District February 2026 Newsletter

February 5, 2026

Dear District 31 Community,

February offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect on kindness, connection, and community. In District 31, we remain deeply committed to creating welcoming environments where every student and family feels valued. We recognize that some families may be experiencing added stress during this time, and we want to reassure you that our schools remain safe, supportive spaces grounded in care, stability, and strong community partnerships. The safety and well-being of our students and staff are always our highest priority.

Thank you to families who attended Field conferences this week and to those participating in Winkelman conferences next week. While technology challenges made the process more complicated than we hoped, we are grateful for your patience and partnership. Conferences are an important opportunity to connect around student learning, and we appreciate your engagement.

We also invite families to participate in our Panorama Survey, which opens mid-February and runs through March 2. This brief, confidential survey provides valuable feedback on school climate and school–family communication and helps guide our improvement efforts. Please see below for additional details.

Thank you for your continued partnership and for supporting a strong, connected school community.

Warmly,

Dr. Erin Murphy
District 31 Superintendent

Family Panorama School Climate Survey Opens Soon
District 31 truly values the voices of our families. From mid-February through March 10, families are invited to complete a brief Panorama Survey to share their experiences with Winkelman Elementary School and Field Middle School.

This shorter survey replaces the traditional Illinois 5Essentials parent survey and focuses on key areas, including school climate, supportive learning environments, and school–family communication. To better reflect the diversity of our community, the survey includes expanded translation options, and all responses are confidential.

Families will receive a stand-alone email and text message with the survey link next week, along with reminder messages via email, text, and social media throughout the survey window.

Students in grades 4–8 will also complete a similar survey about their school experience, including whether they feel connected, included, supported, and appropriately challenged in their learning. Student responses are anonymous. If you prefer that your child not participate, please contact your building principal.

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback and for your continued partnership with District 31.

Kaylee Maa Crowned Field Middle School Spelling Bee Champion 
Congratulations to 6th grader Kaylee Maa, the winner of the Field Middle School Spelling Bee, along with the thirteen additional Field students who qualified to participate.

A sincere thank you to Mrs. Gandhi, Dr. Kazkondu, and Mrs. Kim for organizing such a successful event.

We wish Kaylee the very best as she competes at the North Cook ISC Regional Qualifier on February 25 in Lincolnwood.

Updated 2025-2026 Calendar and District 31 Emergency Closing Information
Due to the school cancellation on Friday, January 22, the last day of school is now Monday, June 8, 2026. Please view the updated 2025-2026 school calendar here.

During the school year, there may be times when one or both schools are closed. The Northfield Township Superintendents have developed guidelines pertaining to these closures. Learn more about Emergency closing information here. 

2026-2027 Registration
Registration for PreK-8th grade opens on March 2. Please plan to register early, as this helps with school planning. An email will be sent to current families once registration opens. Learn more about registration at www.district31.net/registration.

