SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson adopted Senate Resolution 61, officially designating March 2025 as Illinois Whole Child Month. This initiative, led by the Illinois Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, emphasizes the importance of a whole child approach to education in the state.

“By recognizing March 2025 as Whole Child Month, we are amplifying the needs of children in and out of the classroom,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “This is about creating a comprehensive support system that nurtures every aspect of a child’s growth and well-being.”

Senate Resolution 61 encourages parents, educators, and community members to celebrate Whole Child Month by embracing key tenets of the whole child approach: ensuring students are healthy and practice a healthy lifestyle, fostering a safe learning environment, encourage active engagement in learning and community, providing personalized support from caring adults, and challenge students academically to prepare them for career success and critical thinking in a global environment.

This initiative underscores the need to focus on the well-being and holistic development of students. Currently, the high school graduation rate in Illinois stands at 87%, while only 64% of high school seniors enroll in a college program within 12 months of graduation. By embracing a whole child approach, SR 61 aims to improve these statistics and better prepare students for future success.

"Adopting a whole child approach to education is essential in ensuring that our students are not only academically successful but also healthy, safe and supported," said Johnson. "Whole Child Month will serve as a reminder for us all to invest in the future of our children and communities."

Senate Resolution 61 was adopted Wednesday.

SPRINGFIELD – In response to the governor’s budget address Wednesday, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) issued the following statement:

“I’m encouraged by the governor’s ongoing commitment to financial stability while prioritizing our most vulnerable residents. By prioritizing behavioral health services, funding for crisis response programs, and

SPRINGFIELD – To advance environmental standards and promote greener energy, State Senator Adriane Johnson joined colleagues Wednesday to support the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act, which would prohibit Illinois’ major retirement systems from making new investments in fossil fuel companies.

“By aligning our investments with the goals of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, Illinois is making a clear commitment to protecting our workers, communities and environment from the growing climate crisis,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “The Fossil Fuel Divestment Act reflects our responsibility to both retirees and future generations.”

BUFFALO GROVE — The City of Waukegan, Vernon Hills Park District and Mundelein Park and Recreation District have all received a $600,000 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant to help continue their ongoing improvements, thanks to strong support from State Senator Adriane Johnson.

“Bettering our local park districts goes far beyond beautification,” said Johnson (D- Buffalo Gove). “This funding enriches our communities, fostering health, connection, and a vibrant quality of life for all.”

As a strong advocate for local park districts and recreation development, Johnson supported funding for economically distressed communities, resulting in 29 underserved locations receiving $17.3 million in grants from the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development, or OSLAD, program.

OSLAD is a cost-sharing program between state and local governments that helps communities fund land acquisition and development for parks and outdoor recreation projects. It’s become one of the most popular grant programs in Illinois. Since its establishment, OSLAD has awarded $640 million for park projects throughout Illinois.

More than $55.2 million in state grants are being awarded for 100 local park projects throughout Illinois to help communities acquire land and develop recreational opportunities.

Visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website for more information on the OSLAD grants.