Dunlap Dispatch Summer 2025

On behalf of the Dunlap Board of Education, I want to wish you all a safe summer season. For most of our students, teachers, staff and administration, this will be a break to do other things and enjoy activities (‘literally’) outside of the school district walls. For others, this will be an opportunity to continue to grow, learn and work in different ways but without the constraints of the regular academic schedule. We are confident that you will make good use of this time, as the next school year will be upon us in short order.

To the recent graduates, you enjoy our most sincere congratulations and wish you well in your future endeavors. We are incredibly proud of you and feel fortunate that we may have played a small part in this important milestone of your lives.

My Best,

Tom Feldman

President

Dunlap School Board of Education

Notice a district employee going above and beyond? Want to see that individual get recognized for their hard work and dedication to the district? Nominate the employee for the Dunlap Shine Award by clicking here.

Below are the individuals that received this recognition during the Second Semester!

An inspiring evening celebrating excellence in education at the Those Who Excel awards hosted by the Illinois State Board of Education! We are proud to recognize and uplift the outstanding contributions of our team and all the incredible educators across the state.

Congratulations to Sally Saul, Dr. Matt Andrews, Deputy Rial, and Deputy Medina on your recognition!

Please join us in congratulating Payroll Generalist, Hannah Rudolphi and Payroll Analyst, Jennifer Carroll for being awarded the Tyler Excellence Award for Performance and Innovation!

This prestigious award is presented by Tyler Technologies to recognize clients who demonstrate leadership, innovation, and excellence in developing and deploying Tyler solutions in impactful ways. Since its inception in 2010, the Tyler Excellence Awards have honored over 300 organizations and the dedicated individuals behind their success, highlighting the significant impact of Tyler software and solutions on communities.

Hannah and Jennifer's recognition is a testament to their hard work and commitment to enhancing our district's operations through innovative practices. Their efforts have not only led to more efficient processes but have also contributed to creating a more connected and effective educational environment for our students and staff.

We are incredibly proud of Hannah and Jennifer for their dedication and for embodying the spirit of excellence within our school community. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to all of us, showcasing the positive impact of collaboration and innovation in education.

Congratulations once again, Hannah and Jennifer! Thank you for your outstanding contributions to the Dunlap School District.

Congratulations to our schools for earning Food Safety Awards from the Peoria County Health Department!

Gold Award
Dunlap High School
Dunlap Middle School
Dunlap Valley Middle School
Dunlap Grade School
Banner Elementary
Ridgeview Elementary

Silver Award
Wilder Waite Grade School

*Please note that Hickory Grove was not eligible for the award this year do to maintenance being performed on a cooler and not due to any health or safety concerns

Names from left to right in photo:

Karen Bangert - WW

Cresta O'Bryant - DHS

Kim Leibel - RES

Debbie Zenger - DVMS

Lori Parkhill - DMS

Kathy Gullette - DGS - not in pic

The Transportation Team has been very busy this school year, completing a combination of over 980 Academic field and Athletic competition trips. Your Transportation team of 43 drivers and 17 monitors safely delivered all 4,807 students to and from school each day even with mother nature’s many weather systems this year. The office is looking forward to its upgrade for their routing software in the fall semester. We received our new activity buses, a new one for the high school and now each Middle school has their own activity bus with their name and school colors for competitions!

Over the course of the 2024–2025 school year, the Curriculum Department remained focused on ensuring high-quality teaching and learning experiences for all students through targeted professional development and data-informed instructional practices. This year, we are proud to highlight several major initiatives that reflect our ongoing commitment to academic excellence and strategic improvement.

At the elementary level, the primary focus was the implementation of the new English Language Arts curriculum, Wit & Wisdom. Rooted in the Science of Reading and Structured Literacy practices, this resource prioritizes deep thinking, rich discussion, and the integration of knowledge-building texts. Recognizing the importance of a strong start, our teachers engaged in extensive professional development to fully understand and apply the instructional routines and embedded supports. We are exceptionally grateful to the 28 pilot teachers who had used Wit & Wisdom two years prior and generously shared their expertise. Their insights were invaluable in helping to adapt the curriculum to better meet the unique needs of our district and in guiding their colleagues through this significant transition.

