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April 2025 Banner Tracks

Banner. You belong here!

April 2025Banner TracksBanner. You belong here!

It's a great day to be a Bobcat! It's a great day to be a Bobcat!

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April is already here! The year has gone by so quickly. Our students continue to learn and grow each and every day! The progress they have made is clear to see! I am incredibly proud of our teachers who have worked tirelessly to nurture and support each child's academic and personal growth. Their commitment and passion are evident! Thank you for your continued partnership in fostering a positive and enriching environment for our students. Together, we look forward to finishing the year strong and celebrating even more successes ahead.


This month's word is COURAGE!


~Mr. Fairchild

"YOU BELONG HERE!"

Spring Break Spring Break

Enjoy your Spring Break (March 24-28). Students return on Monday, March 31.

Registration for 25-26 Registration for 25-26

As we begin to prepare for the 2025-2026 school year, we ask that you take a moment to check your email for a communication from:


noreplyregistration@powerschool.com


This email contains the "snapcode" necessary to complete the online registration for your returning student.


We ask that all registrations are submitted by April 11, 2025 to ensure a spot at Banner. If you need assistance locating your code, please let us know.


If your family will not be returning to Banner Elementary next school year, please notify the office so we can make appropriate staffing plans for next school year.


As always, if you have other questions or need assistance, do not hesitate to reach out.

School Supplies for 25-26! School Supplies for 25-26!

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Want to save time sifting through all of the school supplies at the store this summer? Banner's PTO has made it easy for you! Did you know that you can order your school supplies and have them delivered to your home over the summer?? And....PTO makes a little profit at the same time? All you have to do is order online and use the account # 26414. Due date: May 30.

Online Order Link

Autism Awareness Day Autism Awareness Day

Wednesday, April 2nd is National Autism Awareness Day! To show support, we are inviting students to wear any color on the color wheel to celebrate the unique differences of students with autism. Thank you for your support!

Kindergarten and 1st Grade Music Program Kindergarten and 1st Grade Music Program

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The Kindergarten and 1st grade Music Program is scheduled for Thursday, April 10. Details regarding start time/s coming soon!

Laps For Life Laps For Life

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On Friday, April 18 (tentatively), we will be collecting money for St. Jude. Students will "run" during their PE time and all money raised that day will go to support St. Jude. Thank you for any donations that come in! More details coming soon!

Guest Author Coming in April! Guest Author Coming in April!

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Jay Miletsky, author of "Ricky the Rock the Couldn't Roll," will be presenting to our students the week of April 21 (day TBD). Parents will be receiving an order form to purchase one of his 9 books that Jay will sign! Be ready for more details coming soon!

Last Day of School Last Day of School

The last day of school is Thursday, May 22. School will be dismissed at 1:45 PM on that day.

Attention 5th Grade Parents Attention 5th Grade Parents

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It’s not too early to schedule your physical for the 2025-2026 school year. ALL 6TH grade students must have a current physical with immunizations up to date in order to receive a schedule and start middle school in the fall.

Upcoming Assessments Upcoming Assessments

Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR - 3rd - 5th grades only) - April 7 - 18

Illinois Science Assessment (5th grade only) - April 22 - 25

STAR Reading and Math - begins week of April 22

PTO News PTO News

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Upcoming PTO events:

  • PTO meeting - Tuesday, April 22 at 6:30 PM via Google Meet (link will be emailed)
  • PTO Dine Out Night - Tuesday, April 15 at Jalapeno's from 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM (15% of ALL sales will be donated to PTO!)

Summer School Opportunities Summer School Opportunities

Parent(s) & Guardian(s) of Current Kindergarten through Eighth-Grade Students,


This coming summer, Dunlap CUSD #323 will continue to offer different summer learning opportunities for students in kindergarten through eighth grade who meet specific criteria to ensure the program meets students’ needs. Below, you will find an overview of the different programs offered, including:


  • Elementary & Middle Summer School

  • Algebra I Boot Camp

  • Extended School Year (ESY)

  • English as a Second Language (ESL) Summer School


As we get closer to the start of summer programming, contact information of the lead teachers will be shared with families of students who are invited/sign up, however, in the meantime, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact the appropriate individual listed below.


