Press Releases / Recent News
We Are District 62
Thursday, May 8 is National Educational Support Personnel (Non-certified) Day
Sunday, May 4—Saturday, May 10, is dedicated to the teachers, teaching assistants, principals, educational support staff, district employees, health professionals, and student support staff, who give so much to the welfare and educational development of our students. Each of them, through their instruction and their sense of innovation and community, nurtures the curiosity and desire to learn what inspires the children in our schools. We encourage our District 62 family to continue to achieve this goal, which is also our focus, Working Together For Our Children.
Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week encourages parents and the wider community to recognize the important contributions, both personal and professional, of teachers and school staff to the lives of children and their education.
On behalf of the parents who place their confidence in our staff every morning at the entrance to the school, the Board of Education would like to sincerely thank our staff for their efforts to make our education system the best.
Each April, District 62 staff honor their colleagues by nominating them for Lighthouse Awards. Honorees are recognized for serving as the beacons of light, rays of inspiration, and encouragement to the District 62 community. Each Lighthouse Award nomination must include the following:
- how the nominee has been an influence for excellence
- how the nominee has beneficially affect curriculum, student learning or interest, learning environments, staff morale, and/or community
- the creative leadership that inspires others
- a special service or gone above and beyond what is expected of the nominee
- how have others honored the work of our honorees
Our honorees are a very important part of the District 62 family. Today, we spotlight our educational support staff who were honored with Lighthouse Awards. It should be noted that Tracy Kellerhals has been selected by the Illinois Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association (INSPRA) to win a Distinguished Service Award.
Barbara Guill
Barb took over for a secretary during the 2006-2007 school year, following a 19-year veteran. Central staff was immediately impressed with how Barb always took the time to listen to others share about how “things had always been done.” She would then carefully consider that information, problem-solve a situation on her own, and respectfully suggest another way to accomplish a task, if she felt it would improve a procedure or practice.
Barb has extremely high expectations for herself and this rubs off on others. She comes to work early, stays late, and takes work home when necessary. She often asks the staff for feedback on her performance and is truly interested in being the best she can be to satisfy her goals and to support all members of the Central School community.
Barb demonstrates creative and supportive leadership, which inspires people as she works through situations, recognizes needs, reflects on the need, and leads an effort to improve a process. From developing a lunch sign-out procedure for students to serving as the “point person” in the office, Barb has repeatedly demonstrated her ability to make Central a better place. Community Relations is very fortunate to have Barb volunteer as a PR Corp member. Every month, Community Relations receives a listing of events that are planned for Central. These announcements assist in publicizing the great things that happen in her school.
Tracy Kellerhals
Kellerhals helps support and improve understanding of Central School by demonstrating high energy and motivation, along with a positive attitude in everything she does. Research confirms that “attitude” can be contagious, and Kellerhals is amazing at sharing her positive energy with and influencing others to look for positive approaches to situations. As the Learning Media Center assistant, Kellerhals interacts with every student and staff member, both in the LMC and as tech support. She has high expectations for herself as a contributing member of the Central School family.
Kellerhals contributes positively to staff morale, and the community by serving as the unofficial public relations and media liaison. Kellerhals assists in the maintenance of the school’s photo storage and displays. She takes photos at Central School events, assists teachers with their classroom photos, and sends photos to media sources. She is creative and always seeking out positive public relations opportunities within the school. Her efforts contribute to the positive, family atmosphere of Central. She also assumed the unofficial role of the Central School Historian.
Judy Tosterud
Judy is very committed to doing her job well. She is the first impression of Orchard Place when you walk in the door. She treats all parents and the community with respect and assists with questions and concerns. When she doesn’t know the answer, which is rare, she finds out. Judy is at her desk prior to the official start time and is often at school waiting for parents to pick up their children at the end of the school day. When there are not enough hands to serve the meals, Judy assists food service personnel with lunch distribution. Judy is:
- Caring and nurturing
- Loves a good joke
- Loves the staff
- Orders lunch for the staff on Fridays
- Makes lunch for the staff on their birthdays
- Is the first person the OP staff go to when they have a question, need a form, or want a should to cry on
- Is OP’s rock
Office Team
Joan Musial
Kathy Linderman
Marcia Schieber
The Cumberland Office Team substantially contributes to the morale of the staff and the building’s positive reputation in the community. Whether it is helping a family enroll their child, providing support to a teacher or teaching assistant, putting a lost tooth in a special necklace, or tying a kindergarten student’s gym shoes, the office staff find ways every minute of the school day to make everyone who is a part of the Cumberland community feel safe and supported. This team can be unconditionally counted on to support the school’s efforts toward being excellent. This service is second-to-none, and their willingness to expand their roles while remaining incredibly flexible makes Cumberland a wonderful place to learn and thrive for staff, students, and families.
Wednesday, May 7 is National School Nurse Day
Sunday, May 4-Saturday, May 10, is dedicated to the teachers, teaching assistants, principals, educational support staff, district employees, health professionals, and student support staff, who give so much to the welfare and educational development of our students. Each of them, through their instruction and their sense of innovation and community, nurtures the curiosity and desire to learn what inspires the children in our schools. We encourage our District 62 family to continue to achieve this goal, which is also our focus, Working Together For Our Children.
Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week encourages parents and the wider community to recognize the important contributions, both personal and professional, of teachers and school staff to the lives of children and their education.
On behalf of the parents who place their confidence in our staff every morning at the entrance to the school, the Board of Education would like to sincerely thank our staff for their efforts to make our education system the best.
Each April, District 62 staff honor their colleagues by nominating them for Lighthouse Awards. Honorees are recognized for serving as the beacons of light, rays of inspiration, and encouragement to the District 62 community. Each Lighthouse Award nomination must include the following:
- how the nominee has been an influence for excellence
- how the nominee has beneficially affect curriculum, student learning or interest, learning environments, staff morale, and/or community
- the creative leadership that inspires others
- a special service or gone above and beyond what is expected of the nominee
- how have others honored the work of our honorees
Our honorees are a very important part of the District 62 family. Today, we spotlight Donna Zenger, Coordinator of School Health Services, and our Student Support Personnel who were honored with Lighthouse Awards.
Student Support Personnel
Donna Zenger
Health Services Coordinator
Donna has been the district’s Health Services Coordinator for several years. During that time, she has established a standard of medical expertise that is unsurpassed. Donna is extremely knowledgeable about school health issues and constantly keeps current on new regulations and best practices in this every-changing field. A natural leader, Donna supervises four nurses and all of the health clerks in the district. She does so with a “can-do” attitude that is contagious and inspiring to all who work with her. Her staff is quick to point out how extremely supportive and always accessible Donna is. Donna takes a hands-on approach to her job and knows the schools, their students, the community, and our staff very well. The health services department is one of the most organized; best ran systems in the district.
Helen Galvan
Social Worker
Helen Galvan sets extremely high standards and expectations for herself. She has consistently gone above and beyond what is expected of her in order to meet the needs of Orchard Place Elementary School and the community throughout her career in District 62. Helen often gives her personal time to work with Orchard Place students. She arrives at school early every day to conduct a “breakfast club” with a small group of students. The students truly relish this time with Helen and have a great amount of trust and respect for her. Helen often forgoes her lunch hour to give personalized attention to Orchard Place students and families. Many staff members have noticed Helen’s generosity and big heart, and begun to form similar relationships and develop like routines with their students. Additionally, as Social Work Department Chair, Galvan offers her services throughout the school district, mentoring new social workers, and serving as a support to all eleven D62 schools in times of emergency or crisis. Helen has also supported communication in the way she researches and finds community resources and develops community partnerships to better serve District 62 students. She has secured donated school supplies, winter coats and boots, as well as new shoes for students whose families do not have the resources to purchase them. Helen helps distribute donated toys during the holidays to students who would otherwise go without. She is well known and admired for her service, her giving spirit, and her commitment to students throughout the school district and the larger Des Plaines community.
Peggy Klein
Speech/language Therapist
It is impossible to leave an interaction with Peg Klein with a negative attitude. Her ability to find and articulate the strength or positive in any person or situation is a unique gift that she willingly shares with Forest School. Her sense of humor, positive attitude, and a focus on what’s good for kids spread like wildfire through the entire school community.
This year, Peggy volunteered to be Forest School’s Volunteer Coordinator, which she fondly likes to call the Volunteer Volunteer Coordinator. She is a perfect match for this position. She has a talent for making every person feel special and valued. This has greatly contributed to the senior volunteer program at Forest. Not only have they retained volunteers, but their senior volunteer force is increasing. Peggy takes her role seriously and works to make sure that Forest is mindful and respectful of the volunteers and their time.
Peggy nominated the District 62 Community Relations Ambassadors of the Year, who were recognized as finalists in the Caring Hearts Awards Programs sponsored by the Northwest Suburban Volunteer Center of Chicago. She also is a great storyteller, but alas that is a story for another time.