The Elementary Curriculum Council also took an in-depth look at student performance in mathematics, particularly through the lens of the Standards for Mathematical Practice #4 (Model with Mathematics), #5 (Use Appropriate Tools Strategically), and #7 (Look for and Make Use of Structure). This data dive led to a yearlong focus within curriculum council meetings to study these standards, with teacher leaders sharing key takeaways and strategies at the building level.

At the secondary level, certified staff engaged in a self-selected professional development series designed around five key instructional pathways: Grading Practices & Assessment, Modifying & Redefining Learning with EdTech, Interventions, Differentiation Techniques & Supporting Multilingual Learners, and Reaching Reluctant Learners. This flexible, responsive structure enabled teachers to deepen their knowledge and refine their practice in areas most aligned to their interests and student needs. In tandem, secondary PLCs participated in structured quarterly discussions around the components of Danielson’s Framework for Teaching that center on intellectual engagement. These reflective conversations helped teams align instructional strategies with best practices to promote deeper learning and student ownership. Leveraging our various levels of expertise, practical reflective discussions occured which allowed for easy application.

Meanwhile, Middle School Curriculum Council members conducted a comprehensive review of both math and ELA performance data, identifying areas of strength and opportunities for growth by analyzing patterns across grade levels and student groups. This work formed the basis for action planning and instructional focus moving forward.

Across all levels—elementary, middle, and high school—curriculum council members also disaggregated staff feedback from a comprehensive teaching and learning survey. These findings are now being incorporated into the development of the next iteration of our Curriculum Department Plan, which directly supports Goal 2: Academics and Achievement in the district's strategic plan.

Together, these collective efforts have not only strengthened our instructional practices but also reaffirmed our shared commitment to providing an engaging, equitable, and rigorous learning experience for all students. We look forward to building upon this foundation in the coming year.

Dunlap Community Unit School District #323 is proud to announce that all eight of its schools have earned the Project ADAM Heart Safe School Designation through Lurie Children’s Hospital. This prestigious designation highlights the district's commitment to ensuring the safety and health of its students and staff.

As part of ongoing efforts to promote cardiac health and preparedness, the district has two in-house trainers who have certified over 140 staff members this year in CPR and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) with plans to continue offering certification annually, ensuring that teams grow and remain well-trained and ready to respond to any cardiac emergencies. Thank you to our District Nurse, Laura Lee and to our School Resource Officer, Stephen Rial for their leadership in serving as our trainers and provding lifesaving CPR training to our team!

The district is equipped with over 35 AED machines strategically located throughout all schools, providing immediate access to lifesaving equipment. Additionally, the district has developed a proactive cardiac emergency response plan tailored to our district's needs, ensuring a swift and effective response in the event of an emergency.

A strong partnership with local first responders with Dunlap Fire Department and Peoria County Sheriff’s Department further enhances preparedness. Together, we are dedicated to fostering a safe environment where students can learn and thrive.

Grateful for the unwavering support of our first responder partners! We hosted an appreciation luncheon for the Dunlap Fire Department, School Nursing Team, Peoria County Sheriff’s Department, IEMA, and our dedicated SROs. We celebrated their commitment to safety, enjoyed entertainment by the high school madrigals, and shared updates on our district’s ongoing safety initiatives, led by our Director of Student Services.

This summer, take our Dunlap Eagle Explorer along on your travels, just like Flat Stanley! Whether you’re visiting local attractions or going on vacation, we want to see where the Eagle goes!

How to Participate:
Take Photos: Snap pictures of the Eagle Explorer at various locations—whether it’s a local park, a beach, or a famous landmark. He can have fun in the Peoria area or travel with your family on your summer roadtrips and vacations.

Share Your Adventures: Email your photos and a brief description of the Eagle's adventures to Mandy Ellis at mellis@dunlapcusd.net. Be sure to include your child's first name and school if you want them mentioned.

Get Featured: Your submissions will be shared on our district social media channels and added to a Google Map documenting the Eagle's journey!

Let’s celebrate the summer by showcasing our school spirit and the adventures of the Dunlap Eagle Explorer! We can’t wait to see where he travels next!

