August D10 on the 10th
News & Updates from Itasca School District #10
Important Upcoming Dates
🔽 Please note, the above list is not all-encompassing. Refer to the school calendars on the links below.
Outdoor Classroom Progress at Benson Primary School
An Evening of Community Fun
Thank you to everyone who stopped by to visit our District 10 team at National Night Out!
Welcome New Educators!
We were excited to welcome our newest educators to the D10 family! They spent the day connecting with one another, learning more about our District, and preparing for a successful school year.
Back-to-School Q&A with Superintendent Dr. Heidi Weeks
Building a Great Year Together
As we prepare to welcome students back to our classrooms, we asked Superintendent Dr. Heidi Weeks what she's looking forward to this school year and to share a few words of encouragement for our D10 community.
What are you most excited about this school year?
The first days of school! There is nothing quite like the excitement and energy that comes with welcoming students and staff back into our buildings. The first days are filled with new beginnings, new friendships, and endless possibilities. It's one of my favorite times of the year!
What makes District 10 special?
What I love most about Itasca School District 10 is its people. Our students, staff, families, and community all share a commitment to helping every learner succeed. There is a strong culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and always doing what is best for students. That commitment is what makes District 10 such a special place.
What message do you have for students?
As we begin a new school year, remember to believe in yourself. Every day is a new opportunity to learn, grow, and discover something new. Introduce yourself to a new friend, join a club or activity that interests you, or pick up a book you've never read before. Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Some of life's best experiences begin with trying something new!
What message do you have for families?
We are excited to welcome our students and families back for a year filled with learning, growth, and new opportunities. Thank you for your trust and partnership. Together, we will create a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment where every student can thrive. We can't wait to see what this school year brings!
What message do you have for our staff?
To our incredible Itasca School District 10 staff—thank you for the passion, dedication, and care you bring to our schools each day. Your commitment to our students and one another makes a lasting difference.
As we begin a new school year, let's Level Up—embracing new opportunities, learning from one another, and continuing to grow together. I look forward to leading alongside each of you as we make a positive impact on the lives of our students. Here's to an amazing year ahead!
Back-to-School Checklist ✅
1. Complete Online Registration
Registration for the 2026–2027 school year is open for all new and returning students.
If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to your respective school building. Phone numbers are listed at the bottom of this newsletter.
2. Turn in Health Forms
Health Requirements
Here are the requirements for the upcoming school year:
- Pre-K: Physical Exam
- Kindergarten: Physical Exam, Vision Exam, and Dental Exam
- 2nd Grade: Dental Exam
- 6th Grade: Physical Exam and Dental Exam
- Middle School Athletics: If your child plans on playing a middle school sport, a pre-participation physical is required.
Physical and vision exams are due no later than October 15, 2026, and dental exams are due May 15, 2027.
All forms and more information can be found on the Health Page of our website.
3. Pay School Fees
If you have already registered your student, but have not paid your school registration fee, please do so at this time.
Welcome to our Leadership Team
Tamara Mitchell - District Office
Jeff Herriman - District Office
Katie Sard - Franzen Intermediate School
Vilia Gaikis - Franzen/Benson/Peacock
Heather Buske - District
Welcome New D10 School Staff Members!
Benson Primary School
- Vilia Gaikis - Assistant Principal/District Case Manager
- Jordan Sales - PE Teacher
Franzen Intermediate School
Vilia Gaikis - Assistant Principal/District Case Manager
Madeline Kilian - 3rd Grade Teacher
Sam Park - Band
Jordan Sales - PE Teacher
Peacock Middle School
Sophia Sullivan - PE Teacher
Sara Pennella- 8th Grade ELA Teacher
Christopher Shamet - 8th Grade Math/Social Studies Teacher
Other Related Services
Izabella Swider - Speech Pathologist
Angel Nieves - Speech Pathologist
Natalie Sarkett - Speech Pathologist
Bus Reminders
First Student Branding
During the summer months, you may notice some updates to our transportation program ahead of next school year. Drivers and transportation staff will be wearing high-visibility safety vests, and buses will begin displaying the First Student name and branding. While the appearance may look different, you can expect the same commitment to safe, reliable transportation and the same dedicated local team serving students each day.
