Bulldog News
August 9, 2024
Note from Mr. Dubinsky
The last day of student attendance before winter break is today. Students will return on a regular schedule on Tuesday, January 6. (January 5 is a Teacher Institute Day with staff in the buildings.)
The district's administrative offices will be closed on December 24-26, as well as December 31 and January 1.
We hope your family has a safe and happy break!
One of my favorite traditions continued this week as I had the joy of reading How the Grinch Stole Christmas! to our kindergarteners. We had so much fun sharing the story, and we even had a few Grinch lookalikes in the audience.
We are excited to invite your child to participate in our Winter Break Reading Challenge! This fun and simple challenge is designed to help students build strong reading habits, enjoy books, and keep their minds growing over Winter Break.
Winter Break Reading Goals:
The challenge is based on your child’s grade level:
Preschool: Read 8 books with an adult or independently
Kindergarten–Second Grade: Read for 10-15 minutes or more on 8 different days
Third–Fifth Grade: Read for 20-30 minutes or more on 8 different days
Students may read books of their choice, including library books, books from home, or approved digital books. Reading with a family member counts and is encouraged!
How to Participate:
Use the Winter Break Reading Log to track reading.
Read on any 8 days during Winter Break.
Complete the reading log and return it to school by Thursday, January 8th.
Reward for Completing the Challenge:
Students who meet their reading goal and return a completed reading log will receive one free voucher for a Windy City Bulls basketball game during the 2025–2026 season at NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates.
We hope this challenge encourages cozy reading moments and creates positive reading routines at home. Thank you for supporting your child’s learning and helping make reading a priority over Winter Break!
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Warm regards,
Suzanne Kimmerly - Briar Glen LMC
skimmerly@ccsd89.org
Estimadas familias:
Nos complace invitar a su hijo(a) a participar en nuestro DesafĂo de Lectura de Vacaciones de Invierno. Este desafĂo divertido y sencillo está diseñado para ayudar a los estudiantes a desarrollar hábitos sĂłlidos de lectura, disfrutar de los libros y seguir aprendiendo durante las vacaciones de invierno.
Metas del DesafĂo de Lectura
Las metas dependen del grado escolar de su hijo(a):
Preescolar: Leer 8 libros con un adulto o de manera independiente
KĂnder a segundo grado: Leer 15 minutos o más durante 8 dĂas diferentes
Tercer a quinto grado: Leer 30 minutos o más durante 8 dĂas diferentes
Los estudiantes pueden leer libros de su elección, incluyendo libros de la biblioteca, libros de casa o libros digitales aprobados. Leer con un familiar cuenta y ¡es muy recomendable!
CĂłmo Participar
Use el Registro de Lectura de Vacaciones de Invierno para anotar la lectura.
Lea durante 8 dĂas en cualquier momento durante las vacaciones de invierno.
Complete el registro de lectura y entréguelo en la escuela a más tardar el jueves 8 de enero.
Recompensa por Completar el DesafĂo
Los estudiantes que cumplan con su meta de lectura y entreguen el registro completo recibirán un cupón gratuito para asistir a un partido de los Windy City Bulls durante la temporada 2025–2026 en el NOW Arena en Hoffman Estates.
Esperamos que este desafĂo fomente momentos acogedores de lectura en familia y ayude a crear rutinas positivas de lectura en casa. ¡Gracias por apoyar el aprendizaje de su hijo(a) y por hacer de la lectura una prioridad durante las vacaciones de invierno!
Si tiene alguna pregunta, no dude en comunicarse con nosotros.
Atentamente,
Suzanne Kimmerly - Briar Glen LMC
skimmerly@ccsd89.org
Amy Logan Author Visit
On Thursday, January 15, Briar Glen students will be visited by a local author named Amy Logan. She has written multiple books that teach the power of everyday kindness. This will be a wonderful opportunity to start our new year with a reminder of spreading kindness in all that we do.
Below is an order form if you would like to purchase a signed copy of one of her books at a discounted price. Please have all order forms in no later than Monday, January 12. Cash and checks are accepted, however, no change will be given.
Please reach out to Mrs. Kimmerly in the LMC if you have any questions: skimmerly@ccsd89.org.
2026-27 preschool pre-registration will open January 14
Families interested in having their child attend CCSD 89 preschool in the 2026-27 school year will be able to fill out pre-registration starting Wednesday, January 14. There are limited openings available for 3- and 4-year-old children. The program features a developmentally appropriate curriculum delivered by certified early childhood educators. CCSD 89 preschool is held at Briar Glen.
