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  • Board Preview: Nov. 10 Board of Education Regular Me...

    BOARD PREVIEW 11/10/2025 Board of Education Regular Meeting The District 58 Board of Education will hold a Regular Business Meeting on Monday, November 10, 2025 at 7 p.m. at the Downers Grove Civic Center, 850 Curtiss St., Downers Grove, IL 60515.  The public may also view the meeting remotely, via the Village of Downers Grove’s YouTube account.  Board Meeting Agenda The agenda covers many topics, including: School Report presented by El Sierra School (principal and representatives from the Student Council and PTA). Spotlight on our Schools, with an Illinois Report Card and Summative Designations presentation. Spotlight on our Schools, with a fall referendum construction update. Reports on recent committee meetings, including the Financial Advisory Committee and the District Leadership Team. A recommendation to approve an American Education Week Resolution. A recommendation to approve the District 58 Strategic Plan 2023-2028 (Year 3 Action Plans - 2025). A recommendation to approve Preschool Tuition and Fees for 2026-27. A recommendation to approve the Downers Grove Public Library Intergovernmental Agreement for Educator Library Cards. A recommendation to approve the School Maintenance Project Grant Application. A recommendation to approve Cisco Phone Licensing. A recommendation to approve construction bids for Phase III Elementary Schools. View more information about these topics and all Board meeting topics in the Board agenda at https://dg58.us/boe_agenda. Public Participation How to make a public comment during the meeting: The Board encourages pubic comment from the community. There will be an opportunity for in-person visitors to make a public comment. Members of the public may communicate with the Board at any time by emailing boe@dg58.org.   Stay Connected District 58 communications are sent via ParentSquare. Questions? Contact your school office or the Community Relations Office at jrelihan@dg58.org. Subscribe to District 58 Publications Non-District 58 families and community members can sign up for publications at https://dg58.us/JoinDG58MailingList. DOWNERS GROVE GRADE SCHOOL DISTRICT 58 850 Curtiss St., Ste. 200, Downers Grove, IL 60515 / (630) 719-5800

    Friday, Nov 07 2025

  • Communicate 58: November 5, 2025

    Volume 18, Issue 8: Wednesday, November 5, 2025 District 58 Strategic Plan Each article in this newsletter will highlight the strategic goal it supports. To learn more about District 58’s Vision 58, visit https://dg58.us/strategic-plan. Goal 1: Focusing on Learning Goal 2: Connecting the Community Goal 3: Securing the Future Goal 4: Building for Success Goal 5: Cultivating Talent Quicklinks D58 Website ParentSquare PowerSchool D58 Calendar 2025-26 D58 Facebook D58 X (Twitter) D58 YouTube   Mark Your Calendar! View the full 2025-26 calendar Friday, Nov. 7 7:00 am - Board of Education: Financial Advisory Committee, Downers Grove Civic Center Monday, Nov. 10 7:00 pm - Board of Education Regular Meeting, Downers Grove Civic Center Tuesday, Nov. 11 Veterans’ Day - School is in session School Board Members Day Friday, Nov. 14 Deadline to register for The Reading Games Saturday, Nov. 15 School Board Appreciation Day Monday, Nov. 17 to Friday, Nov. 21 American Education Week Tuesday, Nov. 25 End of Trimester 1 Wednesday, Nov. 26 to Friday, Nov. 28 Thanksgiving Break Thursday, Nov. 27 Thanksgiving Day Grove Express 5K Monday, Dec. 1 Classes Resume GREETINGS FROM SUPERINTENDENT DR. RUSSELL Strategic Goals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Dear District 58 Community, Fall is such a wonderful time in our schools, and we’ve had so many opportunities to celebrate and connect! Halloween brought smiles and creativity as students enjoyed costume parades, classroom activities, and fun-filled events that made our schools feel festive and lively. Be sure to check out the photo galleries and video below, spotlighting the fun across the District! Looking ahead to the next couple of weeks, we have several special occasions to honor and celebrate. Veterans Day on November 11 is a time to honor those who have served our country—thank you to all veterans in our community for your service. The next issue of Communicate 58 will feature some of the ways our schools remember our veterans with pride. On November 15, School Board Appreciation Day, we recognize our dedicated Board of Education Members for their never-ending support of District 58 students, staff, and schools. We are grateful for their tireless efforts and commitment to excellence. American Education Week begins November 17, marking a chance to celebrate the incredible work of the many people in our schools who make a difference every day. During this week-long celebration, we take a special moment to thank our Instructional Assistants across the District for all that they do to support our classrooms and schools. Their dedication ensures that every student has the support and opportunities they need to thrive. We are truly grateful for the partnership of our families, staff, and community. Thank you for all you do to support our students and schools—you make District 58 a place where learning, growth, and joy happen every day! Warm regards, Dr. Kevin B. Russell Superintendent COMMUNICATIONS Strategic Goal 2 ⚠️ Upcoming Test of District Emergency Communications District 58 will conduct a test of our emergency communication system via ParentSquare through phone, text, email, and app notification on Saturday, Nov. 8 at noon. This test is intentionally scheduled on a weekend to avoid interrupting learning and to prevent any undue concern for staff or families during the school day. You will receive a message indicating that this is only a test of our emergency communications system. No action is needed. Thank you for your cooperation as we ensure our systems are reliable and ready in the event of an emergency. DISTRICT 58 CELEBRATIONS Strategic Goals 1, 2, 5 Celebrating DG58 Student Success District 58 is proud of the many accomplishments of our students and staff! At the recent Board of Education Curriculum Workshop, highlights from year-end 2024–25 and fall assessments were shared, showcasing the hard work and dedication of our staff and the resulting student successes. Overall, District 58 student achievement in English Language Arts and Math assessments continues to rank among the top tier of schools. The Curriculum Workshop also included updates on the Strategic Plan, school improvement plans and an overview of the District’s committees and initiatives. We encourage you to view the Board Briefs to learn more. The upcoming Board of Education meeting on Monday, November 10, will feature a second curriculum spotlight, reviewing results from the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) administered last spring and the newly released Illinois School Report Card. Thank you to everyone who helps make District 58 a place where students thrive!   Celebrating DG58 Staff: Give a Green Apple! Looking for a meaningful way to recognize a teacher or staff member? Give an Education Foundation Green Apple Award! Each donation includes a specially designed Green Apple Award card delivered by Superintendent Dr. Russell or the school principal, featuring your personal message. Recipients will also be celebrated on District 58’s social media pages—a simple way to show your appreciation and support for the amazing staff who make a difference every day. All Green Apple donations directly support District 58 students through programs like: Teacher Grants, Distinguished Service Awards, Select 58, Sneak Preview, New Teacher Luncheon, The Reading Games, and more! Learn more about Green Apple Awards Send a Green Apple now! AROUND THE DISTRICT Strategic Goals 1, 2, 5 Fall Fun in District 58 District 58 schools have hosted many fun events this fall to engage students, families, and staff! From Halloween costume parades and parties to Fall Fest family activities, our schools have been buzzing with excitement and connection. These special moments bring our communities together and strengthen the relationships that support student learning. Enjoy a glimpse of the fun at some of our schools in the video and photo galleries below: Fall Fun Across District 58 District 58 Celebrates Halloween (Video) Halloween at Belle Aire Halloween at Fairmount Halloween at Hillcrest Halloween at Indian Trail Halloween at Lester Halloween at Pierce Downer Halloween at O’Neill SCHOOL BOARD NEWS Strategic Goals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Happy School Board Members Day! In honor of School Board Members Day on November 15, District 58 thanks its Board of Education members for being a voice for residents and parents in the community, a vision for the district, and a pathway to success for all our students. Next Regular Meeting The District 58 Board of Education will hold a regular business meeting on Monday, November 10, at 7 p.m. at the Civic Center. The Board Preview for this meeting will be released later this week. COMMUNITY RELATIONS Strategic Goals 1, 2 Health Resources Let’s work together to keep our schools healthy! District 58 and the Illinois Department of Public Health encourage all students, staff, and families to get a flu shot and take simple steps to stay well.  View District 58's flu information View Illinois Department of Public Health - Flu Information for Parents   Register Now for The Reading Games! Registration closes Friday, November 14—don’t let your student miss this free, fun, annual reading competition for District 58 and District 61 students in grades 3-8! The event will take place on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at O’Neill Middle School. For full details, visit the Reading Games website to register and see the book lists.   Run, Walk, Give Back! Join the District 58 community for the 2025 Grove Express 5K on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 27! This family-friendly event, organized by the Education Foundation of Downers Grove 58, the Rotary Club, and the Roadrunners Soccer Club, supports local education and youth programs. Register today at groveexpress.com and be part of a fun, healthy way to give back!   Upcoming community events and programs Downers Grove Public Library Programs - November 2025 French Language & Culture Carnival for Future DGN Trojans 11/5/25 / Watch Video Ad Blessings in a Backpack 5K Walk Fundraiser 11/8/25 Downers Grove Junior Women's Club Handmade Market 11/21/25 Village of Downers Grove: Ornaments Needed + Tree Lighting Ceremony 11/28/25 4-Wall Handball at Westmont Park District Fitness Center - Fall and Winter 2025 Sessions 2025-26 GPS Parent Series: Navigating Healthy Families   Stay Connected District 58 communciations are sent via ParentSquare. Questions? Contact your school office or the Community Relations Office at jrelihan@dg58.org. Subscribe to District 58 Publications Non-District 58 families and community members can sign up for publications at https://dg58.us/JoinDG58MailingList. DOWNERS GROVE GRADE SCHOOL DISTRICT 58 We Envision. We Seek. We Believe.

