Bulldog Paw Prints
Week Ending March 22, 2024
Thank you, Mr. Tom!
While Mr. Tom has been with us as our head custodian for the past 6.5 years, he has served other schools in District 58 as well. Today is Mr. Tom's last day with us, as he is stepping into retirement.
To recognize him, several of us wore Mr. Tom's favorite color (blue), wore the jersey for his favorite football team (The Bears), and a few people even dressed like him with a blue polo and khaki pants. We spent some time thanking him, wishing him well, and we gave him a Belle Aire clap-out as he exited our school one last time.
Thank you for all you have done for us, Mr. Tom. Enjoy the time!
State Testing (Illinois Assessment of Readiness -- IAR)
*ALL STUDENTS WILL NEED TO HAVE A FUNCTIONING SET OF HEADPHONES/EAR BUDS IN ORDER TO COMPLETE THE ASSESSMENTS.
When we return from spring break, students in grades 3-8 will complete the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) which has a focus on ELA and math. This is a state-mandated assessment as is the Illinois Science Assessment that our fifth graders have already completed. Students have seen sample test items and reviewed online assessment tools, which allow them to familiarize themselves with the structure, format and questioning style of the test. Our curriculum and instruction are robust and complete and aligned with the standards measured on the assessments, therefore we do not “teach to the test.”
How you can support your child:
These tests are important and as with any other assessment, we ask students to give their genuine best efforts as we know they are strong, persistent and capable. In fact, our approach to these tests continues to be “can-do” rather than “must endure.” We continue to ask for your support in encouraging your children to approach these tests with the same rigor and investment as they would with any other test. Please read this letter from Assistant Superintendent Liz Ehrhart about these tests and ways to help support your student. As always, thank you for your support and partnership.
Students in Grades 3-6 will complete one session of the testing in the morning of each of the following dates:
Tuesday, April 2
Wednesday, April 3
Tuesday, April 9
Wednesday, April 10
Thursday, April 11
*Accelerated math will not be hosted at Belle Aire or at the middle schools on any of these dates.
*Gifted instruction will not take place during the week of April 1.
*Students who attend gifted education during the week of April 8, will make up any missed IAR sections at a later date.
Gr. 6 Field Trip
Our sixth graders recently visited the Field Museum (Thank you PTA for the bus!), to visit the Ancient Egypt exhibit. Students learn about ancient civilizations during their sixth grade year in social studies, and this was a great opportunity to extend that learning.
Inside Ancient Egypt is an up-close look at the daily lives of ancient Egyptians—as well as how they thought about death.
Students entered the exhibit through a three-story replica of a mastaba, a type of ancient Egyptian tomb, that houses two authentic chamber rooms from the burial site of 5th Dynasty Egyptian Pharaoh Unis’s son Unis-Ankh.
The burial chamber, which dates to 2400 BC, houses one of the largest collections of mummies in the United States: 23 human mummies and more than 30 animal mummies.
The exhibition also features a recreation of an ancient marketplace reconstructed from market scenes depicted on tomb walls. Filled with goods and people, the marketplace offers experiential learning through the everyday activities that occurred in this bustling cultural center.
Inside Ancient Egypt offers clues to ancient Egyptians’ lives on Earth—and to everything we may have in common with them.
The museum also hosted a class where students explored Egyptian society, culture, economy, agriculture and religion through rotating stations filled with images and replica artifacts.
April 8, 2024, Solar Eclipse
On Monday, April 8, 2024, District 58 will be along the path of a solar eclipse. Locally, this will be experienced as a partial eclipse, occurring during our regular school dismissal time, 2:00 pm for elementary schools and 2:10 pm for middle schools. There will be no changes to the regularly scheduled instructional day.
While this is a rare and exciting phenomenon, it presents a risk of eye injury to everyone, including children who may not understand the dangers of looking directly in the direction of the sun. The timing of the eclipse, when children are transitioning home, requires coordination in explaining to students they should not at any time be looking at the sun without appropriate eye protection. As students are dismissed staff will be reminding students about the importance of not looking directly into the sun.
If you choose to send properly certified protective eyewear to school with your child(ren), we will allow them to put on the glasses when they exit the building. Due to the timing of the partial eclipse occurring at dismissal, there will be no viewing events at any of the schools.
Construction Begins in District 58
Construction begins at many District 58 schools over spring break. To keep parents apprised of construction progress, updates will be provided on our website here, including progress dashboards of our middle schools.
If you’d like to learn more about spring break work in the District, click here.
