In last month’s district newsletter, we talked about being a partner in your child’s academic development. I appreciate the many families who met with teachers during the February 3 conferences or found other ways to connect with their child’s classroom.
This month, I want to focus on another home-school connection: our district’s volunteer organizations.
For as long as I’ve been a part of this district, we’ve been blessed with a strong group of volunteers who bring joy, excitement, and financial support to our schools. While our standardized tests are an important measure of student achievement, I have a strong suspicion that students remember the carnivals and classroom parties organized by our families a bit more fondly.
So my request is that you consider being a part of the PTC, Music Boosters, Bilingual Parent Advisory Council, or Parents United Together.
So many of you have already found ways to support these groups. But if you haven’t yet had the chance, now’s a great time to reach out. You don’t have to be a co-president or organize an entire event; every volunteer is a valued part of making a memorable experience for our students.
The more volunteers each school has, the better the programming becomes. And we know that students who feel connected to their school have better academic outcomes. If you need help connecting with your school’s PTC, look under “Parent Resources” on your school’s website or contact the main office for more information.
Thank you to everyone who has a role in making this a welcoming and engaging learning community.
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Support CCSD 89 students by donating to Make-A-Wish |
CCSD 89 is again collecting donations for Make-A-Wish through the “Wishmakers at Work” program that supports children with life-threatening medical conditions.
Several current and former CCSD 89 students have been recipients of wishes through the program. You can learn more here: http://bit.ly/41u6H1o Nikita, a seventh-grade student at Glen Crest, went on a trip with his family thanks to Make-A-Wish. You can see his story in the video below.
In the most recent year that the district participated in the program, donors raised $6,425. The district has once again set a goal to raise at least $5,000. Altogether, the district has raised more than $28,000 for Make-A-Wish Illinois.
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Community can donate blood March 15 at Glen Crest Middle School |
You can support the urgent need for blood by donating between 2 and 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 15, at Glen Crest Middle School, 725 Sheehan Avenue, Glen Ellyn.
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Video: Author shares advice for young writers |
On January 25, author Katherine Marsh ("Nowhere Boy", "The Lost Year") returned to Glen Crest Middle School to talk with students about her new book. She shared some writing tips for young authors - including students who don't think they're writers. |
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Penny Wars update: Thank you to all who participated! |
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Penny Wars fundraiser! The five CCSD 89 schools raised $4,500.60 to help the Child Mind Institute (https://childmind.org/), the charity that was selected by more than 60 percent of students across the district. The Child Mind Institute is an organization dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families struggling with mental health and learning disorders.
Across the district, there were 60,884 coins donated, including: 5,002 quarters, 6,343 dimes, 6,667 nickels, and 42,850 pennies! Thank you to CCSD 89 Student Board Members Kate Castillo and Fatimah Shahid for organizing this fun and impactful event!
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Registration for all students will open April 5 |
Families with students who will be starting kindergarten or new to Community Consolidated School District 89 in the 2023-24 school year can now begin the pre-registration process. Registration for returning students will open April 5.
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SNAP benefits will return to pre-pandemic levels in March |
Since 2020, Illinois SNAP households have received regular monthly benefits, as well as an emergency allotment to address food challenges exacerbated by the pandemic. On March 1, SNAP benefits will return to pre-pandemic levels.
To prepare for this change, the Illinois Department of Human Services recommends SNAP customers visit www.abe.illinois.gov and update their account, especially if there is an address change, increase in housing costs, or income decrease. IDHS has a resource page to help SNAP households with this transition. If you have questions or concerns, you can also reach out to your school's social worker or family-engagement liaison.
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Board will begin meeting with superintendent candidates |
The Board of Education continues its work to select the district's next superintendent. The search firm is expected to present candidates to the board at a series of special meetings on the week of February 27. The candidates will meet the Board in closed session. The latest information is posted at www.ccsd89.org/superintendentsearch
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Upcoming events
February 27: Board of Education meeting, 7 p.m.
March 3: NO SCHOOL (Teacher Institute Day)
March 17-19: ‘Little Mermaid” musical at Glen Crest
March 20: Board of Education meeting, 7 p.m.
March 27-31: No school (spring break)
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CCSD 89 | (630) 469-8900 | info@ccsd89.org |
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