Talk203 E-Newsletter

October 29, 2026

At the top right of the newsletter, you will find accessibility features including an ability to translate, increase contrast and text size.

En la parte superior del boletín, encontrará funciones de accesibilidad que incluyen la capacidad de traducir, aumentar el contrate y el tamaño del texto.

在newsletter的右上角，您可以找到辅助功能，包括翻译、增加对比度和文本大小的功能。

✅ This Week in 203

Upcoming E-Learning Day: Remember to bring home devices needed for e-learning!
Bus Stop Reminder: Even with My Ride K-12, students should be at their designated bus stop at least five minutes before their scheduled pickup time, not wait for an app notification, to ensure safe and timely boarding. Learn more.
US News and World Report: The Best K-8 Schools Rankings list is out, featuring some 203 schools at the top of the state.

📝 Need to Know

School Bus Reminder: Be at Your Stop 5 Minutes Early

With My Ride K-12 introduced this school year, families have a new way to track their student's bus. While the app is a helpful tool, students should still be at their designated bus stop at least five minutes before their scheduled pickup time, rather than waiting for an app notification. This helps ensure safe, timely boarding and keeps routes running smoothly. Thank you for helping us keep our students safe!

Learn more about My Ride K-12 and our bus rider expectations.

Student Perception Survey Begins Next Week

Students in Grades 3–12 will complete the Student Perception Survey during the school day between November 2–13.

The brief survey gathers student feedback on relationships, belonging, school climate and other aspects of the student experience to help identify strengths and opportunities for improvement.

Families can review survey questions and additional details in the full parent/guardian notice.

Read the Full Parent/Guardian Notice Here

📅 Dates Ahead

Important Upcoming Dates

November 2: Board of Education Meeting
November 3: E-Learning Day/General Election
November 6: End of First Trimester

📅2026-2027 School Year Calendar

📅Calendar of Culturally Significant Days

🌟 Around 203

U.S. News Top K-8 Schools Rankings

The U.S. News Best K-8 Schools Rankings are out, and we're so proud to see some of our schools at the top!

All of our schools ranked in the top 7% of the state, with exceptional rankings for Meadow Glens at #5, Ellsworth at #7, Highlands at #24 for elementary, and Kennedy at #15 for middle schools!

New Bike Program at Kennedy Junior High

Kennedy Junior High students have an exciting new opportunity in gym class: riding bikes! This new program, pioneered by PE teachers Kevin Quaid and Eric Nelson, had it's roots planted during the pandemic, when they found that a lot of students either didn't own a bike, didn't know how to ride, or didn't have the space to ride.

Due to the generosity of the Naperville Outdoor Alliance and Spokes Bikes, the program started this year with donated bikes and helmets. We got a chance to learn more about the program, and see the bikes in action, last week!

See the story on NCTV17!

NNHS Student Named DECA State Officer

Naperville North senior Lakhi has been selected to serve as an Illinois DECA State Officer as the Vice President of Public Relations. She is one of only five students in the state to earn a leadership position and has been a member of North’s DECA club since her freshman year.

DECA is a not-for-profit career and technical student organization that aims to prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.

203 Board Tours Construction Site

Board President Charles Cush and Vice President Kristine Gericke took a visit to the construction site of our new Transportation facility to see the progress on the new garage which is nearing completion.

You can learn more about the new facility on our Transportation page.

🤝 Involvement Opportunities

NEF Winter Warmth Drive Extended

The Naperville Education Foundation’s Winter Warmth Drive has been extended to help meet remaining student needs across all 23 Naperville 203 schools.

Most-needed items include new winter jackets, snow pants, gloves and hats in youth and adult sizes.

Families and community members can donate new items at the District Administration Building, 203 W. Hillside, on school days from 8 a.m.–3 p.m., or shop NEF’s Amazon and Target wishlists to have items shipped directly to the Kid Booster Resource Center.

See Current Needs & Ways to Donate

Student Opportunities Through 360 Youth Services

Through our partnership with 360 Youth Services, we’re sharing upcoming opportunities available to families in our community.

Power of Choice

The Power of Choice campaign is underway in partnership with Districts 203 and 204, using local student data to highlight positive choices and connections.

This month’s message: 82% of local students surveyed said a teacher or another adult at school listens when they have something to say.

Learn More About 360 Youth Services

Join 360 Youth Services for Friendsgiving

Gather with friends and neighbors for a family-friendly evening of gratitude, connection and service on Saturday, November 7, from 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Guests will help assemble care packages for local youth while learning more about how 360 Youth Services supports young people in our community.

Registration is a $20 donation to the Youth Support Fund.

Register for Friendsgiving

This Week in GPS Parent Series

Coming Up…

Purposeful Paths: College Opportunity & Career Discovery

Ana Homayoun & Panel | November 5 | Noon & 7 p.m.
Presented in partnership with College of DuPage, this conversation will explore how students can connect college opportunities with career interests and future goals.
View Details & Join →

How to Be Enough: Social Anxiety, Perfectionism & Your Inner Critic
Dr. Ellen Hendriksen | November 10 | Noon & 7 p.m.
Learn practical strategies for understanding social anxiety, managing perfectionism and helping quiet the inner critic.
View Details & Join →

GPS programs are free and open to everyone.

View Upcoming Programs & Zoom Links