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.