Bulldog Paw Prints
Week Ending April 5, 2024
Introduction to District 58 Instrumental Programs
Downers Grove District 58 has a strong commitment to music education in all of our schools. We are exceedingly proud of our students and the people they become through their involvement in studying music. Participation in beginning band or orchestra is the first step in learning a unique skill that will last a lifetime!
You are invited to an informational meeting on Thursday, May 2nd in the Herrick Middle School cafeteria to learn about selecting an instrument, how to register for band or orchestra, and arranging to rent an instrument for your child. The program will last about an hour. Our beginning band meeting (for 4th grade parents) will begin at 6:30pm, and our beginning orchestra meeting (for 3rd grade parents) will begin at 7:30pm.
Later this month, we will be meeting with all 3rd and 4th grade students to demonstrate and talk about the different instruments offered in our program. Students will be encouraged to think about the instruments they like the most and why they like them. We encourage you to discuss instrument choices with your child and contact us if you have any questions.
Gr. 3, Learn Not to Burn
Our third grade students continued to participate in the Learn Not to Burn Program this year, sponsored by the Downers Grove Fire Department. Public Education Specialist, Dale Smith, began the program more than 20 years ago, and it’s offered to third grade classrooms throughout the village. Firefighters provide education on fire safety, and they help students understand how to stay safe and safely exit the home in the event of a fire emergency.
As part of the program, students are asked to create a plan to escape their home in the event of a fire by practicing E.D.I.T.H. (Exit Drills In The Home). Students draw a diagram or create a model of the home and plan two ways out of every room. They make sure there is a working smoke alarm outside each sleeping area (and one in each bedroom), and the locations are included in the diagram. They make sure that everyone in the home can lock and unlock doors and windows, and they ensure that there is a safe way to exit the home if there are multiple levels.
Once the drawing/models are submitted, a small committee uses criteria to choose top designs. This year, Savannah in 3F was selected. She will have breakfast at the fire department on Tuesday, April 16, and she will then be driven to Belle Aire in one of the fire trucks for arrival. All of the students and staff will be outside to welcome her!
Gr. 6 Outdoor Ed
Our sixth graders traveled to Lorado Taft fielf campus in Oregon, IL this week for their outdoor educational experience. Taft's Outdoor Education Program teaches an appreciation, understanding, and awareness of the natural community by studying and interacting with the natural world, and students rotated through three different classes -- forest ecology, geology and team-building initiatives.
The area is beautiful, the weather was great, and it was a fun experience.
Varsity Tutors
You already know that the Downers Grove Grade School District has partnered with the DuPage County ROE to offer all students free homework assistance through the Varsity Tutor app. Did you know that Varsity Tutor also offers on-demand essay reviews? This support is available on your child's device. Navigate to Clever and select the Varsity Tutor app. It's that simple!
Approved School Calendars (2024-2025 AND 2025-2026)
The Board approved two years of school calendars in preparation for construction and also to meet the planning needs of parents. The calendar next year will be condensed to maximize construction time in the summer, meaning that classes will end prior to Memorial Day in 2025 and in the following calendar year start after Labor Day 2025.
Highlights of the 2024-25 calendar include:
First Day of School: Friday, Aug. 16, 2024 (this aligns with District 99’s first day)
Thanksgiving Break: Nov. 27-29, 2024
Winter Break: Dec. 23, 2024-Jan. 3, 2025
Spring Break: April 1-4, 2025
Last Day of School: Friday, May 23, 2025 (if no emergency days are used)
District Calendar, 2023-2024
Mark Your Calendars
Monday, April 15: 2:00 Dismissal
Tuesday, April 16: Spanish Class (3:00 p.m.); Run/Walk Club (3:00 p.m.)
Wednesday, April 17: Young Rembrandts (3:00 p.m.)
Thursday, April 18: All-School Meeting (wear team colors); Young Authors (3:00 p.m.)
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April 18: All-School Meeting (wear team colors)
April 23: Belle Aire Open House (6:00 - 7:30 p.m.)
May 14: Grs. 1 & 2 Music Performance (6:00 p.m. at the school)
May 29: Last day of student attendance (dismissal at 11:30 a.m.)