109 News

Dear District 109 Families,

As we prepare for Thanksgiving, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued partnership and support in your child’s education. Your involvement—whether by helping with homework, attending school events, or simply encouraging a love of learning at home—plays an essential role in fostering your child’s growth and success. We are so grateful to work together with you to create a vibrant and supportive educational community.

I hope this Thanksgiving break provides your family with time to relax, recharge, and enjoy special moments together. On behalf of all of us in District 109, we are thankful for the trust you place in us and for the joy your children bring to our schools each day. Wishing you a happy and restful holiday filled with warmth, gratitude, and togetherness.

Warm regards,
Michael V. Simeck, Superintendent of Schools

Gift Drop-Off Details:

• Dates: December 2–11
• Locations: District Office or the lobby of any school

Important Information for Gift Donations:

• Gifts Should Not Be Wrapped: Please ensure all gifts are unwrapped.
• Label Gifts with the Themed Family Name: For example, “Candy Cane Family.”
• Gift Cards: If donating gift cards, please bring them to the school’s front office or the District Office staff.
• Shipping Option: Gifts can be shipped directly to Wilmot Elementary School at 795 Wilmot Road, Deerfield. Please address them to Eileen Brett.

The DPS 109 Board of Education has approved next year’s calendar at their most recent meeting. Below, you’ll find a list of key dates along with a detailed version of the full calendar.

The DPS 109 Board of Education met on Thursday, November 14. We were thrilled to hear from South Park students about the philanthropy election they held at their school the day before the U.S. presidential election! For a summary of the meeting and to watch the recording, click below to access The BOE Recap.

As we approach winter, we want to remind you of how we determine if school will be open and how we’ll communicate any changes. If in-person school is not possible due to weather, we will shift to an e-learning day.

When would school not be in person?
The process for deciding whether school will be in person is outlined in the Adverse Weather Procedures section of our website. The Superintendent and district leaders consider several factors, including the timing and amount of precipitation, temperature, wind chill, and road conditions. If an e-learning day is necessary, we will notify families promptly.

When will we receive an initial notification?
We closely monitor weather forecasts and will send devices home with students the day before a potential weather event. A “heads-up” email will also be sent to staff and families as early as possible the day prior, giving teachers time to prepare and ensuring devices are fully charged.

When is a final decision made, and how will we be notified?
We aim to make a final decision by 5:30 a.m. Families and staff will receive an immediate text and email if we are shifting to e-learning, followed by a robocall. Please ensure your contact information is up to date in Skyward. Whether school is open or we transition to e-learning, a status update will be posted on dps109.org.

How will my student know what to do on an e-learning day?
On the morning of an e-learning day, your building principal will send school-specific instructions via email. Students will meet with their teachers on Google Meet, with links provided in the principal's email, Seesaw, or Google Classroom.

If you have any additional questions, please email communications@dps109.org or reach out to your building principal.

As we approach the holiday break, when students may spend extra time on their devices, we want to remind you about the wealth of digital safety resources available on our district website. These resources include valuable tips for families on navigating popular apps and programs.

A special thank you to our school librarians, Ms. Maria Galanis, Officer Maldonado, and others for their collaboration in curating these tools! Click below to explore the page and help ensure a safe and positive digital experience for your family.

The Deerfield High School Athletic Booster Club is thrilled to offer the Future Warrior Fast Pass for middle and elementary school students! For just $10, this pass grants FREE admission to ALL HOME football and basketball games (girls' and boys' teams). Please note: IHSA events, playoffs, and tournaments are not included.

To register, visit www.d113boosters.org. Be sure to include your student’s name during registration, and a digital Fast Pass will be emailed to you.