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  • Board Preview: March 9 Regular Board Meeting

    BOARD PREVIEW 3/9/26 Board of Education Regular Meeting The District 58 Board of Education will hold a regular meeting on Monday, March 9, 2026 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 will cover several topics, including: School Report presented by Belle Aire Elementary School (principal and representatives from the Student Council and PTA) Spotlight on our Schools: Staffing and School Calendar Updates Spotlight on our Schools: Referendum Construction Financial Update Superintendent and Monthly Business reports Reports on recent committee meetings, including Legislative Committee, Financial Advisory Committee, District Leadership Team, and Health & Wellness Committee Discussion on Middle School Math Resource Recommendation Discussion on El Sierra Instructional Space Considerations A recommendation to approve a first reading of Board Fund Balance and Capital Facilities Policies A recommendation to approve a Resolution Authorizing Transfer of Monies from the Working Cash Fund to the Education, Operations and Maintenance, Transportation, and Municipal Retirement/Social Security Funds A recommendation to approve the Honorable Dismissal of Teachers A recommendation to approve 10-Year Health Life Safety Surveys A recommendation to award a bid for roof repair at Kingsley School 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, Mar 06 2026

  • Board Briefs: Feb. 23, 2026 Curriculum Workshop

    February 23, 2026 Curriculum Workshop The District 58 Board of Education held a Curriculum Workshop on Monday, February 23, 2026, 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. CURRICULUM WORKSHOP PRESENTATION Winter Data Snapshot Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Ms. Liz Ehrhart gave a detailed curriculum presentation to the Board, providing an in-depth review of Winter 2026 student assessment data. Key points included: Winter benchmark assessment results provide the District with a mid-year review of student achievement and growth in relation to end-of-year projections. These data points, along with classroom evidence of learning, help evaluate the effectiveness of current systems of support and guide instructional adjustments as needed. A districtwide analysis shows that elementary students across all schools maintained expected growth in both Math and Reading. At the middle school level, overall growth is slightly below the expected range; however, the percentage of students meeting benchmark continues to increase. Most student subgroups are also demonstrating progress. The District will continue closely monitoring data to ensure appropriate supports are in place for all learners. Teachers will continue to receive support through effective instructional resources and consistent data-review protocols. Academic plans for students with shared learning goals will be aligned across classrooms and schools, grounded in a common understanding of assessment results. Instructional practices and professional learning will be adjusted as needed to support student outcomes. Ongoing analysis also identifies students who may benefit from targeted intervention or enrichment, with progress monitored regularly. Winter data further informs eligibility for acceleration and gifted programming, which will be shared with families at the end of April. Middle School Math Pilot Update Curriculum Coordinator Dr. Christine Priester and Math Pilot Teachers Mrs. KC Chick (6th Grade Fairmount) and Ms. Gianna Frale (Math at Herrick) provided the Board with a comprehensive update on the ongoing District’s Middle School Math Pilot. Key points included: During the 2025–26 school year, the District’s 6–8 Math Committee is focused on two primary priorities: reviewing the draft Illinois Comprehensive Numeracy Plan (anticipated for final release in June 2026) and evaluating two middle school curriculum options, Carnegie’s Middle School Math Solution and Amplify Desmos, through a formal pilot process. Both resources have been implemented this year across the full 7th and 8th grade math departments and in three Grade 6 math classrooms. As part of the pilot update, teachers provided the Board with an overview of each program’s structure, instructional design, and classroom experience. The Committee will continue analyzing student performance data alongside teacher and student feedback to determine which resource best supports coherent, standards-aligned, and effective math instruction across the District. Administrators will present a formal curriculum recommendation at the March 9 Regular Board Meeting. Recommended materials will be available for public review at the Downers Grove Public Library and the District 58 Administrative Offices. The Board is expected to consider approval of the new middle school math curriculum at its April 13 Regular Meeting. Middle School Athletics and Activities Assistant Superintendent for Personnel/Staff Development Mr. Justin Sisul, Athletic Directors Mrs. Nicole Gillette (Herrick PE) and Bobby Mueller (O’Neill Science), and Middle School Principals Dr. Steve Perkins (Herrick) and Ms. Lauryn Humphris (O’Neill) gave a joint presentation to the Board to begin discussions on middle school athletics and activities. Conference Participation & Expanded Activities In 2024–25, District 58 significantly expanded middle school student opportunities by joining the Southeast DuPage Elementary Athletic Association (SDEAA) Conference. Both Herrick and O’Neill now compete in a 13-school conference comprised primarily of District 86 and 99 feeder schools. Offered activities include: cross country, track, basketball, volleyball, cheerleading, wrestling, soccer, chess, and scholastic bowl. The conference also sponsors softball, baseball, swimming, and golf. District 58 does not currently offer these sports due primarily to season timing, facility limitations, and transportation costs. The District also joined the Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA), a statewide organization that provides state-level tournament opportunities for certain sports and activities. Intramural & Student Clubs Both middle schools continue to offer a range of intramural activities and student clubs. Herrick and O’Neill maintain three standard clubs (Student Council, Yearbook, and Newspaper/Media-Photography) along with up to six flexible clubs based on student interest (i.e., Courtyard Crew, Cooking Club, Dungeons & Dragons, Improv/Drama, and others). With referendum construction now complete, both schools are seeking to expand intramural offerings in the future.  The District will continue surveying students to assess interest and guide programming decisions. Co-Curricular Music Opportunities In addition to general Choir, Orchestra and Band, middle school students may choose to participate in Chamber Choir, Chamber Strings, Jazz Band and the Annual Musical.  Students may also audition for local and statewide performance opportunities through the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA). 6-8 Middle School Model: 6th Grade Participation Discussion Under the new 6–8 Middle School Model starting in 2026-27, the District plans to allow 6th grade students to participate in all non-cut sports and activities (i.e., cross country, wrestling, track, chess, scholastic bowl, and intramurals). The Board and administration will continue discussions regarding 6th grade participation in cut sports (i.e., basketball, volleyball, soccer). Final information regarding 6th grade opportunities for 2026–27 will be shared with families after spring break. Potential Participation Fee Discussion The Board and administration began preliminary discussions regarding the potential implementation of a nominal student participation fee for athletics and activities. Many other local districts assess fees to help offset program costs. At this time, the District is considering a $50 participation fee for cut sports/activities and a $25 participation fee for non-cut sports/activities. There would not be a fee for intramural sports or student clubs (although certain clubs may impose a materials fee in the future). These suggested fees would not cover the full per-student cost of participation but would subsidize overall program expenses for the District. The Board will continue its discussion before taking formal action. District Committee and Initiatives Updates Mrs. Ehrhart and Curriculum Coordinators Dr. Christine Priester and Ms. Sandy Cristobal provided updates on District Committees and Initiatives.  Full details are available in the presentation. ELA Committee Science Committee MTSS Subcommittee for Intervention District Equity Leadership Team (DELT) Multilingual Programs: Dual Language and English Learners Professional Learning Council View a brief video demonstrating the success of District 58's 2-Way Dual Language Program. Upcoming Meetings & Events Wednesday, March 4, 3:45 p.m. - Legislative Committee - Civic Center Friday, March 6, 7 a.m. - Financial Advisory Committee - Civic Center Monday, March 9, 7 p.m. - Regular Board Meeting - Civic Center   Stay Connected All District 58 communication and publications are sent via ParentSquare. Contact your school office or jrelihan@dg58.org with any questions. 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, Mar 02 2026

