eNews Oct 2, 2026

During the week of September 21, Carrie Cole from Side by Side Consulting visited D303 to lead comprehensive professional learning workshops for district staff. She facilitated engaging sessions with secondary special educators that focused on practical Science of Reading strategies tailored to support reading comprehension across specific content areas. Additionally, elementary special educators participated in a dedicated two-day workshop with Carrie centered on building and reinforcing foundational Science of Reading principles to enhance literacy instruction.

On September 25, Davis Primary School had the privilege of welcoming U.S. Paralympic athlete Sandy Dukat, who spent time with kindergarten students sharing her personal story of perseverance, dedication, and overcoming adversity.

Throughout her interactive presentation, Dukat offered inspiring words about the importance of self-acceptance, celebrating individual uniqueness, and embracing personal challenges. She encouraged the young audience to approach new experiences with courage, step outside their comfort zones, and keep trying even when tasks become difficult.

Born without her right femur, Dukat relies on a prosthetic leg to remain active and compete at elite international levels. Her athletic accomplishments include winning bronze medals in alpine skiing at both the 2002 Paralympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City and the 2006 Paralympic Winter Games in Turin, Italy. Beyond her success on the slopes, she is an accomplished multi-sport athlete who competes in competitive swimming, triathlons, marathons, and mountain climbing.

Join us for an informal, open house style Information Night at any of our school locations listed to learn more about the referendum on the November 3 ballot.

Stop by whenever it fits your schedule, even if you only have 10 to 15 minutes.

You’ll be able to view a general overview of the upcoming referendum, learn how the proposed projects directly impact your household, and speak one-on-one with team members to get your questions answered. Learn more at: https://district.d303.org/referendum

Acompáñenos a una de las noches informativas al estilo de puertas abiertas en cualquiera de nuestras escuelas para obtener más información sobre el referéndum que se votará el 3 de noviembre. Asista a cualquier hora, aunque solo disponga de entre 10 y 15 minutos.

Obtenga información general sobre el próximo referéndum, descubra cómo los proyectos propuestos afectan directamente a su hogar y hable con los miembros del distrito para que respondan a sus preguntas. Obtenga más información en d303referendum.org

Meet GPS Parent Series—50+ FREE programs each year bringing nationally recognized researchers, clinicians, authors and educators directly to parents, teachers and helping professionals.

Discover upcoming virtual/hybrid events, offered in multiple languages, and no registration is required. Visit GPSParentSeries for event links and more information: https://gpsparentseries.org/upcoming-events/

Join us for the 41st Annual Scarecrow Weekend taking place October 9th-11th, 2026 in downtown St. Charles, Illinois!

Browse 100+ handmade scarecrows displayed throughout town for visitors to view and vote on their favorites. In addition to the Scarecrow Contest, there will be two action-filled zones along with the First Street Plaza that will have live entertainment, photo opportunities, family-friendly booths, Scarecrow-to-Go, an inflatable corn maze, a rock-climbing wall, pumpkin painting, tasty food, the Weinermobile, and much more.

Visit scarecrowfest.com to learn more.

Big Hearts of Fox Valley is preparing for its 13th Annual Christmas Sponsorship Program, and this year they anticipate helping 625 D303 children wake up on Christmas morning with gifts under the tree. Individuals, families, businesses, neighborhoods, teams, and community groups are invited to become Santa’s Helpers by shopping for one or more local children from their personalized, anonymous wish lists.

How it works:

Sign up now, and in October, you’ll receive a child’s wish list by email and shop for gifts they’re hoping to receive this Christmas. Wish lists will be distributed next month, so sign up today!

D303 is partnering with the IDPH and CIMPAR Medical Clinic to host a Free Onsite Vaccine Clinic at Richmond Elementary School during Parent-Teacher Conferences.

• October 8: From 12pm-4pm
• October 9: From 8am-12pm (noon)

All D303 Families are welcome to attend.

This FREE Vaccine Clinic provides an excellent opportunity for families/students to meet state-mandated immunization requirements.