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Pictured above: O'Neill and Herrick's Student Council eighth grade vice presidents led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance during last night's Eighth Grade Promotion Ceremonies. See the story below for more information!
Throughout this publication, you will see the following color-coded dots beside each story. The dots represent which strategic goal the article addresses:
• Focusing on Learning • Connecting the Community • Securing the Future
• Building for Success • Cultivating Talent
Have feedback regarding Communicate 58? Click here!
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Friday, May 23
Last day of school for grades preschool through 7
11:30 a.m. dismissal for grades K-6
11:45 a.m. dismissal for grade 7
Preschool will run a modified morning schedule.
Monday, May 26
Memorial Day - All District offices and schools are closed.
Tuesday, May 27-Wednesday, May 28
Teacher Institute Days (No school for students)
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Friday, May 30
Extended School Year starts
Friday, June 6
Last day school offices are open for the school year.
Monday, June 9
Summer School starts
Click here to view the 2024-25 calendar.
Click here to view the 2025-26 calendar.
| | End-of-year greeting from Superintendent Dr. Russell ••••• | | |
Dear District 58 Families,
As we conclude the 2024–2025 school year, I want to take a moment, on behalf of the Board of Education, to thank you for the opportunity to serve your child(ren). It is truly an honor and a privilege to be entrusted with their education, growth, and well-being. We are sincerely grateful for the continued support you provide to our students, our staff, and our schools.
This year has been one of growth, progress, and collaboration. Together, we celebrated many important milestones that reflect our shared commitment to excellence in education. Some of the highlights from this school year include:
Completion of Phase I of our Construction Projects: This major milestone has already begun to enhance the learning environments across our district.
Preparation for Phase II Construction: Thanks to careful planning and support from our community, Phase II is ready to begin the moment our students leave for summer break.
Joining the SDEAA Middle School Conference: Our middle school students have benefited from expanded opportunities to engage in athletics, activities, and meaningful connections with peers from other schools.
Year Two Implementation of the Strategic Plan: This ongoing work continues to guide our progress and ensure we are meeting the evolving needs of our students and community.
Partnership with the Village of Downers Grove: Our collaboration on a shared facility—the new Civic Center—demonstrates our commitment to fiscal responsibility and innovation in serving the public while saving taxpayer dollars.
Academic Achievement and Growth: Perhaps most inspiring, we have seen strong academic progress in our classrooms. District 58 has surpassed pre-pandemic levels of achievement and growth—a reflection of the dedication of our students, families, and educators.
As we look ahead to the summer months, we know it will be a busy and unique season. With a robust construction schedule ahead and ongoing challenges related to fiscal uncertainty from the State of Illinois and Federal Government, our focus will remain on managing resources effectively while keeping our improvement efforts on track.
Please note that due to construction, the 2025–2026 school year will begin on the Tuesday after Labor Day (Sept. 2, 2025). We will share additional details and updates over the summer to ensure your family is well-informed and prepared for a smooth start to the new year.
In the meantime, should you need anything, we encourage you to reach out to our district offices. We are here to assist you and your family in any way we can.
Thank you again for being such an essential part of the District 58 community. We wish you a safe, restful, and enjoyable summer, and we look forward to welcoming our students back for another successful school year in the fall.
Sincerely,
Dr. Kevin Russell
Superintendent of Schools
Downers Grove Grade School District 58
| | Congrats, District 58 eighth graders, on your promotion! •• | | |
District 58 celebrated Herrick and O'Neill eighth graders as they were promoted to high school on Thursday, May 22 at Downers Grove North.
The O’Neill Promotion Ceremony occurred at 5 p.m. The promotion included the Pledge of Allegiance by O’Neill Student Council Vice President Chloe Ring, and a speech, titled "Power To Be You," by O’Neill Student Council President Mason Fuller. The ceremony also featured a student poem, “8th Grade Sundae,” recited by Eighth Grader Anton Schauer and welcoming remarks from Superintendent Dr. Kevin Russell and Principal Lauryn Humphris.
Assistant Principal Danielle Bongiorno presented the Pride of O'Neill Award to Georgia Scoggin and Mason Fuller. Ed Ludwig, representing American Legion Post 80, presented this year's American Legion Awards to Molly Mihalik and Nishanth Ramkumar.
