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  • Welcome Back- Important Information Regarding Cold W...

    Welcome Back!   I hope everyone had a relaxing and enjoyable Thanksgiving Holiday! While it is still hard to believe it is December, Mother Nature made sure to remind us this week with the bringing of the cold weather. BURRR.  This is now my opportunity to remind everyone once more about the cold weather and what we do when the weather prevents us from having school.  Please review the important information below, and contact your school office if you have any questions regarding cold weather.  Stay Warm! Sincerely, Robert Langman Superintendent ParentSquare Alert System- TEST Alert Notification In addition to the posts and newsletters we are used to, ParentSquare also has the ability to send Alerts via text and phone message.  In order to make sure the system is functioning appropriately, the district will be sending a TEST alert message to all families and staff.   The district will send this TEST alert on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at 4:30 PM.   Families should expect a text message, email, and phone message informing them of the TEST alert.      Emergency School Closure Information-   When it is necessary to close schools because of extreme weather or other emergencies, an announcement will be listed on our web page   ( www.darien61.org )  and delivered via a telephone call and email through the  Parent Square  communication system.  It is important that parents have submitted current contact information to the school office to receive the telephone and email notices.   Please visit the district website for more information.   https://www.darien61.org/d61-families/emergency-school-closure-and-alert-information Cold Weather Guidelines for Recess-  The district will utilize the Childcare Weather Guide from the Illinois State Board of Education   to determine if it is appropriate for students to go outside. Please have students dress appropriately for the weather. 

    Monday, Dec 02 2024

  • Happy Thanksgiving!

      

    Monday, Nov 25 2024

  • Darien 61 Community Update, BOE News, and BOE Regula...

    ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Dear Darien 61 Community, ​ It is hard to believe, but the holidays are just around the corner! Not only is it a busy time for everyone at home, it is a busy time for us at school as well. From a community update, to BOE agenda announcements, this newsletter has a cornucopia of information (a little holiday connection for you). Please take some time to review the information at hand. I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoys much deserved time with family and friends. Sincerely, Robert Langman Superintendent ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Darien 61 BOE Meeting Agenda and BOE News ​ ​ ​ ​ The Darien 61 Board of Education will hold its regularly scheduled meeting on November 19, 2024. The meeting will be held at Eisenhower Junior High School and begin at 7:00 PM. Please use the link below to view the agenda for the upcoming November 19, 2024 Darien 61 Board of Education Regular meeting. Additionally, you will find the BOE News from the October 22, 2024 BOE meeting. ​ ​ ​ ​ Daren #61 Board of Education ​ Karen Buckels, President Dana Pavlu, Vice-President Travis Myers, Secretary Gabriela Ceferin, Member Todd McDaniels, Member Dr. Anthony Ramos, Member Allyson Renell, Member Dr. Robert Langman, Superintendent Dr. Kateri Quinonez, Director of Special Education Frank Brendlinger, Chief School Business Official ​ ​ ​ ​ November 19, 2024 Board of Education Regular Meeting Agenda ​ ​ ​ ​ Click Here for the Agenda ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ BOE News- From the October 22, 2024 Regular BOE Meetings ​ ​ ​ ​ Click Here for the Agenda ​ ​ ​ ​ New Structure to BOE Meeting Agendas ​ The October BOE meeting was the meeting in which Darien 61 implemented BoardBooks to organize and publish BOE meeting agendas. With this change in system, the agenda structure was modified to enhance organization, and communication of information, before, during, and after BOE meetings. The structure of the meetings will now be as follows: - Communications/Announcements - Student Spotlight (when there is one) - Consent Agenda - Discussion Items - Action Items (all action items except the consent agenda) - Closed Session (if one is necessary) ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ The BOE Approved: ​ Consent Agenda Approval of the Consent Agenda including payment of bills totaling $847,910.27 from the following funds: Education Fund: $657,837.57 Operations and Maintenance Fund: $106,262.99 Transportation Fund: $83,809.71 Title 1 Schoolwide Improvement Plans for the 2024-2025 School Year. District E-Learning Memorandum of Understanding for the 2024- 2025 School Year Mark DeLay Water Pipe Project Presentation and Approval ​ ​ ​ ​ The BOE Discussed the Following: ​ Title I Schoolwide Improvement Plans Dr. Langman and the school principals gave a presentation on the school improvement plans for each school.  This is the 4th year in which the district has held a district wide summer data retreat.  School improvement teams from each school come together at the end of the school year to review district wide student data and goals.  The teams then meet to discuss school level data and begin development of school improvement plans for the following school year. Each school is tasked with writing 3 goals:   One goal is focused on student growth/achievement in Mathematics. One goal is focused on student growth/achievement in English Language Arts. One goal is focused on Social Emotional Learning Schools highlighted some of the action steps the schools are taking to reach the goals set for the school year.   The plans were then approved by the BOE in the action item portion of the meeting.  IASB Board of Education Workshop Review/Information The BOE thanked Dr. Bedard for all information provided including the survey which provided how to have a mutual understanding as a Board group This was the first time that the Board had a self reflection workshop Goals from workshop: Pursue further communication to the community in regards to the Board story Celebrating achievements The BOE is currently in the process of developing a community engagement committee Darien 61 Education Foundation Great Starts Honoree - Mr. Mike Bukovsky will visit all schools on Wednesday, October 29th Mrs. Pavlu shared that the foundation will have their first meeting for this school year on Wednesday, October 23rd at 7:00 p.m. ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Other Community Updates and Information ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ November 15 was Board of Education Member Day! ​ School Board Members Day is celebrated in Illinois on November 15th each year. This day honors the efforts of the state's elected school board members, who serve their communities without pay. Darien 61 appreciates the time, effort, and leadership our BOE members give to the students and community of Darien 61. Shout Out to our BOE Members: Karen Buckels- President Dana Pavlu- Vise President Travis Myers- Secretary Gabriela Ceferin- Member Todd McDaniel- Member Dr. Anthony Ramos- Member Allyson Renell- Member ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ End of First Trimester/Report Cards ​ Friday November 15, 2024 marked the end of the First Trimester for grades K-5. Report cards are being generated and will be issued this Wednesday, November 20, 2024. Please contact your child's teacher and/or school office if you have any questions regarding your child's report card. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Parent Teacher Conferences ​ Parent Teacher Conferences for all families (grades PreK - 8) will begin this Thursday, November 21, 2024. Conferences will be held in the following fashion: Thursday, November 21- 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Monday, November 25- 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM Families should have already received confirmation regarding their conference time(s). Please make sure to contact your child's teacher if you have questions about conferences, or need to schedule/reschedule. ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ District-Wide ALICE Training: Strengthening Safety and Preparedness ​ On November 4, 2024, our district undertook a significant step in enhancing school safety by training all staff in the ALICE protocol (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate). This proactive, options-based strategy empowers individuals to respond effectively during violent critical incidents, prioritizing their safety and the safety of students. The day-long training, led by our certified ALICE instructors, featured scenario-based exercises. Staff practiced key response strategies, including lockdown, barricading, countering threats, and evacuating when safe. The hands-on approach ensured participants could experience and apply these critical techniques in realistic settings. This initiative is part of our district’s broader safety plan, with full implementation slated for the 2025-2026 school year. Through this training, we aim to create a culture of preparedness, ensuring that staff are equipped with the knowledge and skills to act decisively in emergencies. We thank our staff for their active participation and commitment to ensuring a safer learning environment for all. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Honoring Our Veterans ​ Each year, on November 11 we come together as a community to honor the incredible sacrifices and dedication of those who have served in the armed forces. Their bravery, commitment, and selflessness inspire us all, and we are deeply grateful for the freedoms they have protected. Darien 61 schools had the opportunity to honor our veterans with assemblies and guest speakers. We thank our veterans and their families for their service and sacrifices. ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Darien 61 Greats Starts Honoree ​ On October 29, 2024 the district had the pleasure of having the 2024 Darien Education Foundation's Great Start Honoree - Mr. Mike Bukovsky visited our schools to speak and visit with our students and staff. It was a wonderful day! Darien 61 is proud of all its current and past students, and appreciates the Foundation's efforts to recognize them. Visit the foundation's website for more information- https://www.darien61foundation.org/ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Important Dates to Remember ​ It is that crazy time of the year again! Here are important dates for everyone. November 20- Late Start Wednesday, K-5 Report Cards issued. November 21- Evening Parent Teacher Conferences- 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM November 25- No School- Parent Teacher Conferences- 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM November 26-29- Thanksgiving Break December 2- School Resumes ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Darien School District 61 ​ 7414 Cass Avenue, Darien, IL 60561 630-968-7505 www.darien61.org Inspire and empower each child to realize their full potential. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