Is your student doing something awesome this summer? Whether they’re volunteering, working a job, learning something new, or making a difference—we want to celebrate them!

Nominate a student to be featured in our Summer Star Student Spotlight!

Submit a short description and photo to Mandy Ellis, Director of Student Services, at mellis@dunlapcusd.net.

Let's highlight the amazing things our students are doing during break!

The Seal of Biliteracy honors students who demonstrate proficiency in communicating in more than one language. This valuable recognition not only celebrates bilingual skills but also opens doors for students’ future academic success.

In Illinois, many colleges and universities award college credit to students who earn the Seal of Biliteracy. Additionally, other state institutions recognize the seal as part of their placement and credit-by-exam options, helping students advance more quickly in their college coursework.

Earning the Seal of Biliteracy is a meaningful achievement that can enhance students’ educational and career opportunities. Encourage your multilingual learners to pursue this honor!

The Multilingual Department proudly hosted its first annual Multilingual Game Night at Wilder-Waite Grade School! Students, staff, and families came together to enjoy delicious food and engaging group games. It was a fantastic evening full of fun and community spirit for everyone involved!

MTSS stands for Multi-Tiered System of Supports. It’s a framework that Dunlap schools use to make sure every student gets the right level of help to succeed—academically, socially, and emotionally. Through MTSS, educators identify students’ needs early and provide targeted support in small groups or individually, while also celebrating their strengths.

First row: Principal Jeremy Etnyre, Assistant Principal Cheryl Wooden, and School Psychologist Karen Conlon. Second row: Social Worker Mallory Higgs, Teacher Nikki Wikoff, Speech Language Pathologist Leanne Lorts, and Behavior Consultant Nicole Ratcliff.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects 1 in 36 children aged 8 years old in the United States, accounting for approximately 2.8% of children nationwide.

Here are some additional insights:

• Boys are diagnosed with ASD more frequently than girls, with a ratio of 4.2 to 1.

• The prevalence of ASD is higher among Hispanic, Black, and Asian children compared to white children.

• The rate of ASD diagnoses has increased significantly over the years, rising from 1 in 150 children in 2000 to 1 in 36 in 2023.

• Prevalence rates can vary due to factors such as access to healthcare, differences in diagnostic criteria, and cultural influences.

We have 755 students who receive special education services in Dunlap, 190 of whom are on the autism spectrum. In the fall, we will open an elementary classroom for grades first through fourth, following a research-based approach called Structured Teaching. Therefore, the program is called Structured Teaching Approach for Reaching Success (STARs). The classroom will be located at Hickory Grove and open to five students. The key to a successful launch is to begin small to ensure stability. We intend to open a second classroom the year Wilder Waite opens, hoping to extend the continuation of this service to the secondary level.

We are excited to introduce you to our new School Psychologist, Lindsey Kocher! Lindsey will be relocating from the Decatur area this summer for her husband, Grant's, position with Caterpillar. Lindsey currently serves in the Macon-Piatt Special Education District and comes to us with 16 years of experience as a school psychologist and a special education administrator. She graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 2009. Lindsey loves children and has experience with a wide variety of student demographics. She looks forward to building new relationships with students, families, and staff. The Kochers have three children: Addie (11), Lucy (9), and Alex (7).

During the Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) Law and Leadership Conference, school attorney and CASE counsel Myrna Mandlawitz shared important federal updates. If you feel lost about the proposed Department of Education (DOE) changes and their effects on special education, this article is for you. Myrna is an incredibly reliable reporter as she spends much time lobbying on Capitol Hill. The potential changes are profound and can truly affect us, as Congress has been ordered to cut $9 billion over the next ten years. Here is what you need to know:

Federal Staffing and Lawsuits

• The DOE has seen a 50% staff reduction.

• Lawsuits have been filed challenging these layoffs, including actions involving the Office for Civil Rights (OCR).

• Potential impacts on the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services and the Office of Special Education Programs policy are possible.

Department of Education Reorganization Efforts

• Executive Orders have been issued to close the Department and move programs, but require Congressional approval.

• Competing bills exist: some to close the DOE, others to protect it.

• No federal laws, including Title IX, have changed.

