Daniel Wright
Honoring Those Who Served
Daniel Wright students spent an inspiring day honoring veterans with a mix of hands-on activities and heartfelt moments as shown in these photos. Veterans shared lively stories of their military lives, sparking curiosity and admiration among the students. Students also wrote letters of appreciation to active service members as part of Operation Gratitude, forging a meaningful connection with those currently serving. To support a veteran’s Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C., students brought in donations. Adding to the experience, students got a firsthand taste of military life through a wake-up call workout, sampling the calisthenics that service members tackle each morning.
Upcoming Events
- Early Dismissal Day: Friday, Nov. 15, Afternoon Teacher Institute Day.
Reports Cards Available: After 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20.
No School: Monday, Nov. 25, through Friday, Nov. 29, Thanksgiving Break.
We encourage you to subscribe to the Daniel Wright calendar so meetings and events can automatically be added to your personal calendar. Copy the calendar. Right click the url to a new tab. Download the calendar to your personal calendar.
Report Cards Available Next Week
Report cards are viewable after 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20, through the TeacherEase platform for Daniel Wright students. Follow these three simple steps to access your student's report card.
If you do not currently have access or if you have questions about TeacherEase, please send a message to TeacherEaseGradebook@d103.org.
Questions about assignments or grades received should be directed to the appropriate teacher.
Register for the Spelling Bee
This year, we will use the Scripps National Spelling Bee’s online testing platform to hold our classroom qualifying spelling bee round via an online spelling and word meaning test.
This competition is open only to students in grades 4-8. To participate in the spelling bee, your child must register by Friday, Nov. 29, on the online testing platform. Review the words, School Study List 2025 and watch this video tutorial that will walk you through the registration process.
Once you have registered, the spelling bee coordinator will assign the appropriate test to your child. The test will be available only on Wednesday, Dec. 4 and Thursday, Dec. 5. Your child must complete the test by the deadline. The qualifying test will be administered at home.
The top five students from each grade with the highest scores will advance to the district-level competition. If needed, a tiebreaker will be used to determine which students move on to the District Bee.
An email will be sent out during the week of December 16 to inform students of those who have qualified for the next round.
Food Collection
The Wright Way Club is collecting unopened not expired canned meat, peanut butter, boxed pasta, and more for the Vernon Township Food Pantry next week. Please send in items through Friday, Nov. 22, to help families who are in need of assistance.
Scholastic Bowl Tryouts
Scholastic Bowl Tryouts will be held on Tuesday, December 3 and Thursday, December 5 in rooms 312-313. Prior to tryouts please submit a tryout interest form, using the QR code on fliers located throughout the school. Scholastic Bowl is an academic buzzer competition similar to Jeopardy but with teams testing their knowledge in literature, science, math, and more. Contact Jan Lamberti or Allyson Ward for more information.
How the Law Enforcement Drill Works at Daniel Wright
During the drill, some DW teachers, building staff, and students may practice evacuating the building.
Others may practice barricading the classroom door and discuss using evasive distractions to counter (and get away from) an armed intruder.
Please fill out the Daniel Wright opt out form by Noon Monday, Nov. 18, if you do not want your student to participate in the drill.
ASA Classes Still Available
Online registration through the RevTrak Web Store for the Winter After School Activity courses are open. Available classes are Art Club, Chamber Orchestra, Digital Audio Production, Game Club, and STEM. Programs do fill up and are offered on a first-come-first-serve basis. Classes begin the week of January 6th and run for about six weeks.
Reflecting on Trimester 1
As we wrap up the first trimester, I want to take a moment to reflect on all the growth and accomplishments we’ve seen so far this year. It’s been such a privilege to step into the role of principal here at Daniel Wright Junior High, and I’m so grateful for the warm welcome I’ve received from students, staff, and families alike.
It’s inspiring to see the hard work and enthusiasm our students bring every day. We’ve already made some amazing memories together during special events like Red Ribbon Week, SEL days, DW After Dark, and Veterans Day. Watching their curiosity and growth each day reminds me of why this work matters so much.
As we look ahead to trimester two, I’m excited about the learning, creativity, and connections that lie ahead. Our incredible teachers and staff have wonderful projects and opportunities planned, and we’ll keep working together to make our school an environment where every student feels valued, challenged, and empowered.
Thank you for your continued support and trust. Being part of this community and working together to create the best possible experience for our students means so very much to me. I’m proud of all we’ve accomplished in just a few short months and look forward to all that’s to come.
