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Schools OPEN on Friday, January 9, 2015

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All District 204 schools will be open on Friday, January 9, 2015. Please dress warm and allow extra travel time in the morning.

It is ultimately the responsibility of parents to decide if conditions safely allow for their children to attend school. If parents decide to keep children home due to weather conditions, it will count as an excused absence.

Thank you for your support over the past two days.

Illinois 5Essentials Survey for Parents

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Teachers, parents, and middle and high school students across Illinois have the opportunity to participate in the Illinois 5Essentials Survey. This survey was designed to generate a detailed picture of the inner workings of your child's school from the perspective of teachers, parents, and students.

As a parent, your voice is essential to help us understand the conditions at your child's school and guide improvement. The Illinois 5Essentials Survey is administered online by the University of Chicago, on behalf of the Illinois State Board of Education. The state will provide survey results for individual schools only if a school has at least 20 percent of parents take the survey. If you have children attending more than one school, we ask that you complete the survey for each school. All survey responses will be kept confidential.

To take this short survey:

1. Visit Parent Survey Illinois 5Essentials

2. Type and then select DuPage as District 204's County location. This is the county associated with the district, not the location of an individual school.

3. Type your school's name into the School field and then select your school.

January Volunteer of the Month

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BMO Harris Bank Volunteer of the Month

For the past five years, Rose Baranyk has been the vendor coordinator for Hill Middle School’s largest and longest-running fundraiser – Gingerbread Junction. She oversees the application and selection process for over 65 artisans that fill the school and attract more than 650 people to the event that celebrated its 33rd year in 2014. Under her guidance, the successful craft fair raised over $22,000 that has helped fund STEM nights, staff appreciation and school beautification. She also coordinated the 30th anniversary of the event that included musicians from Hill and Metea Valley High School and even former Principal Darrell Echols’ band. For her dedication, she is being recognized as the District 204 BMO Harris Bank Volunteer of the Month.

“I am honored to be named Volunteer of the Month,” she said. “I appreciate all the amazing parents who work so hard to make our events successful.”

Growing up in a small neighborhood in Chicago, Rose has fond memories of the annual Christmas Bazaar that was held at church.

“The church basement would be packed with creative mothers and grandmothers displaying baked goods and crafts,” she said. “Although they may seem old fashioned, I see bake sales, craft fairs or bazaars as being more important than ever.”

She said that Gingerbread Junction is an opportunity for current and former students and families to reconnect with each other and to enjoy shopping and sharing, while participating in a treasured tradition in the community.

After moving to Naperville 10 years ago, Baranyk began volunteering at Prairie Children Preschool and at Brookdale Elementary School. She assisted in the classrooms, worked in the Library Media Center, oversaw the after-school Brookdale Service Club and helped lead a group of parents in the development of a Peace Garden in conjunction with a fourth-grade class project. Today, her daughters are in eighth grade and a high school sophomore.

“Teachers play such an important role in a child’s life. It has been a rewarding and special experience to be able to give back to them by assisting in the classroom or helping a student in need,” she said.

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.


Rose Baranyk was named District 204 BMO Harris Bank Volunteer of the Month for January for her role in coordinating Hill Middle School’s Gingerbread Junction for the past five years.


Photo (l to r) BMO Harris Bank – Vice President Oliver Sabugal, District 204 BMO Harris Bank Volunteer of the Month recipient Rose Baranyk, and Hill Middle School Principal Mike Dutdut

Inspire 204 Tickets Now Available

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IPEF

Friday, March 20, 2015
8pm Performance
Wentz Concert Hall

at North Central College in Downtown Naperville

Performance Tickets: $25 per person
Includes reserved performance seating.

VIP Tickets: $75 per person
Includes reception from 6:30 - 7:45 pm with cocktails & hors d'oeuvres and VIP performance seating.

Be inspired by performances from our nationally acclaimed Metea, Neuqua and Waubonsie Valley High School music programs, experience A+ stories from our classrooms and welcome back jazz artist Matt Belsante ('03 Neuqua Valley alumnus) for a special appearance.

