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District 64 eNews May 24th, 2024

No School On Monday

All District 64 schools and offices are closed on Monday, May 27th in observance of Memorial Day. We'll see everyone back at school on Tuesday.

Hendee Rotary Scholarship

The Hendee Family presented the Raymond E. Hendee scholarship to three D64 teachers at the Rotary Club of Park Ridge’s May meeting. The Rotary Club and the Hendees donate $1,000 to each staff member for professional development classes. 


This year’s recipients are Katie Glassgow (Roosevelt), Eric Lawson (Emerson), and Sarah Smith (Field). Congratulations to this trio! 


“We’re thrilled to have such strong community support for our educator development. Our teachers are constantly improving their work,” said Superintendent Dr. Ben Collins. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dorothy, Mark, and Kim Hendee, as well as the Rotary Club of Park Ridge, for their unwavering support."


This scholarship is presented annually in memory of Dr. Hendee, who was the Superintendent of Park Ridge-Niles Community Consolidated Schools from 1970-1990. The award recognizes and commemorates his dedication to the district's children, his support of the teaching staff, and his lifelong commitment to serving the community as a Park Ridge Rotarian.


Thank You To Our D64 Retirees

It was wonderful to celebrate our Class of 2024 D64 Retirees! To our retirees, thank you for your service and dedication to the children of District 64.


  • Maribeth Aimers - Carpenter Elementary School
  • Pam Antonucci - Lincoln Middle School
  • Kim Bloom - Field Elementary School
  • Liliana Bran - Field Elementary School
  • Brian Cash - Emerson Middle School
  • Chris Corlett - Lincoln Middle School
  • Laura Daehler - Carpenter Elementary School
  • Sue Graf - Jefferson Early Childhood Center
  • Amanda Hernandez - Franklin Elementary School
  • Kathy Hirsch - Jefferson Early Childhood Center
  • Brian Kabat - Lincoln Middle School/Franklin Elementary School
  • Pam Kalliantasis - Carpenter Elementary School
  • Mary Lally - Franklin Elementary School
  • Chris LoPresti - Franklin Elementary School
  • Julie Majeski - Franklin Elementary School
  • Kathy Makowski - District Office
  • Mary McCabe - Franklin Elementary School
  • Mike O’Malley - Field Elementary School
  • Janet Petrielli - Carpenter Elementary School
  • Regina Schmidt - Lincoln Middle School
  • Cynthia Seputis - Carpenter Elementary School
  • Elisa Sewell - Jefferson Early Childhood Center
  • Matt Toren - Carpenter Elementary School
  • Bill Trudell - Emerson Middle School


We also enjoyed honoring the past four years of staff who have worked in the District for 25 years. We are so grateful to work with all these fantastic people! You can read more on our website.

Happy Buchheit Day! 

Happy Buchheit Day! Roosevelt and Field 3rd-graders walked to Hodges Park to learn all about Park Ridge’s first-ever mayor, Albert Buchheit, who was elected on May 24th, 1910. The learning experience was related to the social studies curriculum on history and civics. Learn more about the field trip here.

Welcome To The Team

We are thrilled to welcome Alison Dauernheim to our administrative team. Her position as the Student Learning Coordinator will bring significant support and value to our District and Student Learning Department. Working alongside Assistant Superintendent for Student Learning, Dr. Samantha Alaimo, Dauernheim, will help enhance the support we provide to our staff.


Dauernheim joins D64 after serving as the MTSS Coordinator for Responsive Systems in Glenview District 34. Before that she was the Assistant Principal for Student Services at Attea Middle School in D34. 


We invite you to read more about her appointment on our website. Join us in welcoming Ms. Dauernheim to the D64 community!

Join The Award-Winning D64

Instrumental Music Program

We would like to invite your student to join the District 64 Instrumental Music program next year! Beginning in 4th grade, your child is eligible to join Orchestra and 5th grade students are eligible to join the band or orchestra. To learn more about the program and the string instruments offered, please see the links below:


Read: Important Information About Instrumental Music


Video Presentation: All About Band!


Video Presentation: All About Orchestra!


If you already registered your child for the 2024-2025 school year but did not select instrumental music, log back into your account to add band/orchestra: Click Here to Add Instrumental Music, click "Forms" on the left, then "Enrollment" at the top and scroll down to instrumental music.


Click here for a video tutorial on how to add band/orchestra to your child’s registration!


The instrumental music registration deadline is August 1. Band/Orchestra teachers will communicate more information via email with registered families the second week of school. Lessons will begin the week of September 2. 


 If you have any questions, please email Erica Faulhaber (efaulhaber@d64.org), Curriculum Specialist for Instrumental Music. 

Around D64

On Friday May 17th, the Lincoln and Emerson Symphonic Band combined to perform the National Anthem for the Chicago Dogs at Impact Field. Congratulations to our students and directors Mrs. Hutter, Mr. Teater, Mr. Yoon, and Mr. Rybak on a fantastic performance!

Thank you to the Park Ridge City Council for having Superintendent Dr. Ben Collins present to the community about the 2024 Proposal!

Director of Student Services Alicia Schmeisser hosted a Timely and Meaningful Consultation meeting on Friday, May 24th.


The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the District’s plan for providing special education services to students with disabilities who will attend private and home schools within District 64’s boundaries for the 2024-2025 school year. 

"Lincoln Relays! End of the year… finishing our Track and Field Unit! Communication, Trust and Speed! #EveryLion"


~Ron Cacini Jr.

"Today my @LincolnD64

students heard a presentation from my dad, a Vietnam War veteran, & had a chance to try on his gear. They were shocked at how heavy everything was. #engageD64"


~Christine Thielen

"Great day 2 @tylertech annual conference with @IllinoisASBO

 colleagues! Improving processes in @D64News!"


~Dr. Adam Parisi

Upcoming Board Meetings

The following are the next Board meetings:

  • June 27, 2024 - 7 p.m. - Hendee Rooms at Jefferson


Looking to catch up on past meeting highlights? A summary of each meeting is available on our Current Board News webpage.


Please confirm meeting dates and times on the Board meetings webpage.



Comments and questions may always be directed to the Superintendent or Board members through these links:


Email Dr. Ben Collins, Superintendent or contact members of the Board of Education via email links.

Park Ridge-Niles School District 64 | 847-318-4300 | news@d64.org


#engageD64

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