Half Day

Half Day students took a colorful journey across borders as they explored the fascinating connection between monarch butterfly migration and Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a Mexican tradition honoring loved ones who have passed away. Each fall, millions of monarch butterflies travel thousands of miles to the forests of Michoacán, Mexico, arriving around the time of this special celebration. In some Mexican traditions, monarch butterflies symbolize the returning souls of loved ones. Students traced migration routes on maps, and brought their learning to life by recreating their own “swarm of butterflies.” This creative experience connected science, geography, art, and culture while helping students appreciate the beauty of nature and the traditions of another country.

With Veterans Day right around the corner, Half Day is excited to encourage students to participate in the school's Veterans Day Writing Contest again this year! Send entries to Principal Jill Mau at jmau@d103.org. Each grade level will have a winner and an opportunity to read their essay at our Veterans Day Assembly on Wednesday, Nov. 11. Submissions are due to Principal Mau by Friday, Nov. 6.

Don't miss Tim Hannig's Pro-Kids show of magic, music and fun on Monday, Nov. 16.

• 5:30 p.m. Show for Last Names A-K
• 7:15 p.m. Show for Last Names L-Z

The Pro-Kids Show is more than just entertainment. It has a message for students and families, revealed with wit and warmth. Throughout the unique program, the audience will be reminded of the importance of character traits like honesty, respect, cooperation and responsibility. The programs have been seen by more than 2.6 million people throughout the country.

Want a behind-the-scenes look at what's happening in District 103? Our Stevenson High School (SHS) interns are creating fresh, engaging content exclusively for District 103's Instagram account that you won't find in our newsletters or on our website!

From fun classroom moments to interactive videos and school activities, our interns are capturing school life in exciting new ways. Follow @engage103 on Instagram for a unique look at learning and life in our schools!

Please take a moment to share your feedback on the Fall 2026 conferences by completing this conference survey. The survey will remain open through Thursday, Nov. 12. Your input is valuable and will help guide decisions about conference formats in the future.

Half Day would like to honor veterans during a special student assembly on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 9:15 a.m. for their service. If you can attend please fill out the Veterans Google Form. Form closes Tuesday, Nov. 2. As part of our ceremony, we would love to highlight this veteran with a photo of them from their time of service.

Scan the Zelle QR code or visit the Learning Fund Foundation to make a tax-deductible holiday donation. Remember to submit your receipt to your employer to double your impact for D103 STEM programs, technology, and scholarships! (The Learning Fund Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations are tax-deductible.)

Parent volunteers help make this event successful. Volunteering at the Book Fair is one of the most fun and rewarding ways to get involved in helping students become better readers. Please consider signing up for one or more of the available time slots.

Opportunities include:

• - Book Fair Setup
• - Morning / Afternoon Assistants
• - Evening Fair Assistants on Monday, November 16
• - Book Fair Breakdown & Pack Up

Join District 103 Sunday, Nov. 15, for a day of fun at a Chicago Wolves hockey game. Everyone will receive a free Chicago Wolves hat and be seated together in the same section. Our group name will also be on the LED boards during the game. Join us after the game for an autograph session from select Wolves players.

Purchase tickets today at d103pto.org. Purchase tickets today at d103pto.org. Act now; ticket sales will close on Friday, Nov. 6, at 11:00 p.m. After the completion of the sale, tickets will be emailed to your address on file with Membership Toolkit.

Register now for Vernon Area Public Library for adult AI classes.

• Beyond the Bots: A Tour of the AI Landscape, Sunday, Nov. 22, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Drop by the Vernon Area Public Library between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, for a fandom celebration! There will be activities for all ages, including gaming, crafts, STEM stations, cosplayers, storytime, and more. This year features special guests: award-winning comic book artist Gene Ha and Anne and Luke Horwath from LEGO Masters season 5. Costumes are encouraged, but not required. Get all the details at VAPLD.info/MiniComicCon.

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Principals

• Principal Jill Mau
• Assistant Principal Laura Delagrange
Reporting an Absence
• 847-634-1484
• Hd_attendance@d103.org