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District February 2025 Newsletter

District February 2025 Newsletter

February 4, 2025

Dear District 31 Community,

February is the perfect time to celebrate kindness and community! District 31 is committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all students and families. Every child in our schools is valued, respected, and encouraged to thrive in a safe and inclusive learning space. We follow established policies and procedures to ensure that our focus remains on education, growth, and well-being.

Our schools are places of learning, connection, and opportunity where every student belongs. Thank you for being part of our strong and caring community.

Congratulations to Summer Kang, the winner of our Field Middle School Spelling Bee, and the 8 other Field students who qualified for the Field Spelling Bee. Thank you to Mrs. Gandhi, Dr. Kazkondu, and Mrs. Kim for organizing the fantastic event. We wish Summer good luck at the North Cook ISC Regional Qualifier on Tuesday, February 25 in Lincolnwood.

Registration is now open for incoming PreK and Kindergarten students. Please find registration information below or on our website at www.district31.net/registration.

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Spring conferences are next week. If you haven't already, sign up for the upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences via Skyward. We are most successful when we partner together!

Thank you to our parents for sending us students ready to learn, make a positive impact, and spread kindness!


Warmly,

Dr. Erin Murphy
District 31 Superintendent 

2025-2026 Registration
Registration for PreK and Kindergarten for the 2025-2026 school year is now open! 1st grade - 8th grade registration opens March 3, 2025. Please plan to register early as this helps with school planning.  Learn more about registration at www.district31.net/registration.

Register for PreK or Kindergarten

Update Emergency Contact Information
District 31 strongly urges families to update their emergency contact information with their school. Up-to-date information can be helpful if a parent or guardian cannot be reached.

January Board of Education Recap
Board Meeting Highlights: 

  • Presentations and Discussion Items:
    • The Board of Education held a moment of silence for Meghan Swift and Shaton Wolverton. Meghan Swift, Administrative Assistant to the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services since 2014, passed away following a courageous three-year battle with breast cancer. We also remember Shaton Wolverton, Primary Principal at Winkelman School for the past five years, who passed away after a brief and intense battle with breast cancer. Meghan and Shaton brought so much care, dedication, and heart to District 31. Let us take a moment of silence to reflect on their impact and honor their memory.
    • The Board of Education reviewed an Illinois Association of School Boards resolution confirming Vision 2030. Vision 2030 is rooted in the shared belief that students learn best and educators teach most effectively when they feel safe and connected to one another and their communities. The Board of Education determined they would approve the Vision 2030 Resolution at the February Board of Education Meeting.
    • Director of Finance and Operations Nicole Schramm reviewed the December Financial Reports
    • The Board of Education reviewed proposed policy recommendations shared by the policy committee. Policies will be approved at the February meeting. 
    • The Board of Education reviewed the Building Rental Fees Schedule and agreed with the administrative recommendation not to increase fees for 2025-2026.
    • The Board of Education reviewed the Superintendent Report.  
  • The Board of Education made the following approvals:
    • The Board of Education Approved the Resolution for Withdrawal from TrueNorth Educational Cooperative 804 filed by Glenview District 34. This vote extends District 31’s support for Glenview District 34 to consensually withdraw from True North Educational Cooperative 804. District 31 remains a member of the cooperative.
    • The Board of Education approved the 2025-2026 School Fees. The fees reflect a slight increase commensurate with the CPI of 2.9%.
    • The Board of Education approved the 2025-2026 Annual Determination of Fee Subsidy for those families qualifying to free or reduced lunch subsidies.
    • The Board of Education extended 11-month administrative contracts for the 2025-2026 school year for Sandra Luna, Director of Multilingual Services, Samantha Eisemman, Winkelman Assistant Principal, and Lisa Schaffer, Field Dean of Students.
    • The Board of Education approved the consent agenda.

The Board of Education meets monthly, usually on the last Thursday of the month, at 7 p.m. in the Field Middle School Learning Center. We welcome any member of our community to attend in person or virtually via our live stream. Agendas, minutes, and the link to the live stream can be found here. The District 31 Board of Education comprises seven elected representatives from the District 31 attendance area. Each is elected for a four-year term. Meet the members of the District 31 Board of Education here.

