109 Family News

• September 10: Redefine 109 Information Session at Wilmot (795 Wilmot Rd) at 6:30pm
• September 12: High-Five Friday at Kipling
• September 17: Redefine 109 Information Session at Walden (630 Essex Ct) at 6:30pm
• September 18: Regular Board of Education Meeting (517 Deerfield Rd) at 7pm
• September 19: High-Five Friday at South Park
• September 23: No School - District Closed
• September 25: Redefine 109 Information Session at Kipling (700 Kipling Pl) at 6:30pm
• September 26: High-Five Friday at Walden

As you may have read (or may have missed) in that GIGANTIC back-to-school issue of D109 Family News, District 109 is reaching out to the community throughout the fall to share information and gather feedback about a possible funding measure to address critical facility needs. Our goal is to ensure every member of the community has an opportunity to learn about the proposed plan, ask questions and provide input. That means YOU – every one one of your neighbors!

Visit dps109.org/redefine to learn the details of the proposed plan. Here's the short version: The Referendum Task Force recommended investigating the “2+2 Plan,” which includes building two new elementary schools (Walden and Wilmot), renovating the other two (Kipling and South Park), and updating both middle schools. The plan’s estimated cost is $245 million, with a projected tax impact of approximately $539 per $10,000 in property taxes.

The website also includes a schedule of upcoming information sessions and facility tours. At those sessions, you'll learn the thorough, years-long process that led us to this proposal, as well as the many options considered along the way.

Here are a few of the sessions:

• September 10, Wilmot, 6:30-8pm
• September 17, Walden, 6:30-8pm
• September 25, Kipling, 6:30-8pm
• October 8, South Park, 6:30-8pm

You also can view answers to frequently asked questions, and ask your questions if they haven't yet been answered!

Now that you know the right place to go for any information you need, please share your knowledge with family, friends and neighbors in the District 109 community!

There’s no better way to kick off a Friday than with a smile and a high five! This fall, students will be greeted by Deerfield police officers and firefighters at arrival for High-Five Fridays.

This simple gesture spreads positivity, builds connections with our local first responders, and starts the day on an uplifting note. Don't worry about seeing first responder vehicles at school on those special Friday mornings – and give and get your own high-fives!

(If you're feeling that it should already be Friday, you definitely deserve a high-five or three: ✋🏼✋🏾✋)

To help keep our records accurate, District 109 now uses the CLEAR public database to verify student residency for currently enrolled students.

Here’s what you need to know:

• A few times each year, the District will use CLEAR to confirm that students continue to reside within the District 109 boundaries.

• CLEAR uses publicly available information—like property and utility records—to automatically verify your address.

• If your address is verified, you won’t need to take any action. You’ll receive a confirmation email.

• If your address can’t be verified, our Registration Office will contact you with simple next steps to manually confirm your residency.

This process is separate from InfoCheck✔️ in Skyward and does not apply to new student registration and residency verification.

This updated process helps ensure that all enrolled students reside within District 109 and reduces the amount of paperwork families need to complete.

In Illinois, Public Act 101-0227, known as the Inclusive Curriculum Law, requires public schools in Illinois to include the "roles and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people" in the history of Illinois and the United States. This mandate applies to grades K-12 and took effect in July 2020.

In June 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Mahmoud v. Taylor ruled that public schools must provide families an option to opt their child out of lessons or materials that may conflict with sincerely held religious beliefs.

The District's curriculum objection form has been updated to reflect the new legal precedent and ensures practices align with parental rights as guaranteed by law. A parent or guardian may use the form on the Curriculum & Instruction webpage, to request to opt their child out of specific content based on religious beliefs or other opt-out options as guaranteed by Illinois School Code.

To enhance student safety, the District has established new and consistent procedures at all schools, and implemented a new, easy-to-use system to make the process as quick and efficient as possible. Please make it a habit to bring your ID when visiting any District 109 school.

More information about the new procedures can be found on the District 109 website.

At the August meeting, the Board of Education adopted a resolution in support of Stronger Together Deerfield. This community-wide collaboration unites the Village of Deerfield to support mental wellness, resilience and meaningful connections.

If you weren't able to attend Molly Kennedy's energetic presentation for families last month, you can watch the special recorded version that Molly created just for District 109. Enjoy!

District 109 is making it easier than ever to stay connected with businesses and organizations that serve the students and families in our community. Starting soon, you’ll begin receiving a weekly Peachjar email every Thursday around 1pm, featuring digital flyers from:

• Your child’s school

• The District

• Local community organizations

• Businesses offering child- and family-focused programs

The flyers will clearly indicate that the District does not endorse the programs offered by outside organizations. The email will come from "school@peachjar.com." Each email has the option to unsubscribe (at no risk of unsubscribing from District or school emails).

You know that DPS 109 is a supportive school community for students and families. The District also cultivates a community where staff feel valued, and they can pursue their career interests, whether they are teachers, administrators, support and office staff or guest teachers – all of whom play an important role in the education of our students. The District is currently hiring guest teachers.

If you're looking for meaningful work in a supportive environment, close to home, visit dps109.org/DefineYourself – and share these jobs with friends and family!

Registration Required

Parents of 6th and 7th grade students, join veteran middle school parents, along with Caruso & Shepard Middle School principals and a social worker, for an evening of questions answered, myths debunked and wisdom shared about navigating middle school!

• Lunch, clubs, activities & sports
• Technology & texting
• Fostering independence and setting boundaries
• Navigating friendships
• ...And much more

September 16 from 7-8:30 PM

Shepard Middle School Learning Center

No RSVP required – just show up!

Such as E-bikes and E-Scooters

In the spring, the Village of Deerfield enacted new regulations governing the use of motor-driven vehicles—such as electric scooters and motorized bikes—in response to a growing safety concern.

Under the ordinance, these vehicles are prohibited on sidewalks, bike paths, and other public property to protect pedestrians and reduce the risk of collisions. Additionally, riders must meet age and licensing requirements. These rules are designed to enhance public safety, promote responsible use and ensure that all users of public spaces—whether walking, cycling, or driving—can do so without unnecessary risk.

Read more information about the new regulations, including age and license requirements and penalties.

Registration for Deerfield Park District fall enrichment programs is open! View the Enrichment Guide for your school:

• Kipling
• South Park
• Walden
• Wilmot

Contact the Park District at 847-945-0650 with any questions.