Half Day

Tracy Gordon began her teaching journey at Half Day School in 2002, bringing with her a wealth of experience from Avoca District 37 to the Chicago Public Schools. She started in third-grade and concluded her remarkable career in fourth-grade. With 35 years dedicated to education, Mrs. Gordon leaves behind a legacy of impact.

Reflecting on her tenure, Mrs. Gordon shared, "Teaching over 500 students in D103 has been an incredible privilege. Their energy, curiosity, and unique personalities have enriched my journey. Witnessing their growth and accomplishments has been truly rewarding."

She continued, expressing gratitude for her colleagues, stating, "I've cherished the camaraderie and support of fellow teachers. Our shared passion for teaching and collaboration have empowered me to be the best educator possible. The friendships forged are invaluable."

Mrs. Gordon's commitment to sustainability has left a lasting mark on the district. As a club leader, she spearheaded initiatives to repurpose waste, reduce our carbon footprint, and instill eco-friendly practices district-wide.

From ditto machines to iPads, Mrs. Gordon has witnessed the evolution of classroom technology. Her adaptability and dedication to innovation have enriched the learning experiences of countless students.

As she embarks on her retirement journey, Mrs. Gordon plans to relocate to Charleston, SC. There, she looks forward to exploring new hobbies and cherishing old passions.

In bidding farewell to Mrs. Gordon, we celebrate her profound impact on our school community and wish her joy and fulfillment in this new chapter of life.

• Musical: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, and Thursday, May 16.
• D103 5K Run: Register now for the PTO sponsored event on Saturday, May 18.
  

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.

The 216 fifth-graders were given a big welcome as they entered the Daniel Wright building with music and cheering from students and staff as seen in this brief video. Later that evening parents were introduced to the junior high school curriculum while students were oriented to clubs and sports. Last month, Daniel Wright choir students met with fifth-graders to give them a taste of the junior high school music program. Parents may view the Fly Up PowerPoint if they did not attend.

District 103 formally recognizes its 198 certified staff members during National Teacher Appreciation Week May 6 through May 10. The district’s Parent Teacher Organization has been showing its appreciation with the theme of “Thanks for Helping Us Grow.” The PTO has been recognizing teachers throughout the week with lunch, treats, and other acts of kindness for their work both in and beyond the classrooms. The Board of Education also thanked its teachers at the school board meeting on May 7. Thank you to all the parents who donated their time and resources to this wonderful recognition week!

"Our teachers have created an exceptional learning environment for our students, support our families, and work collaboratively to ensure our students excel. I am proud of the dedication and hard work our teachers display day in and day out. Thank you for making D103 an outstanding district for students to learn and grow!” said Superintendent Scott Warren.

Dr. Scott Warren, Superintendent, and the Board of Education recognized staff members this week for the years they have committed to working in District 103 and their dedication to our students.

All library books are due by Friday, May 24. Please start returning books that your student has finished.

With just 18 days of school before summer begins, direct your students to check the lost and found for missing items. There are jackets, lunch boxes, water bottles, and more. Claim them before the school year ends!

District 103 is seeking 6-8 parent volunteers to sit on a State required Parent Advisory Committee for Student Discipline policy and procedures. The time commitment is 1.5 hours on May 22, 2024, from 12:00 - 1:30 p.m., at the District 103 Administrative Office located at 1111 Barclay, Suite 100 in Lincolnshire. The committee will review our current policy on student discipline: disruptive classroom behavior, school bus safety procedures, and the dissemination of student conduct information. Please fill out the Google interest form by Friday, May 10.

Purchase a brick with your student's name on it where it will be waiting for them as they enter Daniel Wright Junior High School. A memory for a lifetime! Don't miss this opportunity for your student with the Learning Fund Foundation's Legacy Brick fundraiser.

Each night, we are offering two families the opportunity for four VIP front-row seats at the Half Day Musical, along with a reserved parking space. These four tickets are IN ADDITION to the tickets you already have! The top two winning bids for each night will win this package. The top bidder will purchase the item through this bidding site, and the second-place bidder will receive separate payment instructions.

• Don't miss out!- This auction ends at noon on Wednesday, May 15!
• Bid now at https://new.biddingowl.com/D103VIP2024

The District 103 Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) and Executive Board are calling upon passionate and dedicated individuals to step forward and assume leadership roles for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. This pivotal opportunity not only enriches your engagement with the community but also directly impacts the educational landscape for our children. As we navigate the evolving challenges in education, your leadership can chart a course that fosters innovation, inclusivity, and excellence.

By joining the PTO or Executive Board, you become a catalyst for positive change, influencing policies, programs, and initiatives that shape the academic journey of students across our district. Whether you bring expertise in fundraising, communication, event planning, or advocacy, your unique skills and perspectives are invaluable in creating a vibrant and supportive learning environment. Seize this chance to make a lasting difference and be part of a dynamic team driving educational success in D103!

• Sign up for leadership roles: https://bit.ly/4a9mgi8

Over 515 individuals have registered for the Run for D103 5K Run/Walk. Cost is $35 per runner (cost goes up on Race Day). Group rates and family sponsorships are also available. Learn more and register at runford103.org today for the Saturday, May 18, event!

Do you plan to be at the event cheering on family and friends? Volunteers are still needed to help with course support and photography during the race. Sign up to volunteer https://bit.ly/D103SignUp.

Join us at our 25th Annual First Responders Expo on Saturday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Parking Lot E at Gurnee Mills.

Children can learn all about fire and police safety education. Enjoy all of the fun-filled activities and delicious food trucks. Be the first to see Station 51's all new food fire truck that was transformed from a fire truck to a food truck on Discovery Channel's Cruising Kitchens!

At Steve & Kate's Camp, campers choose from a variety of activities including sewing, coding, maker crafts, sports & more! Buy any number of days to use at any time. Unused days are automatically refunded at summer’s end. Est. 1980. Lunch, snacks & all hours (8am–6pm) included.

The Center for Gifted is bringing their flagship program, Summer Wonders, back to District 103. Offering an exciting variety of challenging, hands-on courses, it comprises three one-week sessions for grades first through sixth in July. District 103 students receive a 10% tuition discount, using this code at checkout: TEN4D103.

• Center for Gifted Brochure
• Center for Gifted Class Information

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Principals

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