Do you have an incoming Kindergartener? Sign up for your child's assessment!
Children beginning Kindergarten in August 2026 for the 2026-2027 school year are required to take part in an assessment. These assessments take place on Wednesday, August 12th and Thursday, August 13th. Please sign your child up for a slot using the link below.
Developmental Screenings for the 2026-2027 School Year
Schools in the North DuPage Special Education Cooperative (NDSEC) will be screening children from birth to 5 years of age in the areas of vision, hearing, motor development and language skills. Screening results will be provided to the parent/guardian after the children have been screened by trained educators. Please consult the schedule on the back page for the exact date of screening in your school district and call for an appointment. If you have questions, please contact NDSEC at (630) 894-0490.
D10 School Board
Upcoming Board Meetings
The Board of Education meets regularly on the second Wednesday of each month. Meetings are held at the Itasca Village Hall, 550 W. Irving Park Road, Itasca, Illinois, at 7:00 P.M, unless noted otherwise. If a closed session is needed, it is held prior to the regular meeting at 6:00 P.M.
Upcoming Board Meetings
August 12, 2026
Randy O. Legacy Poker Tournament - All Proceeds Support D10 Schools!
Randy O. Legacy Poker Tournament - Tickets Sales are Now Open!
Enjoy an exciting evening of poker, dinner, music, raffles, and community fun—all while supporting a great cause. 100% of the proceeds will directly benefit District 10 students, helping create new opportunities and support future success. Not a Poker Player? No Problem!
Date night.
Parents' night out.
Friends' night out.
However you spend the evening, you'll be supporting District 10 students.
- Thursday, September 3rd @ 5:30pm
- The Belvedere in Elk Grove
To learn more and buy your tickets, please visit the link below.
Upcoming Learning Opportunities: GPS Parent Series
D10 is proud to partner with the GPS Parent Series: Navigating Healthy Families—bringing families and professionals free access to nationally recognized experts who provide practical, research-based guidance on today’s most important topics. With over 50 programs annually, offered at noon and 7 p.m. CT in four languages, GPS supports families at every stage—from childhood through college and career. Explore upcoming programs and resources at GPSParentSeries.org and join us in building stronger, healthier communities.
Give a Shout-Out with a Board Salute!
Do you know someone in the D10 community who goes above and beyond to make our schools a better place? Whether it’s a dedicated teacher, a helpful student, a rockstar bus driver, or an incredible parent/guardian, we want to recognize them!
The Board of Education celebrates those who make a positive impact through Board Salutes - special shout-outs given during board meetings and recorded in the official minutes.
The Board of Education wants to recognize these everyday heroes with a Board Salute!
Local Community Events & Volunteer Opportunities
Looking for local events, programs, and activities for your family? Be sure to check the below community flyer page on the district website! We regularly share updates about happenings in the area. Check it out to see what’s new!
Our school libraries are always in need of volunteers! Click the link below for more information on how to volunteer.
Safe2Help Resources
Safe2Help offers students a safe, confidential way in which to share information that might help prevent suicides, bullying, school violence or other threats to school safety. It is available 24/7 and offers students a safe outlet to share information on school safety issues in a confidential environment. It can be accessed via a free app, text/phone, and website (Safe2HelpIllinois.com).
Call: 844-4-SAFEIL
Text: SAFE2 (72332)
Email: help@safe2helpil.com
Employment Opportunities
D10 is always hiring. If you, or someone you know is interested, please visit our employment website!
Are You Following Us on Social Media?
Want to see more of the amazing things happening in our classrooms and stay up-to-date with the latest news? Follow us on social media!
Helpful Links
Located below you can access the following:
