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Board Meeting Highlights - January 2025
Please see below for our most recent highlights from the January 14th Board Meeting Board Meeting Highlights Board Meeting Highlights January 2025 Not displaying correctly? View in browser Superintendent Dr. Ted Stec shared with the board members a copy of the first edition of the D44 Newspaper Let's Connect . See below for more information. The Madison/Hammerschmidt 5K Run was approved and is scheduled for May 10th at Madison Elementary School. CASE (Cooperative Association for Special Ed) shared a presentation with the Board of Education. They discussed several programs to support young learners from prenatal to 3 years (and beyond) that live in District 44 school boundaries. Specifically, the Glenbard Early Childhood Collaborative (GECC) and Glenbard Parents as Teachers (GPAT). If you are interested in learning more about these programs, please reach out to Jeanine Woltman/GECC @ jwoltman@casedupage.com or Carol Montgomery Fate/GPAT @ cfate@casedupage.com . Recognition of our District 44 staff, students, and community members. Jennifer Suggs, JSECC Instructional Teacher The Board of Education and Principal Cathy Angelos recognized Jen Suggs at last nights meeting. Principal Angelos remarked that Jen is a dedicated teacher with 24 years of experience in District 44. Jen has positively influenced numerous families. She single-handedly manages the annual Scholastic Book Fair at JSECC and organizes sensory hours during school events. For several years, Jen has facilitated a parent panel at Elmhurst University where parents from District 44 share their special education journeys with future educators. Jen embraces all aspects of her students' lives, including their challenges, devices, equipment, and diagnoses. She creates a welcoming environment for students and their families in her classroom, fostering lifelong connections. Jen consistently demonstrates exceptional dedication and commitment as a member of the JSECC Team. Her willingness to go above and beyond in her role has significantly contributed to the success and positive environment at JSECC. Amy Schmidt, JSECC Social Worker The Board of Education and Principal Angelos also recognized Amy Schmidt at the meeting. Principal Angelos shared that Amy has served as a Social Worker at JSECC for 6 years and is consistently finding ways to support students, parents, and the community. This year, she successfully organized the first Helen Plum Family Night, which attracted over 150 attendees. Amy also planned and facilitated the Schroder Summer Fun playdates and organized the inaugural Back to School Family Check-In on a Saturday morning, drawing nearly 200 attendees. She spearheaded the JSECC Toy and Clothing Drive for the OutReach House, resulting in two large van loads of donations. Additionally, Amy oversees the Northern Illinois Backpack Program for JSECC families and volunteers at the Community House. We’re thrilled to announce a new initiative to celebrate and connect our community—District 44’s Let’s Connect , our very own district newspaper! This publication will highlight the vibrant culture of our schools, showcase student and staff achievements, and strengthen our district’s sense of community. What Can You Expect in Each Issue? Stories and updates about school events and activities Spotlights on student and staff achievements Fun, creative sections contributed by students Recognition for staff nominated for “Doing More for 44” Interviews with D44 alumni and retired staff Readers can enjoy stories, solve puzzles, participate in contests, scan QR codes for community polls, and more! Our first issue debuts soon, so be on the lookout for Let’s Connect coming home with your child. Let’s Connect is a true celebration of our District 44 community, and we’re so excited to share it with you! The student calendar for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year is now available online. Both the grid and text versions can be viewed on our website's calendar page, linked here . The JSECC calendars will be coming soon! GWMS Boys Basketball Conference Tournament on Jan. 15th JSECC Family Engagement Day with DuPage Children's Museum on Jan. 16th