    Monday, Nov 18 2024

  • Week of November 4 Important Information

    The week of November 4, 2024 will be an unusual week for Darien 61, so we want to remind all of our families of the following: Monday, November 4, 2024-   NO School-  This is a Teacher Institute Day, so there will be no school this day. On this day, all district staff will be participating in ALICE crisis response training.  Tuesday, November 5, 2024-   NO School- Election Day. Wednesday, November 6, 2024-   Regular School Day for all students. (No Late start this day.)

    Friday, Nov 01 2024

  • Late Start Tomorrow Reminder

    Just a reminder that tomorrow will be a Late Start Day for all students in grades K-8.  

    Tuesday, Oct 29 2024

  • Darien 61 Parent Teacher Conferences and E-Learning/...

    ​ ​ Darien 61 Parent Teacher Conferences, and E-Learning/Snow Day Information October 28, 2024 ​ ​ ​ ​ 2024 Fall Parent Teacher Conferences ​ ​ ​ ​ Every year District #61 offers Parent-Teacher Conferences. The importance of these conferences is that the home and school can share ideas so that together we can help your child achieve to the best of his/her abilities. This year conferences are scheduled for Thursday, November 21, 2024 and Monday, November 25, 2024.  For students in grades 6-8, the first quarter Report Cards will be issued on Friday, November 1, 2024. For students in grades K-5, first trimester Report Cards will be issued on Wednesday, November 20, 2024. Pre-K/ECE students do NOT receive report cards all year.  There WILL BE SCHOOL on Thursday, November 21. Conferences on November 21 will be held after school from 5-8 PM. There will be NO SCHOOL on Monday, November 25. Conferences will be held from 12:00 - 8:00 PM. There will be NO SCHOOL on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, November 26 through the 29, because of the Thanksgiving holiday. ​ ​ ​ ​ Conference Scheduling Information ​ The window to make an appointment for a conference in Skyward will be open from:  Tuesday, October 29, 2024 @ 8:00 AM - Monday, November 11, 2024 @ 4:00 PM. ​ ​ ​ ​ Lace and DeLay You will be using Skyward to schedule your conference with your child’s teacher(s). Directions are included in this email to help you become familiarized with the process. CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS Pre-Kindergarten/ECE through 5th-grade appointments are scheduled every 20 minutes. If you do not schedule an appointment, one will be scheduled for you at the Pre-K/ECE-5th grade levels. Parents must let the teacher know if they would like to have a virtual conference via email after scheduling the conference in Skyward.   If you request to have a virtual conference meeting, your child’s teacher will share information on how to join the conference via Google Meet.  Eisenhower Junior High November 21-Parents will be invited to 15-minute team conferences on an as-needed basis this day.  November 25- Parents may sign up for 10 min conferences with individual teachers through Skyward. CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS If you have any questions regarding scheduling a conference, or need assistance logging into Skyward, please contact your child’s teacher or the school office. As always, we will evaluate this process upon completion and would welcome your thoughts and comments. This is a wonderful opportunity for communication, and we hope that everyone will take advantage of it.  The link to Skyward Family Access is below (and can be found on our district website) https://skyward.iscorp.com/DarienPSD61ILStuSTS/ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Darien 61 E-Learning, Snow Days, and School Closing Information ​ ​ ​ ​ E-Learning and Snow Days ​ The Darien School District 61 E-Learning Program continues to be in effect and has been re-approved by the Board of Education and Darien Educational Association with a updated signed Memorandum of Understanding. Recently, the district gathered feedback from families and staff on the use of E-Learning Days versus Snow Days. ​ ​ ​ ​ E-Learning Survey Results ​ The district received a total of 231 Responses to our recent E-Learning Feedback Form. Thank you to everyone who took their time to give us feedback. Below is a break down of the results. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Break Down Of Survey Results: Parents vs Staff ​ Parents: Total number = 178 Total Prefer Snow Day= 75 (42.13%) Total Prefer E-Learning Day= 93 (52.25%) Total Have No Preference= 10 (5.62%) Staff: Total number = 53 Total Prefer Snow Day= 3 (5.66%) Total Prefer E-Learning Day= 47 (88.68%) Total Have No Preference= 3(5.66%) ​ ​ ​ ​ The responses indicated that our community values both options. Based on this input, the district will now use a combination of E-Learning Days and Snow Days when schools are closed. E-Learning Days: For the first 3 days of closures, and when there is adequate time to inform families and staff, we will implement E-Learning Days. Snow Days: After 3 E-Learning Days, the district will look to use Snow Days for any additional closures. Please review the District's E-Learning and Snow Day Page on the district website for further information on these days, when they will be used, and what to expect. ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Emergency School Closures and Alerts. ​ ​ ​ ​ As part of the school calendar, the district is required to include five emergency days to account for closures due to emergencies or inclement weather. Below is an overview of how Darien 61 will manage school closures. The District strives to notify families of a school closure as soon as possible. If a decision can be made the day before a closure, the communication will be sent no later than 9:30 p.m. In the event of a day-of closure, a communication will ideally be sent between 5:30 a.m and 6:30 a.m. The District has the ability to send automated calls and emails utilizing Parent Square. Communication will be sent to the contact information on file in Skyward for families and staff via email and phone. Phone calls will be made to families and staff only in the event that schools are closed. Phone calls will not be made when a decision is still in progress or the decision has been made that school will be open. Please review further Information regarding school closings at the Emergency School Closure and Alert Page on the district website. ​ ​

