District Digest
Glen Ellyn School District 41
October 17, 2025
In this issue…
Calendar Reminders
- Board of Education Meetings
- Active Threat and Critical Incident Management Training
- 8th Grade Orchestra at Glenbard West
- Best Buddies Visit Firehouse
- Author Visits District 41
- Hadley Hauntcert
- Churchill Cooks Night Out
- Rotary Club Citrus Sale
- GPS Series
8th Grade Orchestra Field Trip to Glenbard West
On Friday October 10, the Hadley Junior High 8th Grade Orchestra class attended a field trip to Glenbard West High School for the annual joint rehearsal and collaboration day. Students had the amazing opportunity to work with Mr. Bill Ortega, Glenbard West Orchestra Director, and to perform with the advanced string members of the Glenbard West Orchestra. This combined educational experience helped students learn about the Glenbard West Orchestra Program and to envision what it would be like to perform in the Glenbard West Auditorium. At the conclusion of the day, the musicians enjoyed a pizza luncheon together. It was an exciting day for all of the string musicians!
A special thank you goes to Mr. Bill Ortega for organizing this special event. Hadley Orchestra Director Ms. Georgia Alemis stated that, "It was wonderful to see so many of the former Hadley students performing and how much they have flourished with their skills throughout the years. This type of experience inspires our 8th grade students to continue playing at Glenbard West and to continue performing for many years to come."
Best Buddies STEM Firehouse Visit
Students enrolled in the Hadley Junior High Best Buddies Exploratory STEM class took a career exploration trip to the Glen Ellyn Firehouse. They had the opportunity to see firsthand the equipment and technology firefighters and EMTs use on a daily basis. Students asked great questions about the training and certifications needed to become a firefighter, and of course, whether there’s still a fire pole.
Thank you to all of the dedicated staff of the Glen Ellyn Firehouse for hosting our Hadley students!
Author Visit with Chris Grabenstein
Bestselling author Chris Grabenstein (mastermind behind 'Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library') came to Abraham Lincoln and Benjamin Franklin Schools, delighting students with the story of his writing journey and his latest book, Ms. Pennypickle’s Puzzle Quest. Mr. Grabenstein brought laughter, inspiration, and even personalized signed copies of his book, making it a truly memorable visit.
Did you know that how we treat others impacts our health?
Wellness tip from your School Nurse
Kathryn Dibadj PEL-CSN, RN
Rudeness, such as saying not nice things about someone is a stressor that negatively affects our health and wellbeing. It hurts your health and the health of the people around you.
Kindness, on the other hand, is good for health. Being kind releases chemicals in your brain that lower blood pressure and improve overall health. Kindness produces endorphins, which is a natural painkiller. Kindness improves energy, happiness, lifespan and actually helps you be calm.
Being kind and being around kindness reduces , STRESS, ANXIETY, DEPRESSION and BLOOD PRESSURE.
The positive effects of kindness in words or behaviors are experienced in the brain of everyone who witnesses the act. It improves their mood, making them significantly more likely to “pay it forward.” This means one good deed in a crowded area can create a domino effect and improve the day of dozens of people and make everyone a little healthier!
More information here.
GPS Parent Series - Helping families thrive
World-renowned authors and clinicians present relevant, research-based teaching to empower and strengthen families, individuals and communities by sharing practical strategies to help humans of every age thrive. GPS is *free* and open to all. No registration, no subscription! CPDUs are available to school staff, and clinicians in Illinois can pre-register to obtain CEUs.
Upcoming Events
Tuesday, October 21 @ Noon and 7pm
Dr. Mary Sheedy Kurcinka
Raising A Spirited, Intense, Sensitive, Persistent, and Energetic Child
Find us and like us on social media
Glen Ellyn School District 41
Email: webmaster@d41.org
Website: www.d41.org
Location: 793 North Main Street, Glen Ellyn, IL
Phone: 630.790.6400
Facebook: facebook.com/glenellynd41
X(twitter): @glenellynd41