Panther Weekly

December Proud Panthers

Congratulations to all of our Proud Panthers for December! These students were chose for showing excellence in our character trait of the month, empathy. Empathy means noticing how others are feeling and choosing to respond with kindness and respect. A small action, listening, including someone, or offering help, can make a big difference in someone’s day. Let’s continue to make our school a place where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported. Way to go panthers!

All schools will be closed December 22 to January 5 for winter break

The last day of student attendance before winter break is Friday, December 19. Students will return on a regular schedule on Tuesday, January 6. (January 5 is a Teacher Institute Day with staff in the buildings.)

The district's administrative offices will be closed on December 24-26, as well as December 31 and January 1.

Art, library, music, and PE newsletter

Check out what your child has been doing in specials this month.

Specials Newsletter for December

Author Visit: Amy Logan

Park View is excited to welcome Author Amy Logan for an author visit on January 15! Amy is the author of A Girl with a Cape.

As part of this visit, there will be an opportunity for students to pre-order her book. Order forms will be going home after winter break

Parent Book Discussion: The Anxious Generation

Sunday, February 1, 2026, 2 - 3:30 p.m., Glen Ellyn Public Library

Connect with like-minded parents and learn how to best support your student regarding smartphones and social media. Join us as we bring together parents for a judgement-free discussion of #1 New York Times bestseller, The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt.

Copies will be available for Park View families at the Glen Ellyn Public Library beginning December 18. (Check "Park View PTC Book Club" in the book club section on the second floor.)

Haven't read the book? No problem! All interested parents and guardians of students in CCSD 89 are welcome to join the discussion. Bring a friend!

RSVP here!

This event is co-sponsored by the Park View PTC and the Park View Wait Until 8th Committee. Questions can be directed to Emily Henkels at emilyhenkels@gmail.com

Park View looking to hire social worker to start in February

Park View Elementary is looking for a social worker to fill a maternity leave from February 16 to May 22. If interested, apply at: https://bit.ly/4ieyBHw

Annual vision and hearing screening at Park View: January 7

The following students/grades will be screened starting January 7:

Vision

Kindergarten, 2nd grade, 4th, new students, students receiving special education services, foster children, and students referred by a teacher or parent.

Hearing

Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd,, new students, students receiving special education services, foster children, and students referred by a teacher or parent.

Students who have submitted an eye examination report within the past year, will not be screened for vision.

Children who have glasses should bring them to school for the screening. School children who are wearing glasses will have their glasses checked, but will not be screened for vision. If you are aware of a special problem your child may be having, please contact the nurse.

The parent or legal guardian of a student may object to hearing or vision screening tests with a written note or email to the nurse prior to the screening day.

You will be notified if your child requires further testing and evaluation. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Park View nurse Amy Mescher at (630) 858-1600.

Vision screening is not a substitute for a complete eye and vision evaluation by an eye doctor.

Visitors cannot use Illinois digital ID to check in at schools

Although Illinois residents can now store their license or state ID on some phones, visitors must continue to bring their physical license to check in at CCSD 89 schools. The district’s security screening system cannot accept digital IDs.

Anyone who is visiting a CCSD 89 school during the day or picking up students early must check in using the iPad in the school’s lobby with their non-digital ID (license, state ID, passport). The check-in/check-out process takes less than two minutes and is an important part of our safety system.

Learn about the student check-out process: https://youtu.be/gxFvHH5UZL4

Learn about the visitor process: https://youtu.be/Q814enw_x7A

More info: https://bit.ly/3URo8ql

Thank you for helping keep our students and staff safe at all times.

Families will be an essential part of district's strategic plan work

The district has begun the work of developing the next strategic plan – the document that will guide the district’s work over the next five years. The previous strategic plan went from 2021 to 2026.

As part of developing the new strategic plan, the district will hold community meetings with students, staff, families, and residents. All families, students, residents, and staff members will be able to participate in brief surveys about the district.

More information about how to get involved will be shared on the district’s website and in our newsletter. Learn more: www.ccsd89.org/strategicplan

2026-27 preschool pre-registration will open January 14

Families interested in having their child attend CCSD 89 preschool in the 2026-27 school year will be able to fill out pre-registration starting Wednesday, January 14. There are limited openings available for 3- and 4-year-old children. The program features a developmentally appropriate curriculum delivered by certified early childhood educators. CCSD 89 preschool is held at Briar Glen. More information: https://bit.ly/4oW002w

Pre-registration for other students who will be new to the district in 2026-27 will open on February 4. Registration for returning students will open on April 8.

Support the Glenbard PEP Education Foundation

In its 34th year, the Partnership for Educational Progress (PEP) remains deeply committed to its role as a steward of the scholarships, funds, and programs that support local students, including those in CCSD 89. Last spring, PEP awarded $42,750 to students pursuing their dreams—whether attending college or earning a technical degree. Donations fuel the real-world opportunities that inspire innovation and change lives. Donate before December 31 and your gift will be matched up to $3,000. You can make a fully tax-deductible gift online at www.pepglenbard.org/donate

Be prepared for winter with accurate contact info, warm clothes

When school buildings need to close due to extreme weather, information will be released through a phone message, as well as the district’s website (www.ccsd89.org) and Facebook page (facebook.com/CCSD89). The district’s messaging system uses contact info supplied by guardians, so it is important you contact the school secretary and update your records if they have changed.

Even when school is open, students should dress for the cold. Students will continue to go outside for recess as long as the weather remains above 10 degrees. If your family needs winter clothing, our school can help; please call the school’s main number and ask for our school’s social worker.

Parent Series: Simple truths for greater happiness (January 8)

At noon and 7 p.m. Thursday, January 8, Gretchen Rubin will share insights into simple truths for living with greater understanding and life satisfaction. Rubin is the author of several books, including “The Happiness Project”. Preview Learn more: https://bit.ly/48XlndF

Community invited to donate blood January 14 at Glen Crest

Looking for a New Year's resolution that will make an impact? Why not start the year by donating blood? Community members are invited to donate between 2 and 6 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14, at Glen Crest Middle School. Register More info: www.ccsd89.org/blood