BENSENVILLE COMMUNITY PUBLIC LIBRARY

Free Film

INVISIBLE WARRIORS: African American Women in World War II

SUNDAY | MARCH 5 FROM 2 – 4 PM (INTRODUCTION & FILM SCREENING) | AT THE LIBRARY

THURSDAY | MARCH 9 FROM 7 – 8 PM (FILM SCREENING ONLY) | AT THE LIBRARY

Join the Bensenville Community Public Library for screenings of Invisible Warriors, a documentary film by historian Gregory S. Cooke — featuring the first Black women who fled lives as domestics and sharecroppers to work in factories and U.S. government offices. The film is an unforgettable conversation among a diverse group of African American Rosie the Riveters who recount what life was really like during World War II. These patriotic pioneers share their wartime memories, recounting their battles against racism at home, Nazism abroad, and sexism everywhere.

SKILL UP BENSENVILLE: Job & Career Resources

TUESDAY | MARCH 7 | 10 AM | AT THE LIBRARY

Join us as we welcome DuPage County’s workNet Center as they help residents discover no-cost career resources, including up to $10,000 for job training. At Skill Up Bensenville, attendees will learn about FREE job search workshops, one-on-one coaching, resume reviews, employer connections, and much more! Registration is not required to attend, but space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

ILLINOIS’ WILD AND WONDERFUL EARLY BLOOMERS

WEDNESDAY | MARCH 15 | 7 PM | LIVE ON ZOOM

There’s nothing like a blast of beautiful wildflower color after a long winter! Hear stories about our earliest spring wildflowers, their folklore, and their uses throughout history by Native Americans and early settlers. Be inspired to add some of Illinois’ wildflowers to your own garden. Presented by Master Gardener and author Cindy Crosby. Registration is required through our online calendar or by phone. Registration closes 24 hours prior to the event. A link to the Zoom event will be emailed to participants after registration closes

AUTHOR VISIT: Jacqueline Dye

WEDNESDAY | MARCH 22 | 7 PM | AT THE LIBRARY

Join us as welcome local author Jacqueline Dye. Jaqueline has overcome many trials and tribulations in her life, including divorce, mental illness, and the death of a child. Come and listen as she shares her journey to redemption, deliverance, and love! She will also be discussing her book, The Road That Brought Me Here Registration is not required to attend, but space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The British Invasion With Dave Rudolf

WEDNESDAY | APRIL 12 | 7 PM | AT THE LIBRARY

Join singer/guitarist Dave Rudolf for the best of the British Invasion era. Featuring the music of The Beatles, Donovan, The Kinks, The Who, Joe Cocker, and many more. Registration is not required to attend, but space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

THE RIVALRY OF THE 1920’S: Chicago Gangsters vs. Eliot Ness

SATURDAY | APRIL 15 | 1 PM | AT THE LIBRARY

Historical Presenter, Jim Gibbons, will discuss the arrival of FBI agent Eliot Ness to the City of Chicago. Learn about how Ness searched through the records of prohibition agents, handpicked a reliable team, and soon indicted and charged Al Capone with 5,000 Volstead Act violations. No matter how many times The Organization tried, Ness and his men could not be bribed nor intimidated. Charles Schwarz of the Chicago Daily News famously named these federal agents, The Untouchables. Registration is not required to attend, but space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

check out seeds!

2023 BCPL Seed Library

SEEDS AVAILABLE MARCH 1, 2023

Grow your own vegetables, herbs, and flowers from seed — for free with your BCPL library card! Our 2023 Seed Library launches on March 1 and we’re encouraging our patrons and community members to try their hand at growing (and harvesting!) seeds. Check out your seeds starting March 1 at the Circulation Desk at the Library. Seeds are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. There is a 5 seed packet maximum, with 2 maximum per variety, per card. To learn more about our seed library, please visit benlib.org/seed-library or call the Library at 630.766.4642.

Cuentos En Espa Ol

THURSDAYS AT 6:30 PM | MARCH 9, APRIL 13, MAY 11

Want to encourage early literacy in Spanish? Join us as we read our favorite books, do fun rhymes, and sing silly songs all in Spanish.