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:
  • Drs. Tim Dohrer and Tom Goblieski presented Part I of the districtwide mental health audit conducted this fall. They reviewed results from the Panorama staff survey, with a focus on staff wellness. The final report and recommendations are currently being completed and will be shared at an upcoming Board meeting.
  • The Board reviewed the Special Education report prepared by Dr. Janine Gruhn, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services.
  • Director of Finance and Operations Nicole Schramm reviewed the December Financial Reports. 
  • The Board of Education reviewed the policy committee's proposed recommendations. Policies will be approved at the February meeting. 
  • 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 2026-2027 fees, including school, transportation, and facility rental fees. The Board of Education maintained round-trip and one-way options. 
  • The Board of Education approved the 2026-2027 Annual Determination of Fee Subsidy for families who qualify for free or reduced lunch.
  • The Board of Education approved a resolution calling on the Cook County Treasurer and other county officials responsible for issuing property tax bills to address ongoing systemic issues. School districts and other taxing bodies are still experiencing delays in receiving revenue following delayed tax bills this fall. As a result of these continued delays, combined with poor communication from the Treasurer’s Office and a lack of assurance that these issues have been fully resolved and will not impact spring tax distributions, District 31 has incurred approximately $350,000 in financial losses due to missed investment opportunities and unplanned interest expenses related to Tax Anticipation Warrants to ensure payroll and other expenses were met.
  • As a result of delayed tax receipts from the Cook County Treasurer, the Board approved the following:
    • Approve Resolution Authorizing Loan from Working Cash Fund to Education Fund
    • Approve Resolution Authorizing Loan from Working Cash Fund to Operations and Maintenance Fund
    • Resolution authorizing the issuance of not to exceed $4,500,000 Taxable Tax Anticipation Warrants in anticipation of the collection of taxes levied for the year 2025 by the Board of Education of the District for educational purposes and authorizing the sale of said warrants to the purchaser thereof
  • The Board of Education Approved the Life Safety Project Bid Awards for Roof Repairs and Mechanical/HVAC Work
  • The Board of Education approved contract extensions for Sandra Luna, Director of Multilingual Services; Samantha Eiseman, Winkelman Principal; Lisa Schaffer and Erin Kranz, Winkelman Assistant Principals; and Keith Dunn, Field Assistant Principal.
  • 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 via our livestream. Agendas, minutes, and the link to the live stream are available 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 26, 2026, in the Field Building and Grounds Committee Meeting will take place prior to the Board of Education Meeting at 6 p.m., also in the Field Learning Center.

ACCESS Testing for Multilingual Students
ACCESS testing for District 31 Multilingual Learners began on January 20 and will continue through March 4. 

As a reminder, the ACCESS assessment is a state-required test that measures students’ growth in English language development, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The results help teachers better understand how to support students’ language and academic growth.

If your child is participating in this assessment, we encourage you to talk with them about doing their best, getting good rest, and coming to school ready to learn on testing days.

If you know that your child will be absent during the testing window, please let us know as soon as possible so we can make arrangements for make-up testing.

Thank you for your continued support. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Sandra Luna, our Multilingual Director at sluna@district31.net.

District 31 is Hiring!
Special Education Paraprofessionals
District 31 is seeking dedicated and caring Special Education Paraprofessionals to join our school community. Paraprofessionals play a critical role in supporting students’ academic, social, and behavioral success and ensuring access to meaningful learning experiences.
Learn more

Substitute Teachers
District 31 is seeking both regular and permanent substitute teachers for the 2025-2026 school year.
Learn more

Curriculum and Instruction Update
Professional Learning Update
On January 5, our District 31 certified staff participated in a professional learning day. Our District’s focus for the year has been to cultivate Growth, Learning, Community, and Belonging in key areas identified in our Strategic Plan. Learn more here. 

PTO News
View the February PTO Newsletter here.
 

Cards for Hospitalized Kids
Thursday, February 5, from 4:30–6:30 p.m. at Winkelman Library
RSVP: HERE

Brighten someone’s day by making cards for children in the hospital. All ages are welcome. Materials will be provided.
 

Bernie’s Book Bank
Thursday, March 5, from 4:30–6:30 p.m. in Lake Bluff
RSVP: HERE

Meet us at Bernie’s Book Bank to sort and label donated books to help spread the joy of literacy. Spots are limited, so RSVP today!

Winkelman PTO STEM + Art
Saturday, March 14, from 10-11:15 a.m. at Winkelman School

D31, in collaboration with the PTO, is hosting the 2nd FREE STEM + ART Hands-On Event for Grades K-5.

• Pre-Registration is required to attend. 
• No one will be admitted without registering by March 1.
• Registration will start Saturday, February 21, at 4 p.m. 
• To sign up, look for an email from the PTO on February 21 with details.
• During registration, you will select (2) activities for your student to do that day. 
• Students must have an adult with them at all times at the event.

This event will fill up, so the sooner you register (starting February 21), the more likely you are to get a slot.

