This Week in Valley View

Sykora Early Childhood Teacher Laure Bruns has a diverse resume. Laure grew up in the City of San Francisco, in college she participated in shooting sports, she holds two master’s degrees and has spent a lifetime dedicated to educating children.

Laure’s personal life story of needing just a little more time to learn is her “why” as a teacher in a classroom full of students at the very start of their educational journey.

Watch the Video!

VVSD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Teresa Polson provided an update to the Board of Education at the October 19 Regular Meeting. Dr. Polson highlighted VVSD’s partnership with Fountaindale Public Library and gave a reminder Oct. 19-23 is National School Bus Safety Week.

Watch the Video

Employee Insurance Benefits Renewal

The VVSD Board of Education approved the renewal of the contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBS) as the Third-Party Administrator of the self-funded group health & dental plans effective January 1, 2027. After marketing our third-party administration for health and specific stop-loss coverage, below are the results and Board approved recommendations from our benefits consultant, Alliant Insurance Services.

Health- BCBS provided a renewal with a decrease of -0.1% in administration fees, a -14.0% decrease in the RX rebate from last year and a 66.4% increase in the Stop Loss rate. The rebate is given on brand drugs only and varies based on the more specialized drugs becoming generic and/or over the counter. The result is a combined overall annual increase of $2.7M for the 2027 plan year.

Dental - BCBS provided renewal with a 0% increase to the dental administration rates.

Vision – BCBS provided renewal with a 0% increase with a 36-month rate guarantee.

Stop-Loss - The Specific Stop-Loss coverage the District purchases protects our self-insured medical program from large individual claim losses. Under the current contract, the District is responsible for the first $285,000 of any eligible individual claim for the plan year January 1 through December 31. Eligible individual claims exceeding the $285,000 will be the financial responsibility of the Stop-Loss carrier.

Alliant approached 11 carriers and nine declined along with two who will not write the coverage for levels under $325,000 & $350,000.

High School Activity & Athletic Regional, Sectional, and State Event Approvals

The VVSD Board of Education approved an amendment to the process for approving travel for high school activities and athletics.

Traditionally, the administration has ample time to present regional, sectional, and state competition travel plans for high school groups/teams to the Board for approval. However, there are some instances where a group/team may not find out about their participation until just prior to the scheduled competition. In these unique circumstances, the timeline for approval is too condensed to seek approval at scheduled Board meetings. In an effort to alleviate this challenge, below is a list of the potential regional, sectional, and state competitions that BHS and/or RHS may attend depending upon their success in each season.

When possible, all the trips mentioned below would be submitted through the typical Board approval process if time permits. If there was not enough time to follow the typical process, the Administration would notify the Board of the situation so there is awareness of the trip. Trips for competitions or activities that fall outside of the regional, sectional, and state context would all be submitted to the Board for approval without any adjustment to the typical process.

Facility Operations Vehicle Replacement

The VVSD Board of Education approved the purchase of a used Ford F-250 pick-up truck from Gordie Boucher Ford Lincoln of Janesville WI for $44,518.

At the September 28 VVSD Board Meeting, an information report was presented identifying the need to replace two (2) pick-up trucks in the Facility Operations fleet. This report requests approval to replace one of the two identified. Existing Truck to be Replaced Truck 34, currently used for salting and plowing, has significant undercarriage and frame rust and needs $8,000 in repairs. Making those repairs is not a prudent use of district resources. It will be retired and donated to Wilco Area Career Center.

Replacement Cost is $44,518, the dealership is Gordie Boucher Ford Lincoln of Janesville, WI. Valley View’s mechanic inspected the truck on 10/2/26 and confirmed that the truck was in good operating condition. Funding is budgeted in this year’s Building Operations and Maintenance capital outlay.

Valley View CUSD 365U is hosting its third annual Family Symposium on Saturday, November 7 from 10 am-2:30 pm at Brooks Middle School. Please join us for a Community Resource Fair from Noon- 2 pm, Workshops starting at 11am. Childcare will be available for children up to 5th grade.

Illinois legislation allows individuals with 60 hours of college credit to apply for a short-term substitute teacher license. The DuPage Regional Office of Education offers the required training, which must be completed prior to licensure. Topics include curriculum, classroom management techniques, school safety, and more.

For more information about becoming a VVSD Guest Teacher, visit https://www.vvsd.org/careers/be-a-substitute

VVSD Nutrition Services will provide one free breakfast and one free lunch for Every Learner in grades Pre-K through 12th. For more information, visit www.vvsd.org/food

You loved the book and the analysis that followed in your high school lit class and here’s your opportunity to see Jay and Daisy come to life. The student thespians of Romeoville HS present this tragic story of thwarted love, exposing how wealth, materialism, and decaying moral values corrupted the American dream amidst the opulence and dance parties of the 1920s.

