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Board Meeting Highlights - November 2024
Board Meeting Highlights Board Meeting Highlights November 2024 Not displaying correctly? View in browser The Board thanked the Rotary Club of Lombard for their donation of winter coats, snow boots, snow pants, hats, and gloves to students in District 44. This is the 13th year that the Rotary Club has sponsored this event. Assistant Superintendent of Finance, Technology, and Facilities, Neil Perry, presented the 2024 Tentative Tax Levy, which the board later approved. The board discussed the 2025-2026 school calendar. The district will bring a draft of the 2025-2026 calendar to a future board meeting for approval. Recognition of our District 44 staff, students, and community members. Cassie Miller, Butterfield Building Substitute The Board of Education and Butterfield School Principal Kate Ostrander recognized Cassie Miller at the November Board Meeting. Principal Ostrander remarked that Cassie not only takes on a leadership role during 3rd-5th grade lunch periods but also dedicates significant time before and after school to strategize how to best support Butterfield students in their math learning. When she’s not filling in for a teacher, she’s actively finding creative ways to help students better understand math concepts. Tracy Latelle, Butterfield Building Secretary At the November Board Meeting, the Board of Education and Butterfield School Principal Kate Ostrander also recognized Tracy Latelle. Principal Ostrander shared that as a building secretary, Tracy often contributes in various ways: supervising in the lunchroom, volunteering at after-school events, picking up staff lunches on Fridays, or offering a positive boost to parents, students, and staff who could use a little extra encouragement to get through the day. GWMS PTSA Meeting on November 14th JSECC Making Cards for the Community on November 15th Manor Hill hosting Veteran Howard Hill on November 15th Pleasant Lane Craft Club on November 15th Madison Movie Night on November 15th ILMEA Honor Festival for Orchestra, Band, and Chorus at Streamwood HS on November 16th Hammerscmidt PTA Meeting on November 18th Park View KDG and 1st Grade Bingo Night on November 20th Manor Hill Family Reading Night on November 21st No School - Parent/Teacher Conferences on November 25th & 26th. No School November 27th - November 29th for the Thanksgiving Holiday Butterfield PTA Meeting on December 3rd JSECC Winterfest on December 7th Board of Education Meeting December 10th at Park View School Meet the Lombard District 44 Board Lombard District 44 is governed by an all volunteer, seven-member Board of Education. These individuals are elected to serve the community. For more information, please click here . Note: This communication should not be viewed as a replacement to the minutes taken at each Board of Education meeting. While we aim to provide critical information about need-to-know topics, all of our stakeholders are encouraged to view the full agenda and minutes from each meeting in order to have a deeper understanding. Lombard District 44 www.sd44.org
Friday, Nov 15 2024
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District 44 Safety Series: Understanding Our Threat ...
Dear Lombard District 44 Families, As our final topic in the ongoing District Safety Series, this week we are focusing on Threat Assessment Procedures Our Threat Assessment Procedure enables our staff to effectively evaluate potential threats and provide the appropriate interventions and support to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and school community. The goal of our Threat Assessment Procedure is not to predict violent behavior, but to systematically analyze concerning behavior and make informed decisions that prioritize safety and support for all students. Here’s an overview of how the process works: Identification: The team identifies a potential student of concern through reports of threats, social media activity, bullying, or other observed behaviors. Assessment: The team then evaluates the risk level, considering the nature of the threat (e.g., direct, indirect, veiled, or conditional) and any additional context. Management and Intervention: We implement appropriate responses based on the assessment. This can range from counseling and support services to legal actions if necessary. Who is Involved? Our Threat Assessment Teams at each school and at the district level are made up of a diverse group of professionals, each bringing a unique perspective and expertise to the process: Administrators Teachers School Counselors and/or Social Workers School Psychologists Law Enforcement Officials These teams work collaboratively to investigate and respond to threats, always maintaining a focus on student safety. As a school district, we meet annually to review and refine these procedures, ensuring they remain effective and compliant with state regulations, including the School Safety Drill Act (105 ILCS 128) . When to Report Concerns We encourage families to speak up if they notice any concerning behaviors, whether observed directly or communicated through other means. Please report concerns to your child's school administrator, or through methods listed on our Crisis Reporting and Resources webpage . Any reports will be handled confidentially and in compliance with federal and state privacy laws. Support for Students For students impacted by a threat, whether as a potential source or a target, our team of counselors and social workers is available to provide guidance and support. Our approach is centered on balancing safety with compassion and ensuring that every student feels heard and supported. A Note about Social Media We take all threats seriously—whether verbal, written, or online. Even when intended as jokes, these threats have serious consequences. We urge parents and guardians to talk with their children about how they use social media and the lasting impact of their words. Whether your child is in elementary school or middle school, it’s important for them to understand that any mention of harm—such as talk of weapons, violence, or dangerous actions—triggers a response from both the school and law enforcement. Thank you for your ongoing support in helping us create a safe learning environment. Sincerely, Lombard School District 44
Tuesday, Nov 12 2024
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District 44 Safety Series: Standard Reunification Me...
