Kane County Reporter

The Central Community Unit School District 301, which represents parts of Kane and DeKalb counties, recently shared updates on various activities and achievements within the district. The district's social media posts highlight sporting events, teacher appreciation efforts, and an educator's recognition.

On May 3, 2025, the district announced a girls' soccer match against Belvidere North. The event was scheduled to take place on the fields behind Howard B. Thomas Grade School on the Central Campus. The post emphasized the excitement of starting the weekend with sports: "BREAKFAST BREAKDOWN: Time to start your weekend on the pitch. The girls soccer team battles Belvidere North this morning. Don’t forget that all soccer matches are held on the fields behind Howard B. Thomas Grade School on the Central Campus."

On May 5, 2025, in celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, the district expressed gratitude towards its educators through a heartfelt message acknowledging their contributions as mentors and motivators: " Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! To all of our incredible @Central301 teachers: thank you. Mentors, motivators, advocates, and difference-makers, we are grateful for the heart, skill, & dedication you bring to your classrooms."

Also on May 5th, Gemma Gurney from Central 301 was recognized as the 2025 Kane County Educator of the Year. Her educational philosophy focuses on experiential learning for students: " 'I'm successful when my students experience learning and not just 'do' learning.' – Gemma Gurney Congrats to Central 301’s Gemma Gurney, the 2025 Kane County Educator of the Year!" Her story and accompanying photos were made available for those interested in her journey.

Central Community Unit School District 301 comprises several schools including Central High School and Prairie Knolls Middle School among others. According to recent data from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), it has a diverse demographic profile with significant representation from various ethnic groups. The district reports a relatively low chronic truancy rate compared to state averages.