Too Littles

TUESDAYS AT 10:30 AM | MARCH 7 – MAY 23 | AGES: 0 TO 2 YEARS OLD

Join us at the library for a storytime specifically designed for your little ones!

Book Buddies

WEDNESDAY AT 10:30 AM | MARCH 1 – MAY 31 | AGES: 0 TO 5 YEARS OLD

Join Ms. Diane for a fun themed storytime where we will share some cute stories and rhymes and finish it off with a craft to take home.

Yoga Storytime

FRIDAYS AT 10:30 AM | MARCH 31 & APRIL 7 | AGES: 4 YEARS OLD AND UP

Join Ms. Stephanie for a yoga storytime! Afterwards we will practice some fun yoga poses.

Mario

MOVIE CRAFT PARTY | WEDNESDAY | APRIL 5 | 6:30 PM | AT THE LIBRARY | ALL AGES

We’re so excited for the new Super Mario Bros. movie premiere! Join us at the library to celebrate the new movie by doing some fun Mario-themed crafts! Registration is not required to attend, but space is limited and available on a firstcome, first-served basis.

Comics Club

MONDAYS | 6:30 PM | MARCH 6, APRIL 3, MAY 1 | AT THE LIBRARY | GRADES: 1ST – 5TH

Gather at the library every month to talk about the comics you’re reading, and preview new comics available for check out. Experiment with different art and writing techniques while making your own comics, too! Registration is not required to attend, but space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Nature At Night

MONDAYS | 7 PM | MARCH 13, APRIL 10, MAY 8 | AT THE LIBRARY | ALL AGES

Join Ms. Donna for a nature walk to look for animals, plants, and sky phenomena. Try out free apps you can use to identify everything from birds to planets! Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. Registration is not required to attend, but space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

CRAFT-A-PALOOZA | ALL DAY | MARCH 25 – APRIL 2 | AT THE LIBRARY | ALL AGES

Did you miss a Youth Services Department craft, or are you looking for something to do during Spring Break? Stop by the Youth Services Desk to pick up some of our extra kits from throughout the year. Registration is not required to attend, but materials are limited and available while supplies last. No craft can be held aside!

GARDENS, PARKS, AND PLAYGROUNDS TO VISIT IN CHICAGO

THURSDAY | MARCH 23 | 6:30 PM | AT THE LIBRARY | ALL AGES

Chicago has over 500 parks! Whatever your playground preferences – running, walking, relaxing, skating, swimming – there is something for everyone! This program will explore Mr. Garcia’s favorite parks, where they are, the special attractions of each, and the very best times to go. This is a bilingual program! Registration is not required to attend, but space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Free And Inexpensive Chicago

How to Enjoy the City without Deep Pockets

THURSDAY | APRIL 27 | 6:30 PM | AT THE LIBRARY | ALL AGES

We live near one of the greatest cities of the world – and it can be expensive to visit. But it doesn’t have to be! There are many places to visit and things to do that cost little or nothing, and Mr. Garcia will share them with you. Everything from boat rides to architectural tours, concerts, movies, tastings, and more will be highlighted. You will even learn how to get free or half price tickets to sights all over the city. This is a bilingual program! Registration is not required to attend, but space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Passport To Community History

WEDNESDAY | MARCH 29 | 11 AM – 3 PM

Churchville Schoolhouse | 3N784 Church Rd. | Korthauer Log House | 740 W. Wood St.

Bensenville Railroad Museum | Veterans Park at Main St. & Church Rd.

Pick up a Community History Passport to embark on a local adventure at three historical sites in Bensenville! Get your passport stamped at each location where families will hear stories about early area immigrants, and participate in hands-on history experiences. Kids can bring their stamped passports to the Elmhurst History Museum through the end of April to receive a prize. Community History Passports will be available to participants at any of the above listed sites on the day of the event. No registration is required.

