Weekly Update
May 1, 2024
"Safer Stronger 204" Funding Proposal
If you have not yet had an opportunity to view the "Safer, Stronger 204" Funding Proposal videos, the series is available on the District's YouTube Channel. The proposal would address important building and operating challenges, without imposing a net tax rate increase. The District is gathering the community’s feedback on the funding proposal at Community Informational Meetings. For a calendar of upcoming meetings and other information, visit Safer Stronger 204. Watch the Safety and Security video below.
2024-25 Online Registration is Open
Online registration for new and returning students for the 2024-25 school is now open. Parents and guardians will use their ParentVUE account or the online registration portal to complete registration.
If you have technical questions about how to complete your family's online registration, we invite you to reach out to our Student Information System support team by email at sis@ipsd.org. Please include your name, phone number, student name, student ID number, school, grade level and a brief description of the problem you are experiencing.
Equity in Action: Updates on the Equity Plan & Conversation with Dr. Najjar
Are you curious about the district's equity plan? Join Dr. Nader Najjar, Assistant Superintendent of Equity and Innovation, for an engaging conversation! Dr. Najjar will share updates on the "Equity in Action" plan and answer your questions on restorative practices, culturally responsive instruction, and more. Enjoy coffee and light breakfast while getting involved, asking questions, and providing valuable feedback that will help us create a more equitable learning environment for all. Register for Equity in Action here. Equity in Action Flyer.
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.
Summer 2024 Opportunities
STEM Camp 2024 - Camp Invention
STEM Camp will be taught by Indian Prairie certified teachers. Camp hours are 8:30 - 11:30 am and will be held at Granger Middle School, 2721 Stonebridge Blvd, Aurora. The cost is $175 per student for these two (2) week camps. Indian Prairie is pleased to offer the registration fee for $95 less than the national average for Camp Invention! STEM Camp dates are as follows:
Grades K-2 Camp: Week 1: June 4 - 6 and Week 2: June 10 - 13 (No camp on June 3rd)
Grades 3-5 Camp: Week 1: June 17 - 20 and Week 2: June 24 - 27 (No camp on June 19th)
Grades 6-8 Camp: Week 1: June 17 - 20 and Week 2: June 24 - 27 (No camp on June 19th)
To register: Please login to the PushCoin webstore at: https://store.ipsd.org and click on the 2024 Summer STEM Camp drop-down. Questions: Please contact Ms. Kaleta at elizabeth_kaleta@ipsd.org or (630) 375-1075.
KidLITapalooza
KidLITapalooza is a mini-book festival for all school-aged kids in grades 1-8 and their grownups*! Bring your favorite notebook that you love to write or draw in and join us for an afternoon of book joy and creation! All kids will work with a beloved creator of children's literature and meet their favorite authors at a book signing! (*All attending kids must be accompanied by a supervising adult.) Registration is $10/kid and $5/per adult. Purchase Tickets Here.
2ND Annual YA Midwest: A Book Fest for YA Readers!
Where: Neuqua Valley High School
When: Saturday, July 27, 2024
Are you ready to celebrate all things YA? Readers, authors, publishers, educators and influencers are invited to join us for a day of fun in the Chicago suburbs. Join us for a full day of authors, panels, and books, books, books! Registration is $20 and includes a FREE signed copy of Karen McManus' upcoming release Such Charming Liars. This event is open to students in grade 7 and up. Purchase Tickets Here.
Honor a Teacher or Staff Member for Teacher Appreciation Week!
Say thank you to that special teacher or staff member that has gone ‘above and beyond’ for your student through the Indian Prairie Educational Foundation’s Gifts of Gratitude program. By making a tax-deductible donation to IPEF on behalf of your honoree, your recipient will enjoy a personalized certificate and a letter with a custom message from you. All donations benefit IPEF’s Teacher Innovation Grants program. Please submit your gift by May 5 to ensure certificate delivery by the end of Teacher Appreciation Week. Click here for more details: Spring Gifts of Gratitude.
PDAC News
Equity Award Nominations
Do you want to recognize someone who has gone above and beyond to make our diverse district a more equitable and inclusive place? Whether a teacher, staff member, administrator, parent, or community member, let's show them their work does not go unnoticed! Submit your equity award nominations here.
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
Judith Warner (Virtual Event)
https://glenbard.zoom.us/j/87594459393
And Then They Stopped Talking to Me: Surviving Middle School
Wednesday, May 1 | 7 – 8 PM
More details here.
Teen Philanthropy Initiative Applications Due May 3
Sophomores can apply for the next cohort of the Teen Philanthropy Initiative, which begins in Fall 2024. Get experience in grantmaking and fundraising, while supporting local nonprofits and developing leadership skills. Learn more and apply here.
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.
Safety Reminder - Update Your Contact Information to Receive Emergency Messages
Safety Reminder: If an emergency occurs in your child’s school, the district may contact you via phone, email, and/or SMS messaging. To ensure you will receive these emergency communications, update your contact information in ParentVUE. To receive text messages, you must have a designated phone number listed in Parent VUE for SMS messages. Please see the SMS Messaging Setup Instructions. Check the district’s Safety & Security Webpage for more helpful safety information.
School Spotlight - Graham Elementary
Watch the Graham Elementary School Spotlight video.
Next Board of Education Meeting: May 6, 2024
The next regular Board of Education meeting is at 7 PM on Monday, May 6, 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.
Greater Chicago Soap Box Derby
BrightSide Theatre Youth Project Summer Camps- Little Mermaid Jr.
WAA Summer Programs & Team Chicago Tryouts!