Daniel Wright

Author and educator Trevor MacKenzie has made a significant impact in schools with his approach to inquiry-based learning—an engaging method that connects students to real-world problems through exploration and critical questioning. When MacKenzie introduced his techniques to District 103, three teachers—Christie Wylie, Tara Boron, and Erinn Vincent—embraced the challenge of bringing his strategies to life in their classrooms. Their innovative work caught MacKenzie’s attention and was featured in his latest book, “Inquiry Mindset.”

“Their submissions stood out for their thoughtful reflection on questioning routines and their success in engaging all learners,” said Katie Reynolds, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. “These teachers exemplify the reflective practice and creative teaching we strive to celebrate in District 103.”

Daniel Wright Spanish teacher Erinn Vincent adapted MacKenzie’s Question Triangle routine to boost conversational skills. Students practiced creating questions and reflecting on the quality of those questions in Spanish, expanding their vocabulary and ensuring mutual understanding.

Read more about the other D103 teachers on the district's website.

• Monday, Jan. 20: No School, Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday.
• Friday, Jan. 24: Coffee Chat with DW's Principal Team, 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.

Daniel Wright's Leaders in Learning Club invites families to drop off discarded electronics at the school on Saturday, Jan. 11, between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Accepted items include:

The DW principals invite parents to join them for conversation and connections during a Coffee Chat from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. Friday, Jan. 24. Please fill out the Google Form and let us know you plan to attend.

Do you like designing and building? Do you like competition? Are you a team player? The Science Bowl Car Team could use you!

• Attend the first meeting of the year on today, Jan. 9, at 3:40 p.m., Room 206.

The DW Science Bowl Car Team works for several months to build an electric car from basic materials to compete against other schools in the Argonne National Lab regional competition. DW students that make the team will work to build several cars for an internal race to see which team represents our school at the Argonne National Lab competition. Students are expected to be willing to work with tools, communicate well, follow a strict timeline, and have fun! Commitment is one day a week after school (TBD) and time adjusting the car and making a design document. Tryouts are open for all grades. Questions? Parents must complete the Tryout Permission Form and turn it in to the coach. Contact Mr. Hafner at ahafner@d103.org with questions.

Auditions for Schoolhouse Rock Live Jr. begin this week. Auditions are Jan. 9, 13, or 15. See Mrs. Vincent or Mr. Clark for an audition packet, and sign up online for an audition time!

The cast will be announced next week. Students will rehearse most Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The show dates are Thursday, April 10, and Friday, April 11.

The PTO is happy to present Social Dance Lessons to Daniel Wright's sixth-grade students! They will learn how to dance the Foxtrot, Cha-Cha, Electric Slide, Waltz and more! Lessons will be held on Friday evenings and taught by a professional with whom the PTO has worked. Join this popular PTO program!

Cost: $70 fee per student for all classes (non-refundable)

Dates: 1/17, 1/24, 1/31, and 2/7

Time: 8:15 to 9:30 p.m.

Location: Daniel Wright Cafeteria

Dress Code: Appropriate attire required. Dress pants, collared shirt, blouse, dress or skirt.

👉 Sign up here -> dub.sh/fTm6tLA

Volunteers Needed: The PTO is looking for volunteers to help during 6th-Grade Social Dance classes. Volunteers will need to arrive by 8:00 p.m. and should plan to stay until 9:45 p.m. Due to the high demand, please limit to 1 night per volunteer. Sign up at dub.sh/D103SignUp

Building Healthy Relationships & Keeping Students Safe on the Internet

The D103 PTO invites seventh- and eighth-grade students and their parents to a special Health Night on Tuesday, Jan. 14, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., held in the Daniel Wright cafeteria. Presented by Jess Levine, LCSW & Abraham Garcia, both of Youth Services of Glenview, this engaging, two-part evening is designed to foster understanding of healthy relationships and internet safety.