Winter Jazz Festival with GEHS and Marquardt Middle School on Jan. 16th Madison & Park View PTA Meetings on Jan. 16th MLK Jr. Day - No School on Jan. 20th Teacher Institute Day - No School on Jan. 21st Manor Hill All School Field Trip to Disney on Ice on Jan. 24th 4th Grade Winter Concert on Jan. 28th PTA Council Meeting on Jan. 29th Pleasant Lane and Butterfield PTA Meetings on Feb. 4th Board of Education Meeting on Feb. 11th at Madison School Meet the Lombard District 44 Board Lombard District 44 is governed by an all volunteer, seven-member Board of Education. These individuals are elected to serve the community. For more information, please click here . Note: This communication should not be viewed as a replacement to the minutes taken at each Board of Education meeting. While we aim to provide critical information about need-to-know topics, all of our stakeholders are encouraged to view the full agenda and minutes from each meeting in order to have a deeper understanding. Lombard District 44 www.sd44.org
Thursday, Jan 16 2025
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Board Meeting Highlights - December 2024
Board Meeting Highlights December 2024 Not displaying correctly? View in browser The Board approved the 2025-2026 school calendar pending final approval from the Illinois State Board of Education. It will be shared out once final approval is received. The Board held a public hearing regarding the 2024 Tax Levy and later approved the Levy. On the evening of December 10th, the Hammerschmidt Chorus brightened the neighborhood with caroling, participating in the District's Community Outreach Initiative. Recognition of our District 44 staff, students, and community members. Jennifer Buescher, Park View EL Specialist Park View Principal Oscar Suarez recognized Jen Buescher as an exceptional multilingual teacher. Mrs. Buescher goes above and beyond in supporting her students and their families, often extending her care beyond school hours. She builds strong relationships by walking her students out each day to connect with their parents and share the highlights of their school day. Last year, she even delivered holiday gifts to her students' homes and ensures her students are prepared for the winter weather. When asked to describe her, the staff used words like: Compassionate, Dedicated, Caring, Thoughtful, Welcoming, Supportive, Patient, Committed, Devoted, Cheerful, Calm, Diligent, and Amazing. Her unwavering dedication and kindness make a lasting impact on our school community. 7th/8th Grade Winter Concert for Band & Orchestra on Dec. 11th Jett's Winter Market at Butterfield School on Dec. 12th Beacon Hill Residents visit Park View 4th Grade to share poetry on Dec. 13th Madison PTA Movie Night on Dec. 13th Pleasant Lane Therapy Dog Visit and PTA Craft Club on Dec. 13th 6th Grade Winter Concert for Band & Orchestra on Dec. 16th Manor Hill PTA Meeting on Dec. 16th GWMS Choir/Theater Musical Showcase on Dec. 18th Early Release Day on Dec. 20th No School - Winter Break from Dec. 23rd - Jan. 3rd Classes Resume on Jan. 6th Board of Education Meeting on Jan. 14th at JSECC at 6pm Meet the Lombard District 44 Board Lombard District 44 is governed by an all volunteer, seven-member Board of Education. These individuals are elected to serve the community. For more information, please click here . Note: This communication should not be viewed as a replacement to the minutes taken at each Board of Education meeting. While we aim to provide critical information about need-to-know topics, all of our stakeholders are encouraged to view the full agenda and minutes from each meeting in order to have a deeper understanding. Lombard District 44 www.sd44.org
Thursday, Dec 12 2024
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Upcoming District 44 Website Update
Dear District 44 Families, Our district and school websites will be getting a new look over winter break! These updates are designed to make it easier to find information and modernize the overall appearance. Please note that our websites may be unavailable for a short time while we make the changes . We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to improve your experience. We look forward to the new websites being live soon!
