April 2026 District Newsletter |
Welcome back from spring break! A friendly 7th grader reminded me just this morning that there are only 38 more school days until the summer. There is a lot still to accomplish this school year, and I am excited and optimistic for an eventful and enjoyable spring.
Strategic Planning in 2024 moved us toward the goal of unifying and engaging our entire community. We are excited to share that the District has been working to launch a D102 Educational Foundation. The Foundation would not replace our existing PTO/PTCs. Education Foundations and PTO/PTCs are complementary and work together to expand support for District-wide and school-based initiatives and goals that need participation from the whole community.
Having an Education Foundation for D102 raises awareness and engagement between our schools and our community, which enables us to support educational initiatives, foster innovation in our schools, and secure long-term sustainability.
During strategic planning, we learned that D102 is one of a few school districts in the area without an Educational Foundation to support Community Goals for students and families. Here are some examples of local / neighboring school district foundations and their work for students, staff, and community:
Western Springs 101 La Grange 105 LaGrange Highlands 106
Hinsdale 181 Downers Grove 58
We believe a fundamental goal of our Foundation is to unify and instill a sense of community across the district. We will do this by organizing 1-2 large-scale community-wide events each year to help us raise funds for the Educational Foundation.
We also believe a successful Educational Foundation will focus on the needs of D102 students, staff, and community. We would like your help in creating specific goals and priorities around which the Foundation would provide support.
The linked survey below is designed to help jump-start the process of identifying potential areas of focus for a new D102 Educational Foundation. You may recognize that some of the options are already happening at one school or another. We would like to learn from you whether these are of interest to the larger school community and, if so, work to create pathways that help all students have opportunities to engage in amazing programming.
|
|
|
|
D102 Technology Information and Planning |
In the spirit of continuous improvement, making and applying policies and practices that are researched and tested, and with the well-being of students at the core of all decisions, I would like to take a minute to share the current D102 policy, perspective, and actions related to the use of personal and educational technology. I have truly appreciated the partnership of our Hold the Phone parent group this year, and I believe that we have created several opportunities for the D102 community to engage with national researchers and speakers. These opportunities have also created a safe space for community members to ask questions and share concerns about what they are seeing in their own homes and with their children. Any time the District and families can learn and share and grow together, I see that as a tremendous opportunity. Here is where those conversations are now.
The District has a clear Board of Education-approved policy about the use of digital technology in school spaces. Policy 7:190 - Student Behavior (Section 3 Under Prohibited Conduct) states:
“During the school day, personal electronic devices should be turned off or silenced and out of sight, including those that are able to connect wirelessly to other devices (e.g., Bluetooth, Airplay), unless a supervising staff member directs otherwise. Students may use personal electronic devices before or after school in a manner that is consistent with this policy and does not disrupt the educational process. District-issued devices may be used during the school day in a manner that is consistent with the policy and does not disrupt the educational process.”
Our schools put this policy into practice by directing students to put any device “away for the day” in a locker or bag. This policy is designed to create a distraction-free educational environment, and as such, is already in line with the proposed State legislation that would require schools to create the kind of policy we already have. But this necessary first step does not mean that we should stop thinking about how to make the safest and best educational environment for our students. Here are some of the shifts we are discussing right now;
|
-
Taking advantage of our structural improvements and updated furniture, we plan to equip all 1st - 5th-grade classrooms with Chromebook charging stations. This means that we will not be asking students to transport themselves between home and school except in special circumstances. This shift will begin next school year. Kindergarten classrooms will continue to have a limited number of iPads. The vast majority of Kindergarten classroom time does not involve screens, but students do have access to the iPads during centers/station times when small groups of students rotate through multiple practice, creative and exploratory activities - a few of which they access on an iPad.
-
In May, we plan to pilot the use of a locking digital device storage bag as a way to ensure that student access to devices is restricted throughout the day. This grade-level pilot will teach us a lot about the advantages and challenges of a full implementation. We have had enough incidents of student misuse of technology during the school day this year that we need to think more intently about a more concrete solution. More specific information to come.
