Weekly Update
January 29, 2025
Parent University: Helping My Child Get Organized, Thriving Through Chaos, will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 7 - 8 PM in the Library Media Center at Brookdale Elementary School, 1200 Redfield Road, Naperville.
In this session, attendees will explore strategies for modeling desired behaviors for their children and engaging in open, honest conversations about personal challenges. The discussion will include techniques for validating children's emotions and distinguishing between feelings and reactions. Attendees will gain insights into how fostering problem-solving skills can build stress tolerance and the importance of balancing downtime with academic responsibilities. Additionally, the session will address the significance of avoiding over-scheduling to support children's natural development and self-regulation.
Childcare will be provided for children ages 3-10 by Right at School. Children must be able to use the bathroom independently.
District 204 follows a plan whenever there is consideration of holding an e-Learning day or canceling school due to weather conditions. The information will be announced by 6 AM on www.ipsd.org only if the district holds an e-Learning day or cancels school completely. The district will also make a 204 Connect phone call by 6 AM to alert parents and guardians to any changes to the regular schedule due to weather. Parents and students can also check the Emergency Closing Center for school closings. For more information, visit the district’s e-Learning webpage.
To improve our communication with district families, IPSD 204 is conducting a communications survey to better understand how district stakeholders currently receive information from their child’s school and the district, and to understand their preferences on receiving information going forward. Please take a moment to share your perspective on communications you receive from your child's school and the district by completing this survey. The survey will be open through Wednesday, January 29.
School Safety Contest - Win a $500 Amazon Gift Card!
With the rise in school threats locally and nationwide, it's important for us to foster a culture of safety and responsibility among our students. IPSD 204's safety contest titled "Safe Schools Start with Us" is now open. Students are invited to create posters, digital designs, or PSAs to raise awareness about the importance of alleviating school threats—whether real, hoaxes, or made in jest—reporting any threats to law enforcement or a trusted adult and recognizing the vital role everyone plays in keeping our schools safe.
Submissions are due by Friday, February 14. The top six finalists at each level will be contacted by Friday, February 21 and invited to attend the February 24 Board of Education meeting where winners will be announced. Students with winning entries will receive prizes and their contest submission will be featured on the district's social media and website, helping to spread awareness around this important topic. First place winners at each level will receive a $500 gift card!
Learn more about the safety contest at ipsd.org/safetycontest or view the “Safe Schools Start with Us” Flyer.
A special thank you to Rival5 for their generous sponsorship of our safety contest.
The Indian Prairie School District Board of Education will, once again, honor individuals and organizations, in recognition of their meaningful and lasting impact on District 204 students, with the 2024-25 Inspire Awards.
Nomination Criteria:
- The Inspire Award - Nominees must have demonstrated exemplary service to District 204 over a sustained period of time.
- The Ignite Award - Nominees must be students who are leaders and demonstrate exemplary qualities within a District 204 student organization.
- The Impact Award - Nominees must be a staff member who has made a significant difference in the lives of District 204 students.
- The Illuminate Award - Nominees must be a community member/organization which is dedicated to supporting District 204 students and the community.
Nominations are welcome from students, staff, parents, alumni, and community members; must include a brief description of the positive impact the individual/organization has made on the Indian Prairie community; and will be shared with those you nominate. The selection committee will decide which award would be most applicable. If you’d like to submit a nomination, please fill out the nomination form.
The awards will be presented at the May 19, 2025 board of education meeting.
The Farm to School program connects Indian Prairie CUSD 204 with fresh, healthy food and local food producers. Our goal is to enrich children’s bodies and minds while supporting local farmers and food producers by bringing local food into our cafeterias. The program influences food purchasing to allow students to gain access to healthy, local foods. Learn more at the Food Services webpage.
The next regular Board of Education meeting is at 7 PM on Monday, February 3, 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.
Only two weeks left to buy discounted early-bird tickets/tables for the Indian Prairie Educational Foundation’s (IPEF’s) Inspire: Explore IPEF Breakfast, taking place on Tuesday, March 18, at the beautiful White Eagle Golf Club. Enjoy a vibrant morning featuring live music by talented Indian Prairie School District student musicians, and a showcase of custom sponsored student art. The event will kick off with coffee and networking, followed by a full breakfast and an engaging presentation highlighting various exciting programs supported by the Indian Prairie Educational Foundation. Join over 200 businesses, local leaders, elected officials, District 204 leadership, parents, and community members for a morning to connect and be inspired by the impactful work IPEF is doing in our IPSD 204 schools! Buy Your Tickets Today!
Congresswoman Underwood invites residents and families in the 14th District of Illinois to participate in “Valentines for Veterans,” an opportunity to share valentines and greetings with local veterans to show our appreciation for their service. Rep. Underwood will visit and share all the greetings with veterans across the 14th District.
How does it work? You can submit a video, drawing, or even just a simple message of thanks. Get as creative as you like or keep it simple!
SUBMIT A DIGITAL VALENTINE FOR VETERANS HERE.
You can also mail or drop off physical Valentines for Veterans to:
Office of Congresswoman Lauren Underwood
116 N. Chicago Street, Suite 201
Joliet, IL 60432
Please submit greetings by Monday, February 10, 2025.
The City of Aurora’s Special Census Initiative is a count of the City’s population that is held outside of the normal census. During the 2020 Census, it was reported that the City of Aurora lost approximately 17,000 people. The reported loss in population has led to the City losing over $4.3 million per year in revenue, greatly affecting day-to-day operations and services provided, such as road maintenance, transportation projects, purchases of street salt, public safety, public works, community services, and special events. This lost revenue is through no fault of the City and cannot be recovered.
February 3 - March 7, 2025 - The U.S. Census Bureau will conduct a Special Census for the City of Aurora.
Learn more about the 2025 Special Census here.
Wednesday, January 29, 2025 | 7 PM
The Changing Landscape of the Drug Epidemic: Fentanyl Poisoning, Meth and More
Details
Thursday, January 30, 2025 | Noon and 7 PM
Tina Payne Bryson and Georgie Wisen-Vincent
Early Childhood Event -- The Way of Play: Little Moments -- Big Connections
Tuesday, February 4, 2025 | Noon and 7 PM
Emma Goldberg
Future Proof: Positioning Students for the Changing Tide of Work
Details
Thursday, February 6, 2025 | 7 - 8:30 PM SPANISH ONLY
Dr. Edith Treviño
B-PAC in Spanish: Positive Parenting Mindsets -- A Guide to Mental Endurance
Details
Thursday, February 13, 2025 | Noon and 7 PM
Amy Blankson
Digital Thriving: Technology and the Future of Happiness in a Hyperconnected World
Details
