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Superintendent's Update on SB16

October 28, 2014, 11:07 am
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Dear District 204 Community,

When we first shared with you the potential impact of Senate Bill 16, many of you said that you wanted more information. Thank you to the hundreds of community members who attended the eight informational meetings we held over the past few weeks. For those of you who were unable to attend, please see the resources section below for more information.

Since our last update, Senate Bill 16 continues to be discussed in school districts throughout the area. Additionally, the president and CEO of the Naperville Chamber of Commerce took a stand against SB16, saying that "SB16 in its current form, is a property tax increase for our residents and businesses."

Our Board of Education also passed a resolution in support of education funding reform at its October 14, 2014 meeting. In doing so, the board recognizes the need for education funding reform; however, it opposes SB16 as it is currently written. You can read the resolution at the link below.

Thank you to all our parents who contacted their representatives asking them to vote NO on SB16 as it is currently written. If you haven't contacted your representative, you can find contact information and suggested points to discuss under "What can you do?" at SB16 Information.

The bill is expected to be discussed in the House this fall and we will continue to monitor its progress and bring you updates as appropriate. I'll also be sharing information with parents during my ongoing school visits arranged through our PTA/PTSAs for my Listening Tour.

Sincerely,
Karen Sullivan
Superintendent

SB16 Resources

SB16 Summary Handout
SB16 PowerPoint slides
SB16 Video presentation
Legislative Breakfast video
www.edgeillinois.com
District update from Sept. 9, 2014
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Team IPEF Auction Open Now through Nov. 7

October 29, 2014, 11:13 am
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The Indian Prairie Educational Foundation is hosting an online auction now through November 7, as part of its Team IPEF fundraising efforts.

You can bid on items, including private skyboxes for the 2015 High School Graduation ceremonies for all three high schools, golf packages, artwork, dining, and more.

Visit Team IPEF Auction to see items and place your bid.

Team IPEF has 31 runners who are participating in the 2nd Annual Naperville Marathon & Half Marathon on Sunday, November 9. Team IPEF members are helping to raise funds for their selected schools and the IPEF. Half of all funds raised go to support district-wide IPEF funded projects like teacher grants, science fairs and the Fine Arts Festival. The other half goes directly to the school of their choice. Collectively, team members have raised more than $18,000. The top three fundraisers' schools will receive additional funding.

Current leaders are:
1. Vivian Makropoulos, Gregory Middle School, $1802
2. Jackie Kohorn, Spring Brook Elementary School, $1560
3. Jason Stipp, Waubonsie Valley High School, $1480
4. Patty Smith, STEPS, $1310
5. Nancy Fister, Steck Elementary School, $1285

Visit Team IPEF Auction to see items and place your bid.

You can also track runner fundraising updates on Twitter and Facebook.

Team IPEF Runners and Schools
Stacy Bella, Crone Middle School
Kate Bruno, STEPS
Joann Buerstetta, Welch Elementary School
Jim Dickerson, Cowlishaw Elementary School
Taylor Drefcinski, Waubonsie Valley High School
Yoni Espinoza, Georgetown Elementary School
Nancy Fister, Steck Elementary School
Kristen Flanders, Metea Valley High School
Billy Ghighi, Neuqua Valley High School
Mary Howicz, Brookdale Elementary School
Bryan Jaffe, May Watts Elementary School
Mary Kelly, Granger Middle School
Jackie Kohorn, Spring Brook Elementary School
Roy Kozlowski, Brookdale Elementary School
Vivian Makropoulos, Gregory Middle School
Dawn Malartsik, Young Elementary School
Jon Malartsik, Young Elementary School
Lily Mertes, Georgetown Elementary School
Terri Nauman, Welch Elementary School
Janice Nolte, Clow Elementary School
Kevin Owen, Young Elementary School
Mike Rossi, Neuqua Valley High School
Kate Sidio, McCarty Elementary School
Randy Sidio, Steck Elementary School
Patty Smith, STEPS
Jason Stipp, Waubonsie Valley High School
Teresa Sullivan, Still Middle School
Terry Sullivan, Longwood Elementary School
Jodi Wojcik, Builta Elementary School
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Points of Pride

October 31, 2014, 12:14 pm
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Advanced Placement Scholar

Neuqua Valley High School senior Anand Abraham was named a 2014 Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar. Anand was one of three students in Illinois to earn the distinction this year, completing 20 college-level courses and scoring above average on those advanced placement exams. He received the highest score possible on 17 of the 20 exams.

