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District 64 eNews February 21, 2025

Those Who Excel Award Winners

District 64 had seven staff members named Those Who Excel Award winners, as presented by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) on Tuesday.

"Each day, our schools are filled with educators and staff who go above and beyond for our students. Their work shapes lives, strengthens our community, and makes our District a better place," said Superintendent Dr. Ben Collins. "Congratulations to our D64 winners!"

Beatrice Dahilig - Franklin Teacher - Award of Special Recognition
Natalie Schuetz - Franklin Teacher - Award of Meritorious Service
Alyssa Zommick - Roosevelt Student Services Coordinator - Award of Excellence
Kristin Krizman - Roosevelt Nurse - Award of Special Recognition
Renee Jurczak - Carpenter Teacher - Award of Special Recognition
Karen Corsello - Emerson Teacher - Award of Meritorious Service
Carey Meredith - District Office, Assistant for Student Learning - Award of Special Recognition

"It’s not every day we get to shine a spotlight on the incredible people who make our schools what they are," added Dr. Collins. "So let’s do just that—if you see them, take a moment to say congratulations. They deserve it!"

The Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards recognize individuals and teams making a meaningful impact in Illinois schools. ISBE presents awards in seven categories: classroom teachers, early career educators (teachers with one to four years of experience), school administrators, student support personnel, educational service personnel, community volunteers, and teams.

According to ISBE there were a record number of nominations and applications for the 2025 Those Who Excel and Teacher of the Year Awards.

Save The Date - Kindergarten Parent Orientation

District 64 invites parents and guardians of incoming kindergarteners to a parent orientation! During this event, you will discuss the structure of the school day, important skills your child will learn, and how to help them transition into kindergarten. You will also learn about screening sessions and how to sign up for them.

Here are the dates for your school’s kindergarten orientation:

Carpenter - Wednesday, April 16 at 6:00 pm
Field - Tuesday, April 15 at 6:00 pm
Franklin - Tuesday, April 15 at 6:00 pm
Roosevelt - Wednesday, April 16 at 6:00 pm
Washington - Wednesday, April 16 at 6:00 pm

North Cook Better Together PreK-8 Job Fair

We're so excited to be part of the North Cook Better Together Pk-8 Job Fair! Our goal, all the time, is to find the highest quality candidates to support our students and be a part of our community. You may be or know one of those candidates!

To kick off this hiring season, D64 is participating in a region-wide educator recruitment fair:

North Cook PK-8 Better Together Job Fair

Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 8-11am

District 214 Forest View Educational Center

2121 South Goebbert Road in Arlington Heights

If you or someone you know is looking for meaningful work, please visit the job fair website to register for the event. You’ll also find the list of all the districts that are joining us, and the teacher and support staff positions that are available.

Beans, Brew, and Ben

Our Beans, Brew, and Ben series continues next month. Superintendent Dr. Ben Collins will go over the upcoming construction projects and more!

Dates:

March 13 at 9:30 am
April 17 at 9:30 am

Coffee and conversations will be at the South Park Rec Center, 833 W Talcott Road, Park Ridge.

RSVP To A Beans, Brew, and Ben

News From The Feb. 20 Regular BOE Meeting

The District 64 Board of Education held a regular meeting on Thursday, February 20.

Stay informed: Read the School board recap

The following are the next Board meetings:

March 20, 2025 - 7:00 p.m. - Hendee Rooms at the Jefferson Early Childhood Center
April 17. 2025 - 7:00 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.

D64 Shining Stars

Washington's Jaya and Julie

It's everyone's favorite new segment. D64's Shining Stars!

Washington starts every day with the phrase, have courage, be kind, and you be the reason someone smiles today.

Student Jaya Czerwionka is one of Washington's Shining Stars.

“She is a shining example of leadership, kindness, and service to her school," said Washington Principal Angela Brito, talking about Jaya.

The staff representative of Washington's Shining Star is Social Worker Julie Cullotta.

“Most importantly, she's there for our kids. She meets with all of them, and they love her,” said Brito. They seek her out, and they learn so much from her. I know that the impact that she has had on them will be long-lasting.”

Roosevelt's Aria

Presenting the honor at the February School Board meeting, Roosevelt Principal Dr. Kevin Dwyer gathered some stories from those who know her best.

First up, Roosevelt Teacher Caroline Mahon, “Aria goes above and beyond for every assignment she does. She cares about learning, not because she wants to get a good grade or praise from her teacher, but because she values the process of discovery.”

Please Register For Next Year!!

Please take a few minutes to follow the necessary steps. Even though the deadline is March 14, the earlier we get students registered, the better we can hire staff, plan for classes and classrooms, get necessary materials, and organize transportation.

The registration deadline will be noon on Friday, March 14, and if you register your child and pay the fees by then, you will receive the early bird discount. You must fill out and submit registration forms by Monday, March 10, at 3:00 pm to take advantage of the fee discount. This allows our staff time to verify documents and send out invoices so you can pay them by noon on Friday, March 14. Any families who do not register by this date will receive a records release, as we assume you’re going to another district.

You can find all the information on our Registration Page.

Check Out Lincoln's Musical

Matilda Jr tickets are on sale now! Come see Lincoln Middle School's 7th annual musical March 14-16, 2025, at Emerson Middle School!

There are over 120 students involved on and backstage--you won't want to miss it! Purchase your tickets online NOW! Tickets are $6 online or $8 cash or Zelle at the door.

See you there!