Blue Jay Buzz

In this issue you will find:

New Info

• Upcoming Dates
• Community Corner
• School Updates and Other Information
• PTO Updates
• 8th grade Information

Old News

• Cellphones, Medication, Attendance, Tardiness to school

5/2/2025 Newsletter

Mark T. Schwarz - Principal - mschwarz@dps109.org

Donnie Castans - Associate Principal - dcastans@dps109.org

Marcia Klita - Director for Student Services - mklita@dps109.org

Monday 5/26 - No School - Memorial Day

Tuesday 6/3 - 8th Grade Graduation @ DHS

Friday 6/6 - Last Day of School for grades 6 and 7

Wednesday 8/13 - Locker Day

The Music Department at Caruso—Choir Director Kara Vombrack (left), Band Director Matt Zmuda (center), and Orchestra Teacher Carrie Anselmo (right)—is truly something special. This dynamic trio brings passion, energy, and encouragement to our school each day, helping students grow not only as musicians but as confident learners.

Whether it’s the daily rhythm of rehearsals, the challenge of mastering a new piece, or the excitement of a live performance, these educators create spaces where students experience the power of productive struggle. They guide students through moments of frustration, persistence, and breakthrough—building skills that go far beyond music.

From choir harmonies that uplift to the powerful sounds of our bands and orchestras, their impact is seen (and heard!) in every corner of the building. Because they work with students across all three years at CMS, they build strong relationships that inspire creativity, connection, and growth.

This week, the team is fitting the next generation of musicians for their instruments. But it’s more than just choosing what to play—it’s the start of a meaningful journey. It’s where future Blue Jays begin their musical path, supported by a department that believes in the joy of effort, the beauty of teamwork, and the transformative power of the arts.

One of my favorite parts of the school year is watching our students perform in the talent show. It’s such an amazing chance to see you all in a totally different light—doing something you truly love. Whether it’s singing, dancing, playing an instrument, or showing off something unexpected (Sam’s Rubik’s Cube robot, anyone?), the courage it takes to perform in front of your peers is something I deeply admire.

At one point during the show, I overheard a couple of teachers say, “Did you know she could sing?” They were totally surprised—in the best way. That’s the magic of these moments: you reveal talents, take risks, and inspire others.

Van Gogh once said, “Fishermen know the sea is dangerous... but they have never found these dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore.” In other words, you have to head into the storm sometimes, because the best rewards don’t come to those who play it safe.

That’s what we see here at Caruso—a place where students are willing to take chances, try something new, and push through the fear of failure. That kind of productive struggle leads to real growth. Whether you’re stepping on stage or raising your hand in class, each risk you take brings you one step closer to becoming your best self.

Keep going. Keep growing.

This week, the LC was filled with creativity, critical thinking, and environmental passion as our 8th graders showcased their work at the Environmental Fair. It was an incredible display of ideas, innovation, and action.

Projects fell into three inspiring categories:

• Design Projects – Students created tools and solutions to help people tackle environmental challenges.

• Hands-On Investigations – Through experiments, students explored environmental questions and tested possible solutions.

• Save the Planet Initiatives – From awareness campaigns to action plans, students led efforts to reduce human impact on the Earth.

We’re proud of our students for their thoughtful work and commitment to making a difference. Check out some highlights below!

If your child wants to try out for a sport during the upcoming 2025-2026 school year, please ensure they have either the Certificate of Child Health Examination or the Pre-participation Examination forms completed and up-to-date beforehand. You will need to submit one of the two forms below:

• Certificate of child health examination

• Pre-participation examination form

Examination forms must be dated within 12 months of the tryout date. If you have any questions, please contact our building nurse.

Families can now log into Family Access to:

• Pay your 2025-2026 fees before the July 1 early payment deadline

• Verify your contact and other information

• Review the Student/Parent-Guardian Handbook

• Learn about new publication permission opt-out procedures

InfoCheck is a new online form that brings together a few important annual procedures in one place and time. When you log into Family Access, click on the “2025-2026” InfoCheck tile.

Find all the fee details at dps109.org/fees.

Family Access will be closed from May 21 until June 6.

This is a friendly reminder that Family Access will be unavailable from Wednesday, May 21, at 3:30 p.m. until Friday, June 6. During that time, teachers will be submitting their grades for the school year. During this window, you will still have the ability to log in to pay fees or review your account information. However, you will not have access to preview your student’s Portfolio, Grading, or GradeBook. Access to those, along with your student’s 24-25 report card, will reopen in Family Access on Friday, June 6, by 3:30 p.m.

Over the past several weeks, our teachers have been thoughtfully collaborating with one another and with administration to ensure that every student is placed in the best possible learning environment for next school year. These conversations consider many factors, including academic needs, social dynamics, and student support services.

As we begin the scheduling process, we kindly ask that families do not request specific teachers or teams. Our goal is to create balanced classrooms that support the success and growth of all students. Thank you for your understanding and partnership.

8th Grade Graduation is right around the corner, and we want to make sure you have all the important details in one place—including information about tickets.

Click here for graduation details on our website.

Thanks, and we’re looking forward to celebrating this milestone with you!

If your student will not be in school, please report the absence to the health office by phone (847) 945-8430 x6103) or email (carusoattendance@dps109.org) before 8:00 am. If you do not contact our school nurse by this time, she will contact you at home or at work to ascertain your child’s whereabouts. Children must be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school. Students will only be dismissed to a parent or legal guardian, or to emergency contacts designated in Family Access.

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Email: cmsoffice@dps109.org
Website: https://www.dps109.org/Page/9
Location: 1801 Montgomery Road, Deerfield, IL, USA