The 21 Ledger
June 2025
⏩ Returning Student Registration is open!
Registration for returning students is now available for the 2025–2026 school year! Registering early allows our schools to plan staffing and resources more effectively, and gives your family one less thing to worry about later in the summer. Don’t wait—visit ccsd21.org/registration today to complete the process and get ready for another great year in District 21!
We'll also be hosting a student registration assistance event on June 17, which is designed to make the registration process easy and convenient for new and returning students and their families. For those families that have yet to register, keep an eye out on ParentSquare for more info!
⏩ Seamless Summer is back!
We’re excited to announce the return of our Seamless Summer meal program! Free, nutritious meals will be available to all children 18 and under throughout the summer—no registration or paperwork required.
Whether you're staying local or just need a little extra support, we're here to help make sure no child goes hungry while school is out. Visit our website for locations, dates, and serving times.
⏩ District 21 Health Center's Summer Hours!
We hope everyone has a fun, safe, and restful summer ahead!
Please note that the District 21 Health Center will remain open throughout the summer break. If your family needs to complete school physicals, immunization forms, or speak with the health team about any health concerns for the upcoming school year, feel free to reach out.
The D21 Health Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and is conveniently located at 959 W. Dundee Road in Wheeling. Click here to schedule an appointment.
Have a healthy and happy summer!
⏩ A message from the SROs: Summer Safety Tips
On behalf of our school resource officers, we want to sincerely thank you for your continued support and partnership in helping us maintain a safe and welcoming school environment! Our mission has always been to serve as a positive resource for the school community and to support the well-being of your students. This school year’s success would not have been possible without your cooperation.
As we approach the well-deserved summer break, we’d like to offer a few important safety reminders to help keep students and families safe during the months ahead. Click here to read more.
Get ready for a summer full of stories, adventures, and imagination! Whether your child loves exciting quests, funny characters, or heartwarming tales, there’s a book—and a library program—just waiting for them.
All D21 students are welcome to join summer reading programs at our local libraries. Each one offers fun activities, rewards, and great books to keep kids reading all summer long. Check out the flyers below to see what’s happening at your local library.
We’re also proud to partner with Beanstack, the reading platform used in our elementary schools. Families can now link their school and library Beanstack accounts, so students can earn rewards from both programs at the same time. Instructions on how to connect accounts are included below.
Let’s make this a summer to remember—one great book at a time!
Helpful Links:
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Library Flyers: Arlington Heights | Prospect Heights | Indian Trails | Mount Prospect
During the May meeting of the Board of Education, we officially welcomed Ali Padalik as the new assistant principal for Riley, Melissa Kulbeda as the new assistant principal for Tarkington, and Diana Granados as the new assistant principal for Whitman! Each brings a wealth of experience, passion for education, and a deep commitment to supporting students, staff, and families. We’re thrilled to have them join our leadership team and look forward to a great year ahead! You can read more about them here.
During the same meeting, we welcomed Todd Rohlwing as our new director for safety and security, effective July 1! He joins us after serving as the director of school safety in Algonquin-based Community Unit School District 300 for the past eight years. Read more about him here, and a big District 21 welcome to Todd!
As students head into summer with more free time and less peer interaction, parents should be aware of increased online activity and the potential risks it brings—including interactions with online strangers.
Just like “stranger danger” in the real world, digital safety is critical. Strangers online can hide their identities and may seek personal information, engage in manipulation or cyberbullying, or share inappropriate content.
One growing concern is AI companions—apps and websites (like those featured in this CBS report) that simulate chatting with a friend, therapist, or romantic partner. These tools may seem harmless but can be inappropriate for young users, share unsafe advice, blur real-life boundaries, and often lack proper safety or privacy protections. While they are blocked on CCSD21 Chromebooks, students can still access them on personal devices.
The anonymity of the internet can create a false sense of security. Keep an open dialogue with your student about safe tech use, set clear rules for online interactions, and remind them to never share personal information with people they don’t know offline. Encourage them to come to you or another trusted adult if they ever feel unsafe or need support.
For more guidance, visit Common Sense Media’s resources on online predators and AI companions.
Level Up with our Summer Library Adventure!
Get in the game and become a reading champion with Level Up! Sign up, track 15 days of reading, and complete three activities to earn two prizes! All ages can participate and all reading counts!
Kickoff Events: Sign up to receive your reading log and enjoy programs for all ages!
- Main Library: Saturday, June 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Branch: Saturday, June 14, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Also, be sure to stop by the Launch Pad at the main library and decorate a puzzle piece to be added to our community mural!