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District 64 eNews October 6th, 2023

No School On Monday

A reminder that all D64 schools and offices will be closed on Monday, October 9th in observance of Indigenous Peoples' Day/Columbus Day.


We'll see everyone on Tuesday!

Thank You To Our Principals

It's time to recognize and celebrate our principals and assistant principals! It's National Principals Month, and we're biased, but we think we have the best educators leading our buildings.


"Our principals and assistant principals work tirelessly to ensure our schools are wonderful places of learning for our students and staff," said Superintendent Dr. Ben Collins. "All in the same day, they solve complicated problems, support teachers in their work, set up events, and communicate with families. We can't thank them enough, and we hope our families will join us in celebrating them this month."


We encourage our families to send their principal a note by emailing them or following the links on this page.


THANK YOU to our principals:

  • Michele Barkley - Jefferson Early Childhood Center
  • Brett Balduf - Carpenter Elementary School
  • Sean Degman - Carpenter Elementary School
  • Dr. Courtney Goodman - Field Elementary School
  • Christa Donnelly - Field Elementary School
  • Kristin Williams - Franklin Elementary School
  • Margaret Burke - Franklin Elementary School
  • Dr. Kevin Dwyer - Roosevelt Elementary School
  • Jacquelyn Peters - Roosevelt Elementary School
  • Angie Brito - Washington Elementary School
  • Jennifer Adams - Washington Elementary School
  • Tessa Shulman - Emerson Middle School
  • Maria Soulias - Emerson Middle School
  • Paul Csongradi - Emerson Middle School
  • David Szwed - Lincoln Middle School
  • Timothy Gleason - Lincoln Middle School




DJ DBC Takes Over Field

The celebrations continue, and this week Field Elementary School had a special guest. DJ DBC, otherwise known as Dr. Ben Collins, DJed during recess for students.


DJ DBC helped Field celebrate a successful Walk-A-Thon, put a bow on their September focus on building a community, and launch October's focus on skills for learning.


There were amazing vibes all the way around. DJ DBC loved being on the turntables at Field.


Here are some more photos that will make you smile.

Washington Walk-A-Thon

The fan-favorite Walk-A-Thon returned to Washington Elementary School this year! Their PTO put on an awesome event for the kids to walk around the path and raise money along the way.


Students had some great tunes, Roary, cheer sections, and even a bubble machine. It was a terrific way to head into a long weekend. Thank you to everyone who made it possible.


Here are some more photos from today.

Around D64 #engageD64

"We had a beautiful 5K event on Saturday in honor of Judi McCarthy. Thanks to all who participated & volunteered. #JoyInTheJourney #JoyfulLeader #WeAreFranklin #EngageD64"


~@kwilliams_edu

"Great first fall run Lincoln 🦁’s!

🐾 Those feet were moving and pace was great! Our students are in great shape! #engageD64"


~@rcacini1

"Camp Duncan Adventures"


~@MrB135_D64

"Students start their day with Morning Tubs! This is a hands on alternative to morning work. Students love to think of and build new creations each day!"


~@MsALombardi

"Participating in the  @IllinoisASBO Professional Development Committee meeting.  Bringing great ideas back to @D64News!"


~@AdamParisi21

"Band checking out Catalano Music during rehearsal! Incredible player! #emband2324 #engaged64 #jazz"


~@Mr_Teater

Board Profile - Rachel Georgakis

Our Board Profile series continues with a sit down with Board member Rachel Georgakis. She talks about her path in public education, what makes D64 a Destination District, and how attending a D64 school helped shape her life!

WATCH: Board Profile with Rachel Georgakis

Upcoming Board Meetings

The following are the next regular Board meetings:

  • October 19, 2023 - 7 p.m. - regular meeting; this meeting will be held at Lincoln Middle School
  • November 16, 2023 - 7 p.m. - 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.

D64 Parent University Returns!

Our Parent University returns on October 18th! 


Join us for this free event with Dr. Justin Patchin, who is the Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Cyberbullying Research Center. Dr. Patchin travels the country and talks with students, educators, and parents about how to safely navigate social media and prevent the misuse of technology. 


Parents in the community are welcome to come to Dr. Patchin’s presentation on Wednesday, October 18th, at 6:00 pm in the Hendee Rooms (Jefferson School -8200 Greendale Ave Niles, IL 60714)


If you plan on coming, please RSVP here

Need Some Coffee? Join Us Next Week

The final touches have been put into place, and we're ready to host the community for another edition of Beans, Brew, and Ben! 


Join us for a community conversation with Superintendent Dr. Ben Collins on Wednesday, October 11th, from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. This month, we'll meet at the Prospect Park Paula Hassell O'Connor Community Building (733 N. Prospect Ave., Park Ridge, IL). 


To give us an idea of how much coffee to bring, please click here to RSVP

Spectator Guidelines For Maine South Football

It's October and it now feels like football weather outside. If your family has plans on going to any Maine South football games, please take a minute and read this letter from Maine South to our D64 families.


It includes spectator guidelines for any non-high school student (middle or elementary students), procedures for home football games, and fan behavior reminders.


"Whether you are a parent, student, future HAWK or fan, when you show up to cheer on Maine South at home and away competitions, you represent our school, community and athletic programs. We appreciate your continued support and cooperation in maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all athletes and fans at Maine South sporting events."

In The Community

Calling all young artists! The City of Park Ridge and Park Ridge Farmers Market Commission are hosting a competition to feature artwork on the 2024 Park Ridge Farmers Market posters!


The contest is open to all children 12 years or older who live and/or attend school in Park Ridge. 


Go to parkridge.us/fmcontest for more information.



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 | [email protected]


#engageD64

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