Mike Sibert
Special Education Coordinator
Mike Sibert serves as the Cumberland, Chippewa and Central’s Special Education Coordinator. His commitment to our schools is very evident in areas such as curriculum, student learning, the educational environment, and the school’s stakeholders. For example, he has participated in the buildings’ effort to systematize Response to Intervention (RtI) and has been successful in supporting staff and administrators as such.
Mike regularly offers solutions regarding students’ social and academic growth that are personalized, proactive, and sensitive. His process for doing so is founded in his ability to analyze data, understand the individual needs of children and families, and recognize the variable that impacts a student’s learning needs.
Mike ensures that he is well-informed regarding each school’s plans for improvement and consistently collaborates with teachers and administrators. Similarly, Mike demonstrates a thorough understanding of the core curriculum and utilizes related data to participate in important and systemic decision-making.
Mike’s excellent communications skills, his ability to connect with programs in the community and neighboring districts have influenced a greater understanding and opportunity to collaborate in the best interest of our children and families.
Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week
Tuesday, May 6 is National Teacher Day
Sunday, May 4-Saturday, May 10, is dedicated to the teachers, teaching assistants, principals, educational support staff, district employees, health professionals, and student support staff, who give so much to the welfare and educational development of our students. Each of them, through their instruction and their sense of innovation and community, nurtures the curiosity and desire to learn what inspires the children in our schools. We encourage our District 62 family to continue to achieve this goal, which is also our focus, Working Together For Our Children.
Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week encourages parents and the wider community to recognize the important contributions, both personal and professional, of teachers and school staff to the lives of children and their education.
On behalf of the parents who place their confidence in our staff every morning at the entrance to the school, the Board of Education would like to sincerely thank our staff for their efforts to make our education system the best.
Each April, District 62 staff honor their colleagues by nominating them for Lighthouse Awards. Honorees are recognized for serving as the beacons of light, rays of inspiration, and encouragement to the District 62 community. Each Lighthouse Award nomination must include the following:
- how the nominee has been an influence for excellence
- how the nominee has beneficially affect curriculum, student learning or interest, learning environments, staff morale, and/or community
- the creative leadership that inspires others
- a special service or gone above and beyond what is expected of the nominee
- how have others honored the work of our honorees
Our honorees are a very important part of the District 62 family. Today, we spotlight the teachers who were honored with Lighthouse Awards.
Team Category
Cumberland Team Leaders
Stephanie Guinane (Preschool)
Jennifer Bergstrom (Kindergarten)
Tracy Mullane (First Grade)
Felice Polson (Second Grade)
Jeannie Pantelin (Third Grade)
Jennifer Morris (Fourth Grade)
Leah Strom (Fifth Grade)
Adrianne Kayner (Educational Life Skills)
Amy Taylor (Specials)
Cumberland Team Leaders are recognized by their peers as individuals who are communicative and collaborative. Each member has individual talents that are evident and practiced in the District 62 community. The team includes teachers who serve on committees or initiatives such as the Master Planning Process, Data Retreats, Professional Learning Communities, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), social studies and fine arts curriculum committees, and instructional improvement efforts. Their active participation is additional evidence of their collective effort to serve the students and families of District 62.
Classroom Teachers
Gigi Breitzman
Kindergarten Teacher
Gigi Breitzman’s students are captivated by her instruction. In fact, one could wager that most of them don’t even realize she is teaching because learning in her room is so much fun. In addition to the students in her classroom and throughout the year, 26 letter people also enter the kindergarten family. Not only do the letter people introduce the beginning phonemic awareness skills, they also come with every day problems. Through Gigi’s creativity and engaging dialogue, the letter people are used to help solve social problems that may occur in a classroom or school.
It is an annual event at Forest that on the last day of school the kindergartners and their parents bid the letter people “Bon Voyage” as Miss A through Mr. Z are loaded into waiting cars and “taken to O’Hare Airport” for vacation. There are hugs and a few tears (surprisingly most from the parents!). It is a heartwarming, bittersweet farewell to the letter people and Mrs. Breitzman’s kindergarten class.
Susan Garcia-Roe
ELL Resource Teacher
Sue Roe has made so many outstanding contributions that affect every area of education. Where does one begin? There is so much that she has done, and continues to do. Four years ago, when Theresa Straub began teaching at Orchard Place, Mrs. Row went above and beyond to help her become acclimated. At first, Ms. Straub thought it was because she was a part of the ELL team that Sue was on. However, as the years went by, Ms. Straub noticed that Mrs. Roe made everyone (including aides and tutors) feel welcome, regardless of where they worked. It was not unlike her to help set up a classroom, find books and materials, share her books and materials, or even create new materials for the new teachers. She was a mentor to everyone.
