District 58 launches new website
District 58 launched a new website on Jan. 3, 2017.
The new site offers an easy-to-use, easy-to-search responsive design, accessible from any mobile device. The site also features a dynamic Google search bar to help visitors find information immediately.
District 58 staff built the entire website in-house using the free, open-source WordPress platform. Going forward, the District will also independently maintain the website and securely host it on its servers. Hosting the website internally will provide taxpayers with a cost savings now and in the future.
Launching the new website also fulfills one of the District's strategic goals for this school year: "Launch a new website that will serve as a communications tool with our community."
The new site
is a work in progress, and there may be some glitches. Additional content will be added as needed on an ongoing basis. The District encourages community members to explore the new site. If a community member notices any broken links or missing information, please contact James Eichmiller or Megan Hewitt for District webpage updates and the school principal for school webpage updates.
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The Top 10 reasons to attend the Harlem Wizards game Feb. 12
The District 58 Downers Grovetrotters basketball team challenged the world-famous Harlem Wizards to a fast-paced basketball game on Sunday Feb. 12 at 6 p.m. at Downers Grove South.
Looking for a reason to attend? How about 10?!
10. ALL event proceeds will support the Education Foundation's educational programs, such as the Teacher Grants Program, Select 58, Distinguished Service Awards, The Reading Games and more!
9. The Harlem Wizards have skills! Be prepared for
a magical display of tricks, coordinated ball handling, fancy passing and aerodynamic athleticism combined with high-energy comedy and audience interaction.
8. The Wizards might have sharp basketball skills, but they also rock quick wit and a sharp sense of humor. Be prepared to LAUGH!
7. Be forewarned: The Wizards like to pull audience members onto the court for a skit or joke. Capture their attention to increase your chances of getting picked!
6. The Harlem Wizards are playing the District 58 Downers Grovetrotters. Best. Pun. Ever.
5. The Downers Grovetrotters basketball team comprises teachers and staff from your District 58 schools! Be sure to cheer on your school's representative(s) as the game progresses!
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The Harlem Wizards last played District 58 in February 2015 (above).
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4. You might recognize the referees, too. We've invited prominent community leaders to serve this role, including Rep. David Olsen, a District 58 alumnus and Education Foundation director.
3. The cost is affordable for a family fun night. General admission tickets are only $10 in advance and can be purchased
online.
2. Want to warm up with the Wizards? Buy a Wiz Kid jersey (or, if you have one from last time, wear it again) and you can enjoy this awesome opportunity!
1. When it comes down to it, this Harlem Wizards game offers an excellent opportunity for District 58 to come together as a community for a common cause -- to enjoy quality family time while raising money to help our kids' schools.
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Grove Children's Preschool holds open houses Jan. 25-26
Did you know that Grove Children's Preschool is one of only two preschools in Downers Grove to earn a Gold Rating from the Illinois State Board of Education?
A Gold Rating is the highest score a preschool can receive, and it indicates that the preschool has met the highest expectations!
At Grove Children's Preschool, teachers and staff work hard to meet every child's needs and provide the highest quality of education. The preschool is proud to share some of their achievements at their upcoming open houses. All current and prospective families are welcome to attend!
Grove Children's Preschool will host open houses on Wednesday, Jan. 25 from 6-7 p.m. at Henry Puffer School, 2220 Haddow Ave., and on Thursday, Jan. 26 from 6-7 p.m. at Indian Trail School, 6235 Stonewall Ave.
The preschool invites current preschool families to attend from 6-6:30 p.m. and prospective preschool families to attend from 6:30-7 p.m. All parents may tour the preschool, meet the staff and ask questions throughout the open house.
Grove Children's Preschool registration for the 2017-18 school year will open online at
www.dg58.org/preschool
on Wednesday, Jan. 25 at 8 a.m.
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Now hiring! District 58 seeks subs
 Are you or someone you know looking for a part-time job with a flexible schedule? Please consider applying to be a substitute teacher at District 58! The District is in need of qualified subs to serve our schools.
Applicants must hold a valid substitute license or teacher's license.
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What is District 58's policy on lice?
District follows CDC's best practices for schools
- These organizations estimate that 6-12 million young children have lice each year. This means that statistically lice are always present in our classrooms.
- Although lice can be the source of anxiety, frustration and embarrassment, lice do not carry infectious diseases, nor do they pose a health risk to students and staff. For these reasons, these organizations recommend that schools do not exclude children with lice from the classroom.
- Fortunately, research finds that most children do not catch lice while at school. Lice are spread by direct and sustained head-to-head contact (i.e. children rubbing heads together for a sustained period of time), which is more common at slumber parties or camping trips.
- Lice cannot jump or fly from head to head, and they die quickly when they are not attached to a human. This means they die quickly in hats and hairbrushes.
- District 58 educates its students on how they can protect themselves from lice and discourages them from making direct head-to-head contact. The best offense is a good defense!
- Since lice are statistically always present, District 58 typically will not send home a letter for an isolated case, just like we wouldn't send letters when one child is out ill with the flu. As District 58 does for all health conditions, if we notice a cluster of lice, we will send a note home to affected families -- it could be a note to a classroom or to an entire school, depending on how large the cluster is.