Thursday, Dec 05 2024
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Board Meeting Highlights - November 2024
Board Meeting Highlights Board Meeting Highlights November 2024 Not displaying correctly? View in browser The Board thanked the Rotary Club of Lombard for their donation of winter coats, snow boots, snow pants, hats, and gloves to students in District 44. This is the 13th year that the Rotary Club has sponsored this event. Assistant Superintendent of Finance, Technology, and Facilities, Neil Perry, presented the 2024 Tentative Tax Levy, which the board later approved. The board discussed the 2025-2026 school calendar. The district will bring a draft of the 2025-2026 calendar to a future board meeting for approval. Recognition of our District 44 staff, students, and community members. Cassie Miller, Butterfield Building Substitute The Board of Education and Butterfield School Principal Kate Ostrander recognized Cassie Miller at the November Board Meeting. Principal Ostrander remarked that Cassie not only takes on a leadership role during 3rd-5th grade lunch periods but also dedicates significant time before and after school to strategize how to best support Butterfield students in their math learning. When she’s not filling in for a teacher, she’s actively finding creative ways to help students better understand math concepts. Tracy Latelle, Butterfield Building Secretary At the November Board Meeting, the Board of Education and Butterfield School Principal Kate Ostrander also recognized Tracy Latelle. Principal Ostrander shared that as a building secretary, Tracy often contributes in various ways: supervising in the lunchroom, volunteering at after-school events, picking up staff lunches on Fridays, or offering a positive boost to parents, students, and staff who could use a little extra encouragement to get through the day. GWMS PTSA Meeting on November 14th JSECC Making Cards for the Community on November 15th Manor Hill hosting Veteran Howard Hill on November 15th Pleasant Lane Craft Club on November 15th Madison Movie Night on November 15th ILMEA Honor Festival for Orchestra, Band, and Chorus at Streamwood HS on November 16th Hammerscmidt PTA Meeting on November 18th Park View KDG and 1st Grade Bingo Night on November 20th Manor Hill Family Reading Night on November 21st No School - Parent/Teacher Conferences on November 25th & 26th. No School November 27th - November 29th for the Thanksgiving Holiday Butterfield PTA Meeting on December 3rd JSECC Winterfest on December 7th Board of Education Meeting December 10th at Park View School Meet the Lombard District 44 Board Lombard District 44 is governed by an all volunteer, seven-member Board of Education. These individuals are elected to serve the community. For more information, please click here . Note: This communication should not be viewed as a replacement to the minutes taken at each Board of Education meeting. While we aim to provide critical information about need-to-know topics, all of our stakeholders are encouraged to view the full agenda and minutes from each meeting in order to have a deeper understanding. Lombard District 44 www.sd44.org
Friday, Nov 15 2024
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District 44 Safety Series: Understanding Our Threat ...
Dear Lombard District 44 Families, As our final topic in the ongoing District Safety Series, this week we are focusing on Threat Assessment Procedures Our Threat Assessment Procedure enables our staff to effectively evaluate potential threats and provide the appropriate interventions and support to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and school community. The goal of our Threat Assessment Procedure is not to predict violent behavior, but to systematically analyze concerning behavior and make informed decisions that prioritize safety and support for all students. Here’s an overview of how the process works: Identification: The team identifies a potential student of concern through reports of threats, social media activity, bullying, or other observed behaviors. Assessment: The team then evaluates the risk level, considering the nature of the threat (e.g., direct, indirect, veiled, or conditional) and any additional context. Management and Intervention: We implement appropriate responses based on the assessment. This can range from counseling and support services to legal actions if necessary. Who is Involved? Our Threat Assessment Teams at each school and at the district level are made up of a diverse group of professionals, each bringing a unique perspective and expertise to the process: Administrators Teachers School Counselors and/or Social Workers School Psychologists Law Enforcement Officials These teams work collaboratively to investigate and respond to threats, always maintaining a focus on student safety. As a school district, we meet annually to review and refine these procedures, ensuring they remain effective and compliant with state regulations, including the School Safety Drill Act (105 ILCS 128) . When to Report Concerns We encourage families to speak up if they notice any concerning behaviors, whether observed directly or communicated through other means. Please report concerns to your child's school administrator, or through methods listed on our Crisis Reporting and Resources webpage . Any reports will be handled confidentially and in compliance with federal and state privacy laws. Support for Students For students impacted by a threat, whether as a potential source or a target, our team of counselors and social workers is available to provide guidance and support. Our approach is centered on balancing safety with compassion and ensuring that every student feels heard and supported. A Note about Social Media We take all threats seriously—whether verbal, written, or online. Even when intended as jokes, these threats have serious consequences. We urge parents and guardians to talk with their children about how they use social media and the lasting impact of their words. Whether your child is in elementary school or middle school, it’s important for them to understand that any mention of harm—such as talk of weapons, violence, or dangerous actions—triggers a response from both the school and law enforcement. Thank you for your ongoing support in helping us create a safe learning environment. Sincerely, Lombard School District 44
Tuesday, Nov 12 2024
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District 44 Safety Series: Standard Reunification Me...
