News Bites 5/9/25

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This week, we celebrated Staff Appreciation Week across District 33 - and we want to take a moment to share just how much our staff means to us.

Every teacher, paraprofessional, custodian, lunchroom worker, office staff member, and administrator plays a vital role in helping our students grow and thrive. Their dedication, kindness, and belief in every child is what makes D33 such a special place to learn.

As a small token of our appreciation, each staff member received a delicious delivery of empanadas from Savory Crust and a custom illustrated poster celebrating our schools and this year’s theme: We Grow Together.

To all our D33 staff: we appreciate you, we celebrate you, and we thank you for the incredible heart you bring to your work each and every day.

Instructional Technology Coaches

Our incredible Instructional Technology Coaches were honored for their innovation, dedication, and behind-the-scenes work that makes tech integration seamless in D33. Their efforts were especially instrumental in launching our first annual STEM Fair!

Jenny Brunke & Instructional Technology Coaches

A huge thank you to Jenny Brunke and the ITC team for bringing the STEM Fair to life! Their planning, passion, and leadership gave students a powerful platform to create, explore, and dream big.

Nancy Godinez

Nancy Godinez was recognized for her outstanding parent partnership and dedication to her child’s success. Her positivity and support make a lasting impact at school and at home.

Tiffany Kennedy

Tiffany Kennedy was celebrated for the heart and care she brings as a paraprofessional at Turner Elementary. She goes above and beyond every day to support students and staff alike.

Our latest Book Study poll revealed that the top screen-time challenge for D33 families is: Too much screen time and not enough outdoor play. You’re not alone - and there are simple, research-backed ways to help!

Inspired by our book, The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, here are a few ideas to encourage more outdoor play:

1. Create screen-free zones at home (like bedrooms and dinner tables).
2. Plan “green time” before screen time - outdoor play first, devices later.
3. Join your kids outside for a walk, bike ride, or game - your presence matters!
4. Set a daily outdoor goal (e.g. 30 minutes) and track progress together.
5. Host neighborhood playdates to make outside time more social and fun.

Let’s keep the conversation going! Join us for the next Book Study meeting: Monday, May 13th at Gary Elementary School. We’ll dive deeper into how we can support healthier habits and less anxious kids. Hope to see you there!