Will County School District 92

Dear Will County School District 92 Community,

As we enter November, it’s the perfect time to express our deepest gratitude to the students, staff, and families of D92. The combined efforts of our school community are at the heart of the exceptional educational experience we provide here in Will County School District 92. Your dedication, teamwork, and support are invaluable, and we thank you all for contributing to our shared success.

We also want to take this time to recognize and honor the brave men and women who have served our country. On Wednesday, November 11, our students and staff across all four schools will participate in various activities to show appreciation for our local veterans.

There's still time to sign up for our Parent/Teacher Conferences, which are scheduled for Monday, November 25, and Tuesday, November 26. More information regarding how to sign up can be found below in the newsletter. We look forward to meaningful conversations with families as we discuss students' progress.

Finally, as we approach the holiday season, I hope each of you will take a moment to reflect on the blessings in your life. As I reflect on my own, I am filled with gratitude for the D92 community. Thank you for being a supportive, collaborative community dedicated to building a strong educational foundation for our students!

Stay well,

Kirsten Frankovich, Ed.D

Superintendent of Schools

Will County School District 92

#BeABulldog!

On this Veteran's Day, and every day, we extend our deepest gratitude to each of you for your service to our great nation. From those who have served in years past to those still wearing the uniform, you are the true embodiment of dedication, courage, and patriotism. We are honored to recognize the sacrifices you have made and the strength and resilience you have shown in protecting our freedoms.

All four schools will be involving students in age appropriate activities to recognize and celebrate our local veterans, including Veteran Day assemblies and Operation Support Out Troops donation drive, which provides care packages to troops deployed overseas!

The season of giving is upon us, and with it comes the D92 Giving Tree! Each year, our D92 community comes together to fulfill holiday wishlists for families in need. Starting Monday, November 18th, Giving Trees will be placed at each of our schools, decorated with gift tags listing requested items. We invite you to take a tag or two, purchase the listed items, wrap each gift, and attach the original tag to ensure it reaches the right family.

Please return all gifts to your student’s school by Thursday, December 11, 2024. Last year, our community’s generosity brightened the holidays for 40 D92 families. This year, with your continued support, we hope to bring even more joy and warmth to our D92 families who need it most. Thank you for helping make this holiday season brighter!

We are pleased to announce that the Will County Regional Office of Education has officially approved our district's e-learning plan. This plan will allow our students to continue their learning remotely during emergency school closures, such as inclement weather days. Our e-learning days will ensure that students can engage in meaningful learning activities and stay on track with their educational goals, even when they cannot be in the classroom.

If an e-learning day is needed, the district will notify you via our regular communication channels (email, text message, phone calls, and website announcements) and provide clear instructions on how to proceed with the e-learning schedule for the day.

Sincerely,

Lisa Lyke

Director of Curriculum

Check out some of the fun and exciting things that happened in D92 in October!

92 Seconds in D92 October 2024 Edition

Thank you to everyone who helped make our Halloween parade and celebrations such a memorable experience! From the maintenance crew, who ensured ample parking and smoothly guided cars in line, to the staff, who kept routines running with an extra dose of fun, and to our parents and guardians, whose smiles, waves, and thoughtful planning made the festivities extra special – it was truly a day to remember for all involved!

Reminder: No School for Students on Nov. 4
We hope all our students and families enjoy the day off school. Our teachers, staff, and educators have a teacher institute scheduled for the day.

Reminder: No School for All on Nov. 5

November 5, 2024 is Election Day. There is no school for students and staff on November 5.

Reminder: School Improvement Day on November 22

November 22 is a school improvement day for D92 with an early release for students at OP and Ludwig at 10:55 AM. Reed and Walsh friends will dismiss at 11:55 AM.

Reminder: Parent Teacher Conferences

Parent teacher conferences are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, November 25 & 26. There will be no school for students on Nov. 25 and 26. Teachers and staff will be meeting with parents and guardians to celebrate student successes and establish a collaborative partnership focused on continuing to support students for this school year!

Reminder: No School for Students and Teachers on Nov. 27, 28, & 29

We wish our students a wonderful Thanksgiving season and hope each and every family has an opportunity to celebrate with the people they love most during the Thanksgiving week!

Grand Prairie Transit is dedicated to providing a safe and reliable transportation experience for you and your child. We recognize the importance of maintaining your child’s routine and schedule, which plays a key role in ensuring a smooth transition between home and school.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child's bus driver, a change in bus stops, or any other transportation-related matter, please feel free to reach out to Grand Prairie Transit at 815-838-1012. Their team is committed to making your transportation experience as positive and seamless as possible!

The D92 Board of Education approved the FY25 budget at the September 17th BOE meeting. Here is the link to the approved budget: F25 Budget

Our next regular Board of Education meeting will be held on November 12, 2024, in the Ludwig Band Room. However, we will be highlighting several students and the student celebration portion of the board meeting with take place in the Ludwig lunchroom. We hope to see you there!