On-Demand Tutoring
Did you know that the Downers Grove Grade School District has partnered with the DuPage County ROE to offer all students free homework assistance? This support is already available on your child's device. Simply navigate to Clever and select the Varsity Tutor app. It's that simple!
Please register now for the 2024-2025 school year
District 58 opened its online registration for returning students for the 2024-25 school year. Parents are asked to please submit their child’s registration by Monday, April 8. To begin, go to https://www.dg58.org/family-resources/registration and click on “Returning Student Application” and follow the prompts in the step-by-step instructions.
District 58 encourages families to register their student(s) promptly, as early registration helps the District determine its hiring, staffing, classroom, and transportation needs for the upcoming school year. While registration is occurring in February, March and April, an invoice won’t be sent until after May 1. Thank you for your help in supporting a smooth transition to the next school year!
If you have technical questions during the registration process, please contact District 58’s Technology Help Desk by filling out a Technology Help Ticket or calling 630-719-2768. For general registration questions, please contact your school office.
New this year, all registration will be conducted online. If families cannot complete the process online, they can call or visit their child’s school and the process can be completed there. District 58’s preschool registration is also open and is accepting applications at www.dg58.org/preschool.
Summer School, 2024
Downers Grove Grade School District 58 will offer three Summer School sessions and the Extended School Year program this summer! Registration opened yesterday, Thursday, February 29. Registration deadlines vary depending on the session.
District 58 Summer School classes are open to students enrolled in public, private or parochial schools who live within the District 58 attendance area. Please register for the grade level your child will enter in fall 2024.
Families who need assistance registering for Summer School may contact Summer School Secretary Alissa Drake at adrake@dg58.org or 630-719-5869. Please see details about District 58’s Summer School programming below or visit www.dg58.org/summer.
Session I, Essential Skills, is by invitation, and families will be contacted by the school. That session is held at Belle Aire and runs from June 10 - June 21.
Session II: General Education and Enrichment
Schedule: Weekdays, Monday, June 24-Friday, July 12 (excluding July 3 and 4) from 8:15-11:15 a.m.
Location: El Sierra School 6835 Fairmount Ave., Downers Grove, IL 60516
Cost: $105
Bus Transportation: Not provided - Families are responsible for their student’s transportation.
Registration: Session II registration is open now through April 30. Click here to register. A confirmation email with payment directions will be sent within three school days of your registration.
Description: This session will offer math and reading grade-level readiness courses, as well as two art classes. Art classes are limited to the first 30 students who register for each class. Once a class reaches capacity, a waiting list will form. Classes are:
Leap Into Kindergarten (Incoming Grade K): 8:15-11:15 a.m.
This program is intended for students entering kindergarten in fall 2024 and will focus on reading and math readiness. Some of the topics covered include: letter and number recognition, letter sounds, and fine motor activities, including cutting, coloring, pasting and writing.
For Leap Into Kindergarten please click here to register. A confirmation email with payment directions will be sent within three school days of your registration.
Reading and Math (Incoming Grades 1-8): 8:15-11:15 a.m.
District 58 will offer individual Reading and Math classes for every grade level, from grade 1-8. The class will focus on grade level readiness in both reading and math.Art Exploration I (Incoming Grades 2-3): 8:15-11:15 a.m.
Students will use a variety of media to express their creativity while exploring classic and modern styles of art. This class will utilize various artistic mediums including, paint, oil pastel, colored pencil and mixed media such as ceramics and textiles. Students will be encouraged to improve their technique and comfort level through a wide range of different projects.Art Exploration II (Incoming Grades 4-6): 8:15-11:15 a.m.
Students will use a variety of media to express their creativity while exploring classic and modern styles of art. This class will utilize various artistic mediums including, paint, oil pastel, colored pencil and mixed media such as ceramics and textiles. Students will be encouraged to improve their technique and comfort level through a wide range of different projects.
Session III: Band and Orchestra
Schedule: Various days and times from July 29 to August 9. See descriptions below.
Location: Kingsley School 6509 Powell St., Downers Grove, IL 60516
Cost: Band and Orchestra classes are $95; Beginning Orchestra Jumpstart and Beginning Band Jumpstart are free. A confirmation email with payment directions will be sent within three school days of your registration.
Bus Transportation: Not provided - Families are responsible for their student’s transportation.
Registration:
6-8th grade Band and 5-8 Orchestra - Session III registration is open now through April 30 Click here to register. Please register for the grade level your child will enter in fall 2024.