    Wednesday, Nov 05 2025

  • Board Briefs: Oct. 27, 2025 Curriculum Workshop & Sp...

    October 27, 2025 Curriculum Workshop & Special Meeting The District 58 Board of Education held a Curriculum Workshop and Special Meeting on Monday, October 27, 2025, at the Downers Grove Civic Center. District 58 Board of Education members are: Darren Hughes, president; Kirat Doshi, vice president; Nicole Bernard, Melissa Ellis, Emily Hanus, Steven Olczyk and Katie Thomas, with Dr. Kevin Russell, superintendent; and Melissa Jerves, board secretary. VIEW MEETING AGENDA VIEW RECORDED MEETING The recording will be published on District 58's YouTube page once available, typically within one week of the meeting. VIEW PRESENTATION Special Meeting The Board held a brief special meeting to approve the District’s employer HSA contribution recommendation. Strategic Plan Progress Update District 58 is currently in Year 3 of its 2023–28 Strategic Plan, Vision 58, which focuses on five key goal areas. Central office administrators shared an overview of each goal and outlined planned action steps for this school year. Vision 58 goal areas: Goal 1: Focus on Learning (Curriculum, Assessment & Instruction) Goal 2: Connecting with the Community (Communication) Goal 3: Securing the Future (Finance & Facilities) Goal 4: Building for Success (Implementing the New PK–5 and 6–8 Models) Goal 5: Cultivating Talent (Maximizing the Potential of Students, Staff & Families) The District shares formal Strategic Plan progress updates during District Leadership Team meetings and posts them on the Strategic Plan webpage to promote transparency and accountability. Curriculum Workshop Spotlight on MTSS Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Ms. Liz Ehrhart and Curriculum Coordinators Dr. Christine Priester and Ms. Sandy Cristobal presented a district-level overview of the District’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), including the following key points: The MTSS framework, a key part of District 58’s Strategic Plan (Goals 1 & 4), provides a systematic, research-based approach to supporting all students. The District has implemented a consistent district-wide MTSS framework in elementary schools and is working to expand it to middle schools this year. The MTSS Intervention Guidance Document ensures equitable access to reading and math interventions, helping teams make data-driven, student-centered decisions. In 2025–26, the focus will be on K–2 learners, refining practices with consistent data analysis, diagnostic assessments, and aligned goal-setting, supported by monthly Professional Learning Mondays. MTSS promotes equity, reduces learning gaps, and prevents misidentification, offering a tiered approach: core instruction for all (Tier 1), targeted small-group support (Tier 2), and intensive individualized interventions (Tier 3). Assessment Data Review and School Improvement Plans Ms. Ehrhart gave a detailed curriculum presentation to the Board, providing an in-depth review of student assessment data and school improvement planning, including the following key points: 2024-25 Spring Data:   The presentation highlighted 2024–25 year-end Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) and NWEA Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) data, which guide administrators and staff in student instruction and interventions.  Analysis of student growth data showed all District 58 schools met or exceeded expectations in ELA and met expectations in Math.  Combined IAR data review showed most of our schools met expectations in ELA and Math, with a few exceeding expectations and only a few showing below-expected growth, mainly in Math.  Overall growth measures showed District 58 students scored 83% overall compared to peers statewide: 85% in ELA, and 80% in Math. 2025-26 Fall Data:  Fall assessment data is reviewed alongside spring results to identify summer slide, adjust intervention groups, and set benchmarks for new DG58 students—supporting intentional student grouping, consistent pacing, targeted interventions, and curriculum department guidance.  This fall, NWEA MAP Growth norms and IAR/Illinois Science Assessment (ISA) proficiency levels were updated to reflect current trends and state standards.  Fall MAP data showed students maintained expected growth, avoiding the typical summer slide. School Improvement Planning:  Each building’s Instructional Leadership Team (ILT) used the Cycles of Inquiry—a structured, collaborative process for analyzing data and improving teaching—to set three school improvement goals for 2025–26 that will guide school-based professional learning to support their students.  Several of the school goals this year will focus on Positive Behavioral Support Systems (PBSS), small-group instruction, strong implementation of all curriculum components, consistent review of classroom assessment data, and peer-to-peer observations. Each School Improvement Plan (SIP) will be shared with the Board, staff, PTAs, and posted online for the community. Principals will highlight their SIPs in monthly Board Meeting “Spotlights on Our Schools.”  ILTs will review progress, with full analysis of SIP outcomes planned for June 2026. District Committee and Initiatives Update Ms. Ehrhart, Dr. Priester and Ms. Cristobal provided curriculum and program updates; full details are available in the presentation. ELA Committee Grade 6-8 Math Committee MTSS Subcommittee Gifted Committee Science Committee PBSS Committee Threat Assessment Committee Upcoming Events November 7, 2025, 7 a.m. ~ Financial Advisory Committee ~ Downers Grove Civic Center November 10, 2025, 7 p.m. ~ Regular Board Meeting ~ Downers Grove Civic Center   Stay Connected All District 58 communication and publications are sent via ParentSquare. Questions? Contact your school office or jrelihan@dg58.org. Subscribe Non-District 58 families and community members can sign up for updates here: https://dg58.us/JoinDG58MailingList. DOWNERS GROVE GRADE SCHOOL DISTRICT 58 850 Curtiss St., Ste. 200, Downers Grove, IL 60515 / (630) 719-5800

    Tuesday, Oct 28 2025

  • Board Preview: Oct. 27 Board of Education Curriculum...

