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As we prepare to welcome students back to Marquardt School District 15, I am filled with excitement and optimism for the 2026–2027 school year. This year, our theme, “Lighting the Torch for Student Success,” reflects our commitment to igniting curiosity, inspiring excellence, and empowering every student to reach their fullest potential. Together, we will continue building a culture where every child feels valued, challenged, and supported as they grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

We are excited to welcome our students back to school beginning Thursday, August 13, for students in Grades 1–8, and Tuesday, August 18, for our Early Childhood and Kindergarten students. The start of a new school year brings new opportunities, new friendships, and new possibilities, and we cannot wait to see our classrooms filled with the energy and enthusiasm of our learners once again.

This year also marks the implementation of our new English Language Arts instructional resources across all grade levels, providing engaging, high-quality learning experiences that will strengthen literacy and inspire a lifelong love of reading and writing. Throughout the summer, our teachers, administrators, and support staff have dedicated significant time to professional learning, collaboration, and planning to ensure every student has an exceptional educational experience from the very first day of school.

On behalf of our Board of Education, our dedicated staff, and the entire Marquardt 15 community, thank you for your continued partnership and trust. Together, we will light the torch for student success by fostering high expectations, meaningful relationships, and opportunities for every child to thrive. We look forward to an outstanding year filled with learning, growth, and celebration.

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year!

Sincerely,

Superintendent Lucilla Davila

August 13th: 1st Day of School (1-8 grade)

August 18th: 1st Day of School (Preschool-Kindergarten)

August 27th: MMS Back to School Night from 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.

Dear MSD15 Families,

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our annual Back to School Bash! It was wonderful to see our students, families, staff, and community partners gather to kick off the new school year with so much energy and joy.

Whether you joined us for the games, connected with local organizations, or enjoyed a sweet treat, you helped make the day truly special.

We captured all the smiles, laughter, and highlight moments in a quick video recap so you can relive the fun.

School Start Dates:

• August 13: First day of school for Grades 1–8

• August 18: First day of school for Preschool & Kindergarten

Thank you again to our principals, staff, boosters, and community partners for making this event possible. We can't wait to see our students back in the classrooms very soon!

Please familiarize yourself with the MSD15 Parent & Student Handbook to best prepare you for the upcoming school year.

Do you have a student entering Pre-K, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade or 6th grade? Check the health services page for requirements that must be completed prior to the start of school.

Marquardt Middle School Families -- If your student plans to participate in athletics, a Sports Physical will be required.

As we kick off the new school year, please note the following important details about meal service:

First Day of School

The first day of school does NOT include breakfast, only lunch. Lunch starts August 13th, and breakfast starts August 14th.

Please plan accordingly and share this information with your child. We’ll also be posting reminders on our social media pages.

Elementary School Teachers will take their students' lunch orders every morning.

• Students get the option of 1 hot and 2 cold options every day

Breakfast After the Bell

If your child arrives late, please remind them they can still receive breakfast. Your school will direct your student to the serving area.

Menus, Nutrition Info & Allergies

• View interactive menus and nutritional details (including carb counts): https://myschoolmenus.com/organizations/2294

• If your child has a food allergy, a Modified Menu Request Form must be completed. Find it here: https://marquardt15.healtheliving.net/

Late Arrival

• Lunch Orders: If you anticipate your child being a late arrival. All lunch orders must be turned in by 9:00 AM.

• School Notification: In addition to placing the lunch order on time, make sure to notify the school main office or attendance office as early as possible that your child will be tardy, provide an estimated arrival time.

Common Questions:

1. Are peanuts/tree nuts served?

   The only peanut item offered is Uncrustables (available daily at MMS). These are pre-packaged to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

2. Is pork served?

   Pork is served in the Ham & Cheese Sandwich (both at MMS and elementary schools) and our new Pork Birria Quesadillas (MMS only)

Thank you for helping us ensure a smooth start to the school year!

For the 2026-2027 school year, we are piloting a Halal menu at Marquardt Middle School. This opt-in program provides an additional meal option for interested students.

Parents who would like to learn more or enroll in the program are encouraged to contact Maribel Alchin at malchin@d15.us.

Students should be at their bus stop at least 10 minutes before the scheduled pick up time to maintain a safe and timely arrival at school.

To facilitate the safety of our students, bus safety expectations have been outlined in our MSD15 Parent-Student Handbook (Page 54). It shall be the responsibility of the student and family to be familiar with and obey the regulations. Students are not permitted to ride a bus other than the bus to which they are assigned. Bus misconduct may also result in school disciplinary action.

Our bus drivers are responsible for the students riding their buses just as teachers are responsible for the students in their classrooms. Students are responsible for obeying the driver at all times.

All students should verify their bus routes prior to the first day of school. In some instance bus routes may change. If you have any questions or comments, please contact your child's school.

If parent/guardian is experiencing difficulties with day to day route operations or concerns AFTER school hours, please call our transportation partner.

Contact First Student Transportation Services at 630-469-1900

In continued partnership with our transportation provider, First Student, Marquardt School District 15 is launching FirstView®, a bus tracking and parent communications app for your smartphone or desktop. It will offer parents and guardians live tracking, predictive stop/arrival times, and custom alerts/messages.

Great news for families and teachers! The State of Illinois is hosting a 10-day Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday to help you save on classroom essentials.

• 📅 When: Friday, August 7 through Sunday, August 16, 2026.

• 💰 The Savings: The state sales tax on qualifying items drops from 6.25% down to 1.25%.

