Half Day

Half Day teacher Tara Boron is igniting excitement in the classroom using Trevor MacKenzie’s inquiry-based learning technique, the “Question Pencil.” This hands-on approach encourages students to ask thought-provoking questions that shape their learning journey as these photos illustrate.

“It prompts students to ask questions to shape intention and provide a direction for learning,” Mrs. Boron explained.

By using the “Question Pencil” at the start of lessons, students take ownership of their learning, develop critical thinking skills, and stay engaged through curiosity-driven exploration. Recently, students put this technique to the test by posing their own questions about electricity and energy, leading to deeper understanding and real-world connections. Read more about the MacKenzie practices in D103 classrooms.

• Thursday, March 13: 4th & 5th grade orchestra concert starts at 6:30 p.m. at SHS.
• Thursday, March 13: 3rd, 4th & 5th grade chorus concert starts at 7:30 p.m. at SHS.
• Friday, March 21: Summer school registration closes at 11:59 a.m.
• Friday, March 21: ASA registration closes at 11:59 p.m.
• Monday, March 24, through Friday, March 28: Spring break, schools are closed.
• Friday, March 28: Last day to complete the 5Essentials survey.

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.

We were blown away by the incredible talent and creativity displayed by over 70 students who submitted designs for this year’s Half Day yearbook cover contest. Each submission showcased high-caliber work, making the selection process more difficult than ever. Each submission reflected the creativity and passion of our school community in unique ways. We’re thrilled to celebrate the artistic spirit and dedication of our students. Congratulations to winners Olivia Hu, Bomie Park, and Penny You!

Parents, students, and teachers are invited to participate in giving feedback on school climate and learning conditions in District 103 through the state-administered, Illinois 5Essentials Survey.

We must meet a response rate threshold of 20% in order to receive a Parent Report. Currently, as of today, only 10% of Half Day Parents have participated.

This 10-minute survey is a great way for D103 parents to provide input into the five indicators from the survey that affect and predict school success:

• Effective Leaders

• Collaborative Teachers

• Involved Families

• Supportive Environments

• Ambitious Instruction

Fourth-grade students will be attending Outdoor Education at the YMCA Camp MacLean in Burlington, Wisconsin on Thursday, May 22, and Friday, May 23.

We are seeking FOUR parents per homeroom (2 Female/2 Male) to chaperone this amazing outdoor experience! Chaperone responsibilities include:

• Riding the bus to and from camp.
• Providing general support during classes, games, and activities.
• Assisting with student supervision, including overnight cabin support.

A lottery to select chaperones will be held in early April, and all parents will be notified of selection by Friday, April 4. You may submit your name to the lottery by completing this 2025 4th-Grade Outdoor Ed Parent Volunteer Form.

All lottery submissions should be made no later than NOON on Monday, March 31.

This will be our 36th year attending Camp MacLean! Please consider joining the fun!

District 103’s summer school registration will close at 11:59 a.m. Friday, March 21. Please review the updated class descriptions and summer school schedule before registering.

• Registration takes place through the PowerSchool Platform.

• Please review the registration guide before selecting classes.

• If you encounter any issues or need assistance during registration, please complete this Google form. DO NOT call the schools or district office. Form responses will be addressed in the order they are received.

• Please be aware that popular classes may be full. We do not maintain a waitlist—the number of open seats is always visible in the PowerSchool platform. We recommend checking back frequently, as you can adjust your schedule until registration closes on Friday, March 21.

• Please visit the D103 RevTrak Web Store to register for Camp 103 Club.

• After School Activities class registration closes Friday, March 21, at 11:59 p.m.
• Classes are $25 total per class (not per week) for all six weeks. Some classes will have an additional material fee as noted when registering.

• Register for classes on the RevTrak Web Store.

National Data on crisis management in schools has proven that a community can band together to help create a highly effective culture of safety to help protect all of us, including our children in schools.

Many potential dangers have been reported and addressed due to community members reporting suspicious or concerning behavior. If you are aware of any suspicious or concerning behavior, please follow the practice of See Something, Say Something. Students can report concerns to any staff member or fill out D103’s Student Concern Form.

PowerSchool contracted with CrowdStrike to investigate the incident of a PowerSchool data breach as described in a previous D103 newsletter. Crowdstrike's investigation is now complete and publicly available.

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.

Support the Learning Fund Foundation - D103 School District - when you dine in, drive-through or carry out from Culver’s of Lincolnshire on Monday, March 17, through Thursday, March 20. Culver’s will donate 25% of group sales. Please mention this all day fundraiser when placing your order.

On Thursday, April 24, Half Day School will host the fourth-grade Illinois State Fair. This is a fun, hands-on event where students explore Illinois' rich agricultural heritage, manufacturing processes, and local government. From an adorable baby chick exhibit to interactive displays showcasing key industries, this day is designed to spark curiosity and inspire learning.

The PTO is in need of Activity Leads to help organize and run specific stations. Your leadership will be key to making this event both memorable and educational for our students.

Sign up today at https://dub.sh/D103SignUp to lead an activity and play a vital role in bringing the Illinois State Fair to life!

For any questions about this event, including questions regarding volunteering and what's involved, please email hd@d103pto.org.

The Run for D103 5K Run/Walk is a family-friendly, annual fundraising event held in the spring that enables the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) to provide District 103 with programs and equipment for the benefit of our children. This race is representative of our district's commitment to foster both healthy minds and healthy bodies in our children and to instill a lifelong passion for education and exercise.

Whether you're an experienced runner or just starting out, this is the perfect opportunity to challenge yourself, meet new people, and have fun! We can't wait to see you at the starting line!

👉 Register today @ runford103.org

The LSA Recreational Baseball program is open to players 3-years-old through eighth-grade. The goal of this program is to give young players an introductory understanding of the game in an organized and fun setting. All divisions are coed. The season will run from April to July. For questions please reach out to lsahousebaseball@gmail.com.

From 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Sunday, March 16, invites students in fifth-grade and beyond to participate. Please fill out the form to participate. More information about the fair can be found on the STEM Club's website.

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Principals

• Principal Jill Mau
• Assistant Principal Laura Delagrange
Reporting an Absence
• 847-634-1484
• Hd_attendance@d103.org