The 21 Ledger

District 21 is partnering with Indian Trails Library to ensure every student can enjoy the benefits of a library card: access to books, digital resources, and in-person or online learning opportunities. Families can easily register by September 19, giving consent for the district to securely share student information with the library. Cards will be distributed during the first trimester (new cards will replace existing ones), and parents/guardians remain responsible for borrowed materials. A separate form must be completed for each child.

A quick reminder that District 21’s exclusionary date is coming up on October 15–students who do not have the required immunizations and health records on file by that date will not be able to attend school until those requirements are met. Now is the perfect time to schedule appointments and take care of any outstanding paperwork. To make the process easier, families are encouraged to use the District 21 Health Center, which offers convenient, affordable access to required physicals, immunizations, and other health services to keep students healthy and ready to learn.

Effective immediately, e-bikes and e-scooters are not allowed on District 21 property at any time, including during school, after-school activities, and events. While these devices are popular, they pose safety risks due to speed, control, and lack of proper storage on campus. We ask families to support safe travel options such as walking, traditional biking, carpooling, or district bus transportation. Thank you for helping us keep our schools safe; please contact your school’s principal with any questions.

We are excited to introduce Let's Talk, a new tool that allows parents, students, and community members to easily and confidentially report concerns about bullying, threats, or other safety issues 24/7. Accessible as a floating tab on our websites and on student Chromebooks, Let’s Talk gives families a direct way to share concerns—anonymously if preferred—that are reviewed promptly by district and school administrators. This tool supports our commitment to a safe, welcoming environment for all. If you see or hear something concerning, don’t wait—use Let’s Talk to speak up.

Our school resource officers continue to build relationships and prioritize safety so every student feels secure in our schools. Some middle school students have shared concerns about changes in schools, classes, or friendships, and we remind them these shifts can also bring new opportunities and growth. Parents and guardians play an important role in supporting children through these transitions. Here are a few ways you can help.

We have, over the past few years, implemented Erin's Law, which requires age-appropriate sexual abuse prevention education for grades pre-K–12. For grades K–8, students will participate in the Be Seen and Heard curriculum, teaching safe vs. unsafe touch and secrets, and encouraging them to speak up to trusted adults. Preschool students receive the lessons from building social workers. Parents can preview the curriculum and join a Q&A on Monday, October 6, at 6 PM via Zoom. If you do not want your child to participate, contact your school. Lesson dates will be shared in school newsletters. A Spanish version of the presentation is also available.

We are so excited to launch our first year with Amplify Math for kindergarten through fifth grade and our third year with sixth through eighth graders! After a very successful K-5 pilot last year, nearly 200 teachers attended trainings this summer to learn more about the resource and how to use it with our students. More information to come! Be sure to check out the family resources that are available on the Caregiver Hub.

Don’t let two missed days define your year! Research shows that most students with just two absences in the first month of school go on to miss more than 25 days total. Let’s start off the year strong! Attendance matters, every day.

To better understand and support our students, we’ll be asking all third through eighth graders to complete a short online survey at school between September 2 and September 12. It will take about 20–30 minutes. Additionally, teachers will complete the Panorama perception surveys of their students in preschool through second grade. Students will reflect on social awareness, self-management, emotional regulation, and supportive relationships. Teachers will reflect on those areas as well as self-efficacy, learning strategies, and engagement. For questions, please contact your child’s principal.

Over the summer, all schools received upgrades — both inside and out — including several new playgrounds, turf fields, flooring, restrooms, lockers, landscaping, and more. These improvements build on our ongoing efforts to enhance safety and learning environments. Soon, the Regional Office of Education, along with local fire departments, will conduct annual inspections for safety, cleanliness, and compliance. Last year, every school earned excellent scores, and we look forward to continuing that success.

Have a great story about a District 21 staff member making a difference? We’d love to hear it! Help us celebrate the amazing work happening in our schools by submitting your good news stories to be featured in future newsletters and on our social media. You can share those stories by emailing comms@ccsd21.org and including "Good News" in the subject line.

This week, we announced the resignation of Board of Education member Dagmara Kalinowski, effective September 3, after two years of dedicated service. Our Board will now begin the process of filling the vacancy in accordance with state law and Board policy. The Board has 60 calendar days from the resignation to fill the vacancy. Any interested person may complete an application to be appointed to fill the vacancy as long as they meet the following qualifications:

1. A citizen of the United States

2. At least 18 years of age

3. A resident of the state of Illinois and of CCSD21 for at least one year prior to appointment

4. A registered voter

If interested, complete an application by 3 p.m. on Wednesday, October 1, and submit it to district21@ccsd21.org or drop it off at our offices at 959 W. Dundee Road in Wheeling.

To enhance safety and streamline our sign-in procedures, we have implemented the CrisisGo Visitor Management Kiosk in all of our schools. When you visit, you’ll check in at the kiosk located outside the main office. Here’s what to expect.

As a reminder, if you are not seeing messages on your phone, it may be because your email system is automatically categorizing them into folders such as “Promotions” or “Updates.” To ensure you don’t miss important information, please check those folders and move ParentSquare emails to your main inbox. Turning off email categorization (if your provider allows) can also help ensure all messages appear in your primary inbox. Here are some helpful articles for Apple and Google users.

We love celebrating the work of our community partners, including libraries, park districts, villages and more! The Community Corner highlights events, programs and opportunities that help connect and support our District 21 families.

If your organization has something you'd like featured, please email us at comms@ccsd21.org with "Community Corner" in the subject line.

The Indian Trails Public Library has many events and workshops for students and their families during September. Check out the calendar of events for specific activities and times this month.

Start the new school year on the right foot with homework help through Indian Trails Library homework databases. Get live homework help from certified tutors through Tutor.com, access printable worksheets through Scholastic Teachables and more. All resources are available with your Indian Trails Library Card at itpld.org/resources.

Enjoy TR&R, a brand-new reading program for Grades 6-12. Relax with a good book and earn prizes as you read. Sign up to receive a TR&R canvas tote bag. Complete the reading challenge and get a TR&R branded beanie–just in time for cozy fall walks! Register at the Youth Services Desk, in the Teen Space or sign up through Beanstack.

Wednesday, October 1 - Friday, October 31

Registration begins October 1.

Whether it’s a cozy story or a spine-tingler, fall is a fantastic time to read. Read a book in October and earn a prize. Register in person at the Youth Services Desk or at the Branch. Register online with the Beanstack app or website at itpld.info/beanstack-reading.