Dear D64 Families,

As the Superintendent, I want to ensure that our school district is transparent in our communication and that we follow through on our legal obligations, federal and state regulations, and commitments to our community. In May of 2021, the state of Illinois passed a law that requires all Illinois public schools to provide menstrual hygiene products in bathrooms for grades 4-12, regardless of the bathroom’s gender designation. This is not a D64 administrative or school board decision but one from the state. To comply with this mandate, we began to post dispensers this week. What we could have done better, and for which I take full responsibility, was to inform our families and staff members better about the reasons and rationale. By Thanksgiving break, we should be in compliance with the state law across the district. 

I also want to address the ongoing issues we are experiencing with transportation, which are extremely frustrating for our students, families, and staff. Our bus company, like all bus companies, is still experiencing a shortage of drivers and at times they have to run double routes. This makes for long delays, which can come about unexpectedly. Our district office team is doing everything possible to find remedies, and our school board is considering supporting legislation (as a part of the Illinois School Board Association) to help ease the bus driver shortage across the state. I wish I had better news, but it’s important for you to know that we are aware and trying to do everything in our power to resolve the problem. You’ll see below an advertisement to apply for bus drivers if anyone is interested.

I make every effort to speak by phone or in person with families who have concerns or feedback, so please always know that you can contact me directly at bcollins@d64.org or join our community coffees (the next one is December 6th), where I take questions and address things happening in our schools. 

Thank you,

Dr. Ben Collins

Superintendent

Lakeview Bus Lines is actively hiring school bus drivers for their Niles facility. Experience is not needed for this position, their team of trainers will teach and train you to be a licensed and certified School Bus Driver.

Perks

• Starting pay $35/hr
• Healthcare benefits for full-time employees
• Paid vacation
• Flexible work schedules

Apply online at sunrisebus.com or scan the QR code on the attached flyer. Call to schedule an interview at 630-442-1004.

Check out our new video series 64 in 64! These videos will be a place where we celebrate the remarkable achievements of our students and staff while also highlighting our families and the community as a whole for making D64 a Destination District.

We've had a fun week seeing all the different fall/Halloween celebrations! Dr. Collins dressed up as an iconic Bob Ross painting and as luck would have it a Lincoln student dressed up as Bob Ross!

Our students at Jefferson Early Childhood Center got to do some Trick-or-Treating through the warm hallways of the District Office. At the end of the day, the Jefferson staff sent out all the Spidermen, Disney princesses and firefighters with a parade!

For the 2nd straight year, we held a pumpkin decorating contest with our staff at the District office! It was a spooky good time! 

Check out the video below to see who took home the trophy this year.

At Carpenter, the Cougars hosted their annual Fall Fest. Some quick thinking before the snow started to fall led to a fun afternoon playing different games in the halls and gyms. There was Halloween limbo, fizzy cauldron science projects, bowling, pumpkin tic tac toe, spooky ring toss, and much more! Students wore costumes, fall colors, spirit wear or their favorite sports apparel.

Washington celebrated the 50th day of school in STYLE! These Wildcat first-graders had a 50s themed sock hop, including a photo booth and, of course, some throwback tunes.

Fun fact: a sock hop is what they called an informal dance event in the 50s!

Field first graders turned October into Socktober. They collected 868 pairs of socks for local shelters!! Along with the socks, the students practiced empathy in action and discussed their responsibility to be active members of the community.

Awesome job!

K-8 Families, 

We are offering an exciting opportunity for all K-8 parents/guardians that pertains to our new mathematics curricula. On November 28th, at 7pm, at Emerson Middle School, we invite parents/guardians to engage in a lesson simulation with a D64 grade-level teacher.

You will sit in the seats as a student and fully understand what it means to be part of a math class with our new curriculum resources (Eureka Squared: K-5, and Carnegie Math (6-8))!

A teacher will offer a brief introduction to the program and then teach an actual lesson your child would experience this year. Space is limited, so please RSVP using this form. Be sure to click the appropriate math placement for your child.

If you are not sure of your child’s placement, please call your school’s main office. We look forward to seeing you there!

*Note: Students in 7th or 8th Grade Channels of Challenge or 8th Grade Accelerated Math are not utilizing the Carnegie resources. Therefore, this opportunity is not available right now for those parents/guardians. 

Best, 

Samantha Alaimo

Assistant Superintendent of Student Learning

Help us help those in need through the annual Kiwanis District 64 Holiday Food Basket Drive.

A child’s smile means everything to a parent, especially at holiday time. The Kiwanis Annual District 64 Holiday Food Basket Drive is designed to do just that.

This year, we have approximately 150 families in need. 100% of funds raised are used to provide a grocery gift card to help families keep holiday traditions alive and well.

Donations can be made online or by check from 10/18/2023 to 11/30/2023. Donate online at KiwanisPR.org or send a check to :

Kiwanis of Park Ridge, 19 North Seminary Avenue, Park Ridge, IL 60068-3037

Come join our awesome team in District 64! Some of the open positions include Substitute Teachers. Apply Online!

Substitute Teachers

• $150 PER DAY
• All grade levels and subjects
• Technology training provided
• Apply here

Upcoming Board Meetings

The following are the next regular Board meetings:

• November 16, 2023 - 7 p.m. - Jefferson School
• December 21, 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.

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