The La Grange D102 Community Fund aims to bridge the gap between donated supplies and additional resources needed to meet the diverse needs of our students. Recognizing that some families in our district face economic challenges, we believe in the power of unity and collective support. When you donate, you contribute to a general fund, which would be used to purchase supplies otherwise not donated through Cheri’s Caring Closet. Some examples of how these funds might be used would be to purchase items such as food, clothing, school supplies, beds, etc.
Over the last three months I have been on a listening tour of District 102 in preparation for our Strategic Planning process. It has been both eye-opening and educational to visit with over 200 families from across our district and hear from hundreds of our staff members about what they would like included in our District vision for the next five years. Having a Strategic Plan for our district means that we build upon the firm foundations that already exist while also developing a model, action steps and success metrics to ensure continuous improvement.
On Wednesday and Thursday of this week our Board of Education, District and Building Administration and I led the work of our Strategic Planning Committee. Both nights were facilitated by Dr. Robert Madonia from RJM Consulting Services. The process was designed as a collaborative and interactive process (see pictures below). I am so very grateful for the voices, time and talents of our 90 committee members - 25 staff, 49 parents and 16 community / business partners. In the end, we drafted 5 goals in each of the following areas of focus:
Instructional Programming: Achievement and Growth
Equity: Access, Opportunity and Belonging
Exceptional Employees
Community Engagement
Finances
Future Ready Facilities
I will recommend a fully articulated Strategic Plan to our Board of Education on May 16 for their final review and approval. I take the responsibility of crafting and executing a vision for District 102 very seriously, and I am heartened, humbled by and thankful for the immense contributions of our parents, community and staff in this process. This is a great district, and we now have a clear plan for maintaining and enriching D102 excellence for several years to come.
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Restorative Practices - Circles
One of the hallmarks of Restorative Practices is the use of circles in the classroom. When using this technique, participants sit in the shape of a circle. This allows for all members to see and hear one another, and puts them on equal footing. Teachers in D102 have used a variety of circles over the years, including Morning Meetings and class meetings. Restorative Practices has expanded the use of circles beyond primarily addressing social-emotional goals to including academically-focused circles, as well. Many teachers have also incorporated the use of a “talking piece,” an object that is passed around the circle to indicate who is the designated speaker at that moment.
Most circles are proactive, providing an intentional opportunity to build a sense of community among students and create an inclusive environment. They may be a quick check in to see how everyone is feeling or where everyone is in the process of a long-term assignment. They may sometimes be longer meetings where students plan for an upcoming event or activity.
Occasionally, circles are responsive, allowing students to reflect and problem-solve together. These circles allow classmates to engage in conflict resolution and decision making through respectful, honest conversations and relationship building. The focus of such conversations and any consequences that come out of them is on repairing harm rather than punishing.
PSAT Pilot Program Update
Unfortunately we have cancelled our pilot administration of the 8/9 PSAT this spring. We unexpectedly learned that the state may be changing companies for the high school state assessment. It has been reported that ACT won the bid for the state assessment as of July 1st. Although high schools had the bidding process on their radar, no one expected the state to make a change. Districts are anticipating that the bid will be challenged but it could take a year for the final determination. We decided it is prudent to halt any changes in our 8th grade assessments until the state makes a final determination and we know which assessment will align with LT in the coming years. Our current 7th graders will proceed with taking the MAP assessment next year during their 8th grade year as has been past practice.
Registration for SY 24-25 is now OPEN!
Registration for the 2024-2025 school year is now open. If you haven't completed registration yet, please log in to your PowerSchool Parent Portal and click Returning Student Registration. You will need to complete registration for each of your children. If you have additional questions, please visit the Registration page on our website.
If you know your child(ren) will not attend a D102 for the 24-25 school year, please notify your home school.
Calendar for the SY 24-25
Summer Programming 2024
Registration opens on Friday, February 23rd at 6 p.m.
Registration closes on Friday, May 10th, at 6 p.m.
Summer Programming Times: 8:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
3 Week Dates: Starts June 10, to July 3.
No Classes on June 19. No Friday Classes.
Each child will need to be registered in PushCoin. The fee for registration for summer programing is $165.
Destiny Imagination | Current Grades: K-5
Enriching experiences that build on prior knowledge through thematic units that include hands-on activities.
Dual Language | Current Dual Language Students Only | Current Grades: K-6
Current CP Dual Language Students continue to develop their Spanish communication skills in an interactive, fun, and engaging class.
Summer Bridge | Current Grades: K-6
Reinforcement of grade-level skills to better prepare for next year's grade level through focused instruction, hands-on & project-based activities.
Classes will be held at Forest Road and Barnsdale Campus.
Detailed information about programs and transportation is available in PushCoin. Families with children who qualify for ESY based on their IEP will be contacted by their case manager.
Visit your child's PushCoin account for additional information, transportation options, and registration
EXPO de Bellas Artes
Join us for the Expo de Bellas Artes! The EXPO de Bellas Artes (Fine Arts Expo) is a culmination of our after-school cultural enrichment program. D102 students participate in dance throughout the year and perform for the community each Spring. The EXPO also serves as a showcase for our bilingual students to share literature and performances in Spanish. The event will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, April 19st at Park Jr. High's Auditorium, located at 333 N. Park Rd, La Grange Park, IL. We hope you can join us!
