The Indian Prairie Parents’ Council (IPPC), in partnership with District 204, is continuing the Families Helping Families program to support families facing hardship or homelessness through monetary donations and gift cards. This ongoing initiative assists under-resourced families during the winter holidays and throughout the year. Community members can participate by visiting the online store to purchase gift cards or make a donation, making a meaningful difference for families in need. For details, please contact IPPC 1st Vice President and Unity Chair, Robin Schmidt, at ippcpta@gmail.com. If your family needs support, reach out to your school social worker, who can guide you to helpful resources.

Giftmart 2024 needs your help! Please consider donating a toy to assist under resourced families in Naperville. By invitation, parents and/or guardians are invited to the Giftmart Toyshop where they can purchase new toys for $2.00 per toy. 100% of the proceeds made from the sale of each toy will be donated back to each invited school to fund much needed resources. Please consider donating a new, unwrapped toy that is safe for children ages 6-12. No stuffed animals or board games, please. Both a Target and Amazon Gift Registry have been created or there will be a Giftmart Toy Box located inside of Metea and Waubonsie Valley High Schools, Granger, Crone, Gregory and Fischer Middle Schools, and in Brookdale, Brooks, Cowlishaw, Fry, Graham, Georgetown, Gombert, May Watts, McCarty, Owen, Patterson, Petterson, Welch, and Young Elementary Schools from November 11 – December 9. Thank you for your generosity and participation!

Winter Weather Reminder

As the winter season approaches, it is a good time to review winter weather safety with your family. Below are a few tips to help keep our students and school communities safe during winter.

• Stay alert for potential icy road conditions. Dropping temperatures can lead to the formation of black ice on roads, posing driving hazards.

• Educate young drivers in your household about the risks associated with winter weather conditions.

• Practice extra caution while driving near schools, as icy roads might impede safe braking and slowing down.

• Ensure that children walking to school are dressed warmly, equipped with hats, scarves, and mittens or gloves.

• Have conversations with your children about safety protocols when walking to school, emphasizing awareness of reduced visibility and the importance of waiting until vehicles come to a complete stop before crossing.

By adhering to these guidelines, we can collectively work to maintain a safe environment for our school communities during the winter months.

The DuPage County Health Department's Smile Squad will be visiting our district throughout the school year. Several schools will serve as host locations, and students from any school in the district are welcome to attend a clinic at any of these sites. The Smile Squad will provide dental examinations that fulfill the state-mandated requirement for students in Kindergarten, 2nd, 6th, and 9th grades. Eligible students will also receive a dental cleaning, fluoride treatment, and sealants as needed.

Upcoming Mobile Dental Clinics:

November 22, 2024: Georgetown Elementary School, 995 Long Grove Drive, Aurora

December 2, 2024: Metea Valley High School, 1801 N. Eola Road, Aurora

Please note that written parental consent is required and must be on file with the health office prior to your child’s appointment. Consent forms must be submitted to your child's health office at least one week before the scheduled clinic date.

(Consent Form - English | Formulario de consentimiento - Español)

The next regular Board of Education meeting is at 7 PM on Monday, December 2, 2024 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 November 18, 2024 Board Salutes here.

The Indian Prairie Educational Foundation (IPEF) and District 204 proudly honor Joel Brens, a Dean’s Assistant at Waubonsie Valley High School, with the November A+ Award. Watch the A+ Award video to see the team's visit to recognize Mr. Brens for “Making a Difference in District 204”.

Mr. Brens was nominated for the A+ Award this year by Waubonsie Valley parent, Daryl Silberman. In her essay, Ms. Silberman describes Mr. Brens as an outstanding asset to Waubonsie Valley High School with an exceptional ability to connect, support, and create community. She writes, “Watching his amazing interactions with students, and seeing how he has integrated himself into the Warrior community - announcing for volleyball and football games, championing the intramural clubs including running the outside bike club this year - I cannot imagine Waubonsie without him.”

Mr. Brens is a former Team IPEF runner and has worked at Waubonsie Valley for eight years. “I am incredibly honored and humbled by this,” said Mr. Brens. “As a professional, this has been my biggest moment by a wide margin.”

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.

Have you heard of Giving Tuesday? It's an International Day of Giving, and it's happening on December 3rd! The Indian Prairie Educational Foundation (IPEF) will be asking for donations to help support its many enrichment programs for students and teachers, including The Fine Arts Festival, free cardiac screenings for high school students, Teacher Innovation Grants, mental health supports for students and their families, robotics clubs, and essential supports for homeless and low-income students. Click here to donate early and help right away.

Wednesday, November 20 | 7 PM

Understanding and Preventing Addiction: Beautiful Boy

Nic Sheff & Jessica Lahey

Virtual Event: 7 PM Zoom Link
Details

Thursday, November 21 | 6 - 8 PM

In Person B-PAC: Cómo ayudar a los adolescentes a gestionar sus emociones para lograr un mayor bienestar / How to Help Teens Manage Their Emotions for Greater Wellbeing

Location: Glenbard East High School

Details

See all upcoming speakers here.