  • Communicate 58: February 25, 2026

    Volume 18, Issue 15: Wednesday, February 25, 2026 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 Facebook D58 X (Twitter) D58 YouTube   MARK YOUR CALENDAR! View the full 2025-26 calendar Friday, Feb. 27 NO SCHOOL - Institute Day District 58 Parent School Environment Survey Closes Wednesday, March 4 3:45 p.m. - Board Legislative Committee Meeting - Civic Center 6:30-8 p.m. - Community Open House - O’Neill Middle School  Friday, March 6 End of Trimester 2 7 a.m. - Board Financial Advisory Committee - Civic Center Monday, March 9 7 p.m. - Board of Education Regular Meeting - Civic Center Tuesday, March 10 6-7:30 p.m. - Registration Support Night - El Sierra Friday, March 13 5Essentials Survey Closes Select 58 Award Application Deadline (8th Grade) Monday, March 16 8-11 a.m. - Grove Childrens’ Preschool Screening Friday, March 20 Distinguished Service Awards Nominations Deadline Monday, March 30 to Friday, April 3 NO SCHOOL - Spring Break GREETINGS FROM SUPERINTENDENT DR. RUSSELL Strategic Goals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Dear District 58 Community, Over the past several weeks, we have advanced important work both within our schools and alongside our community partners. We are thankful for the active engagement of our Board members, staff, families, and local leaders, whose collective efforts advance student success and drive continuous improvement in teaching and learning across the District. Legislative Breakfast District 58’s Board of Education Legislative Committee hosted its annual Legislative Breakfast at Herrick Middle School last Friday, February 20. Six elected officials and nearly 100 local community and school district leaders joined us for thoughtful discussion on important education topics, including K-12 education funding priorities. We were grateful for this opportunity to strengthen community partnerships and advocate for legislation and policies that support District 58 students and our community. View the Legislative Breakfast Photo Gallery. Curriculum Workshop Continuing our focus on student success, the Board of Education also held a Curriculum Workshop on Monday, February 23. During the workshop, Board members and administrators reviewed winter student assessment data, discussed this year’s Middle School Math Pilot and provided District Committee updates. Discussion also focused on the 6-8 Grade Middle School Transition and the athletics and activities that will be offered to students next school year. District administrators and the Board will continue these discussions before taking formal action and will share information with our families after spring break. I encourage families to review the Curriculum Workshop Presentation and the Board Briefs, which will be published later this week, to learn more. The Board will hold its next Regular Meeting on Monday, March 9 at 7 p.m. at the Civic Center. Seeking Parent Feedback We are currently seeking parent feedback to guide our continuous improvement efforts in our schools and across the District. Thank you for taking a few minutes to share your perspective before the District 58 School Environment Survey closes this Friday, February 27.  English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DG58Survey2026 Spanish: https://es.surveymonkey.com/r/D58Encuesta2026 No School Friday 2/27 Finally, please note there will be no school this Friday, Feb. 27, due to a county-wide Institute Day for staff. Classes will resume on Monday, March 2. We hope you enjoy the long weekend with your family. Sincerely, Dr. Kevin Russell Superintendent COMMUNICATION Strategic Goal 2 ParentSquare 101: Text Message Update ParentSquare has introduced a new way to send text messages. Instead of always using a 5-digit short code, some messages will now come from a 10-digit local phone number, depending on the type of message. This change applies only to text messages. Email and app notifications are not affected. For example: School newsletters and posts will come from a designated 10-digit local number. District newsletters and posts will continue to come from the same 5-digit short code you have previously received. Why the change? To provide a better experience for families by clearly identifying who the message is from. To help you keep messages organized by school. Some mobile carriers now require certain messages to be sent from 10-digit numbers instead of short codes. No action is needed. The first time you receive a text from one of the new 10-digit numbers, you will also receive a brief, one-time message identifying which school or organization the number represents. At that time, you may wish to save the number in your contacts (for example, “[Your School Name] Messages”) for easy reference. CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN DISTRICT 58 Strategic Goals 1, 2, 5 Nominate an Outstanding District 58 Staff Member Do you know a District 58 staff member who has made a difference? The Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58 encourages the community to recognize staff members who make an impact. Any parent, student, or staff member can submit a nomination by Friday, March 20. The annual DSA ceremony will be held on Tuesday, May 19. Learn more and submit your nomination here. Apply for the Select 58 Recognition Award (8th Grade Students) The Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58 invites all 8th-grade students to apply for the Select 58 Recognition Award, a longstanding District 58 tradition celebrating the culmination of the middle school experience. This award honors students who demonstrate outstanding service, leadership, and citizenship within their school and community. All 8th graders at Herrick Middle School and O'Neill Middle School are eligible, provided they are passing their classes. Applications are due Friday, March 13. The annual Select 58 recognition ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 13. Learn more and submit application form here. STUDENT CELEBRATIONS Strategic Goals 1, 2, 5 District 58 Reading Games Celebrates Literacy and Teamwork Hundreds of students participated in the annual District 58 Reading Games on Saturday, Feb. 21 at O'Neill Middle School. Seventy-eight teams representing 15 schools took part in this spirited, friendly competition that celebrates literacy, teamwork, and a shared love of reading.  