ESTATE PLANNING: What You Need to Know

THURSDAY | MARCH 23 | 7 PM | AT THE LIBRARY

Most people know that they should have a will, but why? Join Attorney Robert Varak to learn all the basics of the estate planning process, how to go about finding a qualified attorney, what is involved on their part, and how much the process should cost them. It’s the perfect one-stop primer to learn about wills, trusts, guardianship, powers of attorney and other sometimes intimidating, but universally important, topics. Registration is not required to attend, but space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT: STRANGE WORLD

TUESDAY | MARCH 14 AT 6:30 PM | AT THE LIBRARY

Join us and take advantage of stadium seating and HD projection in the Library’s auditorium for a free showing of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Strange World. Admission to the show is free! Registration is not required to attend, but space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Youth Advisory Council

WEDNESDAYS | 4-5:30 PM | MARCH 15, APRIL 1 | AT THE LIBRARY | GRADES: 6TH - 12TH

Are you interested in engaging with the library community and earning volunteer service hours? Join us for a casual open discussion about current events, and give input into library events and services for youth. Registration is not required to attend, but space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

ILLINOIS LIBRARIES PRESENT: Upcoming Virtual Author Visits

DANNY TREJO TALKS TACOS, HOLLYWOOD, AND REDEMPTION

TUESDAY | APRIL 4 | 7 PM | LIVE ON ZOOM

SECRETS OF THE PUZZLE MASTER: A CONVERSATION WITH WILL SHORTZ

TUESDAY | APRIL 25 | 7 PM | LIVE ON ZOOM

Registration is required to attend these virtual Zoom events. Please register at benlib.org/calendar or by calling the Library at 630.766.4642.

FAMILY ROLE-PLAYING GAME NIGHT

MONDAYS | 6:30 – 8 PM | MARCH 20, APRIL 17 | AT THE LIBRARY | ALL AGES

Engage your imagination with a variety of fun, family-friendly, collaborative storytelling games. We’ll provide all the materials, including copies of the game rules to take home. Registration is not required to attend, but space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Diy Beauty Products

TUESDAY | MARCH 14 AT 7 PM

AT THE LIBRARY

Self-care matters! Adults will learn how to create a cruelty-free, plant-based deodorant and a body sugar scrub. Registration is not required to attend, but space is limited. Participants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and seats cannot be held.

Diy Macram Mason Jar Cover

TUESDAY, APRIL 4 AT 7 PM

AT THE LIBRARY

Learn how to turn your old mason jar and vases into bohemian pieces of art. This macramé cover will add the perfect rustic look to your home. Registration is not required to attend, but space is limited. Participants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and seats cannot be held.

Watercolor Loose Florals

TUESDAY | APRIL 25

7 PM

AT THE LIBRARY

Dive into the world of loose florals with this beginnerfriendly course. Watercolor artist Audrey Ra will teach us how to capture the essence of flowers with brushstrokes and gestural movements. All materials will be provided. Registration is required to attend; space is limited. Please register on our online calendar or by phone. Registration closes 24 hours prior to the event.

Anytime Craft Kits

Anytime Craft Kits are available all month long beginning the first Saturday of the month, while supplies last. Each kit includes the materials to create the project, plus step-by-step instructions. Anytime Craft Kits are for adults only on a first-come, first served basis.

Ombre Painted Vases

Saturday, March 4

Mason Jar Bunny Toppers

Saturday, April 1

Deer Grove Leisure Center

Administrative Office

1000 West Wood Street

Bensenville | Illinois 60106

630 766 7015

BvilleParks.org

@BvilleParks

White Pines Golf Club

500 West Jefferson Street

Bensenville | Illinois 60106

630 766 0304

WhitePinesGolf.com

@GolfWhitePines

Bensenville Water Park & Splash Pad

1100 West Wood Street

Bensenville | Illinois 60106

630 766 SWIM (7946)

Fischer Farm

16W680 Grand Avenue

Bensenville | Illinois 60106

630 834 3152

Wood Street Fitness Center

1000 West Wood Street

Bensenville | Illinois 60106 630 766 7015

WoodStFitness.com

Board of Commissioners

Rich Johnson | President

Val Karg | Vice President

Jay Snyder | Secretary

Nancy Gibbs | Commissioner

Executive Director

Joseph C. Vallez

Bensenville Park District

Welcome Spring!