Dear Lombard District 44 Families, This week’s update in our District Safety Series is focused on Reunification . One critical aspect of emergency response is an organized and accountable reunification of students with their parents/guardians in the event of a school crisis or emergency. Circumstances may occur at a school that require parents and guardians to pick up their students in a formalized, controlled release. This process of controlled release is called a reunification and may be necessary due to weather, a power outage, hazmat event, danger outside the school or if a crisis occurs at the school. Reunification can occur at the school site itself, or at an off-site location if a situation arises in which reuniting parents/guardians with their students at the school is not a safe option. THE PROCESS In the event of an emergency, Lombard District 44 has established a reunification process to ensure the safe return of students to their parents or guardians. We use the "I Love U Guys" Foundation’s Standard Reunification Method (SRM) to manage this process in an organized and secure manner. Key aspects of the SRM include: Controlled Release: During reunification, students are only released to a custodial parent, guardian, or pre-authorized emergency contact. Identification is required to confirm identity and custody rights. Notification Process: In the event of a reunification, you will be notified via ParentSquare (email, text, app alert, voicemail). You will also be informed about the location of the reunification site if it’s different from the school. Be Prepared: It’s essential to remain calm and follow instructions from school and district officials. Please avoid driving to the school unless directed, as this can interfere with emergency responses. PARENT AND GUARDIAN RESOURCES Parents and guardians are key partners in Reunification events. In stressful situations like those that require reunification, prior review of the plan helps the process run more smoothly and reduces anxiety. To help you better understand the reunification process, we’ve created a parent overview video, shared what to expect in 6 easy steps, and provided an attachment that describes the process. Upon arrival at a reunification site, parents can expect these steps: Six Easy Steps Step 1 - Greetings As parents arrive at the reunification site, Greeters explain the process and distribute Reunification Cards. Step 2 - Parents Fill Out Card Parents complete the information requested on the card and remain in line. Step 3 - Checkers Verify ID Parent custody is verified. The card is torn on the perforation and the bottom is returned to the parent. The top is given to the Accountant. Step 4 - Reunification Area At the Reunification Area, parents give the bottom of the card to the Reunifier. The Reunifier goes to the Assembly area to get the student. Step 5 - Student Reunification The Reunifier returns the student to their parents asking the student if they feel comfortable leaving with that adult. Then they note the time and initial the bottom of the card. Step 6 - Accountability The Reunifier delivers the bottom of the card to the Student Assembly Accountant. The Accountant sorts the cards for our records. Once these six steps are complete, you are free to leave the Reunification Site with your student. We thank you for your cooperation in keeping our students safe. Sincerely, Lombard School District 44
Tuesday, Nov 05 2024
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District 44 Safety Series: Standard Response Protoco...
Dear District 44 Families, For week one of our District Safety Series, we are focusing on the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) . We are committed to maintaining a safe environment. To achieve this, we use the "I Love U Guys" Foundation’s Standard Response Protocol (SRP) in the event of an emergency. The SRP is a uniform, clear, and structured set of actions that students, staff, and first responders follow during critical incidents. The SRP outlines five key actions to respond to various situations, each designed to ensure safety: Hold: "In your room or area. Clear the halls." This action keeps hallways clear while activities continue in classrooms. Secure: "Get inside, lock outside doors." The building is secured from potential external threats, but learning continues inside. Lockdown: "Locks, lights, out of sight." This response is used when there’s a threat inside the building. Evacuate: Students and staff are relocated to a safer location, either inside or outside the building. Shelter: This response is used in hazardous situations like severe weather, following specific safety strategies In the event of a live incident, parents may have questions about what to do, particularly during a Secure or Lockdown . Below is an explanation of each situation and guidance on how parents should respond. SECURE: “Get Inside. Lock outside doors” Secure is called when there is something dangerous outside of the building. Students and staff are brought into the building and the outside doors will be locked. Inside, it will be business as usual. Will parents be notified when a school goes into Secure? For brief or non-violent events, such as an animal on the playground, there may not be a need to notify parents during the Secure. However, for longer or potentially more dangerous events, parents will be notified that the school has increased security. Additional instructions, if necessary, will also be shared. Should parents come to the school during a Secure event? Probably not. During a Secure, every effort is made to continue normal classroom activities. Additionally, parents may be asked to stay outside the