The mission of Avoca School District 37 is to provide an education that maximizes the unique potential of each child we serve.

Beliefs:

1. The educational best interest of the child is the first priority.

2. The mutual responsibility of parents, teachers, and administrators is to work as partners to educate each child.

3. The partnership between family and school should promote in each child integrity, respect, and responsibility for self and community.

4. A child's natural joy of discovery is one of the most powerful educational tools.

5. A successful education allows the child to thrive and grow intellectually, socially, emotionally, physically, and ethically.

6. Curriculum and instruction should promote critical, creative, and independent thinking.

7. Continuous improvement is based on constant reflection, openness to change, and high expectations for our District and ourselves.

8. Staff development is essential for continuous improvement and should encourage independent viewpoints.

9. The quality of our programs improves when appropriate, varied measurements are used regularly to assess outcomes and effectiveness.

10. Diversity is to be valued, respected, and encouraged as a dynamic strength, beneficial to all.

11. Better decisions are made when we involve all of the constituents of the District in the process.

12. The fiscal responsibility of the District is to maximize the available resources for current and future generations.

Avoca is a Cook County school district, first registered with the county superintendent in 1870. Avoca School District #37 is located about 20 miles north of the city of Chicago. There are presently two schools in the district: Avoca West, a K-5 elementary school; and Marie Murphy, a 6-8 middle school. The Avoca schools serve students from parts of four surrounding communities: Glenview, Northfield, Wilmette, and Winnetka. The greatest number of our students live in Wilmette. Avoca West Elementary School is located in Glenview, and Marie Murphy School is located in Wilmette.

The name Avoca means "a watering spout of knowledge." The name comes from a geographic location in Ireland called "The Vale of Avoca." The name was voted upon by the original settlers of the district. In 1923 a two-room, brick building was built to replace the original frame house. The school was constructed on the site of the present Marie Murphy School. In 1932, Mrs. Marie Murphy came to teach at the school. At that time, there were 45 studentsin grades 1-8. Two new schools were built in the 1950s; Avoca East (Wilmette) was built in 1950, and Avoca West (Glenview) was built in 1959.