Weekly Update
April 9, 2025
Letter from the Superintendent
Dear District 204 Community,
At a recent Board of Education meeting, I informed board members that I will not be requesting a renewal of my contract, which expires at the end of the 2025-2026 school year. This was one of the most difficult decisions of my professional career, but it allows the Board ample time to conduct a thorough search for the next superintendent, who will begin on July 1, 2026.
The past five years have been among the most meaningful and impactful of my career. I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made as a district, particularly in addressing the academic and social-emotional needs of our students. Our students' achievement data has returned to—if not exceeded—pre-pandemic levels, a testament to the dedication of our educators and the resilience of our students. Additionally, our efforts to support mental health have built upon work that began before the pandemic, further strengthening the well-being of our school community. Both achievements are directly connected to the first ever strategic plan that we created three years ago.
I am deeply grateful to the Board of Education for their unwavering support. I was honored when they asked me to stay beyond the 2025-2026 school year, and I appreciate their commitment to championing the district’s mission. Their partnership has been instrumental in moving our district forward.
While I would love to continue the important work ahead, I recognize that no superintendent ever truly finishes everything they set out to accomplish. However, I take comfort in knowing that our district is on a strong path forward. With the successful passage of the bond referendum, we have laid the groundwork to make District 204 safer and stronger for years to come.
Serving as your superintendent has been and will continue to be one of the greatest honors of my career. I am deeply appreciative of the support I have received from our community—support that has helped make District 204 one of the best school districts in the state and the nation.
I look forward to continuing our work together in the year ahead.
Sincerely,
Adrian B. Talley, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Recognize a teacher or staff member during Teacher Appreciation Week
The Indian Prairie Parents’ Council (IPPC) is partnering with local businesses to recognize District 204 teachers and staff members for Teacher Appreciation Week, May 5 – 9. Parents and community members can honor school personnel who have made a difference this year, while also supporting local businesses and students in need. Each $25 donation allows you to honor your favorite teacher with a heartfelt note and a $20 gift card from a local business that you select from the list provided. Your note and gift card will be delivered to your teacher during Teacher Appreciation Week. $5 of your donation will help support the IPPC annual school supply drive to assist students in need. Orders are being taken now through April 25, 2025. There is no limit to the number of teachers or staff members you can recognize. Cash donations to the school supply drive can also be made in honor of a teacher or staff member. Order gift cards here. For any questions, please email IPPC at: ippcpta@gmail.com
2025 Mental Health and Wellness Symposium Content
The Mental Health and Wellness Symposium was held on Saturday, March 8 at Metea Valley High School. Presentation slides and videos for the keynote and select sessions are available on the Mental Health and Wellness Symposium webpage. Videos are also available on the IPSD204 YouTube channel.
Indian Prairie Parents' Council
Parents - do you want to get involved, but you're not quite sure where to start? Fill out this Parent Involvement Form and someone will reach out to connect you with the appropriate group!
2025 STEM Summer Camp
Kindergarten through Eighth-grade students are invited to participate in one OR two weeks of STEM Camp. This fun, hands-on STEM experience will provide students with activities from two different modules from either Camp Invention or Invention Project depending upon students' grade. Just as before, our STEM Camp will be taught by Indian Prairie certified teachers.
We anticipate that each camp will sell out, so register early to ensure your student has a spot to participate in STEM Camp 2025!
Questions? If you have any questions about this program or experience, please contact the STEM Camp program coordinator, Elizabeth Kaleta, at elizabeth_kaleta@ipsd.org.
For more information, visit the STEM Summer Camp webpage.
Youth Mental Health First Aid for Adults
Indian Prairie School District 204 is partnering with KidsMatter and several neighboring school districts to offer two Youth Mental Health First Aid training sessions for adults who work with and care for kids. Participants will learn signs and symptoms of mental illness in children and teens ages 6 to 18, as well as risk factors for mental illness, protective factors and intervention strategies. These blended training sessions include a 2-hour self-paced online class to be taken before an in-person session led by an instructor. In-person classes are scheduled at the following times:
When: 9 AM to 2 PM, Thursday, April 24
Where: Naperville School District 203 Administration Building — Rooms D & E; 203 W. Hillside Road, Naperville, IL 60540
REGISTER HERE
When: 9 AM to 1:30 PM, Saturday, April 26
Where: Waubonsie Valley High School, 2590 Ogden Ave., Aurora, IL 60504
REGISTER HERE
Safety and Security
DuPage County Announces Text to 911
DuPage County announced Tuesday the launch of Text-to-911, a vital emergency communication tool allowing residents to send text messages directly to 911 dispatchers when calling is not possible. The system is compatible with mobile carriers such as AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile and works on any text-capable device including smartphones and tablets. Dispatch centers cannot receive photos, videos, or emojis. Click here for more information.
Parent Diversity Advisory Council
PDAC Equity Award Nominations Now Open
Do you know someone who has gone above and beyond in their commitment to educational equity in our district? Recognize their efforts by nominating them for a PDAC Equity award! Winners will be honored at the May IPPC meeting. We are looking for district/school employees, parent volunteers, and community stakeholders. Nominate your person here: Award nominees.