Students Achieve Perfect ACT Scores

Since last April, four District 204 students have received a perfect ACT score of 36. The students are Neuqua Valley High School juniors Natasha Gupta and Sarvasva Raghuvanshi, and Waubonsie Valley High School seniors Calvin Chu and Dominique Estes. Less than 1 percent of students taking the ACT nationwide achieve a perfect score.

2014 Teen Driver Safety Award

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White presented the 2014 Teen Driver Safety Award to Neuqua Valley High School. The Secretary of State’s Office selects only one high school each year for this prestigious award. Secretary White applauded the school’s use of technology to empower teens and parents and make its driver education classrooms virtually paperless.

Middle School Art Educator of the Year

The Illinois Art Education Association has named Donna Davis of Still Middle School the 2014 Illinois Middle School Art Educator of the Year. This annual award recognizes the exemplary contributions, service, and achievements of an outstanding art educator. Davis was selected on the basis of her commitment to visual art education as well as her wider contributions in the Northeastern Illinois region. She is a National Board Certified art educator in her 26th year of teaching. This is her fifth year at the middle-school level.
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A+ Award Recipient Announced

November 4, 2014, 2:36 pm
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And the A+ Award goes to...

The Indian Prairie Educational Foundation and District 204 are pleased to announce Skaiste Zinkevicius, a 6th grade math teacher at Hill Middle School, is the first A+ Award recipient.

Zinkevicius received a surprise visit from the A+ Award team to recognize her for "Making a Difference" in District 204. You can watch her be surprised in her classroom at A+ Award.

Zinkevicius was nominated by parent Sue LaBarbera, who described "Mrs. Z" as someone who helped her son achieve his personal best. "It is easy to see Mrs. Z cares about the personal development of her students and their character. Her encouragement has been highly impactful to help my son build confidence, build strong friendships with positive people, and understand the importance and impact he can have in helping others and his community. Mrs. Z's overall compassion, enthusiasm, kindness and whatever-it-takes-attitude has been contagious to both the kids she teaches, and those she interacts with at Hill Middle School," LaBarbera said.

A District 204 staff member since 2007, Zinkevicius said her favorite part of being a teacher is working with her students. "I can't wait for every Monday to arrive. It's all about the kids."

Wells Fargo is helping IPEF and District 204 recognize one staff member each month who is making a difference for students. To celebrate these outstanding staff members, Wells Fargo is donating $500 for the staff member to use in his or her school. To nominate a staff member who is making a difference, visit A+ Award.


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Team IPEF Named Charity Champion

November 10, 2014, 11:21 am
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Naperville Marathon organizers announced that the Indian Prairie Educational Foundation (IPEF) was the Participating Charity Fundraising Champion for raising more than $31,000 in this year's race. A total of 26 charities participated in this year's Naperville Marathon partner program, and combined, raised nearly a quarter million dollars for local and national non-profit organizations. Just over 500 of the 6,000 marathon participants dedicated their race to a cause.

Thirty-one runners signed up to be part of Team IPEF and raise money for District 204 schools and the Indian Prairie Educational Foundation. Schools selected will receive half the funds each runner raised. The remaining money will go toward IPEF programming that supports district-wide initiatives like teacher grants, Young Hearts for Life cardiac screenings, and the Annual Science Fair.

A special thank you goes to the incredible efforts of the following individuals who participated in the inaugural Team IPEF:

Team IPEF Runner (School Supported)
Mary Howicz (Brookdale Elementary)
Roy Kowlowski (Brookdale Elementary)
Jodi Wojcik (Builta Elementary)
Jim Dickerson (Cowlishaw Elementary)
Janice Nolte (Clow Elementary)
Stacy Bella (Crone Middle School)
Yoni Espinoza (Georgetown Elementary)
Lily Mertes (Georgetown Elementary)
Mary Kelly (Granger Middle School)
Vivian Makropoulos (Gregory Middle School)
Tulin Akin (Indian Plains High School)
Terry Sullivan (Longwood Elementary)
Bryan Jaffe (May Watts Elementary)
Kate Sidio (McCarty Elementary)
Kristen Flanders (Metea Valley High School)
Billy Ghighi (Neuqua Valley High School)
Mike Rossi (Neuqua Valley High School)
Kristine Black (Prairie Children Preschool)
Jackie Kohorn (Spring Brook Elementary)
Nancy Fister (Steck Elementary)
Randy Sidio (Steck Elementary)
Kate Bruno (STEPS)
Patty Smith (STEPS)
Teresa Sullivan (Still Middle School)
Taylor Drefcinski (Waubonsie Valley High School)
Jason Stipp (Waubonsie Valley High School)
Terri Nauman (Welch Elementary)
Joann Buerstetta (Welch Elementary)
Dawn Malartsik (Young Elementary)
Jon Malartsik (Young Elementary)
Kevin Owen (Young Elementary)