    BOARD PREVIEW 10/27/2025 Board of Education Curriculum Workshop & Special Meeting The District 58 Board of Education will hold a Curriculum Workshop and Special Meeting on Monday, October 27, 2025 at 7 p.m. at the Downers Grove Civic Center, 850 Curtiss St., Downers Grove, IL 60515.  The public may also view the meeting remotely, via the Village of Downers Grove’s YouTube account.  Board Meeting Agenda The agenda covers many topics, including: Special Meeting on the recommendation to approve the District's employer HSA contributions. District 58 Strategic Plan updates Review of year-end ECRA data for the 2024-25 school year and additional data sources Overview of school improvement plans  Updates on District committees and curricular initiatives View more information about these topics and all Board meeting topics in the Board agenda at https://dg58.us/boe_agenda. Public Participation How to make a public comment during the meeting: The Board encourages pubic comment from the community. There will be an opportunity for in-person visitors to make a public comment. Members of the public may communicate with the Board at any time by emailing boe@dg58.org.   Stay Connected District 58 communications are sent via ParentSquare. Questions? Contact your school office or the Community Relations Office at jrelihan@dg58.org. Subscribe to District 58 Publications Non-District 58 families and community members can sign up for publications at https://dg58.us/JoinDG58MailingList. DOWNERS GROVE GRADE SCHOOL DISTRICT 58 850 Curtiss St., Ste. 200, Downers Grove, IL 60515 / (630) 719-5800

    Friday, Oct 24 2025

  • Communicate 58: October 22, 2025

    Volume 18, Issue 7: Wednesday, October 22, 2025 QUICK LINKS D58 Website ParentSquare PowerSchool D58 Calendar 2025-26 D58 Facebook D58 X (Twitter) D58 YouTube   Mark Your Calendar! View the full 2025-26 calendar Thursday, Oct. 23 5-8 pm - Parent-Teacher Conferences Monday, Oct. 27 3:45 pm - Board of Education: District Leadership Team, Downers Grove Civic Center 7:00 pm - Board of Education: Curriculum Workshop, Downers Grove Civic Center Wednesday, Oct. 29 6:30 pm - BPAC Meeting at El Sierra Monday, Nov. 3 8-11:30 am Preschool Screening, Henry Puffer Wednesday, Nov. 5 3:45 - Board of Education: Legislative Committee, Downers Grove Civic Center Friday, Nov. 7 7:00 am Board of Education: Financial Advisory Committee, Downers Grove Civic Center Monday, Nov. 10 7:00 pm - Board of Education Regular Meeting, Downers Grove Civic Center Tuesday, Nov. 25 End of Trimester 1 Wednesday, Nov. 26 to Friday, Nov. 28 Thanksgiving Break Monday, Dec. 1 Classes Resume GREETINGS FROM SUPERINTENDENT DR. RUSSELL Strategic Goals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Dear District 58 Community, I am grateful to our families for participating in fall parent-teacher conferences this week and for the ongoing partnership that supports student learning. Strong connections between home and school help our students grow, thrive, and reach their full potential. Thank you also to the 44 community members who volunteered for District 58 committees. Your time, insight, and diverse perspectives strengthen our Strategic Plan work and help guide decisions that benefit all students. I would like to congratulate the talented District 58 middle school students who were selected to participate in the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) Annual District 1 Junior Music Festival next month. The selected students were chosen from more than 60 schools across the southwestern Chicago metropolitan area. This is a wonderful achievement and a reflection of their dedication and hard work! To see a list of the selected students click here. As fall brings cooler weather and festive celebrations, I’m excited for our upcoming school Halloween activities! We hope students enjoy the parades, classroom parties, and creative costumes. Please see the costume reminders below to ensure a safe and fun experience for everyone. Thank you for your continued support, your partnership, and for making District 58 such a vibrant learning community. Sincerely, Dr. Kevin B. Russell Superintendent of Schools DID YOU KNOW? Strategic Goal 2 You can take control of your notifications! Feeling overwhelmed by messages? You can easily customize your ParentSquare settings to control how and when you hear from District 58 and your child’s school. Don’t worry, time-sensitive and emergency alerts will still reach you immediately! Follow these 2 quick steps (on your web browser or mobile app): 1️⃣ Activate/Register your account: English / Spanish 2️⃣ Customize your notification settings: English / Spanish After activating your account, you can: Choose HOW to receive messages - Email, text, and/or app notification Decide WHEN to receive messages - Instantly or do you prefer fewer alerts? Select the “digest” option to get all your messages in one convenient daily summary around 6 p.m. This feature is especially helpful for families with children at multiple schools! Contact your school or the Community Relations Office at jrelihan@dg58.org with any questions. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE Strategic Goals 1, 2, 5 30-Day attendance letters posted in PowerSchool Regular school attendance is crucial for your child’s academic and social development. We appreciate your partnership in helping them arrive at school on time each day.  District 58 is focused on improving student attendance, and as a part of this effort, 30 Day Attendance Letters are now available in the PowerSchool Parent Portal. You can navigate directly to the portal by visiting dg58.powerschool.com. After logging in with your username and password, please scroll down to “Student Reports” on the left-hand side. If you need assistance signing into your account, please contact your child’s school office. For additional guidance on accessing student reports, please see this link for written instructions and this link for a video demonstration. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS Strategic Goals 1, 2 District 58 Emergency Communications In recent issues of Communicate 58, we have directed families to our  Emergency Preparedness webpage, which covers key school safety topics. Today, we will highlight how District 58 communicates emergency information to families and staff. Keeping families and staff informed The safety of our students, staff, and visitors is always our top priority. In any emergency, District 58 partners closely with the Downers Grove Police and Fire Departments to respond quickly and carefully. Verified information will be shared as soon as possible through ParentSquare emergency alerts, including calls, texts, emails, and app notifications. Please be patient—during true emergencies, it takes time to verify details and coordinate with responders to ensure everyone’s safety. How do we communicate? We want our families and staff to understand how the District shares information during different types of safety situations: Non-urgent safety notifications: For smaller, non-time-sensitive situations, the District or your school will send a ParentSquare safety message following your notification preferences. Urgent alerts: For larger emergencies or time-sensitive situations requiring immediate action, families and staff will receive an urgent ParentSquare alert via robocall, text, email, and app notification. Opt-in is not required; all parents/guardians and staff will receive these alerts instantly, regardless of notification settings or whether your ParentSquare account is activated. Additional updates: Depending on the situation, District 58 may also share information on our social media channels. What information do we share? The District strives to provide families and staff with as much detail and transparency as possible during crises. However, by law, school districts cannot release information that is confidential or could compromise an ongoing investigation. If you receive an emergency message from your school or the District that does not include specific details, it is likely because additional information cannot be shared at that time. We understand that families and staff are on high alert during these situations, and we want to assure you that District 58 and your school will share as much information as possible when it is available. When emergency responders are at school There are occasions when emergency responders may visit your child’s school that do not require parent communication. For example, our Police and Fire departments often visit schools to teach students about safety. If you see emergency responders at your child’s school, please avoid jumping to conclusions or speculating. Your school or the District will contact you if there is a safety issue. If you have questions about something you observe, please reach out to your child’s school to get accurate information and refrain from spreading rumors. AROUND THE DISTRICT Strategic Goals 1, 2, 5 School Halloween Celebrations Principals will share school-specific guidelines for Halloween celebrations and costumes this month with their families. In general, Elementary students may wear costumes and enjoy outdoor costume parades (weather permitting) during the school day, followed by classroom parties. Middle school students may wear costumes during the school day. While school-wide parades are not held, classroom celebrations may take place as determined by each school. Costume Guidelines: Costumes should be appropriate for school Avoid costumes that show or imply violence Props that could resemble a weapon are not allowed District 58 is proud of its diverse learning community and recognizes that some families may not celebrate Halloween. If you would like your child not to participate, please let your teacher and principal know. They will provide an alternative activity during Halloween celebrations.   O’Neill Middle School Receives Grant to Expand World Language Library O’Neill Middle School has received a $2,000 Feed Your Need Grant from the AISLE/LBSS Endowment Fund to expand its World Language library collection. The new books will support Dual Language students, foreign language learners, and multilingual readers, helping them strengthen their native language skills and celebrate their cultural identities. A big thank you to librarian Tasha Squires for her work on behalf of the students!   BPAC Parent Workshop District 58’s Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC) brings families together to support their children’s success in our Dual Language and Multilingual programs. BPAC meetings offer parents and guardians a space to connect, learn, and share ideas about how to help their children thrive in school and beyond. On Wednesday, October 29, at 6:00 pm at El Sierra School, BPAC is hosting a family evening of learning, food and music. Join us for a workshop to learn how the bilingual brain works and gain practical tips to support your children's language growth. See flyer for full details and RSVP using the QR code. SCHOOL BOARD NEWS Strategic Goals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 The District 58 Board of Education held a regular business meeting on Thursday, October 16, at 7 p.m. at the Civic Center. See the Board Briefs for full details. The Board will hold its fall Curriculum Workshop on Monday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. at the Downers Grove Civic Center. The Board Preview for this workshop will be published later this week. COMMUNICATIONS & COMMUNITY RELATIONS Strategic Goal 2 Join DG58 Helping Hands Make a difference for District 58 students by joining the Helping Hands Community. Volunteers help support families in need, including our Winter Clothing Drive. Sign up today and together, we can ensure every student feels warm, supported, and cared for this winter!  https://dg58.us/D58HelpingHands   Reminder: Register for The Reading Games! District 58 invites students to sign up for The Reading Games now through Friday, Nov. 15. The Reading Games is a free and fun annual reading competition open to District 58 and District 61 students in grades 3–8. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at O’Neill Middle School. For more information, please go to Reading Games website and email readinggamesdg58@gmail.com with any questions. Team Registration Individual Registration Book List 1 (3rd-4th grades) Book List 2 (5th-8th grades)   Run, Walk, Give Back! Join the District 58 community for the 2025 Grove Express 5K on Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 27! This family-friendly event, led by the Education Foundation of Downers Grove 58, the Rotary Club, and the Roadrunners Soccer Club, supports local education and youth programs. Register by 10/31 for early bird discount: groveexpress.com   Upcoming community events and programs Spooktackular Fun in Downtown Downers Grove - multiple events thru 10/26/25  Halloween Fest Hosted by Midwestern University 10/24/25 Trunk or Treat Hosted by Hobson Road Community Church 10/25/25 Downers Grove Lions Club Annual Halloween Fest 10/26/25 Downers Grove Public Library Programs - October 2025 French Language & Culture Carnival for Future DGN Trojans 11/5/25 (Watch Video Ad) Downers Grove Junior Women's Club Handmade Market 11/21/25 Village of Downers Grove: Ornaments Needed + Tree Lighting Ceremony 11/28/25 4-Wall Handball at Westmont Park District Fitness Center - Fall and Winter 2025 Sessions 2025-26 GPS Parent Series: Navigating Healthy Families   Stay Connected District 58 communciations are sent via ParentSquare. Questions? Contact your school office or the Community Relations Office at jrelihan@dg58.org. Subscribe to District 58 Publications Non-District 58 families and community members can sign up for publications at https://dg58.us/JoinDG58MailingList. DOWNERS GROVE GRADE SCHOOL DISTRICT 58 We Envision. We Seek. We Believe.

