Daniel Wright

Seventh graders worked in teams to research colonies such as North Carolina, Maryland, Virginia, and New Jersey. They presented their findings to classmates, explaining how each colony’s government, religious beliefs, jobs, crops, and economy shaped daily life. The project gave students a chance to compare the colonies while practicing research, teamwork, and public speaking.

If you missed your student's curriculum night or would like to re-read the PowerPoint presented by the principals, please enjoy a copy below.

• 6th-Grade and Guided Curriculum Night
• 7th/8th-Grade Curriculum Night

We have noticed an increase in the use of fidgets in ways that can become distracting during class. Fidgets can be a great tool for some students and can help support focus and attention when used appropriately. At the same time, they can become a distraction for the student using them or for those around them when they are not being used as intended.

Our teachers will continue to monitor fidget use in their classrooms. If a fidget is being used inappropriately or becomes a distraction, the teacher will take it away for the remainder of the class period.

Fidgets are a tool, not a toy. Students are expected to use them appropriately and only when they support learning. If we continue to see fidgets being used inappropriately or becoming a disruption to learning, we may need to reconsider whether fidgets should be permitted in classrooms at all. Students who have a documented accommodation or support plan that includes the use of a fidget will, of course, continue to have access to that support. Our goal is to make sure any tool being used in the classroom is supporting learning rather than interfering with it.

District 103 has been honored with a national distinction award that is given to school districts that uphold high standards for protecting student data privacy.

The Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Mini Seal for the Business Practice honors districts for upholding high standards for protecting student data privacy across five key practice areas: Leadership, Business, Data Security, Professional Development and the Classroom. The TLE Mini Seal allows districts to demonstrate progress in one or more of these areas as they work toward earning the full Seal. Read what it takes to qualify for this prestigious honor.

“Privacy and security are essential components of the fabric that makes up D103. This achievement is dedicated to every member of the D103 community who contributes to our privacy and security practices, whether in big or small ways, to help keep everyone’s data safe,” said Craig Chatham, Ed.D., D103 Director of Technology & Assessment.

The School Board this week approved changes to the Student Handbook. All procedures are fully aligned with PRESS, the Illinois Association of School Boards’ policy service.

Scholastic Bowl tryouts take place after school Tuesday, Oct. 6, or Thursday, Oct. 8, in Room 312. Scholastic Bowl is an academic team that competes against other schools in history, science, geography, literature, the arts, and computational math. Please reach out to Mrs. Lamberti

(jlamberti@d103.org) or Mrs. Ward (award@d103.org) with questions. Please fill out the Google Form to show your interest in trying out.

Registration for the Math Team opens on Friday, Oct. 9, at 7:00 a.m. Registration on the RevTrak Web Store is limited to the first 30 students for the sixth-grade Math Team and the first 60 students for 7/8 Math Team. Meetings are on Mondays. For questions ask Mrs. Lamson or Mrs. Fender.

D103 custodians spend hours each day ensuring that classrooms and common areas are clean for students and staff. They go above and beyond in assisting teachers and students with additional tasks.

On Custodian Appreciation Day, Oct. 2, District 103 staff gives a BIG thank you to these individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure clean schools for employees and students.

“District 103 is extremely proud to recognize our extraordinary custodial team, whose relentless efforts behind the scenes keep our schools safe, well-maintained, and welcoming every day. Beyond maintaining our facilities, they bring warmth, care, and a sense of pride to our entire school community, fostering an environment where students and staff can excel. We are truly grateful for everything they do, today and throughout the year,” said Eric Jonasson, District Director of Facilities.

Thank you to the D103 custodial team!

Read our September SEL Newsletter featuring our trait of the month Collaboration. Also, how DW is supporting this through Social Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons!

Three full term seats (2027-2031) and one unexpired term seat (2027-2029) on our seven-member Board of Education will be filled at the April 6, 2027 elections. Candidates may circulate petitions now. For more information, please read the e-notice that was sent out.

Support the Learning Fund Foundation by ordering online using the code MODGIVES25 or by visiting the MOD Vernon Hills location and showing the fundraiser flyer or mentioning the fundraiser at checkout all day on Sunday, Oct. 4. The LFF will receive 25% of the fundraiser sales.

What if, in reality, competition causes more harm than good? Bestselling author Ruchika Malhotra offers a timely and transformative new framework to rethink success for our children and encourage families to grow together.

This virtual Zoom event takes place from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6 Sign up on the library's website. The event is held in partnership with D96, D102, D103 Parent Education, and the Vernon Area Public Library.

We are excited to share that the Lake County STEM for Girls Conference is returning for its 7th year! The conference hosts women from various STEM fields who work directly with students in hands-on, real-world activities. Each session is interactive, inspiring, and designed to help girls see themselves in future STEM careers.

• Event Date: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24
• Where: Lake Community High School, 1600 Eagle Way, Lake Villa
• Registration closes: Sunday, Oct. 18, register using the Lake County STEM Google Doc
• Who: The conference is open to girls in grades 6-8
• Price: Free!

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Principals


• Mrs. Jessica Groncki, Principal
• Mrs.Nicole Barba, Assistant Principal

• Mr. David Herlocker, Assistant Principal of Student Services

Reporting an Absence
• 847-604-5280
• Dw_attendance@d103.org