District Digest

March 9, 2023

In this issue…

• Calendar Reminders
• 2023/24 Calendar Approved
• D41 Educator of the Year
  
• Preschool Registration
  
• Back to the 80s
  

• Former D41 Student Wins State Drama Contest

• Elementary Chorus Performs
  

• D41 Student on a Mission

• Student Artwork Advances to State

• Chicago Sinfonietta Musicians at Hadley

• NCB Lifetime of Music Concert

• Hadley Orchestra Students Get Electric

• 5 Essentials Survey Deadline

• GPS Offerings

• Friday, March 24 SIP Day - 11:30am dismissal for all schools (No Pre-K or Kindergarten attendance on this day)

• March 27 thru 31 Spring Break

The calendar for next school year was approved by the Board of Education at the February 21 meeting. Click here for the calendar. Clic para espanol

Congratulations to Benjamin Franklin Elementary School Digital Literacy Specialist Katie Johnson for being named the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce District 41 Educator of the Year. Mrs. Johnson will be honored at the Glen Ellyn Community Awards on March 14. Superintendent Dr. Melissa Kaczkowski and Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Dr. David Bruno surprised Mrs. Johnson with the news during one of her class periods. WATCH KATIE'S ANNOUNCEMENT HERE!

Click here on or after April 5 to register! Your child must complete a preschool screener before they are eligible to start. Deadline to register is July 14 to start on the first day of Pre-k. If registration is completed after July 14th, students may start after the first day of school.

Program Details

• Tuition is $250 per month

• Offered to all families residing within the D41 boundaries

• Tuition waivers for families in need based on the severity of risk factors and space availability

• Bus transportation may be available for some (ask for details during registration)

• Service providers work within classrooms, e.g. Speech, Occupational therapy, Physical therapy, and Social work

• Special education supports and services available based on each student's individual need

Program Highlights

• Blended classroom experience

• Small student teacher ratios

• Five day-a-week program

• Two sections offered daily (8:50am - 11:20 am and 12:40pm - 3:10pm)

• Research-based creative curriculum

• Follows the District 41 school calendar

All Preschool Classes for all D41 students are held at:

Forest Glen School

561 Elm Street

Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

This past weekend, Hadley Theatre Arts, sponsored by the PTA, presented "Back to the 80." The show featured all of the most popular music hits from the 80s and costumes brought back memories for many parents and teachers in the audience. Congratulations to all involved with producing and performing in this production. Bravo!

The D41 Elementary Chorus sang the National Anthem at the Chicago Steel Hockey game on February 24. Over 70 students performed and over 150 parents were present for the performance. Everyone was then treated to a Chicago Steel victory over Green Bay!

Former Churchill and Hadley student, Rachel Travers, recently won the state title for Dramatic Interpretation at the IHSA State Finals for Speech held in Peoria. She was among 18 state finalists. Rachel is a four year member and current co-captain for the Glenbard West Forensics (speech) Team. After announcing her as the winner, Rachel performed her piece for the estimated 500 audience members in attendance. She performed part of the play 26 Pebbles written by Eric Ulloa. Congratulations to Rachel!

Hadley student and cancer survivor Simon Nabeti is hosting a blood drive at Lincoln School on March 12. After undergoing treatments for Acute Lymphoblastic Lymphoma, Simon wants to help others receive the blood they need during treatments. All are welcome and encouraged to participate to help with this important cause. Way to go, Simon! CLICK HERE for the flyer.

Churchill 2nd grade student Hannah Marsh’s PTA Reflections contest drawing advanced to the state level of the competition. All artists had to also submit a written response to why their piece related to the Reflections theme of "Show Your Voice.” Hannah wrote: "Show your voice by caring for the earth by planting a garden.” Entries that advanced to the state level will be recognized at a PTA Spotlight event hosted at Millikin University in May. Congratulations to Hannah!