    Wednesday, Oct 22 2025

  • Board Briefs: Oct. 16, 2025 Regular Meeting

    October 16, 2025 Regular Meeting The District 58 Board of Education held a Regular Meeting on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the Downers Grove Civic Center. This meeting will take place on Thursday due to the Columbus Day Holiday District 58 Board of Education members are: Darren Hughes, president; Kirat Doshi, vice president; Nicole Bernard, Melissa Ellis, Emily Hanus, Steven Olczyk and Katie Thomas, with Dr. Kevin Russell, superintendent; and Melissa Jerves, board secretary. VIEW MEETING AGENDA VIEW RECORDED MEETING The recording will be published on District 58's YouTube page once available, typically within one week of the meeting. Spotlight on our Schools: Whittier Whittier Principal, Mr. Michael Krugman and representatives from Whittier's Student Council and PTA presented a School Report to the Board. Key points included: Members of Whittier’s Student Council led the Pledge of Allegiance and shared an overview of their school, highlighting school spirit activities and service projects. Whittier PTA co-leaders discussed the many ways they support students and staff through programs, assemblies, family events, field trips, and teacher appreciation activities. Principal Michael Krugman introduced this year’s schoolwide theme, “Make It Happen,” and reviewed Whittier’s core expectations: Be Respectful, Be Responsible, and Be Safe. He described the school’s PBSS incentive program, where students earn Jaguar Jackpot tickets for a chance to win individual and schoolwide prizes. Principal Krugman also shared academic highlights, noting strong student growth in reading and math.  The 2025–26 School Improvement Plan focuses on: strengthening small group instruction in English Language Arts, supporting vocabulary development through context clues, and building social-emotional and executive function skills. The plan also emphasizes professional development and collaboration to support continued student success. VIEW PRESENTATION Spotlight on our Schools: Fall 2025 Data Snapshot Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Mrs. Liz Ehrhart presented a district-level overview of Fall 2025 benchmarking data and a preview of the information that will be examined in further detail at the next several board meetings. Key points included: The update included a district-level overview of Fall 2025 benchmarking data through District ECRA reports. The presentation provided a high-level look at student performance and trends across the District, setting the stage for more in-depth discussions of the data at upcoming Board of Education meetings. Fall MAP assessments are given at the beginning of the school year and provide an initial data point to monitor student growth. NWEA MAP updated its assessment norms this summer, and this fall benchmark window marks the first administration using the updated norms. Growth summaries are based on each student's individual projections, determined by their propensity score calculated by ECRA. This snapshot helps the District track progress and set goals for the school year. ELA successes and areas of growth: Last school year’s ELA adoption aligned resources and pacing across grade levels, supported by refined assessment practices and consistent data review. Professional development and District Tier 1 meetings allowed staff to preview content, collaborate on implementation, and begin building a professional learning community (PLC) structure for ongoing student support. Math successes and areas of growth: Fall math benchmark data shows students maintained expected growth over the summer, avoiding the typical “summer slide.” The 6–8 Math Committee continues the curriculum review process, piloting resources Carnegie Math and soon Amplify Desmos to strengthen conceptual understanding and encourage meaningful peer discussions. Student and teacher feedback guides resource selection to ensure alignment with best instructional practices. Next steps in data analysis: Schools are using fall and spring data to guide instruction, plan interventions, and set building-wide goals, ensuring all students receive targeted support as part of MTSS. Upcoming 10/27 Curriculum Workshop: The Board will review the District MTSS process, 2024–25 IAR data and ECRA reports, while examining trends in our subgroup data and the impact of mobility on student achievement.. The workshop will also explore how student growth and achievement data connect to School Improvement Plans and inform instructional planning and support. VIEW PRESENTATION Superintendent's Report Superintendent Dr. Kevin Russell provided several departmental updates to the Board, including: Personnel: The majority of staff stipend assignments for this year’s clubs and extracurricular activities have been approved. Curriculum and Instruction: Parent-Teacher Conferences will take place next week at all 13 schools, providing an opportunity for teachers and families to discuss student progress and goals. Thank you to parents and staff for partnering together to support student success. Finance: A business update was provided to the Board (see section below for details). Technology: Schools have generated 30-day attendance letters for students, which were posted to PowerSchool on Friday, Oct. 18. Special Services: District 58 partners with SASED to host the Vision Program at Kingsley School. In recognition of International White Cane Awareness Day, Kingsley students participated in hands-on activities to learn about visual disabilities, independence tools, and strategies used by individuals who are blind or have low vision—promoting awareness, inclusion, and empathy. Similar lessons were shared at other schools. Facilities: Referendum construction continues to progress smoothly. Final Phase 1 reviews and punch lists are being completed this fall. Phase 2 punch list work at elementary schools is expected to wrap up over Thanksgiving and Winter Break. Larger middle school projects will be completed by the new calendar year, with punch list items addressed through the spring. Ribbon-cutting ceremonies at Herrick and O’Neill are planned for the spring to celebrate the completed work. Phase 3 bids are expected next week and will be presented to the Board at the November Regular Meeting. Public Relations: District 58 recently completed its annual recruitment process, receiving 44 new applications. Most applicants were placed on their preferred committees, bringing valuable insight and diverse perspectives to support district initiatives. In addition, the Education Foundation has opened registration for the 2025–26 Teacher Grant Program, offering $30,000 in funding for innovative classroom projects aligned with district goals. Applications are open through October 31, with recipients announced before Thanksgiving Break. Principal Appreciation Month: Dr. Russell recognized District 58’s 13 principals for the vital role they play in creating safe, supportive, and inspiring learning environments where students can thrive.  