The Highlighter September 2026

• Superintendent's Message
• Board of Education News
• Community Announcements
• Photo of the Month
• September 2026 Diversity Holidays + District Dates

Dear Avoca Community,

We are off to a strong start! Thank you to our students, staff, and families for the enthusiasm you bring to our schools each day.

As we settle into the new school year, I want to highlight two important updates. This year, we are implementing the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) developed by the "I Love U Guys Foundation" as part of our ongoing work to strengthen safety and security practices. The SRP provides a consistent approach to responding to emergencies and will help align our practices with our New Trier Township school partners and the Village of Wilmette. Please take a few minutes to review the important information included in this month's Highlighter.

You will also notice a new feature in the Highlighter this year: brief updates from our Board of Education meetings. We hope these updates provide you with a helpful window into the work taking place at the board and district level.

Finally, we invite our community to participate in our Facilities Listening Tours. As our architecture firm conducts field site surveys of our schools, they will also be gathering input from our community to help inform the process. We value your perspective and hope you will join us to share your thoughts about our facilities. Information about the listening tours and a link to RSVP is included below.

Thank you for a wonderful start to the school year and for being such an important part of our Avoca community. I wish you all a safe, relaxing, and happy Labor Day weekend!

Warmly,

Sandra Arreguín, EdD
Superintendent

Avoca School District 37

At the August 20th meeting, the Avoca School District 37 Board of Education discussed facilities planning updates, reviewed Board agreements and committees, and the upcoming interfund transfers. The Board also voted on a new services agreement with Oak Brook Mechanical Services, Inc. View the agenda and video of the meeting here.

• September 13, 2026: Finance Committee Meeting
• September 17, 2026: Board of Education Regular Meeting
• September 17, 2026: Public Hearing on the 2026-2027 Proposed Budget
• September 17, 2026: Public Hearing on Avoca School District 37 Interfund Transfers

Please click on the FAQ below to answer the questions you may have regarding our temporary cooling solution for Avoca West Elementary School. We want to keep you informed as much as possible as we realize our schools are a part of our families’ lives as well as a crucial part of the neighborhood. Our hope is this document will answer any questions you have about our temporary solution.

In alignment with New Trier Township schools and the Village of Wilmette, our District has adopted The “I Love U Guys” Foundation’s Standard Response Protocol (SRP) for emergency situations. Students and staff will be practicing the protocol this year.

The Standard Response Protocol (SRP) utilizes clear common language while allowing for flexibility. The SRP is based on the following actions explained in the visual below: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter.

In summer 2026, the State of Illinois adopted new regulations for micromobility devices like electric bikes and electric scooters. The law was designed to establish clear, consistent rules for a wide range of devices, some of which can travel at highway speeds. The new regulations take effect January 1, 2027 and include minimum age restrictions (15 or 16 years old, depending on the device) and prohibit riding on sidewalks.

The Illinois Secretary of State’s Office is developing educational resources, including a buying guide for parents and safety information for schools, to help families understand the new regulations and promote safe micromobility use. Additional information is on their website here.

These new regulations do not apply to traditional non-motorized bicycles or scooters. Children may continue to ride those on sidewalks throughout the community, except in Downtown Wilmette, where they must be walked to help prevent accidents with pedestrians.

For more information, please visit the Village’s website Wilmette.gov/edevices.

School is back in session!