River Trails Monthly

January 2025

In this newsletter...

Superintendent's Message
Inclement Weather Information
Kindergarten Registration
And more!

During the winter and holiday months, life can get incredibly busy, and it's easy for important information to slip through the cracks. I wanted to take a moment to highlight and reiterate a few key items that will continue to appear in our communications:

Inclement weather and E-Learning: As you know, we are in the midst of winter! In November, we sent a test call, text, and email to all families. If your phone number has changed, please be sure to update your contact information with the office of your child’s school. In the next section below, you will find a reminder of our process for calling an inclement weather day and a link for information on E-Learning plans, which are available on our website.

Weather Conditions

Schools will be closed if there is a forecasted sustained wind chill of -30 degrees Fahrenheit or colder, or when the actual temperature is a sustained -15 degrees Fahrenheit or colder between the travel times of 5:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and/or 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

For snow, ice or other weather-related closings, we will monitor the current conditions, the forecasted conditions during the travel times listed above, the ability of our staff to plow parking lots and sidewalks, as well as the ability of local municipalities to plow and make streets passable. We will also be in contact with our transportation company to assess their ability to safely run buses. In these situations, our district will also be in contact with our neighboring districts, our local and state officials, and meteorologists in order to make the most appropriate decision with the facts known at the respective time. This may result in an early release or late start schedule.

2025-2026 Calendar: Last month, the River Trails Board of Education Approved the 2025-2026 which includes several important changes for you to be aware of. The full list of dates is available on our webpage. We will continue to reiterate this message and the calendar changes to our families over the next several months.

First Day for Students and Staff:

Wednesday, August 27, 2025 (Teachers)
Tuesday, September 2, 2025 (1-8 Grades)
Wednesday, September 3, 2025 (Kindergarten) September 2, 2025, Meet and Greet
Friday, September 5, 2025 (Pre-Kindergarten) September 4, 2025, Meet and Greet

Registration and Residency: This week, all families received information regarding our registration and proof of residency process for the 2025-2026 school year. Please take a moment to review the important details in that memo. We will continue to send updates as the year progresses.

A look at after school activities at RTSD26

From art to athletics, music to academics, the district offers extracurricular activities that inspire, engage, and empower every student!

Watch how these programs shape futures and create lifelong memories.

Please continue to be aware of our information regarding emergency closings. The decision to close school or to change start or dismissal times because of inclement weather or other unanticipated emergencies will be based upon available information from weather forecast services and neighboring school district administrators.

If our schools will be closed, we will make the determination and notification by 5:30 a.m. on the day of the closing, knowing that you may need to arrange for childcare or further adjust your schedule. If we are able to make the determination of school closure the night before - meaning the forecast undoubtedly warrants closure - we will attempt to notify you between 6:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

In these situations, you will be notified via email, text and phone. A message will also be posted on our website at rtsd26.org.

Our district has an approved E-Learning plan, which means we can host school virtually on an inclement weather day if the situations allow. It is our intention to use this option as much as possible to avoid extending the school year should we need to close.

BPAC Multicultural Event Planning

The District's Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC) is planning a spring multicultural event for families. Is your family bilingual or multilingual? We need your help: share ideas, share books or games from your culture, or attend the event. Please contact Natalie Hudson if you're interested: nhudson@rtsd26.org or 847-257-5188 (call or text). Click here to learn more about BPAC.

Assessment Window

The assessment window is here! Many assessments are given during the months of January-April. For a general overview, please visit the district assessment calendar at RTSD26 Assessment Calendar. Specific testing dates and details will be shared directly by your child’s school. Thank you for your support in ensuring a successful testing experience for all students!

2025-2026 Registration Information and Proof of Residency

As a reminder, all students planning to return to River Trails School district MUST register online. Current 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students MUST provide proof of residency IN-PERSON prior to August 1, 2025. Please make note of the following important dates:

January 15, 2025:

All Kindergarten families will be mailed a postcard with information regarding Kindergarten registration

February 19, 2025:

Kindergarten registration will be held from 4:00pm-8:00pm at Prairie Trails School
You must pre-register for this event.
RTSD Kindergarten families with older siblings already enrolled in the district may register ALL students at this time.

February 20, 2025:

Registration for ALL students opens online through PowerSchool (including NEW district families in grades 1-8)

April 17 and April 18, 2025:

IN PERSON proof of residency events at Euclid and Indian Grove Elementary Schools for all current students in grades 2, 3, 4 and 5.
Online registration MUST be completed PRIOR TO PROOF OF RESIDENCY.

April 30, 2025:

This is the last day for an “Early Bird” discount toward student fees.

August 1, 2025:

Drop date for students who have not provided proof of residency documentation. Students who have not provided this information will be unenrolled from the district.
Last day to request bussing.
All bus fees must be paid in full by this date.

We will provide additional information on our website and will continue to communicate each of these events.

Save the Date for Camp Invention, Aug. 11-15!

We are excited to announce that RTSD26 will be offering Camp Invention this summer at Euclid Elementary School! Camp Invention is a non-profit, hands-on, full day STEM camp for students entering 1st-5th grades. There will also be opportunities for students entering 6th-8th grades to serve as Leaders in Training. Stay tuned for more information on how to register. Limited spots available.

2025-2026 Kindergarten Registration

Registration for incoming kindergarten (2025-26) is scheduled for Wednesday, February 19, 2025 from 4pm-8pm. Please help spread the word! Families of incoming students must pre register to secure a spot for the evening.

School in Session Monday, January 20

School will be in session on Monday, January 20, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

We will use this opportunity to educate about Martin Luther King Jr. Throughout the day, students will engage in activities, discussions, and projects focused on Dr. King's life, his work in the Civil Rights Movement, and his enduring impact on our world. These meaningful lessons are designed to inspire students to embrace the values of justice, equality, and community service that Dr. King championed.