Frost Elementary School

05/26/2026

Our fourth and fifth graders took the stage last week for a performance that showcased both musical growth and meaningful collaboration across our building.

The concert featured a range of highlights, including several vocal solos from highly dedicated fifth-grade choral students. While solos are not typically part of this performance, their preparation and commitment made it an easy addition to the program.

Our Falcons also energized the audience with a bucket drumming club performance, bringing rhythm, energy, and creativity to the stage. Additionally, a special orchestral moment was created just for the show: fifth-grade orchestra students performed an integrated part written specifically for them within one of the pieces, highlighting their progress and musicianship.

Adding to the impact of the evening, student speakers shared messages in English, Spanish, and Ukrainian, reflecting the diverse voices and community represented at Frost.

A memorable night of music, collaboration, and student voice all around.

05/21/2026

Yesterday, some of our staff got the chance to enjoy some much-needed puppy cuddles during their lunch hour.

Eight adorable puppies from the Heartland Animal Shelter – six boys and two girls celebrating their eight-week birthday – spent the hour soaking up attention and bringing smiles to staff members as our year winds down.

With names like Ranch, Crouton, Caesar and Thousand Island, the pups quickly stole hearts...and even experienced grass for the very first time!

05/11/2026

STEM + A Sweet Treat!

Our fourth- and fifth-grade CodeMonkey challenge winners were able to celebrating their coding success in the best way possible: by making ice cream from scratch!

This hands-on activity turned their coding achievements into a fun science experience, connecting problem-solving in the digital world with real-world STEM learning (and a delicious treat at the end).

Smiles, teamwork (and a little science magic) made for a memorable day in the classroom!

04/27/2026

Calling all graduating seniors! 🎓

Did you attend Frost Elementary School? We’d love to welcome you back for a special Senior Walk!

Join us on May 21 at 11:30 a.m. as we celebrate your journey and inspire our current students by walking the halls where it all began.

Come reconnect, reminisce, and let our young learners see what their future can look like!

Follow this link to sign up: https://bit.ly/4sYXY3G

We can’t wait to celebrate you; see you back at the nest!

04/17/2026

We’re excited to share that at last night’s Board of Education meeting, Erin Lim was approved as the next assistant principal of Frost, beginning July 1.

Erin joins us from Prospect Heights School District 23, where she has built a strong reputation as a thoughtful leader, team builder, and program developer. Her experience creating systems that support both students and staff will be a tremendous asset to our school community.

“I am honored to take this next step in my career at Frost… I can’t wait to partner with and learn from the dedicated team of educators in CCSD21 and this wonderful community,” Lim shared.

Please join us in giving Erin a warm Frost welcome!

04/17/2026

It’s official — we have a finish line!

The last day of school for students is Tuesday, June 2! As we head into the final weeks, let’s celebrate a year full of growth, achievements, and unforgettable moments.

Here’s to ending the year strong and soaking in every last milestone along the way. Let the countdown begin!

04/06/2026

Happy National Assistant Principals Week! 🎉

This week, we're celebrating the amazing Ms. Yasutake for the leadership, care and dedication she brings to Frost each and every day. From supporting our Falcons to helping the school run smoothly, her impact is felt in so many ways.

Be sure to join us in thanking Ms. Yasutake for all she does to make Frost a great place to learn and grow!

03/13/2026

03/10/2026

🌎 Spotlight on Excellence: Gordana Rink

Gordana Rink, second-grade bilingual/ESL teacher at Frost Elementary School and our fifth Illinois State Board of Education Those Who Excel recipient, helps students thrive academically and linguistically, using language as a bridge to connect and inspire.

Gordana’s colleagues admire her thoughtfulness and quiet leadership. "She asks deep questions and ensures that she is understanding so that she can effectively utilize new information, resources, and strategies to maximize her students’ learning experiences," wrote Carolyn Droll, director of teaching and learning for math.

The recognition was "an emotional moment" for Gordana during a particularly challenging year. “I was stunned and cried. Just that someone had noticed my work made me feel seen, honored and humbled,” she said. She loves witnessing her students’ “lightbulb moments” and looks forward to mentoring new teachers, participating on committees, and advocating for her students’ academic and linguistic needs.

Read more about Gordana and our other Those Who Excel recipients here: https://bit.ly/d21twe2026

03/09/2026

💛 Spotlight on Excellence: Connor Potvin

Connor Potvin, fourth-grade teacher at Frost Elementary School and our fourth Illinois State Board of Education Those Who Excel recipient, is a leader in social-emotional learning, creating a classroom where relationships and student safety come first.

Connor described receiving the award as “humbling” and said it validated his efforts as an educator. “Teaching can feel like an uphill climb even when you’re doing well,” he said. “Being recognized reinforces the work I put into helping students succeed.”

Raised in a family of educators, Connor credits his upbringing for shaping his approach to teaching. Beyond his classroom, he hopes to continue mentoring student teachers and growing as an educator, passing on the same values of empathy, patience, and relationship-building that have guided his own career.

Read more about Connor and our other Those Who Excel recipients here: https://bit.ly/d21twe2026

02/12/2026

We have THREE amazing staff members to celebrate today! Congratulations to Ms. Kuta, Ms. Rink and Mr. Potvin on their incredibly well-deserved recognition from the Illinois State Board of Education!

We're proud to celebrate EIGHT outstanding staff members who have been recognized through the Illinois State Board of Education's Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards this year:

🏆 Gustavo Atempa, Spanish Interpreter (Districtwide) — Award of Excellence
🏆 Michelle Kuta, art teacher at Frost Elementary School — Award of Meritorious Service
🏆 Allison Parker, eighth-grade language arts teacher at Jack London Middle School — Award of Meritorious Service
🏆 Connor Potvin, fourth-grade teacher at Frost Elementary School — Award of Excellence
🏆 Gordana Rink, second-grade bilingual Spanish teacher at Frost Elementary School — Award of Meritorious Service
🏆 Marcela Rodriguez, bilingual/English-as-a-second-language instructional specialist (Districtwide) — Award of Special Recognition
🏆 Samantha Roth, principal of Whitman Elementary School — Award of Special Recognition
🏆 Jaclyn Share, language services teacher facilitator at Holmes Middle School — Award of Special Recognition

The Those Who Excel program honors educators and school staff across Illinois who demonstrate excellence, commitment, and meaningful impact in supporting students, families, and school communities. Honorees are nominated by peers and selected by ISBE based on their contributions to education and student success.

Our recipients will be honored at a statewide reception in Bloomington-Normal this April. Congratulations again to these incredible members of our district, and thank you for the difference you make every day!