Dear Lombard District 44 Families, This week’s update in our District Safety Series is focused on Reunification . One critical aspect of emergency response is an organized and accountable reunification of students with their parents/guardians in the event of a school crisis or emergency. Circumstances may occur at a school that require parents and guardians to pick up their students in a formalized, controlled release. This process of controlled release is called a reunification and may be necessary due to weather, a power outage, hazmat event, danger outside the school or if a crisis occurs at the school. Reunification can occur at the school site itself, or at an off-site location if a situation arises in which reuniting parents/guardians with their students at the school is not a safe option. THE PROCESS In the event of an emergency, Lombard District 44 has established a reunification process to ensure the safe return of students to their parents or guardians. We use the "I Love U Guys" Foundation’s Standard Reunification Method (SRM) to manage this process in an organized and secure manner. Key aspects of the SRM include: Controlled Release: During reunification, students are only released to a custodial parent, guardian, or pre-authorized emergency contact. Identification is required to confirm identity and custody rights. Notification Process: In the event of a reunification, you will be notified via ParentSquare (email, text, app alert, voicemail). You will also be informed about the location of the reunification site if it’s different from the school. Be Prepared: It’s essential to remain calm and follow instructions from school and district officials. Please avoid driving to the school unless directed, as this can interfere with emergency responses. PARENT AND GUARDIAN RESOURCES Parents and guardians are key partners in Reunification events. In stressful situations like those that require reunification, prior review of the plan helps the process run more smoothly and reduces anxiety. To help you better understand the reunification process, we’ve created a parent overview video, shared what to expect in 6 easy steps, and provided an attachment that describes the process. Upon arrival at a reunification site, parents can expect these steps: Six Easy Steps Step 1 - Greetings As parents arrive at the reunification site, Greeters explain the process and distribute Reunification Cards. Step 2 - Parents Fill Out Card Parents complete the information requested on the card and remain in line. Step 3 - Checkers Verify ID Parent custody is verified. The card is torn on the perforation and the bottom is returned to the parent. The top is given to the Accountant. Step 4 - Reunification Area At the Reunification Area, parents give the bottom of the card to the Reunifier. The Reunifier goes to the Assembly area to get the student. Step 5 - Student Reunification The Reunifier returns the student to their parents asking the student if they feel comfortable leaving with that adult. Then they note the time and initial the bottom of the card. Step 6 - Accountability The Reunifier delivers the bottom of the card to the Student Assembly Accountant. The Accountant sorts the cards for our records. Once these six steps are complete, you are free to leave the Reunification Site with your student. We thank you for your cooperation in keeping our students safe. Sincerely, Lombard School District 44
Tuesday, Nov 05 2024
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District 44 Safety Series: Standard Response Protoco...
Dear District 44 Families, For week one of our District Safety Series, we are focusing on the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) . We are committed to maintaining a safe environment. To achieve this, we use the "I Love U Guys" Foundation’s Standard Response Protocol (SRP) in the event of an emergency. The SRP is a uniform, clear, and structured set of actions that students, staff, and first responders follow during critical incidents. The SRP outlines five key actions to respond to various situations, each designed to ensure safety: Hold: "In your room or area. Clear the halls." This action keeps hallways clear while activities continue in classrooms. Secure: "Get inside, lock outside doors." The building is secured from potential external threats, but learning continues inside. Lockdown: "Locks, lights, out of sight." This response is used when there’s a threat inside the building. Evacuate: Students and staff are relocated to a safer location, either inside or outside the building. Shelter: This response is used in hazardous situations like severe weather, following specific safety strategies In the event of a live incident, parents may have questions about what to do, particularly during a Secure or Lockdown . Below is an explanation of each situation and guidance on how parents should respond. SECURE: “Get Inside. Lock outside doors” Secure is called when there is something dangerous outside of the building. Students and staff are brought into the building and the outside doors will be locked. Inside, it will be business as usual. Will parents be notified when a school goes into Secure? For brief or non-violent events, such as an animal on the playground, there may not be a need to notify parents during the Secure. However, for longer or potentially more dangerous events, parents will be notified that the school has increased security. Additional instructions, if necessary, will also be shared. Should parents come to the school during a Secure event? Probably not. During a Secure, every effort is made to continue normal classroom activities. Additionally, parents may