Before ELL or bilingual students are placed in a classroom Sue Garcia-Roe registers the child, meets the family and tests the child to make sure they are properly placed in the correct classroom. This is where her interest in the student begins. Once the student is in her classroom she leaves no stone unturned in finding the best way to teach this child. It is not unusual to witness Mrs. Roe at staff meetings advocating for our ELL/bilingual students. Hands down, an ELL student has the best learning environment possible in her classroom.
Laura Gierszewicz
First Grade Teacher
Laura Gierszewicz is a teacher who collaborates with colleagues and administrators. Her teaching is demonstrative of an individual who takes great pride in her work and holds a deep sense of commitment to the academic and social/emotional development of children. Mrs. Gierszewicz is an active learner and participates in efforts to improve the instructional programs at Cumberland. She is flexible and reflective, which contributes to her ability to embrace and support new ideas. She is a pioneer when it comes to trying new strategies and is dedicated to understanding current best practices. At the core of her work, Laura Gierszewicz's ultimate goal is to provide excellent education to her students. She truly does whatever it takes to ensure that students learn.
Judy McManus
First Grade Teacher
Judy McManus is a born leader. Because she is so highly respected, people listen to her. She actively participated in PLC training and the Data Retreat. But more importantly, she didn’t leave the information at the conference. She is always thinking of ways to share that information with other staff members with the focus on improving out systems and practices. Because Judy McManus is an effective communicator, other staff members are able to hear the information in a way that doesn’t immediately overwhelm them.
Mrs. McManus serves on many building and district committees. She is the chair of the Forest Social Committee. Through this committee, she works to recognize the contributions of different groups and to acknowledge milestones occurring in individual’s lives. The Forest Retirement parties are a worthy tribute to those members of the staff who are moving on. Mrs. McManus serves as the recorder of the District Evaluation Committee. Judy McManus elevates the teaching profession by her membership.
Cathy Sears
Language Arts/Literacy Teacher
Cathy Sears has been an example for excellence at Chippewa Middle School and the Des Plaines Community. She has worked in the district for 15 years, and is a well-respected professional. Former students come back and share stories with Mrs. Sears about how useful her teachings have been to them and how she influenced their lives. Cathy Sears has made and continues to make a difference in the lives of children by helping them to see not only their potential but beyond.
Mrs. Sears established a book club that includes students and parents. Parents and students who participate form strong bonds through their love of literature. The experience of reading with their child has touched the hearts of many parents. One parent in particular said that this club brought her daughter closer to her at a time in their lives when they didn’t understand each other. This book club has grown from twelve to over fifty participants.
Cathy Sears is a hard working, dedicated, and compassionate teacher. One every child should encounter during its school years.
Early Career Educator
Ania Figueroa
Ania Figueroa is an exceptional young educator. As a bilingual first grade teacher, she works with the ELL department and her first grade team to provide her students with quality educational experiences. Additionally, she collaborates with the kindergarten and second grade bilingual teachers to provide continuity for the students in the program.
In addition to her full-time job and commitment to as a Team Leader and a member of the Instructional Improvement Council, the Building Problem Solving and District RtI committees, Ania is pursuing a Masters of Education in Special Education through the University of Chicago. She is completing her fourth year of teaching. She recently became a United States citizen.
Colleen Harrold
Colleen Harrold is currently in her second year of teaching at Central Elementary School. Her primary role is as the LD Resource teacher, but Ms. Harrold has become an unofficial leader in the school, particularly of assessment, data management, and meeting the needs of all students. Her leadership role is one that many teachers may assume; however, it is highly unusual for a second year teacher to be viewed as a leader, a resource, and an influence for excellence to all staff members including veteran teachers and the principal. Ms. Harrold has extremely high expectations for herself and is a role model for students and colleagues. She expects to serve as an excellent teacher as well as a support to staff and in order to do that she researches topics, attends workshops and is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration. She excels in her understanding of assessment procedures and data management and their use in improving student success and achievement. Additionally, Colleen Harrold is an excellent communicator and collaborates with colleagues in order to support their use of data to inform curriculum, instruction and intervention decisions.
Kristan Krupinski
This is Kristan’s second year at Cumberland Elementary School, in School District 62, Des Plaines, Illinois. Kristan has done an outstanding job teaching in the intermediate structured teaching program with some of our most challenging students. Students with autism and secondary disabilities need a teacher with a special skill set because these students learn very differently from other students. The students also exhibit a range of behaviors that interfere with learning and the teacher has to use many different types of interventions to enable these students to function in a school setting. The ELS (Educational Life Skills) program at Cumberland is a multi-district class (62, 63, and 64) that has students who are unable to function in the special education programs provided in their home districts.