Key Department Communications

• The DOE rescinded COVID-relief fund extensions, requiring immediate expenditure (March 28).

• Title I flexibility guidance was issued, but no significant changes were made.

• OCR now requires school districts to certify the elimination of “DEI” programs to maintain Title I funding, despite the lack of a clear definition of "DEI" violations.

Funding and Legal Challenges

• Maine's Department of Education had federal funding withdrawn over Title IX disputes concerning transgender students.

• Lawsuits are expected regarding the legality of withdrawing federal funds.

• Teacher preparation grants are also under litigation, with ongoing cases impacting funding stability.

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

• Significant staff layoffs at HHS (10,000 employees) could impact Medicaid, Head Start, and other programs.

• Discussions are underway about moving IDEA oversight to HHS, raising concerns about administrative capacity.

Federal Budget and IDEA Funding

• FY 2025 Continuing Resolution maintains FY 2024 funding levels, but IDEA allocations remain uncertain until reports are submitted to Congress (due April 29).

• Advocacy is critical: Contact your legislators to support IDEA and Medicaid funding.

Medicaid Cuts Under Consideration

• Proposed cuts could significantly impact services for students with disabilities. This will affect us locally because we are reimbursed for speech, motor, social work, school psychology, one-on-one TAs, and transportation expenses.

FY 2026 Budget Outlook

• The President’s draft budget proposes eliminating some education programs like Head Start.

• IDEA funding appears stable (for now), but Title IX and other programs may face cuts.

• Appropriations bills are being drafted; please stay alert for further CASE Action Alerts I share.

Final Word

• The Administration plans to request a $9 billion rescission of previously approved funding, primarily affecting non-education programs but potentially including PBS and teacher preparation programs.

Subject: Urgent: Protect the Department of Education and Special Education Funding

Dear [Congressman/Congresswoman] [Last Name],

As a special education professional and constituent, I am deeply concerned about proposals to reorganize or eliminate the U.S. Department of Education and potential cuts to special education funding, including IDEA and Medicaid.

The Department plays a critical role in ensuring that students with disabilities receive the services and supports guaranteed by law. Any reduction in oversight or funding would directly harm vulnerable students and make it harder for schools to meet their needs.

I urge you to oppose any efforts to dismantle the Department of Education and fully fund IDEA and Medicaid programs. Our students, families, and educators count on your leadership to protect these essential resources.

Thank you for taking a look at this urgent matter.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Role/Position]
[Your City, State]

Congratulations to the Dunlap High School Class of 2025! DHS graduation was held on May 18 at 4:30pm at Renaissance Coliseum on the campus of Bradley University. We are proud of all 300 graduates! Best of luck in your future endeavors!

The following students were named valedictorians of the class of 2025:

Clara Anderson, daughter of Mathew & Brittany Anderson

Stella Chen, daughter of Qian Song & Lidi Chen

Madeline Hardy, daughter of William & Emily Hardy

Kathryn McMeyer, daughter of Doug & Jessica McMeyer

Reyan Sanghvi, son of Nishith Sanghvi & Sanghvi Krupal

Lucas Schmidt, son of Robert & Megan Schmidt

Viraj Shah, son of Jinal & Pooja Shah

Tyler Shane, son of Matthew & Melissa Shane

Tanya Shankar, daughter of Kiran & Poomima Shankar

Namit Singh, son of Baljit Singh & Jaspreet Grewal

Anne Marie Timpe, daughter of Kellie Timpe & Shannon Timpe

Anthony Unes, son of Phil & Elizabeth Unes

DHS FCCLA recently hosted the annual Prom Fashion Show. Funds collected during Community Night and the school show are always donated to a charity of the club's choosing. This year, FCCLA chose to donate their funds to Love for Luke, a Dunlap first grader with a rare diagnosis. This week, the club will present a $4,000 check to the family. Thank you to all who came to the show and thanks to Mrs. Ryon and all the DHS seniors who were in the show for their hard work!

Congratulations to the DHS staff members who are retiring following the 24-25 school year.

Mr. Oelkers: Physics Teacher

Mr. Barrington: Science Teacher

Mr. Hatch:Spanish Teacher

Mrs. Douglas: Athletic Secretary

Thank you for your many years of service to Dunlap High School! Enjoy your well deserved retirement!