Over 450 students in grades 3-8 prepared for the event by reading up to nine books each. Working collaboratively in teams, students demonstrated their comprehension, recall, and analytical thinking as they answered detailed questions about this year’s selected books.   The Reading Games introduces students to a broad range of genres, authors, series, and topics they may not otherwise select for themselves.  Beyond strengthening reading skills, the program creates opportunities for students to collaborate, exchange ideas, and bond over great books. The Reading Games exposes kids to different genres, series, authors, or topics that they may not select for themselves. Plus, it facilitates friends coming together to discuss books while working as a team. Visit the District 58 Reading Games website and Results to learn more. View the Reading Games 2026 photo gallery.   District 58 Students Shine at Festival of Music Last week, students from Herrick Middle School and O'Neill Middle School came together for the annual Festival of Music, held at Downers Grove South High School.. The combined bands, orchestras, and choirs delivered incredible performances, highlighting our students’ talent and passion. Thank you to the students, staff, and families who made this special evening possible.   DG58 Student Earns Art Recognition District 58 is excited to share that Josey Mihalik, El Sierra 6th Grader, won second place in the 2025 Art of Conservation’s Songbird Art Contest. Josey’s original hand-drawn artwork featured the Purple Finch, highlighting her talent and creativity. District 58 proudly celebrates her accomplishment and continues to support students in exploring and sharing their artistic talents.   Former DG58 Student Named American Heart Association Teen of Impact District 58 proudly celebrates Mikaela Ellis, a former DG58 student and current sophomore at Downers Grove North High School, who cares deeply about patient safety and health awareness. She was nominated and selected to represent Illinois in the American Heart Association (AHA) Teen of Impact national competition. Mikaela launched her 9-week fundraising and awareness campaign on National Wear Red Day to promote heart health in her community. She is working to bring Hands On CPR training to the community and shares resources for early heart attack and stroke detection on her Teen of Impact Page. Mikaela’s dedication to this important cause traces back to her time at Pierce Downer in District 58, where she helped support fundraising efforts for AHA. REGISTRATION 2026-27 Strategic Goals 1, 2, 5 Register for Next School Year by March 13 District 58 asks families to complete 2026-27 student registration by Friday, March 13 to help us prepare for next school year. Learn more and register here. The District will host a Registration Support Night on Tuesday, March 10 from 6-7 p.m. at El Sierra for families who would like in-person assistance. Spanish-speaking help will be available. Please bring your documents to complete the registration process. No appointment needed. Get Ready for Kindergarten! Complete Student Registration by Friday, March 13  Attend Kindergarten Round-Up in March - gives parents/guardians the chance to visit their child’s future school, meet the principal and staff, and ask questions. Visit our Kindergarten Resource page for kindergarten-specific information about dates, school boundary maps, registration, immunization requirements, curriculum and more. Consider enrolling your Kindergarten student in the District 58 Dual Language Program VIEW DISTRICT 58 DUAL LANGUAGE VIDEO. Preschool Registration Open Register for Grove Children’s Preschool by Wednesday, March 18. Learn more and apply for tuition spots here. Summer School Registration Open Register for Summer Learning 2026 to give your student the chance to keep learning, exploring, and having fun this summer! District 58 opened registration last week for most 2026 Summer School programs. The only available spots at this time are for 4th-8th grade students. Leap Into Kindergarten registration opens Thursday, March 26 at 9 a.m. District 58 summer classes are open to all students who live in our attendance area. Be sure to register your child for the grade they’ll enter in fall 2026. For assistance, contact Alissa Drake at adrake@dg58.org or 630-719-5869. Learn more and secure your spot at www.dg58.org/summer. MIDDLE SCHOOL COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSES Strategic Goals 2, 4 Join Us! District 58 middle schools invite Downers Grove residents to explore our newly completed referendum construction at Herrick and O’Neill to see the renovated spaces and building improvements firsthand.  CLICK IMAGE BELOW TO ENLARGE Herrick Middle School Guided Building Tour Wed., April. 8 at 6:30 pm Please sign-up at dg58.us/HerrickMS-InsideLook. Space is limited, and if interest exceeds capacity, a lottery will be used to determine attendance. You will receive a confirmation email once your tour slot is secured. Contact Herrick at 630-719-5810 with any questions. O’Neill Middle School Community Open House Wed., March 4 & Thurs., Apr .30 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Join us for a Community Open House - no rsvp required. Contact O’Neill at (630) 719-5815 with any questions. COMMUNITY RELATIONS Strategic Goal 2 Upcoming Community Events & Programs Downers Grove Public Library Highlighted Programs - February/March 2026 Downers Grove Panthers Football & Cheer - Spring Camp March 25-26, 2026 National Charity League Membership Information  Brush & Breathe: A Creative Journey into Emotions, Resilience & Self-Acceptance (Grit2) - Grades 1-8 March 2026 Indian Boundary YMCA Family Activities and Events - February 2026 2025-26 GPS Parent Series: Navigating Healthy Families   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 We Envision. We Seek. We Believe.

    Wednesday, Feb 25 2026

  • Celebrate Excellence: Distinguished Service Award No...