be asked to stay outside the building during the event for safety reasons. What if parents need to pick up their student? Depending on the situation, it may not be safe to release students. As conditions change, there may be opportunities for Monitored Entry or Controlled Release of students, and parents will be informed of any such developments. LOCKDOWN: "L ocks, Lights, Out of Sight" A Lockdown is called when there is something dangerous inside or very close to the building. During a Lockdown, students and staff are trained to stay in a room that can be locked and remain silent. A Lockdown is initiated only when there is an active threat inside or very near the school. Will parents be notified when a school goes into Lockdown? Yes, parents will be notified as quickly as possible through multiple channels, including text, email, ParentSquare app alerts, and voicemail. Please stay tuned for updates, as we will continue to provide information regularly throughout the situation. In the event that students need to be evacuated and relocated for reunification, we will keep parents informed every step of the way. Should parents come to the school during a Lockdown event? Though it’s natural for parents to want to go to the school during a Lockdown, this can create additional challenges. If there is an active threat, law enforcement will be responding, and it’s unlikely parents will be granted access to the building or even the surrounding campus. Parents already inside the building will be instructed to Lockdown as well. We regularly train and drill students and staff in these actions, so they know what to do if an emergency arises. For more details about the SRP, you can visit iloveuguys.org/The-Standard-Response-Protocol.html . Thank you for your continued partnership in ensuring our schools remain safe environments. Sincerely, Lombard School District 44
Monday, Oct 28 2024
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Introducing the District 44 Safety Series
Dear Lombard District 44 Families, As a school district, the safety and well-being of our students and staff are always our top priorities. To ensure our families stay informed and prepared, we are launching a District Safety Series aimed at keeping you updated on the important safety procedures and practices we have in place. What is the District Safety Series? This series will consist of three communications over the next three weeks, each highlighting a key aspect of our comprehensive safety measures. You will receive important information about our safety procedures, specifically: The Standard Response Protocols The Standard Reunification Method Threat Assessment Procedures Our Commitment to Safety Our goal is to provide you with clear, accessible information about the systems we have in place to ensure that all feel safe at school. Each communication will explain the steps we take related to each topic, the teams involved, and how families may be a part of a process. We know that feeling informed helps reduce uncertainty, and we are committed to fostering a transparent and supportive environment. Next Steps Next Monday, you will receive the first message in this series which will focus on the Standard Response Protocols and how we respond to potential concerns. Please watch for these messages and take a moment to review them as part of our shared responsibility to create a safe school community. Thank you for partnering with us in keeping Lombard District 44 a secure and supportive place for all students. Sincerely, Lombard School District 44
Monday, Oct 21 2024
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Board Meeting Highlights - October 2024
Please see below for our most recent highlights from the October 8th Board Meeting. Board Meeting Highlights October 2024 Not displaying correctly? View in browser Last month the Board of Education approved the 2024-2025 Budget . A copy can be found at the Administration Center or on the district website . GWMS Principal Mike Kettwig shared an update with the board regarding 8th-grade promotion and end-of-year celebrations. As part of the district's decision-making process , the GWMS administration has been gathering feedback from recently graduated and current 8th-grade students on potential improvements. A staff committee has also been formed to assist in planning. Mr. Kettwig and the GWMS team have received parent feedback at a recent PTSA meeting and will continue the conversation in upcoming meetings. Ultimately, the goal is to maintain traditions while enhancing the celebration to further highlight students. Elementary school reporting to parents is currently under review in the district’s decision-making process . Director of Strategic Initiatives Allie Hahn provided the board with a project update, noting that elementary families and staff participated in a survey on the topic in September. Principals will gather additional input at upcoming PTA meetings, and student and teacher feedback will also be collected in the coming month. All feedback will be compiled and taken into consideration, with a proposal for possible modifications being brought to the BOE by February. Recognition of our District 44 staff, students, and community members. Angela Greco, GWMS Instructional Assistant The Board of Education and GWMS Principal Mike Kettwig recognized Ang Greco at last night's meeting. Principal Kettwig remarked that Ang, an instructional assistant in the AIP classroom at Glenn Westlake Middle School, brings a sense of warmth, dedication, and enthusiasm to every aspect of the school day. From supporting students in the classroom to supervising after-school events and assisting