The District 25 Dish

This edition of the District Dish features the following

• Superintendent Message
  
• 💬 Join the conversation! Strategic Plan Refresh
• Superintendent Reminder of D25's Commitment to Every Child's Right to Education
• Need 2 Know
• Interpreters & Translators Needed!
• Calendar Updates 🔔 (UPDATE TO THE 25-26 CALENDAR) 🔔
  25-26 Calendar - UPDATED
• Calendario 25-26 - ACTUALIZADO
• Safety & Supports
  Community Safety Night
• Celebrate with Us!
  
• Community Events
  

• Feel Good Story
  Making Commercials at Thomas! 🎥

• Help Needed | We are hiring!
  Scroll for positions!
• Instagram | @ahsd25social
  
• Board of Education
  Congratulations to our Board of Education!
• Strategic Plan 21-25, Dashboard
• #d25ItsPersonal

Thank you! Click around and enjoy!

October 16, 2025

Dear District 25 Community,

Next week, our schools will host parent-teacher conferences, an important opportunity to strengthen the home-school connection that supports every child’s growth. Thank you for taking the time to engage in these meaningful conversations about student learning and progress.

In addition, our Strategic Plan Refresh work is moving into its next phase, where we’ll be diving in deeper with our community. We’re looking for parents and students who are interested in being part of the Strategic Plan Refresh Team, a group that will help shape the vision and direction of District 25 for the years ahead. You can check out the link just below to express interest for yourself or your child.

👉 Strategic Plan Refresh Interest Form

This form will stop accepting responses on Friday, October 24, 2025.

It’s hard to believe we’re already reaching this point in the school year, but I continue to be so grateful for the collaboration, spirit, and heart that define District 25. Together, we make every season a celebration of learning and community.

Together Today to Transform Tomorrow!

Dr. Brian Kaye
Superintendent

District 25 is continuing its Strategic Plan Refresh, and we’re inviting parents and students to be part of the process! If you’re interested in joining the Strategic Plan Team, or nominating your child, please complete our short interest form below.

👉 Strategic Plan Refresh Interest Form

This form will stop accepting responses on Friday, October 24, 2025.

I have one last message and it serves as a reminder. Last year, we shared a letter reaffirming District 25’s belief, aligned with the Illinois State Board of Education, that schools should be safe havens where students can learn without fear.

I wanted to touch base again on this and let our community know that we have resent that guidance to our front office staff and building administrators on how to manage situations should Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other immigration representatives come to our schools. Our priority remains ensuring that every child and family feels safe, valued, and supported in District 25.

👉 Read Dr. Kaye’s full letter from last year, here.

Do you speak a language in addition to English, fluently? We're looking for individuals interested in joining our school district's translation roster. This is a paid opportunity at $30/hour, with hours as needed. Help us connect with all members of our community, your skills make a difference!

Please fill out the form linked here if you're interested!

Help your school earn a $2,500 grant by becoming a member of the ABC/25 Foundation. Join by October 17th, and your child(ren) will be entered into a drawing to win a ride to school with the Arlington Heights Police Department!

Each school must reach 25% membership to receive the $2500 grant. See your school's status in the picture to the right!

School Board Meeting

• October 21, 2025

1st Quarter Ends | Middle School

• October 22, 2025

Parent/Teacher Conferences | Staff Only

• October 23, 2025

Parent/Teacher Conferences | Staff Only

• October 24, 2025

Connection with the Board | Trunk or Treat

• October 25, 2025

Progress Reports Issued | Middle School

• October 31, 2025

At the Tuesday, July 15, 2025 Board of Education meeting, a change to the 2025-2026 school year calendar was approved. The School Improvement Day originally scheduled for Monday, April 6 was moved to Tuesday, March 17. This means:

• March 17, 2026 → No school for students

• April 6, 2026 → Students will attend school

For more details on the change, click here for a letter sent to our community on July 17, 2025.

📅 View the updated calendar here:

• 25-26 School Calendar | English
• Calendario escolar 25-26 | Español

Did you know you can feed the District and school calendars into your personal calendar? There are easy steps located on our website, and for a video tutorial watch the video above!

Email Adam Harris (aharris@sd25.org) if you have any questions!

Have you ever visited our SAFE25 page? We invite you to check it out!

Ensuring the safety of our students and staff is our top priority. We are committed to creating and maintaining secure environments where learning can thrive.

School safety is an ongoing process, and your input is invaluable. Share your feedback with us at safe25@sd25.org. Together, we can build a safer future for our students.

Standard Response Protocol (SRP)

As part of the commitment of safety, we are transitioning to the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) this fall. This shift, made in partnership with the Arlington Heights Police Department, will help ensure a clear, consistent response to emergencies across all of our buildings. Please check out the SRP one page guide below.

Community Camera Registration:

Residents can opt to register their security cameras with the AHPD to assist in investigations. More details: Connect Arlington Heights Camera Registration.

Link Together Coalition Mission: Promote healthy youth, families, and communities by decreasing teen alcohol and drug use through education, advocacy, and access to community resources, and policy awareness, implementation, and change.