Funds raised help to support district-wide programming that enriches the education of District 204 students.

Order tickets through the Wentz Hall Box Office at 630-637-7469 or http://tickets.noctrl.edu.

Ticket availability is limited. Seating assigned first come, first served.

For partnership or advertising opportunities, contact Susan Rasmus (susan_rasmus@ipsd.org or 630-375-3652).

PARCC Test Information

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Beginning this year, all students in all grades 3-8 and select high school students will take the newly created Partnership for Assessment of Readiness of College and Career (PARCC) test. The PARCC test replaces the Illinois Student Achievement Test (ISAT) for grades 3-8 and the Prairie State Achievement Exam (PSAE) for high school students. PARCC is now the State's required test to measure student and school progress.

The test will be administered electronically in two parts. A Performance Based Assessment will be given in March, and the End-of-Year Course Assessment will be given sometime between April 27 and May 22. The results from both tests will be combined to determine individual student proficiency level.

All students in grades 3-8 will be tested on English Language Arts/Literacy and Mathematics. Only high school students enrolled in the following courses will be tested: Comparative Studies and Composition, Advanced Placement Language and Composition, Algebra 2/Trigonometry and Honors Algebra 2/Trigonometry.

Just like the ISAT and PSAE, parents will receive a copy of test results once they are available from the State. We anticipate individual student reports will be available to parents in fall 2015.

Information about PARCC test items, including format, sample test items and notes about scoring, is available at PARCC information.

You can also watch the video or view the slides from the PARCC presentation at the January 26 Board of Education meeting.

No School: February 2, 2015

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Due to the weather, all schools in Indian Prairie will be closed on Monday, February 2, 2015. This includes students who attend out of district programs. All after-school building rentals are also cancelled. Information on after-school activities will be communicated directly from your school. Thank you.

YMCA is offering a special childcare program for elementary school students at the Y Sports Complex, 31W290 Schoger Drive, Naperville. The cost is $40 per child and the theme is Pajama Day. Program is from 7 am to 5:30 pm and registration begins at 6:45 am. All children are welcome to wear their PJs for a day filled with activities. Please bring a lunch with a drink. Afternoon snack will be provided.

Call the YMCA at 630-585-2207 for more information.

WVHS Teacher Receives A+ Award

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The Indian Prairie Educational Foundation and District 204 honored Liz Fay, an English teacher at Waubonsie Valley High School, as an A+ Award recipient.

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

Fay was nominated by Waubonsie Valley senior Autumn Massey, who first met Fay during her junior year. "Miss Fay completely flipped my world upside down. I had never had a teacher who was so charismatic and fun to be around."

As Massey prepared to take the ACT, she found the practice tests challenging and realized she needed extra help with grammar. "Miss Fay stepped up to the plate like no other teacher. She squeezed in extra time and lessons and taught me the grammar and English rules I needed not only to succeed on the ACT, but in my everyday writing." Massey also credits Fay for guiding her through the college essay process, which helped her gain admission to her dream school. "I truly believe I wouldn’t be where I am without Miss Fay."

Fay said she feels privileged to teach students like Massey. "As much as I was willing to give my time to her, she is someone who is going after what she wants. Waubonsie Valley is a place that supported her in doing that, and I love that I got to as well."

In addition to teaching, Fay also created and organizes the school's "Open Mic." The annual event provides students with an encouraging place to perform their written material. Fay has taught English at Waubonsie Valley since 2006. She brings a unique perspective to the classroom, as she graduated from the school in 2002.

Wells Fargo Advisors have 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 are 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.

