The District 64 Board of Education will approve the employment of Dr. Ben Collins as Superintendent at a special meeting on Wednesday, May 3rd, at 6:00 pm in the Hendee rooms at the Jefferson Early Childhood Center. 

After the brief meeting, there will be a reception open to all community members to welcome Dr. Collins. He will officially join District 64 on July 1st. 

Dr. Collins is wrapping up his sixth year as the Principal at Maine South High School, where he’s provided vision and leadership for 310 staff members and 2,500 students. 

“I am beyond excited to serve the District 64 students, staff, and community. The School Board, District Administrators, and Building Principals were wonderfully welcoming and encouraging throughout the interview and search process,” said Dr. Collins. “In my current role, I have a front-row seat to the world-class education District 64 students receive.”

“In the coming months, I look forward to working with the School Board, meeting staff and students, and listening to our community to ensure that our district’s mission is being carried out,” added Dr. Collins.

The District 64 Board of Education will approve the employment of Dr. Ben Collins as Superintendent at a special meeting on Wednesday, May 3rd, at 6:00 pm in the Hendee rooms at the Jefferson Early Childhood Center. 

The agenda for the special meeting includes:

• Pledge of Allegiance
• Opening Remarks from the President of the Board 
• Public Comments
• Approval of New Superintendent
• Approval of Compensation Package for New Superintendent

Again, there will be a meet and greet with Dr. Ben Collins directly after this meeting.

• May 3, 2023 - 6:00 p.m. - special meeting, Jefferson School
• May 11, 2023 - 6:30 p.m. - special meeting/7 p.m. - organizational meeting, Jefferson School 
• May 18, 2023 - 7 p.m. - regular meeting, Jefferson School 

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.

It was a great day to go out and plant some trees, and that's exactly what we did at Roosevelt Elementary School as we celebrated Arbor Day! Thank you to the City of Park Ridge and its Foresters, Brandon Naser and Rachel Berry, for helping us plant two trees that are going to be beautiful.

Roosevelt 2nd graders were up to the task to help finish planting the trees and with the City's partnership we got to showcase "Healthy Trees, Healthy Community!" More is on the way next week from this fun day.

What a way to cap off Healthy Living Month!

Thank you all for your support and enthusiasm this year for Healthy Living Month. Students who have met each week’s challenge of Healthy Living Month are given the opportunity to enter a schoolwide raffle.

The raffle winner receives a swag bag from Advocate Children’s Hospital along with the experience of teaching alongside their P.E. teacher.

If your child/ren has met all the challenges this month, please fill out this form. One entry per child is allowed.

Parents/Guardians will have access to this form from Friday, April 28-Saturday, April 29. This form ensures your child's entry into a schoolwide raffle. There will be one winner per building announced on Monday, May 1, 2023. 

If you've seen me around this week, I've had a non-stop head-bob going on, and that's because of all the incredible music I've heard from the two Spring Concerts.

At Lincoln - led by Mrs. Hutter and Mr. Yoon - the Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Cadet/Concert Band/Bandits, and Symphonic Band put on a great show!

Over at Emerson - led by Mr. Bachmann and Mr. Teater - the Percussion Ensemble, Concert Band, and Symphonic Band gave us terrific energy all night long.

The night was an emotional one, as it was Mr. Bachmann's last concert before he retires at the end of the year. So many came out to celebrate him after his 34 years of dedication to music and education. There will be more from the concerts and Mr. Bachmann's finale next week as well.

Are you making summer plans? Thinking about Worlds of Wonder? You can register now online. WOW offers students a unique opportunity for summer learning and fun. Our summer program emphasizes creativity and critical thinking in a challenging and rewarding environment. 

Classes for students who have completed K-3 will be held at Washington Elementary School, while classes for students who have completed 4-7 will be held at Lincoln Middle School. 

• Session 1: June 14th - June 30th (No School Monday, June 19) 
• Session 2: July 5th - July 20th (No School Monday, July 3rd and Tuesday July 4th)

You can find all the Course Descriptions, Info, and Registration Links for WoW here on our website.

Registration is now open for ALL students, which includes kindergarten. Please go to our registration page and follow the instructions to register your child for the 2023-2024 school year. 

Also, keep in mind that we need your help to plan for the upcoming school year; please help us by registering before the June 1st deadline!

District 64, Emerson/Lincoln, and their PTOs have partnered to find two 8th graders at each school who have had a positive impact on the school to be awarded the Judith Snow Ethical Leadership Award. The recipients will be awarded $250 to spend as he or she chooses. The winners will also be recognized at the end-of-the-year celebrations and have their names on permanent display at the school. 

Do you know an 8th-grade student that has demonstrated ethical leadership? If so, visit d64.org/judith-snow-awards. The deadline to have your application and recommendations submitted is May 26th, 2023.

Do you want a job driving school buses? Lakeview Bus Lines is hiring!

• Up to $25/hour
• Weekly pay, benefits, 401K
• go to www.sunrisebus.com/careers or call (708)-234-5555 to apply

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

Email Dr. Eric Olson, Superintendent or contact members of the Board of Education via email links.

Park Ridge-Niles School District 64 | 847-318-4300 | [email protected]

#engageD64