- Cass School District 63
- Cass63 Connections
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The Cass63 Connections is communicated to parents and published on Cass School District 63's website weekly throughout the school year.
Cass63 Connections
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Cass63 Connections - October 14, 2021
October 14, 2021
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
This week we wanted to share some great academic news about our schools.
U.S. News and World Report recently released rankings of more than 80,000 elementary and middle schools across the country. In the state of Illinois, Concord ranks 115 out of 2,568 elementary schools, which is the top 5 percent of all elementary schools. Cass ranks 158 out of 1,788 middle schools, which is in the top 9 percent of all schools at the junior high level.
Concord has a Reading Proficiency Rank of 168 and a Math Proficiency Rank of 109. In both categories, U.S. News categorizes performance as “Well Above Expectations”. Cass has a Reading Proficiency Rank of 124 and a Math Proficiency Rank of 184, both of which fall in the category of “Somewhat Above Expectations”. Here is additional information on the methodology used for the rankings, which focuses on math and reading proficiency on state assessments. If you want to view the rankings and detail, here is the U.S. News K-12 Portal.
To have both of our schools in the top ten percent of their respective categories is awesome and we should all be very proud of our teachers, administrators and staff, and obviously you as parents as well. This is certainly something to celebrate within our school community, and everyone should be proud of the success of our students!
Having said that, a good school ranking is not something that we will rest upon. The most important data is not what makes a list or news article, but what we use internally to drive improvement. Our goal is not to just beat the average, but to perform among the highest tier while making sure that each individual student grows as much as possible, and that our students are ultimately well-prepared for high school and life.
So today we celebrate some great news, while keep digging in and working to help each child grow as much as possible. While it won't make a national publication, it is the growth of the individual student over time and helping each achieve his or her individual potential that is worth celebrating more than anything else.
Thank you for all you do to support our kids and for the great partnership between home and school that we have in Cass School District 63.
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
Cross Country Runners Advance to State!
The Cass Junior High cross country team recently participated in the Class 2A sectional meet and Kaydence Brazzille, Anna Wilcox and Wojtek Gilarski all qualified to advance to the IESA State Cross Country meet on October 16 at Maxwell Park in Bloomington-Normal. Congratulations to Coaches Damrow and Kondraschow and best of luck to these exceptional runners!
8th Grade Washington, D.C. Trip Informational MeetingPlanning is under way to provide an opportunity for our current 8th grade students to take a trip to Washington, DC in 2022. Interested 8th grade parents should plan to join our Zoom meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 26, at 7:00 p.m. At this meeting, details and information on the trip will be provided, as well as registration information and an informal Q&A session with our tour leader, Mr. Bob Burnette.
Mark your calendars for the meeting. The Zoom meeting link will be provided at a later date. For more information in the meantime, parents may also visit www.academicexpeditions.com, click on “GO TO MY TRIP"” and enter tour code “CSS2022DC”. Please contact Mr. Kohnke with any questions at kkohnke@cassd63.org.
Cass Junior High Math Team Starts October 20
Cass Junior High School teacher Mr. Mike McLean is looking forward to working with our math team! The team will meet every Wednesday starting Wednesday, October 20 after school until 4:30 in Room 222. If your child is participating, please make sure to arrange a ride home at 4:30. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. McLean at mmclean@cassd63.org. Yay math!
7th Grade Family and Friends Veterans Day Project
Each year on Veterans Day, our 7th grade English language arts classes participate in a special letter writing project. Teachers Audrey Vaci and Lauren Malik would like students to honor family and friends of district families as much as possible. If you have anyone you would like to recommend to receive one of these letters, please complete this Veterans Day letter information form no later than Friday, October 15 so that we may include them in this project.
Help Wanted - Concord Elementary Teacher Assistant
Cass School District 63 is seeking a full-time teacher assistant at Concord Elementary School. If you do not have your license to be a paraprofessional but do have an associate degree or higher, it is a simple thing to obtain your license. Here is the job vacancy, or contact Principal Laura Anderson or Superintendent Mark Cross with any questions.
Prekindergarten Screening October 22
Concord Elementary will be hosting a Prekindergarten Screening on Friday, October 22. Your child must be preregistered to participate. Here is more information on ages of qualification and how to sign your child up for screening.
Cass Junior High Picture Retakes October 28
Cass Junior High picture retakes are scheduled for Thursday, October 28. Your child may participate if they have not yet had their photo taken or if you are unhappy with the first picture taken and you would like a retake. Please contact the Cass Junior High office at 331-481-4000 (x2) for more information.
Virtual Parent-Teacher Conferences
Virtual Parent-Teacher conferences are scheduled for Monday, November 22 from noon to 8:00 p.m. and Tuesday, November 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Mark your calendars and more information and details regarding conferences will be provided soon.