Points of Pride

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Illinois Music Educators Association Awards

Fifty-one student musicians from District 204's high schools performed recently at the Illinois Music Educators Association's All-State Music Festival. This placed District 204 at the top of school districts statewide sending participants to the ILMA Conference. Special recognition went to Katie Merrick and Noah Wagner from Metea Valley High School and Faith Tsou from Neuqua Valley High School on being selected for the ILMEA Future Music Educators Symposium. In addition, Waubonsie Valley High School students Joshua Iyer and Michael Baker received recognition in the Composition Contest. Baker's composition "Lugeo for Solo Trombone and Orchestra" captured first place in the Large Instrumental Ensemble category. Iyer's "Birds of Prey" composition placed third in the same category. The Composition Contest was expanded this year to include middle school students, and Crone Middle School’s Christopher Coster was awarded second place for a piano solo composition titled "Dream Set." Ten District 204 staff members also participated as clinicians for the All-State Professional Development Program and Neuqua Valley High School Principal Dr. Bob McBride received the Outstanding Administrator Award.

Wildcats Varsity Dance Team Crowned State Champs

The Neuqua Valley High School Wildcats Varsity Dance team was crowned 2015 Class 3A State Champion at the IHSA Dance Tournament. Wildcats Varsity Team members are Katie Boonyong, Molly Brouder, Sophia Donahue, Niki Emory, Alyssa Fitzgerald, Alexandria Haumann, Daniella Higdon, Kailee Hogan, Nicole Kaminski, Rachel Marsh, Sarah Perkins, Erica Ross, Maggie Shea, Kara Shudy, Emily Spinola, Kelly Turnbull, and Courtney Wisinski. The Neuqua Valley coaching staff includes Head Coach Sonja Rzeszutko, Assistant Coach Eileen Niedoborski, and Junior Varsity Coach Katie Simmons.

Scholastic Art Winners

Sixty-eight students from Metea Valley, Neuqua Valley and Waubonsie Valley High Schools received Gold Key, Silver Key, and Honorable Mention awards in this year’s regional Scholastic Art competition. Twenty-four Gold Key recipients are moving on to the national competition in New York where they will compete against Gold Key winners from regional shows across the country. Artwork from regional winners will be on display at the Downers Grove North High School from February 8 through February 13.

Metea Valley Gold Key winners are Anjur Kavya, Monica Judd, Gwen Nicholls, Rheann Schleiter, and Sabrina Sedovic.

Neuqua Valley Gold Key winners are Alexandra Adams, Dylan Avery, Molly Buikema, Soo Ji Choi, Katie Gao, Elaina Hahn, Xu Han, Allie Haumann, Vivian Hong, Kirin Kane, Noah Leechuy, Zhaoyuan Pan, Sophia Pellis, Yu-Jung Son, Stephany Stumphauzer, and Karolina Szumilas.

Waubonise Valley Gold Key winners are Guste Savukynaite and Jessica Yanos.


Join Team IPEF

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Team IPEF sign-up now through February 20

Looking for a great personal goal for 2015? Join Team IPEF and run on behalf of your school as a charity partner in the 3rd Annual Naperville Marathon or Half Marathon on Sunday, November 8, 2015. Last year's team of 31 runners was named the Top Participating Charity, raising more than $32,000. Half of all money raised goes directly back to the runner's school and the other half goes to district-wide programs supported by the Indian Prairie Educational Foundation.

All runners registering as a Charity Partner between February 16-20 receive a $40 race registration discount. In addition, Aramark is partnering with IPEF and will make a $100 donation to the first runner to sign up to represent each of our schools. We are encouraging multiple runners to form teams at every school to increase support for their school.

The following schools already have runners representing them:

Neuqua Valley High School
Waubonsie Valley High School
Crone Middle School
Fischer Middle School
Granger Middle School
Hill Middle School
Scullen Middle School
Still Middle School
Brookdale Elementary
Fry Elementary
Longwood Elementary School
Patterson Elementary
Steck Elementary
Welch Elementary
Indian Plains
Prairie Children Preschool
STEPS

Sign-up today by completing the application at http://ipsd.us/5H22L. Deadline for commitment is February 20.

If you have questions, contact Susan Rasmus at 630-375-3652 or susan_rasmus@ipsd.org.

