District 204's Health Services Department reminds parents that the required State of Illinois Certificate of Child Health Examination and Immunization form can be found online at Health Services. Information about requirements was included in this year's registration packet. Students' immunization status and physicals will be reviewed by Registered Nurses and School Nurses. Parents will be notified of any deficiencies. Per State law, if requirements are not met for the 2024-25 school year, students will be excluded from school starting on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. Those who did not comply with the requirements for the 2023-24 school year and remain noncompliant will be excluded beginning on Thursday, August 22, 2024. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact your school's health office.

The Indian Prairie Educational Foundation, along with Endeavor Health, is is pleased to offer all District 204 high school students a free, potentially life-saving ECG screening through Young Hearts for Life. Parent/Guardian pre-authorization is necessary for a student to be screened.

District 204 screenings:

Neuqua Valley Main Campus – 9/5/24
Neuqua Valley Freshman Campus – 9/12/24
Waubonsie Valley – 9/24/24
Metea Valley – 2/4/25

You can sign up to volunteer for any (or all) of these opportunities here: Heart Screening Volunteer Signup. READ MORE HERE

Join us on Saturday, September 21 from 9 to 11 a.m. for an engaging and informative Restorative Practices Workshop. Hear from district administrators who will share updates on District 204’s restorative practices initiative and provide practical strategies for integrating these principles into your home and parenting approach.

The event will be held in the LMC at Still Middle School located at 787 Meadowridge Drive in Aurora. Free childcare will be provided for children ages 3–10 by Right at School. READ MORE HERE

As the school year begins, the safety of our students, staff, and families is our top priority. To ensure a safe environment as students arrive to and depart from school each day, we ask that you follow the school's safety protocols and adhere to the direction of staff, crossing guards, and safety personnel.

Below are a few safety tips for parents of young students:

Teach your child how to safely cross the street
Ensure your child has identification and emergency numbers in their backpack
Practice walking to school with your child - choose the route that has the least amount of crossings
Practice what each street sign means on the route to school
Don't let your child walk alone until you feel they are ready
Identify places of refuge should your child need immediate shelter

For more safety and security information, please visit ipsd.org/safety.

The next regular Board of Education meeting is at 7 PM on Monday, September 9, 2024 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 August 19, 2024 Board Salutes Here

Recognize an Outstanding Staff Member

Submit an A+ Award nomination for an exceptional teacher or staff member that has made an impact on you or your student. The Indian Prairie Educational Foundation (IPEF) is proud to recognize outstanding staff members who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of our students. One staff member will be recognized each month and awarded a check for $1,000 thanks to our new A+ Award sponsor: Western Governors University! All submitted essays are shared with the nominees on a monthly basis. Nominations will be kept for consideration until the end of the current school year. Nominees must currently work in the district.

To nominate someone who is making a difference, visit A+ Award Form.

Middle School Parents and High School Students

Your feedback is needed for the new Power of Choice campaigns! The Power of Choice is a project of 360 Youth Services working collaboratively with Districts 203 & 204 to provide campaigns for youth, parents and the schools to support alcohol and vaping prevention. Parents of middle school students, and high school students, this is your chance to be heard and make an impact! Survey results will help create materials for this year's Power of Choice campaigns. Thank you!

Middle School Parent Survey
High School Student Survey

Please take your survey before September 1.

High School Students - Join YAC

The Youth Advisory Committee would love to have D203 and D204 high school students become a part of their YAC fam! Make a difference in the local communities and schools, while building lasting connections with others. Create substance use prevention activities all while becoming a leader and gaining service hours! Interested? Join us for the September meeting. Email the YAC Coordinator at Sindlecoffer@360youthservices.org for more info.

KidsMatter Volunteer Fair – Tuesday, September 17!

KidsMatter is holding its annual Volunteer Fair on Tuesday, September 17 from 5 – 7 PM at Fort Hill Activity Center, 20 Fort Hill Drive, Naperville. Learn about volunteer opportunities in our community! Whether you like working outside, with children, animals…. There is a volunteer opportunity for you! Nonprofits in our community need you! No registration necessary. For questions, please contact KidsMatter Director of Programs at 331-249-6838 or sherilyn@kidsmatter2us.org www.kidsmatter2us.org.

With students back in school and the energy of a new academic year in the air, Naperville Sports Weekly (NSW) is ready to bring the thrill of high school sports into your living room for the 18th consecutive year!

NSW is your front-row seat to all the action from the first drive of golf to the last pitch of softball. NSW continues its tradition of showcasing the talent and dedication of student-athletes in all 24 IHSA sports from Benet Academy, Naperville Central, Naperville North, Metea Valley, Neuqua Valley, and Waubonsie Valley. READ MORE HERE

City of Aurora's Film Festival Seeking Student Submissions

The City of Aurora’s second annual "City of Lights Film Festival" is now accepting submissions, including a category for student films that must be 25 minutes or less. Students are encouraged to participate in this creative opportunity. Cole Bennett, founder of Lyrical Lemonade, will attend the festival and participate in a panel discussion on November 9, where he'll share insights on his journey in filmmaking and the music industry.

In conjunction with Bennett's appearance, the festival has introduced a new submission category for music videos. Artists and filmmakers can submit their work in this category, as well as in documentary shorts, narrative shorts, narrative features, documentary features, and student films, until September 2. Bennett will also present an award for the best music video during the festival's closing ceremony. For submission rules and to enter your film, visit City of Lights Film Festival.

City Seeks Student Representatives for Boards and Commissions

Mayor Scott A. Wehrli and the Naperville City Council are inviting high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors residing in Naperville to apply for student positions on various City boards and commissions, as well as to participate in a Leadership Academy in partnership with KidsMatter. The application deadline is Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. There are 24 available seats across several commissions, including the Advisory Commission on Disabilities, Historic Preservation Commission, and the Naperville Public Library Board of Trustees, among others.

Students should review the City's Boards and Commissions Guide before applying to understand the roles and responsibilities. They are expected to actively participate on their chosen board or commission and in the Leadership Academy, with a requirement to attend 75% of scheduled meetings. Applications can be submitted online, and preference will be given to juniors and seniors. For more information, students can contact Julie Dumler at 630-420-6031 or dumlerj@naperville.il.us.