Ms. Krupinski constantly updates her structured classroom according to individual student’s needs, and she has trained her entire teaching assistant staff and support team in helping to manage the behaviors of her students so that the students can learn functional and independent skills, as well as academic skills.
Kristan Krupinksi has worked with the Autism consultant and team to create a cohesive program for the students in the elementary and middle school ELS structured teaching programs. She is helping to develop a curriculum for her students using the most current research based programs.
Even though Ms. Krupinksi is a second year teacher at Cumberland School, she is already informally mentoring two teachers in the other structured teaching classes. She is open to all ideas and uses what is best for each student.
Gabby Laurino
Gabby Laurino is an excellent young educator. Visiting her classroom, you would never guess she is completing her third year as a classroom teacher. Ms. Laurino is a skilled instructor who uses assessment data to drive instruction. She constantly strives to improve her craft. Her commitment to her students and their success is evident in all she does. Gabby Laurino has served as a team leader for the past two years. Her willingness to take risks and try new approaches is shared with both her grade level team and other colleagues in the building.
In addition to her full-time job and commitment to various committees, Ms. Laurino is pursuing a Masters of Education in Reading. Her commitment to life-long learning is to be commended. She is a role model to her students. She also regularly volunteers at Parent Teacher Council events. She serves as a teacher representative on the PTC.
Anthony Marzillo
Anthony Marzillo, Physical Education Teacher, is an excellent role model for all children at North. One of the students spends extra time with him on Mondays and Wednesdays as a reward for classroom behavior. Anthony gives up his planning time to “work out” with him. Anthony plays football, baseball, and practices playing tennis with the student, who looks forward to his time with him.
Anthony Marzillo puts a positive comment on every one his student’s report cards. This is wonderful because we all need positive strokes. Many times gym is the most positive time of the day for some of these students. His comments and attentiveness to his students are appreciated by the students and staff of North Elementary School.
Join Us in Honoring Our Administrative Professionals
When people want school information, they say they call “the school.” What they really mean is that they call the administrative professionals. To many, administrative professionals are “the school.”
Administrative professionals are among the most credible school employees. Their high regard is easy to understand. They generally live in the community and have daily contact with students, teachers, and members of key external audiences such as parents, business people, those without school-age children, and others.
They are the building’s hello and good-bye person. They typically greet school visitors and bid them farewell. And, they are the voice of school – the one that answers the phone and says, “Thank you for calling.” Read More....
Administrative professionals set the tone in the office, process the behind the scenes paperwork and activities, ensure that technology works, deliver supplies and lunches, ease parental concerns, soothe critics, help students, and sometimes tend to cuts and bruises. No wonder people think of them as “the school.”
Thank you to the District 62 Administrative Professionals for all you do for our students and staff!
Ed Brancato
Beth Brodsema
Juliann Cajda
Patricia Giallombardo
David Gladys
Margaret Goodchild
Marty Hartigan
Sally Jalafsky
Nancy Jenkins
Rebecca Jordan
Jacqueline Limosani
Antonia Lopez
Dane McGregor
Laverne Micolichek
Laura Morales
Geri Mroz
Judy Pecucci
Karen Plaza
Crystal Slusher
Mary Kay Stallone
Lorenda Szyka
Marion Eilken
Donna Ellwood
Connie Harford
Shirley Olson
Barbara Guill
Tracy Kellerhals
Elizabeth Straz
Virginia Brooks
Patti Fink
Janet Manna
Elizabeth Murphy
Kathleen Linderman
Joan Musial
Marcia Schieber
Karen Shacklette
Nerina Cabrera
Jeanine Creviston
Barbara Glover
Marsha Jancsovics
Natalie Paladin
Pamela Pramschiefer
Christopher Radek
Ofelia Rivera
Shirley Wegrzyn
Barbara Westerman
Elaine Kraemer
Eileen Malony
Maria Ruiz Abarca
Denise Wiorek
Susan Artarian
Marie Karlin
Brenda Paladino
Janet Arens
Ann Goldstein
Rebecca Mazurek
Mara Santis
Cindy Herula
Cathleen Smith
Judith Tosterud
Rebecca Acosta
Kathryn Hanrahan
Catherine Hennelly
Janice Powal
Jill Amati
Susan Biggs
Margaret Stiller
Martha Avina
Donna Cameron
Gloria Gryzik
Tamee Hussar
Bonnie Hussar
Tonie Leon
Chris Lettow
Rachael Long
Judy Lubben
Angie Marquez
Mary McCabe
Cindy Moss
Pilar Ramirez
Julie Ritzema
Carol Russell
Amy Vana
Pat Weber
Rounding up the Class of 2017
District 62 Kindergarten Registration Announced
Tuesday, April 8, 2008 is a very important date in School District 62. When the day is over, Iroquois Community School and all eight elementary schools will have registered the first members of the School District 62 Class of 2017. This annual event is called kindergarten registration, and is the tradition of pre-registering students who will be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2008.
