BPD3 Newsletter - May 2026

Dear Beach Park Families,

This time of year is a season of celebration! Together, we are celebrating all the growth your students have achieved this year.

One of our foundational beliefs as a district is, 'Our Kids CAN.' This belief drives us to continuously work with every child on their unique journey to success. The truth is every child in our schools CAN Learn, Lead and Succeed and they have this year!

Thank you for your partnership and for joining us in thanking our incredible staff for their contributions to your child's education during staff appreciation week earlier this month. We are grateful to have such dedicated staff who also believe, 'Our Kids CAN!'

Your Partner in Education,

Dr. D

(Dr. Denise Wilcox)

Superintendent

BPD3 is proud of our Dual Language programs. Hear about the program from our staff, students and families in this new video.

Every student must register each school year to receive a classroom placement. Complete this quick and easy re-registration process today.

If families have questions or need assistance with registration, please contact our registrar at 847-596-5888.

This spring, families across BPD3 shared their thoughts on how the district communicates — and we're grateful for every response. A few things stood out:

• 83% of families say they receive communication from the district in a timely manner. That's a signal we're getting the basics right, and we're committed to keeping it that way.
  
  
• 42% of families want to hear more frequently from their child's teacher. Connection at the classroom level matters most, and that feedback is shaping how we support teachers in communicating with families next year.
  
  
• Nearly two-thirds of families want more opportunities to be involved in-person — at events, coffees, and parent nights. You want to show up. We want to make it easier to do that.
  
  

The feedback gathered across all three survey waves this school year will be a direct input into BPD3's 2026–27 communications plan. You told us what's working and what needs to be better — and we're building next year around that.

For those who don’t watch, here are some of the highlights from Chapter 7:

• Why boys are struggling differently. Haidt explains that while girls have been deeply impacted by social media, boys have often been pulled into a different challenge: increasing isolation through gaming, screens, and online entertainment.
  
  
• The loss of real-world independence. Many boys are spending less time exploring, socializing, working, or participating in activities outside the home—missing opportunities that traditionally helped build confidence, resilience, and responsibility.
  
  
• Online worlds can replace real-world growth. Video games and digital spaces can provide achievement, status, and connection, but they may also reduce motivation to engage in face-to-face relationships, academics, or challenges in the real world.
  
  
• Fewer meaningful connections. Haidt discusses how some boys are experiencing greater loneliness and disengagement, particularly when much of their interaction happens through screens rather than in person.
  
  
• Risk-taking is changing. Instead of healthy, real-world risks—sports, adventures, problem-solving, and independence—many young people are now experiencing risk primarily in digital spaces, which can limit personal growth and life skills.
  
  
• The importance of purpose and belonging. The chapter emphasizes that boys thrive when they have structure, responsibility, mentorship, and opportunities to contribute in meaningful ways within their families, schools, and communities.

You can LISTEN, WATCH, and SUBSCRIBE to Beach Park Beyond the Bell on all your favorite platforms:

• YouTube | Spotify | Amazon Music | Apple Podcast
• Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | X

A HUGE Shoutout to our Director of Human Resources, Mr. Gabe Cappozzo for providing this unique opportunity for our entire learning community to learn about our amazing staff! He is creating CORE Learning Memories one staff member at a time.

• Beach Park Middle School – Jessica Lauret, Behavior Teacher

• "Ms. Lauret is another Beach Park grad come home. She has dedicated her years to working with our most marginalized students. Most recently, she has taken on the task of Behavior teacher; she is shaping a positive future for many students and keeping them in the space the belong most: BPMS. She is an asset to both our school and community. Thank you Ms. Lauret for all that you do!"

• Howe Elementary – Janet Powell, Social Worker

• "Janet Powell is one of those staff members who is truly foundational to the success of our school. She is a constant source of support for our students, staff, and families, always willing to step in wherever there is a need. Her advocacy for students is unwavering—she consistently goes above and beyond to ensure their social, emotional, and overall well-being are supported. She demonstrates genuine care and compassion in every interaction, and her flexibility and willingness to do whatever it takes—always aligned with our school’s goals—make her an invaluable member of our team."

• Kenneth Murphy Elementary – Kelsi Schroetter, 1st Grade Teacher

• "Kelsi Schroetter reflects the best of our school community. She approaches each kid with respect, and believes in their potential by honoring their strengths, communicating that every student is valued, capable, and important. This mindset builds student confidence and fosters a classroom culture where learners feel safe taking risks and growing. Her calm demeanor and thoughtful responses help to maintain a positive and solution-oriented focus. Rather than focusing on obstacles, she collaborates, reflects, and takes action to improve outcomes. Her ability to thoughtfully navigate challenges makes her an invaluable member of our team and a strong example of dedication to students and colleagues."

• Newport Elementary – Maria Rodriguez, EL Resource Teacher

• "Maria has been part of our staff for the past three years. She brings her expertise and shares that alongside staff while co teaching in grades 3rd - 5th. Maria contributes to our school community by supporting our staff during school but also at all after school events. She brings a great perspective of an EL learner and grade level content support in all that she does. Our EL students continue to thrive and increase their growth on our IAR assessments each year she has been at Newport. Our team appreciates her and all that she does to help support all of our students."

• Oak Crest Elementary – Sue-Ann Egan, 4th Grade Teacher

• “Ms. Egan is dedicated to instructional excellence and makes a meaningful impact on both her students and the broader Beach Park District 3 community. She regularly implements, researches and pilots Kagan Structures in her classroom, creating an engaging, student-centered learning environment that promotes collaboration, equity, and active participation.What sets Ms. Egan apart is her commitment to continuous growth. Her willingness to take risks and refine her approach reflects a strong growth mindset and aligns with the district’s core belief in ambitious, high-quality instruction.Beyond her classroom, Ms. Egan extends her impact by sharing her implementation experiences and feedback with the Director of Teaching and Learning. This collaboration allows her innovative practices to be amplified across the district, benefiting not only Oak Crest students but learners throughout BPD3. Her work exemplifies the district’s mission by fostering engaging learning environments, contributing to professional collaboration, and prioritizing student success at all levels."

May 25 - Memorial Day, No School

May 26 - 8th Grade Graduation, 6:00-7:30 PM, Genesee Theatre

May 29 - Last Day of School, School Improvement Day, 2-Hour Early Release

Full Calendar Online

August 19 - First Day of School

2026-2027 Full Calendar