Weekly Update
April 9, 2025
NO SCHOOL: Friday, April 18
Recognize a teacher or staff member during Teacher Appreciation Week
The Indian Prairie Parents’ Council (IPPC) is partnering with local businesses to recognize District 204 teachers and staff members for Teacher Appreciation Week, May 5 – 9. Parents and community members can honor school personnel who have made a difference this year, while also supporting local businesses and students in need. Each $25 donation allows you to honor your favorite teacher with a heartfelt note and a $20 gift card from a local business that you select from the list provided. Your note and gift card will be delivered to your teacher during Teacher Appreciation Week. $5 of your donation will help support the IPPC annual school supply drive to assist students in need. Orders are being taken now through April 25, 2025. There is no limit to the number of teachers or staff members you can recognize. Cash donations to the school supply drive can also be made in honor of a teacher or staff member. Order gift cards here. For any questions, please email IPPC at: ippcpta@gmail.com
Parent University: Becoming an Elementary Parent
Parent University: Becoming an Elementary Parent will be held in person on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 6:30 PM, and virtually on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 6:30 PM. This presentation is designed to guide parents and guardians through the exciting transition to kindergarten and first grade. Attendees will learn what to expect as their child begins full-time school and discover meaningful ways to support their emotional growth. The event will conclude with a panel discussion featuring experienced staff from Indian Prairie School District 204, who will answer your questions and share valuable insights.
Presenters:
Tracy Schwartz, Engagement and Student Support Coach
Lauren Quinn, Kindergarten Teacher
Panel:
Keeley Schmid, Principal
Kristine Micheles, Student Services Coordinator
Luke Rahtjen, Kindergarten Teacher
Jennifer Cetnar, First Grade Teacher
Megan Rogers, Social Worker
Residency Verification Process
The district is again contracting with a third-party vendor to automatically verify student address information. As was the case last year, we anticipate the overwhelming majority of our families will be electronically verified.
If your residency is electronically verified, you will receive a letter of confirmation. If you register prior to the first day of school, there will be no need to submit any additional paperwork to certify that you live within the district’s boundaries. If you register after the first day of school, you will need to provide additional information during online registration.
A letter will also be sent to families whose residency we are unable to verify electronically. The letter will provide details on additional information you will need to provide during online registration in order to register your child for the upcoming school year.
Verifying residency is an effort to protect taxpayers and district resources by identifying non-residents attending District 204 schools. Illinois law mandates that parents demonstrate residency prior to enrollment in school and allows for periodic verification to validate compliance with the law.
Please contact your school principal with any questions or concerns.
Coffee & Conversation: Thursday, April 24
Join District 204 superintendent Dr. Adrian Talley and board members Catey Genc and Justin Karubas for coffee, light snacks, and casual conversation on Thursday, April 24 at 7 PM in the Waubonsie Valley High School LMC. This informal gathering is an opportunity to share your thoughts on what the district is doing well and what you’d like to see in the future.
Register and submit your questions or discussion topics here.
Coffee and Conversation Flyer
2025 Mental Health and Wellness Symposium Content
The Mental Health and Wellness Symposium was held on Saturday, March 8 at Metea Valley High School. Presentation slides and videos for the keynote and select sessions are available on the Mental Health and Wellness Symposium webpage. Videos are also available on the IPSD204 YouTube channel.
Nominate a deserving individual for Volunteer of the Year!
District 204 is grateful for the many volunteers who give their time and talents to support our students, staff, and schools. To recognize their impact, you are invited to nominate a deserving individual for Indian Prairie School District's Volunteer of the Year. Nominations will be accepted from Wednesday, April 16 through Friday, April 25. Help us celebrate those who make a difference in our school communities! Submit a nomination here.
Indian Prairie Parents' Council
Parents - do you want to get involved, but you're not quite sure where to start? Fill out this Parent Involvement Form and someone will reach out to connect you with the appropriate group!
2025 STEM Summer Camp
Kindergarten through Eighth-grade students are invited to participate in one OR two weeks of STEM Camp. This fun, hands-on STEM experience will provide students with activities from two different modules from either Camp Invention or Invention Project depending upon students' grade. Just as before, our STEM Camp will be taught by Indian Prairie certified teachers.
We anticipate that each camp will sell out, so register early to ensure your student has a spot to participate in STEM Camp 2025!
Questions? If you have any questions about this program or experience, please contact the STEM Camp program coordinator, Elizabeth Kaleta, at elizabeth_kaleta@ipsd.org.
For more information, visit the STEM Summer Camp webpage.
Youth Mental Health First Aid for Adults
Indian Prairie School District 204 is partnering with KidsMatter and several neighboring school districts to offer two Youth Mental Health First Aid training sessions for adults who work with and care for kids. Participants will learn signs and symptoms of mental illness in children and teens ages 6 to 18, as well as risk factors for mental illness, protective factors and intervention strategies. These blended training sessions include a 2-hour self-paced online class to be taken before an in-person session led by an instructor. In-person classes are scheduled at the following times:
When: 9 AM to 2 PM, Thursday, April 24
Where: Naperville School District 203 Administration Building — Rooms D & E; 203 W. Hillside Road, Naperville, IL 60540
REGISTER HERE
When: 9 AM to 1:30 PM, Saturday, April 26
Where: Waubonsie Valley High School, 2590 Ogden Ave., Aurora, IL 60504
REGISTER HERE
Parent Diversity Advisory Council
PDAC Equity Award Nominations Now Open
Do you know someone who has gone above and beyond in their commitment to educational equity in our district? Recognize their efforts by nominating them for a PDAC Equity award! Winners will be honored at the May IPPC meeting. We are looking for district/school employees, parent volunteers, and community stakeholders. Nominate your person here: Award nominees.
