CCSD 89 news: 24-25 calendar, gifted/advanced evaluation, dogs inspire student readers

https://files.constantcontact.com/f711afd8001/2857c457-c66e-416c-bd45-aec1f76cfa92.png?rdr=truea=1134825856964

January 23, 2024

Happy new year to all our CCSD 89 students and families. I hope your family was able to relax over winter break and that you have enjoyed these first few weeks of 2024, despite the frigid temperatures.

I’d like to thank everyone for their flexibility as we’ve faced these weather challenges to start the second half of the school year. As you can tell, student safety is a top priority in this district. We always want to ensure that weather conditions don’t impact learning opportunities; we will continue to do our best to keep schools open when it is safe to do so.

Safety will also be the topic for my next “Talking 89” superintendent listening session. As you may remember, in December, I held my first Talking 89 sessions with parents and community members. I was so appreciative of everyone who took the time to stop by that day.

Our next Talking 89 sessions will be held at 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Thursday, February 22, in the district office, 22W600 Butterfield Road, Glen Ellyn. These sessions will be focused on student safety and parental involvement. I plan to share some information about what we’ve been doing and hear more about how we can continue to welcome you into our schools.

This listening session is open to anyone. Reservations are not required but if you plan to attend, an RSVP is requested so that seating can be prepared.

Thank you for all you do to support learning for life in CCSD 89.

Sincerely,

Doug Eccarius

CCSD 89 Superintendent

Board approves 24-25 calendar, seeks feedback on future calendars

At Monday’s meeting, the CCSD 89 Board of Education approved the 2024-25 academic calendar. You can view the calendar here: www.ccsd89.org/2425calendar

The first day of the 2024-25 school year for students will be Wednesday, August 21. Staff will start the school year with two planning days on Monday, August 19, and Tuesday, August 20. The 2024-25 school year is starting about one week later than usual due to summer construction. The later start will allow time to complete the work planned for this summer at all five schools.

One significant change in the calendar is that fall conferences have been moved forward to the evening of Thursday, October 10, and a full day on Friday, October 11. No students will be in attendance on Monday, November 4, for a Teacher Institute Day, and schools will be closed on Tuesday, November 5, for Election Day.

The last day of the 2024-25 school year will be a half day (morning attendance) on Friday, May 30, 2025, if no emergency days are used. If all five emergency days are used, the last day would be Friday, June 6, 2025.

There is only one half-day for students in the 2024-25 schedule. The state of Illinois previously granted the district's waiver to combine several half-days into full days of professional development for staff, based on feedback from families.

District seeking feedback on future calendars

As the district begins the process of planning for the 2025-26 calendar and beyond, we would like community members to provide feedback on several issues related to the calendar, including Thanksgiving break, snow days, and high school alignment. All families are welcome to share their opinions in this brief, anonymous survey: https://forms.gle/EPCxwR5gdr9qDLLr6

2023-24 calendar updated after weather days

When schools were closed for the recent severe weather, it affected the last day of the 2023-24 school year. An updated calendar is available here: www.ccsd89.org/2324calendar

All families encouraged to share feedback on gifted programming

CCSD 89 is working with Northwestern University's Center for Talent Development to complete an evaluation of the district’s gifted and advanced programming. This work began with an informational meeting that gave an overview of the evaluation process.

All families are now invited to provide feedback on gifted and advanced programming through this survey: https://bit.ly/3O5RKgK Families do not have to be part of the gifted programming to fill out the survey.

More info: https://bit.ly/4b4RaK0

Pack the house for February 2 unified basketball game!

The unified basketball “Pack the House” game has been moved to 4 p.m. Friday, February 2. Students, families, and community members are invited to “pack the house” and cheer on the CCSD 89 unified basketball team during their game at Glenn Westlake Middle School in Lombard.

A unified basketball team includes students who qualify for Special Olympics playing on the same team as peer buddies. More info: https://bit.ly/46WDnSD

2024-25 preschool pre-registration and open house

Families interested in having their child attend CCSD 89 preschool in the 2024-25 school year can now fill out pre-registration. There are limited openings available for 3- and 4-year-old children. The program features a developmentally appropriate curriculum delivered by certified early childhood educators. More information: https://bit.ly/3TlvbYU

Open house on January 30: You can learn more about CCSD 89 preschool from 6 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 30, at Briar Glen Elementary School. Whether you’ve completed pre-registration for the 2024-25 school year or you’re still deciding, the preschool open house is an opportunity to meet teachers, visit classrooms, and learn more about the program.

Pre-registration for kindergarten and other new 2024-25 students will open February 7. Registration for all students will open April 3.

Support student musicians by being a part of Music Boosters

Anyone who enjoys music in CCSD 89 is encouraged to support the Music Boosters Association by donating or volunteering. Music Boosters is a volunteer organization of parents and teachers who support music classes and programs in all CCSD 89 schools. The Boosters assist at music events; fundraise for new instruments and materials; and provide scholarships for instrument rental, accompanists, transportation, special events, and repairs.

Find out how to donate or volunteer: https://bit.ly/3TNLUEC

Video: therapy dogs help young readers at Arbor View

Once a month, volunteers from the PAWSitive Therapy Troupe bring several dogs to Arbor View Elementary School. Students have the opportunity to read to the dogs in the Library Media Center. Reading to the animals helps students practice their fluency, comprehension, and expression in a low-pressure environment.

All of the dogs are accompanied by volunteers from the PAWSitive Therapy Troupe, a Downers Grove animal-assisted program designed to share registered therapy dogs with patients and students in a variety of healthcare and educational settings.

CCSD 89 hiring substitute teachers

If you enjoy working with kids and you’re looking for a job with good benefits, consider working in CCSD 89. The district is hiring substitute teachers and other positions. Substitute teachers make $140 per day, with an increase to $155 after 15 days of substitute teaching.

To find out more, or apply, go to: http://bit.ly/2Zj7VPA

CCSD 89 upcoming events

January 30: CCSD 89 preschool open house

February 2: Morning attendance (conferences)

February 2: Deadline to submit preschool documents, 3 p.m.

February 2: “Pack the House” for unified basketball game, 4 p.m.

February 3: Board of Education meeting (tentative), 8 a.m.

February 7: New student registration opens

February 9: Preschool developmental screening

February 19: No school (President’s Day)

CCSD 89 | (630) 469-8900 | info@ccsd89.org

Visit the CCSD 89 website

Safe2Help for crisis help

See our online backpack