April 10, 2025
In this issue…
- Calendar Reminders
- Upcoming Board Meetings
- Help Shape the Future of District 41
- Strategic Plan 2025-2027
- Parent Coaching Available
- Elementary Orchestra Program Awarded Grant
- The Arts @D41 Spotlight
- Hadley Orchestra Concert on May 8th
- Registration Open for Seussical!
Hilltopper Bundle
Glenbard Parent Series
Help Shape the Future of District 41
Be on the lookout! A community-wide survey has been mailed to all households within our school district boundaries. Each survey includes a unique code and a link to complete it online at your convenience.
Why Your Feedback Matters
Even if you don’t currently have children in District 41 schools (about 80% of our households don’t), your voice is essential. This survey is focused on the key pillars of our Strategic Plan and will help guide the future of education in our community.
One Survey for All
Everyone will take the same survey. If you’re a parent or staff member, the survey will branch to include questions about your specific school experience. Community members will receive all the information they need mailed to their home addresses. Staff members will soon receive an email directly to their district email accounts.
Key Details:
Available online in English, Spanish, and Urdu
Created in partnership with School Perceptions, an independent education research firm
Confidential – your responses will not be linked to you personally
We appreciate your time and thoughtful input—thank you for helping shape the future of District 41!
D41's Elementary Orchestra Program Awarded DuPage Foundation Grant
This school year, the 5th Grade Beginning Orchestra students, taught by D41's Elementary Orchestra teacher, Rita Feuerborn, again were awarded an opportunity to participate in technique master classes that coincide with their instruction.
The 2024-25 Young People’s Music Initiative, as part of the DuPage Foundation's JCS Fund, awarded a grant last spring to provide the D41 Elementary Orchestra Program with a series of technique master classes to be taught by Joanne May throughout this school year.
Joanne May has presented on string pedagogy at conferences in the US, Wales, Spain, England, and online throughout the world. She has distinguished herself as a Rolland Pedagogy expert, having studied with Paul Rolland at the University of Illinois for 3 years and incorporating Rolland pedagogy into all areas of her 43-year teaching career. CLICK HERE for Ms. May's full bio.
Rita Feuerborn expressed her heartfelt thanks again to the DuPage Foundation for awarding this grant to her elementary orchestra program. "To be able to have the opportunity again for students to experience technique master classes with Joanne May is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and will provide unique learning for each student. The 5th Grade Beginning Orchestra students have thoroughly enjoyed working with Mrs. May," Mrs. Feuerborn said.
Chris Cooper at Hadley Junior High
Hadley Band Director and Department Chair for Performing Arts
How long have you worked in District 41?
5 years
What is special about the arts (specifically band) in District 41?
The arts in District 41 receive an incredible amount of support. The community, administration, school board, teachers and students all understand the importance of the arts in education. That is not common! Having the ability to see every band student every single day is an amazing opportunity that not many students outside of District 41 have the opportunity to experience. Their musical growth and passion is a direct result of this.
What inspires you as a music/band teacher?
Watching how much students improve from their first concert in 5th grade to their final concert in 8th grade. Their musical and personal growth is what keeps me going.
Describe your typical day.
I teach 6 bands during the day (2 for each grade level) along with a section of Music in Media, where students learn about the impacts of music in film and video games. A typical day has students learning instrument specific techniques and preparing performance repertoire. Once a week I lead the Jazz Ensemble, our 7th and 8th grade auditioned jazz band. Every day is an adventure when you work with middle schoolers.
What is your favorite memory as a teacher in District 41?
Last year we had the opportunity to host and collaborate with musicians from the Navy Band Great Lakes. Working and performing with the sailors alongside our students was a memory I won't forget.
What are some of the special moments you have had with your students this school year?
We had a lot of first time performances this year, including a Veterans Day concert, 6th Grade Pops Concert and field trip to the University of Illinois Chicago Band festival. The students gave great performances throughout the year and played some awesome repertoire!
What advice do you give your students who are interested in pursuing music as a career?
Don't forget why you love music. Like anything, it is easy to get burned out when your passion becomes your job. Find new ways to be inspired and never forget why you love playing music.
Anything else to add?
Come check out one of our awesome music concerts this Spring! There is something for everyone, and if you have never attended one of our concerts, now is a perfect time to start!
Registration Now Open for the D41 Kids Foundation Summer Theatre
The D41 Kids Foundation is thrilled to announce the summer 2025 musical will be Seussical! Performances will be running from July 25-27, 2025. D41Kids Foundation Theatre is for all children in K-8th grades. Graduating 8th graders welcome. Children will learn acting, singing, dancing, and teamwork. Most of all, kids will have FUN! The Foundation will once again be working with local director Gina Wood. CLICK HERE for more information regarding registration, auditions, rehearsals, and more!
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.
THURSDAY, APRIL 10 @ NOON and 7pm
Tap Into Your Intuition to Connect with Your Child and Go Easy on Yourself
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23 @ NOON and 7pm
Cara Natterson MD & Vanessa Kroll Bennett
This is So Awkward: Helping Kids Manage Today's T(w)een Culture -- Modern Puberty Explained
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
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