Business Report Assistant Superintendent for Business/CSBO Dr. Gregory Harris presented a monthly business and treasurer’s report to the Board. Key points included: The monthly financial update and business presentation focused on the District’s comprehensive approach to addressing current budget challenges while continuing to provide high-quality programs and support for all students. Ongoing efforts will focus on proactively maintaining fiscal stability and ensuring transparency in all financial matters. Key recommendations include updating financial assumptions, projections, and reporting models, refining the fund balance policy for clarity and understanding, advocating for reimbursement of state-mandated transportation costs, and managing May cash flow prior to receiving June property tax receipts. The presentation also included recommendations to approve premium increases on all medical and dental plans, as discussed by the Health & Wellness Committee; switch to a different bank for District administration P-Cards to reduce fees; revise facility rental rates and categories to better address the growing interest from community groups in using District facilities. Board discussions emphasized providing access for community groups while differentiating between nonprofit versus for-profit organizations and local versus external groups. Partnerships with the Downers Grove Park District and other community organizations were also highlighted. Committee Updates Board members shared the following committee updates: Key points included: The Policy Committee has not met since the last Board Meeting. Board Member Ms. Melissa Ellis provided an update on the recent Legislative Committee meeting, which included discussion of proposed resolutions, most of which are governance-related. The committee also reviewed a recommendation to fund three-point seatbelts on school buses. The Legislative Breakfast will be held on Friday, January 23 (with February 20 as an alternate date). This annual event provides an important opportunity to engage with federal, state, and local legislators about issues impacting District 58 and surrounding communities. One anticipated topic of discussion will be state funding and reimbursement for mandatory categorical costs, including transportation. Board President Mr. Darren Hughes reported on the October Financial Advisory Committee (FAC), which included a review of the year-to-date financial and health insurance reports. The committee discussed potential future adjustments to the fund balance and capital reserve policies, with plans to revise policy language in the next calendar year. The FAC recommended retaining arbitrage funds through at least the next fiscal year to continue earning interest and meet the District’s low cash point in May, while monitoring rate trends and maintaining fiscal strength. The committee also discussed strategies to manage spending, improve budget accuracy, and address state funding volatility and delayed categorical reimbursements. The District Leadership Team has not met since the last Board Meeting. Board Member Ms. Nicole Bernard shared updates from the Health & Wellness Committee, which recommended a 3% increase in medical plan premiums across the district’s four medical plans and a 19.5% increase in dental premiums. The committee also plans to evaluate dependent eligibility through an audit in the coming months. Other During the meeting, the Board also heard the following updates: SASED Report: Superintendent Dr. Kevin Russell shared that there were no significant updates from SASED at this time. The organization is currently reviewing its facilities to identify opportunities for greater efficiency while continuing to meet student needs. On occasion, SASED may need to utilize District 58 classroom space, and the District is exploring ways to help accommodate those needs. Board Agenda Platform: Board Secretary Ms. Melissa Jerves reported that the current platform used to publish Board agendas has been acquired by another company. After reviewing available options, the administration is recommending a transition to BoardBook Premier based on its robust features, competitive subscription pricing, and historically modest rate increases compared to other platforms. Board Recommendations for Action The Board of Education approved the following recommendations for action: Approved minutes of the September 8, 2025 Regular Meeting. Approved Consent Agenda items as presented, including routine business and personnel reports. Approved the 2026 Health and Dental Insurance Rates. Approved the Resolution Authorizing the Issuance of Individual Procurement Cards. Approved the Building Rental Classification Revision for community use of District 58 facilities. Approved the donation of a piano. Approved the designation of various items as Surplus Equipment. VIEW AGENDA & RELATED DOCUMENTS Upcoming Events October 27, 2025, 3:45 p.m. ~ District Leadership Team ~ Downers Grove Civic Center October 27, 2025, 7 p.m. ~ Curriculum Workshop ~ Downers Grove Civic Center November 5, 2025, 3:45 p.m. ~ Legislative Committee ~ Downers Grove Civic Center November 7, 2025, 7 a.m. ~ Financial Advisory Committee ~ Downers Grove Civic Center November 10, 2025, 7 p.m. ~ Regular Board Meeting ~ Downers Grove Civic Center   Stay Connected All District 58 communication and publications are sent via ParentSquare. Questions? Contact your school office or jrelihan@dg58.org. Subscribe Non-District 58 families and community members can sign up for updates here: https://dg58.us/JoinDG58MailingList. DOWNERS GROVE GRADE SCHOOL DISTRICT 58 850 Curtiss St., Ste. 200, Downers Grove, IL 60515 / (630) 719-5800

    Monday, Oct 20 2025

  • Board Preview: Oct. 16 Regular Board Meeting

    BOARD PREVIEW 10/16/2025 Board of Education Regular Meeting The District 58 Board of Education will hold a Regular Business Meeting on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 7 p.m. at the Downers Grove Civic Center, 850 Curtiss St., Downers Grove, IL 60515. This meeting does not take place on the usual second Monday of the month due to Columbus Day. The public may also view the meeting remotely, via the Village of Downers Grove’s YouTube account.  Board Meeting Agenda The agenda covers many topics, including: School Report presented by Whittier School (principal and representatives from the Student Council and PTA). Spotlight on our Schools with a Fall Data Snapshot presentation. Reports on recent committee meetings, including the Legislative Committee, Financial Advisory Committee, and Health & Wellness Committee. Discussion on a new board agenda platform. A recommendation to approve 2026 health and dental insurance rates. A recommendation to adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Issuance of Individual Procurement Cards. A recommendation to approve revisions to building rental classifications. A recommendation to approve a piano donation. A recommendation to designate items to be sold as surplus equipment. View more information about these topics and all Board meeting topics in the Board agenda at https://dg58.us/boe_agenda. Public Participation How to make a public comment during the meeting: The Board encourages pubic comment from the community. There will be an opportunity for in-person visitors to make a public comment. Members of the public may communicate with the Board at any time by emailing boe@dg58.org.   JOIN OUR MAILING LIST If you are not a District 58 parent/guardian or staff member and you would like to subscribe to receive our community publications, please sign up at https://dg58.us/JoinDG58MailingList. Current District 58 parents/guardians and staff are automatically subscribed to receive all publications. PARENTSQUARE This publication and other messages from District 58 and our school offices will be sent through our primary communication platform, ParentSquare. Please contact your school office or the Community Relations Office at jrelihan@dg58.org with any questions or for more information. DOWNERS GROVE GRADE SCHOOL DISTRICT 58 850 Curtiss St., Ste. 200, Downers Grove, IL 60515 / (630) 719-5800