Elementary & Middle Summer School & Algebra I Boot Camp

Contact Dr. Matt Andrews, mandrews@dunlapcusd.net


Extended School Year (ESY)

Contact Dr. Jennifer Hastings, jhastings@dunlapcusd.net


English as a Second Language (ESL) Summer School

Contact Amelia Miller, atmiller@dunlapcusd.net


For a full description of these programs, see it HERE.

Birthday Treat Guidelines Birthday Treat Guidelines

Teachers recognize each child's birthday within the classroom, so treats from home for birthdays are not permitted. Thank you for understanding!

Snacks at school Snacks at school

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Each classroom has a time built into their schedules where students may have a snack. Don't forget to send your child with some sort of snack. One that is healthy is preferred. We do have snacks for those who are unable to purchase on their own, but it is very limited and we tend to run out quickly. These snacks are typically reserved for those families who cannot consistently afford them.

Visitors and Volunteers Visitors and Volunteers

Thinking of helping out on a field trip?? You must have gone through the process outlined below in order to help out. Note that a parent needs to go through the process ONCE while their child attends the Dunlap Schools:


In an effort to maintain the safest environment possible for our children, security measures have been implemented in all buildings throughout the district. All school doors, including the front entrance, will be locked during school hours. Visitors to the school will need to press the buzzer located to the right of the main entrance and wait to be let in by office staff (you will hear a "clicking" sound to signify the door is unlocked). A drop area will be located in the foyer outside the main office for items that need to be dropped off or picked up. Please call to alert office staff (309-243-7774) ahead of time if you have an item to drop off and be sure to clearly label the item with your child's name and their teacher. Upon entering the building, visitors will be asked to present a US government issued ID such as a Driver’s License, which can either be scanned or manually entered into our electronic sign in system. Once entry is approved, a badge will be issued that identifies the visitor, the date, and the purpose of the visit. Upon exiting the school, visitors will be asked to give their visitors badge to the office staff when checking out. Meetings with teachers should be pre-arranged with the classroom teacher ahead of time. We hope our families understand and appreciate our efforts in maintaining a safe school environment.


School volunteers are important to the success of our school district. If you are interested in volunteering for our school and working with the students, please complete the volunteer approval process. This process involves completing the online application, being fingerprinted, and providing fingerprinting confirmation. While the process from start to finish does take some time, volunteers will only need to complete this process once.


  • Step 1: Complete the online application. After application completion, an email will be sent regarding the fingerprinting process. This email comes from Dunlap District office staff, not Banner office staff.

  • Step 2: Get fingerprinted. Follow instructions found in the previously mentioned email.

  • Step 3: Provide fingerprinting confirmation to either the Dunlap District office staff or the Banner office staff.

April at a glance April at a glance

  • Students return from Spring Break - Monday, March 31
  • Autism Awareness Day - Wednesday, April 2
  • Paraprofessional Appreciation Day - Wednesday, April 2
  • IAR Assessments (3rd - 5th grades) - Beginning the week of April 7
  • K/1 Music Program - Thursday, April 10
  • PTO Dine Out Night at Jalapeno's - Tuesday, April 15 from 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM
  • School Board meeting - Wednesday, April 16 at 6:00 PM at DHS
  • Laps for Life (tentative) - Friday, April 18 (during PE)
  • Progress Reports issued - Friday, April 18
  • NO SCHOOL (Teacher's Institute) - Monday, April 21
  • 5th graders Illinois Science Assessment - April 22 - 25
  • PTO meeting - Tuesday, April 22 at 6:30 PM via Google Meet
  • Secretary Appreciation Day - Wednesday, April 23
  • Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week - May 5 - 9

Frequently Used Websites Frequently Used Websites

Banner Facebook Page
Student Handbook
Elementary Lunch Menu
Greg Fairchild
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