Wright-ings E-Notice
Daniel Wright Junior High School E-Notice April 27, 2020
Graduation and End of Year Updates
Hello, Eighth-Grade Students and Parents,
The announcement by Governor Pritzker that all schools in Illinois will remain closed for the 2019-2020 school year was news none of us were prepared to hear.
I am sure that many of you experienced a range of emotions such as sadness, frustration and disappointment. I, too, have had the same emotions. My heart is saddened by the fact that not only will our goodbyes be remote, but many of our end-of-year traditions and celebrations have been canceled. To add to the frustration, these celebrations can not be rescheduled due to the uncertainty of how our communities will be allowed to gather once restrictions are lifted.
With this said, the teachers, the PTO and the building administrators have been working to find unique and non-traditional ways to celebrate your final weeks at Daniel Wright. We have also been working to develop plans for usual end-of-year activities (locker cleanout, yearbook distribution, diplomas…) during this unusual time.
Although we are still working to finalize details, I wanted to share with you what we have planned at this time:
- In conjunction with the D103 PTO, we would like to provide each of our eighth-grade students with a “Class of 2020” yard/balcony sign as a gift. Signs will be delivered to students’ homes the week of May 11.
D103 PTO, teachers and administrators have planned an “Eighth-Grade Graduation Countdown” of fun activities starting on May 20 and taking us through until the end of the school year! More details to come!
The last day of remote learning for all students will be Thursday, May 28. Eighth-grade students will be asked to return their district-owned iPads and any DW library books on Friday, May 29 to the district office at 111 Barclay Boulevard, Lincolnshire. We will do our best to maintain safe social distancing by implementing a drive up, curbside drop off system. We will also be suggesting specific drop off times for each family in order to control traffic flow. Final details will be sent out later in May.
During the May 29 curbside drop off, we will also distribute yearbooks, remaining personal items from lockers, graduation diplomas and graduation gowns if ordered.
The district will not be hosting an in-person graduation ceremony, therefore gowns are not necessary, but may still be wanted by families for ceremonial photos. We realize that some students may not want a graduation gown and do not want to proceed with ordering one. Please use this Graduation Gown form to indicate whether or not you would like to move forward with ordering a gown. Please make your selection on or before Friday, May 1. Refunds will be processed in June.
Each year at graduation, we celebrate students who demonstrate qualities of leadership both in and outside of the school environment. We will continue virtually with this tradition. Eighth-grade teachers will be reaching out to both students and staff for nominations. Identified students will have the opportunity to virtually interview with a panel of eighth-grade teachers to determine award recipients. Winners will be included in the graduation program and the graduation celebration video. More information will be coming regarding deadlines for nominations and the interview process from the eigth-grade staff.
Starting on May 11, we will hold an all-school countdown to the end of the year! We may not be able to be together, but we can still celebrate! This year’s countdown will be virtual- similar to our DW Virtual Spirit Week. The theme of this year’s countdown is coming together as a team - the DW QUARANTEAM! Access the details of the countdown here, DW Quaranteam End of Year Countdown.
Finally, please note that Daniel Wright is currently an active construction site as work on the new addition is moving full steam ahead. Because of this construction, it is not safe for our students and families to visit the school. If you are moving out of the district and/or need personal items from your lockers prior to the May 29 pickup, please reach out to Mrs. Blackley at mblackley@d103.org or Mr. Herion at therion@d103.org to arrange collection of items.
No one could have predicted the current state we are in and the effects of this tragic pandemic will forever be a part of our lives. Although it may not feel like it now, I know we all will be stronger and more resilient when we are finally able to get back to “normal”.
You all are deeply cared for by everyone at Daniel Wright and we miss you every day!
Sincerely,
Michelle Blackley
Principal of Daniel Wright
Upcoming Events
Daniel Wright Junior High School
Assistant Principal Thomas Herion
Assistant Principal Melody Littlefair
Email: ask103@d103.org
Website: www.d103.org/danielwright
Location: 1370 N. Riverwoods Road Lincolnshire, IL 60089
Phone: 847-295-1560
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanielWrightJHS/
Twitter: @district103