Working with D25: South and Thomas Middle Schools are provided with prevention initiatives that are targeted at youth to empower them to be drug and alcohol free.

Lets Talk More: In the past year, 52% of Wheeling Township high school students answered YES that their parent/guardians have talked to them about not using alcohol. See attached PDF below to learn more.

For more information and resources, visit our Parent Academy page.

District 25 is a partner in the Link Together Coalition, which gives our community access to the Glenbard Parent Series. Please check out the various Glenbard Parent Series presentations that work to engage top experts, parents, and school staff to become proactive and informed in pursuit of the mutual goal of strengthening our communities. Programs are free and open to the public. No registration required.

District 25 is committed to supporting the whole child and their family. We’ve created a new webpage to share community resources that offer assistance with food, housing, health services, and more. Visit the community supports page by clicking here to explore support options.

Care Solace is a free, confidential 24/7/365 Mental Health Care Coordination Service.

Call (888) 515 - 0595, or go to caresolace.com/site/northcook to complete a brief screening to be matched with a provider. Available for students, families and staff.

For more resources, visit our parent academy page: www.sd25.org/ParentAcademy.

BEACON (Behavioral Health Care and Ongoing Navigation) is a centralized resource for Illinois youth and families seeking services for behavioral health needs. It’s common for young people to struggle with behavioral and/or mental health challenges. Please know you are not alone, and neither is your child. Click HERE for support.

October commemorates the first Polish settlers as well as the leadership of General Kazimierz Pułaski and Tadeusz Kościuszko who fought in the American Revolution. We also honor the contributions of Polish-Americans in the areas of arts, sciences, culture and more.

October is National Italian-American Heritage Month. This month was first recognized by the US Congress in October 1989 as a tribute to all Italian-Americans' achievements and contributions to our nation. It is a time to highlight the cultural impact of the Italian-American community.

Diwali is a Hindu festival of lights celebrated especially in India. The five-day festival celebrates the victory of light over darkness.

*Date changes year to year

Below you'll find a snapshot of upcoming events in the area that may be of interest to our students and families. This is just a sampling so be sure to visit each organization’s website for a full list of activities and details.

Calling all 6th-8th graders! The Arlington Heights Park District is opening the Arlington Ridge Center (ARC) just for you! Join for a night of open swim, open gym, pizza, and a movie! $16 pre-registration (open thru 10/16), $18 at the door. Space is limited!

When: October 17, 2025 | 7:00 P.M. - 9:30 P.M.

Where: Arlington Ridge Center (ARC)

Learn more here.

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Spend a Saturday morning at the Museum learning about Halloween! Learn a little history behind this spooky holiday through hands on activities. Participants are encouraged to come in costume. $15 R/ $18 NR, Registration is required.

When: October 18, 2025 | 10:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.

Where: Arlington Heights Historical Museum

Learn more here.

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Skip the pumpkin patch and pick your pumpkin in the Arlington Ridge Center Family Activity Pool! Each registered child takes home a real pumpkin to decorate and, of course, Halloween treats.

For children ages 2-7; children under 4 must be accompanied by an adult in the water. The event begins promptly at the time listed so please arrive early to check in. Refunds will only be issued for requests submitted via our website or in writing at least one week prior to the event.

When: October 19, 2025 | 1:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.

Where: Arlington Ridge Center (ARC)

Learn more here.

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Looking for a fun, Halloween themed night out with the family? Join us to continue a well-loved tradition– pumpkin carving! Bring your favorite carving knives and we will provide the rest, including pumpkins, paint, decorations, and, most importantly, the messy clean up. No prior carving knowledge is necessary for this program, just show up, have fun and get creative. Registration is required and the fee is $36 per family ($26 per Historical Society families)

When: October 22, 2025 | 6:30 P.M. - 7:30 P.M.

Where: Arlington Heights Historical Museum

Learn more here.

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Trunk or Treat 2025 takes place on Saturday, October 25 at Pioneer Park. Come in costume to celebrate Halloween and 100 years of Park District fun! With 40+ trunks, inflatables, a giant slide, a photo booth, and a DJ pumping up the party, we’ve got the best Monster Bash around! Ages 2-13. Children must be registered and accompanied by an adult – $10 pre-registration through noon, 10/24, $15 at the door.

District 25's Board of Education will be there as well for their Connection with the Board event! Come say hi!

When: October 25, 2025 | 10:00 A.M. - 12:30 P.M.

Where: Pioneer Park

Learn more here.

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The Arlington Heights Park District is excited to host an Indoor Triathlon at the Arlington Ridge Center on November 22! This fun, inclusive event gives participants of all fitness levels the chance to try swimming, biking, and running — all indoors and in a supportive, community-focused environment.

Students, families, and staff are welcome to join as it is an event for preteen to seniors! Please see the attached flyer for all event details, and help us spread the word throughout our community!

When: November 22, 2025 | 9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.

Where: Arlington Ridge Center (ARC)

Learn more here.

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Trained volunteers and certified therapy dogs will visit from Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy. Bring familiar books to read aloud to a therapy dog for 15 minutes.
Grades K–2.

When: October 26, 2025 | 3:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.

Where: Lindsay Room

Who: Grades K-2

Learn more here.

