Daniel Wright

Wizards, muggles, and witches have drawn Daniel Wright’s Library Media Clerk Liz Walker toward fantasy novels. And, her love for the mystical fascinated students and staff alike. After 20 years in the district, Liz bids farewell to the students and staff she has come to know so well.

Students would seek guidance on which worlds to explore, and Liz was their trusted guide. "I’m the fantasy go to person at the DW library," Liz proudly declared. "I believe the Harry Potter books are the greatest series written in my lifetime." Indeed, she owns every book.

But Liz's expertise didn't stop there. She reveled in discovering new authors, delighting in the enchanting tales spun by the likes of Leigh Bardugo and Stephanie Garber. It was no surprise that Liz had been a part of a book club for 27 years.

During her tenure in District 103, Liz found particular joy in a group of girls who would visit the library to simply "talk books." They would gather around, discussing the twists and turns of their favorite stories, debating the merits of each spellbinding adventure.

As Liz bids farewell to the many friends she's made in D103 and the countless books she's shared, she looks forward to a new chapter in her life. While she'll miss the library, she's eager to spend more time with her children. And, as she tends to her yard she'll slip on a pair of headphones, immersing herself in the world of audiobooks. Even in retirement, Liz knows that the magic of storytelling will always be a part of her life.

• Band Concert: 6-8 grades, 7:00 p.m. Tonight, May 9.
  

• Chorus Concert: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 14.

• Eighth-Grade Dance: 7:00 p.m. Friday, May 17.

• D103 5K Run: Register now for the PTO sponsored event on Saturday, May 18.
  

Three Daniel Wright eighth-graders presented projects at the Illinois Junior Academy of Science State Science Fair at Millikin University over the weekend.

Marisa Thombre presented her project, "Pitch Perfect" in which she studied the possibility of a genetic link to a person's ability to identify any musical note after hearing it. She earned a Gold Award. She was also invited to participate in the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge as she scored in the top 10% of all middle school projects. Finalists for this competition are announced in the Fall of 2024.

Krishiv Raj and Chandresh Gopal presented their project, "Buff Bridges" and earned a Gold Award. In addition, they received a second place award from the Illinois Soybean Association and an Exceptional Project in Engineering Award from Maurer-Stutz, Inc. They have also been invited to participate in the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge.

Congratulations to the junior scientists!

District 103 formally recognizes its 198 certified staff members during National Teacher Appreciation Week May 6 through May 10. The district’s Parent Teacher Organization has been showing its appreciation with the theme of “Thanks for Helping Us Grow.” The PTO has been recognizing teachers throughout the week with lunch, treats, and other acts of kindness for their work both in and beyond the classrooms. The Board of Education also thanked its teachers at the school board meeting on May 7. Thank you to all the parents who donated their time and resources to this wonderful recognition week!

"Our teachers have created an exceptional learning environment for our students, support our families, and work collaboratively to ensure our students excel. I am proud of the dedication and hard work our teachers display day in and day out. Thank you for making D103 an outstanding district for students to learn and grow!” said Superintendent Scott Warren.

Dr. Scott Warren, Superintendent, and the Board of Education recognized staff members this week for the years they have committed to working in District 103 and their dedication to our students.

DW's Go Green students are working to save the polar bears! All students may buy raffle tickets at lunch on Thursday, May 9, and Friday, May 10. Three winners per grade level will win an ice cream treat with a chosen friend. Additional winners will be eligible for candy prizes. Donations are also accepted. All proceeds will be donated to Polar Bears International.

Thirty-three Daniel Wright students packed food at a local Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) site as an end of the year service activity for the Wright Way Club (WWC).

Volunteers hand-pack the meals for FMSC. Meals are donated to FMSC food partners around the world, to feed children nutritious meals. WWC members organize local and global fundraisers throughout the school year, providing students an opportunity to develop leadership skills.as seen in these photos of students helping out at FMSC.

The SEL Trait of the month for May is Positivity. We celebrated our students who demonstrated Global Citizenship for the month of April. Please take a moment to see what we’re doing to showcase Positivity at DW and how you can keep the conversation going at home!

With just 18 days of school before summer begins, direct your students to check the lost and found for missing items. There are jackets, lunch boxes, water bottles, and more. Claim them before the school year ends!

D103 PTO is organizing a special event called "Team 6th Finish Line" for sixth-grade students on Tuesday, June 4. The event will feature various games, activities, and sports on the Daniel Wright fields. Volunteers are invited to help supervise the games, and no pre-planning is necessary as everything will be set up in advance. Volunteers must adhere to the School Guidelines and Volunteer Code of Conduct. For more information, contact Nicole Leannais or Paula Lanni via email.

• Sign up to volunteer at https://bit.ly/D103SignUp

Attention all eighth-graders and parents! Time is running out to secure your spot at the unforgettable Class of 2024 eighth-grade dance, hosted by the PTO. Imagine an evening filled with electrifying music from our amazing DJ, mouthwatering snacks, picture-perfect photo ops, and memories that will last a lifetime!

