The Highlighter March 2026

In This Newsletter

Superintendent's Message
Student and Staff Highlights
2026 IL 5Essentials Survey
Summer School Registration
PTC Announcements
Community Announcements
Photo of the Month
March 2026 Diversity Holidays and District Dates

Dear Avoca Community,

As March arrives, we’re beginning to notice the subtle but welcome signs that winter is beginning to fade. The days are getting a little longer, the air a little milder, and hints of spring are starting to appear around our community. This change in season brings a renewed sense of energy to our schools.

As we look ahead to the coming weeks, spring break is just around the corner. It feels like winter break with its promise of a new year was only yesterday. It’s a gentle reminder of how quickly the school year moves and how important it is to savor both these last winter days and the arrival of spring.

This spring break, I hope students, families, and staff have an opportunity to recharge and enjoy time together with loved ones. We look forward to welcoming students back for a strong finish to the school year.

Warmly,

Sandra Arreguín, EdD
Superintendent

Avoca School District 37

Please join us in celebrating our sixth- and seventh-grade students who competed in the regional round of the Great History Challenge yesterday evening!

Marie Murphy students in sixth and seventh grade competed in the regional round of the Great History Challenge on March 3rd. To qualify for regionals, students must first compete in a preliminary round against more than 10,000 students. Simply earning a spot at regionals is an impressive accomplishment. We are so proud of the following students who represented our school at regionals: Landon, Alice, Parker, Hazel, Lillie, Dylan, Mark, Ria, Arthur, Daniel, Meghan, Elise, Luka, and Eli.

Congratulations to sixth graders Landon, Alice, Parker, and Mark, and seventh graders Arthur Y, and Daniel Z, who advanced to the national competition!

Two years ago, Seattle based band director, Leslie Moffat interviewed Elizabeth Weismehl, Avoca West K-8 General Music Teacher, for her wellness podcast. In this follow-up feature interview in Mill Creek Living Magazine, Moffat once again highlights Ms. Weismehl's article "Go Shine! Nine Strategies for Cultivating a Positive Mindset," the student who inspired the title, and her goal with writing the article.

To read the full feature, please see the attached document below.

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Spring 2026 Mill Creek Living: Music Educators Teach Valuable Life Lessons

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We are excited to share that Ms. Retzinger and Ms. Hernandez have been awarded the Illinois Those Who Excel Award by the Illinois State Board of Education. Ms. Retzinger is our 6-8th grade Student Learning Center Learning Behavior Specialist, and Ms. Hernandez is our 6th grade Social Studies Teacher. This prestigious honor is one of the highest recognitions an educator in our state can receive and is presented to individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to student growth, professional excellence, and meaningful contributions to their school community. Those Who Excel recipients are leaders who inspire students, support colleagues, and go above and beyond to ensure every child thrives.

Ms. Retzinger and Ms. Hernandez exemplify the very best of our profession through their dedication, passion, and unwavering belief in our students. Thank you both for the incredible impact you make each day at Marie Murphy. We are so proud to celebrate you!

Parents or guardians of all school-aged students are eligible to participate in UChicago Impact's 5Essential Parent Survey. Parents may complete the survey once for each child enrolled at a given school. Only one parent response is expected per child.

The deadline to complete this survey is March 13, 2026.

Link to 5Essentials Survey

The Village of Wilmette is looking for your input on E-Bike and E-Scooter use in Wilmette. Please complete the survey linked below if you would like to contribute to any changes in regulations related to their use in Wilmette.

Survey Link

Peace of Mind and a Boost for Our School Get ahead of the summer rush! Book Camp Galileo by Feb 28 to save $50/week. Use fundraising code 26MAVOCA50 for $50 off your purchase; we’ll receive a $50 donation in return! Enjoy big savings and a finalized summer calendar at galileo-camps.com.