    Downers Grove Grade School District 58 We Envision. We Seek. We Believe. February 23, 2026 Do you know an exceptional District 58 staff member whose dedication has positively impacted you or a student’s life? Please consider nominating that individual for a Distinguished Service Award! The Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58 annually sponsors the free Distinguished Service Awards program to recognize the many contributions of District 58 employees.   Who can submit a nomination? Any District 58 staff member, parent/guardian, or student may nominate a District 58 employee for a Distinguished Service Award.  Who is eligible for a Distinguished Service Award? Nominees must work at least 20 hours per week and must have worked at least one full school year in District 58. Nominees should be individuals who: Consistently performs above and beyond the scope of job duties   Positively affects children in a significant manner               Has a sustained dedication to the education of children          Cares about the child as a whole person                     Has earned the respect of his/her peers and superiors           Serves as a good role model to other district employees How do I nominate an employee for an award? To nominate an employee, please (1) review the Frequently Asked Questions and (2) complete the 2026 DSA Nomination Form. You may also access these materials at www.dg58.org/dsa.  Please share or email completed nomination forms to Julie Relihan at jrelihan@dg58.org or mail to :  Julie Relihan District 58 Office, Community Relations 850 Curtiss Road, Suite 200 Downers Grove, IL 60515   NOTE: If you choose to mail your nomination, please send it early to ensure its timely arrival. Late nominations will not be considered.    When are nomination forms due? The Education Foundation will accept nominations now through Friday, March 20.  When will the Distinguished Service Award winners and nominees be named?  The Education Foundation will notify nominees that they received a nomination by Friday, March 27, 2025. The Education Foundation will surprise the two 2025-26 DSA winners at school on Tuesday, May 19. After school on May 19 at 3:45 p.m., the Foundation will hold the 2026 Distinguished Service Award Ceremony at O’Neill Middle School. During the award ceremony, nominators will read an excerpt of their nomination essay and awards will be distributed. Additional ceremony details will be shared after spring break. Questions? The Education Foundation looks forward to recognizing many outstanding District 58 employees again this year! For more information, please contact Julie Relihan at jrelihan@dg58.org. 

    Monday, Feb 23 2026

  • Board Preview: Feb. 23 Board of Education Curriculum...

    BOARD PREVIEW 2/23/26 Board of Education Curriculum Workshop The District 58 Board of Education will hold a Curriculum Workshop on Monday, February 23, 2026 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 will cover several topics, including: Presentation on Winter Student Assessment Data An update on the Middle School Math Pilot A discussion on Middle School Athletics and Activities An update on District Committees 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, Feb 20 2026

  • District 58 Summer School 2026 - Registration Open

    Downers Grove Grade School District 58 We Envision. We Seek. We Believe. February 19, 2026 Dear District 58 Families, District 58 invites students to register for its Summer School programs! Registration is now open for most Summer School programs. Leap Into Kindergarten registration is an exception and will open on Thursday, March 26 at 9 a.m. Registration deadlines vary depending on the class. In addition, registration is also open for the District’s Extended School Year program. District 58 Summer School classes are open to students enrolled in public, private, or parochial schools who live within the District 58 attendance area. Please register for the grade level your child will enter in fall 2026.  Families who need assistance registering for Summer School may contact Summer School Secretary Alissa Drake at adrake@dg58.org or 630-719-5869. Please see details about District 58’s Summer School programming below or visit www.dg58.org/summer. Summer School: General Education and Enrichment Registration: Summer school registration is open Feb. 19 through April 10. Click here to register. A confirmation email with payment directions will be sent within three school days of your registration.  Schedule: Weekdays, Monday, June 15 - Thursday, July 2 (excluding June 19) from 8:15-11:15 a.m. Location: Henry Puffer School 2220 Haddow Ave., Downers Grove, IL 60515 Cost: $112  Bus Transportation: Not provided - Families are responsible for their students’ transportation. Description: District 58 will offer math and reading grade-level readiness courses, as well as two art classes. Art classes are limited to the first 30 students who register for each class. Once a class reaches capacity, a waiting list will form. Classes are: Reading and Math (Incoming Grades 1-8): 8:15-11:15 a.m. - District 58 will offer individual Reading and Math classes for every grade level, from grades 1-8. The class will focus on grade-level readiness in both reading and math. Art Exploration I (Incoming Grades 2-3): 8:15-11:15 a.m. - Students will use a variety of media to express their creativity while exploring classic and modern styles of art. This class will use various artistic mediums, including paint, oil pastel, colored pencil and mixed media such as ceramics and textiles. Students will be encouraged to improve their technique and comfort level through a wide range of different projects. Art Exploration II (Incoming Grades 4-6): 8:15-11:15 a.m. - Students will use a variety of media to express their creativity while exploring classic and modern styles of art. This class will utilize various artistic mediums, including paint, oil pastel, colored pencil and mixed media such as ceramics and textiles. Students will be encouraged to improve their technique and comfort level through a wide range of different projects. Summer School: Leap Into Kindergarten Registration: Leap Into Kindergarten registration opens Thursday, March 26 at 9 a.m. and will close when capacity is hit.   Schedule: Weekdays, Monday, June 15 - Thursday, July 2 (excluding June 19) from 8:15-11:15 a.m. Location: Henry Puffer School 2220 Haddow Ave., Downers Grove, IL 60515 Cost: $112  Bus Transportation: Not provided - Families are responsible for their students’ transportation. Description: This program is intended for students entering kindergarten in the fall of 2026 and will focus on reading and math readiness. Some of the topics covered include: letter and number recognition, letter sounds, and fine motor activities, including cutting, coloring, pasting, and writing. Extended School Year Schedule: Weekdays, Friday, June 12 - Tuesday, July 14, 8:00-11:00 a.m. (excluding June 19 and July 2-3) Location: Henry Puffer School 2220 Haddow Ave., Downers Grove, IL 60515 Cost: A $67 fee will be applied to your Pushcoin account in June. There is no payment due at this time. Speech-only Services: Free Bus Transportation: Provided for Extended School Year Registration: By invitation only. District 58 will offer Extended School Year programming for students who qualify through their individualized education plan, or IEP. Families of students who qualify for Extended School Year will receive a direct email invitation from the student’s IEP team with program details. Please direct registration questions to the Special Services Department at 630-719-5824. Description: The student’s IEP team will identify targeted goals and specific special education services for the student. This often includes resource, speech and language, occupational and/or physical therapy services. Extended School Year also includes speech-only itinerant services for students who require intensive speech/language support, but who may not be eligible for the full Extended School Year program. Service delivery is based upon the student’s IEP goals and generally is for between 25 and 50 minutes per week during the weeks ESY is in session. There is no fee for itinerant speech services, and transportation is not provided. Please contact Summer School Secretary Alissa Drake at adrake@dg58.org or 630-719-5869 with questions. Summer Music: Band and Orchestra Schedule: Classes to take place August 3 through 14, 2026 Location: O’Neill Middle School 635 59th St., Downers Grove, IL 60516 Cost: $98 General Information: The schedule is still in development. Registration details will be shared by your instrumental music teacher this spring.