The Bensenville Park District is ready for spring, and its Winter-Spring Program Guide contains many programs and activities. The Summer Program Guide will be in homes soon, with more programs and events sure to put a spring in your step and get you hopping around. From special events to programming for all, it won’t be difficult to make spring and summer memories that will last a lifetime. View our guides online at BvilleParks.org. Summer enrollment begins Tuesday, April 4, for those living within Bensenville Park District boundaries and April 5 for all others.

Events

Friday Fish Fry At White Pines

FRIDAYS THROUGH MARCH 31 | 4-8 PM | 37 BAR & GRILL | WHITE PINES GOLF CLUB

The 37 Bar & Grill is offering a special Lenten Fish Fry menu from 4-8 pm, Fridays through March 31. The special menu includes all-you-can-eat breaded cod, lemon pepper baked cod or Cajun baked cod (with French fries); fried shrimp; fried calamari; pepper and egg sandwich with fries and shrimp alfredo. Grilled cheese sandwiches, hot dogs, hamburgers and cheeseburgers are also available.

TINY TOT PRESCHOOL/SCHOOL AND PRIMER PREVIEW WEEK

MONDAY-FRIDAY | MARCH 13-17 | PRESCHOOL ROOMS | DEER GROVE LEISURE CENTER

The Bensenville Park District will hold its preview week for Tiny Tot Preschool, Tot School and Tot School Primer programs Monday through Friday, March 13-17, at the Deer Grove Leisure Center. Parents or caregivers can bring their child to observe, interact with the staff and see how the classes are run. Call 630.766.7015 ext. 117 or email ttschool@bvilleparks. org to make an appointment.

Bensenville Family Day At The Chicago Wolves

SUNDAY | MARCH 19 | 3 PM | ALLSTATE ARENA, ROSEMONT

Join the Bensenville Park District as Chicago Wolves hockey hosts the Manitoba Moose at 3 pm, Sunday, March 19, for Bensenville Family Day at Allstate Arena. Have fun while doing some good for the community with ticket packages starting at $27. All tickets purchased at BvilleParks.org/Wolves include a hot dog, soft drink and Wolves knit cap and provides $4.50 to benefit the Bensenville Youth Coalition. Order today at BvilleParks.org/wolves!

Passport To Community History

WEDNESDAY | MARCH 29 | BENSENVILLE TRAIN AT VETERAN’S PARK

Ready for a local adventure? Pick up a community history passport at the Elmhurst History Museum and get it stamped at three historical sites in Bensenville, including the Bensenville Train at Veteran’s Park, on March 29. Hear stories about early immigrants and participate in hands-on history experiences. Then, bring stamped passports to the museum through the end of April to receive a prize.

Easter Eggstravaganza And Egg Hunt

SATURDAY | APRIL 1 | 10 AM – 12:30 PM | VARBLE PARK HILL | DEER GROVE LEISURE CENTER

Hop over to our annual egg hunt social distancing style. Hundreds of candy-filled eggs will be scattered, waiting for you to collect. Don’t forget to bring a container to hold your eggs. To maintain social distancing, only one adult per child will be allowed at the event. The egg hunt is free; times and locations vary by age groups for safety. After the hunt, stop by the DGLC for games, crafts, inflatables, and photos with the Easter Bunny. Visit BvilleParks.org for more information.

Easter Brunch With The Easter Bunny

SUNDAY | APRIL 9 | 11 AM – 1 PM | WHITE PINES GOLF CLUB

Enjoy a lavish Easter Brunch with eggs, bacon, sausage, silver dollar pancakes, waffles, assorted fruits and pastries, Caesar salad, chicken limone, herb-roasted red potatoes and mixed vegetables, and get your photo taken with the Easter Bunny! Coffee and juices are included, and a cash bar will be available with $16 bottomless mimosas. The fee is $37 for adults 13+, $24 for ages 4-12, and 3 and under are free. Sign up by calling 630.766.0304 ext. 300 by Monday, April 3. Payment due at the time of reservation.

