Weekly Update
May 8, 2024
"Safer Stronger 204" Funding Proposal
Congratulations to Dr. Rachael Mahmood, Illinois Teacher of the Year
Dr. Rachael Mahmood, 5th grade teacher at Georgetown Elementary School, was recently named "Teacher of the Year" by the Illinois State Board of Education. Watch the surprise announcement video below.
Parent University: Becoming an Elementary School Parent
Parent University: Becoming an Elementary School Parent is an interactive presentation geared toward incoming kindergarten and first grade parents and guardians to better prepare them for this new transition in their child's life. The purpose of this presentation is to share what to expect as your child enters school full time and how parents can support their child’s emotional development throughout the early school years. A panel discussion among Indian Prairie School District 204 staff members will round out the evening. The in-person session was held on April 30 with the virtual session coming up on May 9. Read More Here. Register Here. Parent University Flyer.
Academically Talented Programming Audit
Indian Prairie School District (IPSD) provides numerous meaningful learning experiences including Project Arrow (PA), an enrichment language arts program in grades 3-5 with a broader continuation in middle school. This program is provided to meet the needs of academically talented students.
The other program for some of these students is Math Acceleration (hereinafter MA), which is as its name suggests an acceleration program. These students complete the 4th grade math curriculum in 3rd grade. This continues through 5th grade, and some students are accelerated again between 5th and 6th grade. Thus, some students have completed one year of high school math or two by the end of middle school.
IPSD recently contracted with Burns/Van Fleet (BVF) to conduct an audit to determine the level of consistency in admission criteria, instruction, formal assessments, and financial and administrative resources. BVF has evaluated numerous academically talented programs recently as a vital part of its work with districts’ leadership transitions. BVF Consultants spent ten (10) days in the District. Twenty-five (25) interviews were conducted with central office administration, principals, and teachers. More teachers and principals engaged in discussions during school visits to twelve (12) campuses, which also included lunch forums with students.
In addition, three (3) dedicated forum meetings were facilitated for both parents/guardians of PA/MA students in both virtual and in-person formats. These sessions were further supplemented by a dedicated in-person forum for IPSD faculty and staff. Moreover, an extensive campaign of surveys was undertaken. Virtual surveys were developed with tailored questions for a variety of populations.
Read the audit results here. The district is examining short and long term actions of the report. In the future, the actions and a timeline will be shared.
Team IPEF Extended Registration Ends May 24
Extended registration for Team IPEF runs through May 24 - that is the last day we can guarantee your shirt size. Run, walk, and raise funds as a Team IPEF Charity Hero in the Naperville Half Marathon, 10K, or 5K on October 20. 50% of funds raised go to your favorite IPSD 204 school and 50% to IPEF-funded district-wide programs. Returning this year: any student who registers with a parent only needs to meet a $25 charity fundraising minimum! Students must be 6 years old by Race Day (October 20) to participate in the 5K or 10K and at least 14 years old to participate in the half marathon. Gather your friends and family to register and join the fun! Learn more and register HERE for Team IPEF today!
Resources for Parents
Webinar- Virtual
Wednesday, May 15 from 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Title: School’s Out for Summer: Maintaining Stability for Return to School
- Speaker: Sari Salvesen, LCPC
- Learn why routine is important for your teen’s mental health.
- Identify key points to focus on over the summer to maintain stability.
- Understand how to prepare your teen for a smooth transition back to school.
- Register » VIRTUAL WEBINAR
Introduction to Construction Management – Apply by May 10
Students ages 16+ are invited to explore careers in construction management, including case studies and job shadowing in construction management, architecture and a variety of trades. Earn college credit and gain practical experience to help guide your career choices! Class runs from June 3-July 25, 2024. Learn more and apply here by May 10.
Next Board of Education Meeting: May 20, 2024
The next regular Board of Education meeting is at 7 PM on Monday, May 20, 2024 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.
Third-Party Educational Programs
The following companies have rented space in our schools to offer an after-school educational program for students. The distribution of this material is in no way an endorsement of programs, services, activities, or products by District 204. For more information, visit programs.
This Week's e-Folder
This week's e-Folder has been updated with information on community programs. For more information about the programs listed below, visit the 204 e-Folder.
Naperville Summer Reading Program
Naperville Library Summer School Program|
Young Naperville Singers
Dr. Rubin’s Mini Medical Summer Programs 2024
Edward Hospital Safe Sitter Classes
Greater Chicago Soap Box Derby
BrightSide Theatre Youth Project Summer Camps- Little Mermaid Jr.