Weekly Update
April 9, 2025
The Indian Prairie Parents’ Council (IPPC) is partnering with local businesses to recognize District 204 teachers and staff members for Teacher Appreciation Week, May 5 – 9. Parents and community members can honor school personnel who have made a difference this year, while also supporting local businesses and students in need. Each $25 donation allows you to honor your favorite teacher with a heartfelt note and a $20 gift card from a local business that you select from the list provided. Your note and gift card will be delivered to your teacher during Teacher Appreciation Week. $5 of your donation will help support the IPPC annual school supply drive to assist students in need. Orders are being taken now through April 25, 2025. There is no limit to the number of teachers or staff members you can recognize. Cash donations to the school supply drive can also be made in honor of a teacher or staff member. Order gift cards here. For any questions, please email IPPC at: ippcpta@gmail.com
Parent University: Becoming an Elementary Parent will be held in person on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 6:30 PM, and virtually on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 6:30 PM. This presentation is designed to guide parents and guardians through the exciting transition to kindergarten and first grade. Attendees will learn what to expect as their child begins full-time school and discover meaningful ways to support their emotional growth. The event will conclude with a panel discussion featuring experienced staff from Indian Prairie School District 204, who will answer your questions and share valuable insights.
Presenters:
Tracy Schwartz, Engagement and Student Support Coach
Lauren Quinn, Kindergarten Teacher
Panel:
Keeley Schmid, Principal
Kristine Micheles, Student Services Coordinator
Luke Rahtjen, Kindergarten Teacher
Jennifer Cetnar, First Grade Teacher
Megan Rogers, Social Worker
Join District 204 superintendent Dr. Adrian Talley and board members Catey Genc and Justin Karubas for coffee, light snacks, and casual conversation on Thursday, April 24 at 7 PM in the Waubonsie Valley High School LMC. This informal gathering is an opportunity to share your thoughts on what the district is doing well and what you’d like to see in the future.
Register and submit your questions or discussion topics here.
Coffee and Conversation Flyer
District 204 is grateful for the many volunteers who give their time and talents to support our students, staff, and schools. To recognize their impact, you are invited to nominate a deserving individual for Indian Prairie School District's Volunteer of the Year. Nominations will be accepted from Wednesday, April 16 through Friday, April 25. Help us celebrate those who make a difference in our school communities!
Submit a nomination here.
Tour the summer sky in preparation for backyard stargazing! The last WVHS Planetarium Family Night of the school year will be on Friday April 25th. Family Nights are monthly public programs for astronomy enthusiasts of all ages. Programs start inside the planetarium at 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm. Tickets are available online beginning Monday April 21st at store.ipsd.org. Sold-out programs will disappear from the webstore. Visit ipsd.org/planetarium for more information about Family Nights.
In addition to the planetarium programs, telescope viewing outside (weather permitting) will start at 8:00 pm. Naperville Astronomical Association (NAA) members will set up their telescopes in the grassy field to the west of the planetarium's parking lot. Join NAA after the planetarium programs (telescope viewing is FREE - tickets are not required). Email questions to stephanie_rybka@ipsd.org.
The Indian Prairie Educational Foundation (IPEF) and District 204 proudly honor Laura McKee, a first grade teacher at Fry Elementary School, with the April A+ Award. Watch the April A+ Award video to see the team’s visit to recognize Mrs. McKee for “Making a Difference in District 204”.
Mrs. McKee was nominated for the A+ Award by Fry Elementary parent Michelle Barbi de Moura. In her essay, she describes Mrs. McKee as a teacher who has great kindness, unwavering patience, and as someone who has the remarkable ability to see the unique potential in every child.
Mrs. de Moura writes, “What truly sets Mrs. McKee apart is her commitment to creating meaningful connections with her students by embracing their individual interests and passions.” She goes on to say that “Through her patience, creativity, and genuine care, Mrs. McKee has made an immeasurable difference not just in my son’s academic journey, but in his sense of belonging and self-worth. She approaches each child in her classroom with the same level of dedication, finding ways to make education accessible, engaging, and joyful for all her students.”
A+ Award sponsor Western Governors University is partnering with IPEF and District 204 to help recognize one staff member each month for making a difference for students. To celebrate these outstanding staff members, Western Governors University is generously donating $1,000 for each month’s winner to use in his or her school.
You can nominate a staff member by visiting A+ Award.
Reminder: See Something, Say Something!
The next regular Board of Education meeting is at 7 PM on Monday, May 5, 2025 at the Crouse Education Center, 780 Shoreline Drive, Aurora. Meeting agendas and documents will be available online prior to the meeting. Video of the regular meeting can be streamed live or viewed the following day at the District’s YouTube channel.
View the April 7, 2025 Board Salutes here.
Beat the May 1st price increase! Regular registration for Team IPEF 2025 ends WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30th. Run, walk, and raise funds as a Team IPEF Charity Hero in the Naperville Endeavor Health Half Marathon, 10K, or 5K on October 19th. Half of all funds raised by our runners go to your favorite IPSD 204 school and half to IPEF-funded district-wide programs. The goal is to have a team at every school, so gather your friends and family to register and join the fun!
Let's make this year's Team IPEF a huge success! Learn more and register HERE for Team IPEF today!