    Monday, Oct 28 2024

  • Darien School District 61 Board of Education News an...

    ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Dear Darien 61 Community, ​ The Darien 61 Board of Education will hold its regularly scheduled meeting on October 22, 2024. The meeting will be held at Lace Elementary School and begin at 7:00 PM. Please use the link below to view the agenda for the upcoming October 22, 2024 Darien 61 Board of Education Regular meeting. Additionally, you will find the BOE News from the September 24, 2024 BOE meeting, as well as other important information from the district. ​ ​ ​ ​ Daren #61 Board of Education ​ Karen Buckels, President Dana Pavlu, Vice-President Travis Myers, Secretary Gabriela Ceferin, Member Todd McDaniels, Member Dr. Anthony Ramos, Member Allyson Renell, Member Dr. Robert Langman, Superintendent Dr. Kateri Quinonez, Director of Special Education Frank Brendlinger, Chief School Business Official ​ ​ ​ ​ October 22, 2024 Board of Education Regular Meeting Agenda ​ ​ ​ ​ Beginning with the October 22, 2024 Regular BOE Meeting, Darien 61 will utilize a new program BoardBooks to manage and organize BOE meetings. Please use the link below to view the agenda(s) via BoardBooks: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/2826 Moving to BoardBooks provides a more streamlined experience for viewing agendas for all involved. The movement to the new system does provide the need for some minor changes to the agenda format including: 1- Public Comment- To use of online public comment form will no longer be used with the new system. Public Comments can still be made in person at a BOE meeting during the public comment section of the meeting. 2- Previous Meeting Agendas- All files associated with BOE meetings prior to October 2024 will still be housed via Google Drive, and can be found via the district website. Further information regarding BOE agendas and files can be found here: https://www.darien61.org/school-board/meeting-information ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ BOE News- From the September 24, 2024 Regular BOE Meetings ​ ​ ​ ​ September 24, 2024 AGENDA ​ ​ ​ ​ Public Hearing on the FY25 Budget ​ At the start of the regular meeting, the Darien 61 Board of education held a public hearing to discuss the 2024-2025 budget. Mr. Brendlinger presented the budget information to the BOE. Upon conclusion of the Public Hearing, the BOE approved the FY25 budget. The presentation can be found here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E9eb9ukcCDT4Zr_vAkiaXk6Jx2mc6S3Q/view?usp=sharing Budget Presentation Highlights: Revenues- The majority (86%) of revenues for Darien 61 come from Property Taxes and Local funds. The remaining revenues come from State (10%) and Federal (4%) sources. Overall, the district is anticipating a 4% increase in revenues. This amounts to approximately $900,000 dollars. Expenditures- Overall the district is anticipating an approximate increase of 6.6% in expenditures a compared to last school year (approximately $1,476,874) The source of increases are mainly due to: Salary and benefit increase for employees (+5% overall) Transportation costs (+50%) Capital projects (approximately $90,000) Budget Summary Overall Revenues= $23,410,148 Overall Expenditures= $23,669,786 Anticipated Deficit of approximately $259,638 (1.1%) This deficit is mainly due to transportation costs and the district implementing a new compensation package for support staff in the 2024-2025 school year. While the district is anticipating a small deficit in the budget, the district has a healthy Fund Balance to help compensate for the anticipated expenditures. The district expects the deficit spending to be less than the anticipated amounts, when numbers are calculated and finalized at the end of FY25. ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ The BOE Approved: ​ Consent Agenda- Approval of the Consent Agenda including payment of bills totaling $1,288,818.80 from the following funds: Education Fund: $ 1,004,451.74 Operations and Maintenance Fund: $ 50,559.39 Transportation Fund: $ 38,257.95 Capital Projects: $ 195,549.90 FY2025 Budget EIS Administrative and Teacher Salary/Benefits Report for the 2024 SY IMRF Salary Report for the 2024 SY ​ ​ ​ ​ The BOE Discussed the Following: ​ Recognition of National Principal's Month the Board discussed recognition of the principals and assistant principals during the month of October. October 25 is National Principal's Day! BoardBooks Update/Planning the Board discussed the use of the new system BoardBooks for future agendas. The Board will begin using the system in October 2024. Student Spotlight Schedule The Board discussed the schedule for each school to present and highlight students and activities at future BOE meetings. November 19, 2024 - EJH  January 28, 2025 - Lace March 18, 2025 - DeLay Facilities Committee The Board discussed the progress on plans with water pipe replacement at Mark DeLay. ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Other Updates and Community Information ​ ​ ​ ​ This Week is National Principal's Week ​ This week , October 21 - October 25, 2024. Is National Principal/Assistant Principals' Week! Friday is National Principal/Assistant Principals' Day! We would like to take this time to thank our principals and assistant principals for everything they do each day. Shout Out To Our Principals and Assistant Principals! Mrs. Kompare Dr. Rae Dr. Dwyer Mrs. Cross Dr. Buck Mrs. Welton ​ ​ ​ ​ Parent Student Handbook Recognition Form ​ Some families have yet to complete this required form. Families who have not completed this form will be receiving a communication via ParentSquare as a reminder. ​ ​ ​ ​ Important Dates to Remember ​ October and the beginning of November are busy. Here are important dates for everyone. October 23, 2024- Late Start Wednesday October 25, 2024- End of First Quarter for grades 6-8 October 30, 2024- Late Start Wednesday November 1, 2024- First Quarter Report Cards issued November 4, 2024- Institute Day- No School November 5, 2024- Election day- No School November 6, 2024- Full day of school- NO Late Start ​ ​ ​ ​ Darien School District 61 ​ 7414 Cass Avenue, Darien, IL 60561 630-968-7505 www.darien61.org Inspire and empower each child to realize their full potential. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

    Monday, Oct 21 2024

  • Basketball Coach Needed and E-Learning Feedback Remi...

