
Sprague School

Sprague Honors Treasured Nurse
Cassie Horvath, the heart and soul of Sprague Elementary's health office for 26 years, is bidding farewell to the hustle and bustle of school life. From stomach aches at lunchtime to injuries on the playground, her journey has been nothing short of colorful and unforgettable. Now, poised to hang up her stethoscope, she eagerly anticipates embarking on a new chapter of her life in retirement.
Cassie's path into nursing serendipitously coincided with her daughter's kindergarten years at Sprague. It became the perfect marriage of career and motherhood, allowing her to be present for her children while serving as a pillar of support for the school community.
Navigating the labyrinth of paperwork, from IEPs to state reports, was a challenge Cassie faced head-on, always with a positive attitude. Despite the increasing demands of administrative tasks, she embraced technology as a tool to streamline the documentation process, ensuring that every student received the care and attention they deserved.
As she bids farewell to early morning wake-up calls, Cassie reflects fondly on her time at Sprague. "I'm going to miss everything and everybody about the job," she confesses, her voice tinged with nostalgia.
Yet, amidst the bittersweet goodbyes, she anticipates the simple joys of retirement: quality time with family, nurturing her garden, experimenting with new recipes, and reigniting her passion for travel.
Sprague Elementary may bid adieu to Nurse Cassie, but her legacy of kindness, dedication, and infectious laughter will echo through its halls for years to come.
Upcoming Events
- End of Year Bash: Family get together on Friday, May 10, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
- D103 5K Run: Register now for the PTO sponsored event on Saturday, May 18.
- Third-Grade Fly Up: Second-grade families are invited to an informational meeting at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 21, at Half Day School.
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Teacher Appreciation
District 103 formally recognizes its 198 certified staff members during National Teacher Appreciation Week May 6 through May 10. The district’s Parent Teacher Organization has been showing its appreciation with the theme of “Thanks for Helping Us Grow.” The PTO has been recognizing teachers throughout the week with lunch, treats, and other acts of kindness for their work both in and beyond the classrooms. The Board of Education also thanked its teachers at the school board meeting on May 7. Thank you to all the parents who donated their time and resources to this wonderful recognition week!
"Our teachers have created an exceptional learning environment for our students, support our families, and work collaboratively to ensure our students excel. I am proud of the dedication and hard work our teachers display day in and day out. Thank you for making D103 an outstanding district for students to learn and grow!” said Superintendent Scott Warren.
Staff Recognition
Dr. Scott Warren, Superintendent, and the Board of Education recognized staff members this week for the years they have committed to working in District 103 and their dedication to our students.
Other Retirees
Tracy Gordon
Tracy Gordon began her teaching journey at Half Day School in 2002, bringing with her a wealth of experience from from Avoca District 37
to the Chicago Public Schools. She started in third-grade and concluded her remarkable career in fourth-grade. With 35 years dedicated to education, Mrs. Gordon leaves behind a legacy of impact. Read more about Tracy's retirement.
Liz Walker
Wizards, muggles, and witches have drawn Daniel Wright’s Library Media Clerk Liz Walker toward fantasy novels. And, her love for the mystical fascinated students and staff alike. After 20 years in the district, Liz bids farewell to the students and staff she has come to know so well. Read more about Liz's retirement.
Jeanne Sposito
Bus Drivers Jeanne Sposito and Patrick Kerns will each retire this year with 11 years of service to District 103 children. Retiring earlier this year from the Transportation Department were Wayne McGee with 23 years in the district and Jodi Weiss with 15 years in the district.
35 Years
- Ken Carlson, Head Custodian
- Hung Quan, Custodian
- Susan Vani, 2nd-Grade Teacher
30 Years
- Carrie Dwyer, Enrichment Coordinator
25 Years
- Kristine Rickert, 7th-Grade Social Studies Teacher
- Christopher Walsh, 6th-Grade Social Studies Teacher
20 Years
- Kirsten Frantom, 6th-Grade Math Teacher
- Jaime Gagamov, Enrichment Coordinator
- Jill Mau, Half Day Principal
- Elizabeth Walker, Library Media Clerk
15 Years
- Dario Colin, Assistant Fleet Manager
- Lori Kiley, Bus Driver
- Sueanne Kim, Accounting Specialist
- Christine Moffat, Technology Specialist
- Andrew Paulausky, District Technology Systems Specialist
- Amanda Toomey, 7th-Grade English Language Arts Teacher
- Steven Turini, Orchestra Teacher
- Erinn Vincent, Spanish Teacher
10 Years
- Kathy Alred, 6th-Grade Language Arts Teacher
- Hilary Annunzio, Spanish Teacher
- Amy Colon, Multilingual Specialist
- Katherine Cosgrove, 4th-Grade Teacher
- Brenda Day, Physical Therapist
- Michelle Heath, Spanish Teacher
- Anthony Mendoza, Director of Transportation
- James Mendoza, Bus Driver
- Lauren Miller, Early Childhood Teacher
- Kendra Perri, Daniel Wright Principal and Director of Curriculum & Multilingual Services
- Diane Powell, Instrucational Technology Coach
- Ashley Smidt, Music and Chorus Teacher
- Sungwoon Yoon, Bus Driver
School Field Day
Final Book Check Out
Final student library book checkouts occur next week May 13-17. Student books are due on your library day the following week between May 20 to May 24. All books are due no later than May 24. Please keep a close eye on your child’s home folder for any notices from the library.
