Talk203 E-Newsletter
December 4, 2025
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Message from the Superintendent
Dear Naperville 203 Community,
As December marks the close of 2025, our community enters a beautiful season of celebrations, reflection, and diverse traditions. For many, this is a time of great joy and connection, and it is a wonderful opportunity to focus on the shared values that bind us.
My deepest hope is that every student in Naperville 203 feels a true, undeniable sense of belonging. That sense of belonging doesn't pause for the holidays; it becomes even more crucial.
Our dedication is to fostering a community where every individual is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their background, beliefs, or how their family chooses to celebrate this time of year.
This is an opportunity for us all to live up to the highest expectation of the Profile of a Learner: becoming Global Citizens. As Global Citizens, we are called to demonstrate awareness, sensitivity, concern, and respect for others.
Let's use this time not just to prepare for our own celebrations, but to actively build a culture of warmth and inclusion by recognizing and celebrating the beautiful diversity of our district.
We wish you all a safe, restful, and meaningful end to the year.
Dan Bridges
Superintendent
Stay Prepared for Inclement Weather!
As we head deeper into the winter season, Naperville 203 reminds all parents and students to review our Inclement Weather and School Procedures. Student and staff safety is always our priority, and communication is key!
Key Things to Remember:
Assume School is Open: Unless you receive an official notification, please assume school will be in session as scheduled.
Decision Communication: We aim to communicate schedule changes or closures (including a transition to eLearning) by 6:00 AM at the latest.
Stay Connected: Notifications will be sent via phone, email, and text. Updates are also posted on the District website and social media.
Bring Devices Home: If we pivot to an eLearning Day, continuity of education relies on students having their devices ready at home.
Please take a moment to review the complete guidelines to understand how decisions are made and how to prepare: Full Inclement Weather Procedures
Stay Safe in the Snow & Cold
With winter weather in full swing, it’s important to take precautions for safe travel. Bad road conditions are inevitable, but preparing yourself and your vehicle can prevent accidents and save lives.
Key Safety Reminders from the Naperville Police Department:
Prep Your Vehicle: Always clear all snow and ice completely from your car (windows, lights, exhaust). Keep your gas tank full and pack a comprehensive winter safety kit.
Drive Smart: Reduce your speed, accelerate and decelerate slowly, and increase your following distance. Avoid using cruise control or self-driving modes on snow or ice.
Know How to Skid: If you start to skid, stay calm, take your foot off the pedals, and steer gently in the direction you want the front of the car to go.
Accident Protocol: Know what to do immediately after a crash, including calling 9-1-1 and exchanging required information.
🎁 Support Our Students and Families this Winter
As we enter a season of giving and gratitude, we invite our Naperville 203 community to come together to support students and families across our district who are facing economic hardship this winter.
We are once again partnering with Giftmart, a local holiday tradition that supports more than 400 children in our district. Early Childhood and Elementary families are invited by their school’s administration to attend a one-day event, based on need. At the event, parents may select new, donated toys for their children—offered in a caring, empowering, and dignified environment.
L.E.A.D. Event Inspires Students for Equity and Action!
The L.E.A.D. (Leading for Equity Through Action and Discourse) event on December 2nd was a resounding success, bringing together students from Naperville Central and Naperville North for a day of powerful learning.
The high-energy event, held at NIU Naperville, featured dynamic sessions including keynote speakers Jewel Ifeguni and Luis Tubens, a.k.a. "Logan Lu." Students were deeply engaged in workshops focused on advocacy, identity, belonging, mental health, and resilience. Through collaborative, hands-on activities, students developed practical leadership skills, leaving the event equipped and inspired to champion equity within their schools and community.
Winter Break Sports Camps
Both 💙🧡Naperville North and ❤️🤍Naperville Central Athletics are offering several youth sports camps for elementary and junior high students over Winter Break!
Sports offered:
- Baseball ⚾
- Flag Football🚩
- Football🏈
- Softball🥎
- Gymnastics🤸
- Water Polo🤽♀️
Learn more and find registration info below!
NNHS FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Qualifier on Saturday
Huskie Robotics will host its annual FLL Qualifier on Saturday, 12/6 at 9am at NNHS. Teams from D203 Junior High Schools and throughout the Chicagoland will gather for this friendly competition with their LEGO robots and innovation projects.
Parent Education Series Presentation
Andrea Fisher, LCPC and Kierra Pauly, LCSW, from Linden Oaks Medical Group, will present “Parenting Strategies for Children and Adolescents: Supporting Positive Behaviors at Home” as part of the District 203 Parent Education Series. This session is specifically designed for parents and caregivers.
Andrea and Kierra will provide strategies for parents to assist with implementing structure and reward/consequence programs at home. Learn about effective parenting techniques to create positive behavioral changes within your family.
📅December 10th
🕛Zoom 12pm - 1pm
Youth Advisory Committee Meeting - 12/9
Get in the holiday spirit by attending the next Youth Advisory Committee's meeting! Plan prevention activities, build a snowman, and receive service hours.
📅Tuesday, December 9th
🕡6:30-8:00 pm
📍360 Youth Services (1323 Bond St #119 Naperville)
Before attending, email the YAC coordinator (sindlecoffer@360youthservices.org) by December 8th. See you there!
CoachConnect: Inspiring Young Athletes Through Mentorship
At CoachConnect, we’re committed to giving every child the chance to reach their full potential. We connect young athletes with varsity players from their future schools so they can decolonize their skills, grow their confidence, and feel a part of a supportive community.
Join us in personalized one-on-one training sessions, where young athletes will learn directly from top-of-the-line varsity players, gaining insights on skill development, teamwork and what it takes to succeed in sports. Our coaches share their experience and love for the game, creating an inspiring and uplifting environment.
For more information, visit https://coachconnectsports.com/ or contact us at cbatogowski@coachconnect.com. We look forward to seeing you on the field!
Spring Pre-registration Opens for High School Retreat
Operation Snowball is a weekend retreat for students to focus on themselves and their personal growth. It's a chance to take a break in a welcoming community of peers for the purpose of discovering new tools, strategies, mindsets, and friends to take with them after the retreat ends.
There are two retreats during the school year: one in the Fall and one in the Spring. Pre-registration is now open for the Spring retreat: 4/10/26 - 4/12/26. A student's spot will be held by filling out the pre-registration form, letting us know their wish to go.
Financial aid can be requested early as part of the pre-registration. Cost should not deter students hoping to attend this iconic high school trip!
🚌 Drive Your Future: Become a School Bus Driver
Ready for a career that pays well and makes a difference? Become a valued member of our community as a School Bus Driver.
Premium Hourly Pay: Start strong at $23.35/hour (paid training provided!).
Experienced Driver Bonus: If you already have your CDL Class B w/ School Bus Permit, your starting rate is $24.52/hour!
Insurance Benefits: Drive just 25 hours a week and get comprehensive insurance coverage starting the very first day you're on the road with your updated CDL.
Don't wait! Secure your spot and start earning immediately. Apply today!
This Week's Virtual Backpack
This week's Virtual Backpack has been updated with new information on community programs.
Want to submit a flyer? Visit our website to learn more!
Important Upcoming Dates
December 15: Board of Education Meeting
December 19: End of First Semester
December 22 - January 2: NO SCHOOL - Winter Vacation