Weekly Update
October 2, 2024
Families Helping Families
The Indian Prairie Parents’ Council (IPPC), in partnership with District 204, is continuing the Families Helping Families program to support families facing hardship or homelessness through monetary donations and gift cards. This ongoing initiative assists under-resourced families during the winter holidays and throughout the year. Community members can participate by visiting the online store to purchase gift cards or make a donation, making a meaningful difference for families in need. For details, please contact IPPC 1st Vice President and Unity Chair, Robin Schmidt, at ippcpta@gmail.com. If your family needs support, reach out to your school social worker, who can guide you to helpful resources.
Giftmart 2024
Giftmart 2024 needs your help! Please consider donating a toy to assist under resourced families in Naperville. By invitation, parents and/or guardians are invited to the Giftmart Toyshop where they can purchase new toys for $2.00 per toy. 100% of the proceeds made from the sale of each toy will be donated back to each invited school to fund much needed resources. Please consider donating a new, unwrapped toy that is safe for children ages 6-12. No stuffed animals or board games, please. Both a Target and Amazon Gift Registry have been created or there will be a Giftmart Toy Box located inside of Metea and Waubonsie Valley High Schools, Granger, Crone, Gregory and Fischer Middle Schools, and in Brookdale, Brooks, Cowlishaw, Fry, Graham, Georgetown, Gombert, May Watts, McCarty, Owen, Patterson, Petterson, Welch, and Young Elementary Schools from November 11 – December 9. Thank you for your generosity and participation!
Volunteer Recognition
District 204 is grateful to GreenState Credit Union for sponsoring our Volunteer Program. We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who volunteered or signed up to volunteer in our schools during November.
In total, volunteers across the district dedicated an incredible 4,108 hours in November, with a total of 2,401 volunteer applications approved so far this year! Leading the way, Spring Brook Elementary logged the most volunteer hours at the elementary level with 1,196 hours. At the middle and high school levels, Gregory Middle School and Metea Valley High School had the highest volunteer contributions.
A special shoutout to these outstanding individuals for their exceptional efforts in November:
- Virginia Witte – 44 hours (Spring Brook Elementary School)
- Katheryn Izzo – 40 hours (Spring Brook Elementary School)
- Amanda Matlock – 39 hours (Spring Brook Elementary School)
Thank you to all our volunteers for the important role you play in our community!
Interested in making a difference? Visit our Volunteer Program webpage to learn more, or contact Jeannie Dina, Assistant Director of Community Relations, at jeannie_dina@ipsd.org with any questions.
Safety & Security
School Threats
Throughout this school year, there has been a troubling increase in the sharing of threats via social media among students. It is crucial to understand that even jokes or posts made in jest can have serious consequences. Making or sharing threats, regardless of intent, can lead to severe repercussions, including legal action.
We urge everyone to think carefully before posting or sharing any content that could be interpreted as threatening. The impact of such actions can extend far beyond a single incident, affecting not only the individuals involved but also evoking a trauma response throughout the entire school community.
If you see or hear something concerning, please report it immediately to a trusted adult, law enforcement, or the District’s Tipline. It is equally important not to perpetuate fear by creating or forwarding alarming posts on social media.
Mobile Dental Clinic
The DuPage County Health Department's Smile Squad will be visiting our district throughout the school year. Several schools will serve as host locations, and students from any school in the district are welcome to attend a clinic at any of these sites. The Smile Squad will provide dental examinations that fulfill the state-mandated requirement for students in Kindergarten, 2nd, 6th, and 9th grades. Eligible students will also receive a dental cleaning, fluoride treatment, and sealants as needed.
Upcoming Mobile Dental Clinics:
December 19, 2024: Still Middle School, 787 Meadowridge Drive, Aurora
Please note that written parental consent is required and must be on file with the health office prior to your child’s appointment. Consent forms must be submitted to your child's health office at least one week before the scheduled clinic date.
(Consent Form - English | Formulario de consentimiento - Español)
Next Board of Education Meeting: December 16, 2024
The next regular Board of Education meeting is at 7 PM on Monday, December 16, 2024 at the Crouse Education Center, 780 Shoreline Drive, Aurora. Meeting agendas and documents will be available online prior to the meeting. Video of the regular meeting can be streamed live or viewed the following day at the District’s YouTube channel.
Thank a Teacher or Staff Member
Give the gift of thanks this holiday season to that special teacher or staff member that has gone ‘above and beyond’ for your student through the Indian Prairie Educational Foundation’s Gifts of Gratitude program. By making a tax-deductible donation to IPEF on behalf of your honoree, your recipient will receive a personalized certificate and a letter with a custom message from you. All donations benefit IPEF’s Teacher Innovation Grants program. Please submit your gift by December 15th to ensure certificate delivery prior to Winter Break. Click here for more details: Gifts of Gratitude.
Resources for Parents
Wednesday, December 4 | 7 pm
Dr. Emily Edlynn
Hybrid Event - Common Sense Parenting: Happier Parents & Confident Kids
Details
Thursday, December 5 | 7 - 8:30 PM
Timothy Fields and Distinguished Panel
FUSE - First a Dream: Find Your Future at College Night
Details
Thursday, December 5 | 7 - 8:30 PM
B-PAC: Susanna Melon and Distinguished Panel
SPANISH ONLY: Encuentra tu futuro en la noche universitaria
Details
Tuesday, December 10 | Noon and 7 PM
Ana Homayoun
The New Blueprint and Essential Skills to Thrive in School, Career and Life.
Details
Wednesday, December 11 | Noon and 7 PM
Elizabeth Hamblet
Preparing Students with Disabilities for Success at College
Details
Third-Party Educational Programs
The following companies have rented space in our schools to offer an after-school educational program for students. The distribution of this material is in no way an endorsement of programs, services, activities, or products by District 204. For more information, visit programs.
Young Elementary - Young Rembrandts Drawing Class
White Eagle - Young Rembrandts Drawing Class
Welch - Young Rembrandts Drawing Class
Steck - Young Rembrandts Drawing Class
Spring Brook - Young Rembrandts Drawing Class
Owen - Young Rembrandts Drawing Class
McCarty - Young Rembrandts Drawing Class
Kendall - Young Rembrandts Drawing Class
Gombert -Young Rembrandts Drawing Class
Fry - Young Rembrandts Drawing Class
Cowlishaw - Young Rembrandts Drawing Class
Clow - Young Rembrandts Drawing Class
Brooks - Young Rembrandts Drawing Class
This Week's e-Folder
This week's e-Folder has been updated with information on community programs. For more information about the programs listed below, visit the 204 e-Folder.
Gombert K-3rd Girl Scout Troop 56951 Recruitment Flyer
NVSH Theatre Presents........Anon(ymous)
OPUS Holiday Workshop and Concert