The Herrick Promotion Ceremony took place at 7 p.m. The promotion opened with the Pledge of Allegiance by Herrick Student Council Vice President Zachary Solem, as well as welcoming remarks from Principal Dr. Steve Perkins and Dr. Russell. Herrick Student Council President Garrison Cheng gave the “Address to the Class of 2025.”
Mr. Ludwig and Social Studies Teacher Jay Swanstrom presented this year's American Legion Awards to John Vlahos and Isabella Augustine.
Congratulations, District 58 eighth graders, and best of luck in high school and beyond!
| | Summer hours in District 58 | | |
School offices will be closed for the summer from June 9-Aug. 6. School offices will reopen to the community on Thursday, Aug. 7. If you need to register, or if you have other questions this summer, please call the District Office at 630-719-5800.
Please note that the District Office begins summer hours the week of June 9 and will be closed on Fridays. Regular work hours resume the week of Aug. 4. The District Office's summer hours are Monday-Thursday from 7 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
| | Reminder: School offices will relocate during construction • | | |
Referendum construction will take place at six District 58 schools this summer. The school offices at affected buildings will move temporarily to a partner school from Friday, May 23 at noon through late August. School phone numbers will not change. All school offices will be closed for summer from June 9-Aug. 6. Please note our school office partner schools:
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O'Neill offices will move to Whittier
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Herrick offices will move to Pierce Downer
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Indian Trail offices will move to Hillcrest
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Lester offices will move to Highland
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Kingsley offices will move to Hillcrest
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Fairmount offices will move to El Sierra
| | District 58 is prepared for this summer's construction • | | |
This summer will be transformational for several District 58 schools. The community passed a referendum in 2022 to improve District 58 schools.
While construction takes place year-round, the bulk of it is completed during the summer months. The work was divided into three phases (summers of 2024, 2025 and 2026).
This summer, our Phase II elementary schools, Fairmount, Indian Trail, Lester and Kingsley, will receive major renovations. In addition, middle school (Herrick and O'Neill) construction is taking place throughout all three phases, with the most significant work being completed this summer.
Please visit our Projects at a Glance webpage for a breakdown of the work planned for our Phase II schools. Each school has slightly different needs, which may affect some of the specific work taking place. However, by the end of the summer, all Phase II schools will have central air-conditioning, more secure entrances, improved air quality, and updated mechanical systems.
Both middle schools are building significant additions in order to accommodate sixth graders, who will officially be moving to the middle school for the 2026-27 school year. This summer's middle school construction will complete all new additions in the middle schools, and students will begin using these new spaces next school year. After students move into the new additions, crews will renovate the vacated classrooms and spaces, to prepare all spaces to be substantially ready for the 2026-27 school year.
We encourage the community to follow along with our construction progress! Visit our Building for Success website, and specifically the Herrick Dashboard and the O'Neill Dashboard. These dashboards feature progress photos, a construction webcam, drone footage, construction drawings and much more. We look forward to welcoming students to our new spaces in September!
| | Summer learning opportunities in Downers Grove • | | Reminder: Get free meals for children this summer • | | |
The State's Summer Food Service Program will provide free summer meals to all children ages 18 and under this summer. Please visit their website, We Got You Illinois, for a list of free food sources. The most local food sites include Fish of Downers Grove, St. Joseph, St. Mary of Gostyn, and The People's Resource Center. The website also includes helpful information about each food site, such as address, hours, phone numbers and more. Information is also available by calling 800-359-2163 or viewing this flyer.
| | Key dates for the 2025-26 school year •• | | |
Please save these important dates for next school year!
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First Day of School: Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025
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Thanksgiving Break: Nov. 26-28, 2025
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Winter Break: Dec. 22, 2025 - Jan. 2, 2026
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Spring Break: March 30 - April 3, 2026
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Last Day of School: Friday, June 5, 2026 (if no emergency days are used)
Click here to view the 2025-26 calendar.
| | Bookmark these resources for the 2025-26 school year •• | | |
Please visit these webpages as you prepare for next school year! Please note, some pages are still being updated for 2025-26. If you see a page under construction, please check back this summer.
| | What's new in 2025-26? ••••• | | |
District 58 will continue to work on the goals set forth in its Strategic Plan next school year. Here are some areas of focus for 2025-26!