Team IPEF would like to thank all who supported runners through donations, the online auction, attendance at the Pasta Party & Pep Rally, volunteering at the Spring Brook aid station, and most importantly, cheering for runners as they went 13.1 and 26.2 miles on Sunday.

For information on how you can support your school as a Team IPEF member next year, contact IPEF Executive Director Susan Rasmus at susan_rasmus@ipsd.org.
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Public Hearing on 2014 Levy

November 12, 2014, 12:12 pm
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The Board of Education of Indian Prairie School District 204 has scheduled a public hearing for Monday, December 8, 2014 at 7:05 pm at the Crouse Education Center, 780 Shoreline Drive, Aurora, IL. Any person desiring to appear at the public hearing and present testimony may contact Jay Strang at 630-375-3070.

The Illinois School Code authorizes Boards of Education to levy a tax on the real property within the district to support its public schools. The Illinois property tax cap permits the Board to increase its tax extension by an amount limited to the Consumer Price Index plus any new property growth that may have occurred during the past year. The tentative levy is set at an amount to capture the taxes from this new growth.

The total levy request for 2014 is $247,672,045, an increase of 3% over the 2013 extension, or the actual amount the district received. Since the CPI applicable to the 2014 levy is one point two percent (1.2%), it is anticipated that the district will actually receive an estimated 2.3% overall increase, primarily from new growth.
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Senate Bill 16: Let Your Voice Be Heard in Springfield

November 12, 2014, 12:37 pm
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Senate Bill 16 (SB16), the legislation that is proposed to change the school funding formula, is scheduled for a House Committee hearing on Tuesday, November 18, at 3 p.m. in the Capitol. You can review how this bill, as written, would negatively impact our district at SB16 Information

In addition to providing an opportunity for interested persons to testify either in favor of or against a proposed bill in person, the General Assembly also provides an opportunity for testimony to be submitted by people who are unable to attend a hearing.

If you are interested in making sure your opinion is part of the official record for SB16, here are the steps for submitting written testimony:

1. Go to www.ilga.gov
2. Scroll down the page and click on "GA Dashboard" (red text under Reports & Inquiry)
3. Click on "Register" on the left side and fill in your information (registration is recommended, but not required)
4. Click on "House," "Committee Hearings," and then on the "Month" tab
5. Click on the piece of paper icon to the right of the listed hearing "11/18/14, Appropriations- Elementary & Secondary Education Committee"
6. Click on "Create Witness Slip"
7. Fill out the form
8. In the Position section, click "Opponent" if you oppose SB16
9. Under "Testimony" you can have your written comments supplied to all committee members. This is optional. If you prefer, you can fax your written statement to 217-557-2165 or mail it to Illinois State House, Room 426, 401 S. Second Street, Springfield, IL 62706. Make sure that your written testimony is clearly marked at the top of the page: SB16 Testimony, and your name.
10. Fill in verification code
11. Click the box to accept the terms
12. Click "Submit"

If registered, you can go back and adjust your witness slip. If you do not register, you may not change your witness slip once it is submitted.

If you have additional questions about the process, please visit the FAQ.
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Where to Find School Closing Info this Winter

November 17, 2014, 11:24 am
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With the arrival of winter weather, please be reminded of the ways District 204 announces weather-related school closing information. The announcement is made by 6 a.m. through the following:

- Information is posted first on www.ipsd.org
- @ipsd204 on Twitter
- Connect-ED phone call to parents/guardians
- Local television and radio stations
- Emergency Closing Center's website
- Message on the district's information line at 630-375-3015

We will only announce when schools are closed. If schools are not closed, it is ultimately the responsibility of parents and guardians to decide if conditions safely allow for their children to attend school. If children are kept home due to weather conditions, it will count as an excused absence.

