District May 2026 Newsletter

May 11, 2026

Dear District 31 Community,

It’s hard to believe we now have fewer than 20 full school days remaining in the school year! These final weeks are always filled with excitement, reflection, and cherished traditions—from end-of-year countdowns to special celebrations that bring our community together.

This week, we were especially proud to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week. It is one of our favorite times of the year, and we truly love the opportunity to recognize and honor the incredible educators who make a difference in our students’ lives every single day. Our teachers inspire, support, and uplift our children in countless ways, and we are so grateful for their dedication, passion, and care. A heartfelt thank you to our PTO, Administration, and Board of Education for helping make this week so meaningful, and to our amazing teachers and all staff—please know how deeply appreciated you are, this week and always.

As we approach the close of the school year, we also want to acknowledge that this time can feel overwhelming for many. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we encourage everyone in our community to prioritize their well-being. Below, you’ll find resources and events designed to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and offer support. Taking care of ourselves and one another remains as important as ever.

Finally, thank you to the PTO for hosting last month’s incredible Around the World. Events like these remind us of the joy and importance of learning from one another and celebrating the cultures that connect our community.

Here’s to a strong, joyful, and memorable finish to the school year!

In Partnership,

Dr. Erin Murphy
District 31 Superintendent 

2026-2027 Registration
Registration for the 2026-2027 school year is open for all students in grades PreK-8! Please plan to register early, as this helps with school planning.  Register today at www.district31.net/registration.

Along with registering, please plan ahead to ensure that you have all medical forms ready for the 2026-2027 school year. The required forms are listed below.

Summary of Medical Form Requirements

• Pre-K: Physical
• Kindergarten: Physical, Dental, and Eye
• 1st grade: No forms required
• 2nd grade: Dental
• 3rd, 4th, & 5th grade: No forms required
• 6th grade: Physical (exam also covers interscholastic sports physical) and Dental
• 7th & 8th grade: No forms required

Physical Exam and Immunization Record

A physical exam, with an updated immunization record on the “State of Illinois Certificate of Child Health Examination” form, must be completed and signed by a licensed healthcare provider and parent/guardian. Proof of the exam must be submitted upon entering Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 6th grade and/or when transferring from out of state.

If you have any questions about medical forms, please reach out to Field/ District School Nurse Adriana Rivera at arivera@district31.net or 847-313-4454.
 

2026-2027 School Supplies

School supply lists for the 2026-2027 school year are available here. 

The PTO will once again partner with SchoolKidz to save District 31 families time, effort, and money with pre-ordered school supply kits. More information on school supply kits will be coming soon

Little Wildcats Preschool Registration Open

Registration is open for the 2026-2027 school year for Little Wildcats Preschool!  Little Wildcats Preschool is a high-quality early learning program designed to support young children's academic, social, and emotional growth. Serving ages 3 through Pre-K, we offer both morning and afternoon sessions, a research-based curriculum, and a balance of teacher-guided learning and hands-on exploration. Our program supports all learners, including students with disabilities and multilingual learners, to build a strong foundation for kindergarten and beyond.

For more information, please email Anabel Santiago at asantiago@district31.net.

Spring Benchmark Assessments
Students in grades K-8 are taking the NWEA MAP Growth test for reading and mathematics the week of May 4. The NWEA MAP Growth test is unique, and it adapts to your child’s responses to measure your child’s skill level. Students take this assessment on their iPad or Chromebook. If your child answers a question correctly, the next question is more challenging. If they answer incorrectly, the next one is easier. These results will provide a more complete picture of what your child knows and is ready to learn, as well as provide norm-referenced information on whether these skills are on, above, or below their expected grade level.

Spring NWEA MAP Growth scores are one data point used to gauge student growth in learning throughout the school year. In addition, this data is one component used as an indicator of readiness for our Advanced Learning Program and one component used to identify students needing academic support through our MTSS process.

Individual student data will be released to families via Skyward by the last day of school. For more information on the NWEA MAP Growth test, please see the NWEA Family Toolkit. 

Curriculum Review Cycle Updates
At the April 23, 2026, Board of Education meeting, the Board agreed to purchase WayFinder as the new Tier 1 Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) resource to support standards-aligned SEL instruction and support for PreK - 8th Grade students. WayFinder’s SEL Screener, “WayPoints”, will be utilized moving forward in place of DESSA. 