Education Foundation News
A Night at the Oscars Gala

March 7 from 7-11 p.m. at

Fields Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram

2800 Patriot Blvd. Glenview
 

• $60 Presale Tickets (Until February 21) 
• $75 After Presale
• Includes Heavy Appetizers and Drinks (Spirits, Beer, and Wine)
• Dress Code: Semi-Formal to Formal Attire

Purchase Tickets

PTO Kindness Event: Cards for Hospitalized Kids
Thursday, February 5, from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at Winkelman
More Information

GPS Parent Series: You Are Not Alone: Navigating Your Child's Mental Health with Wisdom from Experts and Real Families
Tuesday, February 10, at 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. via Zoom
More Information

TrueNorth Family University - Fostering Healthy Screen Habits presented by Compass Health Center
Tuesday, February 10, at 7 p.m. via Zoom
More Information

Alliance for Early Childhood Presents Unlocking the Power of Play: A Modern Parent's Guide Cohort Registration
Thursday, February 12, at 7 p.m. via Zoom
More Information

GPS Parent Series: B-PAC in Spanish: Crianza Activa: Fomenta el Liderazgo y las Habilidades para la Vida / Active Parenting: Foster Leadership and Life Skills
Thursday, February 12, at 7 p.m. via Zoom
More Information

Presidents' Day - No School
Monday, February 16

Lunar New Year/ Tsagaan Sar - No School
Tuesday, February 17

GPS Series: Bright Kids Who Can't Keep Up: Strategies to Improve Academic Performance and Processing
Thursday, February 19, at 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. via Zoom
More Information

GPS Parent Series: HYBRID EVENT - From Self-Doubt to Self-Worth: Cultivating Confidence, Hope, and Inner Strength
Tuesday, February 24, at 7 p.m. via Zoom and in person at Glenbard West High School in Glen Ellyn
More Information

CATCH Presents Brave Parenting: Raising Independent, Healthy Humans
Wednesday, February 25, at 7 p.m. at 1190 Western Ave. Northbrook
More Information

Building and Grounds Committee Meeting
Thursday, February 26, at 6 p.m. at Field Middle School

Board of Education Meeting
Thursday, February 26, at 7 p.m. at Field Middle School

GPS Parent Series: Raising Terrific Kids in Terrifying Times: The Strengths to Survive and Thrive
Tuesday, March 3, at 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. via Zoom
More Information

PTO Kindness Event: Bernie’s Book Bank
Thursday, March 5, from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. in Lake Bluff
More Information

D31 Education Foundation: A Night at the Oscars
Saturday, March 7, from 7-11 p.m. at Fields Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, 2800 Patriot Blvd. Glenview
More Information

GPS Parent Series: HYBRID EVENT - Fireproof: Memoir of a Chef - Cooking Up Resilience
Wednesday, March 11, at 12 p.m. via Zoom and in person at the Technology Center of DuPage in Addison, IL
More Information

GPS Parent Series: HYBRID EVENT - Fireproof: Memoir of a Chef - Cooking Up Resilience
Wednesday, March 11, at 7 p.m. via Zoom
More Information

PTO Presents Winkelman STEM + ART Event
Saturday, March 14, from 10-11:15 a.m. at Winkelman
More Information

Teacher Institute Day - No Students
Tuesday, March 17

Finance Committee Meeting
Thursday, March 19, at 6 p.m. at Field Middle School

Board of Education Meeting
Thursday, March 19, at 7 p.m. at Field Middle School

Eid al-Fitr - No School
Friday, March 20

Spring Break
Monday, March 23 - 27

February Mindful Moments: A Monthly Guide for Families
February is a great reminder that love doesn't just mean chocolates and roses ­it's also about how we treat ourselves and the people in our lives every day. Self­love isn't selfish; it's the foundation for healthy relationships. It's important to teach our kids how to practice self-love and to care for themselves.

Learn more here. 

Community Resources
The Community Resources page on the District website has been updated to include several helpful resources on a variety of 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 at 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. Ring the doorbell for entry. No need to check in with the office. Take what you need.

Homeless Information
If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness or is 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.