Measles Information from County Health Department

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In light of the recent news regarding measles outbreaks, parents are encouraged to become familiar with the symptoms of measles. Linked below is information from the DuPage County Health Department which provides clear facts that parents may find helpful. In District 204, 99% of students have been vaccinated for measles. Statewide, 98% of all reported public and (recognized) non-public schoolchildren in Illinois have had the measles vaccine, according to the Illinois State Board of Education’s 2013-14 immunization data.

Per the State, upon a suspected measles case by a single student or staff member, the school is required to exclude all susceptible students (students who have not presented proof of immunity or vaccination) until acceptable proof of immunity is received by the school or until 21 days after the onset of the last reported measles case.

If you have any questions about measles or other health conditions, please contact your physician or visit the DuPage County Health Department website at www.dupagehealth.org.

Measles Fact Sheet for Parents: English   Spanish

Volunteer of the Month: February

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BMO Harris Bank Volunteer of the Month

Jean Cannon has been called a superhero by her friends and neighbors. At Neuqua Valley High School, she oversees the apparel ordering and distribution for the Girls Swim Team. She also arranges concessions for the meets, coordinates pasta parties, lines up volunteers for the season and helps the coach with administrative duties. For her dedication, she is being recognized as the District 204 BMO Harris Bank Volunteer of the Month.

“The girls put in countless hours of practice time before and after school,” Jean said. “We volunteer because we want the coaches to be able to dedicate all their time to coaching and motivating the girls. That’s the hard job! I really want the girls to look back on their high school swim experience and remember that it was an awesome experience.”

Growing up in the Carolinas, Jean's parents were role models of volunteering and helped out at all her activities. Her mother is a retired teacher and her father is a retired engineer. Jean worked as an engineer for 12 years, and when her daughters, Kayleigh and Hannah, were born, she became a full-time mom. Jean admits she can’t sit still and immediately started volunteering and has continued to volunteer at their schools through the years.

She said it’s critical for parents to volunteer because teachers, administrators and coaches are constantly being asked to do more.

“Any relief we can provide to keep them focused on teaching, leading or coaching our kids is a great return on our investment in volunteer hours,” she said. “I also feel like it’s a great way to ensure you know what is going on in your child’s life.”

She encourages more parents to get involved in volunteering.

“There is a wealth of untapped resources of time and talent in Naperville. If we all get involved, we can keep our town and our school programs the top in the country.”

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.


Jean Cannon was named District 204 BMO Harris Bank Volunteer of the Month for February for her role in supporting the Neuqua Valley High School Girls Swim Team.


Photo (l to r) BMO Harris Bank Market President-Naperville Chris Michalski, District 204 BMO Harris Bank Volunteer of the Month recipient Jean Cannon, NVHS Athletic Director Barb Barrows, and NVHS Aquatics Director Chad Allen

Jazz Crooner and NVHS Grad to Perform at Inspire 204

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Matt Belsante (NVHS '03) performs like a seasoned entertainer well beyond his years.

Maybe it was the old Sinatra records that he used to listen to with his Grandfather. Or maybe it was the steady diet of Coltrane, Ellington, Basie and Fitzgerald that he was fed at home. Whatever it was, Matt knew it was in his bones, a part of his DNA that would ultimately lead this young artist to pursue a dream of his own.

Just out of grade school, Matt picked up the tenor sax at the age of twelve and became a standard fixture in his middle school and high school jazz bands. But the sax wasn’t his only instrument: he soon found he had a talent for using his voice. By his senior year at Neuqua Valley High School, Matt had won the prestigious Louis Armstrong Jazz Award in both the vocal and instrumental categories, the first student from his school to achieve such a feat.

That affirmation was a turning point for Matt, as he realized that his true passion was for using his voice to interpret a song. He grabbed a guitar, taught himself to play and began composing his own music the summer before he entered Nashville’s Vanderbilt University. Before the first day of class commenced, the late Vanderbilt/Blair school of Music director, Billy Adair, had already recruited Matt to sing for the Blair Big Band. Soon, Matt was directing himself, leading the Dodecaphonics, an all-male a cappella group on campus.

