News

Dear Addams Community:

Happy New Year to everyone! Although the winter break was fantastic, it has been good to get back into the routine of school. The students seem rested and ready to go! Our staff has done a fabulous job this week of setting new goals with their students to achieve this winter. Next Wednesday, students will be invited to join the D54 Energy Bus in a virtual assembly as we challenge them to create a specific goal they are going to accomplish based on our 3 A’s of Accept, Achieve and Amaze. The Energy Bus initiative is based on a concept that renowned author of positive leadership books and inspirational speaker, Jon Gordon created. Originally, he wrote the book for adults, but then followed up with a version for elementary aged students. If you want to learn more about the concept of the adult version of the book click here. I would highly recommend it for anyone that is feeling in need of a little mental jumpstart. 

We look forward to sharing more in coming weeks as this is the time of year we really try to up the rigor and challenge our students to grow. As always, please let us know if there is anything we can do to better support your child.

Personally, I am looking forward to watching the NFL wildcard playoff games this weekend with dreams that the Chicago Bears might be playing in 2024. Enjoy the three-day weekend!

Regards,
 

Chris Bingen         Bill Musselman 

Principal               Assistant Principal

 Important Dates to Remember: 

• Jan. 16:: No school, MLK day
• Jan. 26: PTA meeting via Zoom @ 5 pm
• Feb. 17: Half day for students
• Feb. 20: No school, Presidents Day

District 54 Personal Assessment of Core Competency Survey 
 District 54 is committed to ensuring not only the academic success of each child, but also their social-emotional wellbeing. Your insight as a parent/guardian is essential in creating the most well-rounded picture of your student’s strengths and opportunities for growth. To gather your perspective, District 54 will send families of students in grades 3-8 an email link for each child to the District 54 Personal Assessment of Core Competency Survey on Monday, January 9th.  Thank you in advance for participating in this survey, as we believe the home-school collaboration is critical to best support your child’s overall well-being.
 

Mobile Dentist 

On January 19, 2023, District 54 is offering parents and students the opportunity to take advantage of a mobile dentist. Parents can sign their students up online by filling out the form at  https://www.myschooldentist.com/JASCIL_sch

Eighth Grade / High School Transition

District 211 has updated its comprehensive transition guidebook for the high school graduating class of 2027.  The guidebook highlights important information the families of current 8th grade students will want to know.  Each District 211 high school has a unique version of the Class of 2027 Transition Guidebook.  You can locate electronic copies of each high school’s guidebook on the District 211 webpage devoted to incoming freshmen information.  Please contact your student’s prospective high school for more information about the high school transition.    

District 54 Early Childhood Programs
 Did you know that District 54 offers early childhood programs to families living within District 54 boundaries? Our Early Learning Center offers a FREE preschool program for children ages 3-5 who are screened and found eligible for our program. We also provide special education services to students who are identified as having a disability. For more information or to set-up a screening appointment, call 847-230-1700 or visit our website.
   
 District 54 also offers a Prevention Initiative Home-Visiting Program for families with children ages 0-3 who are screened and found to be eligible. If you or anyone you know is expecting or has a child ages 0-30 months, you can see if you qualify for the home visit program by emailing [email protected]. You can also read more information about this program on our website. In addition, our Parent Educators offer monthly events that are FREE to any family in the District 54 community with children ages 0-5.  We invite you to check out their Calendar of Events and consider attending!

Now available!  Become a District 54 Paraprofessional Using a Short-Term Paraprofessional License.
 Have you always wanted to work full-time in District 54?  Have you always liked the idea of assisting a teacher or helping a student reach their full potential?  If you hold a high school diploma (or the equivalent) you are now qualified to become a District 54 Paraprofessional through the short-term paraprofessional license.  It is simple to apply for this license and the information is available here.  Be sure to visit the District 54 website and click on the Careers button to apply! 

District 54 Severe Weather Response Plan
 In order to help parents better prepare for the severe cold weather and snow we often get during winters in our community, please review the District 54 Severe Weather Response Plan.

District 54 Virtual Backpack
 District 54 shares information about community events with our students and families through our Virtual Backpack.  We know that parents are interested in extracurricular activities. At the same time, we don’t want the homework, letters from the teachers, school news and other important district information to get lost among the countless other pieces of paper in our students’ backpacks.  Please click here for additional information.