Cass63 Alumni Corner
Cass 63 alumni are excelling in golf at Hinsdale South High School. Tommy Gneiser was recently named male athlete of the week while Billy Gneiser qualified to compete and then placed 4th at the IHSA State Finals. Dana Euske qualified to compete and placed 71st overall at the IHSA State Finals. Congratulations to our high school golf stars!
COVID-19 Data Dashboard
Here is the current COVID-19 Data Dashboard for both the most recent two weeks, as well as the 2021-22 school year.
Community Connections
Indian Prairie Public Library Writing Competition
Glenbard Parent Series presents That Crumpled Paper Was Due Last Week
Tuesday, October 19 Board of Education Meeting, District Community Room 7:00 p.m.
Friday, October 22 Prekindergarten Screening
Tuesday, October 26 8th Grade Washington, D.C. Trip Virtual Information Meeting 7:00 p.m.
Friday, October 29 Early Release Day, Concord Elementary 11:15 a.m. and Cass 12:00 p.m.
Archives
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Cass63 Connections - October 7, 2021
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
Last week, we included a brief reference to the issue with TikTok Challenges that are causing some unfortunate situations in schools locally and across the country. While there are positive aspects to social media, this is a reminder of both the nonsense and potential harm it can perpetuate as well. Our intent is to simply bring awareness to the issue and also to remind parents of the importance of being dialed in to what your child is seeing or doing on social media. We want to be proactive and help in any way that we can, and the best way to do that is open and honest communication between home and school.
Our school year is off to a tremendous start, but we have had to deal with some other behavioral concerns as well. This presents challenges and disruptions to the learning environment, but we also want you to know that much of this is also kids acting out as they readjust to the structure of the normal school day. While we are all obviously aware of the timelines, Concord Principal Dr. Laura Anderson shared this.
When you consider that the youngest ones in particular have never gone through a full "normal" school year, it puts some of the behavior issues in perspective with all students at school every day, some for the first time. Our teachers, administrators and school service personnel will do whatever we can to be proactive and get certain behaviors under control, but our biggest concern is making sure we meet the social and emotional needs of our students. This is very situational and based on individual needs, but we will help, support and teach at every opportunity. We will be patient and positive, while continuing to run a tight ship and provide the structure that is needed for our kids to be successful.
Never hesitate to reach out to the appropriate staff if you have any questions or concerns, but I felt this was an important issue on which to share openly. We are blessed to have supportive parents who want what is best for their children, and a school district and staff who share the same values and goals for our children. Thank you for your support of our students, staff and schools and have a wonderful weekend!
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
Early Dismissal October 8, No School October 11
We have an early dismissal tomorrow, Friday, October 8, with Concord dismissing at 11:15 a.m. and Cass 12:00 p.m. Also, there is no school on Monday, October 11 for the Columbus Day holiday.
Screening Testing TuesdayDue to the Monday holiday, students participating in a weekly COVID screening will be tested on Tuesday, October 12.
Seventh Grade Veterans Day Project
Each year on Veterans Day our 7th grade English language arts classes participate in a special letter writing project. Teachers Audrey Vaci and Lauren Malik would like students to honor family and friends of district families as much as possible. If you have anyone you would like to recommend to receive one of these letters, please complete this Veterans Day letter information form no later than Friday, October 15 so that we may include them in this project.
Softball Team Sees Growth
Under the direction of Coach Danielle Trezzo, the Cass Junior High School softball team made tremendous growth this fall after a year-long hiatus. The girls showed great improvement and look forward to the 2022 season.
Coach Trezzo said, “The team showed a great deal of effort, commitment, and heart throughout the entire softball season. No matter the outcome of the game, the girls fought each day for each other and took the field with a smile on their faces and the determination to be their best. Throughout the season, we have witnessed extreme progress and growth from each individual player, and also from them as a team. I am so proud of how far they have come and all that they have accomplished this year, and I cannot wait to build upon this next year!”
Keep up the great work, girls!
Help Wanted - Special Education Driver and Substitutes
Cass School District 63 is seeking a part-time before or after school driver to transport special needs students safely to and/or from school in a district passenger vehicle. Being qualified to drive a large school bus is not required for this position. Here is the job vacancy, or contact Superintendent Mark Cross or Transportation Director Keith Monaco with any questions.
The district is also in need of substitute teachers! Here is the vacancy posting, or contact Principals Laura Anderson or Christine Marcinkewicz, or District Administrative Assistant Gayle Wilson with any questions or if you have any interest.
Prekindergarten Screening October 22
Concord Elementary will be hosting a Prekindergarten Screening on Friday, October 22. Your child must be preregistered to participate. Here is more information on ages of qualification and how to sign your child up for screening.
Virtual Parent-Teacher Conferences
Many parents expressed appreciation for the convenience of virtual conferences last year, so we are going to do it again this year. Conferences are scheduled for Monday, November 22 from noon to 8:00 p.m. and Tuesday, November 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. More information will be provided soon!