Showtimes are: Fri. Oct. 23 & Sat. Oct. 24 7 pm. Sun. Oct. 25 2 pm.

Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time through the Infinite Campus School Store or at the door in cash.

For seven years a certain boy wizard went to a certain Wizard School and conquered evil. This, however, is not his story. This is the story of the Puffs who just happened to be at that certain Wizard School at the same time as a certain boy wizard who shall not be named at the risk of copyright infringement. The Brook Theatre presents a tale for anyone who has never been destined to save the world.

Showtimes are: Fri. Nov. 6 & Sat. Nov. 7 7 pm. Sun. Nov. 8 3 pm.

Ticket Information Coming Soon

For two moms and one true-crime novelist who make up the Mandrake Murder Club, it’s fun and games consulting for Paige Turner’s podcast, If It’s Monday, It Must Be Murder! But when Mandrake Apartment’s mean-spirited landlord actually winds up dead, there’s only one conclusion... it must be murder! Neighbors become suspects and “home” becomes a danger zone as the foursome — plus two cantankerous teens — dive into dark corners of the crime.

Showtimes are: Thu. Nov.12 and Fri. Nov. 13 at 6:45 pm. Tickets are available at the door.

Tom Butterworth is determined to be the youngest cruise ship captain in history - even if this means sailing on a converted gunboat named "Vengeance" with a crew of rejects from Maritime High School, and a trio of girl singers who are passing themselves off as a famous show biz act. To top it all off, there's a hijacking by a misguided group of pirate loonies. By the final curtain, it's all romance and laughter.

Showtimes are: Thu. Nov.19 and Fri. Nov. 20 at 6:15 pm. Tickets are available at the door.

The Jane Addams Middle School Boys Cross Country Team finished in 9th place at the IESA Class 3A Cross Country Championships. Eighth grade student Jack Rossi placed 12th as the top individual finisher for Jane Addams. Brooks Middle School 8th grade student Aiden Gomez De La Casa competed as an individual in the Boys 3A race. Jane Addams Middle School 6th grade student Hadiya Williams competed as an individual in the Girls 3A Race.

In accordance with the Open Meetings Act, the Agenda for the meeting will be posted no later than 48 hours prior to the start of the meeting. Click here to view the Agenda The Meeting is available via live stream on the VVSD YouTube Channel, VVSD365U

In partnership with the Will County Community Health Center, the VVSD School-Based Health Center at Brooks Middle School provides students with access to essential health services, including school physicals, immunizations, and more. To schedule an appointment or learn more, call (630) 679-3844. Summer Hours are Monday-Friday 8 am-4 pm.

The Valley View Board of Education will conduct a Special Meeting on Tuesday, October 27 at the VVSD Emmie Dunn Administrative Center, 801 W. Normantown Rd., Romeoville IL.

The Board Meeting will begin at 5 p.m. The purpose of this meeting is to conduct a Board Member workshop. In accordance with the Open Meetings Act, the agenda for this meeting will be posted at http://www.boarddocs.com/il/d365u/Board.nsf/Public at least 48 hours prior to the start of the meeting.

Upcoming Important School Calendar Dates

Fri. Oct. 9

Elementary School First Grading Period Ends

Thu. Oct. 29

Parent/Teacher Evening Conferences

Fri. Oct. 30

Parent/Teacher Daytime Conferences- No Classes for Students

Mon. Nov. 2

School Improvement Day- No Classes for Students

Tue. Nov. 3

E-Learning Day (Election Day)

Upcoming School Events

Bolingbrook Park District residents and Valley View School District students are now able to register for the REACH All-Day Care program. All the information and how to register is located at the following: http://www.bolingbrookparks.org/en/programs/reach-extended-school-care/

Fountaindale Public Library

Going back to school is easier than ever when you have a Fountaindale Library card. Now is the perfect time to discover all the resources your library offers students of all ages. Whether you’re looking for homework help, a new book, exciting technology, study rooms or computers, they have you covered. Learn more at fountaindale.org/six-ways-to-use-your-library-this-school-year/.

White Oak Library District

The White Oak Library District operates branch libraries in Romeoville, Crest Hill, and Lockport. We have a lot of fun and free activities for tweens and teens, and you can check out our program offerings here. If you still have little ones at home, make sure to check out our free morning programs geared towards pre-school aged kids. We also have books, magazines, movies, and video games you can borrow. We even have a ton of virtual content you can borrow right from home. Check our website for all that we have to offer.

