D15 Family Newsletter
April 5, 2024
Dear District 15 Families,
It’s hard to believe we are in the final stretch of the 2023-2024 school year. We plan to end the year with loads of learning, more memories shared, and a whole lot of planning and packing! Our summer break will be long, but we will need every day in order to be ready for what I know will be an exciting next school year! We hope as you drive through our communities, you begin to share in our excitement as our construction projects progress. We currently have 12 schools under construction and the construction teams continue to do tremendous work! Next year is going to be such a once-in-a-lifetime year for our District and we cannot wait for you to be a part of it.
Our State Superintendent Dr. Sanders Visits District 15!
Dr. Sanders, State Superintendent and I visited two of our wonderful schools this week. He was extremely impressed by staff and students at Walter R. Sundling where he was able to see learning in action in Mrs. Palmer’s Math class and Mrs. Pokrajac’s Science class at WRS. He was blown away by the level of student engagement and collaborative learning he observed. The WRS Student Advisory Committee did an exceptional job highlighting various aspects of their school during their time as tour guides.
Dr. Sanders was also excited to visit two of our Dual Language classrooms at Jane Addams. Students in Mrs. Avalos-Garcia’s Kindergarten DL classroom shined during their Shared Reading time. Fifth graders in Ms. Reyes’ room impressed as they shared presentations they have worked on while learning how to debate different topics. JA Ambassadors Noel T., Charlotte K., and Addison G. were poised beyond their years as they guided Dr. Sanders through JA.
Dr. Sanders also enjoyed a sneak peek at JA’s new kindergarten classrooms (WOW!) and the new cafeteria, MPR, and flex space (Double WOW!!) at WRS.
I couldn’t be more proud of our District and the many, many wonderful things we are doing for students. Thank you to all of the staff and students who helped showcase what it means to be #ProudToBe15.
Next Board of Education Meeting
Our next BOE meeting will be on Wednesday, April 10, 2023, at 7 pm. Our meetings are held at Walter R. Sundling School at 1100 N. Smith Street in Palatine. Anyone is welcome to attend the meetings, or you can tune in live to the livestream on our Youtube Channel or read the Board News following the meeting.
District 15 loves our Assistant Principals, Librarians, Paraprofessionals, Occupational Therapists, and Administrative Professionals!
There are a lot of people to celebrate in the month of April! All of these important groups in our District have recognition days/weeks in the month of April. We cannot thank these dedicated employees enough for their hard work and dedication to our District. We could not do what we do without each and every one of them! Thank you!
Shoutout to a D15 Staff Member
As you know, we have some of the best staff around so please consider sending a note of appreciation to any (or all) of our employees. You can do so via a digital postcard found on our website. The only requirement necessary to send the digital postcard is the D15 employee’s email address.
LEARN15 - We Want to Hear From You
LEARN15 (previously Parent University) is District 15’s platform for sharing learning opportunities for families to engage with. In the past, we have shared information via in-person meetings, livestream, or on-demand videos.
Please share any topics you’d like to learn about in this form. We will take this data and work to create new learning opportunities moving forward.
Good Luck to our YEA Students
Next Wednesday, April 10, students from District 15 who participated in the Young Entrepreneurs Academy program will present their business ideas “Shark Tank” style! These students spend the school year attending classes that help them build out a business idea, leading to their “pitch” to local investors in order to obtain funding for their new business ventures. If you’re interested in joining to hear their presentations, check out the flyer below for more details. We are so excited to hear our students’ presentations and wish them all good luck next week!
Your partner in education,
Laurie Heinz, Superintendent
MOVING 15 FORWARD
Calling all TJ Alumni!
The Thomas Jefferson Elementary School community welcomes past TJ alumni (students and staff) to come see our school one last time before it becomes a middle school next fall. Please see the flyer for additional information.
Interested in Buying a TJ Brick?
Calling all Thomas Jefferson friends, families, and alumni! We are looking to gauge interest in this special opportunity. Are you interested in leaving your mark on TJ history with our exclusive Thomas Jefferson Elementary School commemorative bricks?
