July D10 on the 10th
News & Updates from Itasca School District #10
Important Dates π
Happy Summer!
- Monday, July 28th - Benson/Franzen School Office Reopens
- Wednesday, August 13th - Board Meeting
- Wednesday, August 20th - First Day of School (1st - 8th grade)
- Monday, August 25th - First Day of School (Early Childhood & Kindergarten Students)
- Monday, September 1st - Labor Day - No School
District Office Summer Hours/ Holiday Closures
Please note, the District Office will be closed every Friday 6/13 - 8/1. Details in below link.
What's been going on around D10? π·
Peacock Improvements are Underway
Summer Learning at D10
Students and staff made the most of every momentβlearning, growing, and having fun during summer school. A huge thank you to our amazing summer school teachers!
A New Drop-Off Experience at Benson Primary School
A new drop-off experience at Benson is well underway! Designed with safety and ease in mindβour updated zone will make arrival and dismissal for students even safer and smoother.
Register for the 2025-2026 School Year!
Registration for the 2025β2026 school year is now underway for all new and returning students in Itasca School District 10.
Whether you're enrolling a kindergartener for the first time or re-registering a returning student, make sure to complete this process as soon as possible. Timely registration helps us plan class sizes, transportation, staffing, and resources to ensure the best possible start for every student.
If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to our district office. Letβs get ready for another great year of learning, growth, and community at D10!
Getting to Know our School Leadership
In this special βGetting to Know Youβ series, weβre shining a spotlight on the principals and assistant principals who will guide our schools into the 2025-2026 school year. First up, meet the principals!
Mrs. Melissa Stafford - Benson Primary School Principal (π· Shown Middle)
With 12 years of teaching experienceβ9 focused on English Language ArtsβMrs. Stafford has made a lasting impact in our district. Sheβs served in various leadership roles, strengthening her influence beyond the classroom. Holding a B.S. in Education from Northern Illinois University and a Masterβs in Educational Leadership from Aurora University, she brings both academic and practical expertise to her new role.
π Favorite Subject? P.E. and Art in the early yearsβthen storytelling, writing, and reading in middle school! π Favorite Food? Hot wings! π Favorite Book? The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger π« Why Education? A deep passion for giving back to the community and ensuring every student, family, and educator feels valued in a safe and collaborative environment. π Most Excited About? Leading alongside an exceptional team and the dedicated staff at Benson! βΎ Anything else? Go Cubs go!
Ms. Linda Wit - Franzen Intermediate School Principal
Ms. Wit's journey in education began as a paraprofessional at Wheaton North High School, followed by a year dedicated to earning her Masterβs in Information Studies to become a School Librarianβa passion sparked by her time working in the children's department at Wheaton Public Library. Since joining Franzen in 1992, she served as the librarian for 27 years, then stepped into administration, first as Assistant Principal for two years before becoming Principalβnow in her fifth year!
π Favorite Subject? Geometry π£ Favorite Food? Sushi π Favorite Book? A Ring of Endless Light by Madeleine LβEngle π©βπ« Why Education? Linda has always wanted to work with kidsβthey are the best part of her job! π Most Excited About? Continuing to serve the Itasca community that has been a cherished part of her career.
Ms. Wit is grateful to have spent nearly her entire career at Franzen, where she has seen the power of community firsthand.
Mr. Jason Taylor - Peacock Middle School Principal
Mr. Taylor has been part of the Itasca 10 family for 12 years. Prior to this, he spent 8 years supporting students as a special education teacher. With deep roots in our district and a passion for service, he steps into his new role ready to lead Peacock Middle School.
β Favorite Subjects? Math and U.S. Historyβbut nothing beat studying bird calls in advanced biology! π Why Education? Inspired by his fatherβa lifelong teacher, coach, and role modelβMr. Taylor followed in his footsteps, supported by a community of educators. π― Favorite Food? His wifeβs enchiladas. π Favorite Author? Jon Krakauer π Most Excited About? Watching the first kindergarten class he served now becoming 6th gradersβfull-circle moments that show just how far theyβve come. π‘ More to Know? βItasca has created a home for my family, and Iβm honored to work here.β
School Health Requirements
Summer is a great time to schedule appointments to complete health requirements for the upcoming school year! Physical exams and immunizations are due 10/15 (of the current school year) or your child will be excluded from school until the proper updated paperwork is turned in.
All forms and more information can be found on the Health page of our website.
Kindergarten Reminders
Save the Date for Incoming Kindergarten Screenings
- Tuesday, August 12th
- Wednesday, August 13th
Many parents inquire about ways to help prepare their child for Kindergarten prior to beginning the school year. Below you will find some skills your child can work on BEFORE entering Kindergarten to make the beginning of the school year a strong and successful transition.
Board Meeting Info
2025 Upcoming Board Meeting Dates
- August 13th
- September 10th
The Board of Education meets regularly on the second Wednesday of each month. Meetings are held at the Itasca Village Hall, 550 W. Irving Park Road, Itasca, Illinois, at 7:00 P.M. If a closed session is needed, it is held prior to the regular meeting at 6:00 P.M.
Board Salutes π
Give a Shout-Out with a Board Salute!
Do you know someone in District 10 who goes above and beyond? Maybe itβs a teacher who brightens every morning, a student who spreads kindness, a bus driver who always brings the good vibes, or a colleague who makes your day better.
The Board of Education wants to recognize these everyday heroes with a Board Salute! Nominate someone today - because everyone deserves a little extra appreciation!
Upcoming Community Events & IPTO Events
π Our school libraries are always in need of volunteers! Click the link below for more information on how to volunteer.
Safe2Help Resources
Safe2Help offers students a safe, confidential way in which to share information that might help prevent suicides, bullying, school violence or other threats to school safety. It is available 24/7 and offers students a safe outlet to share information on school safety issues in a confidential environment. It can be accessed via a free app, text/phone, and website (Safe2HelpIllinois.com).
Call: 844-4-SAFEIL
Text: SAFE2 (72332)
Email: help@safe2helpil.com
Employment Opportunities
D10 is always hiring. If you, or someone you know is interested, please visit our employment website!