Weekly Update: November 10, 2026
November 10, 2026
The holidays and winter can pose challenges for many families in Indian Prairie School District 204. Nearly one in five IPSD 204 students need help paying for lunch, live in foster care, or are part of a family that receives public aid.
For some families, the holidays can mean choosing between gifts for their families and paying for basic needs. For others, high utility bills and winter clothing stretch the household’s budget.
You can help provide joy and relief to IPSD 204 families through the Families Helping Families program. Anyone who wants to help can make a donation at the Indian Prairie Parents’ Council donations store.
Each year, generous families and local organizations help hundreds of IPSD 204 families with food, clothing, and other essential support to get through the winter. Please consider making a contribution to help your neighbors in need.
Families Helping Families is run by the Indian Prairie Parents’ Council.
IPSD 204 families can provide some holiday spirit by donating new toys in the Giftmart boxes that are now available at most schools. Since 2003, GiftMart has allowed families in need to get low-cost gifts for their children. The toys are donated by families and residents of IPSD 204.
Collection boxes are available at all IPSD 204 high schools and middle schools. Boxes are also available at the following IPSD 204 elementary schools: Brookdale, Brooks, Builta, Cowlishaw, Fry, Georgetown, Gombert, Graham, Kendall, Longwood, May Watts, McCarty, Owen, Patterson, Peterson, Spring Brook, Steck, Welch, and Young.
Families can donate new, unwrapped toys for children between 5 and 12 years old. Gifts should cost between $20 and $30. Please, no stuffed animals or board games.
Anyone who wants to make toy purchases online can use the Target Giftmart South Naperville list or the South Naperville Walmart Giftmart list. You can also make an online monetary donation to the program through the Giftmart family charities website.
Boxes will be picked up from schools by December 4. Online orders are due by December 10.
At the event, families can purchase the donated gifts for $2 per gift, and the proceeds go back to the participating schools.
Indian Prairie School District 204 students are invited to help promote safety in their school by creating a poster that could be displayed across the district. Winning students will also receive a $25 gift card.
Students at all grade levels will have the opportunity to submit original artwork that focuses on safety themes important in IPSD 204 schools. Winners will be selected at elementary, middle school, and high school levels. The winners will win a $25 gift card and have their posters printed and displayed in schools.
Posters are due by the end of the school day on Monday, November 30.
See the rules and learn more about the 2026 safety posters themes.
The Voyager 1 Spacecraft will reach an incredible milestone: one light-day from Earth, nearly 16.1 billion miles away in November 2026! Last month, the Perseverance Rover set a record for the furthest driving distance off-world. Join the WVHS Planetarium as we explore Spacecraft Milestones!
WVHS Planetarium Family Nights are monthly public programs designed for astronomy lovers of all ages. Programs will be held at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. inside the planetarium. Tickets are on sale beginning Monday, November 9. Don’t wait—once a program sells out, it disappears from the webstore! For full details, visit ipsd.org/planetarium.
Stay connected with the WVHS Planetarium for future events and local skywatching opportunities—follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
Have you heard of Giving Tuesday? This global day of giving takes place on December 1, and IPEF is inviting our community to make a difference for Indian Prairie School District 204 students and teachers!
Your generosity helps support enriching programs and essential resources, including the Fine Arts Festival, free high school cardiac screenings, Teacher Innovation Grants, mental health supports, robotics clubs, and assistance for students and families experiencing financial hardship or homelessness. You don't have to wait until December 1 to make an impact!
Donate early and help make a difference today!
The next regular Board of Education meeting is at 7 p.m. on Monday, December 7, 2026 at the Crouse Education Center, 780 Shoreline Drive, Aurora. Meeting agendas and documents will be available online prior to the meeting. Video of the regular meeting can be streamed live or viewed the following day at the District’s YouTube channel.
View board salutes here.
IL Chess Teachers - Fry (Winter 2026)
IL Chess Teachers - Brooks (Winter 2026)
IL Chess Teachers - White Eagle (Winter 2026)
IL Chess Teachers - May Watts (Winter 2026)
IL Chess Teachers - Spring Brook (Winter 2026)
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