    Tuesday, Oct 14 2025

  • Communicate 58: October 8, 2025

    Volume 18, Issue 6: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 QUICK LINKS D58 Website ParentSquare PowerSchool D58 Calendar 2025-26 D58 Facebook D58 X (Twitter) D58 YouTube   Mark Your Calendar! View the full 2025-26 calendar Thursday, Oct. 9 11:00 am - Parent-Teacher Conference Sign-Up Opens Friday, Oct. 10 7-8 pm - Board of Education: Financial Advisory Committee Meeting, the Civic Center Monday, Oct. 13 No School - Columbus Day Thursday, Oct. 16 7:00 pm - Regular Board of Education Meeting, the Civic Center Friday, Oct. 17 11:00 am - Parent-Teacher Conference Sign-Up Closes Tuesday, Oct. 21 5-8 pm - Parent-Teacher Conferences Thursday, Oct. 23 5-8 pm - Parent-Teacher Conferences Monday, Oct. 27 7:00 pm - Board of Education: Curriculum Workshop, the Civic Center Wednesday, Oct. 29 6:30 pm - BPAC Meeting at El Sierra GREETINGS FROM SUPERINTENDENT DR. RUSSELL Strategic Goals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Dear District 58 Community, As we move into October, it is wonderful to see our schools in full swing. Classrooms are buzzing with learning, and our hallways are filled with the energy that comes when students, staff, and families come together in support of education. Autumn is always a season of connection, with parent-teacher conferences, family events and school celebrations. I am grateful for the many ways our community partners with us to create a welcoming and engaging experience for all students. As the school year progresses, I am inspired by the dedication of our staff and the enthusiasm of our students. Together, we’re seeing our mission, We Envision, We Seek, and We Believe, come to life every day. Students are growing academically, developing a strong sense of belonging, and striving for excellence in all they do. October also marks National Principals Month, a time to recognize the incredible leadership of our principals. Their work goes far beyond managing our schools. They cultivate the culture and climate that make our schools feel like home. Principals support teachers, encourage students, build meaningful relationships with families, and ensure that every learner has what they need to grow and thrive. Join me in celebrating our school leaders: Brent Borchelt, Principal of Belle Aire Jason Lynde, Principal of El Sierra Dr. Lisa Niforatos, Principal of Fairmount Mark Leipart, Principal of Henry Puffer Dr. Steven Perkins, Principal of Herrick Zachary Craft, Principal of Highland Michelle Rzepka, Principal of Hillcrest Emily Stubbs, Principal of Indian Trail Charles Brewster, Principal of Kingsley Katie Novosel, Principal of Lester Lauryn Humphris, Principal of O’Neill Dr. Leland Wagner, Principal of Pierce Downer Michael Krugman, Principal of Whittier Thank you, as always, for your continued partnership and support. Together, we’re building a strong foundation for our students and our community. Sincerely, Dr. Kevin B. Russell Superintendent of Schools FALL PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES Strategic Goals 1, 2, 5 Online sign-up opens tomorrow 10/9 District 58 invites parents and guardians to sign up for fall 2025 parent-teacher conferences using the online PowerPTC conference signup system starting Thursday, October 9, at 11 a.m. via PowerPTC.net. The sign-up window will close Friday, October 17, at 11 a.m.  Please view the parent-teacher conference signup guide (para Español: Registro para las reuniones de padres y maestros) to learn how to sign up for a conference using the system, along with other helpful information. Parent-teacher conferences will be held in person. However, families who require a remote option should schedule their conference in PowerPTC and then change the meeting type from “in person” to “video conference.”  Conferences will take place on the evenings of Tuesday, October 21, and Thursday, October 23. TECHNOLOGY Headphones for 2nd Grade Students 2nd grade students were issued new iPads at the start of this school year. They will use this same iPad for the remainder of their middle school experience. This iPad does not have a traditional 3.5 mm headphone port; instead, it only has a USB-C port. For this school year, we will be providing adapters to help students connect traditional headphones. Should you need to purchase headphones at any point this year, we would encourage you to purchase USB-C compatible headphones. We will update school supply lists for future school years. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS Strategic Goals 1, 2 District 58 school safety In recent issues of Communicate 58, we have directed families to our Emergency Preparedness webpage, which covers key school safety topics. Today, we will continue to spotlight how District 58 proactively supports student and staff safety. Crisis resources District 58 partners with Safe2Help Illinois, a monitored system that allows students to safely and confidently report a crisis, threat, or bullying incident involving themselves or someone they know. The District’s social workers, behavioral specialists, school psychologists and counselors are also on staff to support students. Additional resources include the following: Dial 9-1-1 immediately for any situations where a student is in danger of being harmed by someone or harming themselves. Do not hesitate to make your call--doing so could save student lives. Contact Safe2Help Illinois: Students can contact Safe2Help Illinois to safely and confidentially report a crisis, threat or bullying involving themselves or someone they know. Safe2Help is monitored 24/7 by trained crisis professionals. District 58 staff will receive an alert after the Safe2Help professional provides support. Learn more about Safe2Help here. Through Safe2Help, students can report a crisis, threat or bullying through the following ways: Website: https://app.safe22helpil.com Text: SAFE2 (72332) Phone: 844-4-SAFEIL (844-472-3345) App: "Safe2Help Illinois" app available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store Email: HELP@Safe2HelpIL.com Call or text "988”: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline will provide 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. Text “ACT” to 741741: The National Crisis Text line will connect you with free, confidential assistance. Additional resources: Grit2 mental health resources and support (local nonprofit) Sexual Abuse Response and Prevention Resource Guide (Illinois State Board of Education) BEACON (find behavioral and mental health resources) Safety drills District 58 schools practice a variety of safety drills throughout the year to ensure everyone is prepared if an emergency occurs. The safety drills include: fire drills, tornado/severe weather drills, bus evacuation drills and active threat drills. Drills are designed to educate and prepare students. Schools take precautions to avoid scaring students during drills. Building principals will notify parents when a safety drill occurs, either by email or newsletter. Visitor safety Schools screen all visitors using the Raptor System, and all staff and approved visitors wear a District 58 color-coded lanyard with their identification. The District is in the process of building more secure entrances at all schools, using funding from the District’s successful fall 2022 referendum. AROUND THE DISTRICT Strategic Goals 1, 2, 5 Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month National Hispanic Heritage Month takes place from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, and District 58 schools are joining in the celebration! Across the district, students are learning about and honoring the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic Americans. Many schools have decorated their hallways and classrooms with educational and colorful displays, showcasing creativity and cultural pride. The bulletin board pictured states, "We are proud of our heritage."   Strategic Goals 1, 2, 5 The Reading Games registration is open! District 58 invites students to register for The Reading Games, now through Friday, November 15. The Reading Games is a free and fun annual reading competition for District 58 and District 61 students in grades 3-8. It will take place on Saturday, February 22, 2026, at O’Neill Middle School.  Overview Students read books from the book lists, then face other teams to answer questions about the books they’ve read. It’s a great opportunity for kids to read new books and discuss them with friends. Teams are made up of 5-8 students, and may include students from different grades and schools in Districts 58 and 61. Teams will read books and be asked questions from Book List 1 (3rd-4th grades) and Book List 2 (5th-8th grades). Team Registration Completing the team registration form reserves your spot as a team to compete at the Games. You do not need to identify the students that will be on your team for this registration, so there is time to finalize the team members. In December, you will be asked to provide more information about your team, including your team name and volunteers. Each team should plan to have adult volunteer roles for team contact, team volunteer, and 2 team chaperones. See Team Registration for full details. Individual Registration If you have a child who would like to participate but does not have a team, you may request a spot using the individual registration form. Although we cannot guarantee a spot on a team, we will do our very best to match children to existing teams, or to assist you in creating a new team. See Individual Registration for full details. Please email readinggamesdg58@gmail.com with any questions and go to the Reading Games website for more information. Good luck to our readers as they uncover the magic within these books!  SCHOOL BOARD NEWS Strategic Goals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 The District 58 Board of Education will hold its next regular business meeting on Thursday, October 16, at 7 p.m. at the Civic Center. This meeting does not take place on the usual second Monday of the month due to Columbus Day. The Board Preview and the agenda will be shared early next week. The Board will hold its fall Curriculum Workshop on Monday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. at the Downers Grove Civic Center. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Strategic Goal 2 Fall assessment reports - ParentSquare Last week, District 58 sent paper reports home for NWEA Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessment for reading and mathematics, and for some children, the AIMSWebPlus assessment in reading and/or mathematics. We will also add the assessment reports in ParentSquare for your convenience. To access this secure document, you will need to register (activate) your ParentSquare account.  How to register your ParentSquare account: If you have not registered (activated) your account, you will receive an invitation email and/or text with a direct link to “Activate Your Account.” Or on your browser, go to https://www.parentsquare.com/sign or download the free ParentSquare app (see step-by-step instructions). Enter your email or phone number, then click “Get Started.” You can also use your credentials and password with Google or Microsoft to sign in. Health exam and immunization forms due 10/15 Next Wednesday, October 15, is the deadline for students in grades K, 2, and 6, as well as any new students, to submit required health examination and immunization forms (Spanish). For more information, visit our Health Services page. Please go to the “Health Form Information” section of District 58’s Registration page for the required forms. COMMUNITY RELATIONS Fire Prevention Week This week is Fire Prevention Week, a great reminder to test your smoke detectors and review your family’s home fire escape plan. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers excellent safety tips and resources at nfpa.org. District 58 has a strong community partnership with the Downers Grove Fire Department. Through this collaboration, firefighters teach important safety lessons to students across several grade levels, including: First grade: Adopt-a-Firefighter program – a five-lesson safety curriculum Third grade: Monthly Learn Not to Burn safety lessons Fourth grade: Fire safety review and preparedness activities Eighth grade: Basic Aid Training We are grateful to the Downers Grove Fire Department for their ongoing support, expertise, and commitment to keeping our students and community safe!   Save the date for the Grove Express 5K! The Grove Express Foundation invites the District 58 community to attend the 2025 Grove Express 5K Run/Walk on Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 27. This annual family event is led by the Education Foundation of Downers Grove 58, the Rotary Club of Downers Grove, and the Roadrunners Soccer Club. All event proceeds will support local education and youth programs, including those at District 58. Early registration is open now at https://www.groveexpress.com/.   Upcoming community events and programs GPS upcoming speakers The GPS Parent Series offers a lineup of incredible speakers on topics that matter to families. These events are free, virtual, and open to all! Browse the October presentations and upcoming sessions at gpsparentseries.org. E-Flyers for community events/programs are also posted online at https://www.dg58.org/community-engagement/e-flyers. Downers Grove Public Library Programs - October 2025 DG Fire Department - Night at the Firehouse 10/8/2025 Downers Grove South Dance Halftime Experience - October 2025  4-Wall Handball at Westmont Park District Fitness Center - Fall and Winter 2025 Sessions   This publication and other messages from District 58 and our school offices will be sent via our new communication platform, ParentSquare. Please contact your school office or the Community Relations Office at jrelihan@dg58.org with any questions or for more information. JOIN OUR MAILING LIST If you are not a District 58 parent/guardian or staff member and you would like to subscribe to receive our community publications, please sign up at https://dg58.us/JoinDG58MailingList. DOWNERS GROVE GRADE SCHOOL DISTRICT 58 We Envision. We Seek. We Believe.

