The Highlighter June 2026

• Superintendent's Message
• Student and Staff Highlights
• Early Bird Bus Fees
• SY 2026-2027 At-A-Glance Calendar
• Community Announcements
• Photo of the Month
• May 2026 Diversity Holidays and District Dates

Dear Avoca Community,

Today marks our last day of school. As I write this note, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude and pride for this incredible community. Together, we accomplished so much this year. Our students, teachers, staff, and families continued to elevate the Avoca name through countless achievements and memorable moments. The accomplishments of this school year leave no doubt that Avoca is a truly special place to learn, grow, and belong.

THANK YOU for all you did to make this year such a success; it is now time for a well-deserved break.

I hope your summer is filled with joy, adventure, and plenty of time to rest and recharge. Until we see one another again in August, I will be reflecting fondly on the many memories we created together this year.

Warmly,

Sandra Arreguín, EdD
Superintendent

Avoca School District 37

At the May 21, 2026 meeting, The Board of Education officially approved the appointment of Sheleah Blissett as Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, beginning July 1, 2026.

Sheleah currently serves as the Director of Special Services at Joliet Township High School District 204. Throughout her career, Sheleah has held instructional and leadership roles in student services and special education across Illinois K-12 school districts and brings extensive experience in instructional leadership, MTSS implementation, IEP/Section 504 oversight, and state and federal compliance.

Sheleah earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders and Sciences from Southern Illinois University and a Master of Science in Special Education from Chicago State University. She holds General Administrative and Director of Special Education endorsements.

Please join us in welcoming Sheleah to our Avoca SD 37 community. We look forward to the leadership and expertise she will bring to our district!!

Our Marie Murphy Varsity Science Olympiad team is coming home from California as the 6th place team in the nation at the National Science Olympiad Competition!

We are so proud of our students, coaches, and families for representing our school community with excellence, humility, and heart. Congratulations, team!

Marie Murphy School was featured in a local digital publication celebrating the 2026 Vocabulary Bowl victory. Congratulations once again to our students and staff on this achievement.

Please click on the link below to read the full article.

Please see the information below regarding bus fees for the the 2026-2027 school year.

Transportation:

• Bus fees are non-refundable.

• Bus fees are charged for all riders, except for students that qualify for free lunch or fee waivers. For more information on financial assistance, please complete the fee waiver form and submit it to Sadie Weiss at weisss@avoca37.org.

• Bus fees are only prorated for new families that join the district during the school year.

• You can pay for the bus fees by mailing a check to the Avoca School District Business Office at 2921 Illinois Road, Wilmette, IL 60091, or pay with credit or debit card online at the Avoca Web Store. There is a software admin fee of 3.56% if you pay by card.

• There are three ways to sign up for the bus:

• Request bus service while registering.

• Send full or partial payment by July 24, 2026 with a check or online payment to the Avoca School District Business Office.

• Complete both actions listed above.

• Existing families that have not signed up for the bus as listed above by July 24, 2026 will not be able to add bus service until September 14, 2026.

• New families who move into the district after July 24, 2026 need to register and pay for bus service as soon as possible.

• You will receive an email in August informing you of your bus route.

• If you have any questions, please contact Sadie Weiss at weisss@avoca37.org.

8th grade students display their incredible artwork at the First Annual Marie Murphy Art Show.