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Pierce Downer food drive puts the spotlight on hunger close to home
 Pierce Downer students took a hands-on approach to combatting hunger in the community by organizing a school-wide food and holiday toy drive followed by a group visit to the West Suburban Community Pantry (WSCP) in Woodridge.
This was one of several holiday initiatives organized by Pierce Downer's Service Learning Committee, a new committee chaired by parent Jennie Amidei. The mission of the committee is to inspire and prepare students to connect with individuals and families in need around our community by providing monthly service opportunities.
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Heads up: Belle Aire will join the Great Kindness Challenge
 The Belle Aire Student Council will join the
Great Kindness Challenge during the week of Jan. 23-27. During this week, students will proudly share their acts of kindness to help create a culture of kindness in their school. District 58 will share photos and updates about Kindness Week on
Facebook and
Twitter. Be sure to follow along!
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Hillcrest girl scouts help others while earning Philanthropy Badge
 Hillcrest third grade girl scouts recently earned their Philanthropy Badge!
To do so, they invited a speaker from the St. Vincent de Paul Society to talk to them about the importance of charity and ways they can help local homeless shelters. The girls brainstormed together, and decided to collect laundry detergent for area shelters. Together, they donated 55 containers to Fr. Phil Marquard Center, St. Leonard's House, Grace House and Franciscan House Shelter. Thank you, girls!
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Kingsley and El Sierra boy scouts hold Toys for Tots fundraiser
Last month, boy scouts from Kingsley and El Sierra schools collaborated to purchase and donate holiday gifts to Toys for Tots. They enjoyed packing the toys with special guest visitors -- local Marines!
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Calling all middle school artists!
Enter the DG Junior Woman's Club's art contest
The Downers Grove Junior Woman's Club invites seventh and eighth grade students to enter their
Please submit artwork to your art teacher at Herrick or O'Neill by before school on Wednesday, Feb. 1. Winners will be notified by Feb. 9. Winning artwork will be displayed at Community Bank of Downers Grove in downtown Downers Grove.
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Nominate a teacher for an Outstanding Teacher Award
Do you know an outstanding teacher in any grade K-12? The Downers Grove Junior Woman's Club invites you to please consider nominating him or her for the club's
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New community e-flyers will be emailed
Tuesday, Jan. 17 to parents and posted
on the District 58 e-flyer page at dg58.org/e-flyers/.
In the meantime, we have posted a "sneak preview" of some of the flyers you can expect to see!
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The mission of District 58, in partnership with parents and community, is to challenge and engage each child by providing quality educational programs and support services in a safe, nurturing, and child-centered environment in order to prepare all students to be lifelong learners and contributing members of a global society.
Communicate 58 shares timely, relevant information about District 58 with parents, community members and others who are interested in how we are living out our mission. If you have any questions/comments regarding Communicate 58, or have an article/photo idea for the publication, please contact Community Relations Coordinator Megan Hewitt at [email protected] or 630-719-5805.
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District 58 on social media
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Upcoming Board meetings:
-
Legislative Committee Meeting
Wednesday, Jan. 18
3:45 p.m.
Admin Service Center
- Coffee w/ the Staff
Thursday, Jan. 19
7:30 a.m.
Indian Trail
- Financial Advisory Committee Meeting
Monday, Jan. 23
7 a.m.
Admin Service Center
- Policy Committee Meeting
Tuesday, Jan. 24
7 a.m.
Admin Service Center
- Meet & Confer Strategic Plan Committee Meeting
Thursday, Feb. 2
7 a.m.
Longfellow Center
- Regular Board Meeting
Monday, Feb. 13
7 p.m.
Longfellow Center
Spotlight: Strategic Goals Action Plan Mid-Year Review
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Board News
The Board held their regular Board meeting on Monday, Jan. 9. Read the
Board Briefs or view the
meeting agenda.
The meeting included:
- a discussion on District 58's facilities
- a spotlight on District 58's new website
- the approval of the superintendent's contract for 2017-2020
- a presentation by the Belle Aire Student Council and PTA
- And more!
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Science Fair reminder
Don't forget! The Science Fair will take place on Saturday, Jan. 21.
This annual event involves more than 600 students eager to share their scientific discoveries with family, friends and the Science Fair judges.
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Board renews superintendent's contract
The District 58 Board of Education voted unanimously during a regular meeting Monday, Jan. 9 to renew Superintendent Dr. Kari Cremascoli's contract for three years, beginning July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2020.
The Board noted that under Dr Cremascoli's leadership, District 58 has achieved its annual strategic goals, increased staff positions, and added new instructional programs, technology services and teacher professional development opportunities.
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Mid-year testing
District 58's winter testing period takes place the first three weeks of January.
These assessments provide mid-year markers for student development and growth. Teachers use this information to monitor student progress and re-evaluate programs.
Winter assessments include the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) and AIMSweb, as well as the ACCESS test for ELL students.
While always important, take extra care to ensure your child receives plenty of rest and a good breakfast these weeks!
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