Wednesday, May 29

Last day of school

Monday, June 10

Board of Education meeting

7 p.m. Downers Grove Village Hall

Thursday, June 6

The last day that school offices will be open 

Monday, June 10

Summer school begins (Session I)

Wednesday, June 19

Juneteenth

District offices, summer school closed

Monday June 24

Summer school begins (Session II)

Thursday, July 4

Fourth of July

District offices, summer school closed

Monday, July 8

Board of Education meeting

Monday, July 29

Summer school begins (Session III)

Tuesday, July 30

School offices reopen

Click here to view the 2023-24 calendar.

Click here to view the 2024-25 calendar

Click here to view the 2025-26 calendar

A message from Dr. Russell •••••

Dear Students, Staff, and Families,

As we reach the end of another remarkable school year, I want to take this opportunity to reflect on our collective achievements and express my deepest gratitude to each of you. This year has been filled with hard work, dedication and unwavering support for the students we serve, and I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together. Highlights from this year include but are not limited to:

• Increased achievement on the Illinois Assessment of Readiness
• Implemented Full Day Kindergarten 
• Added an additional grade level to the Dual Language Program
• Continued to embrace a robust School Improvement Model
• Joined the Southeast DuPage Elementary Athletic Association, which provides more sports and club opportunities for students and shorter drives for families
• Started construction on Henry Puffer School, Herrick Middle School, Highland School, Hillcrest School, O’Neill Middle School and Whittier School after 1+ year of planning
• Expanded Special Education offerings throughout the District
• Adopted a new Strategic Plan that focuses on five critical goals following significant staff and community engagement sessions (see below)
• Implemented new School-Wide writing curriculum 
• Piloted and adopted English Language Arts resources for all grade levels
• Enhanced social-emotional learning with the Zones of Regulation curriculum
• Partnered with ReferralGPS Care Navigator to provide a robust database of mental health professionals at no cost to staff and families 
• Provided boxed lunch options at all elementary schools
• Welcomed 30 new teachers into the District and 64 staff members 
• Replaced all or some playgrounds at Belle Aire, Pierce Downer, Fairmount, Henry Puffer, Indian Trail, Kingsley and Lester and improved the playground at Hillcrest
• Revamped the way Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings are conducted
• Conducted a comprehensive review of the gifted program that will involve a new delivery model in 2024-25
• Enhanced our safety and security protocols aligned with best practices and in concert with local law enforcement

This year, we made significant progress on our District's Strategic Plan, which focuses on five key goal areas:

• Focusing on Learning: We have continued to prioritize academic excellence, resulting in improved test scores, and the expansion of enrichment programs tailored to diverse learning needs. Our commitment to providing high-quality education ensures that every student has the opportunity to succeed.

• Connecting the Community: Strengthening the bond between our schools and the community has been a top priority. We have hosted numerous events and forums to foster open communication and collaboration with our stakeholders. Your feedback and involvement have been instrumental in shaping the direction of our district.

• Securing the Future: By managing our resources efficiently and effectively, we have been able to enhance our facilities and technology, providing a better learning environment for our students. We remain dedicated to ensuring our resources are used to support student learning and achievement.

• Building for Success: We are planning for the implementation of our new K-5 and 6-8 models. These changes are designed to better meet the developmental and educational needs of our students, creating a more focused and supportive learning environment at every grade level. The new models will be implemented in the fall of 2026 once construction is completed.

• Cultivating Talent: Investing in our people is vital for our District’s success. We have provided comprehensive professional development for our staff, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge to provide top-quality education. We will continue to listen to our staff so we can provide them with what they need to be successful well into the future. Additionally, we have worked to engage stakeholders and empower our students, together fostering a community of continuous growth and improvement.

To our wonderful students: Your resilience, enthusiasm and dedication to learning have been very inspiring. Despite the changes as well as challenges we've faced, you have shown an ability to adapt and excel. Your achievements, both in extracurriculars, in the community and in the classroom, are a testament to your determination and hard work.

To our exceptional staff: Your dedication to our students’ success forms the foundation of the District’s accomplishments. From the teachers who inspire and challenge our students daily to the support staff who ensure our schools run smoothly, all of your efforts have been indispensable. Your passion and professionalism create a nurturing and conducive learning environment for all.

To our supportive families: Your involvement, support and encouragement are crucial to the success of our students. Whether through participation in school events, supporting homework and projects at home, or collaborating with teachers, your engagement makes a significant difference in students' lives. Thank you for being active partners in your children's education.

As we reflect on these accomplishments, it is clear that they are the result of the collective efforts of our entire school community. Each of you has played a critical role in the successes that have brought us to this point. We remain committed to our vision of providing an exceptional education for all students. We will continue to build on our progress, and continue to work on the Strategic Plan, striving for excellence in every aspect of District 58’s operations. Thank you once again for your hard work, dedication, and support. I wish you all a restful and enjoyable summer break. We look forward to welcoming you back in the fall, ready to embark on another year of learning and growth.

