Weekly Update

October 2, 2024

Families Helping Families

The Indian Prairie Parents’ Council (IPPC), in partnership with District 204, is continuing the Families Helping Families program to support families facing hardship or homelessness through monetary donations and gift cards. This ongoing initiative assists under-resourced families during the winter holidays and throughout the year. Community members can participate by visiting the online store to purchase gift cards or make a donation, making a meaningful difference for families in need. For details, please contact IPPC 1st Vice President and Unity Chair, Robin Schmidt, at ippcpta@gmail.com. If your family needs support, reach out to your school social worker, who can guide you to helpful resources.

Giftmart 2024

Giftmart 2024 needs your help! Please consider donating a toy to assist under resourced families in Naperville. By invitation, parents and/or guardians are invited to the Giftmart Toyshop where they can purchase new toys for $2.00 per toy. 100% of the proceeds made from the sale of each toy will be donated back to each invited school to fund much needed resources. Please consider donating a new, unwrapped toy that is safe for children ages 6-12. No stuffed animals or board games, please. Both a Target and Amazon Gift Registry have been created or there will be a Giftmart Toy Box located inside of Metea and Waubonsie Valley High Schools, Granger, Crone, Gregory and Fischer Middle Schools, and in Brookdale, Brooks, Cowlishaw, Fry, Graham, Georgetown, Gombert, May Watts, McCarty, Owen, Patterson, Petterson, Welch, and Young Elementary Schools from November 11 – December 9. Thank you for your generosity and participation!

Volunteer Recognition

District 204 is grateful to GreenState Credit Union for sponsoring our Volunteer Program. We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who volunteered or signed up to volunteer in our schools during November.

In total, volunteers across the district dedicated an incredible 4,108 hours in November, with a total of 2,401 volunteer applications approved so far this year! Leading the way, Spring Brook Elementary logged the most volunteer hours at the elementary level with 1,196 hours. At the middle and high school levels, Gregory Middle School and Metea Valley High School had the highest volunteer contributions.

A special shoutout to these outstanding individuals for their exceptional efforts in November:

Virginia Witte – 44 hours (Spring Brook Elementary School)
Katheryn Izzo – 40 hours (Spring Brook Elementary School)
Amanda Matlock – 39 hours (Spring Brook Elementary School)

Thank you to all our volunteers for the important role you play in our community!

Interested in making a difference? Visit our Volunteer Program webpage to learn more, or contact Jeannie Dina, Assistant Director of Community Relations, at jeannie_dina@ipsd.org with any questions.

Safety & Security

School Threats

Throughout this school year, there has been a troubling increase in the sharing of threats via social media among students. It is crucial to understand that even jokes or posts made in jest can have serious consequences. Making or sharing threats, regardless of intent, can lead to severe repercussions, including legal action.

We urge everyone to think carefully before posting or sharing any content that could be interpreted as threatening. The impact of such actions can extend far beyond a single incident, affecting not only the individuals involved but also evoking a trauma response throughout the entire school community.

If you see or hear something concerning, please report it immediately to a trusted adult, law enforcement, or the District’s Tipline. It is equally important not to perpetuate fear by creating or forwarding alarming posts on social media.

Mobile Dental Clinic

The DuPage County Health Department's Smile Squad will be visiting our district throughout the school year. Several schools will serve as host locations, and students from any school in the district are welcome to attend a clinic at any of these sites. The Smile Squad will provide dental examinations that fulfill the state-mandated requirement for students in Kindergarten, 2nd, 6th, and 9th grades. Eligible students will also receive a dental cleaning, fluoride treatment, and sealants as needed.

Upcoming Mobile Dental Clinics:

December 19, 2024: Still Middle School, 787 Meadowridge Drive, Aurora

Please note that written parental consent is required and must be on file with the health office prior to your child’s appointment. Consent forms must be submitted to your child's health office at least one week before the scheduled clinic date.

(Consent Form - English | Formulario de consentimiento - Español)

Next Board of Education Meeting: December 16, 2024

The next regular Board of Education meeting is at 7 PM on Monday, December 16, 2024 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.

View the December 2, 2024 Board Salutes here.

Thank a Teacher or Staff Member

Give the gift of thanks this holiday season to that special teacher or staff member that has gone ‘above and beyond’ for your student through the Indian Prairie Educational Foundation’s Gifts of Gratitude program. By making a tax-deductible donation to IPEF on behalf of your honoree, your recipient will receive a personalized certificate and a letter with a custom message from you. All donations benefit IPEF’s Teacher Innovation Grants program. Please submit your gift by December 15th to ensure certificate delivery prior to Winter Break. Click here for more details: Gifts of Gratitude.

Resources for Parents

Wednesday, December 4 | 7 pm
Dr. Emily Edlynn
Hybrid Event - Common Sense Parenting: Happier Parents & Confident Kids
Details

Thursday, December 5 | 7 - 8:30 PM
Timothy Fields and Distinguished Panel
FUSE - First a Dream: Find Your Future at College Night
Details

Thursday, December 5 | 7 - 8:30 PM
B-PAC: Susanna Melon and Distinguished Panel

SPANISH ONLY: Encuentra tu futuro en la noche universitaria
Details

Tuesday, December 10 | Noon and 7 PM
Ana Homayoun
The New Blueprint and Essential Skills to Thrive in School, Career and Life.
Details

Wednesday, December 11 | Noon and 7 PM
Elizabeth Hamblet
Preparing Students with Disabilities for Success at College
Details

See all upcoming speakers here.

360 Youth Services Website

KidsMatter Website

Third-Party Educational Programs

The following companies have rented space in our schools to offer an after-school educational program for students. The distribution of this material is in no way an endorsement of programs, services, activities, or products by District 204. For more information, visit programs.

Young Elementary - Young Rembrandts Drawing Class

White Eagle - Young Rembrandts Drawing Class

Welch - Young Rembrandts Drawing Class

Steck - Young Rembrandts Drawing Class

Spring Brook - Young Rembrandts Drawing Class

Owen - Young Rembrandts Drawing Class

McCarty - Young Rembrandts Drawing Class

Kendall - Young Rembrandts Drawing Class

Gombert -Young Rembrandts Drawing Class

Fry - Young Rembrandts Drawing Class

Cowlishaw - Young Rembrandts Drawing Class

Clow - Young Rembrandts Drawing Class

Brooks - Young Rembrandts Drawing Class

Spring Brook Elementary Chess Club

Fry Elementary Chess Club

White Eagle Elementary Chess Club

This Week's e-Folder

This week's e-Folder has been updated with information on community programs. For more information about the programs listed below, visit the 204 e-Folder.

Gombert K-3rd Girl Scout Troop 56951 Recruitment Flyer

NVSH Theatre Presents........Anon(ymous)

OPUS Holiday Workshop and Concert

Naperville Public Library Winter Grade School Programs

Illinois Conservatory for the Arts / IMPACT Musical Theatre