    Wednesday, Oct 08 2025

  • Join Us in Shaping the Future of District 58

    Downers Grove Grade School District 58 We Envision. We Seek. We Believe. September 29, 2025 Join Us in Shaping the Future of District 58 Dear District 58 Community, District 58 is fortunate to have parents/guardians, staff, and community members who care deeply about our students’ education. By working together, we can turn this passion into meaningful opportunities for our children. We invite you to get involved by serving on a District 58 council or Board of Education committee for the 2025-26 school year.  District-wide councils with openings include: Superintendent’s Community Advisory Council (parents/guardians) Connection and Communication Council (parents/guardians and staff) Curriculum Council (primarily staff, with parent/guardian spots) In addition, the District 58 Board of Education maintains several committees that provide guidance in key areas. The Board is seeking additional parents/guardians, staff, and community members to fill vacancies on the following committees: Financial Advisory Committee Legislative Committee Policy Committee District Leadership Team These groups provide valuable input that helps guide the direction of our schools. Click here to learn more about each council/committee, including descriptions, available spots, and meeting schedules. How to get involved: Please complete this Committee Interest Form by Friday, Oct. 3. Applicants will be notified of their status by Friday, Oct. 10. Membership will be selected to ensure balanced representation across schools and stakeholder groups. While we hope to place every applicant, some committees may be limited. If you are not selected, please consider getting involved through your local PTA. Your perspective is invaluable. By sharing your ideas, experiences, and expertise, you will help shape the future of our schools while strengthening our community. Thank you for your support and partnership. Sincerely, Dr. Kevin B. Russell Superintendent of Schools