The rising star eventually came to the attention of Nashville’s well-heeled music industry following a performance of the Nashville Jazz Orchestra. That night, the NJO performed a Sinatra tribute, and Matt sang many as if he was channeling Sinatra himself. That performance landed him a televised appearance as a featured entertainer for the Miss Tennessee Scholarship Pageant 2006, which eventually lead him to Green Hill Music, where he recorded an album of Christmas classic (White Christmas), and followed that with a spectacular non-seasonal collection of standards (Blame It On My Youth). The titles quickly became two of the label’s top selling releases.

CBL Properties and KMT Creative Group tapped Matt to become both the voice and the face of the campaign. As a result, Matt was featured in a series of spots on television, radio and internet.

Matt’s latest collaboration with Green Hill, teams him with Grammy nominated producer, Jack Jezzro, acclaimed arranger and orchestrator, Jeff Steinberg and the exciting new jazz pianist, Mason Embry. A collection of traditional jazz and Big Band standards, as well a couple of pop and R&B classics, “When You’re Smiling” boasts Matt’s best vocal work to date.

You can sample tracks from "When You're Smiling" at  http://ipsd.us/ZB356.

Matt is returning to his hometown to perform at the Indian Prairie Educational Foundation's Inspire 204 event on March 20 at Wentz Concert Hall at North Central College in Naperville.

Tickets are available through the Wentz Concert Hall box office at http://tickets.noctrl.edu/.

A+ Award Recipient at White Eagle Elementary

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The Indian Prairie Educational Foundation and District 204 honored Carolyn Hesselink, a 4th grade teacher at White Eagle Elementary School, as an A+ Award recipient.

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

Hesselink was nominated by White Eagle parent Shelley Thompson and her daughter Lily. Thompson described Hesselink as an "amazing teacher" who is dedicated to knowing each and every student.

As a student in Hesselink's class, Lily was struggling with math. Her mom recalls, "Lily's confidence was low and she was convinced she would never learn." Thompson credits the teacher for turning around her daughter's attitude. "Math became something she actually looked forward to,” Thompson said.

Her mom also credits Hesselink for helping Lily grow and excel in areas outside of academics. “She is no longer the shy and timid girl she once was.”

Thompson said she could not think of a better way to thank Hesselink for all she has done for her daughter.

Teaching is a second career for Hesselink. After working in the field of graphic design, she went back to school to become an educator. She is in her fourth year of teaching at White Eagle.

Hesselink recognizes the importance of academics, but also prides herself on her students' emotional well-being. "My classroom is an extension of home. I want them to feel safe and secure and happy. I want them to want to come to school."

Wells Fargo Advisors have 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 are 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.

Residency Verification Changes

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District 204 recently changed its residency verification procedures. Proof of residency is now required for all students before entering grades kindergarten, 3, 6, 7, 9, and 11. Previously, proof of residency was required for students entering grades kindergarten, 6 and 9.

Checking residency at additional grades is an effort to protect taxpayers and district resources by identifying non-residents attending District 204 schools. Illinois law mandates that parents demonstrate residency prior to enrollment in school and allows for periodic verification to validate compliance with the law.

If you have a child entering kindergarten or grades 3, 6, 7, 9 or 11 next year, your school will be sending you specific instructions next week with details of what documents meet the residency requirements. Proof of residency documents will need to be turned in before April 15, 2015. All information provided is confidential and account numbers, social security, and financial information should be marked out for privacy.

If you have questions regarding the information requested, please contact your building principal. If your family has moved or is planning a move prior the start of the 2015-16 school year, please notify the office staff at the school your child currently attends.

Thank you for your support.