The totals are in from last year's DHS St. Jude club fundraising efforts. With the summer telethon included, our club raised $24,553 for the kids of St. Jude. Thanks to all of the Dunlap community for your continued support! We couldn't do it without you!

Recently, the area Rotary Clubs held the 66th Annual Sterline Merit Awards Banquet. This banquet recognizes upcoming graduates who have attained academic standing in the top eight percent of their class. The following Dunlap High School Seniors were recognized: Adele Ackerman, Clara Anderson, Lauren Barnes, Olivia Blameuser, Phoenix Brown, Stella Chen, Ella Cunningham, August Dornon, Azra Ekici, Madeline Hardy, Faith Korger, Kathryn McMeyer, Jackson Oldham, Zachary Olmsted, Ella Perce, Reyan Sanghvi, Lucas Schmidt, Viraj Shah, Tyler Shane, Tanya Shankar, Namit Singh, Maya Swaidan, Anne Marie Timpe, Anthony Unes and Rena Zhang.

Congratulations to the DHS ACES team for winning the State competition in their division! Individual finishers include:

Owen Zhang: 3rd in Chemistry

Areeba Usmani: 2nd in Biology, 3rd in Chemistry

Alex Fei: 2nd in Math

Kaylee Song: 1st in Math (perfect score), 3rd in Chemistry

This spring, Dunlap High School FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) had their State Leadership Conference in Springfield, where students present and compete in a variety of business events.

Congratulations to the following students, who won their position to represent Illinois at the National Conference this summer in Anaheim, CA.

Michael Gong, Eesha Sukhavasi, Christopher McQuillan, Pranavisree Korrapati, Shanvi Soumya, Shaura Anand, Hitesh Bulagadda, Navaneeth Edavan, David Gong, Areeba Usmani, Aasritha Vadakattu, Harmin Patel, Srihan Kadiyam, Thomas Liu and Ylly Tolentino.

Congratulations to Harmin Patel, who was elected as the Illinois State Secretary of FBLA!

Group Interpretation (GI) is a unique and competitive form of ensemble performance that highlights interpretive storytelling and teamwork—without the use of costumes, makeup, set, or props. Performers rely solely on their voices, movements, and expressions to bring a story to life within a 20x20 performance space, adhering to strict timing regulations.

On March 22, Stage323’s Group Interpretation production, In Time directed by Sandra Iadipaolo competed at Sectionals and emerged as Sectional Champions, earning a spot in the IHSA State Drama Series! Congratulations to our All-Sectional Cast Members: JD Whitemore, Audrey Stewart, Kaitlyn Glover, and Kassidy Cox!

The team then proudly represented Dunlap at the IHSA State Drama Series on March 28-29. A huge round of applause to our All-State Cast Members: JD Whitemore, Audrey Stewart, Jack Burton, Kaitlyn Glover, and Santiago Iadipaolo!

We are incredibly proud of these talented students for their dedication and success. Their hard work and passion for performance continue to inspire our school community!

Congratulations to Dunlap High School students & staff for being named to the 2024 AP School Honor Roll! Dunlap High School is a "bronze" member of the Honor Roll as 44% of seniors took at least one AP exam during high school, of which 40% of graduated seniors scored a three or higher on at least one AP exam. DHS surpassed the “gold-level” benchmark score and had 13% of seniors take five or more AP exams, one of which was during their freshman or sophomore year!

Dunlap High School was once again recognized in the US News and World Report of Best High Schools! DHS received the #1 ranking for high schools in the Peoria Metro Area, #49 in the State of Illinois and #1,117 in the National rankings! Congratulations to the Dunlap High School staff, students and community on this outstanding recognition!! To see the entire Dunlap High School profile on the report, click here.

In October, Dunlap High School received "Exemplary" status from the Illinois State Board of Education. Each year, schools receive an annual summative designation on the Illinois Report Card. The designation is based on the school’s overall data, and the data for each student group, for all of the accountability indicators. Indicators of an exemplary school are as follows:

• Overall performance in the top 10 percent of all schools

• Must have no underperforming student groups at or below the “all students” group of the lowest-performing 5 percent of schools

• High schools must have a graduation rate higher than 67 percent

Congratulations to the entire Dunlap High School Community on this outstanding achievement!