Please take a moment to check your phone number and email address in eSchoolPlus to make sure we have accurate contact information for you. Primary guardians can edit email addresses if they are incorrect. Additional email addresses and phone numbers can be corrected by contacting your school and asking them to update the information. You can find information about eSchoolPlus on the district's website.
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Superintendent's Testimony on Senate Bill 16

November 18, 2014, 3:30 pm
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Dr. Karen Sullivan was asked to testify on Senate Bill 16 before the House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee and Appropriations-Elementary and Secondary Education Committee. You can read her testimony from November 18, 2014 at the link below.
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November Volunteer of the Month

November 20, 2014, 11:21 am
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BMO Harris Bank Volunteer of the Month

The beautiful artwork that greets visitors when they walk into Patterson Elementary School is the work of Sarah McGinnis, an artist and a volunteer at the school. The mural is titled, “Growing Together at Patterson,” and was completed over the summer with the help of parents and more than 50 students and teachers. For her dedication, she is being recognized as the District 204 BMO Harris Bank Volunteer of the Month.

“I am truly grateful and honored to be recognized,” Sarah said. “My mother was always very involved when I was a child and I always thought of her as the role model I wanted to follow.”

A studio art major at the University of Arizona, Sarah volunteered at local children’s museums doing installations and painting murals. She then worked as a graphic designer and visual manager for Macy’s. After her children were born, she volunteered at their preschools and continued to paint. She and her husband, Duncan, moved from Texas to Naperville two-and-a-half years ago with their children, Madison, a fourth-grader, and Cooper, a second-grader, at Patterson, and Riley, a preschooler.

Her first art project at Patterson was a mural that she designed and painted in the Multipurpose Room. The walls are more than 10 feet tall and required scaffolding, but that didn’t stop her and she found ways to include the students in the massive project. Her daughter’s Brownie Troop helped with the mural and earned their painting badge. When another Brownie Troop wanted to earn their painting badge, they helped with the mural in the Patterson entryway.

Sarah brought her passion for art to her other volunteer roles at Patterson. She created signs for the school carnival and painted photo cutouts for the carnival photo opportunity. She recently coordinated a craft show for the neighborhood children and included kids of all ages, who wanted to express themselves through art.

“Volunteering has been wonderful to get involved with my kids’ schools and support the amazing staff,” she said. “I love being at school and feeling like I can make a difference in the lives of families and children.”

BMO Harris Bank is helping District 204 recognize one volunteer each month who has generously given his or her time to support District 204’s students and schools. To celebrate these outstanding volunteers, BMO Harris Bank is donating $1,000 to the volunteer's school. To nominate an outstanding volunteer, visit http://www.ipsd.org/Subpage.aspx/Volunteer.


Muralist Sarah McGinnis was named the District 204 BMO Harris Bank Volunteer of the Month for November for her role in coordinating major art projects at Patterson Elementary.


Photo (l to r) Patterson Elementary Principal Michele Frost, Nicki McIntyre – Branch Manager, BMO Harris Bank, District 204 BMO Harris Bank Volunteer of the Month recipient Sarah McGinnis, and Chris Michalski – Market President, BMO Harris Bank-Naperville.
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Cold and Flu Season Reminders

November 24, 2014, 3:29 pm
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With the arrival of cold and flu season, the DuPage County Health Department is recommending increased awareness and actions to help control and prevent the spread of influenza, toward keeping our students and community safe and healthy.

Please see below for more information.

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Judges Needed for District Science Fairs

November 24, 2014, 3:47 pm
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District 204 needs judges for the 2015 District Science Fairs. Judges do not have to work in a scientific field, but it is helpful if judges understand how a Science Fair works. Having a degree in science isn't as necessary as having an understanding of kids.

Judges are needed for the following dates and locations:

Neuqua Valley High School
Saturday, January 24, 2015, 8 to 11:30 a.m.
For NVHS, Scullen, Crone, and Gregory

Metea Valley High School
Saturday, January 31, 2015, 8 to 11:30 a.m.
For MVHS, WVHS, Granger, Hill, Still, and Fischer

If you are interested in volunteering, complete the form on the district's website at Science Fair Judges

Confirmation and more specific details will follow. Please share this information with others who may be interested in judging.

This event is made possible through funding from the Indian Prairie Educational Foundation.
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PTA Announcements 12-1-14

November 30, 2014, 5:48 pm
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Cowlishaw PTA Announcements
Week of December 1, 2014

Los anuncios semanales del PTA ahora están disponibles en Español, los cuales puede encontrar en el archivo que se adjunta a este correo electrónico.

