109 News

A few features of Family Access will close on Wednesday, May 21, at 3:30pm until Friday, June 6 for end-of-year grading. You will not be able to view the Portfolio, Grading or GradeBook features. Everything else (including fee payment and InfoCheck) remain open!

On the last day of school, June 6, by 3:30pm, everything will be available again, including your child's report card.

Students new to District 109, as well as all Early Learners, kindergarten students and sixth grade students must submit a health examination form before the start of the school year. Note that if the form is not submitted as required, students will be excluded from school on October 15th.

See all health requirements below, and find detailed information and the forms you need on our health information page.

At a special reorganizational meeting on May 6, the District 109 Board of Education said farewell to Sari Montgomery and Andrew Morrison.

Mrs. Montgomery served for 12 years on the Board, most recently as President. Mr. Morrison served our community for six years. They both were involved in the development of the mission, vision and values of Define 109, the strategic plan that is shaping the future of our schools.

We are so thankful for their service to our District and community!

Joining the Board of Education at that reorganization are two new faces who were elected in the April municipal elections: Remoun Abraham and David Murav. They join the Board at an exciting time in our community, as we continue our community collaboration to address "The Anxious Generation" and we reach out to constituents to help us understand the needs and address the future of our facilities.

The Board of Education held their most recent regular meeting on May 15. The meeting included discussion of TrueNorth Educational Cooperative, the work of our Referendum Task Force and a presentation on our STEM/CMA curriculum update.

The Board also passed a resolution honoring staff and approved the 2026-2027 school calendar - so you can start making your 2027 spring break plans!

The Referendum Task Force held its second meeting on May 7. Some members took a bus around the district to tour South Park and Kipling. The meeting started with a tour of Wilmot. Then, they heard from District 109 Assistant Superintendent of Finance & Operations John Filippi, along with representatives from Arcon Architects, who shared possible plans for construction and renovation of the elementary schools, as well as financing options. They will continue their conversations at a June 4 meeting.

The goal of the Task Force is to gather information, provide feedback and help shape a responsible and community-informed proposal that will be shared more broadly this fall. Importantly, no decisions have been made. District 109 is committed to listening carefully to community input throughout this process.

This fall, look for opportunities to learn about the status of the District's facilities and finances, and provide your input on the options to address our needs.

Our Early Learners (preschool) have compared different sea animals and made connections about various animal life cycles. Pictured here, they create jellyfish during art class!

These lucky Walden students got a special morning pick-up by the Deerfield Bannockburn Fire Department! It was a prize from the Walden PTO's Bingo Night.

Caruso band and orchestra musicians got to put their hard work and practice on display earlier this month!

Shepard students went around the world at the first Culture Fair held at the school since 2019. Among the many opportunities, they learned to speak Ukrainian and tried a Brazilian dance, both taught by fellow Spartans, and got Indian mehndi (henna tattoos). Thanks to the many volunteers who made this event possible!

You know that DPS 109 is a supportive school community for students and families. The District also cultivates a community where staff feel valued, and they can pursue their career interests, whether they are teachers, administrators, support and office staff or guest teachers – all of whom play an important role in the education of our students. The District is currently hiring the following roles:

• School Psychologist
• Middle School - School Counselor
• Elementary Music Teacher
• Communications Coordinator
• Cross Categorical Teacher
• PE Teacher
• Guest Teachers (substitutes), with flexible schedules
• ...and more!

If you're looking for meaningful work in a supportive environment, close to home, visit dps109.org/DefineYourself – and share these jobs with friends and family!

The Deerfield Park District offers Before- and After-School Club for students in grades K-5 at each of our elementary schools. Visit page 30 of the latest Park District Program Guide for information about these programs.

The Village of Deerfield Board of Trustees is reviewing a proposed ordinance to regulate the use of motor-driven vehicles, such as scooters and bicycles powered by an electric or gas motor (and not a pedal), on public streets, sidewalks, and other public spaces in Deerfield. The proposal is in response to resident complaints and reports of accidents involving these vehicles.

The ordinance is scheduled for final consideration expected at the May 19 meeting. Village Board meetings are held on the first and third Mondays of each month at 7:30 p.m. at Village Hall. Read more about it on the Village website.

Throughout the year, students receive lessons on digital citizenship and online safety in DPS 109. We know it can be hard for families to keep up with the latest apps and platforms kids are using these days. Join the Deerfield Police Department for their final presentation in their Safe Screens Workshop series:

• May 29 – Minecraft, Roblox, & Other Chat Applications

Find more information on the Deerfield Police Department's website.

The Deerfield Historic Village, located at the southwest corner of Deerfield and Kipling Roads, will be open to the public every Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, beginning in June and continuing through the end of September. This year, we’re excited to offer a variety of family-friendly events that bring history to life and offer something for all ages. Join us for a season full of engaging activities, local heritage, and community fun!

• June 8: Wheels Through Time: Explore vintage bicycles, buggies and more
• June 22: Civil War Living History: Reenactor, displays and an old-time photographer
• July 13: Dog Days with Orphans of the Storm: Celebrate Man’s best friend with adoptable pets
• July 27: 1800s String Band: Enjoy live music from Tubway, Subway and the Terrible Goat
• August 10: Ask a Master Gardner: Bring your garden questions and learn from the pros
• August 24 (1-4 PM): Plein Air Painting: Artists of ALL AGES are invited to paint on-site. Bring your favorite art medium (paint, pastels, markers, crayons) and paper/canvas) to bring the Old Village to life through your creative process!
• September 14: Everything Bee Day: Beekeeper demonstrations, local honey and fun for all ages
• September 28 (1-4 PM): Scout Fun for Everyone: Wall climbing, monkey bridge, s’mores and classic scouting activities