Pierce Downer Families-

In addition to focusing on being optimistic this month, we are also emphasizing an attitude of gratitude. I am beyond grateful to be a part of this amazing community at Pierce Downer. I hope everyone is able to spend time with family and friends next week and take a moment for an attitude of gratitude.

As we have officially made our way into cold temperatures, please make sure your student is coming to school prepared for the weather. There is so much value in outdoor time and providing students a chance to get some fresh air and active play!

This weeks edition of PDTW has a reminder for the PD Student Council Winter Wonderland event, our November Focus highlight, Science Fair information, the most recent PD Cup recipient, the PTAs upcoming Home Run Inn Dine-Out info, and the Sticky Fingers after school sign up information.

Pease do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns via email at LWagner@DG58.org or call 630-719-5860.

We are PD!

L. Wagner, Principal

Looking at Failure as Opportunity: Whether things have gone well or badly, an important question that parents can ask their children is “What will you do differently next time?” Present failure as a natural part of learning that helps us to recognise what we don’t yet know or can’t yet do. Help them to self-evaluate: “What went well?” “What would you change if you could?” And encourage your child to identify how they can influence future events and to develop a plan of action to effect change.

The Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58 has once again teamed up with two local nonprofits -- the Downers Grove Rotary Club and the Downers Grove Roadrunners Soccer Club -- to host the Grove Express 5K on Thursday, Nov. 24 at 8:30 a.m. in downtown Downers Grove. The Grove Express 5K is Downers Grove’s annual Thanksgiving family run/walk, and a portion of the proceeds will directly benefit District 58 students through the Education Foundation’s programs.

Register by Nov. 6 to get the early bird rate of $35 (registration increases to $40 Nov. 7-18 and $45 from Nov. 19-24). Learn more.

District 58 has partnered with Safe2Help to give students a safe and confidential way to report potential threats or crises. Safe2Help was launched by the State of Illinois in December 2020 and aims to help prevent suicide, bullying, school violence and other threats to school safety.

With Safe2Help, students can connect with a trained crisis professional during their own crisis, or to report a potential threat. Students can submit a Safe2Help alert via the following ways:

• Website: https://app.safe22helpil.com
• Text: SAFE2 (72332)
• Phone: 844-4-SAFEIL (844-472-3345)
• App: "Safe2Help Illinois" app available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store
• Email: HELP@Safe2HelpIL.com

All alerts are responded to by a trained Safe2Help crisis professional. Safe2Help is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

District 58 staff are not the initial responders to the alert and will receive each alert after the Safe2Help professional provides support. District 58 staff will review alerts sent by Safe2Help during regular school hours, unless the nature of the alert necessitates immediate school action.