Join PDAC!
The PDAC Leadership Team is looking to expand. If you're interested in joining us, please fill out this form: Application
WVHS Planetarium Family Night April 25, 2025
Tour the summer sky in preparation for backyard stargazing! The last WVHS Planetarium Family Night of the school year will be on Friday April 25th. Family Nights are monthly public programs for astronomy enthusiasts of all ages. Programs start inside the planetarium at 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm. Tickets are available online beginning Monday April 21st at store.ipsd.org. Sold-out programs will disappear from the webstore. Visit ipsd.org/planetarium for more information about Family Nights.
In addition to the planetarium programs, telescope viewing outside (weather permitting) will start at 8:00 pm. Naperville Astronomical Association (NAA) members will set up their telescopes in the grassy field to the west of the planetarium's parking lot. Join NAA after the planetarium programs (telescope viewing is FREE - tickets are not required). Email questions to stephanie_rybka@ipsd.org.
Explore 204: Wheel of Wisdom
The Wheel of Wisdom is a beloved game show tradition at Patterson Elementary where students team up and put their knowledge to the test in school material, history, pop culture, and more. Watch Explore 204: Wheel of Wisdom here.
Safety and Security
Safe Firearm Storage: A Critical Step in Keeping Students Safe
Firearms that are not securely stored pose a serious risk to children and teens. Accidental shootings, impulsive acts, and bringing weapons to school “just to show friends” can all stem from easy access to unsecured guns.
As part of our ongoing commitment to school safety, we encourage families to store firearms securely—locked, unloaded, and separate from ammunition. Responsible storage helps prevent tragedies and ensures that students remain safe both at home and at school.
To learn more about safe storage practices, visit BeSMART or IDPH Safe Storage.
Next Board of Education Meeting: May 5, 2025
The next regular Board of Education meeting is at 7 PM on Monday, May 5, 2025 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 the April 7, 2025 Board Salutes here.
IPEF Graduation Skybox Charity Auction
The Indian Prairie Educational Foundation (IPEF) is hosting an online charity auction featuring two Graduation Skyboxes for each IPSD 204 high school graduation ceremony on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at the NIU Convocation Center in DeKalb. Winners will receive 20 graduation tickets, access to a private suite one hour before the ceremony begins, and the option to purchase food and drinks. All winners will be required to fill out and sign the NIU Suite Policy Agreement to redeem their tickets. The auction closes on Monday, April 21 at 9 PM. Thank you for your support of the district-wide programs of the Foundation! Visit 2025 Graduation Skybox Auction to register and place your bid.
Resources for Parents
Wednesday, April 16 | 7 PM
Dr. Susan David with Dr. Kristin Neff
Emotional Agility: Skills to Navigate Change and Embrace Self-Compassion
Details
High School Students!
YAC invites YOU to help them chalk substance use prevention and positivity messages near school entrances during National Prevention Week! Meet other teens, gain service hours, win raffle prizes, and chalk your heart out! Please register by Friday, May 9 by emailing sindlecoffer@360youthservices.org/
KidsMatter Senior High School Board for 2025-2026
Applications are now open for the KidsMatter Senior High School Board! This leadership opportunity is for students currently in grades 9-11 who want to be a part of giving area youth a voice in issues most relevant to teens and organizing initiatives for their peers — all while having fun and building relationships. To apply, fill out the KidsMatter Senior High Board Application by May 18!
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Third-Party Educational Programs
The following companies have rented space in our schools to offer an after-school educational program for students. The distribution of this material is in no way an endorsement of programs, services, activities, or products by District 204. For more information, visit programs.
Ready Set Code After School Stem Program at Brooks Elementary
Young Rembrandts Drawing Classes at McCarty Elementary
Young Rembrandts Drawing Classes at White Eagle Elementary
Young Rembrandts Drawing Classes at Kendall Elementary
Young Rembrandts Drawing Classes at Steck Elementary
Young Rembrandts Drawing Classes at Cowlishaw Elementary
Young Rembrandts Drawing Classes at Springbrook Elementary
Young Rembrandts Drawing Classes at Clow Elementary
Young Rembrandts Drawing Classes at Owen Elementary
Young Rembrandts Drawing Classes at Brooks Elementary
Code Ninjas at Fry Elementary School
Code Ninjas at White Eagle Elementary
White Eagle Chess ClubSpring Brook Chess Club
Fry Chess Club
This Week's e-Folder
This week's e-Folder has been updated with information on community programs. For more information about the programs listed below, visit the 204 e-Folder.
Mental Health First Aid Training for Adults
Neuqua Valley H/S Presents...Monty Python Spamalot
DuPage Children's Business Fair
Kids Matter Board Applications
Naperville Youth Symphony Orchestra Audition for the 2025-2026 Season
Inside Out Club - Social Savvy Communication & Etiquette for Teens
Naperville Fire Safety and Prevention Tips
Financial Literacy Night and Resource Fair, Hosted by: BPAC (English Flyer)
Financial Literacy Night and Resource Fair, Hosted by: BPAC (Russian Flyer)
Financial Literacy Night and Resource Fair, Hosted by: BPAC (Spanish Flyer)
Business Designers 4 Good Camps
Naperville Little League - Sandlot
Naperville Little League Baseball - Challenger
Wheatland Athletic Association Spring and Summer Programs
Calendar
April 18: NO SCHOOL
April 24: Coffee & Conversation (Waubonsie Valley)
May 2: NO SCHOOL (School Improvement Planning)
May 5: Board of Education Meeting
May 7: Parent University: Becoming an Elementary School Parent