About the cover photos: At left, Highland 1st graders with their lemonade stand that was part of learning new vocabulary and Lester 2rd graders giving chair speeches on their writing. 

Throughout this publication, you will see the following color-coded dots beside each article. The dots represent which strategic goal the article addresses:

• Focusing on Learning • Connecting the Community • Securing the Future

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Dear Friends of District 58,



I am so grateful for the many parents, staff and community members who joined us on Monday and Tuesday evenings to assist us in Strategic Planning. While it is a commitment of time away from your families, I am always amazed at the willingness of this community to support our schools. What I love about Strategic Planning is that it is a system that provides a focus for everyone to collaborate and work toward continuous improvement of our school system.



On Monday and Tuesday, the group of approximately 130 community members, parents, PTA representatives, staff, Board and administrators met in five groups aligned with the Five Key Areas of Focus:

• Focusing on Learning (Curriculum & Instruction)
• Connecting the Community (Relationships and Communications) 
• Securing the Future (Finance and Facilities) 
• Building for Success (Implement new K-5, 6-8 models) 
• Cultivating Talent (Personnel, Stakeholders, Students) 

Each group reviewed results of the recent Strategic Planning survey and brainstormed strengths and challenges in their area and identified five key priorities to present to the larger group. Then the following evening, each group again discussed priorities in their areas and also ranked and prioritized the other focus areas. Over this summer, we will develop action plans based on those priorities and then present the Strategic Plan to the Board of Education at its October Curriculum Workshop. 

Whether you served on the committee or participated in the survey, we value your voices that together help us make a stronger school system for our students and families. The results of the survey will also be released at the workshop.

Again, thank you for your partnership.

Dr. Kevin Russell

Congratulations to Pierce Downer reading specialist Beth Kamano, who was honored by the DGEEA as Educator of the Year! Quoting her nominators Heather Howland and Sabrina Breault, "Beth’s excitement about (reading and teaching) help everyone around her be their best in a caring, compassionate and non-judgmental way." Mrs. Kamano is an educator who keeps up research in the field and is always willing to present at in-service activities.” She was surprised with the award and announcement during a school faculty meeting. 

Want to thank a special teacher or staff member? ••



Donate a Green Apple Award in their honor

The Education Foundation invites community members to make a Green Apple donation to the Foundation in honor of an exceptional staff member. Every Green Apple Award recipient receives a Green Apple certificate with a personal message from the donor, and they are celebrated on the District’s social media pages. They make a great end-of-the-year gift!

Herrick Middle School cast and crew rocked the performance of Schoolhouse Rock, Live! Jr., which opened Thursday and Friday at the school. Schoolhouse Rock, Live! Jr. is a musical that takes you back to your childhood days of all the fun Schoolhouse Rock songs like, "Am Just A Bill" or "Interplanet Janet." The cast consisted of 13 students. There were also 46 students who helped make the show happen with various behind-the-scenes crews, such as props and costumes; hair and makeup; set design; and lights and sound. "The cast and crew worked incredibly hard to put on a spectacular show," said stage director and LA/Reading Teacher Sarah Kapust. LA/Reading Teacher Sarah McJoynt was director and Music Teacher Eareen Yambao was the music director. Between both shows, Herrick collected seven boxes of non-perishable items to donate to the local food pantry. Check out their fun performance in this Photo Gallery.

The following are important instructions about returning district-issued iPads, Chromebooks and accessories at the end of the year.

Grades K-6

Students in grades K-6 will return their district-issued iPads and iPad accessories to school on Monday, June 5. 

Please follow the below steps and ensure your child turns in his or her iPad, iPad case and charger (block and cable) on time.

1. Back-up data (optional). All student data on 1:1 iPads will be permanently deleted this summer. Please back up any content you want to preserve on your child’s device before turning it in. While it is optional to back up content, it is the only way to save the work your child has produced on his or her device. Need help? Check out these helpful resources:

• How to organize and back up your iPad data
• How to upload photos and videos to Google Drive

1. Charge your iPad completely.
2. iPads should always be kept in district-issued iPad cases; please ensure that the iPad is returned in the case. 
3. Submit your child’s iPad, iPad case, and charger to his or her classroom teacher.

Grade 7

Students in grade 7 who are already registered for next school year may keep their district-issued Chromebooks over the summer. Students in grade 7 who have not registered yet and/or who will not be returning to District 58 next school year should turn in their Chromebooks and chargers via the same schedule as eighth graders below.

Grade 8

Students in grade 8 should return their district-issued Chromebooks via the following schedule:

• O’Neill: Advisory class on Monday, June 5
• Herrick: Reading class on Friday, June 2

For Chromebooks, backing up content is not necessary. However, eighth grade students and other students leaving the District may be interested in preserving some of their content, as they will lose access to their District 58 accounts over the summer. Here is some information on how to transfer Google Data to a personal account.

Summer School students

Students participating in Summer School will turn in their devices following the procedures listed above. This district will make devices available during summer school. 

If you have any questions regarding the iPad return process, please contact our Technology Office at 630-719-2768.

Here are key dates and information for the 2023-24 school year. Other information can be found in the Back to School Toolkit.

The Board of Education approved the District 58 2023-24 school year calendar.

Highlights include:

• First Day of School: Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023
• First Day of Preschool: Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 (Aug. 23 will be a Meet-and-Greet)
• Thanksgiving Break: Nov. 22-24, 2023
• Winter Break: Dec. 25, 2023-Jan. 5, 2024
• Spring Break: March 25-29, 2024
• Last Day of School: Friday, May 24 (if no emergency days are used)

Health Exams

It's not too early to start thinking about the necessary health exams for your children next school year and start scheduling those doctor visits. Exams required by the State of Illinois:

Kindergarten: Physical, Dental, Vision

2nd grade: Dental

6th grade: Physical, Dental

There are additional requirements for new students.

School Supplies

Here is a list of school supplies for each school and grade level.

Parents and guardians of students who receive special transportation per their IEP or Individualized Education Plan, are asked to please fill out this 2023-24 Specialized Transportation Request Form. It is due June 1.

The Board of Education held a regular meeting May 8. The meeting featured approval of the district’s five-year financial plan and an update from Lester School, among other items. Read the Board Briefs.

The Board also held two Strategic Planning sessions in collaboration with community leaders, parents, PTA, staff and administrators. For more information read Dr. Russell's message above.

Looking Ahead

The Board will hold its regular business meeting Monday, June 12, 2023.

2023-24 Board of Education calendar

District 58 includes relevant e-flyers in the Communicate 58 newsletter and online. Learn more.

• IBY YMCA Day Camp
• Blood Drive June 15
• May Mental Health Activities
• DG Wolfpack Tryouts
• Lisle FC Tryouts