March 2026 District Newsletter |
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While today may not be a date everyone has circled on their calendar, I was recently reminded that today, Friday the 13th of March, is the six-year anniversary of the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because I have always been a ‘glass half full’ kind of guy, I thought I might take a paragraph to reflect briefly. Thinking about the last six years in the world of education, I continue to be struck by the incredible resilience, dedication, and patience displayed by our entire D102 community. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our exceptional staff and supportive families. Through collective, sustained effort, we have successfully navigated unprecedented times, ensuring we continue to deliver the very best education and support systems for our students, staff and community. Your flexibility, commitment to our children, and spirit of collaboration have been truly inspiring and are the foundational reasons for our successful recovery and growth over the past six years.
Construction Updates: The D102 Renewal Continues We are thrilled to share the latest updates on our upcoming Renew D102 construction projects, all designed to enhance our learning environments across the district. Indoor Construction:
Phase 1 - Indoor construction work is scheduled to begin on Monday, June 8th, at Forest Road School, Barnsdale School, and Cossitt School. Exterior Construction & Site Work:
We are looking forward to beginning exterior work at two of our sites very soon, weather permitting, and after the final approval of all construction permits. Approximately one week before each start date below, families will begin to see construction fencing go up around each work site. This is for the safety of our students and community, as these will be active construction sites. |
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School
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Approximate Start Date for Exterior Construction
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Forest Rd and Barnsdale Rd Schools
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Week of April 13th
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Cossitt Ave School
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Week of May 18th
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We are also extremely excited to announce that construction on all new playgrounds will commence at various times this spring, with the goal of having all playground work completed by the end of the summer. We know these new outdoor spaces will be enjoyed by our students for years to come. We will continue to provide updates as these exciting projects progress and please look for specific messages from your child’s school before spring break to provide specific information about any changes to drop off, pick up, recess and visitor check in that all families need to know.
Phase 2 of our project focuses on Ogden Ave., Congress Park, and Park JH. We are finalizing plans now. The bids for phase 2 open on March 17, and bid awards will be considered by the Board of Education on April 23rd. These Phase 2 projects begin in the summer of 2027.
As we move into the final weeks before our well-deserved spring break, I continue to be impressed by the hard work and dedication shown by our students and staff every single day. The focus and effort are evident across all our schools, especially as we complete this year's IAR testing in grades 3-8. We encourage everyone to keep up the momentum for a few more weeks as we look forward to the promise of spring break and the arrival of consistently warmer weather. Thank you once again for your commitment to and support for D102! |
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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. |
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| La Grange School District 102
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Teaching & Learning Department |
LA + Self-Selection Program (Grades 6-8) |
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Dear Parents,
District 102 provides the opportunity for students in grades 6-8 to self-select into an accelerated Language Arts course. This course provides instruction in above-grade-level standards and engages in reading high-level, complex texts and extensive writing in various genres. Students who select to be a part of the accelerated Language Arts class are expected to independently complete reading and writing assignments both in class and at home, as well as participate in in-depth reflections and discussions.
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Standards used in the course |
| LA+ 6 |
7th-8th grade ELA standards |
| LA+ 7 |
8th-10th grade ELA standards |
| LA+ 8 |
9th-10th grade ELA standards |
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While any student may select to take the accelerated LA+ course, students who complete this course typically have a consistent MAP Reading score in the 80th percentile or above, enjoy higher-level reading and writing tasks, and are successful at independently engaging in and completing coursework.
Recently, students currently enrolled in the LA+ course were asked about their experiences. Students noted the following about the course option: Target Audience: The course is often recommended for students who seek a greater challenge than their current placement, have been successful in previous advanced ELA courses, or have a passion for ELA and are willing to put in the necessary work. Challenging and Thought-Provoking: The course is widely described as challenging, requiring more effort, attention, and deeper thinking than core ELA, but students appreciate that it helps them improve their reading and writing skills and pushes them to their limits in a good way.
Workload and Time Commitment: Many students emphasized that the course involves a significant amount of work, including lots of reading, writing (especially essays), and analyzing texts. They advise prospective students to be prepared for homework, manage their time efficiently, and stay on top of assignments, as it can be time-consuming and difficult to catch up if they fall behind.
Enjoyable and Worthwhile: Despite the difficulty and workload, many students find the class fun, interesting, and rewarding, especially because they read good books, study deeper topics (like justice and utopia), and engage in group discussions and projects.
Manageable with Effort: Students frequently noted that while the course is hard at first, it becomes easier and more manageable once they adjust, put in their best effort, pay attention, and use class/flex time wisely. Additionally, 46% of students stated they spend 15-30 minutes a night on homework, and 40% stated that they spend 30-60 minutes a night on homework. All students who select to be in the accelerated Language Arts course will receive ongoing feedback from the teacher. Should a student be unable to successfully complete the course expectations, a consultation with the family will take place, and a change in placement will be made to ensure the student is receiving appropriate instruction.