On a sunny Sunday morning, Melaina, Miley, Amelie, and Molly from Key Club gathered with enthusiasm to breathe new life into the Spartan Memorial Garden at DVMS, which had fallen into disarray. Armed with gloves, rakes, and a shared sense of purpose, the four girls tackled the overgrown weeds and tangled branches, transforming the space into a vibrant tribute to the community's spirit. Their laughter echoed through the garden as they worked together, reflecting their dedication and camaraderie. By the end of the day, the garden not only looked revitalized but also served as a beautiful reminder of the impact of volunteerism and the strength of friendship.

Dunlap High School had individual Choral students selected for All-State honors who

will be performing at the State Convention on Saturday, February 1st . This is the highest honor a high school musician can achieve. Congratulations to Chorus All-Staters, Humza Javed and Allison Ninnam! This is their second year in a row being selected!

Dunlap High School had individual students selected for All-State honors who

will be performing at the State Convention on Saturday, February 1st. This is

the highest honor a high school musician can achieve. Congratulations to the Orchestra All-Staters, Arh-J Doromal, Aiko Tello, Thomas Liu & Agrini Neekhra!

Dunlap High School had individual students selected for All-State honors who

will be performing at the State Convention on Saturday, February 1st. This is the highest honor a high school musician can achieve. Congratulations to the Band All-Staters, Evelyn Frese & Jude Cairns!

The Dunlap High School Orchestra had a phenomenal performance at the Illinois

Music Educators State Convention on Friday, January 31st! The orchestra was one

of three high school orchestras in the state of Illinois to be selected to play at the state convention.

They performed works by Mahler, Mozart, Shostakovich, and Newbold. They also played a piece written by sophomore orchestra student Arh-J Doromal titled Mirror (2024). Congratulations to the Orchestra members on a wonderful performance and representation of DHS! The Dunlap High School Orchestra is under the direction of Mr. Jason Shea.

Congratulations to the DHS Chess team on finishing in sixth place at the IHSA State Chess Finals!! This is the highest finish EVER for a Dunlap team!! Michael Li and Jad Khoury were both gold medalists and Joshua Wang was a silver medalist! Way to go, Eagles!!

The Eagles Varsity Girls tennis team finished 3rd in the Class A state tournament this past weekend.

Freshman Anna Yu finished 5th in singles, sisters Carolina & Isabella Gusso finished 6th in doubles, Alassea Michel finished 2nd team all state (top 16) and Maya Baman/Melaina Humbles finished 3rd team all state (top 24). Congratulations, Eagles!!

Congratulations to DHS Junior, Sammie Yeh, who won the IHSA Class 3A High Jump this past weekend! Sammie captured first place by clearing 5'8.75"! Way to go!!

Congratulations to the Boys' Tennis team on bringing home a 3rd place trophy from the IHSA Class 1A State Tennis Finals. Top finishers were Alex Fei & Ethan McRaven, who finished in 5th place. All State Honorees also included Andrew Choy and the doubles team of William Song & Ethan Klemens. Harmin Patel was also a State Qualifier. All players scored team points for the Eagles!! Way to go!!

On May 13, our talented 6th grade musicians took center stage for the annual Dunlap 6th Grade Music Celebration! Students from chorus, orchestra, and band showcased their hard work and growth throughout the year with lively performances that delighted the crowd. Families and friends gathered with lawn chairs and big smiles, enjoying a beautiful day filled with music and pride. We’re incredibly proud of all our young performers and look forward to their continued growth and success in the years to come!

DMS graduate Benny M. completed his Eagle Scout Project—an incredible contribution to our school community! Benny and his dedicated team built a full classroom set of outdoor benches, along with a teacher podium and chair, for DMS students and staff to enjoy. These additions will enhance outdoor learning opportunities and provide a lasting benefit to our campus. Congratulations to Benny on this major achievement, and a heartfelt thank you to him and his team for their hard work and generosity.

