5th-8th grade students and staff met with author of our One District, One Book book, Restart, Gordan Korman. We learned Mr. Korman wrote his first book in 7th grade and published it a few years later! Thanks Mr. Korman for spending your morning with us!
I had a great last meeting of the year with the Superintendent-Student Advisory at Ridge Central this week. They offered great insights! #cridgepride
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. I wanted to share these thoughts from Tasha Schuh, one of the most inspiring individuals I have ever encountered.
Here is what she said:
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this conversation is incredibly important to me—not just professionally, but personally.
After my accident at 16 years old, I didn’t just face physical challenges. I also faced fear, grief, anxiety, sadness, and moments where I questioned whether life could ever feel meaningful again. There were seasons where my mental health struggled deeply, even when people around me thought I was “being strong.”
That’s why I care so deeply about reminding others that mental health matters.
Struggling emotionally does not mean you are weak.
It means you are human.
Over the years, I’ve learned that resilience is not about pretending everything is okay. It’s about learning how to care for yourself honestly and intentionally while continuing to move forward, one action at a time.
This month, I wanted to share 3 simple but powerful tips that have helped me protect and strengthen my mental health over the years:
1. Watch Your Inner Dialogue
Pay attention to the way you speak to yourself. We are often kinder to others than we are to ourselves. When negative thoughts creep in, pause and ask: Would I say this to someone I love? Practice replacing criticism with compassion.
2. Get Outside and Reset
Fresh air, sunshine, and movement can help shift your mindset more than you realize. Some of my clearest moments mentally have come from slowing down and reconnecting with the world around me.
3. Don’t Isolate Yourself
One of the biggest lies we believe during hard seasons is that we have to carry it all alone. Reach out to someone safe. Connection is healing. Even a short conversation can remind you that you are supported and seen. Professional help, such as a counselor is also so very important. I would not be where I am today without them, and there is strength and courage in seeking assistance in this way!
If you’re going through a difficult season right now, please remember this:
You do not have to have everything figured out today. Healing and growth take time.
And sometimes resilience is just the act of showing up and doing your best.
Thank you for being part of this community and allowing me to share both the hard and hopeful parts of my journey. My hope is that this month reminds you to care for your mental health with the same compassion you give to everyone else. 💚
With gratitude,
Tasha
Here is what she said:
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this conversation is incredibly important to me—not just professionally, but personally.
After my accident at 16 years old, I didn’t just face physical challenges. I also faced fear, grief, anxiety, sadness, and moments where I questioned whether life could ever feel meaningful again. There were seasons where my mental health struggled deeply, even when people around me thought I was “being strong.”
That’s why I care so deeply about reminding others that mental health matters.
Struggling emotionally does not mean you are weak.
It means you are human.
Over the years, I’ve learned that resilience is not about pretending everything is okay. It’s about learning how to care for yourself honestly and intentionally while continuing to move forward, one action at a time.
This month, I wanted to share 3 simple but powerful tips that have helped me protect and strengthen my mental health over the years:
1. Watch Your Inner Dialogue
Pay attention to the way you speak to yourself. We are often kinder to others than we are to ourselves. When negative thoughts creep in, pause and ask: Would I say this to someone I love? Practice replacing criticism with compassion.
2. Get Outside and Reset
Fresh air, sunshine, and movement can help shift your mindset more than you realize. Some of my clearest moments mentally have come from slowing down and reconnecting with the world around me.
3. Don’t Isolate Yourself
One of the biggest lies we believe during hard seasons is that we have to carry it all alone. Reach out to someone safe. Connection is healing. Even a short conversation can remind you that you are supported and seen. Professional help, such as a counselor is also so very important. I would not be where I am today without them, and there is strength and courage in seeking assistance in this way!
If you’re going through a difficult season right now, please remember this:
You do not have to have everything figured out today. Healing and growth take time.
And sometimes resilience is just the act of showing up and doing your best.
Thank you for being part of this community and allowing me to share both the hard and hopeful parts of my journey. My hope is that this month reminds you to care for your mental health with the same compassion you give to everyone else. 💚
With gratitude,
Tasha
Board Meeting Brief May 12th, 2026 https://aptg.co/ZQGkvq
Stay informed, stay engaged! Our district app brings you important updates, event schedules, and real-time alerts, all in one place. Download now and stay connected with your school community!
Ridge Lawn hosted a fantastic 'Eagle Expo' which included an Art Show, Science Fair, and samples of student writing and other projects. It was wonderful to see all the students and their families in attendance. #cridgepride
CRSD 127.5 attended the Arab American Family Services (AAFS) Job Fair this week, connecting with future educators and building stronger community partnerships!
Ridge Central, Ridge Lawn, and Finley Jr. High participated in their Walk-A-Thons today to support the Lions of District 1-A which is hosting the Helen Keller 5K Run/Walk on Sunday morning (4/26) at Richards High School. #cridgepride
This week the PTA hosted another great event for our students, staff, and their families. It seems everyone had a great time at the Glow Skating Party! #cridgepride
Board Meeting Brief April 14th, 2026 https://aptg.co/6Fd768
We would like to recognize this group of great Assistant Principals for all of their hardwork and dedication to the students, staff, and families in CRSD 127.5. Happy Assistant Principal Week and thank you for all that you do! #cridgepride
We want to wish all of our students, staff, and families a Happy Spring Break! We look forward to seeing you back at school on Tuesday, April 7! #cridgepride
Celebrating our trimester 3 star students
As a reminder there is No School on Friday, March 20. All CRSD 127.5 buildings will be closed. We will see all of the students back in school on Monday, March 23. #cridgepride
A reminder that there is a Teacher Institute Day on March 17 due to Election Day. All CRSD 127.5 students have No School. #cridgepride
Board Meeting Brief March 10th, 2026 https://aptg.co/f8G3pC
Representing Chicago Ridge School District 127.5 at the District 218 Job Fair and connecting with future educators and support staff interested in joining our school district community
Students engaging with our new Merge cubes in SMARTLab!
I had another great day of talking to some of our student leaders from Ridge Central, Ridge Lawn, and Finley Jr. High during the Student-Superintendent Advisory meetings! #cridgepride
Last night the Finley Viking Band did a great job performing at the SSJHSC Conference annual band festival! #cridgepride