This Spring, teachers will participate in professional development to understand how our new resource can best guide effective SEL instruction, with an emphasis on a more integrated use of data to support students’ SEL needs and on embedding research-based interventions. 

Families will have the opportunity to attend a family presentation on the program during our Fall Curriculum Nights. 

We are indebted to the following staff members for their dedication and contributions as members of the District 31 SEL Curriculum Review Committee this year: 

• Allison Burns, Amy Sack, Cailin Melka, Duygu Kazkondu, Heather Stodola, Jenna Berkowsky, Janine Gruhn, Jesse Menold, Karen McGrath, Lyndsey Incandela, Maria Skarbardonis, Phoebe Handler, Quincy Jenkins, Nino Alaverz, Lauren Lipsey, Rose Solovy, Stefanie Bauer, Samantha Eiseman, & Sandi Newman
• We are also grateful to our consultants who supported our work throughout our process including: Ally Healey (SEL & Behavior Coordinator), Tim Dohrer, & Tom Golebiewski (SEL Consultants, Schools We Need Now) 

Standards-Based Grading Parent Focus Group Recap
In May, the District held its third Standards-Based Grading (SBG) focus group. The focus groups provide an important opportunity for parents to share their perspectives on SBG and engage in collaborative, critical discussions. 

Our May parent focus group was anchored in the following goals:

• Summarize and acknowledge parent concerns regarding SBG that have been shared 
• Share possible solutions and invite parent feedback 
• Transition to a solutions-oriented discussion to help inform decisions moving forward 

During this session, parents reviewed and provided feedback on a sample hybrid report card that includes both letter grades and standards-based grades. We truly appreciate the thoughtful and honest discussions that have grounded our focus groups. Hearing the perspectives, experiences, concerns, and frustrations of our families, along with the robust dialogue, has been incredibly valuable and is helping move this work forward.

We are actively using this feedback to inform next steps and look forward to sharing additional updates at the June Board of Education meeting.

All are welcome to access the slides that were shared with families here. We invite all families to visit our SBG page to learn more about SBG and access family resources. We are grateful for the participation and dedication of our parent focus group participants throughout our Spring sessions, and we look forward to continued partnerships in the future! 

April Board of Education Recap
Board Meeting Highlights: 

• Public Comment, Presentations, and Discussion Items:
  • Public Comment: Members of the public, including parents and students, shared their frustrations and concerns about the 6th-grade standards-based grading initiative.
• The Board of Education made the following approvals:
  • Approved the consent agenda.
  • Approved the Consolidated District Plan for the 2026-2027 school year and will continue to apply for the Title 1, Title II, Title III, Title IV, IDEA Part B, IDEA Preschool, and Early Childhood Preschool For All grants.
  • Approved the Collective Bargaining Finance Agreement between the WNTA and the West Northfield School District 31 Board of Education for the 2026-2027 through 2027-2028 school years as discussed in closed session.
• The Board of Education convened the Reorganization Meeting of the Board of Education
  • The Board of Education reviewed the student, staff, and parent climate survey results (Panorama).  The survey results can be viewed here.
  • The Board of Education reviewed the administrative recommendation to adopt Wayfinder as the new Pre-K-8 Social-Emotional Learning curriculum.  You can read more about the program here
  • The Board of Education reviewed the proposed summer curriculum work for summer 2026. This was a first read, slated for approval in May.
  • The Board of Education reviewed the Superintendent's Report and the True North update.
  • The Board of Education reviewed the proposed Board meeting dates for the 2026-2027 school year. 
  • Director of Finance and Operations, Nicole Randolph, reviewed the Monthly Financial Reports for March

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.

May Board of Education Meeting
The next regular Board of Education meeting is Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 7 p.m. in the Field Learning Center. The agenda is posted two days before the meeting here. The Finance Committee Meeting will take place before the Board of Education Meeting at 6 p.m., also in the Field Learning Center. 

End of School Technology Return
All student-assigned technology devices (iPads, Chromebooks) are expected to be returned to the school buildings at the conclusion of this current school year. If applicable, all devices must be returned with their corresponding electrical chargers and carry bags. Devices that are not working, damaged beyond the scope of accidental damage, or lost will be subject to repair or replacement fees. Please watch for future communications regarding the days and times devices will be collected.