Students and staff came together to celebrate DMS being named a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School! The day was filled with fun contests, a school-wide assembly, and special visits from Dr. Andrews, Assistant Superintendent, Beth Crider from the Peoria Regional Office of Education, and a high-energy performance by the DHS drumline. Congratulations to the entire Dunlap Middle School community for such a great recognition!

We Have a Champion Among Us!

We're thrilled to share some incredible news — Kavin has not only triumphed at the Regional Spelling Bee, but he has also qualified for the National Scripps Spelling Bee!

This is a remarkable achievement, and we are incredibly proud of Kavin’s hard work, determination, and dedication. Earning a spot among the nation's top spellers is no small feat, and Kavin has done just that! He will be traveling to Washington, D.C. this May to represent our community on the national stage. Please join us in congratulating Kavin and wishing him the very best as he takes on this exciting challenge!

Way to go, Kavin — we're cheering you on all the way!

Bravo, Dunlap Valley Drama Club! On May 6th, the Dunlap Valley Drama Club proudly presented its first-ever production, “The Spy Game” — and what a debut it was! Performing to a packed audience, our talented students delivered a wonderful show filled with creativity, hard work, and heart. Their dedication and teamwork truly shined on stage, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who attended. Congratulations to our amazing cast, crew, and club sponsors for making this inaugural performance such a success. We can't wait to see what the future holds for Dunlap Valley Drama! Well done, everyone!

On April 25, DVMS 8th grade students attended 2025 Peoria Academy Model United Nations. This is an annual event where students from various middle schools in Central Illinois get together for a day to discuss global issues and work together to find solutions. These 10 leaders did an amazing job representing Dunlap Valley! They spent the day listening to a keynote speaker, debating potential solutions to global issues, and working with each other to solve a crisis. Congratulations to Eesha Kandhukuri, Abhinav Kothamachu, Judah Masters, Priya Mathan, Landon Meinders, Dresden Michel, Nancy Patel, Hanish Sakthivel, Kavin Kumar Suriya Prakash, and Sunvi Tripathi for their participation and hard work during the conference. Way to go Spartans!

Jay Miltetsky ("Mr. Jay"), the author of "Ricky the Rock that Couldn't Roll," visited all 5 elementary schools in April. Students had the opportunity to purchase his books, which he signed for them. During his presentation, he shared some personal stories and encouraged students that they, too can become authors or be anything they want to be by simply taking the chance.

The Banner PTO is amazing and facilitated many fun evenings for our families! Some of them included:

• Reading Night connected with our Scholastic Book Fair. Dogs from "Paws Giving Independence" were available for students to pet and/or read to. There were also several fun reading activities in the cafeteria.
• BINGO Night - a FREE event for our families with lots of prizes!
• Math Night - a FREE event loaded with math activities for students and families to engage in. Mathnasium of Peoria facilitated the evening.

In December, our Banner families came through again with generous donations of $6,100 this year. We took the entire school shopping at Target and Wal-Mart for toys, games, and clothes. We then dropped them off at the Children's Home of Peoria. This has been long-standing tradition at Banner. Over the last 20 years, our amazing families have donated over $100,000 to this cause!

Welcome Mrs. Hansen to Banner Elementary School! She will be the new principal beginning this upcoming school year! Mrs. Hansen used to work in the Dunlap District as a middle school teacher, 5th grade teacher, and in the Curriculum Department. Most recently, she has served as the principal of Tremont Grade School for the past 11 years. She truly knows the culture of Banner and will be a welcomed addition to an already amazing staff!

Dunlap Grade School (DGS) brought stories to life in a big way as it celebrated World Read Aloud Day through a variety of engaging and joyful activities. Students kicked off the day with a walking field trip to the Dunlap Public Library, where guest readers shared imaginative and twisted takes on classic fairy tales. The excitement continued back at school with an all-school read-aloud and animated enactment of "Look out, Wolf! There's a Beast in Your Book!" Laughter echoed through the gym as staff took on roles and made the story leap off the page. Just when students thought the fun was over, the lights went low, the music turned up, and a surprise glow dance party transformed the space into a swirl of color and motion. The day was bursting with read-aloud fun and brought Royals even closer together, reminding us that stories— and a little dancing–make everything more magical when shared.

