Half Day

Eeekk! It’s slimy and slithery…or is it? Half Day students recently explored the fascinating world of reptiles and amphibians through hands-on activities that highlighted how these animals’ specialized body parts help them grow and survive in the wild.

During a field trip to the Edward Ryerson Conservation Area, students, as seen in these photos, rotated through three interactive stations where they compared and contrasted reptiles and amphibians. They even had the chance to get up close with live animals—an unforgettable learning experience!

Half Day School values trips to the Edward Ryerson Conservation Area because of its rich ecosystems, which support classroom studies on food chains and living systems—the science of life and all living organisms.

• Monday, April 28: No School. Nonattendance day for staff and students.
• Wednesday, April 30: MAP Assessment for Reading.
• Thursday, May 1: MAP Assessment for Math.

We encourage you to subscribe to the Half Day calendar so meetings and events can automatically be added to your personal calendar. Copy the calendar. Right click the url to a new tab. Download the calendar to your personal calendar.

D103’s vision is to create a learning environment where every student thrives academically, emotionally and socially. Take a moment to enjoy a brief video for Future-Ready Fridays: D103’s Portrait of a Graduate in Action! On our YouTube Channel are brief student voice videos where they demonstrate learning in the classroom.

This week is National Volunteer Appreciation Week. The D103 Board of Education, at its meeting this week, recognized our District 103 parent organizations, the PTO and Learning Fund Foundation, of which its members work countless hours supporting our staff, students, and parent community.

Our two organizations provide many educational events for students and staff, that occur during school, evenings, and weekends, sponsor field trips and musical performances, provide supplies and equipment, volunteer in and out of classrooms and raise needed funds to support our teachers and the district.

"Thank you for your unwavering commitment, tireless efforts, and incredible support of our students, staff, and families. Your partnership makes a real and lasting impact in our schools every single day," said Superintendent Scott Warren. Dr. Warren went on to say, "Your support elevates the learning experience for every child in our district. What makes your contributions so special is not just the financial support, but the heart and intention behind it. You model what it means to be a true community—one that works together, lifts each other up, and puts children at the center of everything we do."

D103 is in the process of refining AI guidelines for our students and staff, and we would love to hear your thoughts. We are creating two pathways for parents/guardians to provide feedback on the guidelines.

First, we are planning to form a small group of parents/guardians to meet and provide initial feedback on the guidelines. Depending on the interest in being a part of this group, we may have to limit the number of participants by using a random selection method. If you are interested in being a part of this small group, please fill out this Google form by Tuesday, April 29.

Second, after refining the guidelines with the input of the small team, we will then send the guidelines to all families to seek additional feedback.

If you have any questions about this process, please reach out to Dr. Craig Chatham, Director of Technology & Assessment, at cchatham@d103.org.

Please join Principal Jessica Groncki in welcoming Mrs. Nicole Barba, Assistant Principal, and Mr. David Herlocker, Assistant Principal of Student Services, to the Daniel Wright team. Both individuals bring a wealth of experience, a passion for student success, and a commitment to fostering a supportive and innovative school environment.

Mr. Herlocker is replacing Kyle Thompson, who accepted a position as Principal at North Shore Academy Elementary School, Highland Park. Mrs. Barba is taking over an assistant principal position that previously was shared by two individuals but has been combined into one full-time position.

Classroom placement is an important process for our students, and our teachers and staff invest significant time and effort to ensure the creation of healthy learning groups and environments. It is important to develop balanced classrooms by considering students’ gender, academic, social, and emotional needs. We strive to create an optimal learning environment for students in each of our teacher’s classrooms.

If you wish to share more specific information about your child's placement, please indicate your thoughts on this Optional Parent Input Form.

Please complete the form no later than midnight on Wednesday, April 30.

The input you provide will be reviewed and considered as we begin planning for your child for the 2025-2026 school year. While specific teacher requests cannot be accommodated, your insight is valued as we take many variables into consideration.

Please note, the input you share is not private between the Principal and parent and will be shared during the placement process. Please complete a form for each of your children, if desired.

We look forward to providing your child with continued learning excellence! Thank you for taking time to share your thoughts with our staff.

During the week of Monday, May 5, through Friday, May 9, we will be spoiling our teachers with treats, supplies, and a gift card drawing! Be sure to look at our weekly schedule to learn about the details of each day.

You might be wondering how you can help? We have two ways to get involved. One option is to check out our Sign Up on d103pto.org and sign up to purchase an item or two. Donated items should be dropped at the respective school by Friday, May 2. Don’t have time to go shopping but still want to help? No worries. You can also donate to the PTO for a specific building to help make the week a success!

