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Dear Families,
I’ve noticed that first-period tardies and absences have been on the rise lately, and I wanted to take a moment to emphasize the importance of being present and beating the bell, especially at the start of the school day. We've all had that morning—waking up late, rushing to get ready, and realizing that feeling out of sync can throw off an entire day. It's a reminder of how important it is to set ourselves up for a calm, prepared start. This is especially true for our students, whose days are filled with learning, growth, and joyful connections with peers and teachers. Being present and on time to the first class of the day gives them the best chance to breathe, settle in, and fully engage.
In today’s fast-paced and possibly distracting world, the feeling of hustle can seem like a constant companion. But when we start our day on time and with a steady rhythm, we have a much greater opportunity to find our “flow”. When students arrive ready and on time, they’re positioned to soak in important material right from the start, allowing them to feel more connected and more confident.
We know students are often juggling a lot, and you might feel exhausted at times. I will have to do another message on the importance of sleep and rest another day…that’s a whole other thing. We miss seeing you when you’re not here on time, and we want to help you experience school as a space of belonging and growth.
Thank you for partnering with us to help your students find their pace and start each day prepared. Together, we can make each morning a little smoother and set them up for success.
As always, thank you for sharing your students with us this week and beyond,
Holly Fleischer
District 113 Bell Schedule Update (Effective SY25-26)
We are excited to announce a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance the educational experience at District 113. On Tuesday, November 19, the District 113 Bell Schedule Committee will present its recommended bell schedule, as approved by the Superintendent, to the Board of Education. This new bell schedule, the result of extensive research and community input, will be implemented at both Deerfield and Highland Park High Schools starting in the 2025-2026 school year. The new schedule aims to align the schedules of both high schools, fostering greater collaboration and resource sharing across the district. The committee has carefully considered feedback from students, staff, and parents to create a balanced and effective schedule.
To ensure that students are well-informed about these changes, they received an initial update during homeroom today. Additionally, tomorrow (Friday), members of the bell schedule committee will be available in Room Q127 / the Giant Conference Room during all lunch periods to answer questions and provide clarification for any interested student. Students are welcome to bring their lunch or stop by after eating.
We appreciate your continued support and involvement in shaping the future of our schools.
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