With the exception of the preschoolers, their parents and school staff, this ritual mostly goes unnoticed by citizens who are busy with their own daily routines. While these future D62 students may not be related in any way to most of us, they will have quite an impact on all our lives. From the moment they enter school, each of us has an investment in their learning and an interest in their success.
For starters, every taxpayer will have a share in the more than $90,000 spent on educating each of the new students over the next 9 years (K-8). That is quite an outlay of hard-earned tax dollars, and it is also an investment in our future.
In has been noted that communities that provide a good education for their children benefit in many ways. The quality of education is the major determining factor of where people want to live and one of the keys to attracting new businesses.
All of us, whether we have children or not, have an interest in making sure those budding young students are well educated. The social and economic growth of every community depends upon young people who are well prepared to take their places as productive, responsible citizens.
The Board of Education and staff of District 62 know that these early learning years will herald significant physical, mental, social and emotional growth. Our teachers have worked very hard to keep kindergarten offerings up-to-date. They have incorporated state standards and local learning objectives to insure continuity through district classrooms. The foundation for a child’s successful school experience is laid through the development of attitudes and good learning habits.
To register, parents or guardians must bring the child’s birth certificate and proof of residence in District 62. Parents can apply to the county clerk in the county where their child was born to receive a copy of the birth certificate. Registration forms, immunization requirements and other materials will be distributed at each school.
Parents must come to the school their child will attend to verify registration and receive necessary materials. Children must be five (5) years old on or before September 1, 2008, to enroll in kindergarten.
Proof of immunization and 3 proofs of residency will be needed. In addition, a certified copy of the birth certificate (not a baptismal or hospital certificate) is required to register and will be placed in the child’s file. Registration materials will not be mailed.
All pupils new to the District must present proof of residency within the boundaries of District 62 at the time of registration. Evidence of residency may be validated by the following documents that show the person through whom the student claims residency resides within the district: (1) a current tax or utility bill, (2) a notarized lease, (3) a deed, Torrens Certificate, or title insurance policy, (4) an installment contract for a deed, (5) a valid driver’s license, (6) voter’s registration indicating residency within the district, or (7) a notarized statement, signed by both the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) and persons residing in the district, testifying that the student and his/her parent(s) or legal guardian(s) are living with those district residents.
Dental, vision and physical examinations are required by the state. The state requires that every child entering school for the first time have a dental, vision and physical examination and certain immunizations. The school medical forms should be completed by the examining doctor and dentist and bear their signature. Medical, dental and vision forms will be provided at the time of registration.
Parents may also sign up their child(ren) for Extended Day Kindergarten (EDK) during kindergarten registration. SPARK staff members will be at all elementary schools with registration materials and to answer any questions. For more information about the SPARK/EDK Program please call 847-824-1065.
For information on how to obtain a birth certificate call the Cook County Clerk’s office at 312-603-7790.
The schedule for registration is:
TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2008, FROM 4:30-7:30 P.M.:
Central School, 1526 Thacker, Ph. 847-824-1575
Cumberland School, 700 East Golf Road, Ph. 847-824-1451
Forest School, 1375 Fifth Avenue, Ph. 847-824-1380
Iroquois Community School, 1836 East Touhy, Ph. 847-824-1308
Orchard Place School, 2727 Maple Avenue, Ph. 847-824-1255
Plainfield School, 1850 Plainfield Drive, Ph. 847-824-1301
North School 1789, Rand Road, Ph. 847-824-1399
South School, 1535 Everett Street, Ph. 847-824-1566
Terrace School, 735 South Westgate Road, Ph. 847-824-1501
For more information about Kindergarten Registration, please contact Dr. Aaron Lenaghan, Curriculum Coodinator, at 847-824-1276.
Satire Night Live Comes to Des Plaines-Tickets Limited
 Where can you go for an elegant three-course dinner, three raffles, a silent auction, and a sidesplitting fun concert show for $40 a person, while funding learning opportunities for School District 62 students? Comedy Review 2, of course!