On a personal level, this year has also been the most challenging year of my life. I cannot thank all of you enough for your continued support. My family and I are very grateful for everything the District 58 family continues to do to support us as we grieve. Your support means everything to us and has allowed us to move forward.

Warm regards,

Kevin Russell

Superintendent of Schools

Key Dates for 2024-25 •••

• First Day of Classes (K-8): Aug. 16, 2024 (Preschool will hold a meet and greet on Aug. 16 with the first day of class on Aug. 19.)
• Thanksgiving Break: Nov. 27-29, 2024
• Winter Break: Dec. 23, 2024-Jan. 3, 2025
• Spring Break: March 31-April 4, 2025
• Last Day of School: The last day of school will be a half-day on May 23, 2025 (if no emergency days are used)

Please note that the 2024-25 calendar is condensed to maximize construction time in the summer, meaning that classes will end before Memorial Day in 2025 and in the following school calendar year start after Labor Day 2025. 

View the 2024-25 calendar.

PHOTO GALLERY: Promotion Ceremonies •••••

HERRICK MIDDLE SCHOOL

• 320 students promoted
• Leader of the Pledge: Liam O'Donoghue
• American Legion Award winners: Ariana Haubold and Eric John Stacy
• Promotion Speakers: Liam O'Donoghue and Andre Cheng

Quotes:

“The celebrations and events that have taken place throughout this year and even before have helped to shape the young adults we have here today.” – Herrick Assistant Principal Samantha Inglima

“We all grew as individuals, and are currently the best version of ourselves.” 

– Andre Cheng, Student Council

“I don’t like picking favorites. And I can’t, because every single teacher I’ve had in DG 58 has had THE BIGGEST IMPACT in my DG 58 career.”

– Liam O'Donoghue, Student Council

View more photos

O'NEILL MIDDLE SCHOOL

• 223 students promoted
• American Legion Award winners: Kaleo Davis and Sylese Emde
• Pride of O’Neill Award: Lydia Larsen and Jakub Kranz 
• Promotion Speakers: Lydia Larsen
• Student Poem: Saara Raheja, “New Beginnings”
• Pledge of Allegiance: Saara Raheja

Quotes:

“Flowers don’t think about competing against other flowers. They just bloom. So, just go out in the world and BLOOM! JUST BLOOM!”

– Lauryn Humphris, O’Neill Principal

“Moving on doesn’t mean leaving everything behind,

But cherishing all you have gathered and making space for more,

It promises growth, learning, and far more,

Guiding us into the world with open arms, only if you are willing to have an open heart.”

– Saara Raheja; poem “New Beginnings”

"High school's scary, exciting, but scary. So it’s my belief that what we must take away from our time in District 58 isn’t the purpose of the mitochondria, or how to use a semicolon, and not even the Pythagorean theorem, but instead, the relationships we´ve built and the lessons we've learned about how to carry on responsibly."

– Lydia Larsen, Student Council

View more photos

Please join us in congratulating our retirees ••

Congratulations to the 14 Downers Grove Grade School District 58 staff members who will retire at the end of the 2023-24 school year. “Think of the impact you’ve had,” said Superintendent Dr. Kevin Russell at the Board of Education’s luncheon May 17. “It’s the people and the relationships you’ve built that have made the difference and for that I thank you.”

The 14 retirees include two teachers, 10 instructional assistants and 2 custodians. In all, they combine 269 years of experience. The retirees are:

• Barbara Manley 31 years, O’Neill Family and Consumer Science Teacher
• Melita Jenzake, 26 years, Grove Preschool Instructional Assistant
• Maria Haarth, 24 years, Grove Preschool Instructional Assistant
• Ginger Sallas, 23 years, Fairmount Instructional Assistant
• Sheri Kluga, 23 years, Whittier Instructional Assistant
• Traci Leach, 22 years, EL Teacher, Kingsley
• Raffaella Bruno, 22 years, Instructional Assistant, Grove Preschool
• Deborah Van Keulen, 21 years, Whittier Instructional Assistant 
• Mary Drobny, 16 years, Lester Instructional Assistant 
• Nancy Mueller, 13 years, El Sierra Instructional Assistant
• Fran Jones, 10 years, O’Neill Instructional Assistant 
• Denise Clinnin, 20 years, Hillcrest, DLP Instructional Assistant 
• Thomas Moran, 14 years, Belle Aire Head Custodian
• David Johnson, 4 years, Fairmount Night Custodian

Read more about the retirees and what others said about them. 

Join the PTA Summer Math Club •••

The PTA Summer Math Club is open to students entering grades K-8. It provides participating students with three math packets for each grade level over the summer that feature a variety of fun and interesting math activities, designed to keep young math minds active all summer long. After students submit each completed packet, they will receive prizes and their next math packet.

Your first (white) Summer Math Club packet will be distributed to you at school in the last weeks of school. Each packet contains three opportunities to earn a prize – triangle, circle and star. Complete each activity within that shape to earn the prize for that shape. Earn up to three prizes for each packet! Math activities include a variety of fun options, including Math Task worksheets that are also included in the packet. 