School Board Candidate Forums

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Community members have the opportunity to learn about the candidates running in the upcoming school board election by attending one of the following forums:

March 5, 2015, 7:00 p.m.
Waubonsie Valley High School, 2590 Ogden Ave., Aurora
Hosted by Indian Prairie Education Association and Indian Prairie Classified Association

March 10, 2015, 7:00 p.m.
City Council Chambers, Naperville Municipal Building
400 S. Eagle Street, Naperville
Hosted by Naperville Area Homeowners Association

March 19, 2015, 7:00 p.m.
Crouse Education Center, 780 Shoreline Drive, Aurora
Hosted by Indian Prairie Parents' Council and League of Women Voters

The March 5 and March 19 forums will be streamed live at http://ipsd.us/V5CYU. Those two forums will also be available the following day on 204tv.org.

Three seats on the seven member board of education will be filled at the April 7 election. The candidates will serve four-year terms expiring in April 2019.

The following candidates will be on the ballot:

Justin Karubas
Lori Price
Mark Rising
Renata Sliva



How Do You Define Inspire?

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inspire

verb in·spire \in-ˈspī(-ə)r

: to make someone want to do something


: to cause something to happen or be created


: to cause someone to have a feeling or emotion


You can select the best definition of inspire when you attend a special event at 8 p.m. on March 20 at Wentz Concert Hall on the campus of North Central College.


Join us for Inspire 204, an evening filled with celebrations. The spotlight will shine on our Grammy award winning music students and include a very special performance from jazz recording artist Matt Belsante (NVHS '03). We will also honor staff members who are making a difference for our students. Terrance White (Still Middle School), Janice Hums (Welch Elementary School), and Heidi Provost (Spring Brook Elementary School) will receive the A+ Award. One additional staff member in attendance will also be surprised with an award.    


Performance Tickets: $25 per person

Includes reserved performance seating.


VIP Tickets: $75 per person

Includes reception from 6:30 - 7:45 pm with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres and VIP performance seating.


Funds raised from Inspire 204 support district-wide Indian Prairie Educational Foundation programs that enrich the education of our students.


Order tickets through the Wentz Hall Box Office at 630-637-7469 or http://tickets.noctrl.edu.


STEM School Parent Meeting

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Parents of second-grade students who are interested in enrolling their child in the John C. Dunham STEM Partnership School should plan to attend a parent information meeting at 7 pm on Wednesday, March 25 at the Crouse Education Center, 780 Shoreline Drive, Aurora. Applications will be posted here the week of March 23, and must be returned to your child's school by April 15.

Currently in its first year, the John C. Dunham STEM Partnership School on the campus of Aurora University serves students in third through eighth grades in East Aurora, West Aurora, Indian Prairie and Batavia School Districts.

Enrollment is limited to 50 students from each school district. A limited number of spaces are available for students to enter the program at the third-grade level for the 2015-16 school year. Students are selected by lottery. The lottery drawing will take place at 7 pm on Wednesday, April 29 at the Crouse Education Center. If your child is not selected during the lottery, you have the option of placing your child on the wait-list for future enrollment.

If your child will be entering grades fourth through eighth next year, and you did not apply last year, you can enter your child in this year's lottery; however, please note the information below is the current number of students on the established wait-list based on last year's lottery. If you applied last year and are currently on the wait-list, there is no need to re-apply.

Grade 4: 79 students
Grade 5: 90 students
Grade 6: 91 students
Grade 7: 86 students
Grade 8: 48 students

More information on the STEM Partnership School is available at:

stem.aurora.edu

Statement on Hill Middle School

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The following is Indian Prairie School District 204's statement on the Hill Middle School incident. The district will not be issuing any further statements. Additional inquiries should be directed Paul Darrah at the DuPage County State's Attorney's office (630-407-8160).


March 13, 2015


Dear District 204 Community,

I want to let you know about a recent investigation conducted by the Naperville Police Department. At the end of January, a female volunteer began assisting at after-school athletic practices at Hill Middle School in an unpaid, unofficial capacity.