    ​​ We Need You and Your Feedback! ​​​​ Eisenhower Junior High School Basketball Coach Needed! ​​​​ 🏀 Join the Dream Team! 🏀 ​ **Position**: Middle School Basketball Coach  **Location**: Eisenhower Junior High  **Type**: Part-time (Mid-November to February) Are you ready to inspire the next generation of basketball stars? Do you have a passion for the game, and love seeing young athletes grow? We’re looking for YOU to join our team at Eisenhower Junior High as our Middle School Basketball Coach! **Why This Job is a Slam Dunk** - 🎯 Lead the Charge: You’ll coach and mentor eager young athletes, helping them sharpen their skills and fuel their love for basketball. - 🏀 Game Day Prep: From running tryouts to developing game-winning strategies, you’ll be at the helm of a high-energy, supportive team. - 💪 Build Champions: Teach more than just basketball – foster teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal growth both on and off the court. - 🤝 Be Their Hero: You’ll create lifelong memories for players and fans alike as they take their first steps towards greatness. **The Playbook**   You’ll organize tryouts, lead daily practices, strategize game plans, and build a positive team culture. You’ll keep parents informed, prep for competitions, and ensure a safe, fun environment for all. **Skills Needed**  - Coaching chops (middle school level a plus!)  - Strong knowledge of basketball fundamentals  - Communication & leadership skills  - Ability to motivate, inspire, and energize young players  - CPR & First Aid preferred (or willing to obtain)  - Must pass a background check **How to Apply**   If you're ready to coach our future all-stars, email Jacob Buck at jbuck@darien61.org and Rita Rushton at rrushton@darien61.org to share your interest and learn more about the position.  Make an impact on the court and in the lives of young athletes! Apply now and be part of something bigger than the game! ​​​​ E-Learning Feedback Reminder ​​​​ Darien 61 E-Learning/Snow Day Feedback Darien 61 is currently reviewing its E-Learning plans used during snow days or emergency school closures. A key part of this review is gathering feedback from our community on how these days are structured and utilized.We ask that you please review the information below and provide your input by completing this form: https://forms.gle/GoKpmoDjtFFDxQaN9 Thank you for your time and feedback. E-Learning Days- Darien 61 has been using E-Learning days when ever school is closed for snow days, or other types of weather/emergencies. (Further information about the E-Learning plan can be found HERE) These E-Learning days count as regular student attendance days, which means the district does not need to use its scheduled emergency days or make up the days at the end of the school year. However, we recognize that some families have expressed a preference for traditional snow days instead. To gather feedback on this issue, we are conducting a survey. How do you feel about E-Learning days? Do you prefer using them and avoiding makeup ​​

    Thursday, Oct 10 2024

  • Parent Student Handbook Review and Acknowledgement

    Below will find a form you must compete regarding the Parent Student Handbook. This form is completed in ParentSquare.  If you have more than one student in the district, you will need to complete one Acknowledgment Form for each child. Please complete this form by October 18, 2024. 

