Mark your calendars! Enrollment opens for all District 64 students on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, including kindergarteners and children returning to preschool.

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. 

For the 17th consecutive year, academic registration fees will remain unchanged for families who register and pay by the deadline. However, the early bird discount does not apply to participation, bus, or tuition fees. Our website has the fee list and explanations for any fee increases, such as for Instrumental Music and Chromebook maintenance. 

District 64 proudly announces that two of our outstanding educators have been honored with prestigious awards from the Illinois American String Teachers Association (IL ASTA). These awards celebrate the dedication and excellence of our teachers in advancing music education.

Natalie Briggs: Recipient of the 2025 Outstanding Emerging Educator Award. This honor recognizes Natalie’s exceptional contributions during her early years in teaching. She has demonstrated excellence in her school orchestra program through innovative teaching and community connections.

Erica Faulhaber: Recipient of the 2025 Outstanding School Teacher Award. Erica’s dedication to excellence in her orchestra program and her ability to create meaningful community engagement has set a standard of excellence for educators statewide.

Each year, IL ASTA honors educators in four categories:

• Outstanding School Teacher
• Outstanding Emerging Teacher
• Outstanding Studio Teacher
• Distinguished Service

This year, District 64 educators earned two of the four awards—a remarkable achievement showcasing the strength of our music program. WOW!

Congratulations to Natalie and Erica for their achievements and their role in fostering a love of music in our students! 

Parent U Is Next Week

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!

Worlds of Wonder Summer School registration will open at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.

WOW registration will close on Thursday, May 22. Once the deadline passes, no additional student registrations will be accepted for the Worlds of Wonder program. This provides us with a week to plan for student arrival.

There are some changes this year due to the summer holiday schedule, construction, and facility availability.

• We will offer one 18-day session, and all grades (students who have completed K-7) will be at Roosevelt Elementary School. Classes will start on June 2nd and will end on July 2nd.
• WOW will not be in session on June 19 or Fridays (June 6, 13, 20, 27).
• Each day, classes will run from 8:30-10:10 am and 10:10-11:40 am.

The digital course catalogs will be posted to the Worlds of Wonder page in mid-February.

Upcoming Board Meetings

The following are the next Board meetings:

• 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.

Swim for a Cause!   

Band Orchestra Parents Association (BOPA) Fundraiser at Goldfish Swim School   

Looking for a fun place to bring your kids on their next day off?

 Join us for a Swim to Donate! 

BOPA Fundraiser at Goldfish SwimSchool

Monday January 20^th

1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Goldfish Swim School

678 N. Northwest Highway, Park Ridge

Registration Fee: $10

(ALL proceeds will go directly to D64 Band and Orchestra Parent Association)

SIGN UP HERE- registration required!

*You MUST register ahead using the link above. Only the first 90 registrants will be admitted. 

*Children of all ages must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Registration fees can be paid through Zelle @ bopad64@gmail.com at the time of registration and are non-refundable. Please include Swim to Donate in the memo line when submitting payment and be sure to pay for each individual attending (adult and child). You will receive a confirmation email once your registration and payment have been received.

*Enjoy water play, snacks and giveaways!

Questions? Contact Christine Erickson at BOPAd64@gmail.com

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