Welcome Back to School D15!

As we’ve shared in previous communications, our first through eighth graders will kick-off their school year on Thursday, August 17 and our pre-K and Kindergarteners begin their year on Friday, August 18.

Elementary families are welcome to Meet the Teacher on Monday, August 14th from 1:45-2:30 pm. During this time students meet their teacher and classmates, are able to drop off school supplies, and check out their new classroom! They will be thrilled to see the warm and inviting learning environment their teachers have created, spaces that will only get warmer once students return to school.

Junior High Walk Your Schedule will also be held on Monday, August 14th from 12-12:45 pm. This event allows everyone, especially seventh graders, the opportunity to ease into the first day jitters around being able to open their locker and navigate their schedule.

Each year we update our Parent/Student Handbook to provide families with a quick reference to all things District 15. If you haven’t already done so, please make some time to review the Parent/Student Handbook.

Every year our custodial staff works hard to get our schools ready for the return of students. Beyond being deeply cleaned, we have undergone a number of construction and interior renovation projects this summer. Please enjoy this brief summer construction video so you can see some of the work accomplished across the district this summer. Our Moving 15 Forward plan is on schedule and promises to bring so many wonderful enhancements to our district. We will be communicating with you on a monthly basis this year to ensure everyone knows what to expect and can begin to share in our excitement as we move toward the 2024-25 school year as so much of our plan “goes live!” To learn more about Moving 15 Forward, please visit our website.

All meetings of the Board of Education are held at Walter R. Sundling Junior High School, located at 1100 N. Smith Street, Palatine, unless otherwise posted. Regular meetings of the Board of Education begin at 7:00 p.m. Dates for meetings are as follows:

2023 Board of Education Meeting Dates

• Tuesday, August 8, 2023* (Note date change)

• Wednesday, September 13, 2023

• Wednesday, October 11, 2023

• Wednesday, November 15, 2023* (third Wednesday of the month to accommodate Election Day)

• Wednesday, December 13, 2023

2024 Board of Education Meeting Dates

• Wednesday, January 17, 2024* (third Wednesday of the month to accommodate Winter Break)

• Wednesday, February 14, 2024

• Wednesday, March 13, 2024

• Wednesday, April 10, 2024

• Wednesday, May 8, 2024

• Wednesday, June 12, 2024

Despite staffing shortages impacting hiring staff for many key positions in schools, we are thrilled to welcome 150 new staff to the District this year! I know they will love their new schools, their students, and families.

District 15 is still hiring bus drivers, program assistants, and substitute teachers, along with a few other positions. If you or someone you know is interested in applying to join the D15 team, please visit our employment website!

We are beyond excited to welcome six cultural exchange teachers from Colombia, Spain, and the Dominican Republic! To help our newest staff settle into their homes within the US, we are in need of a number of items. If you would be willing to donate items, please take a look at this list of needs to see if you can help.

August

• August 14-16 - Staff Institute Days

• August 16 - D15 Job Fair

• August 17 - First Day of School for 1-8 grade students

• August 18 - First Day of School for preschool and kindergarten students

• August 23 - D15 Job Fair

• August 30 - D15 Job Fair

September

• September 4 - No School, Labor Day Observed

• September 6 - D15 Job Fair

• September 13 - Board of Education Meeting

To view the full 2023-24 School Calendar, visit our website.

Here’s to an amazing year! Looking forward to continuing our partnership,

Laurie Heinz, Superintendent of Schools