UPDATED: The District 25 Dish
February 19, 2026
5Essentials Reminder 🙏
Dear District 25 Families,
Two weeks ago, I shared an update about the importance of the Illinois 5Essentials Survey, and I am writing again because it is critically important to our schools that we generate a parent report for each building.
As a reminder, if a school’s parent community does not reach a 20% participation rate, a parent results report will not be generated for that school. Every response truly makes a difference.
Here are our current parent participation rates as of Tuesday:
Dryden: 17%
Greenbrier: 10%
Ivy Hill: 6%
Olive-Mary Stitt: 10%
Patton: 8%
South: 6%
Thomas: 5%
Westgate: 6%
Windsor: 6%
We are close in some buildings, but we need additional participation across the district to ensure every school receives meaningful feedback.
To participate in this survey as a parent/guardian, click the following link:
CLICK HERE TO PARTICIPATE
As another reminder: All District 25 students in grades 4 through 8 will be prompted to take this survey during school hours. Should you wish your child not to participate, please complete the following form:
Opt-Out Form
Thank you for taking a few minutes to share your perspective. Your voice helps us strengthen our schools and better support every student.
Together Today 2 Transform Tomorrow,
Dr. Brian Kaye
Superintendent
PTA
The PTA is seeking interested individuals to serve on the Council Board. If you’d like to be considered or if you know someone to nomiate, please complete the nomination form linked below. Nominations are open through the end of spring break.
ABC25 Foundation FORE Education Fundraiser
Save the date for ABC25s 2nd Annual FORE Education Fundraiser!
Where: Top Golf Schaumburg
When: Sunday, March 15, 2026 - 1:00-4:00 pm
More information can be found via the ABC25 website or by clicking the button below!
Update to the 25-26 Calendar
At the Tuesday, July 15, 2025 Board of Education meeting, a change to the 2025-2026 school year calendar was approved. The School Improvement Day originally scheduled for Monday, April 6 was moved to Tuesday, March 17. This means:
March 17, 2026 → No school for students
April 6, 2026 → Students will attend school
For more details on the change, click here for a letter sent to our community on July 17, 2025.
📅 View the updated calendar here:
NEW Calendar Sync Process
Due to our recent website platform change, the process for syncing school and district calendars with your personal calendar is now different. The previous calendar sync from our former website will no longer show the most up-to-date information.
To continue receiving accurate event updates, please disconnect or delete the old calendar link and add the new one…it takes just a minute! Watch the short how-to video is linked below to walk you through the steps:
Have you ever visited our SAFE25 page? We invite you to check it out!
Ensuring the safety of our students and staff is our top priority. We are committed to creating and maintaining secure environments where learning can thrive.
School safety is an ongoing process, and your input is invaluable. Share your feedback with us at safe25@sd25.org. Together, we can build a safer future for our students.
Standard Response Protocol
The Standard Response Protocol (SRP) is our district’s approach to managing all types of hazards or emergencies that may occur on school property. It provides a clear, consistent framework for how we communicate and respond to keep everyone safe.
Link Together Coalition
Working with D25: South and Thomas Middle Schools are provided with prevention initiatives that are targeted at youth to empower them to be drug and alcohol free.
Lets Talk More: In the past year, 52% of Wheeling Township high school students answered YES that their parent/guardians have talked to them about not using alcohol. See attached PDF below to learn more.
For more information and resources, visit our Parent Academy page.
District 25 is a partner in the Link Together Coalition, which gives our community access to the Glenbard Parent Series. Please check out the various Glenbard Parent Series presentations that work to engage top experts, parents, and school staff to become proactive and informed in pursuit of the mutual goal of strengthening our communities. Programs are free and open to the public. No registration required.
Care Solace is a free, confidential 24/7/365 Mental Health Care Coordination Service.
Call (888) 515 - 0595, or go to caresolace.com/site/northcook to complete a brief screening to be matched with a provider. Available for students, families and staff.
For more resources, visit our parent academy page: www.sd25.org/ParentAcademy.
BEACON (Behavioral Health Care and Ongoing Navigation) is a centralized resource for Illinois youth and families seeking services for behavioral health needs. It’s common for young people to struggle with behavioral and/or mental health challenges. Please know you are not alone, and neither is your child. Click HERE for support.
Ramadan is a holy month of fasting, introspection and prayer for Muslims. During Ramadan, Muslims do not eat or drink from dawn to sunset, and they break their daily fasts by sharing meals with family and friends. The end of Ramadan is celebrated with a three-day festival known as Eid al-Fitr.
*You can exchange Ramadan greetings by saying “Ramadan Kareem,” which translates into “Have a generous Ramadan,” or “Ramadan Mubarak,” which translates into “Happy Ramadan.”
This week (Feb. 16–20), we’re celebrating School Transportation Week in Arlington Heights School District 25!
From our crossing guards, to our bus drivers, to our transportation department that runs it all, this incredible team helps our students arrive safely each day.
If you see someone who helps your kiddos get to school safely this week, be sure to say thank you!
Greek-American Heritage month, also known as Hellenic Heritage Month, is observed in March of each year. March 25 is celebrated as Greece’s National Independence Day.
