Back-to-School Letters from District 300 Administrative Staff

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Dear parents and students of Du Quoin Community Unit School District #300,

My name is Diana Rea, and I am thrilled to be one of the newer members of the Du Quoin Community Unit School District 300 as the Director of Instructional Services. I began my teaching career in Southern Illinois in 1989, including stints in Mississippi, Georgia and the past 14 years in Mt. Vernon. I bring 23 years of classroom and instructional experiences to Du Quoin CUSD 300. These many opportunities have inspired an inner passion and commitment to a quality education for all students, and I'm excited to bring these experiences and passion to the community of Du Quoin.

One priority I have for the year will be facilitating the creation of a district curriculum guide that provides a supportive and enriching education for all students Kindergarten through 12th grade. This curriculum will become reality through our dedicated teachers who deeply understand what it is that their students are required to learn and bring it to life through innovative lessons that ensure the curriculum is absorbed. I am looking forward to creating meaningful relationships with the Du Quoin School staff, and collaborating to create opportunities to improve student achievement.

Guiding teachers as we search avenues for improving all areas of our schools will be another aspect of my role in the district. This will include providing professional development opportunities and trainings in areas of reading, writing, math, differentiated instruction and RTI programming, to name a few. I will meet with teacher during planning times, committees and school improvement days. All of these endeavors will drive our school improvement plans and assist us as we continue to plan curriculum, instruction and assessments, ultimately preparing highly capable high school graduates for their college and career goals.

Curriculum is the core business of schools. It directly affects the present and future of each child, our state and our nation. I deeply value the opportunity I've been given to work with the teachers and students, and am looking forward becoming an educational leader who maximizes the learning of all, celebrates diversity and engages all students in intellectually challenging learning experiences in Du Quoin Schools.

Sincerely yours,

Diana L. Rea

Director of Instructional Services

Du Quoin Community Unit School District #300