¡Únete a nosotros en la Expo de Bellas Artes! La EXPO de Bellas Artes es la culminación de nuestro programa extraescolar de enriquecimiento cultural. Los estudiantes de D102 participan en danza durante todo el año y actúan para la comunidad cada primavera. La EXPO también sirve como escaparate para que nuestros alumnos bilingües compartan literatura y actuaciones en español. El evento tendrá lugar a las 6:30 p.m. el viernes 19 de abril en el Auditorio de Park Jr. High, ubicado en 333 N. Park Rd, La Grange Park, IL. ¡Esperamos que pueda unirse a nosotros!
11th Annual Earth Day Family Night
The Science Center Parent Enrichment Council Presents:
11th Annual Earth Day Family Night
Celebrate Everyday is Earth Day!
Date: Thursday, April 18th, 2024
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Where: Science Center, 930 North Barnsdale, La Grange Park
Open House - No registration required
Your family is invited to learn more about ways to help the environment, and have fun with nature.
Plant lettuce and/or herbs in a baggie to prepare for your garden
Make a bird nesting kit to help our local birds
Learn how to recycle little things from Go Green LaGrange
Learn about beekeeping
Check out Earth Day related books from our local libraries
Make a “Swiftie style” Earth Day bracelet
Seeking Special Education Ambassadors!
We are looking for current parents and guardians in our schools to serve as volunteer special education parent ambassadors. This is a new and exciting development in our district that is intended to provide interested families with family-to-family camaraderie and support. Any interested parents/guardians of current special education students can apply.
PJH Celebrates Women's History Month
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At Park Junior High, March was a time of celebration, reflection, and empowerment as the school community came together to honor Women's History Month. It all started with a spark ignited by passionate students who approached the principal with a vision to host an event that would amplify the voices and contributions of women throughout history. As the event unfolded, it became more than just a commemoration; it became a testament to the power of unity and collective action. Students, teachers, and staff alike were moved by the profound impact of the performances and presentations. It was a reminder that progress is not just about acknowledging the past, but also about actively shaping a future where every voice is heard and every contribution is valued.
In the corridors of PJH, the spirit of Women's History Month lingered long after the event had ended, serving as a reminder that the journey towards equality is ongoing and that, together, there is nothing that cannot be achieved.
Solar Eclipse around D102
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The celestial spectacle of a solar eclipse captivated the students and staff of District 102 as they gathered across various schools to witness the rare phenomenon. Teachers seized the opportunity to educate their students about the science behind solar eclipses, emphasizing the importance of protective eyewear and the astronomical significance of such occurrences.
Amidst the awe and wonder, the eclipse served as a unifying moment for the district, fostering a sense of community as students and staff marveled at the wonders of the universe together. As the eclipse reached its peak, it left an indelible impression on all who witnessed it, reminding everyone of the beauty and mystery that lies beyond the confines of our everyday lives.
Referral GPS - Connecting People to Treatment: We are committed to creating a culture of well-being for students, staff, parents, and the community. In an effort to continuously support this commitment, the district has entered an agreement with ReferralGPS.
ReferralGPS is a web-based service focused on assisting our students, staff, and community in finding local mental-health and substance use-related treatment. The service compliments the districts existing systems of support as a tool for student service teams and families to connect with treatment. Along with a searchable database of treatment options, ReferralGPS provides Care Navigation to assist families in triage, appointment setting, and follow-up care.
School families may access ReferralGPS in two ways:
1) Visit this link at https://referralgps.com/find-help/dist102 to search for treatment resources or connect with a Care Navigator anonymously.
2) Contact Student Services (social workers, psychologists, counselors) to seek out treatment options.
ReferralGPS takes into account all types of private and public insurance including PPO, HMO, Medicaid, Medicare, and families who are uninsured or underinsured. The platform also filters by age, gender, zip code, and special requests.
ReferralGPS is available for use by district students, staff, and families at no cost. All information entered on the ReferralGPS tool is completely confidential and securely stored.
If you are interested in seeking counseling-related services at this time, please consider visiting https://referralgps.com/find-help/dist102 or reaching out to the Student Services team.
Community Page
Looking to get you or your family involved in activities? Check out our community page for activities and programs within the area. Here are some activities currently on our community page.
Run for D102 Registration NOW OPEN!
Save the date! Run for 102 will be on Saturday May 11, 2024 at Cossitt Avenue Elementary School, 115 W Cossitt Ave, La Grange, IL 60525
Get ready to lace up your running shoes because it's time for our annual joint fundraiser event – the Race to the Finish! Join us for an exhilarating 5K and 1-mile fun run as we come together as a community to support our schools.
Here's what you need to know:
Event Details: The Race to the Finish will be held at Cossitt Avenue School on Saturday, May 11, 2024.
1-mile fun run starts at 8:00 am
5K Race begins at 9:00 am
Early Bird Registration: Take advantage of discounted pricing by signing up before March 11th.
$25 for the 5K
$20 for the 1-mile fun run*
$80 for families of 4 or more (use promo code FAMILY)
*Special Note: If your child wishes to participate in both races but only needs one shirt, please reach out to runfor102@gmail.com for information on a discounted rate.
Registration: Secure your spot today at Runfor102.org.
Stay Updated: Follow our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/runfor102 for the latest news and announcements.
Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to support our schools while having fun with friends and family. Let's race towards success together!
Warm Regards,
The Run for 102 Committee
Community Giving
Donate to the Community Fund
Upcoming Events
District Events
April 10: Board Meeting
April 11: Board Meeting - Committee of the Whole
April 19: EXPO de Bellas Artes
April 25: Board Meeting - Committee of the Whole
April 26: Institute Day (No School)
May 2: Spring Band Concert II
May 7: Spring Orchestra Concert I
May 9: Spring Orchestra Concert II
May 11: Run for D102
May 16: Board Meeting
May 27: Memorial Day (No School)
