Bulldog Paw Prints

The District 58 newsletter, Communicate 58, provided some updates on current and future construction in this week's edition. It's amazing to see how much has been completed...and how much more is to be done. Work is already underway for Phase 2 schools with construction taking place this summer, and some preliminary work is underway for Phase 3 schools.

Belle Aire is a Phase 3 school, and we can expect things to start ramping up here next year for construction that will take place during the summer of 2026. There will be much more to share in the coming months, but as a reminder, here are the expected updates:

state-mandated repairs

Fire alarms

Clocks/PA/Intercom system

ADA signage
Doors/Hardware
Building envelope
Electrical repairs and panel boards
Bathroom renovations
Secure entryways

In addition to the construction, there is committee work being completed to support a smooth transition to a K-5 elementary school model and a 6-8 middle school model. This will be a big change for elementary and middle schools alike, and work is being completed to consider and support curriculum, SEL, student activities, transition opportunities, etc.

At the school level, our current fourth and fifth grade students will experience their final year at Belle Aire next school year (2025-2026). We are excited for both groups, and we will collaborate with Herrick and the district to support families with the transition. Both grade levels will have activities and experiences, independent of one another, to recognize and celebrate their final year at Belle Aire School.

The District 58 Board of Education approved the 2026-27 District 58 Calendar last week. (They approved the 2025-26 Calendar last school year.)

Please note: Both the summers of 2025 and 2026 involve construction that will require a longer summer. This means that fall 2027 will be the first year that District 58 can more closely align its calendar with District 99 (our high school district).

This March, our students in grades 3-6 will complete the state-mandated Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR). Additionally, this spring, students in grade 5 will take the mandated Illinois Science Assessment (ISA).

District 58 approaches state assessments by supporting students and encouraging them to do their best, and we appreciate the partnership from our families in that encouragement. State assessment results will be available next fall.

We will be administering the assessments on the following dates:

03/25

03/26

03/27

*The math block will not meet on these testing dates.

*Gifted for Grs. 5-6 will not meet during the week of March 24.

Please click here to read a message from Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Liz Ehrhart about District 58's approach to these assessments.

District 58 invites students to register for its Summer School programs! Registration is now open for most Summer School programs. Leap Into Kindergarten registration is an exception and will open on Tuesday, April 8 at 9 a.m. Registration deadlines vary depending on the class. In addition, registration is also open for the District’s Extended School Year program.

District 58 Summer School classes are open to students enrolled in public, private or parochial schools who live within the District 58 attendance area. Please register for the grade level your child will enter in fall 2025.

Families who need assistance registering for Summer School may contact Summer School Secretary Alissa Drake at adrake@dg58.org or 630-719-5869. Please see details about District 58’s Summer School programming below or visit www.dg58.org/summer.

Summer School: General Education and Enrichment

• Registration: Summer School registration is open Feb. 27 through April 11. Click here to register. A confirmation email with payment directions will be sent within three school days of your registration.

• Schedule: Weekdays, Monday, June 9-Friday, June 27 (excluding June 19) from 8-11 a.m.

• Location: Henry Puffer School 2220 Haddow Ave., Downers Grove, IL 60515

• Cost: $109

• Bus Transportation: Not provided - Families are responsible for their student’s transportation.

• Description: District 58 will offer math and reading grade-level readiness courses, as well as two art classes. Art classes are limited to the first 30 students who register for each class. Once a class reaches capacity, a waiting list will form. Classes are:
  
  

  • Reading and Math (Incoming Grades 1-8): 8-11 a.m.
    District 58 will offer individual Reading and Math classes for every grade level, from grades 1-8. The class will focus on grade-level readiness in both reading and math.
    
    

  • Art Exploration I (Incoming Grades 2-3): 8-11 a.m.
    Students will use a variety of media to express their creativity while exploring classic and modern styles of art. This class will use various artistic mediums including, paint, oil pastel, colored pencil and mixed media such as ceramics and textiles. Students will be encouraged to improve their technique and comfort level through a wide range of different projects.
    
    

  • Art Exploration II (Incoming Grades 4-6): 8-11 a.m.
    Students will use a variety of media to express their creativity while exploring classic and modern styles of art. This class will utilize various artistic mediums including, paint, oil pastel, colored pencil and mixed media such as ceramics and textiles. Students will be encouraged to improve their technique and comfort level through a wide range of different projects.

Summer School: Leap Into Kindergarten

• Registration: Leap Into Kindergarten registration opens Tuesday, April 8 at 9 a.m. and will close when capacity is hit. Starting April 8, click here to register. A confirmation email with payment directions will be sent within three school days of your registration.

• Schedule: Weekdays, Monday, June 9-Friday, June 27 (excluding June 19) from 8-11 a.m.

• Location: Henry Puffer School 2220 Haddow Ave., Downers Grove, IL 60515

• Cost: $109

• Bus Transportation: Not provided - Families are responsible for their student’s transportation.

• Description: This program is intended for students entering kindergarten in the fall of 2025 and will focus on reading and math readiness. Some of the topics covered include: letter and number recognition, letter sounds, and fine motor activities, including cutting, coloring, pasting, and writing.

Alright, parents. We are going to need your help on this one! Registration is currently open for all new and returning families, and the primary classroom and the intermediate classroom with the highest percent of families registered will proudly display the school trophies during the next month.

Your efforts in registration help us better understand student rostering needs and staffing requirements, and this process will help us get an early jump on what needs to be completed prior to summer break.

FOR RETURNING FAMILIES:

Simply follow the directions below to get your returning student(s) registered. There are no fees due at this time. We will be able to monitor completed registration on our end.

FOR NON-RETURNING FAMILIES:

Please contact our school office to let us know that you will not be returning for the 2025-2026 school year (630-719-5820).

FOR CURRENT SIXTH GRADE FAMILIES:

We don't have the capabilities to monitor your registration at Herrick, so I ask that you complete this simple form once registration is completed. There are no fees due at this time.

This is the "I've-Completed-Registration-at-Herrick Form" (for current sixth grade families only)

District 58 opened 2025-26 student registration on Tuesday, Feb. 4. Please look for an email from Megan Hewitt with registration details or visit www.dg58.org/registration for more information. Some families have already completed their registration for next year! (THANK YOU!) We are asking all families to complete registration by March 31.

Student registration is vital to classroom rostering and district budgeting, and I thank you in advance for working through this as soon as you are able.

New this year, we will ask families who are leaving District 58 to please complete registration as well; you will only need to answer a couple of questions confirming your withdrawal.

Monday, March 24: All-School Meeting (wear team colors; 2:00 p.m. Dismissal

Tuesday, March 26: PTA Meeting (6:00 p.m. at the school)

Thursday, March 27: Young Authors Club (after school); TBK (after school)

Friday, March 28: Field Trip (Grs. 2 and 3, during the day)

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Spring Break: March 29 - April 6

2024 - 2025