Medication Pickup
As this school year ends, please have an adult pick up your student’s daily or ‘as needed’ medications (allergies, asthma, pain relievers, etc) before 4 p.m. on June 8, 2026, at your school health office. Student medication cannot be kept at school over the summer. Medication that is not picked up will be disposed of after the last day of school.

Health Offices
Winkelman School
847-832-2205
winknurse@district31.net

Field Middle School
847-313-4454
arivera@district31.net

PTO News
View the May PTO Newsletter, which includes information on upcoming PTO events and programs.

PTO General Meeting/ 2026-2027 Board Elections
Monday, May 11

PTO Restaurant Fundraiser Popeye's
Tuesday, May 12

May CIRCLE Meeting
Tuesday, May 12, at 5 p.m. at Winkelman

PTO Evereve Fashion Fundraiser
Thursday, May 14 from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. 
2670 Navy Blvd, Glenview, IL 60026

CATCH Presents Play at the Park 
Sunday, May 17, from 3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. 
Village Green Park
More Information

Finance Committee Meeting
Thursday, May 21, at 6 p.m. at Field Middle School

Board of Education Meeting
Thursday, May 21, at 7 p.m. at Field Middle School 

Memorial Day - No School
Monday, May 25

Teacher Institute Day - No Students
Tuesday, May 26

Eid al Adha - No School
Wednesday, May 27

Northbrook Climate Action Day
Saturday, May 30, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Northbrook Village Hall

Preschool Graduation
Tuesday, June 2

Field Day at Winkelman
Wednesday, June 3 (Rain Date June 5)

8th Grade Breakfast/ Graduation
Thursday, June 4

Farewell to Fifth 
Thursday, June 4

Field Day at Field
Monday, June 8

Last Day of School (Half Day)
Monday, June 8
Winkelman Dismissal: 12:30 p.m.
Field Dismissal: 1:30 p.m.

Curriculum Committee Meeting
Thursday, June 25, at 6 p.m. at Field Middle School

Board of Education Meeting
Thursday, June 25, at 7 p.m. at Field Middle School

National Speech-Language-Hearing Month

May is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month—a time to recognize the vital work of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and the difference they make in the lives of students every day.

In District 31, our dedicated speech-language pathologists play a key role in helping students develop essential communication skills, including speaking, understanding language, and social interaction. They collaborate closely with teachers, families, and other specialists to support students’ academic achievement and social growth through evaluations, therapy, and individualized support.

In addition to celebrating our SLPs, we want to continue fostering all students' speech and language development. Throughout the month, we invite families to participate in fun daily activities designed to support communication skills at home. Please enjoy completing a small activity with your child(ren) daily to help build their speech and language abilities. 

Please join us in celebrating our outstanding District 31 SLP team:
From Left to Right: Callie Biasco, Tina Panzl, Maggie Stevens, Karen McGrath, Anne Smoczynski, and Delia Douglas. 

Mental Health Awareness Month
Chances are that you know someone who is struggling with their mental health. People experiencing mental health challenges aren’t broken — they need support and care. And that begins with a conversation.

This month, we can break the stigma around mental health by talking openly, compassionately, and kindly to each other. No one should ever struggle alone.

If you want to be connected to a mental health care provider quickly, contact Care Solace, a complimentary and confidential mental health care coordination service provided by West Northfield School District 31:

• Call 888-515-0595. Multilingual support is available 24/7/365.
• Visit www.caresolace.com/district31 and either search on your own OR click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.

Don’t hesitate to ask for help, use the resources around you, and never give up hope.

Additional Ways to get help

Lifeline 988: 988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors who are part of the existing Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary. The previous Lifeline phone number will remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis. 

Answer the call! These centers are looking to bring on new volunteers and paid employees. You will receive training, so if you are a caring person who wants to help those in crisis, apply today. Find your opportunity: samhsa.gov/988-jobs.

Care Solace Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit
This May, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we're excited to share Care Solace's "Awareness Into Action" mental health toolkit—a comprehensive resource hub designed to support your school community's mental well-being.
View Mental Health Toolkit

Community Resources
The Community Resources page on the District website includes 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, health and safety resources, and academic resources. 

Caring Corner: Groceries and Personal Care Products Available
The District 31 Caring Corner is open every school day from 7 a.m. to 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 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.