This is a time to honor Greek heritage, including Greek history, culture, accomplishments, and experiences. With a vast cultural legacy and history, it is also a time to highlight Greek-American contributions to American history.
Irish–American Heritage Month is celebrated by proclamation of the President and Congress in the United States to honor the achievements and contributions of Irish immigrants and their descendants living in the United States. It was first celebrated in 1991 and coincides with the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day in March.
March is Women's History Month – commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history.
March marks the official start of Music In Our Schools Month, a time to recognize the impact of music education on student success. Throughout the month, we celebrate the discipline, creativity, and joy that music brings to our classrooms. We extend our gratitude to the Music Teachers and Band/Music Directors whose expertise and passion provide our students with the opportunity to perform, grow, and express themselves through the arts.
On March 2, we celebrate Reading Specialist Day in Arlington Heights School District 25 as part of Read Across America Day and National Reading Month!
Our reading specialists inspire confidence, spark a love of reading, and support every learner on their journey to becoming strong, capable readers. Their dedication makes a lasting difference in the lives of our students.
Join us in thanking our incredible reading specialists for all they do!
March 2 marks the start of Read Across America Week, a nationwide celebration of literacy and the joy of reading. Established to emphasize the importance of diverse stories and daily reading habits, this week features activities designed to motivate students and foster a lifelong love of books. Throughout the week, our school will be participating in events that highlight how reading connects us all.
National School Social Work Week 2026 is observed from March 1–7, focusing on celebrating school social workers and their vital role in supporting student mental health, academic success, and connecting homes, schools, and communities. The School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA) promotes this week to honor professionals who aid students with behavioral and emotional challenges.
Holi marks the closing of the winter season and marks the onset of Spring. Throwing of colors to each other is the signature of this festival. It is also known as the Festival of Colors, the Festival of Spring, and the Festival of Love. It is an ancient Hindu festival and one of the most popular in Hinduism.
*Date changes year to year
We are proud to recognize our Maintenance and Facilities Staff for their dedication to keeping our environment safe, clean, and operational. Often working behind the scenes, these professionals ensure our buildings run smoothly every day. Please join us this week in extending a sincere thank you for their hard work and essential contributions to our community.
The Eid al-Fitr holiday is celebrated by Muslims worldwide because it marks the end of the month-long, dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan. It can be translated as "the feast of fast-breaking" and it is common to visit family and friends and exchange gifts.
*Date is tentative based on sighting of the moon.
The word Nowruz translates to “new day”. It starts at the precise moment that winter ends and spring begins.
Nowruz marks a new year for millions of people across the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Balkans, particularly in countries like Iran, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Kazakhstan and more.
*Date changes year to year.
March 20 is World Behavior Analysis Day, a time to recognize the science of behavior and its positive impact on our students and community. We highlight the vital work of our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and behavior staff, who utilize evidence-based strategies to support student growth, independence, and success. Their expertise in understanding and shaping behavior creates a more supportive learning environment for everyone.
Totally Tubular Teen Night
Middle Schoolers – get ready to party like it’s 1985! We’re opening the Arlington Ridge Center for an epic night just for you! Join us for open swim, open gym, Za, and snacks!!! Need to chill out? We’re also screening E.T. the Extraterrestrial. Rock your best neon gear, scrunchies, and retro vibes for a blast from the past that’s out of this world!
Space is limited, and pre-registration is open until Thursday, February 19, for $16 per participant. Register at the door (Arlington Ridge Center only) starting at 6:50PM, while space is available, for $18 per participant.
When: February 20, 2026 | 7:00 P.M. - 9:30 P.M.
Where: Arlington Ridge Center (ARC)
I Can Read to a Dog
Calling all beginning readers! Practice your skills by reading aloud to a friendly dog.
Each child will be paired with a trained volunteer and their certified therapy dog from Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy for a 15 minute reading slot during the hour.
For kids who can read independently in grades K–3.
When: Sunday, February 22, 2026 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Where: Lindsey Room
District 214 Community Education
Learn more about adult education offered by District 214!
Click here to learn more: https://www.ce.d214.org/
#d25ItsPersonal
On SIP Day, our staff came together to connect, collaborate, and strengthen their practice with our new literacy curriculum, so we can be our best for our students.
Because when educators grow, students thrive. 💙
#District25 #TeacherGrowth #ProfessionalLearning #LiteracyMatters #d25ItsPersonal
Rain ☔ Snow ❄️ Sunshine ☀️
No matter the weather, Patton’s Parent Traffic Team is out there making sure the line keeps moving, and our students stay safe. 🚗💛
As we celebrate School Transportation Week in D25, we’re grateful for these amazing volunteers who show up every day for our kids.
Thank you for your teamwork, dedication, and care! 👏✨
#D25Proud #SchoolTransportationWeek #PattonPride #d25ItsPersonal
Arlington Heights School District 25
Website: www.sd25.org
Location: 1200 South Dunton Avenue
Phone: (847) 758.4900
Facebook: facebook.com/ahsd25
Twitter: @ahsd25
Instagram: @ahsd25social