The eighth-grade dance takes place Friday, May 17, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Daniel Wright.

You have until Wednesday, May 15, to purchase your tickets online for just $30. After that, tickets will only be available at the door for $35 (cash preferred). Don't miss out on the chance to save money and guarantee your entry to this incredible event. Act now and make sure you're part of the celebration!

Additionally, we are still in need of volunteers to help make this night a success. Whether you can spare an hour or the whole evening, your help is greatly appreciated. Sign up today to be a part of creating an unforgettable experience for our 8th graders.

Don't delay, secure your tickets and volunteer spot today! Let's make this Eighth-Grade Dance one for the books!

• Buy dance tickets today: https://bit.ly/446jRU3
• Sign up to volunteer: School District 103 PTO - Login (membershiptoolkit.com)

Purchase a brick with your student's name on it where it will be waiting for them as they enter Daniel Wright Junior High School. A memory for a lifetime! Don't miss this opportunity for your student with the Learning Fund Foundation's Legacy Brick fundraiser.

The PTO is thrilled to invite all eighth-grade students to a pool party on Thursday, May 30, from 11 a.m. to to 2 p.m. at the Lincolnshire Swim Club, 2 Yorkshire Drive, Lincolnshire. The admission cost is $15 online per student but increases to $20 at the door. The event includes unlimited swimming, a DJ, pizza, drinks, and Kona Ice. RSVP is required and attendees must agree to the liability waiver. Participants are advised to wear swimsuits, bring towels, and prepare for an outdoor event. In case of rain, a new date will be announced.

• Purchase your tickets now: https://bit.ly/3WctAGb

The District 103 Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) and Executive Board are calling upon passionate and dedicated individuals to step forward and assume leadership roles for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. This pivotal opportunity not only enriches your engagement with the community but also directly impacts the educational landscape for our children. As we navigate the evolving challenges in education, your leadership can chart a course that fosters innovation, inclusivity, and excellence.

By joining the PTO or Executive Board, you become a catalyst for positive change, influencing policies, programs, and initiatives that shape the academic journey of students across our district. Whether you bring expertise in fundraising, communication, event planning, or advocacy, your unique skills and perspectives are invaluable in creating a vibrant and supportive learning environment. Seize this chance to make a lasting difference and be part of a dynamic team driving educational success in D103!

• Sign up for leadership roles: https://bit.ly/4a9mgi8

Over 515 individuals have registered for the Run for D103 5K Run/Walk. Cost is $35 per runner (cost goes up on Race Day). Group rates and family sponsorships are also available. Learn more and register at runford103.org today for the Saturday, May 18, event!

Do you plan to be at the event cheering on family and friends? Volunteers are still needed to help with course support and photography during the race. Sign up to volunteer https://bit.ly/D103SignUp.

Mélange and Repertory Dance Companies General Auditions are coming soon and we hope you will audition to join us!

Please sign up to audition using our Dance Company Audition Form. Auditioner will then receive audition phrase work videos via email on May 10 and auditions are on May 15 AND May 16. Both days. See all the details in our flyer - which has all the information and links you need.

Discover the exhilarating world of Girls Flag Football, a sport rapidly gaining momentum in Illinois and nationwide! Stevenson PREP is thrilled to introduce our first-ever girls feeder flag football teams, igniting passion and camaraderie on the field. Join us for an unforgettable journey as our SHS girls feeder flag football program takes the stage, competing in the esteemed Chicagoland Youth Football League. With games scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the fall, the excitement knows no bounds. Practices kick off on Monday, July 22, offering flexible weekday sessions mostly after 6 p.m.

The Center for Gifted is offering an exciting program for sixth- through eighth-graders to supplement our own Camp 103 Club this summer. Science Spectacular, an in-depth, immersion lab experience, will run Monday, June 10, through Wednesday, July 3, at Daniel Wright, weekdays 12:30 to 3:00 p.m. Course content will incorporate a chemistry lab, biological explorations, and an electronics lab, all hands-on and sure to challenge and inspire! District 103 students receive a 10% tuition discount, using this code at checkout: TEN4D103.

• Center for Gifted Brochure
• Center for Gifted Class Information

Stevenson High School invites are girls interested in playing Lacrosse to take part in their clinic during the month of April. Register now on the SHS website.

American Youth Symphony Orchestra offers immersive and inspirational clinics for middle school and high school bands with some of Chicago’s top musicians & performers.

Stevenson High School is offering a development hockey skills sessions for incoming eighth-graders in preparation for the fall hockey season with a focus on building strength, skills, and chemistry in teammates.

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Principals


• Kendra Perri, Principal
• Dr. Nina Nusbaum, Assistant Principal
• Dr. Susan Baker, Assistant Principal
Reporting an Absence
• 847-604-5280
• Dw_attendance@d103.org