building during the event for safety reasons. What if parents need to pick up their student? Depending on the situation, it may not be safe to release students. As conditions change, there may be opportunities for Monitored Entry or Controlled Release of students, and parents will be informed of any such developments. LOCKDOWN: "L ocks, Lights, Out of Sight" A Lockdown is called when there is something dangerous inside or very close to the building. During a Lockdown, students and staff are trained to stay in a room that can be locked and remain silent. A Lockdown is initiated only when there is an active threat inside or very near the school. Will parents be notified when a school goes into Lockdown? Yes, parents will be notified as quickly as possible through multiple channels, including text, email, ParentSquare app alerts, and voicemail. Please stay tuned for updates, as we will continue to provide information regularly throughout the situation. In the event that students need to be evacuated and relocated for reunification, we will keep parents informed every step of the way. Should parents come to the school during a Lockdown event? Though it’s natural for parents to want to go to the school during a Lockdown, this can create additional challenges. If there is an active threat, law enforcement will be responding, and it’s unlikely parents will be granted access to the building or even the surrounding campus. Parents already inside the building will be instructed to Lockdown as well. We regularly train and drill students and staff in these actions, so they know what to do if an emergency arises. For more details about the SRP, you can visit iloveuguys.org/The-Standard-Response-Protocol.html . Thank you for your continued partnership in ensuring our schools remain safe environments. Sincerely, Lombard School District 44
Monday, Oct 28 2024
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Introducing the District 44 Safety Series
Dear Lombard District 44 Families, As a school district, the safety and well-being of our students and staff are always our top priorities. To ensure our families stay informed and prepared, we are launching a District Safety Series aimed at keeping you updated on the important safety procedures and practices we have in place. What is the District Safety Series? This series will consist of three communications over the next three weeks, each highlighting a key aspect of our comprehensive safety measures. You will receive important information about our safety procedures, specifically: The Standard Response Protocols The Standard Reunification Method Threat Assessment Procedures Our Commitment to Safety Our goal is to provide you with clear, accessible information about the systems we have in place to ensure that all feel safe at school. Each communication will explain the steps we take related to each topic, the teams involved, and how families may be a part of a process. We know that feeling informed helps reduce uncertainty, and we are committed to fostering a transparent and supportive environment. Next Steps Next Monday, you will receive the first message in this series which will focus on the Standard Response Protocols and how we respond to potential concerns. Please watch for these messages and take a moment to review them as part of our shared responsibility to create a safe school community. Thank you for partnering with us in keeping Lombard District 44 a secure and supportive place for all students. Sincerely, Lombard School District 44
Monday, Oct 21 2024
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Board Meeting Highlights - October 2024
Please see below for our most recent highlights from the October 8th Board Meeting. Board Meeting Highlights October 2024 Not displaying correctly? View in browser Last month the Board of Education approved the 2024-2025 Budget . A copy can be found at the Administration Center or on the district website . GWMS Principal Mike Kettwig shared an update with the board regarding 8th-grade promotion and end-of-year celebrations. As part of the district's decision-making process , the GWMS administration has been gathering feedback from recently graduated and current 8th-grade students on potential improvements. A staff committee has also been formed to assist in planning. Mr. Kettwig and the GWMS team have received parent feedback at a recent PTSA meeting and will continue the conversation in upcoming meetings. Ultimately, the goal is to maintain traditions while enhancing the celebration to further highlight students. Elementary school reporting to parents is currently under review in the district’s decision-making process . Director of Strategic Initiatives Allie Hahn provided the board with a project update, noting that elementary families and staff participated in a survey on the topic in September. Principals will gather additional input at upcoming PTA meetings, and student and teacher feedback will also be collected in the coming month. All feedback will be compiled and taken into consideration, with a proposal for possible modifications being brought to the BOE by February. Recognition of our District 44 staff, students, and community members. Angela Greco, GWMS Instructional Assistant The Board of Education and GWMS Principal Mike Kettwig recognized Ang Greco at last night's meeting. Principal Kettwig remarked that Ang, an instructional assistant in the AIP classroom at Glenn Westlake Middle School, brings a sense of warmth, dedication, and enthusiasm to every aspect of the school day. From supporting students in the classroom to supervising after-school events and assisting with the school’s drama program, Ang’s positive energy and unwavering