Weekly Update
February 5, 2025
The keynote will be presented by Doug Bolton, author, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, and Director of School Consultation for Formative Psychological Services. The symposium will include breakout sessions for students and adults, a community resource fair, a book fair, and childcare for ages 3-10. The first 500 adult attendees will receive a free copy of Doug Bolton's book - Untethered: Creating Connected Families, Schools, and Communities to Raise a Resilient Generation. The first 200 student attendees will receive a free t-shirt. New this year - experience sessions for adults and students and a complimentary boxed lunch for all attendees.
For more information, visit ipsd.org/symposium or register here.
Students in grades 4-12 across Illinois have the opportunity to participate beginning February 18, 2025 in the Illinois 5Essentials Survey implemented by the Illinois State Board of Education. This statewide survey is based on 20 years of research at the University of Chicago. It asks students about their experiences in school, giving school leaders critical student input to help develop school improvement plans.
Student participants will be required to log-in using their student ID and birth date in order to complete the survey. Students’ identities will be completely confidential. Teachers or administrators will never see individual responses to survey questions and will only receive aggregated information, such as the total percentage of students who agree homework assignments help them learn course material.
Please be aware that under the Protection of Pupil Rights Act. 20 U.S.C. Section 1232(c) (1) (A), you have the right to review a copy of the questions asked of your child. The questions are the same as previous years and can be found on the Illinois 5Essentials website.
If you do not want your son or daughter to participate, please contact your child’s school by February 18, 2025.
District 204 follows a plan whenever there is consideration of holding an e-Learning day or canceling school due to weather conditions. The information will be announced by 6 AM on www.ipsd.org only if the district holds an e-Learning day or cancels school completely. The district will also make a 204 Connect phone call by 6 AM to alert parents and guardians to any changes to the regular schedule due to weather. Parents and students can also check the Emergency Closing Center for school closings. For more information, visit the district’s e-Learning webpage.
To improve our communication with district families, IPSD 204 is conducting a communications survey to better understand how district stakeholders currently receive information from their child’s school and the district, and to understand their preferences on receiving information going forward. Please take a moment to share your perspective on communications you receive from your child's school and the district by completing this survey. The survey will be open through Friday, February 28.
School Safety Contest - Win a $500 Amazon Gift Card!
IPSD 204’s safety contest, “Safe Schools Start with Us,” is open through February 14. Students are encouraged to create posters, digital designs, or PSAs that promote awareness about the importance of addressing school threats—whether real, hoaxes, or made in jest—reporting concerns to law enforcement or a trusted adult, and recognizing the role everyone plays in keeping our schools safe.
The top six finalists at each level will be notified by Friday, February 21, and invited to the February 24 Board of Education meeting, where winners will be announced. Winning students will receive prizes, with first-place winners at each level earning a $500 Amazon gift card! Winning entries will also be featured on the district’s website and social media to help spread awareness of this important issue.
Learn more about the safety contest at ipsd.org/safetycontest or view the “Safe Schools Start with Us” Flyer.
A special thank you to Rival5 for their generous sponsorship of our safety contest.
District 204 is grateful for all the dedicated volunteers who supported our schools in January. This month, we’d like to recognize our top volunteers:
· Naoko White - 50 hours (Brookdale Elementary)
· Katheryn Izzo - 49 hours (Spring Brook Elementary)
· Julie Manger - 43 hours (Patterson Elementary)
The top three schools with the most volunteer hours in January were Spring Brook Elementary with 1,125 hours, Gregory Middle School with 329 hours, and Patterson Elementary with 300 hours.
Thank you to GreenState Credit Union for sponsoring District 204’s volunteer program!
The Indian Prairie Educational Foundation (IPEF) and District 204 proudly honor Chris Michel, a seventh grade teacher at Hill Middle School, with the January A+ Award. Watch the A+ Award video to see the team’s visit to recognize Mr. Michel for “Making a Difference in District 204”.
Mr. Michel is a twenty-five-year teacher in IPSD 204 and was nominated for the A+ Award by Hill Middle School student, Rushil Sarda. In his essay, Rushil describes Mr. Michel as, “a shining light who teaches with clarity and passion.”
Rushil nominated Mr. Michel for this award because he has created a unique and inviting atmosphere in his classroom, and he encourages and helps students to join clubs that match their interests and abilities. Rushil stated that when he met Mr. Michel, “I had excitement, curiosity, and my passion for learning grew immensely in 7th grade, thanks to his help. Mr. Michel is more than a teacher to me, he’s that one powerful role-model in my educational life, from whom there is a lot to learn.”
A+ Award sponsor Western Governors University is partnering with IPEF and District 204 to help recognize one staff member each month for making a difference for students. To celebrate these outstanding staff members, Western Governors University is generously donating $1,000 for each month’s winner to use in his or her school.
You can nominate a staff member by visiting A+ Award.
The next regular Board of Education meeting is at 7 PM on Monday, February 24, 2025 at the Crouse Education Center, 780 Shoreline Drive, Aurora. Meeting agendas and documents will be available online prior to the meeting. Video of the regular meeting can be streamed live or viewed the following day at the District’s YouTube channel.
Only one week left to buy discounted early-bird tickets for the Indian Prairie Educational Foundation’s (IPEF’s) Inspire: Explore IPEF Breakfast Fundraiser, taking place on Tuesday, March 18th, at the beautiful White Eagle Golf Club. Guests will enjoy a vibrant morning of coffee and networking, followed by a full breakfast and an engaging presentation highlighting various impactful District 204 programs supported by the Indian Prairie Educational Foundation. Sponsorships and seats are on sale now! See our Inspire Breakfast Event Page for more information. If you have questions, please contact Trudie Ranson at trudie_ranson@ipsd.org.
Congresswoman Underwood invites residents and families in the 14th District of Illinois to participate in “Valentines for Veterans,” an opportunity to share valentines and greetings with local veterans to show our appreciation for their service. Rep. Underwood will visit and share all the greetings with veterans across the 14th District.
How does it work? You can submit a video, drawing, or even just a simple message of thanks. Get as creative as you like or keep it simple!
SUBMIT A DIGITAL VALENTINE FOR VETERANS HERE.
You can also mail or drop off physical Valentines for Veterans to:
Office of Congresswoman Lauren Underwood
116 N. Chicago Street, Suite 201
Joliet, IL 60432
Please submit greetings by Monday, February 10, 2025.