    Thursday, Feb 19 2026

  • Board Briefs: Feb. 9, 2026 Regular Meeting

    February 9, 2026 Regular Meeting The District 58 Board of Education held a Regular Meeting on Monday, February 9, 2026, 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. Spotlight on our Schools Henry Puffer Elementary School Henry Puffer Elementary School Principal Mr. Mark Leipart, joined by representatives from Henry Puffer’s Student Council and PTA, presented the school’s report to the Board of Education. Key points included: Henry Puffer students proudly led the Pledge of Allegiance and shared highlights from their school year. They provided an overview of their goals, described school spirit days and fundraising efforts, and explained how Student Council supports both students and staff while strengthening the school community. PTA representatives outlined several new and engaging opportunities to connect families and support the school, including Halloween Bingo, the Lung Run with Color, the Poinsettia Fundraiser, Kinder/New Family Outreach, and more. They also highlighted the PTA’s wide-ranging support of students, staff, and families through numerous programs, events, and initiatives throughout the year. Principal Leipart began his presentation on “Puffer Panther Pride,” emphasizing the strong sense of belonging fostered through the school’s many activities, clubs, and programs that connect their school “family.” He also reviewed Henry Puffer’s School Improvement Goals, which focus on strengthening comprehension of informational text, increasing problem-solving proficiency in mathematics, and improving targeted areas within the 5Essentials survey. Winter 2026 NWEA MAP and ECRA data indicate overall expected growth across most grade levels and student subgroups. VIEW PRESENTATION Spotlight on our Schools 10-Year Life Safety Report Nidhi Shah of Wight & Company presented the District’s 10-Year Life Safety Report to the Board. Key points included: Under Illinois law, school districts must conduct a comprehensive life safety survey of each school facility every 10 years. The resulting report certifies whether buildings comply with applicable life safety codes or identifies any work required to bring facilities into compliance. The inspections of all District 58 schools identified the following recommended actions: $51,354 in urgent needs to be addressed within one year, $23,400 in required work to be addressed within five years, and $401,375 in recommended work to be addressed within 10 years. The review does not include Henry Puffer (which is on a different cycle) or Belle Aire, El Sierra, and Pierce Downer. The latter three will be analyzed post-construction this upcoming year. The report provides a structured plan to ensure District 58 facilities continue to meet state standards and maintain safe learning environments for students and staff. VIEW PRESENTATION Administrator Appointment Next Principal of Whittier School Whittier Principal Michael Krugman will retire at the end of this school year after 15 years of dedicated service to our District. We will miss his leadership and wish him and his family all the best. Because this was a planned retirement, we began the principal selection process early, which ensured a strong pool of candidates and will allow for a smooth transition. The process included multiple interviews with administrators and staff, as well as input from Whittier staff, support personnel, families, and a student focus group.  From this collective feedback, Mr. Bryan Bolton emerged as the strongest candidate, and we were pleased to recommend him for appointment as Principal of Whittier School to the Board of Education. Mr. Bolton brings more than 13 years of experience in education and has strong ties to our community – he attended Indian Trail Elementary and O’Neill Middle School, graduated from Downers Grove South High School, and lives in Downers Grove with his wife and children. He is eager to give back to the community that shaped him and to get to know our students, families, and staff. Superintendent's Report Superintendent Dr. Kevin Russell shared the following departmental updates with the Board: Personnel: At the March Board Meeting, administrators will provide a high-level preview of 2026–27 staffing plans and an update on the process. The 2027–28 school calendar will also be discussed, with approval planned for the April meeting. District 58 aims to better align future calendars with District 99, as construction will no longer affect start and end dates. The 2026-27 calendar was approved in spring 2025. Curriculum and Instruction: The recent Band and Orchestra Solo Festival showcased performances by more than 495 District 58 students. Thank you to the Instrumental Music Department for their planning and preparation, and to the parent volunteers who helped ensure a successful event. We look forward to the District 58 Festival of Music on Feb. 19 at DGS, featuring combined bands, orchestras, and choirs from O’Neill and Herrick. At the Feb. 23 Board Curriculum Workshop, administrators will present the Winter Data Snapshot, provide updates on the Middle School Math pilot and district committee work, and facilitate a discussion on middle school athletics and activities. Technology: On Friday, Feb. 6, the District sent benchmark assessment reports to families via ParentSquare using its secure document delivery system. This method is more secure, efficient, and cost-effective than printing reports for all students. For security purposes, parents must sign into their ParentSquare account to access the documents. Families with questions should contact their school office. Special Services: District 58 will offer Extended School Year (ESY) programming this summer for eligible students through their IEPs. Invitations and additional details will be shared directly with families by their child’s case manager. The ESY program will run June 12 through July 14. Public Relations: The District will host its annual Legislative Breakfast on Friday, February 20, at 7:00 a.m. at Herrick Middle School. Several state legislators are expected to attend. The event provides an opportunity to engage in discussion around key issues impacting District 58 and the broader school community. Annual Surveys: Parents and guardians are encouraged to complete the District 58 School Environment Survey by Feb. 27 and the State’s 5Essentials Parent Survey by March 13. Feedback from these confidential surveys helps guide school and district improvement efforts and is not linked to individual students. Both surveys are available in multiple languages, with paper copies available at schools. Participation data and key themes will be shared with the Board after the survey windows close. Business Report Assistant Superintendent for Business/CSBO Dr. Gregory Harris presented the Board with the monthly business and treasurer’s report. Year-to-date financial results show lower-than-expected State special education funding due to proration, while interest revenue, Evidence-Based Funding (EBF), and property tax revenue are tracking favorably. On the expenditures side, salaries are slightly under budget, and benefits are slightly over.  