More information: https://bit.ly/4oW002w
Pre-registration for other students who will be new to the district in 2026-27 will open on February 4. Registration for returning students will open on April 8.
Families will be an essential part of district's strategic plan work
The district has begun the work of developing the next strategic plan – the document that will guide the district’s work over the next five years. The previous strategic plan went from 2021 to 2026.
As part of developing the new strategic plan, the district will hold community meetings with students, staff, families, and residents. All families, students, residents, and staff members will be able to participate in brief surveys about the district.
More information about how to get involved will be shared on the district’s website and in our newsletter. Learn more: www.ccsd89.org/strategicplan
Visitors cannot use Illinois digital ID to check in at schools
Although Illinois residents can now store their license or state ID on some phones, visitors must continue to bring their physical license to check in at CCSD 89 schools. The district’s security screening system cannot accept digital IDs.
Anyone who is visiting a CCSD 89 school during the day or picking up students early must check in using the iPad in the school’s lobby with their non-digital ID (license, state ID, passport). The check-in/check-out process takes less than two minutes and is an important part of our safety system.
Learn about the student check-out process: https://youtu.be/gxFvHH5UZL4
Learn about the visitor process: https://youtu.be/Q814enw_x7A
More info: https://bit.ly/3URo8ql
Thank you for helping keep our students and staff safe at all times.
Parent Series: Simple truths for greater happiness (January 8)
Elementary families invited to register for new District 89 Soccer League
Families of CCSD 89 elementary school students can now register their children for the spring season of District 89 soccer. The soccer league is independent from the district but focused on serving CCSD 89 students. This is a recreational league focused on player growth and development with friends. No experience necessary. The league will play from April 11 through June 6 at Glen Crest Middle School.
The deadline to register is March 20. More information and registration: www.synergysoccerclub.com/d89league
Community invited to donate blood January 14 at Glen Crest
Looking for a New Year's resolution that will make an impact? Why not start the year by donating blood? Community members are invited to donate between 2 and 6 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14, at Glen Crest Middle School. Register
More info: www.ccsd89.org/blood
Be prepared for winter with accurate contact info, warm clothes
When school buildings need to close due to extreme weather, information will be released through a phone message, as well as the district’s website (www.ccsd89.org) and Facebook page (facebook.com/CCSD89). The district’s messaging system uses contact info supplied by guardians, so it is important you contact the school secretary and update your records if they have changed.
Even when school is open, students should dress for the cold. Students will continue to go outside for recess as long as the weather remains above 10 degrees (feels-like temperature). If your family needs help getting winter clothing, our school can help; please call the school’s main number and ask for our school’s social worker.
Upcoming Events
December 22-January 5: No school (winter break)
January 6: School resumes after winter break
January 14: Vision and hearing screening
January 14: Preschool registration opens
January 15: Author, Amy Logan will be visiting Briar Glen
January 15: PTC meeting, 7 p.m. (in-person or zoom)
January 16: Preschool developmental screening; no preschool attendance
January 19: No school (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
January 21: Parent Series: Fostering confident athletic performance, noon and 7 p.m.
January 22: Parent Series: Parents’ guide for flourishing families (Urdu and Hindi) 7 p.m.
January 26: Board of Education meeting 7 p.m.
January 29: D89 Music Boosters meeting, 7 p.m.
February 4: Kindergarten/new student registration opens
Follow Briar Glen on Instagram!
Check out what's going on at Briar Glen and get announcements too! Click here to follow @briarglenschool on Instagram.
Follow Briar Glen on X!
Students, families can report crises and threats through Safe2Help
Briar Glen online backpack
See all the CCSD 89 community fliers at www.ccsd89.org/backpack
Synergy soccer clinics (winter-spring)
Tutors wanted for GECRC afterschool program
Dodgeball-and-pizza Fridays (November-May)
Park District karate (December-May)
College of DuPage Youth Academy classes (January-May)
YMCA Youth Basketball League (January-March)
Park District winter athletics (January- March)
Glen Ellyn speed skating history exhibit (January-April)
Daddy-daughter date night (February 6)
Winter/spring youth sports (February-April)
Breakfast with the Bunny (March 28)
D89 Soccer spring league (April-June)
Park district spring athletics (April-May)
Briar Glen Elementary School
Attendance phone: (630) 545-3300
Online backpackEmail: briarglen@ccsd89.org
Website: www.ccsd89.org/briarglen
Location: Briar Glen Elementary School, Briarcliffe Boulevard, Wheaton, IL, USA
Phone: (630) 545-3300
Facebook: facebook.com/CCSD89
Twitter: @briarglenschool