living in addition to enjoying the occasional leisure experience with peers.

 

In his six years as principal of the Pathways Transition Program, Keith Mecklenburg has not only witnessed the growth of his students as individuals, but also the program’s growth as a whole.

The Pathways Transition Program offers an individualized learning experience for each student, equipping them with the skills they need to accomplish their future goals. “The unique thing about transition programming is that it really does look different for every student,” Mr. Mecklenburg said.

 

Mr. Mecklenburg also shared that Pathways wants its students to be out in the community as much as possible. As part of the curriculum, students can work a job, either within the program or with a partnering business, or volunteer in the community. Pathways has two microbusinesses: Phoenix Cafe, which serves donuts, coffee, and hot chocolate every Monday and Friday during the school year, as well as Creations by Pathways, a business that hosts and attends craft shows with handcrafted gifts created by students.

 

Prior to working as a Special Education Teaching Assistant at Pathways, Katie Sobotka worked in the same role in two other SD 308 buildings. During that time, she had the opportunity to work with one junior high student before crossing paths with him again years later at Pathways. 

 

“He was a young man who was trying to find his way in the world, and now he can run my entire Apple cashier system, make change, give punch cards, and make sure the orders get filled,” she said. “It’s amazing to see that progression, even from his first year at Pathways.”

 

The success stories don’t stop there — Ms. Sobotka added that she enjoys watching all students grow throughout their time with the Pathways program. “I just love the mission of empowering our students to be as independent as they can be,” she said. “We strive daily to give them that full feeling of being, of who they are, that they have all the rights as an adult to make their own choices.”

 

Mr. Mecklenburg believes the program largely prospers due to its dedicated staff members. “I think the staff here are the program's greatest strength,” he said.

 

This loyalty is seen through high staff retention rates and an impressive commitment to serving students. For Jessica Wade, a Special Education Teacher at Pathways, the most fulfilling part of her role is seeing them thrive.

 

“Just being able to sit down with them one on one and talk to them about what they feel their strengths are, what their weaknesses are, and then being able to help support them in those areas so they can be successful, it’s really neat,” she said.

 

From Ms. Wade’s perspective, Pathways students stand out for their unwavering determination and work ethic. She describes them as some of the most dedicated individuals she’s encountered, emphasizing that once they set a goal, they pursue it wholeheartedly. “These students are the hardest workers you will ever meet,” she said. “When they commit to something, they’re committed, want to learn, and definitely try their hardest.”

 

In a few weeks’ time, many students will begin the exciting next chapter of their lives. Each May is an emotional time for those connected to Pathways, as students conclude their time in the district with a special graduation ceremony.

 

“It’s a lot of tears, very emotional, because a lot of these students, their journey started at Brokaw at age 3, and now they’re 22,” Principal Mecklenburg said. “A lot of emotion from families, students, parents, and staff, but a lot of excitement, too.”

 

Ms. Sobotka understands her and her coworkers' great responsibility since Pathways serves as the final district touchpoint for many students. As reflected in the program’s mission, the ultimate objective is to ensure each individual is prepared to succeed in life beyond school.

 

“Every special education opportunity is important at that point in that student’s life, and this is the final place that we get to be a part of their lives in SD 308,” she said. “I just don’t want them to be sent out nervous or afraid of the next step; I want them to be excited and ready to meet that challenge.”

Oswego, Ill. (April 3, 2025) – It was just another day for Dr. Amy Howerton, English department chair and teacher at Oswego High School, until she discovered she was one of 30 finalists for the Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching.

 

In February, during a meeting in another school building, she was flooded with messages out of the blue. Dr. Howerton grew increasingly concerned with each buzz and ding, but her nerves were put to ease the instant she received the good news. 

 

“My watch and my phone were pinging, so that adrenaline was already kind of running,” Dr. Howerton said. “Then to read the text that I was a finalist, that adrenaline quickly shifted into kind of a different type of shock – happy shock.”

 

The path to this moment began in October when Dr. Howerton learned she was one of over 470 teachers nominated for this award. After deciding to follow through with the award application required for further consideration, she submitted letters of recommendation, essay responses, and a recording of her teaching.

 

“I kind of looked at it as, why not?” Dr. Howerton said. “If someone felt compelled to nominate me, I could put in some of that time and effort to honor the nomination.”

 

Both the nomination itself and the notification of being a finalist came as a bit of a surprise to Dr. Howerton. Although appreciative, being a finalist for this award is not what matters most to Dr. Howerton. What really warms her heart is knowing that she is making a difference in her students’ lives. “That’s what I’ve built my career around,” she said.

 

Dr. Howerton has worked in Oswego Community Unit School District 308 since 2001. In that time, she has worked at both OHS and Oswego East High School. Currently, in addition to her roles as a teacher and department chair, Dr. Howerton is the 42Fifty Adviser, Quill & Scroll Journalism Honor Society Adviser, and OHS Care Closet sponsor. “Dr. Howerton has proven her dedication to the art of teaching, helping students to succeed,” said Superintendent Dr. Andalib Khelghati. “The Golden Apple recognition is prestigious and certainly well deserved; we are very proud of Dr. Howerton.” 