Check out the D92 building specific newsletters for even more great information:

Walsh November Newsletter

Reed November Newsletter

Ludwig November Newsletter

Oak Prairie November Newsletter

Parents and Guardians of 8th Grade Students,

Although it seems a long way off, 8th Grade Graduation will be here before we know it and your graduate will be walking the stage and heading off to their high school adventure! Please mark those calendars for 6 PM on Thursday, May 29th!

Regular School Day Schedules (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday)

Walsh k, 1: 8:50 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

• Walsh Early Childhood:
  
• Morning Session- 9:00am-11:30am
• Afternoon Session 12:45pm-3:15pm

Reed: 8:50 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Ludwig: 7:50 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Oak Prairie: 7:50 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

*Ludwig & Oak Prairie dismiss at 1:50 p.m. on Wednesdays

*Walsh & Reed dismiss at 2:50 p.m. on Wednesdays.

*Walsh Early Childhood PLC Wednesday-

• Morning Session- 9:00am-11:00am
• Afternoon Session 12:45pm-2:50pm
  

D92 is excited to introduce you to some of the incredible staff members working in our district! The following staff members were nominated by their colleagues as someone making a positive difference at D92 daily! #BeABulldog

What do i enjoy most about working in D92?

Well when I first started it was the hours and not working weekends or holidays. After 28 years here I think it's the people that keep me here it's like a work family.

How do I define success?

Success to me is a house to come home to, a wonderful family, beautiful grandkids and living life.

Favorite vacation spot?

Florida anywhere there is sand, water and sun.

What do you enjoy most about working in D92?

I have been in D92 for all of my 19 years as a speech therapist in early childhood and I love working with my preschoolers! It is so fun and rewarding to help them learn to find their voice. I have always been so fortunate to work with an amazing team of early childhood educators. Together, we are dedicated to our littlest learners and their families to build the foundation for their educational career in D92. D92 has always been so supportive of students’ needs. When we work together, it’s amazing what our students can do. I am proud to be a part of this team that is caring, fun, enthusiastic and passionate about fostering a positive learning environment. I truly enjoy coming to work everyday and seeing the children’s smiling faces. It’s been exciting to watch our program grow over the years to what it is today.

What impact do you hope to leave on others?

Working in early childhood means we are the first school experience for our students and families, which can be an exciting, but also scary time. I strive to put our families at ease that their child is in the best hands and will thrive in their preschool environment. I always do my best to have a smile on my face, be present and see the positive in everything. I love developing a bond with my students so that I can make a difference in their communication journey. It’s important to me that families have a positive preschool experience where they feel their child is safe, learning and growing.

What's your favorite hobby?

My favorite hobby is reading! My Kindle goes with me everywhere. I received my Kindle in 2020 and have read at least 448 books since! I enjoy talking about books and I love meeting my favorite authors at book signings. I’ve gotten good at ignoring the house chores for just one more chapter!

Who was your favorite teacher and why?

My favorite teacher was my PE teacher in high school. She’s the reason I ended up becoming a PE teacher. She was someone I really looked up to and could always go to with anything. Ultimately, I wanted to be a positive role model for students just as she was to me.

What’s your favorite food?

Potatoes. I have never had a form of potatoes that I didn’t like. Mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, tater tots, french fries… they’re all so good!

What’s your favorite type of music?

Taylor Swift!!

.

What's your favorite part about working in D92?

My favorite part about being a part of the District 92 community is that I now have the opportunity to give back, as I am a former District 92 student. Ever since I was young, my goal was to go to college and eventually return to teach at the very school I attended. I have always known that this is a great school district, and the teachers I had here inspired me to pursue a career in education. Becoming a physical education teacher feels like the perfect way to give back, and I get the privilege of teaching every student who comes through Reed School.

Who was your favorite teacher?

My favorite teacher was and is Mr. Blasing. Mr. Blasing has always been my favorite teacher, and he still holds that title today. He had just graduated from college when we became his first students, which, as most teachers know, is often a special group in their careers. My friends and I were also his inaugural basketball team to coach, following my mom's leadership since 4th grade. We certainly presented a challenge, but he took us on with enthusiasm, making the sport both competitive and enjoyable. I’ll never forget the time we sneaked in Nerf guns and snowballs during a Saturday morning practice; we had a blast until it was time to run ladders! Beyond basketball, Mr. Blasing was an exceptional teacher, introducing us to consumer education and social studies, even though I didn’t have him for social studies. I still love to tease him at teacher institutes every time I see him!

What do you enjoy most about working in D92?

What I enjoy most about working at District 92 is my incredible team! They are always there for me through my highs and lows, providing unwavering support that makes a significant difference in my daily life. It’s so nice to have colleagues who truly have your back, and I can’t imagine our team without Mrs. Deckinga and Mrs. Riopell—seriously, you can NEVER retire! Beyond the camaraderie with my coworkers, I also love teaching the students of District 92. It’s especially rewarding that I’ve had the chance to teach my nephews and niece, creating lasting memories and connections within the community.

• What's your favorite part about being a member of D92?

  My favorite part about being a D92 member is the sense of community that I feel working alongside such inspiring and uplifting people. During times of need and times of celebration, members of D92 always find a way to come together and support one another, and that is very special!

• What do you love most about our students?