The PTO is excited to help the Half Day 5th grade teachers with a fun activity for the students! The 5th graders will be tie-dying their new Daniel Wright t-shirts on May 6th! (Rain date is May 7th)

We are looking for volunteers on May 2nd to help rubber band shirts in preparation for tie-dying. We are also looking for volunteers to help students with the tie-dying on May 6th.

👉 Sign up to help out! https://dub.sh/D103SignUp

Support a D103 family owned local business and the Learning Fund Foundation by dining in or taking out all week from Monday, April 21, to Sunday, April 27, from the Buns on Fire Restaurant, 466 W Half Day Rd, Buffalo Grove. Check out their menu and don't forget your FREE REFRESHER with any purchase. Just mention the Learning Fund Foundation while placing your order.

Each year, the PTO proudly recognizes a dedicated volunteer who embodies the spirit and commitment of Dawn Anderson, a long-time champion of District 103, the D103 PTO, and our community.

We now carry on her legacy by honoring a volunteer who demonstrates this same dedication to our schools and students.

Nominees must meet the following:

• Have an eighth-grade student as their youngest child—this volunteer will be “graduating” from District 103.
• Consistently volunteered throughout their child(ren)’s time at D103 schools.
• Made a meaningful, lasting impact on the educational experience of D103 students.
• May be a visible leader of PTO events or a quiet, reliable supporter always willing to step in.
• Like Dawn, this individual should have an infectious volunteer spirit.

The deadline to nominate a volunteer is Sunday, May 4. The winner of this award will be announced at the eighth-grade graduation ceremony.

👉 Nominate someone today!

Break out your Derby hats and bow ties and join us for an afternoon of connection, parenting inspiration, and Derby-themed fun!

Here are the details:

• Saturday, May 3, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

• Lincolnshire Swim Club, 2 Yorkshire Dr., Lincolnshire.

• Light bites and drinks will be provided.

• Fun activities and prizes.

Please leave your little ones at home, this event is intended for adults only and no child care will be available.

👉 Let us know you are coming.

Celebrate your child's achievements with our exclusive Graduate Lawn Signs! These celebratory signs are available for Sprague, Half Day, or Daniel Wright.

The signs are single-sided and sized 24" wide and 18" tall. A lawn stake is included.

Order by Monday, April 28, and pick up your signs on Thursday, May 15, from 3:00 to 6:30 p.m. or Friday, May 16, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the D103 district offices, 111 Barclay Blvd., Lincolnshire.

Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to show off your child's accomplishments and make their graduation even more special!

👉 Purchase your lawn sign by visiting https://dub.sh/ku981aG.

The PTO presents an award each year to a volunteer who worked tirelessly to dedicate their time and talents to our schools during the current academic year.

Anyone may nominate a deserving person for this award. All nominees and nominators remain confidential; however, nominations cannot be made anonymously. Although very deserving, the PTO President is not eligible for nomination.

The deadline to nominate a volunteer is Sunday, May 4. The award recipient is announced at the May PTO board meeting.

👉 Nominate someone today!

The Run for D103 5K Run/Walk is quickly approaching! This family-friendly annual fundraising event that helps the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) provide essential programs and equipment for the staff and students of Lincolnshire-Prairie View School District 103. This event reflects our district’s commitment to promoting healthy minds and active lifestyles, inspiring a lifelong love for both education and exercise.

Whether you're a seasoned runner or just looking for a fun way to get moving, this is the perfect chance to challenge yourself, connect with the community, and support a great cause. We’d love to see you at the starting line!

Interested in sponsoring the run? If you own a business or work for a company that would like to support this fantastic event, we'd love to hear from you! Please email 5k@d103pto.org.

Register to run or volunteer today at runford103.org!

Lawn Squad, owned and managed by a D103 family, is thrilled to announce a new partnership with D103 PTO. When you sign up for Lawn Squad’s full lawn care program, you’ll receive a FREE fertilizer treatment, and D103 PTO will earn a $50 donation for every qualifying purchase.

It’s a win-win: You get a greener lawn and D103 PTO receives valuable support for our programs. Getting started is easy—visit LawnSquad.com/Giving-Back, or call 847-410-9791 for your free quote.

A free Earth Day event will be held at Riverwoods Village Hall on Saturday, April 26, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. with activities and useful information for the whole family. Visit www.riverwoodspreservation.com for more information.

Chicago Rush Soccer Club tryouts will take place Monday, April 28, to Tuesday, April 29. Details about tryouts can be found on the Chicago Rush website.

Are you a young artist bursting with creativity? Do you dream of sharing your artwork with the community and even making your first sale? The Riverwoods Residents Association invites aspiring artists ages 5-16 to display and sell their artwork at the annual Arts & Riverwoods Show, taking place May 2–4. Please fill at an application to participate.

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Principals

• Principal Jill Mau
• Assistant Principal Laura Delagrange
Reporting an Absence
• 847-634-1484
• Hd_attendance@d103.org