with the school’s drama program, Ang’s positive energy and unwavering commitment make a meaningful impact. Ang’s can-do spirit truly embodies the values of District 44, and we are grateful for the many ways Ang enriches our community. JSECC - No School/Developmental Screening on October 10th No School - Institute Day on October 11th No School - Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples' Day on October 14th No School - School Improvement Day on October 15th 7th & 8th grade Orchestra Stringfest at Glenbard West on October 17th Pleasant Lane PTA Trunk or Treat on October 18th Butterfield PTA Fright Fest on October 19th Manor Hill PTA Meeting and Hammerschmidt PTA Meeting on October 21st GWMS Band, Orchestra, and Choir Fall Concert on October 24th Madison Halloween Party on October 25th Park View PTA Fall Fest on October 26th K - 8 Early Release Day on October 31st John Schroder Character Parade on October 31st No School - Election Day on November 5th Board of Education Meeting at Butterfield School on November 12th Meet the Lombard District 44 Board Lombard District 44 is governed by an all volunteer, seven-member Board of Education. These individuals are elected to serve the community. For more information, please click here . Note: This communication should not be viewed as a replacement to the minutes taken at each Board of Education meeting. While we aim to provide critical information about need-to-know topics, all of our stakeholders are encouraged to view the full agenda and minutes from each meeting in order to have a deeper understanding. Lombard District 44 www.sd44.org
Wednesday, Oct 09 2024
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Board Meeting Highlights - September 2024
Please see below for our Board of Education's most recent newsletter. Board Meeting Highlights September 2024 Not displaying correctly? View in browser The Board of Education approved the Concussion Oversight Team. This requires annual approval. You can find more information about this team's work by clicking here. After the public hearing was concluded, the Board approved the 2024-2025 budget. Superintendent Stec updated the Board about a survey sent to elementary parents and guardians seeking feedback on potential updates to K-5 reporting. For more information on this process, please visit your school's ParentSquare page. Recognition of our District 44 staff, students, and community members. Federico Nava, Madison Custodian When it comes to nurturing growth and fostering connections, no one embodies it more than Mr. Nava. With 25 years in District 44, Federico considers the district his family. His commitment to connecting with others is evident in every interaction—whether it’s with a student or a colleague. Instead of looking at his phone to pass time, he looks up, engages, and makes meaningful connections. Every student at Madison says that Mr. Nava is their trusted adult. As Federico says, "District 44 is my life. I love my job, I love my people." Marty Sampey, Madison Custodian For the past several years, Marty has brightened every day at District 44 with his infectious smile and positive attitude. Marty brings joy to all those around him, and his pride in his work is unmistakable. He truly makes this a happy place for everyone. We are lucky to have him as part of our District 44 family! New Staff This year, we proudly welcomed over twenty new educators to District 44, along with many instructional assistants and support staff. These individuals are already making a tremendous impact, and we are thrilled to have them join us at District 44. Welcome aboard! GWMS PTSA Meeting on September 19th Manor Hill PTA Movie Night on September 20th Park View PTA Panther Prowl (Pedal the Path) on September 20th Madison PTA Family Art/Reflection Night on September 25th Pleasant Lane PTA Falcon Fun Run on September 27th National Custodial & Maintenance Appreciation Week is September 30th - October 4th Butterfield PTA Meeting on October 1st Hammerschmidt PTA Track-A-Thon on October 3rd JSECC No School/Developmental Screening on October 10th Board of Education Meeting on October 8th at Glenn Westlake Middle School\ District 44 is utilizing ParentSquare for district and school communication, primarily with email, text and app notifications. ParentSquare automatically generates an account for each parent, using their preferred email address and phone number. We encourage parents to access their accounts at parentsquare.com ! How Do I Sign up for ParentSquare? Go to parentsquare.com/signin (or install the ParentSquare app) and follow the prompts to sign up. Your email/phone number must match contact details in the school's Skyward database for this to work! Use Google single sign-on, your email, or your phone number to set up your account. If your contact details aren't recognized, contact your school building secretary to get them added/updated. After they update your information in Skyward, the new contact details will appear in ParentSquare after the next daily sync, and you will be able to create an account. Meet the Lombard District 44 Board Lombard District 44 is governed by an all volunteer, seven-member Board of Education. These individuals are elected to serve the community. For more information, please click here . Note: This communication should not be viewed as a replacement to the minutes taken at each Board of Education meeting. While we aim to provide critical information about need-to-know topics, all of our stakeholders are encouraged to view the full agenda and minutes from each meeting in order to have a deeper understanding. Lombard District 44 www.sd44.org
Wednesday, Sep 18 2024