The Highlighter May 2026

• Superintendent's Message
• Student and Staff Highlights
• Summer School Registration
• PTC Announcements
• Community Announcements
• Photo of the Month
• May 2026 Diversity Holidays and District Dates

Dear Avoca Community,

This week, we proudly celebrate Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week across Avoca School District 37.

Our schools thrive because of the extraordinary people who care for, support, teach, and inspire our students each day. From teachers and related services staff to instructional assistants, custodians, bus drivers, nurses, office personnel, substitute teachers, technology staff, food service staff, and administrators, every member of our team plays an essential role in creating safe, welcoming, and high-quality learning environments for children.

We especially recognize Teacher Appreciation Day on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, as an opportunity to honor the educators who spark curiosity, foster academic growth, and nurture each child’s unique strengths and potential.

On behalf of our entire district community, thank you to all Avoca staff members for your dedication, compassion, and commitment to students and families. Your work makes a lasting difference every single day.

Warmly,

Sandra Arreguín, EdD
Superintendent

Avoca School District 37

The varsity Science Olympiad team competed against the top 43 teams in the state of Illinois earning medals in 19 out of 23 events with numerous state champions. They competed incredibly hard all day long and represented our school well. The Marie Murphy Varsity team advanced to the National Tournament, which will be held at the University of Southern California on May 23rd.

Congrats to our incredibly talented team of students and the incredible staff and community members who have supported them along the way!

The Avoca Music Department have been named a 2026 Best Community for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM)! Our District is evidence that academics and the arts are correlated and when both are expressed together full humanity is realized. Thank you to our supremely talented teachers, musicians, and artists who make this happen!

A group of students in Mx. Michel's fourth class put together a newspaper for Avoca West before the end of the school year. Students interviewed staff, compiled artwork, and upcoming dates to put into their very first issue.

The debut publication of AW News 37 is attached below for your enjoyment.

Registration for the 2026-2026 school year opened on April 15th. If you haven't received the registration email or have any questions, please email registration@avoca37.org. Please complete registration by May 30th, 2026.

The Village of Northfield is getting ready to celebrate its 100th year as a Village with a big community party on August 22. The event is free to the community, and will feature popular local bands, fireworks, a “kid’s zone” (including a magician, balloon artist, bouncy houses, face painter and airbrush tatoos), plus family bingo and a history display.

An important part of Northfield’s history is the role of the Avoca School District 37 in educating students on the east side of the Village. At one point in Northfield’s history—when local student enrollment plunged from a peak of 849 students in 1968 to an all-time low of 350 students in 1984--there was talk of merging Sunset Ridge School with Avoca, and selling Middlefork School to get needed cash. But the community pinched every penny to keep its schools open and today, students on both the east side and west side are well-served by districts dedicated to maximizing the unique potential of each child.

Currently, the Avoca district serves students from Wilmette, Glenview, Northfield and Winnetka, making it unique among elementary districts that send students to New Trier. The district’s name originates from the River Avoca in County Wicklow, Ireland, and it means, “a watering spout of knowledge.”

Marie Murphy began her teaching career at the Avoca School District in 1932, and she retired as superintendent in 1968. Marie Murphy School, which serves grades 6-8, was named after her. The mission of both Avoca West, which serves K-5, and Marie Murphy School is to Inspire Curiosity, Cultivate Academic Growth, and Nurture Diversity.

For more information on Northfield’s Centennial celebration, visit our website at northfield-centennial.org.

Students from Northfield in 1950 getting on the bus to attend Avoca school in nearby Wilmette.

Students at Marie Murphy School will always celebrate the legacy of Marie Murphy, a visionary educator who served District 37 for 36 years.

Avoca West choir students perform a wonderful show for their peers and staff.