Earlier this year, our amazing Royal staff lit up the stage in The Masked Singer: Teacher Edition, modeling one of our core life goals: “I can do something even if it’s hard and even if I don’t want to!” With mysterious costumes and courageous performances, our teachers brought energy and fun to the spotlight, all to inspire our 3rd–5th graders as they geared up for IAR testing. It was a memorable event that not only entertained but also showed our students the power of perseverance in action. We couldn’t be prouder of both our staff and students for rising to the challenge!

At DGS, the strong partnership between the school and our dedicated Parents Club shines through in every event and initiative. From the whimsical fun of the Royally Mixed-Up Carnival to the energetic excitement of the Royal Fun Run, these collaborative efforts not only bring our school community together but also serve an important purpose—raising funds to support key programs and initiatives that benefit all students. Whether it's enhancing classroom resources, funding enrichment opportunities, or supporting school-wide celebrations, the teamwork between staff and families continues to make a meaningful impact every day.

We are thrilled to celebrate the hard work, dedication, and creativity of our elementary students in the music program, led by the incredible Mrs. Buckley! Year after year, Mrs. Buckley’s passion for music and teaching shines through in every performance, inspiring our students to explore their musical talents and express themselves in exciting ways.

Under Mrs. Buckley’s guidance, our young musicians have had the opportunity to participate in a wide range of musical activities, from learning the fundamentals of rhythm and melody to performing in front of their peers, families, and the community. The growth and progress our students show each year is nothing short of inspiring.

Field Day was a major highlight of the year, filled with excitement, friendly competition, and tons of smiles! Our students had a blast competing in an array of awesome games, from relay races to tug-of-war. The energy and enthusiasm were contagious as students worked together, cheered each other on, and celebrated their achievements. It was a day full of fun and laughter, making lasting memories and reinforcing the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship.

Mrs. Heinlein leads a creative, inspiring, and enriching art program! One of the highlights of the year was the exciting collaboration between art and science that Mrs. Heinlein brought to life for her students. She invited a NASA engineer to visit and discuss the fascinating intersection of art and science. The students learned how art plays a vital role in the scientific process. This memorable experience not only opened their eyes to the many possibilities in both fields but also inspired them to think outside the box and connect their creative skills to real-world careers.

Hickory Grove's annual Culture Fair is a vibrant celebration of our diverse community filled with cultural dances, delicious international foods, and engaging learning opportunities. Families and students proudly shared traditions from around the world, with performances ranging from lively folkloric dances to elegant classical routines. Tables were lined with homemade dishes representing a wide array of cultures, giving everyone a chance to taste something new and learn the stories behind the food. Interactive displays, traditional clothing, and hands-on activities made the event both fun and educational. It was a joyful reminder of the strength and beauty in our school’s diversity—thank you to everyone who helped make it such a meaningful and memorable experience!

Our fourth grade students made history come alive as they studied and presented famous people throughout history. They wrote a speech about the person's life and gave it to many Ridgeview students and parents. Both children and adults enjoyed hearing these fourth graders share and show what they learned while researching in the classroom.

Our kindergarteners experienced the project approach this semester. Each kindergarten classroom brainstormed topics that they were interested in and would like to study further. The chosen topics were fishing, golfing and police cars. The students found books about their topics and had guest experts come in to share more about their fields. Their studies lasted several weeks and they created some incredible artifacts to showcase their learning.

With the support from our community, Ridgeview students have been able to take their learning beyond the classroom walls and participate in various capstone experiences. From the Hult Center, to the Children's Discovery Museum and back to Wildlife Prairie Park, our students have made some great memories with their classmates and teachers this year.

Wilder-Waite teacher, Mr. Conlee, and fifth grade students represented Dunlap at IDEA’s Student Advocacy Day in Springfield! Mr. Conlee and his students were selected to present about the Wildcat Action News, Wilder-Waite’s student-run weekly newscast. Students showcased how they use technology to not only keep students and teachers informed, but build a strong school community. Students were able to use their voices to share a project they are passionate about and learn from other students across the state. Congratulations to Mr. Conlee and our fifth grade students for their accomplishment!