EARTH DAY E-RECYCLING & DOCUMENT SHRED EVENT

SATURDAY | APRIL 22 | 10 AM – NOON | WATER PARK PARKING LOT

Shred those old documents and recycle your obsolete electronics at the park district’s annual e-recycling and shredding event. Protect your privacy by shredding sensitive documents containing personal information such as medical records, bank statements and old tax returns. Shredding is free for the first banker’s box for those living within park district boundaries and $5 per box/paper bag thereafter ($8 residents outside park district boundaries). Electronics may also be recycled for $5 for as many approved items as needed. Visit the BvilleParks.org website for an up-to-date list of items that may be recycled.

Earth Day At Fischer Farm

SATURDAY | APRIL 22 | 10 AM – NOON

Come volunteer to help clean and plant at Fischer Farm. Water and snacks will be provided during the morning. Volunteers will receive a free commemorative Earth Day T-shirt, complements of Grand Subaru, while supplies last.

SEE BEAUTIFUL MAINE!

MAY 13-21 | REGISTER BY MARCH 3 | TRIP DEPARTS AND RETURNS TO DEER GROVE LEISURE CENTER

Calling all travelers! Don’t miss out on the trip to Beautiful Maine! The nine day, eight night trip, May 13-21, includes motor coach transportation, lodging, 14 meals, and 10+ activities and tours. With stops in New York and Pennsylvania, this trip has it all! Prices start at $1095 per person, double occupancy. Register by Friday, March 3, at the DGLC or call 630.766.7015.

Programs

The Bensenville Park District plans to offer a variety of safe and fun programming options for the spring and summer as part of the district’s Park N Play schedule.

DOGS AT DUSK PART 3 | SPRING BREAK DOG DAYS CAMP

THURSDAYS | MARCH 9 – APRIL 20.

In this after-school program by Paws 4 Kids 4 Paws, your child will learn how to use different equipment with dogs and will participate in activities like dog sports, brain games and puzzles, register by March 2. The park district also offers a fun and educational spring break Dog Days Camp March 27-29 where children can learn how to interact with dogs, register by March 20.

Sign Up Now For Summer Camps

The Bensenville Park District’s many Under the Sun summer camps provide hours of safe, supervised fun and promote development, teamwork, and socialization. Camps adhere to all IDPH and CDC guidelines while the kids have a blast. Campers will participate in a wide variety of engaging games, projects, crafts and, of course, daily swim time at the water park. There are even Before-and-After-Camp programs! For details, visit BvilleParks.org/Programs/Camps. Register by 6 pm Friday, May 5 and save $10 off each full session reserved.

Bensenville Sports Conference

From youth sports activities such as Teach Me Sports, basketball, karate, soccer, t-ball, and floor hockey to adult basketball, soccer, softball, and volleyball, there’s something for everyone. Check out the Winter-Spring Program Guide at BvilleParks.org!

WATER PARK & SPLASH PAD SEASON PASSES ON SALE NOW!

Stay cool at the pool! With a 155-foot water slide, two drop slides, a diving board, a 2,527 square-foot Splash Pad, sun deck, and a full-service concession stand, the Bensenville Water Park & Splash Pad is your home for summer fun!

Season passes are on sale now! Save 10% March 1-15 during the annual season pass sale. Season pass holders receive free and unlimited admission to aqua fitness classes and a discount admission to water park events, plus three free guest passes. Group and private swim lessons are also available. See p. 23 of the Winter-Spring Program Guide for more information.

Interested in working at the water park, White Pines Golf Club, or for the park district? Visit BvilleParks.org/JoinOurTeam to see all job postings and download an application.

Bensenville Elementary

SCHOOL DISTRICT 2

210 South Church Road

Bensenville | Illinois 60106 bsd2.org | 630 766 5940

Board of Education

Dr. Chris McCullough | President

James Stoltman | Vice President

Marisol Leyva | Secretary

Lori Parthimos | Treasurer

Jacqueline Dye

Katie Krajecki

Robert F “Bob” Laudadio

Administration

Dr. Katie McCluskey | Superintendent of Schools

Paul Novack | Chief Financial Officer

Anne Paonessa | Interim Director of Teaching & Learning

Dustin Berman | Director of Student Services

Edgar Palacios | Director of Multilingual Programs and English Learners

Shannon Steen | Director of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support and Assessment