Romeoville Area Historical Museum

If you are looking for something fun to do this summer, explore the Romeoville Area Historical Society Museum located at 14 Belmont, Romeoville, and discover cool stories about Romeoville’s past. The James P. Sczepaniak Museum is open every Saturday from 1–4 pm, and you can also visit at other times by making an appointment, please email: Historicalromeoville@yahoo.com

Community Food Pantry Directory for VVSD Vicinity

4 K.I.D.S Sake Food Pantry
339 Remington Blvd. Bolingbrook
Mondays and Thursdays 2:30- 5:300 p.m.
Phone: 331-333-9250
Website: https://www.4-kidssake.org/

Bolingbrook Church Food Pantry
301 E. Boughton Rd. Bolingbrook
Monthly, for specific dates visit https://www.facebook.com/bolingbrookchurchfoodpantry/

The Compass Church Food Pantry

151 E. Briarcliff Rd. Bolingbrook
Wednesdays 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Bring photo ID and proof of residency

DuPage Township Food Pantry
719 Parkwood Ave.
Phone: 815-886-7986
Email: foodpantry@dupagetownship.com
Website: http://www.dupagetownship.com/food-pantry/
Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Service Area/Eligibility: DuPage Township residents

Individuals who are unable to come to the pantry in person due to disability or other reasons may have a proxy (someone authorized to pick up on their behalf). Once registered, the proxy information can be submitted via email, text, or WhatsApp: (630) 606-3874. Proxy registration can be completed online at the Township Website or in person.

For KIDS Sake Food Pantry

192 Lily Cache (Behind Living Water Church) Bolingbrook
Mondays and Thursdays from 3:30pm - 5:30pm

Girl Scout Troop 71503 Micro Pantry (via White Oak Library)
Located inside White Oak Library - Romeoville Branch (201 Normantown Road)
Hours: Same as library operational hours
Website: https://www.whiteoaklibrary.org/Romeoville-Branch
Service Area/Eligibility: Anyone.
Additional Information: The pantry is located near the bathrooms and is self serve. Head to the pantry to take what you need. Place items in the pantry to donate.

Love Fellowship Baptist Church

730 N. Independence Blvd.
Phone: 815-886-8420
Website: https://www.lfbconline.com/home
Hours: Every 3rd Saturday 10 a.m. - noon
Service Area/Eligibility: Service anyone. Just need to register.

Northern Illinois Food Bank
Various Locations Throughout Northern Illinois
Each week NIFB Mobile Markets are distributing free and fresh groceries to neighbors throughout Northern Illinois. Everyone is welcome. No ID, proof of income, or referral is needed. Visit the Northern Illinois Food Bank Website for the Mobile Markets Calendar for dates and locations.

Romeoville Community Pantry
2 Belmont Dr.
Phone: 815-570-9772
Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567891229162
Hours: Saturdays from 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Service Area/Eligibility: Anyone who lives in Romeoville or in any town that touches Romeoville (Bolingbrook, Plainfield, Lemont, Lockport, Crest Hill). Will need a photo ID and recent utility bill.

RX Mobile Food Pantry
First Tuesday of each month, 9- 10:30 am (or until supplies last).
Northwest parking lot at Bolingbrook HS, 365 Raider Way, Bolingbrook
VVSD is partnering with Northern Illinois Food Bank, Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital and VNA Health Care to provide the RX Mobile Pantry Program offering free milk, eggs, a variety of meats, fruits, and vegetables to all residents of Will County. Items available may vary by event. Questions? Contact Elvis Munoz at elvis.munoz@aah.org

St. Andrew the Apostle We Care Food Pantry
St. Andrew the Apostle Church 219 Arlington Dr. Romeoville
Phone: 815-886-4165
Website: https://www.andrewcc.org/contact-us
Hours: Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. - Noon.
Service Area/Eligibility: Romeoville residents only. Will need ID and utility bill.

Spanish Community Center Food Pantry

309 N. Eastern Ave. Joliet
Tuesdays 11:00am - 2:00pm
Open to all but must bring an identification (a school ID will work)

West Suburban Community Pantry

6809 Hobson Valley Drive, #118, Woodridge
Mondays, 10:00am - noon
Tuesdays, 8:30am - 2:30pm
Thursdays, 8:30am - 7:30pm
Saturdays, 8:30am-11:30am
Bring photo ID, proof of residency, and bags or boxes for your food.

West Suburban Community Pantry (via Institute for Community)

Items selected during online shopping will be delivered to 174 S. HighPoint in Romeoville for pickup.
Phone: 630-512-9921
Website: https://wscpantry.org/ways-to-shop/

Will County MAPP Food Micro Pantries Northern Illinois Food Bank
Various Locations in Will County
Will County Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships conducts micro and mobile food pantries throughout Will County. Click here for more details and a map of locations.