Dear Staff and Families,

District 58’s number one priority is ensuring that all our students and staff are safe. Last December, I sent this letter to all families outlining how seriously we take threats to our schools. The purpose of this letter is to be proactive in terms of safety and ask for your assistance. Preventing school violence is the responsibility of the entire community and we need your help.

Last school year, the United States once again experienced senseless acts of school violence. School shootings in Oxford, Michigan, and Uvalde, Texas, underscore the urgent need for all of us to be vigilant. I am asking all families to once again speak with their child (ren) in an age-appropriate manner regarding school safety. Please emphasize with your child(ren) the following:

1. If you see something, say something.

2. Making any kind of joke about violence toward someone else or the school is not permitted.

3. Making a threat against someone else or a school (in-person or online) is not permitted.

4. Possessing a weapon or a look-alike weapon is not permitted.

5. Talking about a weapon or a look-alike weapon is not permitted.

Please remind your child(ren) that if he/she makes a threatening statement or brings a weapon or lookalike weapon to school, they will immediately be referred to the Downers Grove Police Department. Police consequences may include arrest, referral to the State’s Attorney, and the Juvenile Court System. Further, your child(ren) will receive significant consequences at school, which may include expulsion (see Board Policy 7:190). We will not take any chances when it comes to the safety of our students and staff. District 58 is also here to help any student or family that is struggling with mental health issues. If we can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to us right away.

I am once again asking for your assistance to help ensure the safety of our students and staff. Please speak with your children about the importance of being safe at school. As I shared last year, I view every student and staff member in our District as a part of my family. Let’s continue to be proactive and collaborate with one another, as the safety of our students and staff is the highest priority. If you see something, say something. District 58 staff are ready to assist anyone in need and we are grateful for your partnership.

Sincerely,

Dr. Kevin Russell

District 58 Superintendent of Schools

Students and staff have done a nice job building routines at the start of the school year. Routine building is very important this year as many well-established practices were changed due to the pandemic. Now that schools have returned to typical operating procedures, the District is reestablishing many past practices.

To start the school year off, elementary students were permitted to enter the building early at

8:10 a.m. in order to provide more time to prepare to start the school day. Since we have been in school for approximately four weeks, well-established entry routines are now in place. As we shared earlier this year, entrance times would likely change once routines were established.

Starting this Monday (September 26th), students will enter the building at 8:15 a.m. This aligns with our previous practice prior to the pandemic. Morning announcements will continue to take place at 8:20 a.m. Please note that while students will enter at 8:15 a.m., supervision will still start at 8:05 a.m. as usual. Bus route pick-up time will also remain the same. Allowing students adequate time to enter the building will be monitored closely throughout the year. In the event students are not able to be ready to go by 8:20 a.m., we will evaluate entry time once again.

StarNet is a great state agency that offers quality professional learning for staff and families, free of charge.

These events are being presented thanks to a generous grant from the TJ Maxx Foundation. Please feel free to join any of the following as your schedule and interest permit.

Looking at Behavior with New Eyes

September 29, 2022 - 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

All behavior has meaning! Time will be spent discussing the possible meanings of specific behaviors that are confusing and challenging. Additionally, ways to help the children who demonstrate these behaviors will be provided.

Presenter: Jennifer Rosinia

The School-Home Connection: Tips and Tricks to Support Your Child's Learning in School and at Homes

October 3, 2022 - 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

This webinar will support family members in understanding the role of authentic assessment in the early childhood classroom. We will discuss what your students will be learning at school, how teachers track and monitor progress, and most importantly what the teaching team and caregivers can do to partner together to support each child’s unique learning and development.

Presenter: Barb Golik & Danielle Merkel

Anatomy of a Meltdown

October 18, 2022- 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

By understanding the anatomy of a meltdown everyone who cares for children of varying abilities with these types of challenges will be better equipped to offer help and support during these difficult times.

Presenter: Jennifer Rosinia

Understanding Exposures and Extinction Learning

in Selective Mutism

November 9, 2022 - 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

When working with your child with selective mutism, it may help to understand the extinction learning process behind doing speaking exposures so that, as a parent, you can understand how to maximize extinction learning and keep the new learning accessible for your child’s continued growth and generalization of speaking across people, places, and activities.

Presenter: Dr Carmen Lynas

Transforming Aggressive Behaviors [Conscious Discipline]

December 5, 2022- 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

In this workshop you will gain a toolbox of skills necessary to identify, meet, and manage your most difficult children

Presenter: Jill Molli