February Board of Education Meeting 

The next regular Board of Education meeting is Thursday, February 27, 2025 in the Field Learning Center at 7 p.m. The agenda is posted two days prior to the meeting here. The Finance Committee Meeting will take place prior to the Board of Education Meeting at 6 p.m., also in the Field Learning Center.  A Building and Grounds Committee Meeting will be held at February 12, 2025 at 7pm in the Winkelman Learning Center.

Parent Engagement Committee 

The Family Engagement Committee is developing a Family Engagement Handbook to help families explore various volunteer opportunities within the District and encourage active involvement.

The Committee meets once a month on Mondays at 7:15 p.m. If you are interested in joining the Parent Engagement Committee, please contact Hayley Garard at hgarard@district31.net

Upcoming Family Engagement Committee Meeting Dates

  • Monday, February 24 at 7:15 p.m.
  • Monday, April 28 at 7:15 p.m.

Sandi Newman Named a 2024 Super Care Hero
Congratulations to our Field Middle School social worker, Sandi Newman on being named a 2024 Super Care Leader by Care Solace. Ms. Newman was a part of a small group that helped the most students through Care Solace in 2024. Thank you for taking care of our students and families! 

West Northfield School District 31 has partnered with Care Solace to provide quick and confidential mental health support for students, staff, and family members. If you would like to use Care Solace to help you find a provider:

  • Call 888-515-0595 available 24/7/365 in any language 
  • Visit www.caresolace.com/district31 and either search on your own OR
  • Click "Book Appointment" for assistance by video chat, email, or phone 
  • No insurance needed 

District 31 Emergency Closing Information
During the school year, one or both schools may be closed. The Northfield Township Superintendents have developed guidelines for these closures. Learn more about Emergency closing information here

Curriculum and Instruction Update
Professional Learning Update
On January 17, our certified staff participated in a professional learning day. Our professional learning focus of the year is Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Instruction (CLRI), which directly relates to Strategic Plan Goals 1 and 2. 

During the morning:

  • All certified teaching staff participated in a “Comprehensible Input Training: Supporting a Multilingual Ecology” session facilitated by Olivia Mulcahy from the Illinois Resource Center (IRC). This session continues to support the year 1 action plan in follow-up to our Multilingual Programming review conducted last year by Dr. Barb Marler.
  • Our social workers and psychologists participated in a “Trauma-Informed Practices for Social Workers & Psychologists” session facilitated by Refugee One. In addition to their own professional learning, they also discussed what all staff will benefit from learning as we continue a second year of professional learning about culturally responsive practices next school year.

The afternoon sessions were differentiated related to Strategic Plan Goals 1 and 2 based on the certified staff member’s role:

  • Field Teachers: Next Steps in Standards-Aligned Learning: Defining Success! 
  • Half-day social studies vendor midyear PDs
  • Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)
  • Panorama Intervention Plans
  • Content-Based ESL Instruction
  • Field Math Curriculum Review Committee
  • Reflect, Connect, & Apply Culturally & Linguistically Responsive Instruction to Standards-Aligned Learning & Assessment

 

ESY-Extended School Year
District 31 is hosting an Extended School Year Program June 9  through July 3 from 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. ESY Services are special education services that are provided to students beyond the scope of the regular school year, are in accordance with the student’s IEP, and provided at no cost to parents through the public school district. Whether or not a student is eligible for ESY is determined on an individual basis by the student’s IEP team. There are two main factors that the team will examine:

  • has the student made adequate progress over the school year and will there be a regression
  • or loss of skills with an extended break in schooling.

Extended school year services (ESY) are typically designed to support maintenance of skills, not to develop new ones. These skills are those addressed by the specialized instruction documented in the IEP. Related services are only required if they are needed for the student to benefit from the ESY special education services. Summer School dates are based on the 2024-2025 school calendar. Adjustments will be made to the dates if needed. No school will take place on June 19. Transportation will be provided. 

