From the Superintendent's Corner: A New School Year, A Fresh Start for Learning and Growth

As summer winds down and the first signs of a new academic year approach, I want to extend a warm welcome back to our students, staff, and families across Edwardsville Community Unit School District 7. The first day of school is always filled with excitement and possibility, and this year is no exception. 

We are especially proud to begin this school year by celebrating several major construction and renovation projects that were completed over the summer. Funded by the April 2023 bond passed by our community, these improvements are part of our long-term commitment to providing safe, innovative, and student-centered learning environments across the district. 

This fall, all District 7 schools will open with newly constructed secure double entries, a critical step in enhancing the safety and security of our campuses. These upgraded entryways are designed to better monitor and control access to our buildings while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for our families and visitors. 

At Edwardsville High School, we are thrilled to unveil an 8,000 square foot addition to the Commons, providing students with expanded space for dining, collaboration, and social interaction. This modernized area will serve as a central hub of student life and reflects our dedication to fostering positive school culture. An additional part of the Commons addition is Tiger Bites, a new grab-and-go alternate to the traditional food service lines at EHS.  

Equally exciting is the completion of a 60,000 square foot addition to Lincoln Middle School. This state-of-the-art expansion includes new classrooms, learning labs, and student support spaces that will serve as the heart of Lincoln while providing flexible environments that meet the needs of 21st-century learners. 

As part of the completion of the addition at Lincoln, we would like to invite the community to a ribbon-cutting and open house, and to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the opening of the original Edwardsville High School on Aug. 31, 1925. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, from 2-4 p.m. in front of the new Lincoln Middle School. After a short ceremony, those in attendance will be invited to participate in tours with current and former Lincoln students.  

The first day of student attendance is Wednesday, August 20, for grades PK–12. Preschool classes will begin Monday, Aug. 25. We encourage families to review specific start dates and times by visiting our district website or contacting their child’s school directly. 

If you have not yet completed online registration, please do so as soon as possible. Timely registration ensures that we have accurate staffing and transportation plans in place. Families needing assistance can contact our Registration Support Center at registration@ecusd7.org or by calling 618-655-6058. 

Back-to-school season also brings important reminders about transportation, safety, and school-day routines. Please allow extra time during morning and afternoon drop-off periods and remember to be patient with buses as our transportation team works to safely adjust to new routes and schedules in the first weeks of school. Families using First Student for transportation can tentatively access bus routes and times through the First View App on Tuesday, Aug. 12. 

Finally, I invite our families to stay engaged throughout the school year. Attend open houses, connect with your child’s teachers, and stay informed through our newsletters, website, and social media channels. Strong partnerships between schools and families are essential to student success. 

Here’s to a fantastic school year ahead, full of growth, achievement, and opportunity.