For the second year, the District 62 Foundation is sponsoring its annual fundraiser to benefit the students of District 62. This year, "SATIRE NIGHT LIVE!” Improv Unlimited will feature all the classic games and sketches made famous on television in America and England. Their performance will include these classics: Party Quirks, Do Ron Ron, The Dating Game, Instant Replay, Super Hero's, Every Day Olympics, Last Action Hero Line, Improveoke, Fractured Fairy Tales, Freeze, World's Worst, and The Springer Show.
This fun event will feature gags, giggles, and a great time and will take place at Grazie! Ristorante and Banquets at 6 p.m., Friday, February 1, 2008. Proceeds will fund learning opportunities for District 62 students and staff. This year, the Foundation provided more than $12,000 in student learning mini-grants to teachers and $11,000 for staff development.
 School District 62 educates a diverse population of children and taxes alone cannot cover the extras that complete an excellent education. In 2001, a few motivated individuals formed the District 62 Foundation as a 501(c) 3 charitable organization and since then the foundation has paid for things like: specialized learning tools for reading and math textbooks for budding authors science and living history displays multi-lingual reading materials multi-lingual music inclusion programs digital cameras for school newspapers physical education equipment school field trips and traveling talent for in-school assemblies
For more information visit the Foundation’s website and consider a donation of some sort. Every dollar of every donation reaches the children in the district. Silent auction items, program advertisers, and table sponsors are also being sought by the Foundation. Please contact Maxine Hubbard (847-824-9556) or Betty Murphy (847-298-5186) to reserve tickets. Spaces are limited.
School District 62 invites you to a Charting the Path Community Forum.
 Charting the Path, a Master Planning Process, will provide feedback and suggestion opportunities for people who would like to voice their opinions about the district’s academic programs and school buildings.
All District 62 parents, residents, staff members, and students are encouraged to participate. By taking an active role in the process, you will help create solutions to future challenges and craft a comprehensive plan that will raise the quality of the education that is offered in Des Plaines. Unlike traditional, one-way communication efforts, the cornerstone of Charting the Path is that it is participatory and is a community-based planning process.
This will be the first of three community forums to take place over the next several months. At every meeting there will be an opportunity for participants to offer feedback.
Please join us!
Charting the Path Community Forum
Sponsored by School District 62
Monday, December 10, 2007,
7-9 p.m.
Algonquin Middle School
767 Algonquin Road
Des Plaines, IL 60016
E-mail: chartthepath@d62.org
Call: 847-824-8070
Mail or Visit:
Community Consolidated School District 62
777 E. Algonquin Road
Des Plaines, IL 60016
Att: Charting the Path
Information in Spanish/Información en español (PDF)
Information in Polish/Informacja w Jezyku polskim (PDF)
Plainfield Fifth Grader Creates Winning Card Design
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Mindy Ward, Director of Community Relations
DES PLAINES, IL (November 27, 2007) – School District 62 announced the winners of the 2007 Winter Card Design Contest.
Cameron Burkhardt, Plainfield Elementary School fifth grader, captured first place with his design of a snowman globe displaying a District 62 sign among a wintry forest scene.
Cara Franke, Algonquin Middle School, and Namitha Abraham, Plainfield Elementary School, placed second and third, respectively.
Fifty-five students entered the second annual design contest, which was judged by members of the Des Plaines Arts Council. Card design entrants were honored by the Board of Education on November 19.
All entries will be on display from Wednesday, November 28 through Friday, November 30 in the 5/3 Bank lobby during regular business hours. 5/3 is located in Metropolitan Square in Des Plaines.
The Des Plaines History Center, which is located at 781 Pearson Street, will exhibit the cards from Sunday, December 2 through Monday, January 7, 2008. The museum is open Monday - Friday 9am-4pm, Sunday 1-4pm.
First, second, and third place cards will be displayed on the district website at www.d62.org/resources/students.html. Please contact Mindy Ward, Director of Community Relations, at 847-824-8070 for information.
November 11 - 17 is American Education Week in Des Plaines
Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility
The 86th annual American Education Week (AEW) spotlights the importance of providing every child in America with a quality public education, and the need for everyone to do his or her part in making public schools great.
Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility reflects the need to provide students with quality public schools so that they can grow, prosper, and achieve in the 21st century.
School District 62 officials recently joined Des Plaines Mayor Tony Arredia as he issued a proclamation declaring November 11-17, 2007 as American Education Week in Des Plaines. The proclamation states “by equipping young Americans with both practical skills and broader intellectual abilities, schools give them hope for, and access to, a productive future.” The document also recognizes “education employees, be they substitute educators, custodians, teachers, bus drivers or librarians” for working “tirelessly to serve our children and communities with care and professionalism.”
