The RISE Report

There has been a lot of "Buzz" this week around special programs. Our dedicated teachers have been "busy bees" working away at preparing materials and setting up their classrooms. We can't wait to see you next on Monday at Meet the Teacher and Wednesday for our First Day of School!

I am excited to share that Mr. and Mrs. Kollintzas welcomed their first child, James Anthony, on Tuesday evening. James weighed in at 7lbs 9oz and 21 inches and is a bundle of joy. Mrs. Kollintzas is doing well and they are overwhelmed with joy! Congratulations to the Kollintzas family!

Mrs. Murphy and her husband were offered an amazing opportunity for their family that requires them to move to Minneapolis in a few short weeks. As you can imagine, Mrs. Murphy was very surprised and overwhelmed with a mix of emotions as she will be stepping away from our program. I am truly grateful for all of Mrs. Murphy's dedication to our program and wish her family the best of luck in their new city!

With this recent change, I wanted to share that our new RISE middle school teacher will be Mr. Klebenow who served last year at Indian Trail as our RISE resource teacher. Mr. Klebenow worked closely with Mrs. Murphy last year and knows our students very well so I am confident our students will be well supported. Congratulations Mr. Klebenow on this new position and I look forward to a great year!

District 58 has published the 2023-24 Schools of 58: A Handbook for Families. Please take time to review this important handbook with your child, as it offers an overview of the District’s policies, procedures, resources and student expectations. During the first full week of school, all families will receive a handbook receipt to sign, acknowledging that they and their child reviewed and understood the handbook. Please sign and return the handbook receipt at Curriculum Night or sooner. Here are the links to this year’s family handbook. If you need a print copy, please contact the school office at and we can print you a copy.

• English: 2023-34 District 58 Family Handbook

• Español: 2023-24 Manual Familias del Distrito 58

The Board of Education approved the 2023- 24 school year calendar for reference.

Monday, August 21: Meet the Teacher 2:45- 3:30 PM

Wednesday, August 23: 1st Day of Student Attendance K-6

Thursday, August 24: 1st Day of Student Attendance for Preschool

Monday, September 4: No School, Labor Day

Tuesday, September 5: Curriculum Night at Pierce Downer Elementary School

Thursday, September 7: Curriculum Night at Indian Trail Elementary School

Monday, September 11: Board of Education Regular Meeting

Tuesday, September 12: Curriculum Night at Herrick Middle School

The Find Food IL Community Food Map is an excellent tool for individuals to find places offering free food or meals; school and Summer Meal programs; and grocery stores and farmers markets accepting SNAP/Link, WIC, and senior vouchers. ISBE partnered with the University of Illinois Extension to help families identify what is available in their community more easily.

Many students rely on school for access to meals. Especially as we enter the summer months, you can help by sharing the Find Food IL Community Food Map with your students and families. Those interested in linking to this resource can download hosting guidelines on the Illinois Nutrition Education Programs website. Contact Caitlin Kownacki or read the press release for more information.

Building Bridges is a parent group under the Downers Grove D58 Area PTA Counil. Building Bridges works on building relationships between families with children who have special needs and our school community.

Whether you are a parent/guardian of a child with an IEP or 504, sibling, caregiver, teacher, librarian, or community member... Building Bridges would love to see your participation in our event for the 2022-2023 school year!

Please join our Facebook Page (Building Bridges Parent/Teacher Group)

https://www.facebook.com/pg/buildingbridgesDG58/

Email: jcadard@dg58.org
Website: www.dg58.org
Location: 1435 Jefferson Avenue, Downers Grove, IL, USA
Phone: 630-7199478