District Digest

In this issue…

• Calendar Reminders
• Upcoming Board Meetings
• Beginning Orchestra & Beginning Band Registration Is Open!
• Churchill Broadcast Club Tours WGN Studios
• Earth Day at Forest Glen

• Wildcat Appreciation

• High Interest Days at Lincoln and Franklin

• The Arts @D41 Spotlight

• District 41 Presents Spring Music Performances

• Mental Health Month - Glenbard Parent Series

• May 9 - Institute Day (No student attendance)
• May 26 - Memorial Day (No school)

• Monday, May 5, 2025, Board Reorganizational Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
  - A meet and greet reception with the Board will take place at 6 p.m. prior to the meeting.
• Monday, May 19, 2025, Regular Board of Education Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Registration for 5th grade Beginning Orchestra and Band is now open, April 22 - May 1. Your child is invited to join the District 41 Instrumental Music program! The program is for beginning students only. Your child can join either the Beginning Elementary Band or the Beginning Elementary Orchestra Programs in 5th grade.

Here is the process:

1. Watch the D41 Instrument Demonstration video: Click HERE.

2. Click Here to register for 5th Grade Beginning Orchestra. Click Here to register for 5th Grade Beginning Band. Please register by Thursday, May 1. (current 4th graders only)
3. Reserve a Rental Instrument:

Churchill's Broadcast Club had a fun visit to WGN TV! Students had the chance to interact with professional newscasters and gain insights into the broadcasting world. They engaged in conversations with reporters, including the renowned Dean Richards, who shared some helpful interview tips. The students also learned about writing scripts and had the opportunity to utilize the weather green screen! This experience will enhance their skills as they apply what they learned to their live announcements which are broadcast at Churchill.

Forest Glen rose to the challenge and was awarded SCARCE’s Earth Flag at an all school assembly organized and run by the One Earth Environmental Club! Two DuPage County Environmental Commission members were treated to a rousing rendition of This Land is Your Land by the whole school after a celebration of all the activities that earned Forest Glen the Earth Flag from SCARCE.

"The Forest Glen community is exhibiting a human spirit that works to make needed change possible," said One Earth Environmental Club sponsor Mrs. Kathleen Hokenson. "They’re conserving resources, planting trees, collecting litter, and studying electronic waste recycling. That’s what it will take, and Forest Glen has shown they’re up to the task."

Great job Forest Glen!

“When we act as stewards, not takers, we don’t just reconnect with the Earth — we rise together to defend it.” - Earthday.org

Benjamin Franklin and Abraham Lincoln Schools hosted High Interest Days on Friday, April 25, where students explored various topics and activities based on their interests. Students participated in hands-on activities, workshops, and performances. Thank you to the PTA, staff, and parent volunteers for making these opportunities possible for our school communities.

What is your role in District 41:
Art Teacher at Forest Glen

How long have you worked in District 41?
2.5 years

What is special about the arts (specifically art) in District 41?
My D41 art team is made up of very talented art teachers that are both gifted teachers as well as artists. We learn so much from each other.

What inspires you as an art teacher?
Pop culture, children’s literature, local events, and nature/seasons inspire many of my projects. I love seeing the kids excited and engaged with a project.

Describe your typical day.
I start every morning at the front of the house greeting families outside in the car line. I have a slightly different lineup of classes each day with 5th, 3rd, and Kindergarten in the morning, followed by 1st, 2nd, Kindergarten, and 4th grade in the afternoon. I manage supplies, prep materials for projects, cut paper, clean paint brushes, refill glue bottles, create slides for lessons, research artists and find appropriate content for students. I love displaying student artwork throughout Forest Glen and searching for exciting new project ideas my students will enjoy.

What is your favorite memory as a teacher in District 41?
Taking the 5th grade class to The Mac at COD to see the Andy Warhol exhibit in September of 2023 was an awesome opportunity, and an adventure because we went right after the school year had just begun.

What are some of the special moments you have had with your students this school year so far?
We just had an awesome High Interest Day on 4/25, and I loved assisting our awesome PTA with “flower arranging” in the art room. One of my favorite events at Forest Glen is our annual author visit. This year I was privileged to meet Aaron Reynolds, and every class created “creepy” art to prepare for his arrival. In February, PTA hosted our annual Forest Glen Art Reception evening, and we had about 80 kids create an original artwork to be exhibited!

What advice do you give your students who are interested in pursuing art as a career?
Just like a sport, art is something you must practice. The more you draw, the better your drawings will become! At the elementary art level, I try to inform my students about art opportunities through the Glen Ellyn Park District, the Glen Ellyn Library, and other local art events and classes.

Email: webmaster@d41.org
Website: www.d41.org
Location: 793 North Main Street, Glen Ellyn, IL, USA
Phone: 630.790.6400
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