Jamie Levin | Pre-Kindergarten Coordinator

Christy Poli | Director of Community Schools and Birth-to-3 Program

Tammy Hoeflinger | Human Resources Coordinator

Tim Waldorf | Community Relations Coordinator

Lara Schwarz | Project CARE Coordinator and Community Liaison

Claire Cooper | Director of Transportation

Greg Jones | GCA Manager Buildings and Grounds

Pam Laguna | Sodexo General Manager Food Services

Directory Of Schools

Blackhawk Middle School | 630 766 2601

Dr. Perry Finch | Principal

Zach Ettelbrick | Assistant Principal

Nataly Lopez-Diaz | Assistant Principal

Tioga School | 630 766 2602

Jeffrey Kersten | Principal

Amber Soike | Assistant Principal

W.A. Johnson School | 630 766 2605

Carlos Patiño | Principal

Michelle Shabaker | Assistant Principal

SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 D2 has the best teachers!

Special Recognition

District 2 teacher honored in the 2023 ISBE Those Who Excel awards program

Carla Vazquez, a dual language first-grade teacher at W.A. Johnson School, recently received Special Recognition in the Illinois State Board of Education’s Those Who Excel awards program.

Mrs. Vazquez began her teaching career at Johnson 10 years ago, working as a bilingual first-grade teacher until this year, when her class transitioned into the District’s new dual-language program. After a surprise in-class award presentation, and a congratulatory class hug, school and District administrators shared their thoughts on why Mrs. Vazquez is so deserving of this honor.

“Carla teaches with her whole heart,” said Johnson Principal Carlos Patiño. “She is 100 percent invested in every single student in her classroom. Not only is her instruction of the highest level, but her connection to the students and their families is also second to none. Carla is an asset to our BSD2 community!”

Edgar Palacios, Director of Multilingual Programs and English Learners, echoed Mr. Patiño’s sentiments.

“In addition, she has helped build a dual language program that brings about cultural and linguistic changes to our BSD2 community,” said Mr. Palacios. “She embodies the spirit of our motto, ‘Learning and Growing Together.’”

A Tale As Old As Time

Don’t miss Blackhawk’s spring musical, Beauty and the Beast JR.

Be Our Guest as a cast and crew of more than 100 Blackhawk Middle School students steps inside this classic storybook fairytale and rediscovers how beauty isn’t always as it appears. One of Disney’s most beloved animated films will come to life on stage with all the enchanted castle characters in a musical young and old will love.

Performance schedule for Beauty and the Beast JR.

Friday | March 10 | 7 pm

Saturday | March 11 | 7 pm

Sunday | March 12 | 2 pm

Tickets | $6 for adults and $5 for students and seniors

Come out and see an exciting show and support the hardworking students in the cast and crew!

Old School

Historic display at Tioga hits close to home for its creator

Wander around Tioga School, and you’ll find architectural elements salvaged from the old Tioga and Chippewa Schools scattered around the building. Ornate stone work from those razed facilities can be found in the new school’s cafeteria, near entrances to its gymnasium and preschool, and by its KaBoom playground. An old banister was even brought over and installed as a handrail in the main hallway.

Now, three bricks from the old Tioga building – and dozens of historic photos of the two old schools – are also on display in Tioga’s foyer, courtesy of Carolyn Smith. “I just thought a lot of our parents now probably have no idea any of this existed,” said Carolyn, who joined District 2 in 2016, and now serves as a kindergarten aide at Tioga.

Long before joining Tioga’s staff, Carolyn actually raised her family right across the street from the school. Longtime Bensenville residents may remember the beloved little store on the corner. Carolyn lived in the red brick home next door, and sent each of her three children – now in their 20s and 30s – to Chippewa and Tioga. From 2011 to 2014, they all watched out the front window as those buildings were bulldozed and the new school constructed on the very same grounds. “Somehow those bricks magically appeared in my yard,” laughed Carolyn, who actually asked her kids to sneak across the street and bring them home as souvenirs.

Earlier this year, Carolyn noticed an empty display case near the school’s main entrance, and those three old bricks and a ton of fond family memories came to mind. With the administration’s blessing, she filled that space with this historic display comprised largely of old photos of Tioga and Chippewa Schools posted to the Remembering Bensenville in Photos Facebook Page.