In late February, a student reported to school officials that alleged inappropriate behavior occurred between the volunteer and another female student. School officials immediately notified the police and the volunteer was informed she could not be on school property. Investigators have indicated inappropriate behavior occurred with the student outside of school.

We want to stress that the district takes these charges very seriously. As this is now a matter for law enforcement officials to handle, we encourage anyone who may have pertinent information regarding this investigation to contact the Naperville Police Department. We are providing support in the school for any student who may need to discuss this issue. If your student wishes to talk with someone at school, please direct him or her to speak with their social worker or guidance counselor.

Thank you for your continued support of our students.

Karen Sullivan
Superintendent

Inspire 204 Online Auction Now Open

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Join us for Inspire 204, an evening filled with celebrations happening at 8 p.m. on March 20 at Wentz Concert Hall.

The online auction in conjunction with the event is now open. You can bid on more than 50 items, including:

  • Disney park hopper passes

  • ACT prep course

  • Autographed Chicago Blackhawks memorabilia

  • Autographed Chicago Bulls memorabilia

  • Driver's education class

  • Private skybox for graduation

  • Golf packages

  • Pizza for a year

  • Dining certificates to top restaurants

  • And much more!


You can view the auction items at http://inspire204.myab.co or on a cellular device by texting inspire204 to 52182.

Inspire 204 features our Grammy award winning music students and includes a very special performance from jazz recording artist Matt Belsante (NVHS '03). We will also honor staff members who are making a difference for our students. Terrance White (Still Middle School), Janice Hums (Welch Elementary School), and Heidi Provost (Spring Brook Elementary School) will receive the A+ Award. One additional staff member in attendance will also be surprised with an award.

Performance Tickets: $25 per person (includes reserved performance seating).

Order tickets through the Wentz Hall Box Office at 630-637-7469 or http://tickets.noctrl.edu.

Funds raised from Inspire 204 support district-wide Indian Prairie Educational Foundation programs that enrich the education of our students.

Volunteer of the Month: March

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BMO Harris Bank Volunteer of the Month

There’s a dragon flying across the wall at Clow Elementary School's Library Media Center and no one seems to mind, not even the whimsical fairy who is reading a book underneath a tree. These imaginary creatures and other colorful characters have leapt from the pages of books and into a mural that graces the wall of the LMC, thanks to the talent and enthusiasm of volunteer Joung-Kyung Cho. For her dedication and commitment, she is being recognized as the District 204 BMO Harris Bank Volunteer of the Month. She received 22 nominations from Clow staff and community members.

“I’m grateful and surprised because I did not imagine receiving something like this,” Joung said.

Joung began volunteering in the LMC at the end of last year and assisted LMC Director Beverly Frett with creating wall displays, but after a few weeks, she wanted to offer the school much more and proposed creating a mural. After submitting designs for approval to Clow administrators, she began working on the project in December. Growing up in Seoul, South Korea, Joung graduated from the University of Seoul with a degree in art. A gifted painter, her designs for the wall of the LMC came to life under her deft brush.

For Joung, volunteering at the Clow LMC was an opportunity to make new friends in her new community and to improve her English skills, but her generosity has benefited the entire Clow community.

“It is rewarding to see all the students as well as the teachers liking and fully accepting my work, which I am also enjoying,” Joung said.

Teachers and students, including her son, who is in fifth grade at Clow, had an opportunity to see an artist at work and marveled at the mural as it unfolded. The mural is now the focal point of the LMC and celebrates reading, imagination and creativity, which will be enjoyed by children and adults for generations to come.

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.


Joung-Kyung Cho was named District 204 BMO Harris Bank Volunteer of the Month for March for her impressive mural designs located in the Library Media Center of Clow Elementary.


Photo (l to r) Clow Elementary Principal Sarah Nowak, District 204 BMO Harris Bank Volunteer of the Month recipient Joung-Kyung Cho, and BMO Harris Bank Branch Manager Nicki McIntyre
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