Ravinia School is proud to serve families of kindergarten through fifth grade students in North Shore School District 112 in Highland Park.  My name is Jeanne Banas and I am proud to begin another year as principal.  I look forward to working with the staff as we continue to focus on the whole child in our pursuit of educational excellence.  Cultivating and nurturing the educational goals, achievements, and aspirations of our students is our foremost responsibility.  We are excited to begin the 2007-08 school year as we welcome an enrollment of 307 students.  

In order for our students to be productive members of the school community, we believe that they must be supported in a safe environment that encourages self-expression and respect for one another.   We intend to work collectively and creatively to maintain a positive climate within the building and to explore new methods to address the needs of all students within our classrooms. 

The Ravinia staff consists of over 40 dedicated and caring professionals.   Our curriculum includes the core subjects of reading, language arts, mathematics, science, and social science.  Spanish, physical education, art, music, and computer classes also enhance a student’s educational experience.  In addition, many of our students choose to participate in band or orchestra. This year we are again expanding the hands-on experiences taking place in our greenhouse.  Ravinia students will grow mammoth basil as well as green and red butterhead lettuce using hydroponic growing methods.  The crops will be sold to local businesses through our Basil Buy Us program.   We feel this program is just one example of engaged learning opportunities taking place within our school.  Thanks to the Ravinia staff, the PTO, and Ravinia’s Real Kids, a variety of extra curricular events and activities are available to students as well.

This year we are maximizing the use of our Instructional Media Center (Tree House) due to the fundraising efforts of our PTO.  The new renovation allows us to entertain two classes of students simultaneously.  Whether doing research, listening to a story, participating in a discussion or simply embarking on an exciting adventure after opening a new book....student learning is again enhanced through the endeavors of our parent community.

Ravinia staff and students are actively working to incorporate the CHARACTER COUNTS! philosophy into its curriculum and community experiences through both “The Six Pillars of Character” and the Ravinia “STARS” program.  Our goal is to promote a school community in which everyone feels welcomed, respected, and protected.