-
We continue to review all of our digital-based systems and learning tools for ways we can either improve their use or eliminate them. There have been some recent national articles and studies promoting the complete elimination of technology use during the school day. At this time, D102 does not have plans to eliminate Chromebook use, especially for our students in grades 6-8. It would be irresponsible to eliminate student exposure to digital workspaces when that will be the expectation not only in High School, but for all accountability, growth and achievement assessments they are required to take now and in the future (IAR, SAT, ISA, AP/Collegeboard). As these requirements change, we can reassess.
-
And finally, we are keeping a close eye on how advancements in AI are affecting students. Even though the State has not yet provided schools with guidance on AI use, we have taken the first step by drafting an AI guidance document for our staff and students. This guidance prioritizes classroom discussion about when, why, and how to appropriately use AI for educational purposes. We all have a lot to learn, as this landscape seems to change from month to month.
|
D102 remains committed to the safety of our students and providing them with the most optimal learning spaces. Maintaining a focus on best practices and the latest research about digital learning is a priority. We invite your feedback and support as we navigate this journey together. |
Online registration is now open, as of Thursday, March 5, at 10:00 a.m., for the 2026-2027 School Year. The registration window will remain open until June 1 at 3:00 p.m. |
Registration opens February 13 at 6 p.m.
Registration closes on May 15, at 6 p.m.
Summer Programming Times: 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Classes will be held at the Congress Park Campus.
Detailed information about programs and transportation is available in PushCoin. Families with children who qualify for ESY based on their IEP will be contacted by their case manager.
Visit your child's PushCoin account for additional information, transportation options, and registration.
|
3rd-5th Grade Student Climate Survey |
The D102 Student Climate Survey is designed to capture students’ perceptions of their school climate, as well as their sense of their own well-being. Results of the survey are confidential and will not be used to identify individual students. Rather, the data will be used to gather an overarching sense of students’ perceptions.
Survey Prompts for Grades 3-5
Directions: For each prompt, mark disagree if you really do not believe the sentence to be true; somewhat disagree if you sort of do not believe the sentence to be true; somewhat agree if you sort of believe the sentence to be true, or agree if you really believe the sentence to be true.
|
|
|
2026 Tech Education Series |
|
|
|
In the third installment of the D102 and Hold the Phone Tech Education Series, Lisa Honold, Director of the Center for Online Safety, is visiting D102 April 12-14 and will visit all elementary schools and Park to speak to 3rd-8th graders at school assemblies.
Come to the Parent Night she will host to hear the messages shared with students about digital reputation, tech safety, and more. Stay for short discussion time, based on grade level.
Parents are strongly encouraged to submit their quesitons for Lisa in advance of the session. Please do so here.
Date: 04/14/2026 (Tue.)
Time: 7:00pm CDT
Location: Park Junior High
|
|
|
Nominate an Educator for the D102 Spotlight |
D102 is filled with passionate and dedicated educators who make a difference every day. Let’s show our appreciation by nominating an educator who deserves the spotlight! 📢 |
|
|
|
|
|
Ms. Griffin at Cossitt Ave
|
Mrs. Griffin has created a caring, engaging classroom where students are thriving and staying on track. Her dedication, communication, and commitment to student success have made a meaningful difference for both students and families.
|
|
|
You're invited to the Expo de Bellas Artes |
|
|
Forest Road St. Baldrick's Fundraiser |
Forest Road School came together before spring break for their annual St. Baldrick’s Day event—making a meaningful impact while supporting a great cause!
Students, staff, and community members showed incredible generosity, raising $37,000 to support childhood cancer research. From volunteers to donors' overwhelming support, the day was filled with energy, compassion, and school spirit. Forest Road PTO
|
Students from all of our schools came together to showcase their knowledge, teamwork, and love of books in this year’s Battle of the Books competition. After a series of exciting and closely contested rounds, Ogden Avenue School emerged as this year’s champion!
