eNews September 18, 2026

Congratulations to the following St. Charles East and North High School Seniors for being named Semifinalists in the 72nd annual National Merit Scholarship Program:

• ST. CHARLES EAST H. S.

Zaac Victor De Luna, Sarah Krohn, Jaxson McInnis, and Rebecca Strait

• ST. CHARLES NORTH H. S.

Brody Bates, James Bryner, Syed-Talha Hasan, Henry Hodge, and Atharv Sood.

These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for about 6,700 National Merit Scholarships worth approximately $24 million that will be offered next spring.

High School students enter the National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®) in October of their Junior year. In April, NMSC identified the 50,000 students with the highest PSAT/NMSQT® Selection Index scores to qualify for recognition. Out of this group, approximately 16,000 students were named Semifinalists. Semifinalists are the highest scorers in each of the 50 states and represent less than one percent of each state's high school seniors. The other 34,000 high performers have been recognized as Commended Students for their exceptional academic promise.

Congratulations to Davis Elementary student Mikhail, the first Davis Difference Maker of the 2026–2027 school year! Assistant Principal Creaney recognizes Davis students who make a difference through Respect, Responsibility, and Safety.

Mikhail was recognized for going above and beyond to be respectful and helpful and received a certificate, a special badge to wear during the school day, and a personal phone call from Mrs. Creaney to his parents to share the exciting news!

Members of the Class of 1966 recently gathered at Thompson Middle School, which was originally St. Charles High School, to mark their milestone 60th reunion.

Guided by former Thompson Principal Steve Morrill alongside Jen Blette, an 8th Grade Science & Service Learning teacher at Thompson, the alumni toured the facility, discovered the various changes made over the decades, and shared fond memories of their school days.

Mona, a graduate of the class of 1966 attending her second tour, shared that the visit was exceptionally well-organized and full of fascinating insights. Attendees received commemorative T-shirts celebrating Thompson's "100 Year" milestone and generously contributed a donation to benefit current students across the district.

The Lincoln Transition Program recently established a community partnership with the City of St. Charles to expand work-based learning opportunities for participating students. Mayor Hull welcomed Transition student Andrew Cox to City Hall, providing him with valuable hands-on experience and further developing his pre-employability skills within his primary field of interest: municipal government.

This partnership underscores the vital role local community partners play in creating inclusive, accessible workforce pathways for young adults of all abilities. Opportunities like this not only equip our transition learners with essential real-world skills, but also strengthen our entire community by cultivating a diverse and capable future workforce.

Wednesday, September 16, was bursting with color, energy, and fun at Wredling’s much-anticipated annual ColorPalooza!

While the highlight of the event is watching students race around the field as they’re showered in an explosion of vibrant colors, there was plenty more fun to be had. The DJ kept the energy soaring, Kona Ice kept everyone cool, and games and activities kept the good times rolling. Wredling staff joined in the fun, decked out in sports inflatables, while students played catch, enjoyed lawn games, and simply soaked up time together. A huge thank you to our amazing staff and families who helped make Color Palooza another memorable Wredling tradition.

In STEM classes at Ferson Creek, 4th and 5th-grade students are diving deep into the fascinating world of plant biology by exploring how plants produce their own food through photosynthesis. To gain a hands-on understanding of this essential biological process, students designed and constructed detailed visual models. These models demonstrate how sunlight, water, chloroplasts, glucose, and carbon dioxide interact dynamically to sustain plant life and facilitate growth. We love seeing their creativity, collaboration, and critical scientific thinking in action in the classroom!

The 5th Grade Maker Market is officially open at Anderson Elementary!

As part of their ongoing classroom economy program, 5th-grade students earn "class cash" by demonstrating positive behaviors, such as being kind, strong, and well, as well as consistently turning in homework and taking on classroom responsibilities.

Then, once a month, students apply these real-world financial concepts by opening and operating their very own stores. Working individually or teaming up with a classmate, students create a wide variety of handmade items at home. Offerings range from crafted bracelets, keychains, stickers, slime, and squishy toys to baked goods like brownies, cookies, and cupcakes. Even parents get in on the fun by supporting their child's small business venture.

The Maker Market is designed to spark creativity, boost motivation, and foster a positive learning environment where students are excited to complete their schoolwork and demonstrate responsible leadership. Students learn essential business and marketing fundamentals: collaborating with partners, developing products, tracking inventory, analyzing customer demand, and learning how to price and offer special deals. Above all, students take immense pride in running their own storefronts, building confidence, and gaining a memorable first taste of entrepreneurship in a fun, collaborative setting.

Join us for an informal, open house style Information Night at any of our school locations listed to learn more about the referendum on the November 3 ballot.

Stop by whenever it fits your schedule, even if you only have 10 to 15 minutes.

You’ll be able to view a general overview of the upcoming referendum, learn how the proposed projects directly impact your household, and speak one-on-one with team members to get your questions answered. Learn more at: https://district.d303.org/referendum

Acompáñenos a una de las noches informativas al estilo de puertas abiertas en cualquiera de nuestras escuelas para obtener más información sobre el referéndum que se votará el 3 de noviembre. Asista a cualquier hora, aunque solo disponga de entre 10 y 15 minutos.

Obtenga información general sobre el próximo referéndum, descubra cómo los proyectos propuestos afectan directamente a su hogar y hable con los miembros del distrito para que respondan a sus preguntas. Obtenga más información en d303referendum.org

Meet GPS Parent Series—50+ FREE programs each year bringing nationally recognized researchers, clinicians, authors and educators directly to parents, teachers and helping professionals.

Discover upcoming virtual/hybrid events, offered in multiple languages, and no registration is required. Visit GPSParentSeries for event links and more information: https://gpsparentseries.org/upcoming-events/

Join us for the 41st Annual Scarecrow Weekend taking place October 9th-11th, 2026 in downtown St. Charles, Illinois!

Browse 100+ handmade scarecrows displayed throughout town for visitors to view and vote on their favorites. In addition to the Scarecrow Contest, there will be two action-filled zones along with the First Street Plaza that will have live entertainment, photo opportunities, family-friendly booths, Scarecrow-to-Go, an inflatable corn maze, a rock-climbing wall, pumpkin painting, tasty food, the Weinermobile, and much more.

Visit scarecrowfest.com to learn more.

Big Hearts of Fox Valley is preparing for its 13th Annual Christmas Sponsorship Program, and this year they anticipate helping 625 D303 children wake up on Christmas morning with gifts under the tree. Individuals, families, businesses, neighborhoods, teams, and community groups are invited to become Santa’s Helpers by shopping for one or more local children from their personalized, anonymous wish lists.

How it works:

Sign up now, and in October, you’ll receive a child’s wish list by email and shop for gifts they’re hoping to receive this Christmas. Wish lists will be distributed next month, so sign up today!