Beginning Orchestra Jumpstart and Beginning Band Jumpstart - Registration will take place May 2 and May 9, during Orchestra and Band registration for the 2024-25 school year. Please do not complete the registration at this time.
Description: District 58 will offer several summer Band and Orchestra classes. See information below.
Beginning Orchestra Jumpstart (Incoming Grade 4)
All District 58 Beginning Orchestra students must participate in the Beginning Orchestra Jumpstart program! Students who enroll in the Beginning Orchestra Jumpstart program will learn initial string technique, how to care for your instrument, and start playing some of your favorite folk tunes with your friends before we start lessons this fall! Since this is a required part of the Beginning Orchestra program, there is no charge for this week-long class.
Registration will take place May 2 and May 9, during Orchestra and Band registration for the 2024-25 school year. Please do not complete the registration at this time.
Week 1 Option: July 29-Aug. 2
Class 1: Monday, July 29-Friday, Aug. 2 from 8:00-8:50 a.m.
Class 2: Monday, July 29-Friday, Aug. 2 from 9:00-9:50 a.m.Week 2 Option: Aug. 5-9
Class 3: Monday, Aug. 5-Friday, Aug. 9 from 8:00-8:50 a.m.
Class 4: Monday, Aug. 5-Friday, Aug. 9 from 9:00-9:50 a.m.Welcome Back Strings! (Incoming Grade 5)
Monday - Friday, July 29 - August 9 from 10:00-10:50 a.m.
Come enjoy making new orchestra friends as we explore fun music this summer! Incoming fifth grade orchestra students will learn new, multi-part ensemble skills while reviewing their playing techniques from this past school year.Intermediate Orchestra (Incoming Grade 6)
Monday - Friday, July 29 - August 9 from 10:00-10:50 a.m.
Catch up on some quality time with your orchestra friends while playing together in a larger group! We will learn some fun and challenging orchestra music to expand student skills and abilities. Incoming sixth grade orchestra students will review and gain experience in their ensemble skills that we started this past school year.Advanced Orchestra (Incoming Grades 7-8)
Monday - Friday, July 29 - August 9 from 11:00-11:50 a.m.
Students will be challenged with new, engaging orchestra music, learning and refining new skills and techniques. Students entering middle school are encouraged to participate in this class to gain experience with middle school level music as well as make friends with other musicians they will be in orchestra with this fall.Beginning Band Jumpstart (Incoming Grade 5)
All musicians enrolled in District 58 Beginning Band participate in the Beginning Band Jumpstart program! During this one-week jumpstart, students will learn initial instrument technique, how to care for their instruments, and some beginning tunes with their friends before starting lessons in the fall! Since this is a required part of the beginning band program, there is no charge for this class.
This is a one-week, Monday through Friday class. Students will be assigned to a 40-minute time block between 8:00-11:00 a.m. during the week of July 29 through August 2 or the week of August 5 through August 9. Please be available from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Registration will take place May 2 and May 9, during Orchestra and Band registration for the 2024-25 school year. Please do not complete the registration at this time.
Instrument Skill-Building for Continuing Band Students (Incoming 6th, 7th, 8th Graders)
Monday, July 29 through Friday, August 9 from 11:00-11:45 a.m. (2 weeks)
Returning District 58 band musicians are invited to attend a skill-building session for their instrument. During this two-week program, students will have an opportunity to continue refining instrument technique with teacher support, increase their note reading fluency, build their range of notes through scale work, receive coaching on ILMEA audition materials if they wish, engage in peer mentorship, and participate in small ensemble music-making.
Extended School Year (ESY) is by invitation and runs from June 4 - July 2. Families who qualify will be contacted by the school.
Crisis Phone Support
The DuPage County Crisis Line 630-627-1700 is available 24/7, 365 days per year for individuals experiencing emotional distress, suicidal thoughts or seeking connection to DCHD Crisis Services.
Callers can expect staff to provide support and guidance to manage the crisis, explore options, and provide other resources that may further assist them in resolving the crisis.
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 1: 2:00 Dismissal
Tuesday, April 2: Spanish Class (3:00 p.m.); Safety Patrol Meeting (3:00 p.m.)
Wednesday, April 3: Young Rembrandts (3:00 p.m.)
Thursday, April 4: Young Authors (3:00 p.m.); Chess Club (3:00 p.m.); Kindness Club (3:00 p.m. for Grs. 3-6)
Friday, April 5: Pizza Hot Lunch (for those who ordered)
=-=-=-
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.)