 

Dr. Howerton is a National Board Certified Educator, Certified Journalism Educator, and Chicago Metro English Leaders Steering Committee Member. “I’m just so grateful for the people with whom I have worked,” she said. “I’m very proud of the community I’ve been able to work with and grow with…I’m just so heavily invested in the people.”

 

Oswego, Ill. (April 3, 2025) – Earlier this school year, one student’s kindness led to a life-changing impact on a teacher’s life.

 

James Donaldson, a fifth grade teacher at Lakewood Creek Elementary School, has three types of colorblindness: blue-purple, green-brown, and red-green.

 

“Whenever I start off the year, I let my students know that if they ever see me in a tie that does not match with my shirt, it is OK for them to tell me because I was born colorblind,” Mr. Donaldson said.

 

Despite his humorous approach to the topic, one of Mr. Donaldson’s students was saddened that his teacher could not see color the same way he could. This student had seen viral videos of people with colorblindness trying special glasses that allow them to see in color, and he wanted that experience for Mr. Donaldson. 

 

After hearing this story, the student’s family got the rest of the class involved, collecting enough money to not only purchase the glasses, but a generous gift card, as well. The whole surprise was well-thought-out; one day, before Winter Break, Mr. Donaldson went to pick up his students from art class.

 

What happened after Mr. Donaldson arrived in the art room was a blur. He wondered what might be going on, as many adults were crowded in the classroom, ready to capture the moment on camera. One student handed him a small gift box, and upon opening the package, Mr. Donaldson was overwhelmed with emotion.  

 

His first reaction to trying the glasses was that of shock. “At first, it just completely takes me by surprise that there are as many differences in the colors,” he said.

 

That night, Mr. Donaldson narrated his entire drive home from work to his wife on the phone. Everything looked so different—even the pavement!

 

“I have not taken them off,” he said. “I’m never going to take them off from now on.”

 

This thoughtful gesture from his students and their families was greatly appreciated. Mr. Donaldson shared that his students are kind and caring, whether they’re giving him a handmade craft or orchestrating a gift of this magnitude.

 

“It always makes you feel cared for,” he said. “Being a teacher always feels like that.”

 

To watch Mr. Donaldson’s reaction to this special gift, click here for part one, click here for part two, and click here for part three.

Oswego, Ill. (April 2, 2025) – At Grande Park Elementary School, a group of students gathers in the morning once every week, eager to listen and share during their Hope Squad lesson.

 

As they sit, engaged in this week’s topic, it is evident that they are invested in their school community. Each student listens intently, participates fully in activities, reflects thoughtfully, and, if comfortable, shares relatable stories about their personal experiences.

 

Hope Squad, a peer-to-peer suicide prevention group, provides a comprehensive curriculum to schools that house their programs. At the elementary level, Hope Squad aims to nurture relationships, build empathy, develop self-understanding, grow resilience, and prevent bullying.

 

“I have witnessed a growing need to address the increasing mental health challenges among our student population,” said Sean Smith, principal of Grande Park. “Implementing Hope Squad provided an opportunity to proactively support our students in several critical ways.”

 

As shared by Mr. Smith, those areas of support include “promoting emotional awareness and resilience, encouraging peer support, reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, fostering a strong sense of community, developing leadership and advocacy skills, and enhancing awareness and prevention of bullying.”

 

Although this marks the first full school year of Grande Park’s Hope Squad, the program was first introduced to the Grizzlies in early 2024. Staff members have already observed a significant decrease in reports of bullying and behavior notes sent home compared to previous years. They have also noticed students feeling more comfortable with seeking support for themselves and their peers, embracing leadership opportunities, and cultivating a positive school climate overall.

 

Fourth and fifth-grade students comprise Grande Park’s Hope Squad. The member selection process takes place in third-grade classrooms in the spring. Students nominate their peers through a voting system based on “character and integrity and trustworthiness,” according to Amy Clever, a Multilingual Resource Teacher and Hope Squad Advisor at Grande Park.

 

Despite being a relatively recent addition to their building, many students are eager about the prospect of joining Hope Squad. “I think the coolest thing is that many of the students want to be in Hope Squad,” Ms. Clever said. “They see what’s happening, and they like it. They want to be a part of that group that is impacting the school positively.” 

 

Ella, a member of Hope Squad, shares a similar sentiment: “Hope Squad is a community of people that come together…it can help other people,” she said. “They look up to us and want to be like us, so it motivates them to be kind.”

 

Another student, Kaitlyn, has experienced growth since becoming a part of this group. “I can make people feel better, more than before Hope Squad,” she said.

 

Although many area high schools are home to similar clubs, resources like Hope Squad are rare in elementary school settings. As both a parent and staff member, Erin Boberg, a teacher assistant and Hope Squad mentor at Grande Park, wishes this group was in place when her children were in elementary school. Ms. Boberg has had a front-row seat to the change taking place among her students and is impressed by the level of commitment from each student in the program.

 

“The members take their job seriously and have positively impacted Grande Park,” she said in an email. 

 

For students and staff, one highlight of Hope Squad has been participating in Hope Week. During this week, Hope Squad members take ownership of their school’s spirit days and activities, leading all other students in their building. This was an excellent opportunity for students to exercise leadership skills, spread kindness, and promote friendship among peers.