Hundreds of District 58 students shared their scientific discoveries at the 40th Annual Science Fair on Saturday, Jan. 22 at O'Neill.

This terrific event could not have happened without our community's commitment. Thank you to our volunteer judges, our administration and O'Neill custodial teams for setting up/tearing down, the students for their hard work, and families for their support! A special thanks also to Science Fair head organizers: Mr. Lynde, Mrs. Rzepka, Mr. Durbala, Mr. Wagner, Mr. Sisul and Mr. Borchelt.

Looking for COVID-19 case notifications? Visit District 58's COVID-19 dashboard for the latest case information! The dashboard continues to have weekly totals, but we added two new pages that include daily counts for staff and students. The new dashboard screens show daily cases in each school by grade level. You can navigate the multiple pages of the dashboard by clicking page numbers at the top left of the dashboard. View the Jan. 12 issue of Communicate 58 to learn more about this shift.

District 58 invites families to sign up for winter parent-teacher conferences using the new PowerPTC signup system. View conference signup instructions here. (para Español: Registro para las reuniones de padres y maestros). Online signup closes Monday, Jan. 31 at 11 a.m. If you miss the deadline and would like a conference, please contact your school.

Please know: While the District encourages families to sign up for a conference, this is an optional opportunity, and families are not required to participate.

Save the date: District 58 will hold its winter parent-teacher conferences on the evenings of Tuesday, Feb. 1 and Thursday, Feb. 3.

District 58 congratulates the 33 students whose art project submissions will advance to the regional level of the PTA Reflections competition! In addition, District 58 thanks all students who participated in this year's competition for their creativity and hard work!

We will be announcing students advancing to the state level in the next issue of Communicate 58!

District 58 has been sharing one winter weather FAQ in recent Communicate 58 newsletters. To view all FAQs, please visit www.dg58.org/family-resources/winter. Today's FAQ: When would schools cancel outdoor recess due to weather?

Grade K-8 students can go outside if the combined temperature and wind chill is 0 degrees or above, barring special circumstances, such as excessive ice. Please be sure to dress your child warmly! Students should remember to bring hats, gloves/mittens, scarves, coats, snow pants and boots. They may want to bring an extra fleece to wear, as well as an extra pair of socks in case theirs get wet. Please remember to label these items with your child's name!

The Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club (DGJWC) awarded 13 grants totaling $6,000 to District 58 teachers for innovative educational programs and resources to enhance District 58 instruction.

“Congratulations to this year’s DGJWC teacher grant recipients! I look forward to seeing these inspiring grants in action!” said Superintendent Dr. Kevin Russell. “Thank you, Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club, for prioritizing and supporting this grant program. Due to your generosity, our students are able to experience many enhanced learning opportunities.”

The Downers Grove Junior Woman's Club invites Herrick and O'Neill students to participate in the annual Junior High Art Contest.

All mediums of artwork will be accepted. Entries are due at www.dgjwc.org/awards-scholarships by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 4. Students must upload clear pictures of their piece, as well as their written interpretation of their piece, to be considered for the contest.

Winners will be notified the week of Feb. 21. More information is posted at www.dgjwc.org/awards-scholarships. (Photo from 2019).