
Half Day

4th-Graders Step into Pioneer Life at The Grove
Fourth-grade students from Half Day School recently took a trip back in time during a memorable visit to The Grove in Glenview as seen in these photos. Immersed in the year 1856, students experienced what life was like for pioneer children by participating in hands-on activities inside an authentic one-room schoolhouse.
Led by a costumed educator portraying a traditional schoolmarm, students practiced reading, writing, and arithmetic just as children did nearly 170 years ago. They also took on daily chores that would have been common during the pioneer era, deepening their appreciation for the hard work and simple lifestyle of the time.
This immersive field trip brought history to life and provided meaningful connections to both the social studies and English language arts (ELA) curriculum at Half Day. Students returned to the present day with a greater understanding of the past—and a new appreciation for modern conveniences!
Upcoming Events
- Monday, April 28: No School. Nonattendance day for staff and students.
We encourage you to subscribe to the Half Day 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.
Moving?
AI Guidelines Feedback Opportunities
D103 is in the process of refining AI guidelines for our students and staff, and we would love to hear your thoughts. We are creating two pathways for parents/guardians to provide feedback on the guidelines.
First, we are planning to form a small group of parents/guardians to meet and provide initial feedback on the guidelines. Depending on the interest in being a part of this group, we may have to limit the number of participants by using a random selection method. If you are interested in being a part of this small group, please fill out this Google form by Tuesday, April 29.
Second, after refining the guidelines with the input of the small team, we will then send the guidelines to all families to seek additional feedback.
If you have any questions about this process, please reach out to Dr. Craig Chatham, Director of Technology & Assessment, at cchatham@d103.org.
Moving Forward
Classroom placement is an important process for our students, and our teachers and staff invest significant time and effort to ensure the creation of healthy learning groups and environments. It is important to develop balanced classrooms by considering students’ gender, academic, social, and emotional needs. We strive to create an optimal learning environment for students in each of our teacher’s classrooms.
If you wish to share more specific information about your child's placement, please indicate your thoughts on this Optional Parent Input Form.
Please complete the form no later than midnight on Wednesday, April 30.
The input you provide will be reviewed and considered as we begin planning for your child for the 2025-2026 school year. While specific teacher requests cannot be accommodated, your insight is valued as we take many variables into consideration.
Please note, the input you share is not private between the Principal and parent and will be shared during the placement process. Please complete a form for each of your children, if desired.
We look forward to providing your child with continued learning excellence! Thank you for taking time to share your thoughts with our staff.
Partnerships
LFF Buns on Fire Fundraiser
Support a D103 family owned local business and the Learning Fund Foundation by dining in or taking out all week from Monday, April 21, to Sunday, April 27, from the Buns on Fire Restaurant, 466 W Half Day Rd, Buffalo Grove. Check out their menu and don't forget your FREE REFRESHER with any purchase. Just mention the Learning Fund Foundation while placing your order.
Dawn Anderson Volunteer Angel Award
Each year, the PTO proudly recognizes a dedicated volunteer who embodies the spirit and commitment of Dawn Anderson, a long-time champion of District 103, the D103 PTO, and our community.
We now carry on her legacy by honoring a volunteer who demonstrates this same dedication to our schools and students.
Nominees must meet the following:
- Have an eighth-grade student as their youngest child—this volunteer will be “graduating” from District 103.
- Consistently volunteered throughout their child(ren)’s time at D103 schools.
- Made a meaningful, lasting impact on the educational experience of D103 students.
- May be a visible leader of PTO events or a quiet, reliable supporter always willing to step in.
- Like Dawn, this individual should have an infectious volunteer spirit.
The deadline to nominate a volunteer is Sunday, May 4. The winner of this award will be announced at the eighth-grade graduation ceremony.
Off to the Races: Parenting with Confidence
Break out your Derby hats and bow ties and join us for an afternoon of connection, parenting inspiration, and Derby-themed fun!
Here are the details:
Saturday, May 3, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Lincolnshire Swim Club, 2 Yorkshire Dr., Lincolnshire.
Light bites and drinks will be provided.
Fun activities and prizes.
Please leave your little ones at home, this event is intended for adults only and no child care will be available.
4th Grade State Fair - Volunteers Needed
On Thursday, April 24, Half Day School will be hosting the fourth-grade Illinois State Fair, an exciting day where students dive into Illinois' rich agricultural heritage, its manufacturing processes, and local government.
This hands-on event features an adorable exhibit of baby chicks, captivating young learners and sparking curiosity about farming and agriculture. Students will also explore interactive displays and participate in activities that help them better understand the state's key industries and institutions.
We’re looking for day-of volunteers to help make this experience memorable and educational for the students! Your support will ensure a successful event that will leave a lasting impression. Volunteer today and be part of this engaging experience!
👉 Sign up to help out! https://dub.sh/D103SignUp.
2025 Graduate Lawn Signs
Celebrate your child's achievements with our exclusive Graduate Lawn Signs! These celebratory signs are available for Sprague, Half Day, or Daniel Wright.
The signs are single-sided and sized 24" wide and 18" tall. A lawn stake is included.
Order by Monday, April 28, and pick up your signs on Thursday, May 15, from 3:00 to 6:30 p.m. or Friday, May 16, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the D103 district offices, 111 Barclay Blvd., Lincolnshire.
Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to show off your child's accomplishments and make their graduation even more special!
👉 Purchase your lawn sign by visiting https://dub.sh/ku981aG.
Volunteer of the Year Award
The PTO presents an award each year to a volunteer who worked tirelessly to dedicate their time and talents to our schools during the current academic year.
Anyone may nominate a deserving person for this award. All nominees and nominators remain confidential; however, nominations cannot be made anonymously. Although very deserving, the PTO President is not eligible for nomination.
The deadline to nominate a volunteer is Sunday, May 4. The award recipient is announced at the May PTO board meeting.
Run for D103 5K
The Run for D103 5K Run/Walk is quickly approaching! This family-friendly annual fundraising event that helps the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) provide essential programs and equipment for the staff and students of Lincolnshire-Prairie View School District 103. This event reflects our district’s commitment to promoting healthy minds and active lifestyles, inspiring a lifelong love for both education and exercise.
Whether you're a seasoned runner or just looking for a fun way to get moving, this is the perfect chance to challenge yourself, connect with the community, and support a great cause. We’d love to see you at the starting line!
Interested in sponsoring the run? If you own a business or work for a company that would like to support this fantastic event, we'd love to hear from you! Please email 5k@d103pto.org.
Register to run or volunteer today at runford103.org!
Lawn Squad Giving Back Green Program
Lawn Squad, owned and managed by a D103 family, is thrilled to announce a new partnership with D103 PTO. When you sign up for Lawn Squad’s full lawn care program, you’ll receive a FREE fertilizer treatment, and D103 PTO will earn a $50 donation for every qualifying purchase.
It’s a win-win: You get a greener lawn and D103 PTO receives valuable support for our programs. Getting started is easy—visit LawnSquad.com/Giving-Back, or call 847-410-9791 for your free quote.
Community
Earth Day Event
A free Earth Day event will be held at Riverwoods Village Hall on Saturday, April 26, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. with activities and useful information for the whole family. Visit www.riverwoodspreservation.com for more information.
Soccer Tryouts
Chicago Rush Soccer Club tryouts will take place Monday, April 28, to Tuesday, April 29. Details about tryouts can be found on the Chicago Rush website.
Half Day Information
- Half Day Calendar
- Archived newsletters
- YouTube Principals
- Principal Jill Mau
- Assistant Principal Laura Delagrange
- 847-634-1484
- Hd_attendance@d103.org