Carolyn titled the display Tioga School: Our roots continue to grow young minds, and she placed those bricks at the bottom of the case as a fun finishing touch, and an addition to the other artifacts found in and around Tioga today. “I am so happy that a little bit of BSD2 history can live on to share with future generations,” Carolyn said.

BILINGUAL & BILITERATE

Kindergarten parents interested in District 2’s dual language program should attend March 2 information night

Parents of incoming kindergartners are invited to an informative online presentation and Q&A session on Bensenville School District 2’s two-way dual language program. This will be the program’s third class of kindergartners, as the District launched the dual language program at the kindergarten level two years ago. It will expand the program each year through the fifth grade.

The BSD2 Dual Language Kindergarten Parent Information Night will be held Thursday, March 2. The online meeting will be broken into two sessions. An English presentation will be held from 5:30-6:30 p.m., and a Spanish presentation will follow from 6:30-7:30 p.m. For more information, visit bsd2.org/dual

Mark Your Calendars

BSD2 Board approves official 2023-2024 school calendar

The District 2 Board of Education approved the official 2023-2024 school calendar during its January 18 meeting.

Key dates are as follows:

• Beginning of the School Year | Classes will begin on Wednesday, August 16. District Institute and Professional Development Days are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, August 14 and 15.

• Thanksgiving | Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Thursday, November 23. There will be no school that week, but Teacher Institute and Professional Development Days are scheduled on Monday and Tuesday, November 20 and 21.

• Winter Break | There will be no school Thursday, December 21, through Friday, January 5, with classes reconvening on Monday, January 8.

• Spring Break | There will be no school Monday, March 25, through Monday, April 1,with schools reopening Tuesday, April 2.

• End of the School Year | The last day of school will be Thursday, May 30, unless emergency days are needed. Visit bsd2.org/calendars for more information.

5essentials

Annual survey allows students, parents and teachers to weigh in on school climate and learning conditions

Have you ever checked the weather forecast before leaving home in the morning, glanced at your car’s fuel gauge before backing out of the driveway, or read the nutrition panel on your cereal box while eating breakfast?

“If you did any of these things, you collected data – data to help you prepare for your day, make good decisions for your health, and avoid costly delays,” said Carmen Ayala, Illinois State Superintendent, in her January 18 weekly message. “Those are the same types of benefits school administrators can receive through our annual school climate survey, the data collection known as the 5Essentials.”

Every year, District 2 administers the Illinois 5Essentials Survey to stakeholders across the District to collect data to help it improve teaching and learning by improving the culture and climate in its schools and classrooms. The 5Essentials survey window opened Tuesday, January 24, and responses from students, teachers, and parents will be collected through Friday, March 31. Students in Grades 4-8 will take the survey in class. Parents and teachers are invited to complete the survey by visiting survey.5-essentials.org/illinois.

Kindergarten Registration

Johnson and Tioga Schools to host kindergarten registration on Tuesday, March 7

Incoming kindergarten students will be able to register for the 20232024 school year on Tuesday, March 7, from 3-7 pm at:

• TIOGA SCHOOL | 212 W. Memorial Road

• W.A. JOHNSON SCHOOL | 252 Ridgewood Avenue

Students will need to register at their home school, so parents who are unsure which school their child will attend should call the Educational Administration center at 630.766.5940.

Registration requirements are as follows:

• Child must be present during registration to be assessed for kindergarten.

• Parent or guardian must present a certified copy of an original birth certificate indicating the child will be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2023.

• Parent or guardian must also present the following proofs of residency at the time of registration:

– A lease or mortgage statement

– A driver’s license or current photo identification

Developmental Screenings

District 2 is offering free developmental screenings on May 4 and 5.

– Three additional proofs of residency

Do you have a child between the ages of 3 and 5? Professionals will assess the development of your child’s large and fine motor skills, pre-academic readiness, and speech, language, vision and hearing. The screening will help identify children who qualify for the District’s free preschool program, or who would benefit from additional services prior to entering kindergarten.Your child must be 3 years old by the screening date to participate. Screenings take about an hour and require an appointment. For more information, or to make an appointment, call Tioga School at 630.766.2602 ext. 4200.