commitment make a meaningful impact. Ang’s can-do spirit truly embodies the values of District 44, and we are grateful for the many ways Ang enriches our community. JSECC - No School/Developmental Screening on October 10th No School - Institute Day on October 11th No School - Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples' Day on October 14th No School - School Improvement Day on October 15th 7th & 8th grade Orchestra Stringfest at Glenbard West on October 17th Pleasant Lane PTA Trunk or Treat on October 18th Butterfield PTA Fright Fest on October 19th Manor Hill PTA Meeting and Hammerschmidt PTA Meeting on October 21st GWMS Band, Orchestra, and Choir Fall Concert on October 24th Madison Halloween Party on October 25th Park View PTA Fall Fest on October 26th K - 8 Early Release Day on October 31st John Schroder Character Parade on October 31st No School - Election Day on November 5th Board of Education Meeting at Butterfield School on November 12th Meet the Lombard District 44 Board Lombard District 44 is governed by an all volunteer, seven-member Board of Education. These individuals are elected to serve the community. For more information, please click here . Note: This communication should not be viewed as a replacement to the minutes taken at each Board of Education meeting. While we aim to provide critical information about need-to-know topics, all of our stakeholders are encouraged to view the full agenda and minutes from each meeting in order to have a deeper understanding. Lombard District 44 www.sd44.org
Wednesday, Oct 09 2024
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Board Meeting Highlights - September 2024
Please see below for our Board of Education's most recent newsletter. Board Meeting Highlights September 2024 Not displaying correctly? View in browser The Board of Education approved the Concussion Oversight Team. This requires annual approval. You can find more information about this team's work by clicking here. After the public hearing was concluded, the Board approved the 2024-2025 budget. Superintendent Stec updated the Board about a survey sent to elementary parents and guardians seeking feedback on potential updates to K-5 reporting. For more information on this process, please visit your school's ParentSquare page. Recognition of our District 44 staff, students, and community members. Federico Nava, Madison Custodian When it comes to nurturing growth and fostering connections, no one embodies it more than Mr. Nava. With 25 years in District 44, Federico considers the district his family. His commitment to connecting with others is evident in every interaction—whether it’s with a student or a colleague. Instead of looking at his phone to pass time, he looks up, engages, and makes meaningful connections. Every student at Madison says that Mr. Nava is their trusted adult. As Federico says, "District 44 is my life. I love my job, I love my people." Marty Sampey, Madison Custodian For the past several years, Marty has brightened every day at District 44 with his infectious smile and positive attitude. Marty brings joy to all those around him, and his pride in his work is unmistakable. He truly makes this a happy place for everyone. We are lucky to have him as part of our District 44 family! New Staff This year, we proudly welcomed over twenty new educators to District 44, along with many instructional assistants and support staff. These individuals are already making a tremendous impact, and we are thrilled to have them join us at District 44. Welcome aboard! GWMS PTSA Meeting on September 19th Manor Hill PTA Movie Night on September 20th Park View PTA Panther Prowl (Pedal the Path) on September 20th Madison PTA Family Art/Reflection Night on September 25th Pleasant Lane PTA Falcon Fun Run on September 27th National Custodial & Maintenance Appreciation Week is September 30th - October 4th Butterfield PTA Meeting on October 1st Hammerschmidt PTA Track-A-Thon on October 3rd JSECC No School/Developmental Screening on October 10th Board of Education Meeting on October 8th at Glenn Westlake Middle School\ District 44 is utilizing ParentSquare for district and school communication, primarily with email, text and app notifications. ParentSquare automatically generates an account for each parent, using their preferred email address and phone number. We encourage parents to access their accounts at parentsquare.com ! How Do I Sign up for ParentSquare? Go to parentsquare.com/signin (or install the ParentSquare app) and follow the prompts to sign up. Your email/phone number must match contact details in the school's Skyward database for this to work! Use Google single sign-on, your email, or your phone number to set up your account. If your contact details aren't recognized, contact your school building secretary to get them added/updated. After they update your information in Skyward, the new contact details will appear in ParentSquare after the next daily sync, and you will be able to create an account. Meet the Lombard District 44 Board Lombard District 44 is governed by an all volunteer, seven-member Board of Education. These individuals are elected to serve the community. For more information, please click here . Note: This communication should not be viewed as a replacement to the minutes taken at each Board of Education meeting. While we aim to provide critical information about need-to-know topics, all of our stakeholders are encouraged to view the full agenda and minutes from each meeting in order to have a deeper understanding. Lombard District 44 www.sd44.org
Wednesday, Sep 18 2024
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Welcome to the new school year from District 44!
