Weekly Update: November 3, 2026

Redesigned Profiles of Performance Highlight District-Wide Academic Growth, Standout ELL Advancement, High Attendance, and Strong Teacher Retention

Data released through the 2026 Illinois Report Card shows Indian Prairie School District 204 continuing its status as one of Illinois’ premier public school districts, led by 23 schools earning the state’s highest designation of “Exemplary.”

Under Illinois’ new Profiles of Performance accountability framework, 23 District 204 schools achieved the top Exemplary rating, four were named Approaching Exemplary, three received Commendable ratings, and one school was designated as Developing, with zero schools in the Comprehensive category. The redesigned framework evaluates schools against established statewide benchmarks rather than comparative rankings, offering families and community members a comprehensive look at school performance.

“Indian Prairie continues to show that we are a leading school district in the state of Illinois,” said Dr. John Price, Superintendent of Indian Prairie School District 204. “These results reflect the relentless dedication of our teachers, administrators, and staff, as well as the hard work of our students and strong partnership of our community.”

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Indian Prairie School District 204 students are invited to help promote safety in their school by creating a poster that could be displayed across the district. Winning students will also receive a $25 gift card.

Students at all grade levels will have the opportunity to submit original artwork that focuses on safety themes important in IPSD 204 schools. Winners will be selected at elementary, middle school, and high school levels. The winners will win a $25 gift card and have their posters printed and displayed in schools.

Posters are due by the end of the school day on Monday, November 30.

See the rules and learn more about the 2026 safety posters themes.

The Indian Prairie Educational Foundation and District 204 proudly honor Keith Kohler, an English teacher and theater tech manager at Waubonsie Valley High School, with the October A+ Award. You can watch the A+ Award video to see the team’s surprise visit to recognize Mr. Kohler for “Making a Difference in District 204”.

Mr. Kohler was nominated for the A+ Award by Waubonsie Valley senior Bridget St. Clair, who has worked with Mr. Kohler as part of the Waubonsie Valley theater crew since her freshman year. In her essay, Bridget describes how Mr. Kohler has made an extraordinary difference in her life, helping her grow in confidence and find a place where she feels valued.

Bridget credits Mr. Kohler with helping her discover her potential as a leader and creative artist. He entrusted her with important responsibilities, including serving as Master Painter and Creative Designer for main stage productions like Shrek and Footloose, and directing the freshmen play. Through these opportunities, he helped Bridget develop creativity and leadership skills she may not have recognized in herself.

Beyond the theater, Bridget describes Mr. Kohler as a steady, trusted presence who created a safe space where she felt supported through some of high school’s most difficult moments. She writes that he “gave me a reason to stay, a sense of belonging, and the confidence to lead.” His compassion and encouragement have made a lasting impact on Bridget’s life and education.

IPEF is proud to partner with District 204 to recognize one staff member each month for making a difference for students. To celebrate these outstanding staff members, IPEF generously donates $1,000 for each month’s winner to use in their school.

You can nominate a staff member by visiting A+ Award.

The Voyager 1 Spacecraft will reach an incredible milestone: one light-day from Earth, nearly 16.1 billion miles away in November 2026! Last month, the Perseverance Rover set a record for the furthest driving distance off-world. Join the WVHS Planetarium as we explore Spacecraft Milestones!

WVHS Planetarium Family Nights are monthly public programs designed for astronomy lovers of all ages. Programs will be held at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. inside the planetarium. Tickets go on sale at store.ipsd.org beginning Monday, November 9. Don’t wait—once a program sells out, it disappears from the webstore! For full details, visit ipsd.org/planetarium.

Stay connected with the WVHS Planetarium for future events and local skywatching opportunities—follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

Submit an A+ Award nomination for an exceptional teacher or staff member that has made an impact on you or your student. The Indian Prairie Educational Foundation (IPEF) is proud to recognize outstanding staff members who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of our students. One staff member will be recognized each month and awarded a check for $1,000! All submitted essays are shared with the nominees on a quarterly basis. Nominations will be kept for consideration until the end of the current school year. Nominees must currently work in the district.

To nominate someone who is making a difference, visit A+ Award.

The next regular Board of Education meeting is at 7 p.m on Monday, November 9, 2026 at the Crouse Education Center, 780 Shoreline Drive, Aurora. Meeting agendas and documents will be available online prior to the meeting. Video of the regular meeting can be streamed live or viewed the following day at the District’s YouTube channel.

View board salutes here.

SUBMIT A PHOTO TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE PHOTO OF THE WEEK

(If your submitted photo is featured as a Photo of the Week in an upcoming Weekly Update, you will win a $25 Amazon gift card.)

The City of Aurora, in partnership with the U.S. Census Bureau, has launched its 2026 Special Census initiative, targeting new construction and development within the City to establish a more complete and accurate count of total population. Field representatives will verify information in some neighborhoods/households for quality control now through November 13, 2026.

Learn more about the 2026 Special Census.

Did you know that YAC collaborates monthly with peers from local high schools to develop and design prevention visuals for social media and marketing? To help make a positive impact in your school community, join us! YAC meets Tuesday, November 10, 6:30 pm at 360 Youth Services. RSVP by Nov. 9 email: cwiltjer@360youthservices.org

The Power of Choice campaign is thankful for our school staff supporting students. Educators make a difference for students who mention their thoughts about important life issues, including substance use and mental health, at school. Watch this 30-second video to learn the 2026 IYS survey answered anonymously by our students finds 86% said there is a teacher or other adult at school who listens when they have something to say!

"Stick to Being Vape-Free" banners were distributed to all 12 D204 middle schools. The banners share important information about the impacts of vaping, highlight that the majority of students are choosing not to vape, and it encourages students to stick to being vape-free!

To prevent underage drinking, take time and connect with your child by conversing, engaging, and investing in their lives. The small moments you share with your child can make a lasting impact, helping them feel supported and encouraged to make healthy choices.

Indian Prairie School District is a Promotional Partner with the GPS Parent Series: Navigating Healthy Families—one of the nation’s premier parenting resources.

For more than 30 years, the GPS Parent Series has connected parents, educators, professionals, and communities with world-renowned authors, clinicians, and researchers who provide practical, research-based guidance on the most important issues facing today’s youth and families. Through this partnership, our [members/families] have free access to over 50 programs each year, covering all ages and stages—from early childhood through adolescence and into college and career planning.

Programs are offered at noon and 7 p.m., available in four languages, and include virtual, hybrid, and in-person opportunities—making it easy for everyone to participate.

Together with GPS, we are committed to supporting the well-being, resilience, and success of every family. We encourage you to take advantage of this valuable resource and share it with others in our community.

Get a sneak peek at the upcoming year, view past presentations, and access helpful resources at GPSParentSeries.org.

EYSO Mid-Season Auditions - November 11, 2026!

Neuqua Valley High School Presents: Eurydice

Join Scouting this Fall 2026!

Join Girl Scouts! (2026)

Real-Life Lab

Family Volunteer Event - Toys for Rescue Animals

OPUS Holiday Workshop and Concerts (2026)

Celebrating 20 Seasons of Naperville Sports Weekly

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11/9/26: Board of Education meeting (7 p.m.)

11/23/26 - 11/27/26: No School - Thanksgiving Break

12/15/26: Elementary Early Release Day

12/21/26 - 1/1/27: No School - Winter Break

1/4/27: School resumes