District Digest
Glen Ellyn School District 41
January 31, 2025
In this issue…
- Calendar Reminders
2025/2026 Calendar
- Registration for Next School Year
- Superintendent's Student Advisory Council
- D41 Educator of the Year
- Forest Glen's One Earth Environmental Club
- Sign Up for D41 Text Messages
- Health Tips
- Food Service Information
Glenbard Parent Series
Calendar Reminders
- February 17 | President’s Day (No School)
- February 28 | Institute Day – No Student Attendance
Board of Education Meetings
- Monday, February 10, 2025 Regular Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
- Monday, March 3, 2025 Committee of the Whole Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
- Topic: Student Personal Technology Devices at School For full Board Meeting agendas CLICK HERE. For Board Meeting stream archives CLICK HERE.
2025/2026 Calendar
The Board of Education approved the calendar for next school year. Please note the adjustment to the start and end of the school year to accommodate construction of the new Kindergarten Center opening in the fall of 2025. Thank you for your understanding.
Click Here for the calendar. Clic para espanol
Register for Kindergarten by February 16
Registration in Skyward Family Access is required and is now open for kindergarten and all returning students.
Please register your kindergarten students by Sunday, February 16 to ensure the important decisions related to kindergarten can be made and communicated to families and staff in a timely manner. Changes to kindergarten registration after February 16 will require approval by the District 41 Superintendent or designee and will only be considered in cases of extreme hardship, provided that transportation, classroom space and staffing levels are sufficient.
Superintendent's Student Advisory Council
The Superintendent's Student Advisory Council (SSAC) met for the second time on Thursday, January 23. Students participated in a fun beach ball icebreaker activity as a way to get to know each other better. They also spent time sharing their feedback about the use of student personal technology devices in schools. The SSAC includes three students from each grade, 4th - 8th.
Thank you, students!
Nominate a D41 Educator of the Year
The Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce proudly recognizes those in the community for their exceptional contributions to Glen Ellyn including a District 41 educator! Nominations are being accepted through February 11. The awards will be presented at the 61st annual Community Awards celebration in March.
One Earth Environmental Club
Forest Glen's One Earth Environmental Club partnered with the Forest Glen Ambassadors Club and GoGreen Glen Ellyn to run a holiday packaging collection for Ecoship of Chicago. These highly reusable materials will be kept out of landfills and recycling centers and instead be distributed to companies across Chicagoland for reuse.
"We are all learning that our individual actions are magnified when we work together," said Ms. Kathleen Hokenson, Forest Glen Library Media Aide & One Earth Environmental Club sponsor. "Let's preserve our resources by reducing and reusing whenever possible. We can all be planet protectors!"
Sign Up for Text Messages from District 41
District 41 uses text messaging when sending out timely information. To register text Y or Yes to 67587. CLIC PARA ESPANOL
From the number you originally registered with, at any time you can text STOP to 67587 to cancel, or HELP for help. Any information obtained as part of SMS consent/registration will not be shared with third parties or affiliates. Message and data rates may apply. You can opt out at any time by texting "STOP." For assistance, text "HELP" or to learn more about SMS Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy click here.
Wellness Tip
from Kathryn Dibadj MEd, BSN, PEL-CSN, RN
YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT
Nutrition Tips that are Evidence Based
1. Limit sugary drinks
Sugary drinks like sodas, fruit juices, and sweetened teas are the primary source of added sugar in the American diet (1Trusted Source).
Unfortunately, findings from several studies point to sugar-sweetened beverages increasing risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes, even in people who are not carrying excess body fat (2 Trusted Source).
Sugar-sweetened beverages are also uniquely harmful for children, as they can contribute not only to obesity in children but also to conditions that usually do not develop until adulthood, like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (3, 4, 5Trusted Sources).
Healthier alternatives include:
water
unsweetened teas
sparkling water
Coffee
2. Eat nuts and seeds
Some people avoid nuts because they are high in fat. However, nuts and seeds are incredibly nutritious. They are packed with protein, fiber, and a variety of vitamins and minerals (6, 7Trusted Sources). Nuts may help you lose weight and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease (8Trusted Source). Additionally, one large observational study noted that a low intake of nuts and seeds was potentially linked to an increased risk of death from heart disease, stroke, or type 2 diabetes (9 Trusted Source).
3. Avoid ultra-processed foods Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are foods containing ingredients that are significantly modified from their original form. They often contain additives like added sugar, highly refined oil, salt, preservatives, artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors as well (10Trusted Source).
Examples include:
snack cakes
fast food
frozen meals
packaged cookies
chips
UPFs are highly palatable, meaning they are easily overeaten, and activate reward-related regions in the brain, which can lead to excess calorie consumption and weight gain. Studies show that diets high in ultra-processed food can contribute to obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions (11,12, 13, 14,15Trusted Sources). In addition to low quality ingredients like refined oils, added sugar, and refined grains, they’re usually low in fiber, protein, and micronutrients. Thus, they provide mostly empty calories. Help your kids make healthy choices, give them healthy options to help their brain work its best.
Food Service Information
Food service in District 41 schools has resumed. Please make sure your PushCoin accounts are current and your child has funds available if purchasing food during the school day. CLICK HERE for the District 41 fees webpage
Glenbard Parent Series
District 41 is a proud partner of the Glenbard Parent Series. Check out the many programs offered to support parents with children of all ages! Check out their full updated list of upcoming events HERE and their 2024-25 brochure HERE.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4 @ Noon and 7pm
Future Proof: Positioning Students for the Changing Tide of Work
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13 @ Noon and 7pm
Amy Blankson
Digital Thriving: Technology and the Future of Happiness in a Hyperconnected World
Glen Ellyn School District 41
Email: webmaster@d41.org Website: www.d41.org
Location: 793 North Main Street, Glen Ellyn, IL, USA
Phone: 630.790.6400
Facebook: facebook.com/glenellynd41
X: @glenellynd41
Instagram: Instagram.com/glenellynd41