    Monday, Sep 29 2025

  • Communicate 58: September 24, 2025

    Volume 18, Issue 5: Wednesday, September 24, 2025 QUICK LINKS D58 Website ParentSquare PowerSchool D58 Calendar 2025-26 D58 Facebook D58 X (Twitter) D58 YouTube   Mark Your Calendar! View the full 2025-26 calendar Wednesday, Oct. 1 3:45-5 pm - Board of Education: Legislative Committee Meeting, the Civic Center Thursday, Oct. 2 National Custodial Workers Recognition Day Thursday, Oct. 9 11:00 am - Parent-Teacher Conference Sign-Up Opens Friday, Oct. 10 7-8 am - Board of Education: Financial Advisory Committee Meeting, the Civic Center Monday, Oct. 13 No School - Columbus Day Thursday, Oct. 16 7:00 pm - Regular Board of Education Meeting, the Civic Center Friday, Oct. 17 11:00 am - Parent-Teacher Conference Sign-Up Closes Tuesday, Oct. 21 5-8 pm - Parent-Teacher Conferences Thursday, Oct. 23 5-8 pm - Parent-Teacher Conferences Wednesday, Oct. 29 6:30 pm - BPAC Meeting at El Sierra GREETINGS FROM SUPERINTENDENT DR. RUSSELL Strategic Goals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Dear District 58 Community, We loved seeing so many parents and guardians at our recent Curriculum Nights! It is always wonderful to connect with families and share more about the experiences students will have this year. We look forward to continuing these conversations during the upcoming fall parent-teacher conferences on October 21 and 23. (Please see below for details on how to sign up for conferences.) District 58 is fortunate to have such engaged families, staff and community members who care deeply about the quality of education their children receive and are eager to contribute to the district’s decision-making process. We value the diverse perspectives our community provides and, each year, invite members to join a District committee or council to share their ideas and feedback. This year, we are recruiting parents/guardians, staff and community members for the following committees and councils: Superintendent’s Community Advisory Council Connection and Communication Council Curriculum Council Board Financial Advisory Committee Board Legislative Committee Board Policy Committee Board District Leadership Team To learn more: Click here to learn about each group, including goals, available spots and meeting dates.  Click here to learn about the recruitment process Please complete the Committee Interest Form by Friday, October 3, to apply. Thank you for your interest and for helping shape the future of District 58! Sincerely, Dr. Kevin B. Russell Superintendent of Schools BUILDINGS & GROUNDS Celebrating National Custodial Workers Day Next Wednesday, October 2, is National Custodial Workers Day, and we want to take a moment to extend our heartfelt thanks to our custodial and maintenance staff for keeping our schools clean, safe and functional each day! We are especially grateful for their flexibility and dedication as they work around the added challenges of referendum construction. Your hard work and commitment do not go unnoticed—thank you! CURRICULUM Strategic Goals 1, 2 Fall assessment results coming home Oct. 3 Students in grades K-8 recently took the NWEA-Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessment for reading and mathematics. Depending on your child’s age and educational experience, some students also completed the AIMSWebPlus assessment in reading and/or mathematics. District 58 plans to send paper reports home on Friday, October 3. Additionally, we will be adding assessment reports in ParentSquare for your convenience. To access this secure document, you will need to register (activate) your ParentSquare account.  How to register your ParentSquare account: If you have not registered (activated) your account, today you will receive an invitation email and/or text with a direct link to “Activate Your Account.” Or on your browser, go to https://www.parentsquare.com/sign or download the free ParentSquare app (see step-by-step instructions). Enter your email or phone number, then click “Get Started.” You can also use your credentials and password with Google or Microsoft to sign in. If you have any questions, please contact Liz Ehrhart, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, at 630-719-2768. Please view District 58's assessment calendar to learn more about which assessments students take and when.   Strategic Goals 1, 2 Parent-teacher conference signups open on Oct. 9 District 58 invites parents and guardians to sign up for fall 2025 parent-teacher conferences using the online PowerPTC conference signup system starting Thursday, October 9 at 11 a.m. via www.PowerPTC.net. The sign-up window will close Friday, October 17 at 11 a.m.  Please view the parent-teacher conference signup guide (para Español: Registro para las reuniones de padres y maestros) to learn how to sign up for a conference using the system, along with other helpful information. Parent-teacher conferences will be held in person. However, families who require a remote option should schedule their conference in PowerPTC and then change the meeting type from “in person” to “video conference.”  Conferences will take place on the evenings of Tuesday, October 21, and Thursday, October 23. SPECIAL SERVICES Strategic Goals 1, 2. Health exam and immunization forms due Oct. 15 A friendly reminder: Tuesday, October 15, is the deadline for students in grades K, 2, and 6, as well as any new students, to submit required health examination and immunization forms (Spanish). For more information, visit our Health Services page. Please go to the “Health Form Information” section of District 58’s Registration page for the required forms.   Strategic Goals 1, 2, 5 Free developmental screenings Do you have little ones at home—or know someone who does? District 58 offers free preschool and developmental screenings for children from birth through age 5. These screenings help identify young children who may have developmental delays and could benefit from early support or special education before starting kindergarten. All children must live within District 58 boundaries. Help us spread the word and give every child a strong start! Learn more here. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS Strategic Goals 1, 2 District 58 School Safety In the last issue of Communicate 58, we shared a link to our Emergency Preparedness webpage, which covers several key school safety topics. Throughout the year, we will continue to highlight parts of this series in our newsletter. Today, we’re taking a closer look at how District 58 proactively addresses school safety: District 58 staff work closely with Downers Grove emergency responders, meeting annually and as needed to review and update our emergency management procedures. Recommendations are based on national best practices and the unique safety needs of our district and schools. The District also has a Threat Assessment Team comprised of administrators, social workers, other school staff and Downers Grove police that regularly meets to assess and address potential concerns. Any updates to emergency procedures are shared with administrators and principals, who review the plans with teachers and staff at the start of the school year and throughout the year as needed. To maintain safety, detailed plan information is only shared with employees and emergency responders. Each classroom is equipped with an emergency action guide and an ALICE safety protocol reference card, which teachers and students can quickly use during emergencies. These guides are also provided to substitute teachers. District 58 schools regularly review safety and behavior expectations with students in an age-appropriate way. Presentations focus on promoting respectful, responsible, and safe behavior, covering topics such as school visitor protocols, technology safety, harassment and bullying, prohibited items, and expectations and consequences. SCHOOL BOARD NEWS Strategic Goals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 The District 58 Board of Education held a regular meeting on Monday, September 8, at the Civic Center. View the Agenda and Board Briefs for more information. The Board's next business meeting is Thursday, October 16, at 7 p.m. at the Civic Center. COMMUNITY Strategic Goal 2 In case you missed it Annual Report 2025 District 58’s 2025 Annual Report is here, highlighting district news, Strategic Plan progress, and more; view it online or in the mailed copy delivered to your home. Helping Hands Network Helping Hands connects caring community members with families in need, providing essentials like winter clothing, food and gift cards. Last year alone, over 100 donations made a big difference for students. Join the network today at https://dg58.us/D58HelpingHands. Thank you for school supply donations! A big thank you to the community groups who generously donated school supplies to our students this fall, including Community Christian Church, Catholic Charities (Diocese of Joliet), DURAVANT, The Kim Moustis Group - Keller Williams Experience and Next Phase Advisory Group! Your support helps ensure every child has the tools they need to learn, grow and succeed. We are grateful for your partnership in supporting District 58 students and families! Thank you for attending Oktoberfest! The 12th Downers Grove Oktoberfest was a huge success! Thanks to the incredible support of attendees, volunteers, coordinators, sponsors, and community partners, all proceeds from this annual festival will benefit the Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58. These funds directly support programs for District 58 students and staff. Learn more about the Foundation at www.58foundation.org. Upcoming Community Events and Programs Ladies Day & Night Out School Fundraiser - 9/25/25 4-Wall Handball at Westmont Park District Fitness Center - Fall and Winter 2025 Sessions Downers Grove South Dance Halftime Experience - October 2025  DG Fire Department - Night at the Firehouse 10/8/2025 2025-26 GPS Parent Series: Navigating Healthy Families E-Flyers are also posted online at https://www.dg58.org/community-engagement/e-flyers.   This publication and other messages from District 58 and our school offices will be sent via our new communication platform, ParentSquare. Please contact your school office or the Community Relations Office at jrelihan@dg58.org with any questions or for more information. JOIN OUR MAILING LIST If you are not a District 58 parent/guardian or staff member and you would like to subscribe to receive our community publications, please sign up at https://dg58.us/JoinDG58MailingList. DOWNERS GROVE GRADE SCHOOL DISTRICT 58 We Envision. We Seek. We Believe.

    Wednesday, Sep 24 2025