Read more.

Playground access limited during summer construction ••••

With construction occurring at six of our schools this summer, we are asking for parents’ help in discouraging students and families from accessing school yards under construction. These include the two middle schools Herrick and O’Neill as well as Phase I elementary schools: Henry Puffer, Highland, Hillcrest and Whittier.

However, we understand families wanting access to playgrounds at the elementary sites. Here are details on each of the four schools and their playgrounds:

• Henry Puffer – The southeast or primary level playground will be closed; the north or intermediate playground will remain open.
• Highland – Playground is closed.
• Hillcrest – Playground is open; please access it from Dunham Road.
• Whittier – Intermediate playground will be closed. The west or primary level playground remains open.

School offices to relocate during construction ••••

Because of construction at six of our schools this summer, the school offices at those buildings will be moved temporarily to the following schools beginning at noon on May 31. Phone numbers will remain the same. Please note that all school offices close for the summer on June 6 and are scheduled to re-open on Tuesday, July 30.

• Henry Puffer – offices move to Belle Aire, 3935 Belle Aire Ln.
• Highland – offices move to Belle Aire, 3935 Belle Aire Ln.
• Hillcrest – offices move to Kingsley, 6509 Powell St.
• Whittier – offices move to Lester, 236 Indianapolis Ave.
• Herrick – offices move to Pierce Downer, 1436 Grant St.
• O’Neill – offices move to Fairmount, 6036 Blodgett Ave.

School and District summer office schedule •

School offices will close for the summer on Thursday, June 6 and reopen to the community on Tuesday, July 30. For those who need to register, or if you have other questions, please call the District office at 630-719-5800. Please note that the District office begins summer hours the week of June 10 and will be closed on Fridays. Regular work hours begin the week of July 22. District summer hours are Monday-Thursday from 7 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

YouTube Access for elementary students to be limited next year ••

Beginning in August 2024, District 58 will block YouTube on all elementary student iPads. While there were controls and filters on YouTube, we decided to make this change following parent feedback and a review of student device usage. Staff will be able to send specific and direct YouTube links to students when they need to share educational content. However, students will not be able to browse and/or search YouTube for content. You can read more about Internet Safety in District 58 here. 

PHOTO GALLERY: Distinguished Service Awards •

The nursing staff at Hillcrest, Ann Brinkman, Erin Blank and Addie Pampalone (pictured above right); and preschool teacher Toni Belken (pictured above left) are winners of the 2024 Distinguished Service Awards (DSA). They were honored at an awards ceremony May 15 along with 31 other DSA nominees.

“Our nominees share one common value: a solid dedication to the District 58 community and its students,” said District 58 Foundation Vice President and DSA Chair Mia Churma. “Each of their contributions has made a lasting impact on the children and families we serve,” she said.

Thirty-five teachers and staff members – nominees of the 2024 Distinguished Service Awards – were honored at the ceremony, sponsored and organized by the District 58 Foundation.  

Read more.

Photo Gallery of event

Health Examination and Immunization Requirements for 24-25 ••

Please schedule appointments now for your child’s required health exam and immunizations. There are state requirements for students entering preschool, kindergarten, second grade and sixth grade, as well as for all new students. View the health examination and immunization requirements (Spanish). Visit the Health Services page for more information. 

Keep up to date on Building for Success •••

Check out the dashboards at both middle schools. There are webcams (updated every 30 minutes), drone video and photos of progress (updated weekly) and more. 

Herrick Middle School Dashboard

O'Neill Middle School Dashboard

Calling all incoming 7th grade students for Sneak Preview ••



Register now for a session time!

Herrick and O’Neill Middle Schools look forward to welcoming incoming 7th grade students for the 2024-25 school year! 

One of the most helpful transition activities available to your children is Sneak Preview. Learn more about middle school, lockers, class schedules and how to locate your classes. Registration is open to all incoming 7th grade Herrick and O’Neill students. Students will need to sign up for one of several sessions offered. Bus pick-ups are also scheduled.

This program is generously sponsored by the Education Foundation of District 58. If you have any questions, please reach out to Herrick at 630-719-5810 or O'Neill at 630-719-5815.

Back-to-School Fair •

The DuPage County Back to School Fair provides free backpacks and school supplies for children from low-income households in DuPage County.

This event will take place as a contact-free drive-through. Registration is required. See flyers for details.

GPS offers speaker line-up for 2024-25 ••

Our partners in parent and youth education, GPS is celebrating its 30th year with a new, more accessible website. Bookmark the page and visit throughout the summer to view next year’s programs and links to speaker resources, the video library, and books for summer reading by our 2024-25 authors.  GPSParentSeries.org

Downers Grove Grade School District 58

2300 Warrenville Road, Suite 200NE, Downers Grove, IL 60515

Community Relations Office: 630-719-5805 I fbehr@dg58.org | www.dg58.org

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