Back to School 2024-2025 School Year We are looking forward to welcoming students back to District 44 soon! We hope everyone has a great start to the year. As a reminder: Monday, August 12, 2024 - First day back for all staff. Wednesday, August 14, 2023 - First student attendance day for grades K-8 Kindergarten will have half days (AM) August 14-August 16, with their first full day on Monday, August 19. Monday, August 19, 2024 - First student attendance day for JSECC students. A Message from Superintendent Stec Dear District 44 Families, As we approach the start of the 2024-2025 school year, I am filled with excitement and anticipation for what lies ahead. We eagerly look forward to welcoming both our returning students and families, as well as the new members joining our District 44 community. Our commitment to nurturing growth and fostering connections remains at the core of our mission. We understand that a safe, supportive environment is essential for students to thrive, and this begins with building a foundation of trust and mutual respect. Our goal is to inspire a love of learning through meaningful relationships and a deep understanding of each student's unique needs. This year, we continue to uphold the values that guide our work: Nurturing Growth: We are dedicated to helping students develop their full potential, recognizing that their achievements extend beyond traditional measures. Fostering Connections: Strong, genuine connections are essential to the learning experience. We aim to build an inclusive community where empathy and understanding drive our interactions. Holistic Development: We believe in supporting students' emotional and physical well-being as fundamental to their academic and personal success. We value our partnership with you—our parents and guardians—and encourage open communication. While your child's teacher is your primary contact, our school principals and district office team are always here to support and address any concerns you may have. We are committed to listening and collaborating with you to ensure the best possible experience for your child. Serving the students, families, and staff of District 44 is a privilege, and I am excited to embark on this new school year together. Warm regards, Dr. Ted Stec Superintendent, District 44 Inside Your Schools Student & Parent Handbook Every year, District 44 reviews and updates its district parent handbook known as "Inside Your Schools." We encourage families to please take a moment to review the latest edition, which can be found by clicking here. The handbook is available in both English and Spanish. District 44 Safety Procedures Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with our safety procedures. In the event that an incident or emergency situation arises in our schools or in the area of our schools during the school day, Lombard School District 44 is prepared. We have a thorough District Emergency Operations Plan and School Crisis Management Plans, putting procedures in place to respond effectively to such situations. Our district has adopted and utilizes the “I Love U Guys” Foundation's Standard Response Protocol (SRP) and Standard Reunification Method (SRM). Please view the links below to learn more. Standard Response Protocol (SRP) Standard Response Protocol - English Protocolo de Respuesta Estándar - Español Standard Response Protocol (SRP) Standard Response Protocol - English Protocolo de Respuesta Estándar - Español To pick up a draggable item, press the space bar. While dragging, use the arrow keys to move the item. Press space again to drop the item in its new position, or press escape to cancel.
Monday, Aug 05 2024
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Board Highlights - June 2024
Board Meeting Highlights | June 2024 Dear District 44 Families and Staff, Please click here to view our Board Meeting Highlights newsletter, which features items from the most recent Board of Education meeting. Thank you, Lombard District 44 Meet the Lombard District 44 Board Lombard District 44 is governed by an all-volunteer, seven-member Board of Education. These individuals are elected to serve the community. For more information, please click here . Note: This communication should not be viewed as a replacement to the minutes taken at each Board of Education meeting. While we aim to provide critical information about need-to-know topics, all of our stakeholders are encouraged to view the full agenda and minutes from each meeting in order to have a deeper understanding.
Thursday, Jun 13 2024
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Welcome to ParentSquare, District 44 Families!
Welcome to ParentSquare, District 44 Families! Parents: Getting Started Video (English) Padres: Video de Introducción (Spanish) Dear Families, We are excited to be utilizing ParentSquare as our new school-to-home communication tool at District 44. Thank you for registering for your account! ParentSquare is a unified communications platform designed to keep parents and guardians informed and encourage greater engagement and connection with your child’s school and the district. It provides a safe way for district administrators, school principals, teachers, staff, and parents to: Send and receive school and class information in a preferred language Share pictures and files View district, school, and classroom calendars Schedule parent-teacher conferences Sign up to volunteer RSVP to events and much more . . . all in one centralized place! Starting this summer, all district and school communication will be sent via ParentSquare to your computer or phone via email or text. For even more convenience, download the ParentSquare app (available for iOS and Android devices). Classes, as well as direct messaging, will become available for the upcoming school year on August 7. Once logged into ParentSquare, there are two settings you may want to personalize: Notification Settings Manage Your Notification Settings Understanding Instant vs Digest notifications Language Settings Have questions? Click the question mark in the top right corner of the desktop version or the "Help" tab on the app (tap the triple bar icon at the top left) to find answers to most of your questions. Resources are also available on our website, www.sd44.org, under Resources > ParentSquare . You can also email communications@sd44.org for assistance. Thank you, Lombard District 44
Monday, Jun 10 2024