Do you know someone who lives or works in Arlington Heights and deserves a big thank you for everything they do to give back? Now’s your chance to shine a spotlight on those who go above and beyond to make our community a better place. Nominate a person, group, or local business for a 2026 Hearts of Gold Award and help us celebrate their positive contributions to our Village!

Please submit your nomination by Wednesday, November 5, 2025.

👉 Submit your nomination here!

Learn more about adult education offered by District 214!

Click here to learn more: https://www.ce.d214.org/

We caught up with two 8th graders from our Communication Media Arts (CMA) class, and they’re cooking up something special…literally! These creative students are putting together a commercial for Noodles & Co, brainstorming the perfect reason why everyone should stop by for a tasty meal.

When we asked what they love about CMA, they didn’t skip a beat: it’s all about creating, collaborating, and seeing their ideas come to life on screen. From writing the script to capturing the perfect shot, these students are getting hands-on experience in media production, and having a blast while doing it!

Stay tuned! You might just see their commercial pop up soon. Who knew homework could taste this good? 😄

#District25 #StudentCreators #NoodlesAndCo #OutAndAbout #MiddleSchoolMagic

District 25 is a great place to work — with opportunities to inspire, support, and impact students in a variety of roles. Whether you're in the classroom, behind the scenes, or on the front lines of support, there's a place for you here.

Explore opportunities at www.sd25.org/apply and see how you can make a difference in our schools and community!

Our Music for Youth String Orchestra students had a once-in-a-lifetime jam session, led by none other than Trans-Siberian Orchestra rock violinist, Mark Wood! 🤘

The event, Pizzicato, at Hersey High School brought together District 25 musicians, Hersey High students, and performers from River Trails and MacArthur Middle Schools — all joining forces under one electrifying leader. ⚡️

Mark’s energy lit up the stage and reminded everyone what happens when passion meets performance…pure inspiration!

🎶 Huge shoutout to Music for Youth for making this epic moment possible, to Hersey, River Trails, and MacArthur for the teamwork, and to Mark Wood for sharing his talent, time, and rock-star vibes!

#D25Pride #MusicForYouth #MarkWood #TransSiberianOrchestra #RockViolin #StudentMusicians #HerseyHigh #ArlingtonHeights #District25 #MusicEducation #Pizzicato #d25ItsPersonal

At Patton Elementary, the car line was empty, BECAUSE our Panthers were walking! 🐾

Students, families, and neighbors came together for National Walk to School Day, soaking up the sunshine, smiles, and school spirit. 💫

The morning kicked off with a high-five line featuring Hersey’s (@herseyhuskies) flag football, football (@herseyflagfootball & hersey.football), and cross country teams (@herseygirlsxc), plus the Arlington Heights Police Department (@arlingtonheightspd)….AND even a special appearance from Mayor Tinaglia! 👋

Huge shoutout to the Patton PTA (and all our amazing PTAs across District 25!) for making mornings like this possible. 🌟

Because in District 25, we start our days with sun, smiles, and community. ❤️

#WalkToSchoolDay #AHSD25 #PattonPride #CommunityStrong #D25Stories #d25ItsPersonal

@villageofarlingtonheights

Our Board Agendas are made public 48 hours before each Board meeting and can be accessed via our BoardDocs online program. To access BoardDocs, visit our website: www.sd25.org/BoardAgenda or click here.

What: School Board Meeting

When: Tuesday, October 21, 2025*

Where: Dunton Administration Building, 1200 S. Dunton Avenue, Arlington Heights

*The meeting will begin at 6:15 p.m. at which time the Board will move into Closed Session until approximately 7:00 p.m. Following Closed session, the Regular Open meeting will begin.*

Description

This meeting will be live streamed via YouTube. The link for this can be found on the Board Agenda page (www.sd25.org/BoardAgenda#Livestream) the week of the meeting.

This meeting will allow audience members in the room. Notice: We’ve switched from BoardDocs to Diligent Community for board meeting management. All future agendas, packets, and board materials will now be available through Diligent Community.

Public Comments:

Anyone who wishes to make a public comment can do so, in person, at our Board of Education meetings. The Board hosts two public comment opportunities on their agenda: 1) at the beginning of the meeting, prior to any agenda items; 2) at the end of the meeting after the agenda items have been discussed/presented.

The Board can be reached outside of Board meeting hours by emailing boardfeedback@sd25.org.

Follow along with our progress on the following goals within our Strategic Plan, 21-25:

• Student Achievement
• Family & Community
• Learning Environment
• High-Quality Staff
• Stewardship of Resources

You can stay up to date on the progress of our goals and strategies that guide us in our everyday work: www.sd25.org/StrategicPlan.

Our teachers teach from a personal place. #d25ItsPersonal has become a way for our teachers and staff to share daily occurrences, and reasons why they do what they do for a living, and why it's fulfilling, right here in District 25.

Together Today 2 Transform Tomorrow

Website: www.sd25.org
Location: 1200 South Dunton Avenue
Phone: (847) 758.4900
Facebook: facebook.com/ahsd25
Twitter: @ahsd25

Instagram: @ahsd25social