Generally speaking, there are no major swings anticipated at this time that would alter the expectations for a modest surplus at the end of the fiscal year. District 58 is advancing plans to expand K–8 food services and utilize our new kitchens, which were largely funded by a State grant. Requests for proposals will be released soon to select a vendor for hot lunch service across grades K–8. Administrators plan to bring recommendations to the Board this spring. Discussion Setting the Stage for Success in Kindergarten Assistant Superintendent for Personnel and Staff Development Mr. Justin Sisul, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Mrs. Liz Ehrhart, Kindergarten Teachers Allison Hedman (Whittier), Elizabeth Zawadzki (Hillcrest), Kristina Hopkins (Indian Trail), Marissa Sanderson (Fairmount), and Principal of Fairmount Dr. Lisa Niforatos gave a joint presentation to the Board to discuss Setting the Stage for Success in Kindergarten. Key points included: Over the past several years, District 58 administrators and Kindergarten teachers have collaborated to support student success at school entry. Key priorities include building a strong school community and gathering comprehensive student information to thoughtfully balance classrooms that foster academic, social, and emotional growth for all students. District 58 currently supports Kindergarten students and families through multiple initiatives, including Kindergarten Round-Up for families, surveys, the Leap into Kindergarten summer program, PTA/family-organized summer meet-ups, and Elementary School Meet & Greets (Grades K–5) before the first day of school. The Kindergarten committee identified two key enhancements for incoming families: (1) Kindergarten-only Meet & Greet at each elementary school to provide a more focused and intentional welcome for students and families; and (2) Camp Kindergarten during the first two days of school, emphasizing community-building, supporting balanced classroom assignments, and providing a warm, consistent start for students. The Camp Kindergarten model will introduce students to the Kindergarten experience during the first two days of school, without focusing on individual classrooms or academic assessments. Students will be alphabetically placed in teams rather than with a specific teacher, allowing them to interact with multiple staff and peers. Groups will remain flexible, with consistent adults leading shared experiences. Classroom teacher assignments will be shared on Day 2, with formal “classroom communities” beginning on Day 3. District 58 previously piloted a Camp Kindergarten model at Whittier School (2018, 2019) and Fairmount School (2019), receiving very positive feedback from staff and families. Strong communication, sharing logistics, expectations, and the rationale behind the model was identified as a key factor in the program’s success. Administrators and Kindergarten staff will continue refining the Meet & Greet and initial school experience, including developing communication materials for next month’s Kindergarten Round-Ups. Ensuring consistent experiences and expectations across the District will be a priority. The enhancements are planned for implementation in Fall 2026, followed by family and staff surveys to gather feedback and guide any adjustments. VIEW PRESENTATION Committee Updates Board members shared the following committee updates: Key points included: Board President Mr. Darren Hughes gave an update for the Financial Advisory Committee (FAC): The FAC reviewed the year-to-date financial report and discussed the upcoming food service RFP. Due to small elementary kitchens, a hub-and-spoke model will be used. Each middle school will serve as a hub to prepare meals, while elementary schools will use their kitchens as warming stations. Families will pre-order meals weekly through the selected vendor. The FAC also discussed Board financial policies, including the Fund Balance and Capital Policies, exploring ways to align them with the District’s long-term needs. Policy recommendations will be shared with the Board later this spring. The Policy Committee has not met since the last Board Meeting. The Legislative Committee has not met since the last Board Meeting. The District Leadership Team has not met since the last Board Meeting. The Health & Wellness Committee has not met since the last Board Meeting. Other During the meeting, the Board also heard the following updates: Dr. Russell provided an update on SASED, focusing on facility space. In the short term, District 58 is exploring ways to expand SASED’s rental of classroom space that will become available with the new middle school model. Long-term, SASED is considering options to provided much needed space for their administrative offices and their transition program, seeking only cost-neutral solutions. Recommendations for Action The Board of Education approved the following recommendations for action: Approved minutes of the January 12 Regular Board Meeting and January 26 Financial Workshop Approved Consent Agenda items as presented, including routine business and personnel reports Approved the 2026-2027 School Fees Approved a Resolution re: Dismissal of Custodial Maintenance Employee for Reasons Other than Reduction-in-Force Approved Elementary School Kitchen Equipment Purchase VIEW AGENDA & RELATED DOCUMENTS Upcoming Events Friday, February 20, 7 a.m. - Legislative Breakfast - Herrick Middle School Monday, February 23, 3:45 p.m. - District Leadership Team Meeting - Civic Center Monday, February 23, 7 p.m. - Curriculum Workshop - Civic Center   Stay Connected All District 58 communication and publications are sent via ParentSquare. Contact your school office or jrelihan@dg58.org with any questions. 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

