Sprague School

Students Fired Up About Learning
Second-graders took learning beyond the classroom during their annual visit to the Lincolnshire-Riverwoods Fire Protection District. As part of their social studies unit on communities, students explored the important role firefighters and fire stations play in keeping our community safe. They toured the station, learned more about the work firefighters do each day, and reviewed important fire safety practices. The visit also gave students an opportunity to meet local first responders, ask questions, and become more comfortable interacting with uniformed public safety professionals.
In this Issue
- Coffee with the Principal
- District Earns Distinguished Award for Student Privacy
- About the REACH Model
- Student Handbook Updates
- Reading Tips for Home
- National Custodian Day
- School Board Election
- Oct. 8: Teacher Conference Email Sent
- Oct. 9: Principal's Coffee
- Oct. 12: No School, Indigenous Peoples' Day Holiday
- Oct. 13: Teacher Conference Scheduling Opens
- Oct. 15: Late Arrival Day
- Oct. 21: Picture Retake Day
Coffee with the Principal
A "Coffee with Parents" meeting with the school principal is an excellent opportunity for parents to engage in open dialogue about their children's education and school community. It is also a chance for parents to voice their ideas and feedback. Finally, it is a relaxed setting to continue to build school community relationships. If you are interested in joining us Friday, Oct. 9, at 10:00 a.m, please complete this Google Form so we can prepare for any topics you would like us to discuss.
District Earns Distinguished Award for Student Privacy
District 103 has been honored with a national distinction award that is given to school districts that uphold high standards for protecting student data privacy.
The Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Mini Seal for the Business Practice honors districts for upholding high standards for protecting student data privacy across five key practice areas: Leadership, Business, Data Security, Professional Development and the Classroom. The TLE Mini Seal allows districts to demonstrate progress in one or more of these areas as they work toward earning the full Seal. Read what it takes to qualify for this prestigious honor.
“Privacy and security are essential components of the fabric that makes up D103. This achievement is dedicated to every member of the D103 community who contributes to our privacy and security practices, whether in big or small ways, to help keep everyone’s data safe,” said Craig Chatham, Ed.D., D103 Director of Technology & Assessment.
About the REACH Model
As we begin the school year, we want to share an update about how we identify and support students through our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and Raising Expectations and Aspirations of all Children (REACH) services.
This year, we are continuing to strengthen our use of multiple sources of student data to better understand individual strengths and needs. With additional beginning-of-year information available to us, including MAP assessments in early numeracy and reading fluency, our teams are able to make more informed decisions about the level and type of support or enrichment each student may need.
REACH is designed to be a flexible service rather than a permanent placement or program. Students may receive REACH support at different points in their school experience based on current data, classroom performance, teacher observations, and individual learning needs. As a result, a student who participated in REACH in a previous year may not necessarily receive the same services this year, while other students may begin receiving support as new needs are identified.
Our goal is to ensure that students receive the right level of challenge and support at the right time. Teachers, specialists, and building teams will continue to monitor student progress throughout the year and adjust supports as needed. We appreciate our families' partnership as we continue refining our MTSS and REACH practices to best meet the needs of all learners.If you have any questions about our REACH modeling at Sprague, please reach out to Meg Marienthal, MTSS Coach, at mmarienthal@d013.org.
Student Handbook Updates
The School Board this week approved changes to the Student Handbook. All procedures are fully aligned with PRESS, the Illinois Association of School Boards’ policy service.
Weekly Roar Reading Tips
Reading with your child for just 10 to 15 minutes every day builds a strong foundation for lifelong literacy and school success.
Daily Routines
- Set a fixed time: Pick a calm moment like bedtime or after dinner to read together every day.
- Remove distractions: Turn off screens and sit close to give your child full attention.
- Let them choose: Allow your child to pick their own books to make reading feel fun instead of a chore.
Provided by your Reading Specialists Liz Richter, Suzy Park, and Tina Abrego.
National Custodial Worker’s Appreciation Day
D103 custodians spend hours each day ensuring that classrooms and common areas are clean for students and staff. They go above and beyond in assisting teachers and students with additional tasks.
On Custodian Appreciation Day, Oct. 2, District 103 staff gives a BIG thank you to these individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure clean schools for employees and students.
“District 103 is extremely proud to recognize our extraordinary custodial team, whose relentless efforts behind the scenes keep our schools safe, well-maintained, and welcoming every day. Beyond maintaining our facilities, they bring warmth, care, and a sense of pride to our entire school community, fostering an environment where students and staff can excel. We are truly grateful for everything they do, today and throughout the year,” said Eric Jonasson, District Director of Facilities.
Thank you to the D103 custodial team!
School Board Election
Three full term seats (2027-2031) and one unexpired term seat (2027-2029) on our seven-member Board of Education will be filled at the April 6, 2027 elections. Candidates may circulate petitions now. For more information, please read the e-notice that was sent out.
Partnerships
MOD Pizza Fundraiser
Support the Learning Fund Foundation by ordering online using the code MODGIVES25 or by visiting the MOD Vernon Hills location and showing the fundraiser flyer or mentioning the fundraiser at checkout all day long on Sunday, Oct. 4. The LFF will receive 25% of the fundraiser sales.
Uncompete: Rethinking Success for Our Children
What if, in reality, competition causes more harm than good? Bestselling author Ruchika Malhotra offers a timely and transformative new framework to rethink success for our children and encourage families to grow together.
This virtual Zoom event takes place from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6 Sign up on the library's website. The event is held in partnership with D96, D102, D103 Parent Education, and the Vernon Area Public Library.
Community
Laura B. Sprague School
- Julia Pemberton, Principal
- Jennifer Arroyo, Assistant Principal
- 847-945-6686
- Ls_attendance@d103.org