NAGC Webinar Gifted 101: The 5 Things You Need to Know
Wednesday, February 5 at 4 p.m. via Zoom
More Information

GPS Parent Series: B-PAC in Spanish: Positive Parenting Mindsets -- A Guide to Mental Endurance
Thursday, February 6 at 7 p.m. via Zoom
More Information

Optimizing the Use of ABLE Accounts and Special Needs Trusts - Oak Wealth Advisors
Thursday, February 6 at 7 p.m. via Zoom
More Information

CATCH Overparenting Unplugged: How to Let Kids Thrive (Lunch and Learn event)
Tuesday, February 11 at 12 p.m.
More Information

Winkelman Conferences
February 11 and February 13

Field Conferences
February 12 and February 13

GPS Parent Series: Digital Thriving: Technology and the Future of Happiness in a Hyperconnected World
Thursday, February 13 at 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. via Zoom
More Information

Lunch and Learn: Substituted Judgement: Guardianship and Alternatives to Guardianship
Thursday, February 13 at 1 p.m. via Zoom
More Information

No School
Friday, February 14 and Monday, February 17

GPS Parent Series: Peak Mind: Enhance Your Attention, Focus, and Performance to Become Your Best Self
Tuesday, February 18 at 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. via Zoom
More Information

Lunch and Learn: Knowledge is Power: The Transition to Adulthood with Suzanne Aaron of The Arc of Illinois
Thursday, February 20 at 1 p.m. via Zoom
More Information

Field Band and Orchestra Winter Concert
Tuesday, February 20 at 7 p.m. at Field

Community Wellness Fair
Saturday, February 22 from 10 a.m. -12 p.m. at Wood Oaks Junior High, 1250 Sanders Road, Northbrook

PTO Mardi Gras Parent Gala
Saturday, February 22 from 7 - 11 p.m  at Fields Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, 2800 Patriot Blvd. Glenview
More Information

Northbrook Cultural Fair
Sunday, February 23 from 3 - 5 p.m. at North Suburban YMCA
More Information

Parent Engagement Meeting
Monday, February 24 from 7:15-8:15 p.m. via Zoom

Finance Committee Meeting
Thursday, February 27 at 6 p.m. at Field

Board of Education Meeting
Thursday, February 27 at 7 p.m. at Field

NAGC Webinar Gifted 101: From the Sidelines: Suggestions to Support Your Perfectionist Gifted Child
Thursday, February 27 at 7 p.m. via Zoom
More Information

GPS Parent Series: HYBRID EVENT -- Practical Strategies for Reducing Anxiety and Increasing Executive Function Skills (Organization, Time Management & Task Completion)
Thursday, February 27 at 7 p.m. In person at Glenbard South and on Zoom
More Information

CATCH Pickle for a Purpose
Friday, February 28 from 5 - 9 p.m. at Pickleball4All, 2105 Johns Court, Glenview, IL 60025
More Information

4th/ 5th Spring Family Engagement Night
Thursday, March 6

4th/ 5th Spring Musical 
Thursday, March 6

GPS Parent Series: Better Days: Supporting Kids' Mental Wellness When Things Aren't OK
Thursday, February 6  at 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. via Zoom
More Information

Community Resources
The Community Resources page on the District website has been updated to include several beneficial resources to help families on a variety of different topics. The page is divided into the District’s community partners, mental health and crisis resources including immigration information, health and safety resources, and academic resources. Please take a few moments to explore the many resources available to our families and community! 

Caring Corner: Groceries and Personal Care Products Available
The District 31 Caring Corner is open every school day from 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.  in the District 31 Admin Office outer lobby, 3131 Techy (adjacent to Field Middle School). Groceries, staples, personal care products, and other items are available for the taking to any family who might need the items. No need to check in with the office.  Take what you need.

Homeless Information
If you or someone you know are experiencing homelessness or are a refugee, please contact Dr. Janine Gruhn, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, jgruhn@district31.net, or 847-313-4411 for assistance and information regarding District 31. The following links are resources and a McKinney Vento Fact Sheet that describes what homelessness is and the rights of these students.