What is Included?

• School Supplies: No price limits! Notebooks, binders, folders, pens, pencils, crayons, and calculators all qualify.
• Clothing & Footwear: Any individual clothing item, shoe, or coat priced under $125 qualifies.

🔗 Want to check if an item qualifies? View the full list of approved supplies and clothing rules on the official Illinois Department of Revenue Back-to-School Bulletin.

We kindly ask parents and guardians to provide the following items in support of their child's education.

To ensure constant communication between the District and your home, we ask that you have updated phone and email information in your PowerSchool Parent Portal. Communication will be sent through text and email. Ensuring that you have texted YES to 79041 will allow you to receive Smore e-newsletters from the District and your child's school, mass text messages and phone calls. Please make sure you are opted-in.

MAKE SURE YOU SAY YES TO THE TEXT - Text YES to 79041

Para garantizar una comunicación constante entre el Distrito y su hogar, le solicitamos que actualice su información de teléfono y correo electrónico en su Portal para Padres de PowerSchool. La comunicación se realizará por mensaje de texto y correo electrónico. Si envía SÍ al 79041, podrá recibir boletines electrónicos de Smore del Distrito y la escuela de su hijo/a, mensajes de texto masivos y llamadas telefónicas. Asegúrese de estar suscrito/a.

The MSD15 Bilingual Parent Advisory Council (BPAC) will be hosting its Planning Meeting for the 2026-2027 school year on Thursday, September 17 at 6:00 pm at the MSD15 Administration Center (1860 Glen Ellyn Road). During this planning meeting, parents and guardians will participate in a meet-and-greet and receive information regarding the program, BPAC elections, a calendar and a general overview of the year to come. All are invited to attend, please come as you are! Childcare and refreshments will be provided.

El Consejo Asesor de Padres Bilingües (BPAC) del Distrito Escolar Marquardt 15 organizará su reunión de planificación para el año escolar 2026-2027 el jueves, 17 de septiembre a las 6:00 p. m. en el Centro Administrativo (1860 Glen Ellyn Road). Durante esta reunión de planificación, los padres y tutores participarán y recibirán información sobre el programa, las elecciones de BPAC, el calendario y una descripción general del próximo año. ¡Todos están invitados a asistir, por favor, vengan! Se proporcionarán el cuidado de los niños y los refrescos.

Who is eligible: Children 18 and younger who have no insurance, whose insurance does not cover immunizations, or who are Medicaid eligible.

Locations: Appointments are available across the county's public health centers:

• Central Public Health Center: 111 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL
• East Public Health Center: 1111 E. Jackson Street, Lombard, IL
• Southeast Public Health Center: 422 N. Cass Avenue, Westmont, IL

Appointments: Call (630) 682-7400 to schedule and verify clinic schedules

VNA Healthcare is a not-for-profit healthcare provider with various locations throughout the Chicago suburbs. VNA offers healthcare for adults, children, and babies, as well a prenatal care. Medicaid and Medicare are accepted, as well as some private health plans. Call 630-892-4355 for more information. The Wheaton location of VNA Healthcare is located within the DuPage County Health Department:

VNA Healthcare
111 N. County Farm Road
Wheaton, IL 60187

Community Clinics: Organizations like VNA Health Care operate several clinics in and around the DuPage area, offering sliding-scale physicals and immunizations based on income.

If you are looking for a provider who offers vaccines through the Vaccines for Children Program, please visit the VFC Provider Search.

To be VFC eligible, children must be 18 years of age or younger and meet at least one of the following criteria:

1. Medicaid eligible
2. Uninsured (have no health insurance)
3. American Indian or Alaskan Native
4. Under-insured

Children who have health insurance that does not cover immunizations (under-insured) may receive federally funded VFC vaccines only at federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics, or deputized local health department. Please contact one of these facility types to determine eligibility to receive VFC vaccines.

Access DuPage is a free program that helps eligible residents receive low-cost healthcare services. For more information and to apply, call 630-510-8720 ext. 200.

The Glenbard Parent Series (GPS): Navigating Healthy Families is a distinguished speaker series dedicated to presenting relevant, high-profile authors, educators, and clinicians. These high-caliber speakers offer practical research-based knowledge, strategies, and personal experience to support students’ engaged learning, positive youth development, and well-being. Founded in 1995, GPS is a weekly resource for parents/caregivers/guardians (for children of all ages) as well as students, school staff, professionals, and community members. GPS is here to inform, connect, and inspire. All programs are free, virtual, and open to the public.

These events are presented at both noon CT and 7 pm CT, and offered in multiple languages. Sponsorship for the more than 50 programs presented each year comes from organizations and foundations throughout the area.

GPS is a free resource for parents, educators, students, and community members to foster self-empowered children who collaborate, communicate, embrace diversity, create, and think critically.

To receive program updates, please visit https://www.GPSParentSeries.org/upcoming-events/

Take an English Language Acquisition placement test for the FREE English classes. Fall classes begin in August.

NO CHILDREN ARE ALLOWED during testing.

Please call 630-942-3697 for more information on how to register.

PATH welcomes students to spend their afternoons at the Sports Hub! Planning for the next school year? For the latest rates and to register your child, please call the Sports Hub at 630.260.6060. For more information, please visit here!

• Schools require 3 business days to be added to the school bus roster

Hours of Operation

• Open every school day (no half days offered when school is in session)
• Register early as there may be limited availability on busses.
• When in-person classes are cancelled, PATH is also cancelled.