We are so proud of all the students who participated—you represented your schools with enthusiasm, dedication, and great sportsmanship. A big thank you to our staff and organizers who made this event possible!
|
|
|
|
As your Family Liaisons, we seek to facilitate communication between families, district staff, other families and community partners to better meet the social and academic needs of our students’ families. Our deliberate community-building approach is designed to forge partnerships throughout District 102. We are eager to collectively enact strategies that realize and develop our strengths as a whole. |
|
|
|
|
As your Family Liaisons, we're here to support you and connect you with helpful resources throughout the year. Whether you're looking for food assistance, housing support, mental health services, or enrichment opportunities for your children, we've gathered a variety of community resources in one easy-to-access document.
This guide will be updated throughout the year as new opportunities and services become available. We encourage you to bookmark it and check back often!
|
|
|
|
Welcome, parents and family members of the D102 community! This is your dedicated space to discover the sports and activities available for your young scholars within the community of La Grange, La Grange Park, and Brookfield.
Here, you'll find an array of flyers highlighting engaging programs tailored to every age and interest. Whether your child is a sports enthusiast, an aspiring artist, or simply eager to explore new adventures, there's something here to captivate their curiosity and nurture their passions.
From youth sports leagues to creative arts workshops, from educational clubs to community events, we're committed to providing enriching opportunities for your child to learn, grow, and connect with their peers. Our aim is to foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie within our diverse community while promoting physical activity, creativity, and personal development.
|
|
|
|
The countdown is on for the 11th Annual Race to the Finish! Join us on Sunday, April 19th, at Ogden Avenue Elementary for a morning of community and school spirit.
Don’t Miss the Fun:
1 Mile Fun Run/Walk: 8:00 AM (Family favorite!)
5K Race: 8:30 AM (Fast and flat!)
Location: Ogden Avenue Elementary School
Register today for a chance to win in our Run for 102 Raffle! Want a chance to snag some amazing local prizes? All race participants who sign up early online are automatically entered to win in our Registration Raffle! Simply complete your race registration before online registration closes on Thursday, April 16th, to be eligible to win one of our fabulous donated prizes.
|
|
|
Packet pick-up and race day registration will still be available. Whether you're chasing a personal best or enjoying a morning stroll, we want to see you there! Register Today Here and check out our Facebook Page Here for race updates. Final Call for Volunteers! We still have a few critical spots to fill to ensure a safe and fun race for our kids. If you have a couple of hours to spare on Sunday morning, we would love to have you on the team. Register to volunteer here!
Not a runner but still want to be part of the race day excitement? Experience the Energy Without the Sweat! Come volunteer with us on race day!
We truly couldn't do this without you. Thank you for supporting our schools! Register to volunteer here!
|
|
|
Referral GPS - Connecting People to Treatment: We are committed to creating a culture of well-being for students, staff, parents, and the community. In an effort to continuously support this commitment, the district has entered an agreement with ReferralGPS.
ReferralGPS is a web-based service focused on assisting our students, staff, and community in finding local mental-health and substance use-related treatment. The service compliments the districts existing systems of support as a tool for student service teams and families to connect with treatment. Along with a searchable database of treatment options, ReferralGPS provides Care Navigation to assist families in triage, appointment setting, and follow-up care.
School families may access ReferralGPS in two ways:
1) Visit this link at https://referralgps.com/find-help/dist102 to search for treatment resources or connect with a Care Navigator anonymously.
2) Contact Student Services (social workers, psychologists, counselors) to seek out treatment options.
ReferralGPS takes into account all types of private and public insurance including PPO, HMO, Medicaid, Medicare, and families who are uninsured or underinsured. The platform also filters by age, gender, zip code, and special requests.
ReferralGPS is available for use by district students, staff, and families at no cost. All information entered on the ReferralGPS tool is completely confidential and securely stored.
If you are interested in seeking counseling-related services at this time, please consider visiting https://referralgps.com/find-help/dist102 or reaching out to the Student Services team.
|
|
|
|
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
|
|
|
|
