District 58 is excited to offer an Optional Kindergarten Enrichment and Enhancement Program this fall in Title 1 schools: El Sierra, Henry Puffer, Highland, Indian Trail and Kingsley. 

Parents who reside within these schools' boundaries may choose to enroll their child in this new, optional, fee-based enrichment program, which is offered in the afternoon as a complement to the District's existing high-quality, half-day kindergarten program, thus providing participating students with a full school day of instruction and enrichment.
 

District 58 will continue to fully fund and support its half-day kindergarten program. All required curriculum and content will continue to be provided within that half-day program. Students enrolled in the optional enrichment program will participate in the existing half-day session in the morning and then continue on to the optional enrichment program in the afternoon. There, they will receive additional enrichment opportunities in literacy, math, social studies and science, as well as exploration in physical education, music, multimodal learning, socialization and play.

Parents residing within Title 1 school boundaries may enroll their incoming kindergarten student for the optional afternoon enrichment program during the Kindergarten Roundup orientation events this spring. A schedule of Kindergarten Roundups is available on www.dg58.org. 

The District hopes to eventually expand the program district-wide in future years.

"We received more than 2,000 responses to our recent parent kindergarten survey," said Dr. Matt Rich, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. "The majority of parents of current and soon-to-be kindergarten students indicated they would be interested in enrolling their child in an enhanced longer-day kindergarten enrichment program.

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It's back! The annual District 58 Fit Fair will return on Thursday, March 26 from 6-8 p.m. at O'Neill Middle School. This family-favorite, free event introduces parents and children to fun ways to get fit. Each year, this event packs both of O'Neill's gyms and the cafeteria. Visitors can enjoy a mini-game of bowling, a yoga demo and a healthy food tasting. They can also complete a health screening and talk to a local physical therapist and a chiropractor. Don't forget to enter the raffle to win a fantastic prize!

Would you like to feature your health-oriented business at the Fit Fair? We still have limited spaces available. To participate, businesses are asked to offer a raffle donation. Contact Mary French at mfrench@dg58.org if you are interested. 

Read more here.

Eighth graders - it's your time to shine!

Please consider applying to the Select 58 Recognition Award program. This prestigious award is given to the top 58 students to serve their school and community. 29 Herrick students and 29 O'Neill students will be selected for this honor.

All students may apply for this award, as long as they are passing their classes. The award recipients will be recognized at an awards banquet in May.

Please complete the below application and submit to your school office by Monday, March 23. Remember: you will need one reference letter! We've provided the application in both Microsoft Word and PDF formats. Please complete the application in whichever format you prefer.

Select 58 Application (Word Format) 

The Select 58 Recognition Program is sponsored by the Education Foundation of District 58.

• Wednesday, March 25 at 1:45 p.m. at the DG Public Library
• Wednesday, March 25 at 7:30 p.m. at Longfellow Center 
• Wednesday, May 13 at 1:45 p.m. at the DG Public Library
• Wednesday, May 13 at 7:30 p.m. at Longfellow Center

Henry Puffer student Robert Huth, before shaving his head

Meanwhile, Robert Huth, a 9-year-old Henry Puffer student, shaved his head March 10 for children's cancer research. He also donated 18 months of hair growth to an organization that specializes in wigs for cancer patients.

"Robert is a very thoughtful boy who wants to be a scientist," says his mom, Nancy Huth. "Several years ago he told his pediatrician that he wanted to help cure cancer someday. Knowing that everyone wants cancer cured as soon as possible, Rob's decided to help the only way he could for a nine year old -St Baldricks and donating his hair."

Thank you, District 58 students, for your incredible generosity!

Kingsley, Lester and Pierce Downer schools recently held fundraisers to raise awareness and money for rare disease research.

The Kingsley Student Council hosted a "Dance Off Disease Day." 

 "The Kingsley Student Council raised over $700 for the Global Genes Fund in support of SASED and Rare Disease Day," said Deanne Jacobs, sixth grade teacher at Kingsley.

During the week of Feb. 23-26, Lester School Student Council sponsored a

Kingsley students celebrate "Dance Off Disease Day" to fundraise for the Global Genes Project and support SASED and Rare Disease Day.

Penny Harvest to raise money for the Global Genes Project, one of the leading rare and genetic disease patient advocacy organizations in the world. 

"Lester's goal was to raise awareness and money for those living with rare diseases, including three students in District 58," said Marina Kasicki, Lester teacher and Student Council moderator.

 On Feb. 26, all students and staff were given denim ribbons to wear and encouraged to wear their favorite pair of jeans to school to show support for World Rare Disease Day. In addition, teachers could pay a dollar per day to wear jeans. Lester raised nearly $700 for this great cause!

In addition, Pierce Downer staff recognized Rare Disease Day by donating $10 to wear jeans to school. Pierce Downer staff raised $195 to donate to the National Organization for Rare Disorders.

One item up for auction that garnered a lot of interest was "Downtown Downers Day" with principal Justin Sisul. The special day with Mr. Sisul includes a limousine ride from school, lunch downtown, a visit to Anderson's Bookstore to pick out a book and dessert at a local ice cream shop! Other items auctioned off were Chicago sports team themed art that Pierce Downer students created with their fingerprints and paint. Best of all, the proceeds from this special night will help fund the wonderful programs provided through the PTA.

Story contributed by parent LaVonne Czech, photos contributed by parent Amy Goray. Thanks for sharing!

• Flag salute and presentation by the Pierce Downer Student Council and PTA
• "Spotlight on our Schools" - Social-Emotional Learning
• Approval of the Optional Kindergarten Enrichment and Enhancement Program
• Appointment of Michelle Rzepka to the Hillcrest School principal position
• Superintendent's Report
• Business Report
• Committee Reports