- The middle schools and Phase II elementary schools (Fairmount, Indian Trail, Kingsley and Lester) will start the school year in their new or newly-renovated classrooms and learning spaces. Pictured: Herrick's new library, currently under construction, will open for next school year. (Strategic Goal 3)
- District 58 will launch a limited rollout of ParentSquare, a communication platform that streamlines communications and offers more robust translation options. District 58 is making this communication platform transition after reviewing parent survey feedback, researching communication products, interviewing communication platform vendors, interviewing local school districts (staff and parents) to learn about their experiences with various platforms, and presenting research and recommendations to principal and community groups for feedback. ParentSquare was determined to be the best option to meet the District's needs. The goal is to start with a soft rollout and more fully-implement Parent Square in spring 2026 or for the 2026-27 school year. (Strategic Goal 2)
- The fifth grade Gifted Program will shift to the students' home school, led by the teacher librarian. Previously, students were bused to Henry Puffer for the program. District 58 made this switch successfully at the fourth grade level this past school year, and looks forward to continuing it for fifth grade next year. (Strategic Goal 1)
- District 58 will spend considerable time preparing to move sixth graders to the middle school for the 2026-27 school year. The District is working on many different logistics to ensure this transition is a successful one! For example, the team is considering the middle school schedule, pickup/drop-off procedures, new exploratory options, new extracurricular offerings, student supports and much more. A detailed presentation was shared at the May Board meeting. View the Board Briefs for a presentation summary, as well as links to the presentation and the meeting video. (Strategic Goal 4)
- District 58 will continue work to ensure resource allocation is consistent and within budget; enhance staff stipend structures; enhance its staff recognition opportunities; and enhance its staff recruitment efforts. (Strategic Goal 5)
| | News from the Community Relations Office | | |
Dear District 58 Community,
I hope you are having a wonderful last day of school. I wanted to let you know that I made the difficult decision to leave my District 58 community relations coordinator position in June 2025. I am grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to serve the District 58 community for the past 11 years.
My job has allowed me to work with students, staff, parents, guardians and community members representing all 13 schools and the greater community. It has been a joy to get to know you over the years! I appreciate how many families and community members have kept engaged on District issues and volunteered for various committees, ranging from strategic plan development groups to Board committees to the Citizens Task Force, which paved the way for District 58’s successful referendum. I learned very early on that District 58 is home to a remarkable community that cares deeply about our children’s education and well-being, and it’s been very special to be a part of it.
I put 110% into everything that I care about, and my work is no exception. I have three young children. At this time, I would like to prioritize spending more time with my children and family, which means stepping back from this District 58 role. I will dearly miss this work environment, and I plan to do freelance communication work in the future.
District 58 plans to formally recommend the next community relations coordinator at the June Board meeting. More information will be shared following that meeting.
Thank you for the past 11 years, and I hope you have a wonderful summer break!
Sincerely,
Megan Hewitt
District 58 Community Relations Coordinator
| | Congratulations, 2024-25 Green Apple recipients ••• | | |
Congratulations to the 64 staff members who received Green Apple Awards from the Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58 this school year.
Through the Green Apple Program, the Education Foundation invited the community to make a Green Apple donation in honor of a District 58 employee who has made a positive impact on their child or family. Each honored employee received a Green Apple Award certificate with a personalized message from the gift giver. In addition, Superintendent Dr. Kevin Russell personally delivered each award to every recipient.
We will be celebrating Green Apple recipients on District 58's Facebook page throughout the summer.
2024-25 Green Apple Award Recipients:
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Tory DeWitt, Belle Aire Fifth Grade Teacher
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Tara Fulton, Belle Aire Third Grade Teacher
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Mallory Poe, Indian Trail Social Worker
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Karina DeLeon, El Sierra Second Grade Dual Language Teacher
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Brenda Perez, El Sierra Kindergarten Dual Language Teacher
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Emma Grisamore, Pierce Downer Kindergarten Teacher (2 awards!)