Whether you're celebrating a milestone, honoring a loved one, or simply want to commemorate your time, a TJ-brick offers a timeless opportunity for you to do so. Crafted with precision and engraved with your personalized message, each brick becomes a permanent fixture outside our new Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Join countless others in leaving a lasting legacy and becoming a part of something truly special.
TJ 8x8 bricks will cost $100.00. Please indicate your interest through this form.
Once a Jaguar – Always a Jaguar!
Questions? Please email TJ Prinicpal Dr. Larry Sasso at sassol@ccsd15.net. Based on interest, more information will be shared in coming weeks.
NUTRITION SERVICES
Student Balances in Meal Accounts
As we approach the end of the school year, please take a moment to look at your student's balances in their meal accounts. Any unpaid meal accounts can be paid by cash or check at your student’s school or by credit card on the SchoolCafe website on the App.
All balances for returning students will be rolled over for the next school year.
If you are the parent of an 8th grader and will need a refund of the remaining funds on your student’s account or would like to have the funds transferred to a sibling that is in the district, please contact the Nutrition Department at malsh@ccsd15.net or (847) 963-3930.
TRANSPORTATION
Bus Routes for 2024-2025
- Please make sure you complete your child’s registration for 2024-25. We can not assign your child to a bus route for the upcoming year until registration is complete.
- If you qualify for transportation and do not need district-provided transportation, please contact your school and ask that your child be removed from bus service. This will help with routing and bus capacity planning. Thank you.
BUSINESS
Student Fees
Student fees were due on June 1, 2023. It is very important that these fees are paid to avoid them going to collection. Please visit the District’s website for the student fee rates and information on how to make a payment.
HUMAN RESOURCES
CCSD15 offers a Substitute Teacher Training Program
Do you know adults who would be great working with students? Perhaps you have a college graduate who has yet to land a job? With the Short Term Substitute (STS) license anyone who holds an Associate’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education or shows completion of 60 semester hours of college coursework is eligible to be a substitute. If interested, please go to the CCSD15 Hiring Page and fill out an application.
Did we mention there was a recent increase in our substitute rates?
- Teacher Substitute: $135/day
- Retired 15 Employee Teacher Substitute: $165/day
- Program Assistant Substitute: $105/day
Many Positions Available
COMMUNICATIONS
High Five Fridays are Back!
Today we kicked off our Spring High Five Fridays at Gray M. Sanborn! The dates below are our upcoming High Five Fridays!
- April 12 - Winston Campus Junior High and Thomas Jefferson
- April 19 - Walter R. Sundling and Willow Bend
- April 26 - Plum Grove Junior High and Lake Louise
- May 10 - Carl Sandburg Junior High and Virginia Lake
- May 17 - Winston Campus Elementary and Frank C. Whiteley
INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY
5th and 6th Grade Student Chromebooks
Over the next month, current 5th and 6th grade students around the District will be receiving new Chromebooks in anticipation of the move to middle schools in the fall. These new devices are touchscreen, and feature a new kind of case that snaps directly onto the Chromebook.
Some things of note:
Students no longer need to use their Chromebook case/bag that they currently have, but if they’d like to keep it, they’re welcome to do so.
Students will use the same charger they have currently.
This is a touchscreen Chromebook, and students will have a stylus that works with the device in Fall 2024.
When your student receives their new Chromebook, they’ll bring home a letter with information and the updated Responsible Use Contract.
Please take some time to discuss this new device and have your students show you around. If you have any questions, please contact your student’s building administration team.
TEACHING, LEARNING, & ASSESSMENT
Solar Eclipse Reminder
On Monday, April 8, 2024, all of North America will experience an eclipse of the sun. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon blocks any part of the sun. This is the first time since 2017 that a solar eclipse will be visible, weather permitting, on a path across the entire continental United States!
The partial solar eclipse will begin at 12:51 pm, with the maximum eclipse happening at 2:07 pm where 93% of the sun will be blocked. The partial eclipse will end at 3:22 pm.