Plans to Move?
If your family is moving and not planning to return to District 103, can you kindly let our office know so that we do not place your child in a classroom for next year? You may contact Reema Jhangiani at rjhangiani@d103.org.
Lost and Found
With just 18 days of school before summer begins, direct your students to check the lost and found for missing items. There are jackets, lunch boxes, water bottles, and more. Claim them before the school year ends!
End of Year Bash
Save the date for Sprague's End of Year Bash, happening on Friday, May 10, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m,. Attendance is free for Sprague families. Pizza, drinks, and snacks are available for pre-purchase. Volunteers are also needed for this event. Please consider volunteering if you can.
- RSVP and pre-purchase food @ https://bit.ly/3JmnLyl
- Sign up to volunteer @ https://bit.ly/D103SignUp
- Please contact Kate Davidson or Shweta Ramamurthy with questions.
Volunteers Sought for Discipline Committee
District 103 is seeking 6-8 parent volunteers to sit on a State required Parent Advisory Committee for Student Discipline policy and procedures. The time commitment is 1.5 hours on May 22, 2024, from 12:00 - 1:30 p.m., at the District 103 Administrative Office located at 1111 Barclay, Suite 100 in Lincolnshire. The committee will review our current policy on student discipline: disruptive classroom behavior, school bus safety procedures, and the dissemination of student conduct information. Please fill out the Google interest form by Friday, May 10.
Partnerships
Surprise Your Student
Purchase a brick with your student's name on it where it will be waiting for them as they enter Daniel Wright Junior High School. A memory for a lifetime! Don't miss this opportunity for your student with the Learning Fund Foundation's Legacy Brick fundraiser.
Seeking Leaders for D103 PTO and Executive Board: Shape the Future of Education
The District 103 Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) and Executive Board are calling upon passionate and dedicated individuals to step forward and assume leadership roles for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. This pivotal opportunity not only enriches your engagement with the community but also directly impacts the educational landscape for our children. As we navigate the evolving challenges in education, your leadership can chart a course that fosters innovation, inclusivity, and excellence.
By joining the PTO or Executive Board, you become a catalyst for positive change, influencing policies, programs, and initiatives that shape the academic journey of students across our district. Whether you bring expertise in fundraising, communication, event planning, or advocacy, your unique skills and perspectives are invaluable in creating a vibrant and supportive learning environment. Seize this chance to make a lasting difference and be part of a dynamic team driving educational success in D103!
- Sign up for leadership roles: https://bit.ly/4a9mgi8
One Week Left To Register
Over 515 individuals have registered for the Run for D103 5K Run/Walk. Cost is $35 per runner (cost goes up on Race Day). Group rates and family sponsorships are also available. Learn more and register at runford103.org today for the Saturday, May 18, event!
Do you plan to be at the event cheering on family and friends? Volunteers are still needed to help with course support and photography during the race. Sign up to volunteer https://bit.ly/D103SignUp.
Community News
First Responders Expo
Join us at our 25th Annual First Responders Expo on Saturday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Parking Lot E at Gurnee Mills.
Children can learn all about fire and police safety education. Enjoy all of the fun-filled activities and delicious food trucks. Be the first to see Station 51's all new food fire truck that was transformed from a fire truck to a food truck on Discovery Channel's Cruising Kitchens!
Steve & Kate's Camp
At Steve & Kate's Camp, campers choose from a variety of activities including sewing, coding, maker crafts, sports & more! Buy any number of days to use at any time. Unused days are automatically refunded at summer’s end. Est. 1980. Lunch, snacks & all hours (8am–6pm) included.
Nursery School Program
Lincolnshire Community Nursery School is excited to open up our high quality and engaging enrichment classes to 4 year old students from the community for the 2024-2025 school year! Classes are available Monday through Friday from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. Transportation from Sprague's Early Childhood program is available. LCNS is proud to be a NAEYC accredited program. Reach out to Katie Tantillo at director@lcns.org or 847-945-1450 for more details. www.lcns.org"
Vernon Township Summer Camp
Children aged 4-7-years old are invited to participate in the Vernon Township Summer Camp from June 17 to August 2. Visit the Vernon Township website for details.
Center for Gifted Classes
The Center for Gifted is bringing their flagship program, Summer Wonders, back to District 103. Offering an exciting variety of challenging, hands-on courses, it comprises three one-week sessions for grades first through sixth in July. The Center for Gifted will offer a 10% tuition discount to students of District 103 families and employees. District 103 students receive a 10% tuition discount, using this code at checkout: TEN4D103.
Laura B. Sprague School
- Principal Ann Hofmeier
- Assistant Principal Jennifer Arroyo
- 847-945-6686
- Ls_attendance@d103.org