The Highlighter October Edition

Dear Avoca Community,

I hope you are all enjoying the wonderful fall weather. One of the things I have always cherished about growing up and living in the Midwest is the changing of the seasons. For me, October showcases all the beauty that fall has to offer — vibrant foliage, pumpkin spice anything, and cozy moments with loved ones.

In schools, this month represents a time when we truly settle into the rhythm of the year. At Avoca, I can already see this happening. Our classrooms are buzzing with focused energy, and our extracurricular activities are in full swing, offering our students countless opportunities to be curious, grow, and connect.

October is also National Bullying Prevention Month, which is a time to focus on creating safe and supportive environments for all. At Avoca, we are committed to fostering a culture where everyone feels valued and respected. This aligns perfectly with our District’s Portrait of a Graduate and theme for the year: Socially Grounded. Being socially grounded means developing healthy relationships with self and others, rooted in respect, empathy, integrity, and justice.

When we approach one another with kindness and understanding, we build a stronger school community where everyone thrives. Together, we can ensure that our students grow up in an environment where respect and empathy are second nature, and where bullying has no place.

Thank you for your continued partnership in making Avoca a place where all students feel safe, supported, and empowered to be their best selves.

Warmly,

Sandra Arreguín, EdD
Superintendent

In compliance with Section 10-20.56 of the Illinois School Code, Avoca School District 37 has implemented an Emergency e-Learning Plan to ensure uninterrupted learning during emergencies that would otherwise result in school closures. This plan, approved by the Regional Office of Education and the Illinois State Board of Education, was reviewed during a public board hearing on February 8, 2024. Read more about the plan and view resources at our website here, including:

• 2024-2026 e-Learning Plan
• e-Learning Plan Presentation
• e-Learning Plan Secreencastify
• FAQs

Mark your calendars! Parent-teacher conferences will be held on October 23 and 24. Students will have half-days, with varying dismissal times. There will be no lunch on these days. On October 23, conferences will be held in-person, while October 24 will be conducted virtually via Google Meet. We will continue to use the Meet the Teacher platform for scheduling. Look out for additional information from your principal during the week of October 7, including sign-up instructions, meeting times, and more.

A subcommittee of the PTC, ADL is a support & resource group for parents and caregivers of students with IEPs/504s and with all needs, including ADD, ADHD, anxiety, autism, depression, dyslexia, hearing impairment, visual impairment, etc. Note, a formal diagnosis or plan is not required to join us.

Join us on Wednesday, October 9 at 6 p.m. in the Avoca West ITC for a session with Kristen Moore, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services. To help tailor the discussion, indicate what topics you're most interested in for the meeting by completing this ADL Parent/Guardian Survey.

On September 12, the PTC hosted an ice cream social that brought families together for a fun afternoon under a clear blue sky. The Kona Ice truck served refreshing shaved ice, enjoyed by both kids and adults. While parents mingled and savored their treats, children played on the playground, filling the air with laughter. The event was a great success, fostering a strong sense of community. Be sure to keep an eye out for future PTC events—you won't want to miss them!

Avoca is a top destination for professionals. Check our Employment page regularly for new job openings, and feel free to share with anyone who might be interested! We're currently seeking:

• Substitute Teachers
• Bus Drivers
• Bus Driver Substitutes
• Special Education Learning Behavior Specialist