  Teaching allows me to see so many great qualities of children, but what I love most about our students is their curiosity and joy for life. I feel that curiosity is the ticket to reaching even the most hesitant of students, and if I can ignite that spark of curiosity, the rest of my job is smooth sailing (mostly). The joy that students bring to our building for the simplest of reasons, whether it be because it's outside recess that day, or because they want me to know they just got a new pair of sneakers is a continuous reminder to enjoy the little things in life.

• Who is a hero to you and why?
  

  A hero to me, is my Papa, my late grandfather who helped raise me. He was a teacher himself, teaching photography and lighting workshops to aspiring photographers, which I had the pleasure to witness through much of my childhood. His humor and caring nature helped him build connections with so many individuals, and as an adult I can see how these connections elevated his success in his career. He is my hero, because he showed love and support without condition and he taught me that difficult circumstances in life, do not have to determine your success. I owe much of my current mindset and success to his teachings and the way he lived his life.

  
  

Why did you join D92?

I have been in the district since 2005!!!! My children were just starting at D92 and my usual "house filled" with kids was gone. I love being around kids. They energize me and make me feel alive. I saw a flyer at Walsh school that they were looking for subs in the kitchen. After subbing for 2 years, they had an opening for a lunch lady at Reed school. For me, what better job was there than to cook and be around kids. I stayed in that position for 7 years. I knew I still wanted to be in the school, but needed more hours. I went to Joliet Jr. College and took a class to be a Paraprofessional. I applied and worked with the kids for almost a year when the secretary position at Oak Prairie opened. I applied and was hired and have been in the district for 17 years (19 years with subbing). I can honestly say with all my heart that I LOVE MY JOB!!

What's your favorite part of being a member of D92?

Not only am I a member of D92, but I am also a parent of D92 and I couldn't be more proud of our school district. Our teachers, nurses, staff, lunch ladies and maintenance personnel are outstanding. I have 2 children that went through our district and I believe that my children have had a very successful education. The teachers have made an impact on them. They also had so much fun participating in sports and extracurriculars. I believe that every staff member has made a difference in their lives. From Mrs. Hideg, who use to let them stand while doing work to Mrs. Wedewer, who was my son's real "favorite teacher". To all the middle school teachers who made classes fun while learning to Mr. Wedewer and Mr. Blasing who always kept the boys in check. Our Nurse Jen, who is always there with a bandaid and a kind word for our kiddos with their booboos. Our dedicated lunch ladies and maintenance staff who feed and clean up. Our fearless leader, Mrs. Forcash who keeps our building, staff and students running smoothly. I am really lucky to be a part of D92

Do you have a favorite vacation spot?

I'm Italian, so it would only make sense that my favorite vacation spot would be Italy. In 2022, my son was studying abroad in Italy and what a wonderful experience it was to be able to vacation with him at the end of his trip abroad. He had learned so much about all the history of Italy and he was my own personal travel guide. We started in Rome, onto Venice, Florence, Almafi, Positano, Capri and ended in Sorrento for rest and relaxation. The food, people and sights were just a "trip of a lifetime" and I can't wait to go back

Our buildings post lots of fun happenings and great memories on their Facebook pages and school websites throughout the year! Feel free to stay connected and check out all the amazing things your favorite Bulldogs are doing in D92!

Walsh School Facebook Page

Walsh School Webpage

Reed School Facebook Page

Reed School Webpage

Ludwig School Facebook Page

Ludwig School Webpage

Oak Prairie Junior High School Facebook Page

Oak Prairie Junior High School Webpage

Will County District 92 Facebook Page

Will County District 92 Webpage

Check out the 2024-2025 D92 School Calendar at the link below:

District 92 2024-2025 School District Calendar

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING FOR NOVEMBER

This month Will County School District will host our regular board of education meeting on November 12 at 7:00 PM at Ludwig School. Please feel free to check out board of education agendas and minutes HERE.

Check out the 2024-2025 Parent Student Handbook at the link below:

2024-2025 Parent Student Handbook

Check out to great community organizations that offer wonderful opportunities for our D92 students outside of the classroom!

Visit the PFA Website for more information on how to get involved!

https://d92pfa.org/

Get ready to boogie! The PFA is excited to invite all students in grades K-8 to our dance, My Buckaroo and Me, on Saturday, November 16th, at Oak Prairie Jr. High!

Bring your favorite adult friend and join us for a fantastic night filled with dancing, delicious food, and fun with friends. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make unforgettable memories! There's still time to purchase tickets! Ticket sales close Nov. 8th. See flyer below.

Will County School District 92

Website: www.d92.org

Location: 708 North State Street, Lockport, IL

Phone: 815-838-8031

Our Mission and Vision

Our Mission

Empowering each student to develop a love of learning in an evolving global society.

Our Vision

As a District, for every student in every school we commit to providing:

• a culture encouraging student perseverance and resiliency;

• a growth mindset for students and adults;

• a commitment to the whole child and each student’s social-emotional well-being;

• a collaborative, team-oriented learning culture;

• a curriculum connected to students’ interests, experiences, talents and the real world

• an environment where creativity, curiosity and responsible risk-taking are encouraged