May 23, 2022
CCSD 89 families:
 
As we near the end of the 2021-22 school year, I would like to thank all CCSD 89 students and families for the support you have shown our staff these last nine months. This year has been challenging occasionally. But much more often, it has been wonderful. 

As a community, there were times when not everyone agreed on the next steps. That’s OK; that’s part of the process. Respectful discussions help us see different perspectives and help us learn from each other. Our common ground was that we all want what’s best for students. 

As I reflect on this school year, I can’t help but celebrate having our buildings full of students who were excited to learn, who were making new friends, and who were becoming lifelong learners. This summer, I hope your family can celebrate your child’s success as you enjoy time together.

While we don’t like to give homework over the summer, I will ask you to review the information on the district’s website about the June 28 referendum. It is available at www.ccsd89.org/schoolbonds Whether you support or oppose renewing the bonds, the community’s decision will have a long-term impact on the school district. It’s important you learn as much as possible, participate in the process, and join the conversation.

Again, we are so appreciative of you for all that you have done to get your students ready for learning this year. I know some days it’s a challenge just to get everyone out the door with the books and lunch and permission slips they need. Your help does not go unnoticed. We are grateful to be partners in your child’s education. 

Thank you for sharing your children with us. Every single one of them is so important to our staff. They are the light in our day. Being able to spend time with them is a privilege and a joy. 

Thank you again. I hope your family has a safe, relaxing, and happy summer.
 
Dr. Emily Tammaru
CCSD 89 Superintendent
Bond referendum community meetings: June 13, June 15
The district has added an additional informational meeting where community members can learn more about the June 28 school bond referendum. The 7 p.m. June 13 meeting will be held via Zoom. The link will be posted at www.ccsd89.org/schoolbonds There will also be an in-person meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 15, at Briar Glen Elementary.

The bonds would allow the district to complete essential infrastructure projects at all five CCSD 89 schools without increasing taxes. You can learn more about the referendum at www.ccsd89.org/schoolbonds
Libraries will have books available for students this summer
From June 6 to June 24, all CCSD 89 students are invited to check out books from the library at Park View Elementary, 250 S. Park Blvd. The Park View library will be open from 8 to 11 am. Monday through Friday to read or check out books.

Any student currently enrolled in CCSD 89 (students who were in preschool through seventh grade during the 2021-22 school year) is invited. Children younger than eight must be with an adult.

The Glen Ellyn Public Library has opened up its Summer Reading Program to all CCSD 89 students, including those that live in Wheaton or Lombard. You can find out more here: https://gepl.beanstack.org/reader365
Video: Community-based learning opportunities
At the May 16 Board of Education meeting, the Student Spotlight featured the community-based learning program at Glen Crest Middle School. Students in the specialized academic classroom take monthly trips into the community, where they can apply their learning in a real-world setting.
Schools will collect devices from 1st-, 5th-, 8th-grade students
Students in first, fifth, and eighth grades will turn in the district’s electronic devices at the end of the school year. First-grade students will turn in the iPad and be issued a Chromebook at the start of second grade. Fifth-grade students will receive a new Chromebook at the start of middle school. (Students in these grades attending summer school will turn in their devices at the end of those classes.)

Students who have their devices during the summer should be using them for learning. The district’s filtering and monitoring tools are active all year. The district’s Acceptable Technology Use agreement remains in place. Devices should be kept in dry, climate-controlled areas. They should not be taken on vacation.

Families that need support for district devices over the summer should use the district’s online help system: https://bit.ly/89techsupport
Video: How universal design helps meet every student's needs
At the April Board of Education meeting, board members learned more about the universally designed approach in Jaime Stavros’ class at Park View Elementary School. Stavros worked with the district’s universal design for learning specialist to build reading lessons that are personalized by, and personalized for, the students in her third-grade class. The interdisciplinary lessons increase engagement and ownership of classwork in order to meet the needs of every single student.
Upcoming events
May 25: Last day of school (Morning attendance)
June 6: CCSD 89 summer school opens
July 18: Park View library open for book check out through June 24
June 20: Board of Education meeting, 7 p.m.
June 24: Last day of CCSD 89 summer school
July 18: Board of Education meeting, 7 p.m.
August 15: Board of Education meeting, 7 p.m.
August 15: First day of 2022-23 school year for staff
August 17: First day of 2022-23 school year for students