A form will be shared the week of March 21 to select your student’s LA course for SY2026-2027. Families with students entering 6th grade will receive a form to identify their course option. Families with students entering 7th and 8th grade will make their language arts course choice with other course selections (i.e., Fine arts and foreign language). Sincerely, Dr. Samantha Melendez Coordinator of Talent Development Services |
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2026 Tech Education Series | |
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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 |
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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! 📢 |
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Ms. Solether at Park Jr. High |
This month we celebrated Ms. Solether, Park Jr High’s dedicated science teacher! Her passion for discovery inspires students to ask questions, explore the world, and embrace curiosity every day. Thank you, Ms. Solether, for making science exciting and empowering the next generation of thinkers! |
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Ms. Martinez at Forest Road |
This month we celebrated Ms. Martinez, one of our dedicated paraprofessionals at Forest Road! Her commitment, kindness, and support make a difference in our students’ lives every day. Thank you, Ms. Martinez, for all you do to help our school community thrive! #ThankYouD102Educators
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#D102StudentSpotlight A big thank you to all of the incredible students who participated in the 2026 STEM Expo! Your creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving skills were on full display as you explored ideas in science, technology, engineering, and making.
We are also grateful to the volunteers, family members, and staff who supported this yearly event. Your encouragement and time help make the STEM Expo a meaningful experience for our students and a celebration of learning across our community.
Thank you for helping make this year’s STEM Expo a success! #WeAreD102
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Forest Road Music Concert |
The Forest Road 1st and 3rd Grade Chorus had an incredible Music Concert! The students wowed us with songs ranging from the Muppets to Bon Jovi, filling the gym with joy and energy. |
Park Jr. High Polar Plunge |
Park Junior High School hosted its first-ever schoolwide Special Olympics fundraiser, the “Cool School” Polar Plunge, on school grounds on Friday, February 20, 2026. The school set an ambitious fundraising goal of $3,000 and ultimately raised an impressive $24,820.
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Park Jr. High Girls Volleyball Advance to State & Sectionals |
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The 7th Grade Blue Girls Volleyball team will advance to the IESA State Tournament, today, March 13, at 4:30 p.m. at Kingsley Junior High School. Good Luck Park Patriots! |
| The 8th Grade Blue Girls Volleyball team will advance to Sectionals and will play against Flossmoor Parker on Monday, March 16, 6:00 p.m. at Heritage Middle School , 6021 S 74th Ave, Summit.
The winner of this round would advance to the IESA State Tournament. |
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This year also marks an exciting milestone for District 102 as we expand opportunities for our students through participation in the Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA). Competing in IESA athletics opens the door to new levels of competition and achievement and compete at the sectional and state levels.
We are proud to share that this is the first time in Park Jr. High history that a team has advanced this far in IESA competition, highlighting the dedication, hard work, and talent of our student-athletes and coaches. Congratulations to our teams for making history and representing Park with pride! 🏐🎉 |
Park Jr. High is listed under sections 7-4A and 8-4A named under La Grange Park Park. |
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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. |
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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!
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Seeking Career Day Speakers |
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The Family Liaisons will once again coordinate Career Day events throughout La Grange School District 102 for the fourth year. We are excited to introduce students to a wide variety of career paths. Career Day aims to provide students with a close-up view of different career options, helping them connect their learning to the real world. This experience allows students to explore a broad range of careers and understand how a good education can lead to success in these fields.
We are currently looking for speakers to share their experiences with our students, and we would be delighted if you could commit approximately 75 minutes for elementary schools and 120 minutes for Park Junior High. This one-day event will take place in April-May 2026. In the form below, you may select the school(s) where you are interested in speaking.
If you have any questions please contact Lupe Del Real, Family Liaison at delrealgu@dist102.k12.il.us. Thank you! |
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¡Acompáñenos a nuestro Taller de Padres con el Profesor Víctor Gómez! Nos enorgullece celebrar que el Profesor Gómez ha sido nombrado Profesor del Año. Como educador bilingüe, es una verdadera inspiración para las familias y un mentor dedicado que guía a nuestros estudiantes hacia el éxito.
Este taller será una gran oportunidad para aprender, conectarse y fortalecer nuestra comunidad escolar. |
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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. |
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Run for D102 - FINAL WEEK for Early Bird Pricing! |
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| Time is running out to save! This is your last chance to secure the best rates for the 11th Annual Run for 102 Race to the Finish on Sunday, April 19th.
Our Early Bird discount expires on March 16th—don't leave money on the starting line!
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
Whether you’re racing for a PR or walking with friends, make sure you're registered and ready to represent District 102.
Register Now & Save! |
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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!
Our Biggest Need: Course Marshals. We need a team of enthusiastic volunteers working alongside the La Grange Park Police Department to keep our race participants safe and on track. Your role includes: overseeing a barricaded intersection, managing traffic and pedestrian flow and cheering on and guiding racers through the course. Want a specific spot? Check the course map and note your preferred intersection in the comments when you sign up. We’ll do our best to accommodate requests!
We truly couldn't do this without you. Thank you for supporting our schools! Register to volunteer here! |
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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.
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