During the months of January and February, many Chicago Sinfonietta musicians including violionist Mr. James Sanders, principal cellist Ms. Ann Griffin,and bassist Mr. Alan Steiner, came in to help the Hadley orchestra students. In addition, Conductor Maestro Ahmed Alabaca and principal percussionist Mr. Jeff Handley came in and gave a conducting lesson to the 6th grade orchestra students. They explained what the conductor does in the orchestra and instructed the students how to conduct a virtual performance of the Chicago Sinfonietta. Students were very excited to participate in this engaging activity. Ms. Georgia Alemis, Hadley Orchestra Director stated, "A special thank you goes to the DuPage Foundation for sponsoring the Chicago Sinfonietta to help inspire and encourage our Hadley orchestra students with these special and enriching experiences."

The Chicago Sinfonietta Low Brass Trio performed for several of the Hadley Jr. High School 6th and 8th Grade Band and Orchestra classes on Monday, March 6th. The Chicago Sinfonietta musicians included Anna Mayne (horn), John McAllister (trombone), and Charles Schuchat (tuba). The Chicago Sinfonietta performs at Symphony Center in downtown Chicago and in Wentz Hall at North Central College Fine Arts Center in Naperville. Members of the Chicago Sinfonietta are providing master classes, sectionals and other presentations for band, orchestra and general music throughout the school year. The Hadley Band and Orchestra Programs hold a Solo & Ensemble Festival each year, so this performance came at a perfect time to share chamber music with the student musicians. A special thank you to Education/Outreach Program Director Jeff Handley and to the DuPage Foundation for sponsoring this wonderful experience for our music students at Hadley.

Hadley 8th Grade Band musician Autumn Sury (percussion) performed in the 19th Annual Lifetime of Music Initiative Concert with the Northshore Concert Band on Sunday, February 19, 2023. Autumn was one of 40 middle school musicians selected for this prestigious performance. This was an especially monumental and anticipated event because it was the first Lifetime of Music Concert in three years since February 2020.

The Lifetime of Music Initiative is an annual event where local student musicians are invited to join Northshore Concert Band on stage at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall for a portion of their winter concert. This program provides a rewarding musical experience to young musicians: granting access to unique performance opportunities outside of the classroom, introducing students to outstanding wind band repertoire, and exposing participants to the performance opportunities that await them beyond high school, regardless of if they choose to pursue music as a career.

See the full concert program here, including all the middle school musicians nominated to perform with this prestigious ensemble. Congratulations to Autumn Sury!

Hadley Orchestra students were electrified with excitement playing electric stringed instruments with amplification! Way to go Hadley Orchestras!

All parents are encouraged to participate in a brief survey to help District 41 gather valuable data to inform school improvement. The Illinois 5Essentials Parent Survey is administered annually by the Illinois State Board of Education. The survey is open through March 31, 2023.

Please CLICK HERE to take the survey and choose “Parent Survey.” The deadline is March 31.

Each school needs at least 20 percent parent participation for a data report to be provided for the school. For more information about the survey, see below. Thank you in advance for your participation. Your feedback is very much appreciated!

WHAT IS THE 5ESSENTIALS SURVEY?

The 5Essentials Survey identifies five indicators that lead to improved outcomes for all students, including improved attendance and larger test score gains.

The five indicators that positively affect school success are:

1. Effective Leaders

2. Collaborative Teachers

3. Involved Families

4. Supportive Environments

5. Ambitious Instruction

Research derived from the Five Essentials for School Success has proven that schools strong on at least three of the 5Essentials are 10 times more likely to improve student outcomes.

For questions regarding the survey, please call Department of Wellness at (217) 782-5270 or email 5Essentials@isbe.net​.​​​​​​​​​

Stay up to date on the upcoming offerings from the Glenbard Parent Series HERE

Jessica Minahan

Practical Strategies for Reducing Anxiety and Challenging Behavior in Students

Tue, Mar 14, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Click for more details

Dr. Lourdes Ferrer-Allen
La preparación para la excelencia: Una academia para padres/Grooming for Excellence: A Parent Academy

Thu, Mar 16, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Click for more details

Liz Fosslien - Distinguished Glenbard Alumna
BIG Feelings: How to Be Okay When Things Are Not Okay

Tue, Apr 4, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Click for more details

NOTE: Some speakers will present multiple times. See GPS website for all dates/times available for each presentation.

Email: webmaster@d41.org
Website: www.d41.org
Location: 793 North Main Street, Glen Ellyn, IL, USA
Phone: 630.790.6400
Facebook: facebook.com/glenellynd41
Twitter: @glenellynd41