Join the PTA now to get a copy of the PTA Directory
If you haven't joined the PTA for the 2014-2015 school year yet, now is your chance to be in the PTA Directory before we distribute them before Winter Break! Send in the attached form with your $14 payment via backpack mail before December 8, and you will receive a copy of the PTA Directory!

December Dinner Night Out
Many thanks to those of you who braved the cold to come out to TCBY on November 18th! Our December Dinner Night Out will be hosted by Wendy’s at Rickert and 75th St. Look for more information coming home with your child soon.

Attention Couponers! Attention Fifth Grade Parents!
The PTA is selling KidStuff Coupon Books for $25 and 50% of the sale will support the fifth grade farewell event. The coupon books will be going home with each fifth grade student for parents to review and purchase but sales are not limited to fifth graders. The books contain great savings for everyone at Jewel Osco, Toys“R”Us, Babies“R”Us, Macy's, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Sears, Loft, Ulta Beauty, Aéropostale, Children’s Place, Payless, Gymboree, Michaels, Bed Bath & Beyond, Regal Cinemas, Learning Express Toys + more! See the full index of coupons at http://www.kidstuffcb.com/kidstuff-coupon-book-editions (under Illinois Edition - Chicago Area). Use just a few coupons and save more than the $25 cost of the book! We would really appreciate you supporting our fundraising efforts to ensure a fun year end celebration for our well deserving fifth graders! Please contact Jessica Santoyo at jsmom002@yahoo.com if you are interested in purchasing a KidStuff Coupon Book.

Cowlishaw PTA invites you to attend The Culture Fair
The PTA invites you to attend The Culture Fair on Tuesday, December 9. Come explore the diverse cultures that make up our student body here at Cowlishaw. Travel through the displays as you learn, make crafts, and collect stamps for your passport book along the way. There will be live performers and food as well, so come join the fun! This is a family event and will be held in the evening. Wear your traditional culture attire or colors! If you have any questions, please contact Marianne Treuhaft at (630)778-0144 or vickers_marianne@hotmail.com.

Indian Prairie Special Needs PTA upcoming events and meetings
View Indian Prairie Special Needs PTA (IPSN PTA) upcoming meetings and events at http://ipsdweb.ipsd.org/ipsn/Default.aspx.

IPSN PTA Dad’s Night Out - Calling all Dads, Uncles, Grandfathers, big brothers, or any man who has a special needs child in their lives! Let’s get together at Tommy Nevin’s Pub in Naperville (3032 English Rows, Naperville, IL 60564: 630-428-4242) on Thursday, December 4 at 7:00 PM for an evening of appetizers and conversation about how we, as father figures in a child’s life, can continue to support the child as well as each other. For more information on this and other upcoming “Dad’s Night Out” events, or to be added to the email distribution list, contact Matt Latourette at Matt.latourette@yahoo.com.

Special Needs Nights at the Riverwalk Santa House - One of the most important events at the Riverwalk Santa House is the Special Needs Nights. These are three evenings set aside for children with special needs and their families where they can visit Santa by appointment and there is no long wait. Santa and his helpers go all out to make this a special time for the children and their families. Space is limited and popular. This event is only held from Tuesday Dec 2 through Thursday Dec 4 from 5:00-8:00 PM and reservations can be made by calling the Naperville Park District at 630-848-5000 or going to their website at http://www.napervilleparks.org/santahouse to reserve your space today!

Holiday party for kids with special needs - Celebrate Differences (http://www.celebratedifferences.org/) and Aurora University students welcome children with special needs to the seventh annual Holiday Party on Saturday, December 6, from 2:00-4:00 PM. The "tons of fun" festivities will include crafts, story time and a visit with Santa. All children will receive a small gift from Santa. The party will take place in the University Banquet Hall, located at the side door of Alumni Hall. Parking is available next to the Alumni Hall. Please remember that space is limited and you will need to RSVP by December 1 to reserve your FREE seat for this wonderful event!
Visit the event reservation page at http://wwcelebratedifferences.givezooks.com/events/holiday-party-2014 or call 630-885-3006 for more information.

