Dolphin Splash

A huge thank you to our PTA for organizing such an incredible trivia night! It was such a fun and engaging event, and we’re so grateful for all the time and effort which was put into making it a success. While we didn’t quite reach our fundraising goal, we are thrilled to share that we still raised a significant amount of money for our students, and that is something to be proud of! All winners have all been contacted via email, and we couldn’t be happier with how the night turned out. Thank you again for everything — your hard work truly made a difference, and we can’t wait to see what’s next!

As a reminder, in an effort to maintain a safe and efficient environment for all students and staff, we do not accept forgotten items during the school day, with the exception of medical items or items outlined in a student’s IEP. Forgotten lunches will still be accepted and placed on the cart outside the school doors.

By limiting the number of times the main doors are opened and closed, we can enhance the security of our school and ensure the safety of everyone on campus. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain a secure learning environment.

Please join us for Nancy Young's Son's Night on February 26th at Slick City from 7pm-9pm. Tickets are on sale ONLINE ONLY. Click here to purchase by February 21st. Purchase Son's Night Tickets Here

Please join us for Nancy Young's Masquerade Ball on March 7th from 6:30pm-8:30pm. Tickets and Masks are on sale ONLINE ONLY. Click here to purchase by February 28th. Purchase Daughter Dance and Accessories Here

Dear Families,

As we just passed the midpoint of the school year, I want to take a moment to talk about something that has a huge impact on your child’s education and our school community: attendance.

Every Absence Counts!

Did you know that even missing just two days of school a month—whether excused or unexcused—can negatively affect a child’s academic performance? Regular attendance is one of the strongest predictors of school success, as students who attend school consistently are more likely to stay on track academically and socially.

In Illinois, school attendance also plays a major role in determining our school’s official rating. Chronic absenteeism—defined as missing 10% or more of the school year—lowers our school’s overall score, which is a part of the Illinois Report Card. This rating reflects how well we are supporting student learning and success. By making attendance a priority, we strengthen our school’s standing and provide a better learning environment for all students.

How You Can Help

• Set routines: Help your child develop consistent morning and bedtime routines to ensure they are ready for school each day.

• Plan ahead: Schedule vacations and non-urgent appointments outside of school hours whenever possible.

• Stay informed: If your child needs to miss school, communicate with the office promptly and ensure they make up missed work.

• Reach out: If your family is facing challenges that make it hard for your child to attend school, let us know. We’re here to help!

Together, we can build strong attendance habits that will benefit our students for a lifetime. Thank you for partnering with us to make every day of learning count!

To improve our communication with district families, IPSD 204 is conducting a communications survey to better understand how district stakeholders currently receive information from their child’s school and the district, and to understand their preferences on receiving information going forward. Please take a moment to share your perspective on communications you receive from your child's school and the district by completing this survey. The survey will be open through Friday, February 28.

District 204, in collaboration with five neighboring school districts, will hold the 3rd Annual Mental Health and Wellness Symposium on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at Metea Valley High School from 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM. The keynote will be presented by Doug Bolton, author, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, and Director of School Consultation for Formative Psychological Services. The symposium will include breakout sessions for students and adults, a community resource fair, a book fair, and childcare for ages 3-10. The first 500 adult attendees will receive a free copy of Doug Bolton's book - Untethered: Creating Connected Families, Schools, and Communities to Raise a Resilient Generation. The first 200 student attendees will receive a free t-shirt. New this year - experience sessions for adults and students and a complimentary boxed lunch for all attendees. For more information, visit ipsd.org/symposium or register here.

IPSD 204's safety contest titled "Safe Schools Start with Us" is now open. Students are invited to create posters, digital designs, or PSAs to raise awareness about the importance of alleviating school threats—whether real, hoaxes, or made in jest—reporting any threats to law enforcement or a trusted adult and recognizing the vital role everyone plays in keeping our schools safe. Submissions are due by Friday, February 14.

The top six finalists at each level will be contacted by Friday, February 21 and invited to attend the February 24 Board of Education meeting where winners will be announced. Students with winning entries will receive prizes and their contest submission will be featured on the district's social media and website, helping to spread awareness around this important topic. The top prize at each level is a $500 Amazon gift card!

Contest entries can be submitted in one of two ways:

1. Online through the Safety Contest Submission Form
   
2. Entries, along with the Entry Submission Form, may be dropped off at:

Crouse Education Center

Attn: Safety Contest

780 Shoreline Drive

Aurora, IL 60504

Learn more about the safety contest at ipsd.org/safetycontest or view the “Safe Schools Start with Us” Flyer.

Calling all Young Artists!!! All student's are welcome to enter the yearbook cover contest. A 5th grader will win the overall cover and a winner from each grade will get an inside cover to their grade level. All entries are due by March 14th by noon, no late submissions will be accepted. Please carefully read the requirements and helpful tips.

The NYE PTA is looking for pictures for the 24-25 yearbook. Please upload pictures of your student(s) at school events ONLY, to the following link, 24-25 yearbook albums. Please ensure to choose the appropriate folder from the drop down menu under "Upload to album". Note, only the yearbook editor will be able to see the pictures. By uploading your pictures does not guarantee the pictures will be included in the yearbook.

The Indian Prairie Educational Foundation and Wells Fargo Advisors are partnering for the eighth year to recognize our outstanding staff members who go above and beyond. To nominate someone who is making a difference, visit A+ Award.

Regular Hours:

Arrival: Doors open at 8:50. Bell rings at 9:05. Students should be in class and ready to learn at 9:05.

Dismissal: 3:35 Every Day

WEDNESDAY Hours

Arrival on Wednesdays ONLY-Doors open at 9:00 and bell rings at 9:15.

Dismissal: 3:35

Wednesday, February 12th - RISE STEM Fair

Monday, February 17th - No School President's Day

Thursday, February 20th - STEM Fair

Friday, February 21st - 5th Grade Growth and Development

Wednesday, February 26th - Son's Night @ Slick City on 2/26 - more details to come in February

Thursday, February 27th - No School Parent/Teacher Conferences

Friday, February 28th - No School Institute Day

Save the Dates!

Daughter's Dance on 3/7 (more details to come in February)

Website: https://young.ipsd.org/
Location: 800 Asbury Drive, Aurora, IL 60502, USA
Phone: 630.375.3800
Twitter: @NancyYoungPride