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August D10 on the 10th

D10 on the 10th August Edition with a school bus, books and back to school graphic
August D10 on the10th

News & Updates from Itasca School District #10 News & Updates from Itasca School District #10

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Important Upcoming Dates Important Upcoming Dates

Dates to know for the upcoming school year.  Click on the image for this information on our district website.
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🔽 Please note, the above list is not all-encompassing. Refer to the school calendars on the links below.

2026-2027 School Year Calendar
2026-2027 School Holidays & Vacations (Printable)

Outdoor Classroom Progress at Benson Primary School Outdoor Classroom Progress at Benson Primary School

Benson Primary School Outdoor Classroom Construction progress with dirt, a large tree, fence and cement area
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An Evening of Community Fun

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to visit our District 10 team at National Night Out!

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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.

Parent Newsletters
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Peacock Charger Report

Franzen Falcon

Benson Bulletin

IPTO August Newsletter

New and Noteworthy
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Back-to-School Q&A with Superintendent Dr. Heidi Weeks Back-to-School Q&A with Superintendent Dr. Heidi Weeks

Dr Heidi Weeks Smiling
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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!

Read Dr. Weeks' Back-to-School Letter

Back-to-School Checklist ✅ Back-to-School Checklist ✅

1. Complete Online Registration 1. Complete Online Registration

2026-2027 school year registration now open
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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.

Registration at D10

Registration at D10

Itasca School District 10 in Itasca, IL provides high-quality education, dedicated teachers, and a strong community for elementary and middle school students.

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2. Turn in Health Forms 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 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.

Registration Forms

Registration Forms

Itasca School District 10 in Itasca, IL provides high-quality education, dedicated teachers, and a strong community for elementary and middle school students.

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4. Review Our Back-to-School Hub & Supply Lists 4. Review Our Back-to-School Hub & Supply Lists

Back to School Information

Back to School Information

Itasca School District 10 in Itasca, IL provides high-quality education, dedicated teachers, and a strong community for elementary and middle school students.

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Welcome to our Leadership Team Welcome to our Leadership Team

As we begin a new school year, we're pleased to welcome these leaders stepping into new roles across District 10. Whether they're joining our district for the first time or taking on new leadership opportunities within our schools, each brings a passion for supporting students, staff, and families. We look forward to the positive impact they'll make and invite you to join us in giving them a warm District 10 welcome!
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Tamara Mitchell - District Office

Welcome new Chief School Business Official (CSBO), Tamara Mitchell! Click Here to Meet Tamara
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Jeff Herriman - District Office

Welcome new Director of Buildings & Grounds, Jeff Herriman! Click Here to Meet Jeff
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Katie Sard - Franzen Intermediate School

While Ms. Sard is not new to District 10 or Franzen, we are excited to welcome her as the new Principal of Franzen Intermediate School.
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Vilia Gaikis - Franzen/Benson/Peacock

Welcome new District Case Manager & Assistant Principal at Franzen/Benson, Vilia Gaikis! Click Here to Meet Vilia.
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Heather Buske - District

Mrs. Buske is a familiar face in District 10 and is beginning the school year in a new leadership role as Director of Teaching and Learning. She previously served as Assistant Principal at Benson Primary School.

Welcome New D10 School Staff Members! 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 Bus Reminders

Students lining up for the bus
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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.

Transportation & Bus Webpage
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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.


Sign up for a Kindergarten Assessment

Developmental Screenings for the 2026-2027 School Year 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.

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2026-27 Developmental Screening Brochure
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D10 School Board D10 School Board

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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

Learn More About the School Board
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Randy O. Legacy Poker Tournament - All Proceeds Support D10 Schools! 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.

Randy O. Legacy Website & Tickets
Annual Bennet Classic Wiffle Ball Tournament
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Upcoming Learning Opportunities: GPS Parent Series Upcoming Learning Opportunities: GPS Parent Series

family smiling with GPS Parent Series
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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.

Click Here for list of upcoming GPS Parent Series dates and times
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View the Online Brochure
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School board members and district staff smiling with awards
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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!

Submit a Board Salute for a D10 Staff Member
Community Flyers with a heart and heads inside the heart to showcase community
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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!


Benson Backpack

Franzen Backpack

Peacock Backpack


Our school libraries are always in need of volunteers! Click the link below for more information on how to volunteer.

Library Volunteer Information
Safe 2 Help Illinois Logo
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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 Employment Opportunities

D10 is always hiring. If you, or someone you know is interested, please visit our employment website!

Click for Available Job Openings

Are You Following Us on Social Media? 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!

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Facebook

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Instagram

Helpful Links Helpful Links

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Located below you can access the following:


  • D10 Website
  • Curriculum Information
  • Registration
  • Calendars
  • Benson Primary School
  • Franzen Intermediate School
  • Peacock Middle School
Contact Us Graphic with Phone Numbers of each school in the district as well as the district office
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