Talk203 E-Newsletter

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Join us for a two-part Focus Community Engagement series centered on creating an innovative learning experience for all our students! This is your opportunity to help bring our Profile of a Learner to life by sharing your insights and discovering how our five core competencies—Adaptability, Communication, Critical Thinking, Learner’s Mindset, and Global Citizenship—are setting the stage for future-ready learning in an ever-changing world.

Why Your Voice Matters

Your perspective is invaluable in shaping our district’s vision. Together, we’ll explore future-focused learning opportunities that will directly impact the educational experiences of Naperville 203 students.

What You Can Expect

Each session will include a short presentation, dynamic discussions, and a collaborative environment where your ideas and input will shape the innovative learning paths we design for our students.

🍏 Session 1: Deep Dive and Discussion
In this first session, we’ll explore the foundations of the Profile of a Learner, discussing how these competencies were developed, why they matter, and how your feedback can shape meaningful learning experiences.

Dates & Locations:

• November 19 | 7:00 p.m. - Kennedy Junior High School, 2929 Green Trails Dr, Lisle, IL 60532
• November 21 | 9:00 a.m. - Northern Illinois University - Naperville Campus, 1120 E Diehl Rd, Naperville, IL 60563

🍏 Session 2: Shaping Innovation in Learning
Return to see the impact of your feedback! In this second session, we’ll share updates that reflect both community insights and staff collaboration, showcasing the innovative learning experiences we’re creating together.

Dates & Locations:

• January 14 | 7:00 p.m. - Kennedy Junior High School, 2929 Green Trails Dr, Lisle, IL 60532
• January 17 | 9:00 a.m. - Location TBD

Can’t Attend? Join Online!
We’ll livestream each evening session, with recordings available on our website, so you can engage with the content anytime. For more details, visit www.naperville203.org/focus203.

Together, let’s build a brighter future for all Naperville 203 learners!

Giftmart For Elementary Students

As the holiday season approaches, we’re excited to share our Holiday Giving program for elementary students – GiftMart! GiftMart takes a unique and empowering approach to bring joy and pride to children in need during the holidays.

In the past, our Holiday Giving program depended on sponsors buying gifts for individual students. While this was a wonderful and heartfelt tradition, GiftMart introduces a fresh way to make a child’s holiday truly special.

Want to help? Visit Giftmart to view the toy wish list and purchase a gift. Toys can be dropped off at your school in designated collection boxes until December 2. Alternatively, you can order toys directly from The Compass Church’s Amazon and Target Wish Lists, which include additional toy and in-kind donation ideas.

Holiday Giving for Junior High, High School and Connections Students

Help make the holiday season brighter for junior high, high school, and Connections students in need by donating to Naperville School District 203’s Holiday Giving program. You can donate online at the Naperville Education Foundation’s website, www.nef203.org/donate, by selecting “Holiday Giving” as the gift designation. Alternatively, donations by check can be made payable to NEF and mailed to Naperville 203 Holiday Giving Program, 203 W. Hillside, Naperville, IL 60540. All funds raised will go directly towards gift cards for students.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we’re already halfway to this year’s goal! Once we meet the needs of this year’s students, Naperville 203 will conclude this year’s Holiday Giving collection. Starting next year, the holiday support program will transition to a school-based donation system.

Donors are encouraged to continue their support for students in need year-round by contributing to Kid Booster Anonymous, an NEF-funded initiative that promptly addresses the individual educational, physical, and social-emotional well-being needs of at-risk students across the district. Thank you for your support!

ALIVE Center Needs Your Help!

We're seeking volunteers to address envelopes for our Annual Giving Appeal at Alive Naperville! Join us Nov 20th or 21st, anytime from 2-6 pm. Even a small amount of your time will make a big impact.

Holiday Craft Show: Unique Finds for a Great Cause!

Join us November 16th, 10 am - 1 pm at Go Brewing, 1665 Quincy Ave in Naperville, for the Holiday Craft Show by Fruits of the Spirit! Discover custom-designed, handmade crafts. All proceeds support the Alive Teen Centers. Perfect for holiday shopping that gives back!

Hey friends! The Youth Advisory Committee's next meeting is Tuesday, November 12th from 6:30-8:00 pm at 360 Youth Services (1323 Bond St #119 Naperville). Build community with other D203/D204 high school students, reflect on what you're thankful for, brainstorm activities for National Prevention Week, gain service hours and win prizes! RSVP by Monday, November 11th. Hope to see you there!

Next up: Holidays for Heroes! Kids will fill goody bags and make sweet snowglobe suncatchers for troops and veterans while practicing empathy and perseverance. Events like these are for kids ages 3+ and their families to grow and give back together.

An Evening with Best Buddies: Friendship Program for People with Special Needs
Event: Film Screening – "Saving Superman"
Date: Wednesday, November 13 at 7 p.m.

Over the Influence: Why Social Media Is Toxic for Teens and How to Limit its Impact
Speaker: Dr. Kara Alaimo
Date: Thursday, November 14 at noon and 7 p.m.

Understanding and Preventing Addiction: Beautiful Boy
Speaker: Nic Sheff in conversation with Jessica Lahey
Date: Wednesday, November 20 at noon and 7 p.m.

HYBRID NOON EVENT — Autonomy/Balanced Parenting: Reduce Parent Burnout and Raise Competent Kids
Speaker: Dr. Emily Edlynn
Date: Wednesday, December 4 at noon and 7 p.m. on Zoom
Also in person at Silverleaf Room in the Culinary and Hospitality Center at College of DuPage (COD) at noon

FUSE / B-PAC — First a Dream: Find Your Future at College Night (Primero un sueño: Encuentra tu futuro en la Noche Universitaria)
Speakers: Susanna Melón, Timothy Fields, and Distinguished Panel
Date: Thursday, December 5 at 7 p.m.
Presented in Spanish and English

Free Monthly Mental Health Webinars: Linden Oaks offers free mental health webinars for parents with teens. Webinars will take place on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 6:30 - 7:30 PM. Register Here

Child and Parent Anxiety Program: Group therapy for children 8+ struggling with school anxiety. Monday-Friday from 8-11 AM for 3 weeks. Call 630-305-5027 for more details and to enroll.

This week's Virtual Backpack has been updated with new information on community programs. Click the image below to learn more!