*The Indian Prairie Special Needs PTA (http://ipsdweb.ipsd.org/ipsn/) is primarily a group of parents and caregivers who have children with special needs in Indian Prairie School District 204, which serves children from the communities of Aurora, Bolingbrook, Plainfield, and Naperville. Our members have children with a wide range of ages, abilities and educational placements within and outside of the District's schools. Our group welcomes all interested persons at our meetings. Membership is open to all (http://ipsdweb.ipsd.org/forms/IPSNPayments.html) - only a $10 membership fee. Questions about IPSN PTA? Email ipsnpta@gmail.com.

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Superintendent's Update on SB16

October 28, 2014, 11:07 am
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Dear District 204 Community,

When we first shared with you the potential impact of Senate Bill 16, many of you said that you wanted more information. Thank you to the hundreds of community members who attended the eight informational meetings we held over the past few weeks. For those of you who were unable to attend, please see the resources section below for more information.

Since our last update, Senate Bill 16 continues to be discussed in school districts throughout the area. Additionally, the president and CEO of the Naperville Chamber of Commerce took a stand against SB16, saying that "SB16 in its current form, is a property tax increase for our residents and businesses." SB16 will be the topic of discussion at the Chamber's meeting in November.

Our Board of Education also passed a resolution in support of education funding reform at its October 14, 2014 meeting. In doing so, the board recognizes the need for education funding reform; however, it opposes SB16 as it is currently written. You can read the resolution at the link below.

Thank you to all our parents who contacted their representatives asking them to vote NO on SB16 as it is currently written. If you haven't contacted your representative, you can find contact information and suggested points to discuss under "What can you do?" at SB16 Information.

The bill is expected to be discussed in the House this fall and we will continue to monitor its progress and bring you updates as appropriate. I'll also be sharing information with parents during my ongoing school visits arranged through our PTA/PTSAs for my Listening Tour.

Sincerely,
Karen Sullivan
Superintendent

SB16 Resources

SB16 Summary Handout
SB16 PowerPoint slides
SB16 Video presentation
Legislative Breakfast video
www.edgeillinois.com
District update from Sept. 9, 2014
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A+ Award Recipient at Graham

December 2, 2014, 10:26 am
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The Indian Prairie Educational Foundation and District 204 announce Debra Crooks, a second-grade teacher at Graham Elementary School, as this month's A+ Award recipient.

You can watch the A+ Award team's surprise visit to recognize Crooks for "Making a Difference" at A+ Award video.

In her nomination letter, parent Lori Rogalski described Crooks as a teacher who goes "above and beyond" in her approach and interactions with students. "Three of our children were lucky enough to have Mrs. Crooks as their second-grade teacher and point to her as the single most important influence on their love of school," Rogalski said.

Rogalski's children, Paige, Cameron and Mia, all enjoyed having Crooks as their teacher. Paige is now a senior at Santa Clara University, Cameron is a junior at Benet Academy and Mia is a sixth grader at Crone Middle School. All returned to their elementary school to help surprise their favorite teacher and share how she impacted their joy for learning.

Paige, the first Rogalski sibling to have Crooks, said she instilled a love for reading and says it’s largely because of Crooks that she now always has a book in her hands. Cameron remembered the extra effort Crooks went to in providing support outside of the classroom. “I’ll never forget how she cheered us on at a football game one Saturday. She also came to my musical performances at Crone Middle School.” Mia said one of the most important lessons Crooks taught her was how to respect those around her and properly communicate if there was a problem.

Crooks started teaching in 1982 and has taught second grade at Graham Elementary since the school opened in 1996. She said one of the joys of being a teacher is seeing the expression on a student's face change. "It's that look when they get it, when they really understand something. I love being a teacher."

Wells Fargo has partnered with IPEF and District 204 to help recognize one staff member each month for making a difference for students. To celebrate these outstanding staff members, Wells Fargo is donating $500 for the staff member to use in his or her school.

To nominate a staff member who is making a difference, visit A+ Award.
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MVHS and WVHS Named Grammy Semifinalists

December 2, 2014, 2:52 pm
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The Grammy Foundation announced that Metea Valley and Waubonsie Valley High Schools are among the 120 schools nationwide that have been selected as Grammy Signature Schools Semifinalists for 2015. Finalists will be announced in mid-March and the selected schools will receive a Grammy award and a monetary grant ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to benefit their music program.

Created in 1998, the Grammy Signature Schools program recognizes top U.S. public high schools that are making an outstanding commitment to music education during an academic school year. District 204 high schools have previously won multiple Grammy awards, including Neuqua Valley High School being recognized twice as the top music program the country.