    Tuesday, Oct 08 2024

  • Darien 61 Newsletter October 4, 2024

    ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ October 4, 2024 ​ Dear Darien 61 Community, I trust this message find you well. Can you believe it is already October? Not sure where time has gone, but it is going really fast. This newsletter brings much information for everyone. Please take a moment to review the information, and do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns. Take care and have a wonderful weekend. Sincerely, Robert Langman Superintendent ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Parent Student Handbook Review and Acknowledgement ​ ​ ​ ​ Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s): Attached to this Newsletter you will find a form you must compete regarding the Parent Student Handbook. Please take time to review and discuss the Darien 61 Parent/Student Handbook with your child and complete this acknowledgment form. Please view the Handbook with this link:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qwekPGXwWzTzqHA26ZFCt_DOkUAMhZuEZSHITQATZkQ/edit?usp=sharing All parents and students must sign this acknowledgment form each school year. If you have more than one student in the district, you will need to complete one Acknowledgment Form for each child. Please complete this form by October 18, 2024.  If you have any questions concerning its contents, please contact your building principal. ​ ​ ​ ​ Social Media and School Safety ​ ​ ​ ​ As we are now several weeks into the school year, I want to remind everyone that school safety is a top priority in Darien 61. We take all threats of violence very seriously. Unfortunately, since the beginning of the school year, many threats targeting schools have appeared on social media. These threats have impacted schools nationwide, as well as nearby schools, causing confusion and stress for everyone involved. While most of these threats have proven to be non-credible, we cannot afford to assume that any threat is harmless. While schools regularly communicate clear expectations, it’s also important for parents and guardians to monitor how their students are engaging with social media and to have conversations about the real consequences of their online behavior. Any threat—whether verbal, written, or posted on social media—that involves talk of shooting, guns, bombs, or other weapons, will trigger the following actions: Our school teams will investigate any threat related to our school. Investigations may include interviews inside and outside of school, as well as home visits by authorities. The Darien Police Department may be involved in the investigation. Serious threats may also involve the DuPage County State's Attorney, Illinois State Police, other law enforcement agencies, or the courts, affecting both the student and their family. Students involved in credible threats or those causing disruption to the school environment will face appropriate consequences, including possible alternative school placement or expulsion. Any student impacted by these situations will have access to support from our counselors, psychologists, and social workers. ​ ​ ​ ​ Often, our investigations reveal that students weren’t serious about the threat and were "just kidding." However, this is no joke. These threats cause significant alarm and fear in our schools and community. They also have serious consequences for students who make the threats, joking or not. In fact, a recent article highlighted how this surge in online threats has led to the arrest of hundreds of students nationwide. Parents please take the time to discuss the seriousness of these actions with your child and what they can do if they hear of a threat. As always, we encourage anyone who has a concern about school safety to reach out to the school office, email, call or stop and reach out to any trusted adult in person. You can also use any of the following resources on our website here. You can also reach out to contact me directly if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for your support and partnership with keeping our schools safe. Sincerely, Robert Langman ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Parent Square Contact Communication Issues ​ ​ ​ ​ We understand that some families may not be receiving communications through our ParentSquare platform. We have determined that there is a data sync issue with ParentSquare and Skyward that is causing this. Please know we are working with both 3rd parties to resolve this issue. In the meantime any family that is not receiving communications through parent square for their child can use this form to request to be added to the communications.  This form will also be available on the District Website. https://forms.gle/h2FVfpjF4qLL7bAn7 Please know all requests will be processed and verified with current district information. Anyone who requests to be added must also be listed as a verified family/guardian in the district's Skyward database. All other requests that do not meet the districts requirements will be denied. All requests will be processed on a weekly basis. Please allow up to 5 school days for your requests to be processed.   Please visit the Darien 61 website for more information regarding ParentSquare.  https://www.darien61.org/community/d61-communications  ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ E-Learning Feedback ​ ​ ​ ​ Darien 61 E-Learning/Snow Day Feedback Darien 61 is currently reviewing its E-Learning plans used during snow days or emergency school closures. A key part of this review is gathering feedback from our community on how these days are structured and utilized. We ask that you please review the information below and provide your input by completing this form: https://forms.gle/GoKpmoDjtFFDxQaN9 Thank you for your time and feedback. E-Learning Days-  Darien 61 has been using E-Learning days when ever school is closed for snow days, or other types of weather/emergencies. (Further information about the E-Learning plan can be found HERE) These E-Learning days count as regular student attendance days, which means the district does not need to use its scheduled emergency days or make up the days at the end of the school year. However, we recognize that some families have expressed a preference for traditional snow days instead. To gather feedback on this issue, we are conducting a survey. How do you feel about E-Learning days? Do you prefer using them and avoiding makeup days, or would you rather have traditional snow days and make up the days later? Let us know. Your feedback will be an important part of our review process as we consider updates to our E-Learning plan. ​ ​ ​ ​ Darien School District 61 ​ 7414 Cass Avenue, Darien, IL 60561 630-968-7505 www.darien61.org Inspire and empower each child to realize their full potential. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

    Friday, Oct 04 2024