Join PDAC!
The PDAC Leadership Team is looking to expand. If you're interested in joining us, please fill out this form: Application
WVHS Planetarium Family Night April 25, 2025
Tour the summer sky in preparation for backyard stargazing! The last WVHS Planetarium Family Night of the school year will be on Friday, April 25. Family Nights are monthly public programs for astronomy enthusiasts of all ages. Programs start inside the planetarium at 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Tickets are available online at store.ipsd.org. Sold-out programs will disappear from the webstore. Visit ipsd.org/planetarium for more information about Family Nights.
In addition to the planetarium programs, telescope viewing outside (weather permitting) will start at 8:00 PM. Naperville Astronomical Association (NAA) members will set up their telescopes in the grassy field west of the planetarium's parking lot. Join NAA after the planetarium programs (tickets are not required for the telescopes). Email questions to stephanie_rybka@ipsd.org.
Celebrating Our March 2025 Volunteers
In March 2025, we were fortunate to have so many dedicated volunteers generously giving their time to support our schools. Thank you to everyone who contributed—you are making a meaningful impact in our school communities.
We would like to recognize our top volunteers for the month of March:
Virginia Witte – 60 hours at Spring Brook Elementary
Katheryn Izzo – 52 hours at Spring Brook Elementary
Haley Hargrove – 51 hours at Spring Brook Elementary
Your commitment and service to our students and staff are deeply appreciated.
A special thank you to GreenState Credit Union for sponsoring our Volunteer Program and helping us honor the contributions of our outstanding volunteers.
Next Board of Education Meeting: May 5, 2025
The next regular Board of Education meeting is at 7 PM on Monday, May 5, 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.
View the April 7, 2025 Board Salutes here.
Team IPEF April Registration Challenge!
Gather your squad and join our April Team IPEF Challenge! The goal is simple: form a team of 12 members to run/walk for your IPSD 204 school in honor of our 12th year as a charity team. The prize for the first three teams to reach the goal? A bonus $100 for your team!
Gather your friends, family, and co-workers and get ready to hit the pavement. The more, the merrier! Are you up for the challenge? Walk or run together in the Naperville Endeavor Health 5K, 10K, or half marathon as part of our 12th Anniversary Charity Team! Register between March 3 – April 30. Find out more on our Registration Page.
Resources for Parents
Thursday, April 10 | Noon and 7 PM
Meghan Leahy
Tap Into Your Intuition to Connect with Your Child and Go Easy on Yourself
Wednesday, April 16 | Noon and 7 PM
Dr. Susan David with Dr. Kristin Neff
Emotional Agility: Skills to Navigate Change and Embrace Self-Compassion
Details
High School Students!
YAC invites YOU to help them chalk substance use prevention and positivity messages near school entrances during National Prevention Week! Meet other teens, gain service hours, win raffle prizes, and chalk your heart out! Please register by Friday, May 9 by emailing sindlecoffer@360youthservices.org/
Like to stay informed?
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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.
Ready Set Code After School Stem Program at Brooks Elementary
Young Rembrandts Drawing Classes at McCarty Elementary
Young Rembrandts Drawing Classes at White Eagle Elementary
Young Rembrandts Drawing Classes at Kendall Elementary
Young Rembrandts Drawing Classes at Steck Elementary
Young Rembrandts Drawing Classes at Cowlishaw Elementary
Young Rembrandts Drawing Classes at Springbrook Elementary
Young Rembrandts Drawing Classes at Clow Elementary
Young Rembrandts Drawing Classes at Owen Elementary
Young Rembrandts Drawing Classes at Brooks Elementary
Code Ninjas at Fry Elementary School
Code Ninjas at White Eagle Elementary
White Eagle Chess ClubSpring Brook Chess Club
Fry 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.
Mental Health First Aid Training for Adults
Neuqua Valley H/S Presents...Monty Python Spamalot
DuPage Children's Business Fair
Naperville Youth Symphony Orchestra Open House
Inside Out Club - Social Savvy Communication & Etiquette for Teens
Naperville Fire Safety and Prevention Tips
Financial Literacy Night and Resource Fair, Hosted by: BPAC (English Flyer)
Financial Literacy Night and Resource Fair, Hosted by: BPAC (Russian Flyer)
Financial Literacy Night and Resource Fair, Hosted by: BPAC (Spanish Flyer)
KidsMatter "Seas The Trivia" Fundraiser
KidsMatter SpringBoard Summer Series
Fry Family YMCA Pre-Teen Sports
Naperville Little League - Sandlot
Naperville Little League Baseball - Challenger
Wheatland Athletic Association Spring and Summer Programs
Raptor Swim Team & Raptor Water Polo Team
Metea Valley H/S Presents, Legally Blond the Musical
Calendar
April 18: NO SCHOOL
April 24: Coffee & Conversation (Waubonsie Valley)
May 2: NO SCHOOL (School Improvement Planning)
May 7: Parent University: Becoming an Elementary School Parent