The selection process for Grammy Signature Schools begins each year in August when the Grammy Foundation mails notification to more than 20,000 public high schools from districts large and small, urban, suburban and rural, requesting information about each school's music program. After the applications are scored, finalists are identified and asked to submit additional documentation, such as recordings of school concerts, sample concert programs and repertoire, which is then reviewed by an independent blue-ribbon committee of top music educators and professionals to determine the schools that merit Grammy Signature School status.

You can see the complete list of Semifinalists online.
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Message from the Superintendent

December 17, 2014, 2:25 pm
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Dear District 204 Community,

This is the season we often think about the things we appreciate most and express our gratitude. At the top of my list of things I'm thankful for is our community. You provide support, in so many ways, for our students and our schools.

Thank you to all those who helped our less fortunate families this holiday season. In many cases, because of your generosity, there will be a gift to open. Our Indian Prairie Parents Council also organized a coat drive, providing warm clothing to those in need.

For the first time, our district was represented in the Naperville Marathon this fall. Thank you to all those who supported the runners who ran on behalf of the Indian Prairie Educational Foundation. You helped our Foundation raise more than $32,000. I spent the day cheering on our runners, appreciating their dedication, commitment, and willingness to challenge themselves.

I also want to thank you for all your efforts to contact legislators to voice your concern about Senate Bill 16. Legislators have stated the bill will not be called for a vote in its present form. Collectively, I believe we made a difference. We will keep you informed as the school funding conversation continues in Springfield.

I hope you enjoy the holiday season and the time available to spend with your children over winter break. We look forward to welcoming students back to our classrooms on January 5.

Sincerely,

Karen Sullivan
Superintendent
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A+ Award Recipient at Fry

January 6, 2015, 11:51 am
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The Indian Prairie Educational Foundation and District 204 announced Megan Marco, a special education teacher at Fry Elementary School, as the next A+ Award recipient.

You can watch the A+ Award team's surprise visit to recognize Marco for "Making a Difference" at A+ Award video.

Marco received nominations from two different families who said she has “changed their lives.” Parent Ana Martinez came to the award presentation dressed in purple, a reminder of just one of the creative ways Marco got her son more excited about school. "He didn’t want to write, so she came up with the idea of letting him write with a purple pen. You can now find his work on the school walls written in purple," Martinez said.

Marco also found a creative idea for administering tests. "My son needs to move to regulate his nervous system, so she had him jump on a trampoline while verbally taking his math tests. She always came up with new ideas; she gave the extra mile and we could see our boy coming out of his shell,” Martinez said.

Parent Kim Morton shared that Marco has become like family. "She gives our son confidence and believes in him. Words can't express how fortunate we are that she is in his life. Knowing she is there for him on a daily basis is something that has been life changing for our family."

Marco has been teaching in District 204 since 2001. She was honored to receive the A+ Award and said the most rewarding part of her job is “seeing the kids grow every day, seeing what we are teaching finally click and then they are able to do it forever.”

Wells Fargo Advisors has partnered with IPEF and District 204 to help recognize one staff member each month for making a difference for students. To celebrate these outstanding staff members, Wells Fargo Advisors is donating $500 for the staff member to use in his or her school.

To nominate a staff member who is making a difference, visit A+ Award.

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No School: January 7, 2015

January 6, 2015, 5:47 pm
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Due to extreme winter weather conditions, all schools in District 204 will be closed on Wednesday, January 7, 2015. This includes students who attend out of district programs.

All after-school activities and events have been cancelled for Wednesday, January 07, 2015.

All building rental events have also been cancelled.

The Young Hearts for Life cardiac screening volunteer training planned for tonight at Neuqua Valley High School will still take place as scheduled.
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No School: January 8, 2015

January 7, 2015, 7:14 pm
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Due to the continued extremely cold temperatures, all schools in Indian Prairie will be closed on Thursday, January 8. This includes students who attend out of district programs. Information on after school activities will be communicated directly from your school.

For parents needing childcare, the YMCA is offering a School's Out Camp for elementary school children from 7 am to 5:30 pm at the Y Sports Complex, 31W290 Schoger Road, Naperville. The cost is $40 per child, space is limited. Registration begins at 6:30 am. The theme on Thursday is Hawaiian Day. Children should bring flip flops and a beach towel along with a lunch and something to drink. For more information, contact the YMCA at 630-585-2207.

All building rental events have also been cancelled.
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