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District 64 eNews December 13, 2024

Emerson & Lincoln Spreading Joy

Lincoln and Emerson Chamber Orchestras embarked on a joint heartwarming community outreach field trip, spreading the joy of music throughout Park Ridge. On December 10, the students visited several locations, including Summit of Uptown, Sunrise Assisted Living Center, and Mariano's. At each stop, their music filled the spaces with beauty and connection, creating unforgettable moments for everyone involved.


The residents' reactions at the assisted living centers were especially touching. Many were moved to tears as they shared stories about music's role in their lives. Some residents even joined in with singing, adding an extra layer of joy to the performances. It was clear that the students’ hard work and talent brought genuine happiness to their audiences, as evidenced by the overwhelming gratitude and warm smiles on every face.


The orchestra’s visit was so impactful that they’ve already been invited back next year! This speaks volumes about the students’ ability to connect with their community through music. They represented D64 with professionalism, kindness, and dedication that made us all proud.


A huge congratulations to the Lincoln and Emerson Chamber Orchestras for their outstanding performances and their role in making our community a brighter, more harmonious place!


Click here for pictures from the day!

More Festive Fun

There were also fantastic winter concerts at each middle school, and the Franklin Falcons put on an excellent show during their holiday sing! So much fun and hard work has gone into these performances. Remember to follow our Facebook and Instagram pages, as we'll share many more photos and videos next week.

Preview of December 19 Regular BOE Meeting

The District 64 Board of Education will hold a regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, December 19, in the Hendee Rooms at the Jefferson Early Childhood Center. There will be a closed session first, and the regular meeting will start at 7:00 pm.


Below is a look at the agenda:

  • Meeting of the Board Convenes
  • Board Recesses & Adjourns to Closed Meeting
  • Board Adjourns from Closed Meeting & Resumes Regular Meeting
  • Pledge of Allegiance
  • Opening Remarks from The President of the Board
  • Update on Referendum Bonds
  • Spotlight on Field Elementary School
  • Recognition of Illinois Council for Exceptional Children (ICEC) "Yes I Can!" Award Recipients
  • Public Comments
  • Board Adjourns from Regular Meeting & Convenes to a Public Hearing on the 2024 Tax Levy
  • Board Adjourns from Public Hearing on the 2024 Tax Levy and Resumes Regular Meeting
  • Adoption of Final 2024 Tax Levy Resolution #1351, Resolution #1352 Instructing the County Clerk How to Apportion 2024 Tax Levy Extension Reductions, Resolution #1353 Authorizing Tax for Illinois Municipal Retirement Purposes
  • Approval for Pre Construction Procurement
  • Committee Reports
  • Superintendent Update
  • Approval to Opt-Out of Cook County Paid Leave Ordinance
  • Student Bus Suspensions
  • Discussion & Approval of Student Fees & Kindergarten Tuition for 2025-2026
  • Summer Interim Session 2025 Report, Presentation & Approval of Summer Interim Session 2025
  • Discussion & Approval of Settlement with Brecht’s Database Solutions, INC. (EMBRACE)
  • Approval of the Sixth Amendment to the Special Education Transportation Services Contract
  • Consent Agenda
  • New Business
  • Adjournment

Upcoming Board Meetings

The following are the next Board meetings:

  • December 19, 2024 - 7 p.m. - Hendee Rooms at the Jefferson Early Childhood Center
  • January 23, 2025 - 7 p.m. - Hendee Rooms at the Jefferson Early Childhood Center

Looking to catch up on past meeting highlights? A summary of each meeting is available on our Current Board News webpage.


Please confirm meeting dates and times on the Board meetings webpage.

Join Us At Our Next Parent U

Join us at our next Parent University event on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, from 6 pm to 7 pm in the Hendee Rooms at the Jefferson Early Childhood Center.


Join the student services administrators as we provide updates on the development of specialized programs for students receiving special education services in District 64!

Kindergarten Transition Meeting

Going to kindergarten is an important life event. Preschoolers can feel excited— and a bit worried, too. Families have similar feelings, knowing their child is going to the “big school.” Please join us for this parent workshop where you learn strategies to support your child as they transition from preschool to kindergarten and about the continuum of services for students with special needs.


JOIN US ON January 21st at 6:00 pm in the Hendee Rooms at the Jefferson Early Childhood Center.


Meet other parents, get your questions answered, and learn transition strategies.

Dine To Donate

DINE TO DONATE AT PANERA IN PARK RIDGE!

SUPPORT BOPA - D64 BAND & ORCHESTRA PARENT ASSOCIATION


30% OF EVENT SALES WILL BE DONATED TO BOPA!


TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17 from 4:00-8:00pm

39 S NORTHWEST HWY, PARK RIDGE, IL, 60068


ORDER ONLINE FOR PICKUP USING CODE FUND4U

OR SHOW THIS FLYER IN RESTAURANT


For Questions, please contact:  

Christine Erickson  bopa64@gmail.com


Tips For A Greener Holiday Season

The District 64 Green Teams would like to offer some tips for a Greener Holiday Season.


  • Recycle your old holiday lights at the Public Works Service Center, 400 Busse Highway, now through March 7th from 7 AM to 3 PM. 
  • Niles & Park Ridge both provide Christmas tree curbside pickup. Park Ridge picks up the week of January 5th on your regular garbage day. Niles picks up through January. Trees over 6 feet must be cut in two. All residents should place their trees on the parkway next to the curb the night before their regular garbage collection day.
  • Only plain cards and wrapping paper can be recycled (no glitter, fluff, ribbon, 3-D decorations, or batteries in musical cards). Flatten paper and cardboard boxes so they fit inside your cart with the lid closed. Materials need to stay dry.
  • Give the gift of composting. Park Ridge residents have a discounted plan with Collective Resource Compost.


In The Community

Park Ridge Public Library Winter Reading, from December 20, 2024, to February 2, 2025! There are Winter Reading programs for:

  • Birth-Grade 5
  • Grades 6-12
  • Adults


You can find more details on the library's website.

Join the Winter Reading Program "Smitten with Books" at the Niles-Maine District Library! There are options for Kids, Teens, and Adults!


You can find more details on the library's website.



Comments and questions may always be directed to the Superintendent or Board members through these links:


Email Dr. Ben Collins, Superintendent or contact members of the Board of Education via email links.

Park Ridge-Niles School District 64 | 847-318-4300 | news@d64.org


#engageD64

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