Half Day

Author and educator Trevor MacKenzie has made a significant impact in schools with his approach to inquiry-based learning—an engaging method that connects students to real-world problems through exploration and critical questioning. When MacKenzie introduced his techniques to District 103, three teachers—Christie Wylie, Tara Boron, and Erinn Vincent—embraced the challenge of bringing his strategies to life in their classrooms. Their innovative work caught MacKenzie’s attention and was featured in his latest book, “Inquiry Mindset.”

“Their submissions stood out for their thoughtful reflection on questioning routines and their success in engaging all learners,” said Katie Reynolds, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. “These teachers exemplify the reflective practice and creative teaching we strive to celebrate in District 103.”

At Half Day School, fourth-grade teacher Tara Boron employed the Question Pencil technique during a hands-on science activity. “It prompts students to ask questions that shape intention and provide direction for learning,” Mrs. Boron explained.

Read more about the other D103 teachers on the district's website.

• Saturday, Jan. 11: Piano Clinic, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Monday, Jan. 20: No School, Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday.
• Friday, Jan. 24: School Fun Fair, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

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.

It is important during snow and cold weather months to have children dressed appropriately for outdoor recess with gloves, hat, boots, coat, and snow pants, if needed. Remember to label items so they can be returned if they are misplaced.

If the combination of temperature and/or wind chill is above 5 degrees Fahrenheit, students will go outside for recess. This guideline falls within the "safe" category for being outside for 30 minutes and allows students to go outside more frequently in the winter months. Please see the wind chill chart from the National Weather Service for details.

Mabel's Labels: Is it possible to avoid the "lost and found"? Nobody's perfect, but you can increase your chances of recovering lost items by easily labeling your kid's gear while supporting the D103 PTO. Mabel's Labels offers various customized labeling options, including waterproof labels and stamps.

Daniel Wright's Leaders in Learning Club invites families to drop off discarded electronics at the school, 1370 N Riverwoods Rd., Lincolnshire, on Saturday, Jan. 11, between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Accepted items include:

Register for a 20-minute piano clinic lesson with Daniel Wright's eighth-grade instructors during A Day of Action on Saturday, Jan. 11, between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. This Leaders in Learning fundraiser will donate proceeds to Hungry for Music, a charitable nonprofit organization that supports less fortunate students who have a hunger to play.

This cherished event will take place on Friday, Jan. 24, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Half Day School, for third- through fifth-graders. This event is for Half Day Students only.

Tickets are on sale now. Each child's $15 ticket price includes over 30 different carnival games, inflatables, and activities along with prizes, one serving of popcorn and cotton candy, as well as a souvenir cup and drawstring bag.

All students MUST attend with an adult chaperone. Carpooling is encouraged. Parents/chaperones do not require a ticket to accompany the kids they are with. We need MANY volunteers! You will be there with your kids anyway so please consider volunteering for a shift.

👉 Register for this event here -> dub.sh/mxzagoo
👉 Volunteers needed for this event. Sign up -> dub.sh/D103SignUp

The D103 Newcomers Group is excited to kick off the new year with indoor “Walk & Talk” meet-ups! Join us at the Buffalo Grove Golf Dome, 801 McHenry Rd., Buffalo Grove, on Friday, Jan. 10, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. This is a great opportunity to connect with other families, stretch your legs, and enjoy some casual conversation—no fee to participate!

These dates are just the beginning, and we’re looking forward to hearing from you. If there’s interest, we’ll work together to plan future meet-ups on days and times that suit the group best. We hope to see you there!

We’re looking for volunteers to make crockpots of chili or soup (your recipe of choice!) with at least 10 servings for our staff luncheon on Friday, Feb. 7.

Details:

• Drop-off: By 9:30 a.m. (in a crockpot with your name and ingredient list.)
• Pick-up: After 1:30 p.m.
• Please use crockpot liners for easy cleanup.

We also need desserts and volunteers for serving and cleanup. Not a chef? Donations are welcome to help with salads, décor, and extras.

Thank you for helping us show appreciation for our amazing D103 staff! ❤️

👉 Volunteers needed for this event. Sign up -> dub.sh/D103SignUp

Please join us for coffee or breakfast at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, as we discuss areas we need support for our children with IEPS and/or 504s receiving accommodations in D103. All are welcome. We are looking to make friendships and to help each other through our unique journey of parenting. Please respond to our invitation and let us know if you can attend.

Jordan's Journey Blood Drive

Saturday, Jan. 18, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Midtown Athletic Club, 2211 Waukegan Rd., Bannockburn

Please sign up in advance to donate blood.

Calling all junior entrepreneurs! Do you want to learn real-life business and money management skills? Apply for Kid Market at the Vernon Area Public Library (open to grades 2-8)! Successful applications can sell their wares at a table at the Kid Market on Saturday, April 5, and will receive business coaching from the library's business librarian.

Applications are accepted now through Monday, Jan. 20. Find more details about Kid Market on the library's website.

Congressman Brad Schneider is launching the sixth annual "Brad's Bookworms" program to encourage reading and learning for elementary school students (grades K-5) and their families!

Children participating in the program are asked to read and log 10 books with help from parents, grandparents, older siblings, or other family members, and track their progress toward this goal. Young people who meet the 10 books goal will be invited with their families to a recognition ceremony with Congressman Schneider to celebrate their achievement. The deadline to complete logs is Sunday, Feb. 2.

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Principals

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