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Brittany Coyne, Pierce Downer Kindergarten Teacher
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Matt Swade, Whittier Second Grade Teacher
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Julie Quinlan, Herrick School Counselor
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Jessica Sinnes, El Sierra Second Grade Teacher (2 awards!)
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Amy Cunningham, Lester Kindergarten Teacher
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Jessica Atkins, Herrick Science Teacher
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Angie Rybarczyk, El Sierra Custodian
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Krysta Schoenecker, Herrick Science Teacher
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Jennifer Tartaglione, Herrick ELA & Gifted ELA Teacher (2 awards!)
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Anna Stanton, Belle Aire First Grade Teacher
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Kelly Novotny, Herrick Assistant Principal
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Beth McDonald, Herrick Assistant Principal (2 awards!)
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Dr. Steve Perkins, Herrick Principal
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Maureen Bresnahan, Belle Aire/El Sierra Speech-Language Pathologist
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Joanne Steichmann, Lester Instructional Assistant
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Sandy Hudecek, Highland Resource Teacher
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Taylor Zilleox, Hillcrest Third-Fourth Grade DLP Teacher
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Annabeth Niemann, Fairmount Second Grade Teacher
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Barry Kincaid, O'Neill Eighth Grade School Counselor
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Julie Iaquinto, El Sierra Fourth Grade Teacher
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Abbie Hildreth, Herrick Resource Teacher
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Madelyn Fiene, Herrick Music/Orchestra Teacher (2 awards!)
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Maggie Sabatino, Highland First Grade Teacher
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Jennifer Dunlap, Highland Sixth Grade Teacher
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Patricia Doll, Highland Instructional Assistant
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Theresa Farrell, Herrick Band Teacher
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Rachel Katoll, O'Neill Resource/BEST Teacher
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Carly Reider, Kingsley BEST Teacher
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Katie Porter, Whittier Resource Teacher
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Ally Armato-Garcia, Indian Trail/Grove Children's Preschool RISE Teacher
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Amy Kozlowski, Fairmount First Grade Teacher
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Kelly Lebbing, Henry Puffer Fourth Grade Teacher
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Lacy Bundren, Indian Trail Fourth-Sixth Grade RISE Teacher
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Anna Wanderer, Indian Trail RISE Resource Teacher
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Kathryn Chick, Fairmount Sixth Grade Teacher
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Melissa Swallows, Fairmount Third Grade Teacher
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Jon Belonio, Fairmount, Hillcrest and Whittier Art Teacher
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Janet Reynolds, Henry Puffer Fourth Grade Teacher
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Katie Laio, Pierce Downer Instructional Assistant
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Brian Barnas, Herrick ELA Teacher
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Jenna Bailey, Indian Trail Second Grade Teacher
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Emily Weist, Belle Aire First Grade Teacher
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Jennifer Srabian, Henry Puffer Secretary
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Daniel Dvoracek, Herrick Math Math
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Cathy Patti, Lester Instructional Assistant
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Carrie Edwards, Henry Puffer Third Grade Teacher
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Caitlin Choinski, Henry Puffer Social Worker
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Brooke Roche, Highland Kindergarten Teacher
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Audrey Barc, Pierce Downer RISE Teacher
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Andrew Kupisch, Henry Puffer Third Grade Teacher
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Alicia Micele, Fairmount Kindergarten Teacher (2 awards!)
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Natalia Augustine, Henry Puffer Secretary
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Sandra Munizzo, Hillcrest Kindergarten Teacher
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Toni Belken, Grove Children's Preschool (Henry Puffer) DLP Teacher
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Georgi Beck, Highland, Henry Puffer and Kingsley Art Teacher
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Joan Mommsen, Belle Aire Teacher Librarian
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Lisa Rose, Belle Aire, Highland, Pierce Downer and Whittier Elementary Orchestra Teacher
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Kinzie Geist, Herrick Social Studies Teacher
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Downers Grove Grade School District 58
850 Curtiss Street, Suite 200, Downers Grove, IL 60515
Community Relations Office: 630-719-5805 I mhewitt@dg58.org | www.dg58.org
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