Calendar of Events
A special salute and profile of our D62 groups will be featured each day on this site. Parent Resources will also be provided.
District 62 Board of Education Approves New Three-Year Contract
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 15, 2007
CONTACT: Dr. Jane L. Westerhold, Superintendent of Schools, 847-824-1136
DES PLAINES, IL (October 15, 2007) — Monday evening, October 15, 2007, the District 62 Board of Education approved a new three-year contract with the Des Plaines Education Association (DPEA). The teachers' association ratified the tentative agreement on October 3, 2007 by 98.4%.
The terms of the agreement include the following provisions:
- Mentoring
- Establishes a mandatory mentoring program for first and second year teachers
- No Child Left Behind (NCLB)
- Establishes a joint Board of Education – DPEA Committee to consider the impact on bargaining unit employees of issues arising from the legal requirements imposed by NCLB on schools identified as not making Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) Agreement by the DPEA that no provision in the Collective Bargaining Agreement shall be construed to prevent the District from taking required actions to comply with NCLB
- Teacher Evaluation Instrument
- Establishes a joint Board of Education-DPEA Committee to assess the effectiveness of and to propose additional modifications to the current evaluation instruments
- Enhanced Professional Compensation
- Establishes a joint Board of Education-DPEA Professional Compensation Committee to explore alternative forms of compensation for teachers and developing specific criteria and qualifications for alternative compensation programs
- Extended School Day Options
- Establishes a joint Board of Education-DPEA Extended School Day Committee to explore means of providing additional instructional programs for students beyond the regular school day
- Class Size
- Although specific class numbers were not identified, a provision was added which requires the Superintendent and the DPEA President to meet and confer during the school year over imbalances in teacher load, class size, and identify possible remedies
- National Board of Certification
- An annual stipend will be awarded for each year a teacher maintains certification
- Insurance
- Annual wellness screenings will be offered to all represented employees
- Those wishing to not participate will contribute toward the cost of the insurance
- Retirement Incentive Plan
- The retirement benefit was restructured to comply with Teacher Retirement System laws
- Salary
- Salaries reflect a three % base salary increase each year of the contract, which runs from August 21, 2007 through August 20, 2010
- The compensation package includes longevity increments, which are issued at the 21st and 26th year of continuous full-time service in the District
The Board wishes to thank all who took the time to communicate their thoughts and opinions throughout this process.
 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 19, 2007
Settlement Reached
...on September 18, 2007
Between the Board of Education of Des Plaines School District 62
and Des Plaines Education Association, IEA/NEA,
On New Collective Bargaining Agreement
After a five-hour mediation session on September 18, 2007, the Board of Education of Des Plaines School District 62 (Board) and the Des Plaines Education Association, IEA/NEA (Association) reached a tentative agreement. The terms of the tentative agreement will not be released until after the Association and Board approve the agreement. The Association has set a meeting for September 26, 2007 to present the details of the agreement to its membership. The ratification vote will be held the first week in October. Assuming the Union ratifies the agreement, the Board will take action on the agreement at its October 15, 2007 regular meeting.
District 62 Prepares for New School Year
More than 4,700 Des Plaines students will begin the 2007-2008 school year on Wednesday, August 22, in the eight elementary and two middle schools in District 62. Before the first bell rings, the district will welcome almost 70 new employees, which include teachers, support staff, and administrators.
Dr. Jane L. Westerhold, Superintendent of School, officially welcomed new teachers to the district August 13, in the Forest Elementary School Board Room during New Teacher Induction Workshop, which lasts a week.
More than 750 employees will kick off the new school year at an opening day event on Monday, August 20 at Iroquois Community School, 1836 E. Touhy Avenue. The day is expected to begin at 8:45 a.m. Department and curriculum meetings will begin at 10:15 a.m. and last throughout the day.
First through fifth grade students will attend school from 9 a.m. – 12 Noon, Wednesday, August 22. Middle school classes will meet from 8 – 11:30 a.m. The first day for kindergartners is Monday, August 27.
Other Back-To-School information:
First Day of School: Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Early Dismissal: Grades 1-5 12:00 Noon
Grades 6-8 11:30 a.m.
Monday, August 27, 2007 Kindergarten a.m. and p.m. begins
Iroquois Community School began Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Regular School Hours:
Grades 6-8: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. (2:45 p.m. on Mondays)
Grades 1-5: 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (3:15 p.m. on Mondays)
Kindergarten AM: 9 – 11:30 a.m.
Kindergarten
PM: 1 - 3:30 p.m. (3:15 p.m. on Mondays)
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