    Wednesday, Feb 18 2026

  • Get Ready for Next School Year 2026-27: REGISTER NOW!

    Downers Grove Grade School District 58 We Envision. We Seek. We Believe. February 13, 2026 District 58 Registration for 2026-27 is Open! We ask all families to register their student(s) online through the PowerSchool Enrollment System by Friday, March 13, 2026. Whenever possible, please complete registration on a computer. While mobile devices can be used, do not use the PowerSchool mobile app, as it does not support registration. Registering now helps District 58 plan for next year, including staffing, resources, schedules, and student needs, and ensures a smooth start to the 2026–27 school year for your child! Who should register? The following groups of students should register online by March 13: All returning District 58 students All new District 58 students All current District 58 students (in grades preschool through 7) who will not attend District 58 next year. (You will only need to answer two questions confirming your withdrawal.) All outplaced District 58 students (these are students who attend a special education school/program not located at a District 58 school) All Grove Children’s Preschool students, after receiving admittance into the preschool program  Important Note:  Grove Children’s Preschool: Current or former students should register through the Returning Student process. Elementary to Middle School: Students moving from a District 58 elementary school to middle school should also register as Returning Students. How do I register my RETURNING STUDENT? View the Returning Student Registration Guide for more detailed information (including screenshots) or follow the steps below. Step 1: Complete registration forms. Log on to your PowerSchool account. (Click here for instructions if you need to request an account.) If you have multiple children, select a student from the menu on the upper left. Please remember to complete a separate registration for each of your children. On the left navigation menu, click on “Returning Student Registration”. If prompted, enter your child’s date of birth.  Please complete all of the returning student registration forms. On the final Summary page, carefully review all information for accuracy. Fix any errors and when everything is correct, click “Submit”. You will receive a registration confirmation email.  Step 2: Pay student fees. District 58 families must log on to their PushCoin account and pay their student’s registration fees prior to the first day of school. Fees for the 26/27 school year will be posted to the student’s PushCoin account by March 31, 2026. Payments made by e-check will not incur processing fees.  Payments made by debit or credit card will incur processing fees.  Step 3: Submit required forms. Families have the option to upload required forms, such as completed medical forms, during online registration. If you do not choose this option, please submit any required forms to your school office by mail, email or in person. Step 4: Residency verification District 58 contracts with a third party, Thomson Reuters CLEAR, to automatically verify student address information. If this third party is unable to verify that your student lives at their address, the District will follow up with you and request additional documentation confirming the student’s address. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. In some circumstances, District 58 will require annual residency verification, including for the following:  Families of all new students Families of all kindergarten students (regardless of preschool attendance or current siblings in the District) Families that annually lease their residence Families that provide an affidavit of residency Families whose residency cannot be electronically verified How do I register my NEW STUDENT? View the New Student Registration Guide for more detailed information (including screenshots) or follow the steps below. Step 1: Determine your school.  View our School Boundary Map to determine the correct school for your child. Step 2: Create a PowerSchool Enrollment Account Go to the PowerSchool Enrollment Portal for the 2026-27 School Year: NEW STUDENT REGISTRATION FOR 2026-27 in ENGLISH or SPANISH. If you are a new user, select "Create Account." For families with an existing PowerSchool account, see instructions to add another student. Step 3: Complete registration forms. Once logged in, the 2026-27 student registration forms will populate. Please complete all of the registration forms.  On the final Summary page, carefully review all information for accuracy. Fix any errors and when everything is correct, click “Submit”. You will receive a registration confirmation email.  Step 4: Pay student fees. In Summer of 2026, you will be able to access PushCoin to create an account for your new student. Your account can be created using your student’s information or by requesting a unique activation code from PushCoin.  Follow the PushCoin directions to create an account and pay your student’s fees.  Fees are due by the first day of school. Payments made by e-check will not incur processing fees. Payments made by debit or credit card will incur processing fees.  Step 5: Submit required forms. New families have the option to upload required forms, such as completed medical forms or their three residency proofs, during online registration. If you do not choose this option, please submit any required forms to your school office by mail, email or in person. All new families must submit their child’s paper birth certificate with a seal directly to the school office, either in person or by mail. No digital copies are accepted.  Please submit all required forms prior to the first day of school. Need help? For more information, including step-by-step instructions, please visit: www.dg58.org/registration. If you are unable to register online or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s school.  For technical questions, reach out to the District 58 Technology Help Desk by submitting a Technology Help Ticket or calling 630-719-2768. [Friday, Mar 6 at 11:49 AM] REMINDER: Please complete your student's registration for the 2026–27 school year by next Friday, March 13. For full details and registration links, see the original message or visit https://www.dg58.org/registration. Contact your child's school with any questions or for help. Thank you for helping get your student ready for next year!

