District Digest

In this issue…

• Message from the Superintendent
• Calendar Reminders
• Food Service Information

• Registration for Next School Year

• Kindergarten Center Principal Announcement

• Principal Position Available

• Dual Language Informational Meeting

• Hadley Chorus Happenings
  

• PTA Holiday Sharing

• D41Kids Supports Families

• Winter Outerwear Program

• Sign Up for D41 Text Messages

• Glenbard Parent Series

Dear District 41 Community,

As we approach winter break, I want to take a moment to share my appreciation for the warm welcome I’ve received as your new superintendent. Joining this vibrant and dedicated school community has been an absolute privilege, and I look forward to working together to support every student’s success.

As I reflect on the first half of the school year, we have celebrated the talents and passions of our students through memorable drama productions, athletic events, and musical concerts. We have experienced strong community engagement on topics such as full-day kindergarten, technology, and transportation. Thank you to everyone who helped make the holiday season so special in District 41. Your contributions to our cherished traditions bring joy to our schools and families.

All of these reflections lead me back to our hashtag: #WeAreD41. It takes a village to raise a child, and our nearly 3,500 children are fortunate to be surrounded by a community that cares so deeply about their growth and well-being. Thank you for being part of the We in #WeAreD41.

Wishing you all a safe, restful, and joyful winter break. See you in the new year!

Warm regards,

Jeff McHugh
Superintendent

• December 23, 2024 - January 3, 2025 | Winter Break
• Monday, January 6 | School Resumes

• Monday, January 13, 2025 Regular Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
• Monday, February 10, 2025 Regular Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
• Monday, March 3, 2025 Committee of the Whole Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
For full Board Meeting agendas CLICK HERE. For Board Meeting stream archives CLICK HERE.

Food service in District 41 schools will resume after winter break on January 6. Please make sure your PushCoin accounts are current and your child has funds available if purchasing food during the school day. CLICK HERE for the District 41 fees webpage

Registration in Skyward Family Access is required and will begin on January 15, 2025 for kindergarten and all returning students.

Glen Ellyn School District 41 is pleased to announce that after a comprehensive search process, the Board of Education approved the appointment of Mrs. Sarah Rodriguez as the first Principal of the District 41 Kindergarten Center at the December 16 Board meeting. The appointment is effective starting July 1, 2025.

Mrs. Rodriguez’s career in District 41 spans over 24 years. Most recently, she has served as Principal of Abraham Lincoln Elementary School for the past six years. Prior to being promoted to Principal of Lincoln School, she served as Assistant Principal at Benjamin Franklin Elementary School, problem-based learning coach, kindergarten teacher, first and fourth grade teacher, as well as an Accelerated and Enriched Curriculum (AEC) teacher, all in District 41. MORE DETAILS HERE
Pictured below: (Mrs. Rodriguez with Board President Dr. Robert Bruno and Superintendent McHugh at the Board meeting on Monday, December 16)

Come join our team! Glen Ellyn School District 41 is looking for an Elementary School Principal at Abraham Lincoln! Great place to work! Apply online at www.d41.org/jobs #WeAreD41

You are invited to an informational meeting about the D41 Dual Language Program at Churchill School. This session is designed to provide insights into the world of bilingual education for parents of incoming kindergarten students interested in participating in the District 41 Dual Language Program during the 25-26 school year.

WHAT: Dual Language Informational Meeting (in both English & Spanish)

WHEN: Thursday, January 23rd, 2025 @ 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Churchill Elementary, 240 Geneva Rd, Glen Ellyn IL

- Join us to understand the benefits of dual language learning.
- Learn more about the D41 Dual Language Model and how to participate.
- Meet some of the dual language teachers and staff.

- Get answers to your questions. MORE INFO HERE!

To learn more about our program, please visit our D41 website.

In preparation to see the movie Wicked, 8th grade chorus students studied various musical and technical aspects of the show, from compositional techniques that were used in the creation of the music, to the history of the show's creation and its ties to the Wizard of Oz. In addition, classroom discussions centered around careers that are available in theatre, including performance roles and the technical aspects of theatre such as set building, costume design, etc.

Also this month, via videoconference, Hadley students welcomed actor Denzel Tsopnang to their classroom who is currently touring with Disney's The Lion King! Tsopnang, who is native to the Chicago area and a former student of Hadley vocal and music teacher Paul Marchese, spoke to the 8th Grade Chorus about his journey from chorus in high school to becoming a professional actor on tour with Moulin Rouge and Lion King. In the process, he covered such topics as audition technique, overcoming nerves in auditions, and general perseverance in building a career and achieving goals. Thank you to Mr. Marchese for making these learning opportunities happen for students!

For 20 years, the PTA Holiday Sharing program has provided gifts, grocery gift cards, and books to District 41 families. This year, gifts were delivered to 493 children in 194 families. Thank you to all of the District 41 PTAs, the Glen Ellyn Junior Women’s Club, Operation Christmas of Wheaton, Glen Ellyn Infant Welfare Society, and many dedicated community volunteers. An extra special thank you to the 2024/25 Program Coordinators Jennifer Huard, Erin Petruck, Karen Winter and Annie Murphy. The holidays are bright in District 41 because of our village of volunteers!

The D41 Kids Foundation’s Winter Outerwear Program provides children in need with a full complement of brand new winter gear. This year it is estimated that the Foundation will need to provide for over 200 children. The cost per child is approximately $70, however donations of any amount are greatly appreciated. You can also shop online for a child by visiting the Winter Outerwear Program Amazon Wish List. Visit the D41 Kids website for more details.

Thank you for supporting kids and the D41 Kids Foundation’s Winter Outerwear Program this year! For questions, contact leefruit@ameritech.net

District 41 uses text messaging when sending out timely information. To register text Y or Yes to 67587. CLIC PARA ESPANOL

From the number you originally registered with, at any time you can text STOP to 67587 to cancel, or HELP for help. Any information obtained as part of SMS consent/registration will not be shared with third parties or affiliates. Message and data rates may apply. You can opt out at any time by texting "STOP." For assistance, text "HELP" or to learn more about SMS Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy click here.

If you need to update your contact preference, please review and update information on the Skylert Menu in Skyward Family Access or contact your school office.

District 41 is a proud partner of the Glenbard Parent Series. Check out the many programs offered to support parents with children of all ages! Check out their full updated list of upcoming events HERE and their 2024-25 brochure HERE.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 9 @ Noon and 7pm

Dr. Ellen Braaten
Bright Kids Who Couldn't Care Less: Tools for Tackling Motivation

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16 @ Noon and 7pm
Donna Jackson Nakazawa
The Adverse Childhood Experiences Guided Journal: A Workshop for Parents

Email: webmaster@d41.org Website: www.d41.org
Location: 793 North Main Street, Glen Ellyn, IL, USA
Phone: 630.790.6400
Facebook: facebook.com/glenellynd41
X: @glenellynd41

Instagram: Instagram.com/glenellynd41