To allow your child to participate in this rare scientific event, our district has organized a structured, supervised viewing opportunity for students.
Safety during the eclipse viewing is our top priority. Because parts of the sun will still be visible, we are providing solar eclipse glasses that must be worn outside at all times. Students and Staff will be required to wear solar glasses during the structured activity. Children will be supervised at all times. Morning Kindergarten students will bring their eclipse glasses home so that they may also participate.
In order to best manage safe eclipse viewing, other precautionary measures will be taken to protect students:
P.E. classes during the eclipse event will be held indoors.
- Students will have indoor recess during the time of the eclipse.
Library Summer Reading Programs
Palatine: Keep the reading going this summer with fun and prizes through the Palatine Library’s Summer Reading Program. Sign up, read anything, and get freebies and discounts from around town! Learn more: https://www.palatinelibrary.org/adventure-awaits
Rolling Meadows: The Rolling Meadows Library is hosting a Summer Reading Launch Party on Thursday, May 30th from 6-8 PM, and their summer reading challenge runs May 25th - August 31st to coincide with the summer break.
Arlington Heights: The Arlington Heights Memorial Library is finalizing its summer plans. More information about summer reading will be available on their website (www.ahml.info/summer). Information about upcoming events is available on their website (www.ahml.info/attend/events).
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
Community Wellness Resource Fair
The 2nd Annual Wellness Resource Fair will be on April 20 at the Buehler YMCA at 1400 W. Northwest Highway, Palatine. This event is from 9 am to 12 pm and is open to everyone in Palatine and the surrounding area.
Over 40 local providers and organizations will be in attendance, offering an opportunity to connect with experts and gain valuable resources that promote wellness. The event includes healthy activities for all ages. Take advantage of educational workshops, health screenings, and healthy activities for all ages. It's the perfect opportunity for FREE entry to the Buehler YMCA. You can explore the Family Adventure Center, dive into the pool during the all-day open swim, and tour the facility, including the preschool and kindergarten classrooms. Learn more about the day's workshops, activities, and health screening HERE. This is a joint effort made possible by the United Palatine Coalition, the Buehler YMCA, CCSD15, community organizations, and volunteers. For more information please contact Beth Sousa at bsousa@palatinelibrary.org.
MULTILINGUAL
Dual Language Culture Camp
Students currently enrolled in Dual Language programming are invited to enjoy literacy and cultural experiences from Spanish-speaking countries around the world while developing socio-cultural competence, the 3rd pillar of dual language education, during the Dual Language Culture Camp. The majority of the instruction will be in Spanish, and the program is free with transportation provided as needed and for dual language students in grades K-5.
Spanish Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC)
Date: Tuesday - April 9, 2024 from 6:30-8:00 pm
Location: Central Road Elementary School
Theme: Effective Communication for Families
Presentation will be in Spanish with headphone translation to English
All D15 families are welcome to join!
ONE-FIVE FOUNDATION
Reminder - Staff Tributes
Show your appreciation for a CCSD15 staff member through a Staff Tribute donation in their name to the one-five Foundation! Donate $10 in a staff member's name and they will receive a personalized card and a chocolate bar during the week of May 6th!
Please submit your $10 donation through PayPal (www.paypal.me/onefiveFoundation) or Venmo (@onefiveFoundation) and complete a brief online form to submit your personalized message and process your Staff Tribute. Be sure to put Staff Tribute for [staff member name] from [donor] in the comment box when you submit your payment.
Tributes must be submitted no later than Friday, April 26.
CALENDAR
Upcoming Dates:
- April 9 - BPAC Meeting
- April 10 - Free Developmental Screening for children age birth to 33 months
- April 10 - D15 Job Fair
- April 10 - Board of Education Meeting
- April 15 - Middle School New Family Welcome Night
- April 17 - D15 Job Fair
- April 17 - Elementary School New Family Welcome Night
- April 22 - Spanish Dual Language acceptance status notifications are sent
- April 22 - SPARK Meeting
- April 24 - D15 Job Fair