    Friday, Feb 13 2026

  • Communicate 58: February 11, 2026

    Volume 18, Issue 14: Wednesday, February 11, 2026 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 Facebook D58 X (Twitter) D58 YouTube   MARK YOUR CALENDAR! View the full 2025-26 calendar Thursday, Feb. 12 Evening Parent Teacher Conferences (day 2) Friday, Feb. 13 2026-27 Registration Opens Monday, Feb. 16 NO SCHOOL - Presidents’ Day  Thursday, Feb. 19 9 a.m. - Registration for Summer School Opens (General Education & Enrichment) 7 p.m. - District 58 Festival of Music - Downers Grove South High School Friday, Feb. 20 7:00 a.m. - Legislative Breakfast - Herrick Saturday, Feb. 21 8 a.m. Reading Games Monday, Feb. 23 4 p.m. - District Leadership Team Meeting - Civic Center 7 p.m. - Board of Education Curriculum Workshop - Civic Center Friday, Feb. 27 NO SCHOOL - Institute Day GREETINGS FROM SUPERINTENDENT DR. RUSSELL Strategic Goals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Dear District 58 Community, February is a wonderful time to pause and celebrate the growth we see across our schools. From classroom milestones to musical performances, athletic events and many other activities, District 58 is proud of all the ways our students shine. Some of their recent achievements are highlighted later in this newsletter. Welcome to the Next Whittier Principal In addition to celebrating our students, we are pleased to share exciting news about our school leadership. At the Monday, February 9 Board of Education meeting, the Board unanimously approved Mr. Bryan Bolton as the new Principal of Whittier School. He will begin in July 2026, succeeding long-serving Principal Michael Krugman, who will retire at the end of this school year after 15 years of dedicated service. A Downers Grove native who attended District 58 schools, Mr. Bolton brings strong leadership, experience, and a deep connection to the community to his new role. Click here to learn more about Mr. Bolton. District 58 Annual Parent Surveys Strong leadership and engaged families are both key to student success. As part of that partnership, we invite all District 58 families to share their feedback through our annual surveys. Your input helps us strengthen our schools, support every student’s success, and guide the work of our principals, teachers, and district leaders. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts with us. District 58 Parent/Guardian School Environment Survey (closes Fri., Feb. 27) English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DG58Survey2026 Spanish: https://es.surveymonkey.com/r/D58Encuesta2026 Illinois State Board of Education 5Essentials Parent Survey (closes Fri., March 13) https://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/ The survey is available in multiple languages, selectable on the login page. All survey responses are confidential and not connected to individual students. Please complete one survey for each District 58 school your family attends, as the questions are designed to gather input specific to each school. Paper copies are also available at your child’s school. Every voice matters in helping us plan for the future, and we are grateful for your continued support and partnership in this work. SIncerely, Dr. Kevin Russell Superintendent COMMUNICATION ParentSquare 101: Viewing Student Benchmark Reports Strategic Goals 1, 2, 5 Where Are My Student’s Secure Reports? CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE  This past Friday, District 58 shared benchmark assessment reports through ParentSquare—a safe, fast, and convenient way to send your student’s information home. To view your child’s score report, simply click the link in the notification and sign in to your ParentSquare account.  Score reports are sent as an “Alert” and will not appear in your main message feed. To access your secure documents, click the “Alerts and Notices” tab in the left-side menu and look for the message with the report. On your mobile device, look for the "Alerts" icon on the bottom of the screen. You will need to do this for each student. Reports will remain available in ParentSquare as long as your child is an active student in the District. If you did not receive a score report notification, need help accessing your account, or would like a printed copy, please contact your school office. STUDENT CELEBRATIONS Congratulations to Our Elementary All-State Choir Students! District 58 proudly congratulates the 19 elementary students selected to participate in the Elementary All-State Choirs in Peoria on Saturday, Jan. 25. This special event brought together some of the state’s most talented young musicians for a day filled with music, learning, and fun. We are so proud of their hard work, dedication, and musical achievement!  View a full list of students.   2026 Solo & Ensemble Performances More than 495 students showcased their incredible talent at the annual District Band and Orchestra Solo & Ensemble Festival at Herrick Middle School last weekend. The performances were inspiring, and we are so proud of our students’ dedication, skill, and passion for music! A huge thank-you to the Instrumental Music Department for their hard work in planning and preparing, and to our parent volunteers who helped make the day run seamlessly.  We look forward to the District 58 Festival of Music on Thursday, February 19 at Downers Grove South High School. This is always a fun event when ON and HE combine their bands, orchestras, and choirs.   8th Grade Select 58 Recognition Award – Applications Open Now The Select 58 Award is a wonderful tradition in District 58, and it is a prestigious honor for students to receive as they complete their education in District 58. The Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58 invites all 8th graders to apply for the Award, which honors students who demonstrate exceptional service, leadership, and citizenship in their school and community. Student applications and letters of recommendation are due by Friday, March 13. For more information and a link to the application, go to Select 58 Awards. GET READY FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2026-27 Strategic Goals 1, 2, 5 Registration Opens This Friday, Feb. 13 Registration for new and returning students for the 2026–27 school year opens Friday, Feb. 13. Families are encouraged to complete the registration process by Friday, March 13. Registering early helps the District plan staffing, classes, and services to ensure a smooth and successful start to the school year for all students. More information will be shared with families this Friday when the registration process officially opens. For all registration details, visit https://www.dg58.org/registration, or use the quick link button on the top left of the DG58 website.   Calling All 2026-27 Kindergartners Will your child attend kindergarten in District 58 next school year? Or do you have a friend or neighbor whose child will? Here are four steps to get ready for kindergarten! Complete New Student Registration from Friday, Feb. 13 to Friday, March 13  If interested, attend Kindergarten Dual Language Night on Wednesday, Feb. 24 at 6:00 p.m. at El Sierra School to learn more about District 58’s Dual Language Program. Attend Kindergarten Round-Up in March - gives parents/guardians the chance to visit their child’s future school, meet the principal and staff, and ask questions. Visit our Kindergarten Resource page for kindergarten-specific information about dates, school boundary maps, registration, immunization requirements, curriculum and more.   Give Your Child a Strong Start at Grove Children’s Preschool Starting your child off on their educational journey is an important milestone. At Grove Children’s Preschool, families know their children are supported by highly qualified early childhood educators and a team of specialists who work together to create an inclusive, nurturing learning environment. Join us for our Open House on Wednesday, Feb. 18 from 5:00–6:30 p.m. at Henry Puffer to learn more and meet our team. The Preschool Application for the 2026–27 school year will be open Feb. 19 – March 18. Accepted students must also complete the District’s online student registration.  To learn more and complete the Preschool Application, go to www.dg58.org/preschool.   Summer Learning 2026 District 58 is getting ready for our 2026 Summer School, Leap into Kindergarten, Extended School Year (ESY), and Summer Music programs! For more information, including program details and important dates, please visit  www.dg58.org/summer. CURRICULUM Strategic Goals 1, 2, 5 Acceleration eligibility process is starting, notifications coming in April District 58 is beginning the process of reviewing student eligibility for math acceleration and gifted programming in the 2026-27 school year. Criteria for both math acceleration and the Gifted Program are found on our website. Families of students who are newly eligible for these programs will be notified by the end of April.  If you have questions about the process or procedures, please contact Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Liz Ehrhart at eehrhart@dg58.org or 630-719-5869. Student-specific questions will be best answered after the initial communications are shared. BOARD UPDATES Strategic Goals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 On Monday, Feb. 9, the Board of Education held a regular business meeting. A detailed summary of the meeting will be shared in the upcoming Board Briefs, which will be published in the next few days.  The Board will hold its Curriculum Workshop on Monday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. at the Civic Center. During this workshop, administrators will present the District’s Winter Data Snapshot, provide an update on the Middle School Math pilot, and share progress from several district committees. The Board will also engage in a discussion regarding middle school athletics and activities. COMMUNITY RELATIONS Strategic Goal 2 Upcoming Community Events & Programs Downers Grove Public Library Programs - February 2026 Downers Grove Panthers Football & Cheer - Spring Camp March 25-26 National Charity League Membership Information  Multi-Tiered Supports for Students: Partnering for Student Success (free virtual program) - Feb. 24 - Grit2 and DG58  Food View Taste Test Opportunity (ages 7-12)  Shaolin Movie Premiere (DG58 student project) - Feb. 11, 2026  Brush & Breathe: A Creative Journey into Emotions, Resilience & Self-Acceptance (Grit2) - Grades 1-8 March 2026 Indian Boundary YMCA Family Activities and Events - February 2026 Downers Grove Public Library 2026 Bookmark Contest 1/1/26 - 2/13/26 2025-26 GPS Parent Series: Navigating Healthy Families   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 We Envision. We Seek. We Believe.

    Wednesday, Feb 11 2026

  • Board Preview: Feb. 9 Regular Board Meeting

    BOARD PREVIEW 2/9/2026 Board of Education Financial Workshop The District 58 Board of Education will hold a Regular Business Meeting on Monday, February 9, 2026 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 Henry Puffer Elementary School (principal and representatives from the Student Council and PTA) Spotlight on our Schools: 10-Year Health Life Safety Spotlight on our Schools: Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58 Superintendent and Monthly Business reports Reports on recent committee meetings Discussion on Setting the Stage for Success in Kindergarten A recommendation to approve 2026-2027 School Fees View more information about these topics and all Board meeting topics in the Board agenda at https://dg58.us/BOE_Agendas. 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, Feb 06 2026