Part I: Small Group Session – Internet Safety

• For Parents: Jess Levine will lead a discussion on technological boundaries, relationships, and social media.
• For Students: Abraham Garcia will cover internet safety topics, including boundaries, technology use, the legality of sexting, and creating a personal safety plan.

Part II: Large Group Session – Healthy Relationships

Parents and students will come together to explore practical strategies for building strong, healthy adolescent relationships.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and tools for navigating these important topics. We look forward to seeing you there!

• Submit anonymous questions here -> https://forms.gle/pqQTPx3Xj6bwBSWg9
• RSVP for the event here -> https://dub.sh/96vuo09

Eighth-grade families may now purchase graduation T-shirts. These commemorative T-shirts have been designed with our class spirit in mind. All graduate names are listed on the back of the shirt. They are a perfect way to showcase your pride and unity as members of the Daniel Wright Junior High School Class of 2025. Order by Friday, Jan. 17. Purchased T-shirts will be handed out at the school in February.

👉 Purchase today -> dub.sh/W9r0h

The D103 Newcomers Group is excited to kick off the new year with indoor “Walk & Talk” meet-ups! Join us at the Buffalo Grove Golf Dome, 801 McHenry Rd., Buffalo Grove, on Friday, Jan. 10, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. This is a great opportunity to connect with other families, stretch your legs, and enjoy some casual conversation—no fee to participate!

These dates are just the beginning, and we’re looking forward to hearing from you. If there’s interest, we’ll work together to plan future meet-ups on days and times that suit the group best. We hope to see you there!

We’re looking for volunteers to make crockpots of chili or soup (your recipe of choice!) with at least 10 servings for our staff luncheon on Friday, Feb. 7.

Details:

• Drop-off: By 9:30 a.m. (in a crockpot with your name and ingredient list.)
• Pick-up: After 1:30 p.m.
• Please use crockpot liners for easy cleanup.

We also need desserts and volunteers for serving and cleanup. Not a chef? Donations are welcome to help with salads, décor, and extras.

Thank you for helping us show appreciation for our amazing D103 staff! ❤️

👉 Volunteers needed for this event. Sign up -> dub.sh/D103SignUp

Please join us for coffee or breakfast at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, as we discuss areas we need support for our children with IEPS and/or 504s receiving accommodations in D103. All are welcome. We are looking to make friendships and to help each other through our unique journey of parenting. Please respond to our invitation and let us know if you can attend.

The Art in the Shire exhibit and contest is an amazing opportunity for Daniel Wright students. All participating artists will have their work displayed alongside the artwork of local artists in the exhibit on Saturday, March 8. Prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. Original 2D artwork should be submitted to Mrs. Gettleman or Mrs. Graham by Friday, Feb. 7.

Calling all junior entrepreneurs! Do you want to learn real-life business and money management skills? Apply for Kid Market at the Vernon Area Public Library (open to grades 2-8)! Successful applications can sell their wares at a table at the Kid Market on Saturday, April 5, and will receive business coaching from the library's business librarian.

Applications are accepted now through Monday, Jan. 20. Find more details about Kid Market on the library's website.

All incoming freshmen can take a dance course. All levels of dance experience are welcome! Learn more and register for placement.

Jordan's Journey Blood Drive

Saturday, Jan. 18, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Midtown Athletic Club, 2211 Waukegan Rd., Bannockburn

Please sign up in advance to donate blood.

Come train with the Stevenson Patriettes Dance Team! These clinics will provide you the opportunity to work on pom technique, pom choreography, contemporary choreography along with skills that can advance your dance team training from 4:00 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10. Register now on the SHS website.

Stevenson invites geography enthusiasts to create a team and compete in a friendly geography bowl in February. Learn more about the SHS Middle School Geography Bowl.

• Daniel Wright Calendar of Events
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Principals


• Mrs. Jessica Groncki, Principal
• Dr. Nina Nusbaum, Assistant Principal
• Mr. Kyle Thompson, Assistant Principal
  
Reporting an Absence
• 847-604-5280
• Dw_attendance@d103.org