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, concerns, or celebrations. I value and appreciate your partnership at home so very much!
Most sincerely,
Jessica Groncki, Principal
School Board Member Appreciation Day
On Friday, Nov. 15, Lincolnshire-Prairie View School District 103 will join communities across Illinois in celebrating Board Appreciation Day, an opportunity to express gratitude to our local school board members.
District 103 will honor the contributions of its Board members at the upcoming regular board meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 19. Please join us in recognizing the dedicated service of our Board of Education members:
Anne van Gerven, President, serving since 2013.
Marissa Grossenbach, Vice President, serving since 2017.
Nana Agyeman, Member, serving since 2023.
Kate Harper, Member, serving since 2013.
Sanjay Keshav, Member, serving since 2023.
Maria Peterson, Member, serving since 2021.
Michael Weaver, Member, serving since 2021.
“Board of Education members are unpaid volunteers who give their time and expertise to support our students, families, and staff. Their commitment helps make District 103 an exceptional environment for learning and growth,” said Dr. Scott Warren, Superintendent of District 103.
The Lincolnshire-Prairie View District 103 Board of Education continues to provide visionary leadership, fostering a positive, high-quality educational experience for our students. We extend our heartfelt appreciation for their unwavering support of our schools and community.
Partnerships
Screen Sanity
D103 and the PTO Parent Education Team are partnering with Screen Sanity to bring their critically acclaimed parent program directly to you! Screen Sanity is an organization that is looking to partner with families to create a world where kids are captivated by life, not by screens. This workshop will give you the tools and strategies that you need to set healthy screen time and tech safety guidelines that fit your parenting values and lifestyle. Leave your parent-guilt at the door -- this judgement-free night of community, education, and discussion will leave you feeling empowered to confidently navigate the ever-changing landscape of technology for your kids (and yourself!). And there will be snacks!
Check out this video to learn more.
Please register in advance for the in-person event on Friday, Nov. 15, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Donate While You Dine
efforts by participating in a refreshing fundraiser with "Buns on
Fire". Any purchase that you make gets you a free refresher and the
LFF receives 20% of the sales. This is a great opportunity to try
something new!
Dine-Outs on November 15
Mark your calendars for Friday, Nov. 15! D103 PTO is excited to partner with Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill in Lincolnshire and Bibibop Asian Grill in Vernon Hills for a special dine-out event. By dining at either of these restaurants, you’ll be helping our PTO earn a percentage of all sales made that day. Just mention “D103 PTO” when you place your order to ensure your purchase supports our organization. Ordering online? Use code BIBIFUNDRAISER or NAFFUNDRAISER when placing your order. Whether you’re craving Middle Eastern flavors or Asian-inspired dishes, this is a delicious way to make a difference. Let’s come together as a community to support our schools and enjoy some great food!
Wonder Science Shows Were a Big Hit!
The Wonder Science Shows, presented by the Learning Fund Foundation, were a great success last weekend. Over 350 people attended, with children and parents alike enjoying the fun and educational performances. Visit the LFF Website for highlights and a big thank you to everyone for their support!
Community
Mini Comic Con
Give those Halloween costumes another chance to shine and wear them to Mini Comic Con at the Vernon Area Public Library on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Celebrate fandoms and pop culture with free events for all ages. View the full schedule and details on the library's website.
SHS Dance Class for 8th-Graders
Please join us for a free 8th Grade Master Class for SHS incoming freshmen.
- Saturday, Nov. 23
- 10:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
- Room 2112, Stevenson High School
- Register to attend
- Please see our flyer for more information.
Join the Library's Celebration
Please join the Vernon Area Public Library in celebrating its 50th Anniversary on Friday, Nov. 22, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. This after hours, adults-only event is a fundraiser to support the expansion of our MakerSpace and Library of Things, giving us even more opportunities to engage with members of the community. We expect to have Appetizers, Drinks, Desserts, Raffles, Music, Trivia, Games, a Photo Booth and more! To donate or purchase tickets, please visit: VAPLD.info/foundation. For more information or sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to Samantha Fahndrich at sfahndrich@fvapld.org.
Daniel Wright Information
- Daniel Wright Calendar of Events
- Daily School Announcements
- Archived Newsletters
- YouTube
- Mrs. Jessica Groncki, Principal
- Dr. Nina Nusbaum, Assistant Principal
- Mr. Kyle Thompson, Assistant Principal
- 847-604-5280
- Dw_attendance@d103.org
Principals