Reminders on Proper Masking
Our students do a tremendous job with this at school, but it is always good to have reminders that proper masks are worn at all times and that the masks are properly worn. Guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control provide that masks should have two or more layers of breathable fabric and should NOT have exhalation valves or vents. Masks should completely cover the nose and mouth and fit snugly with no gaps. Following is a simple summary of the guidelines from the CDC. Please let us know if you have any questions and click on the image for more details from the CDC.
CARE BBQ Bash and Dine to Donate at Portillos
The CARE Annual Fall BBQ Bash is coming up on October 13. Orders are due no later than tomorrow, Friday, October 8, so please be sure to see the CARE Fall BBQ Bash flyer today so you don’t miss out!
Mark your calendars for October 26 when Dine to Donate at Portillos is scheduled. We look forward to seeing everyone there.
Community Connections
Hinsdale South Booster Club Fall Craft & Vendor Show
DuPage Forest Preserve Halloween Happenings
Friday, October 8 Early Release Day, Concord Elementary 11:15 a.m. and Cass 12:00 p.m.
Monday, October 11 No School – Columbus Day
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Cass63 Connections - September 30, 2021
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
We are grateful for the success of the start of our school year and thank you for your support as we roll into the month of October. While we have commenced with the testing program as it relates to the pandemic, we are just as focused on more traditional testing with the successful administration of the Assessment of Readiness (IAR) for many of our students. We hope this year’s state assessment gives us some actionable data to help identify areas where students need to grow, as well as where we can do better.
Despite any challenges, we will continue to emphasize the academic growth of our students. Never hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher, principal or school office if you have any questions or concerns.
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
Early Dismissal October 8, No School October 11
We have an early dismissal on Friday, October 8, with Concord dismissing at 11:15 a.m. and Cass 12:00 p.m. Also, there is no school on Monday, October 11 for the Columbus Day holiday.
Prekindergarten Gold Circle of Quality Designation
The Concord Elementary School prekindergarten program has once again earned the ExceleRate Illinois Gold Circle of Quality designation. This designation is difficult to achieve and we are extremely proud of Dr. Laura Anderson and the Prekindergarten team, Ms. Pam Worth, Mrs. Kara Blatt and Ms. Lauren Grochowski, along with all the teacher assistants and support staff who work hard each year to ensure that we are providing the best possible start in education to our youngest students. Congratulations!
Prekindergarten Screening October 22
Concord Elementary will be hosting a Prekindergarten Screening on Friday, October 22. Your child must be preregistered to participate. Here is more information on ages of qualification and how to sign your child up for screening.
A Little (Art) Perspective
Cass Junior High School art teacher Matt Etherington has been working with students on perspective using the junior high hallways as a base. He then asks students to insert a surrealistic image onto their realistic drawings. Mr. Etherington brings out their best and our students do amazing work!
On a side note, Mr. Etherington will be taking a leave of absence to spend time with his new baby. Savanna Miska will be stepping in to teach his classes while he is out. Congratulations to Mr. Etherington and welcome Ms. Miska!
Board Briefs
The Board of Education held a meeting on Thursday, September 23. Information about that meeting can be found at Board Briefs on the District website.
Reminder - Symptom Checks and Self-Reporting
We have done so well so far this school year in large part due to the cooperation of our parents in keeping our children safe at school, as well as giving our kids the best chance to remain in school. Please continue to check daily and keep your child home and report to the school if he or she is sick or exhibits any potential COVID symptoms, including a fever (100.4°F or higher), headache, shortness of breath, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, new cough, new loss of sense of taste or smell, muscle or body aches or fatigue from an unknown cause. Please do likewise if your child is a close contact to a positive or potentially positive case. We truly appreciate your cooperation!
Zero Tolerance for TikTok Challenges
Parents, please be alert to some of the things going on with the TikTok app. The “slap a teacher” challenge is the October “challenge” and will be dealt with as a serious offense. At a minimum, any offenses will result in serious disciplinary consequences. We just want to make sure our parents are aware of this in advance.
Recycling Rally
Cass Junior High science teacher, Susan Paszkowski, has taken her dedication to recycling and turned it into a school wide competition and a lesson on the environment. Each year homerooms at Cass compete to see who can bring the most recyclables in to school and the school as whole also competes in the Recycle Rally which is a nationwide competition sponsored by PepsiCo Recycling. Through this program, Cass Junior High has earned two bottle filling stations that have been installed for student use. Our students are already off to a great start this year!
National Merit Scholarship Program
Please join us in congratulating Cass School District 63 alum Elijah John on becoming a national semifinalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program. This is no small feat, and we are proud of his achievements.
CARE BBQ Bash and Virtual Book Fair
The CARE Annual Fall BBQ Bash is coming up on October 13. Don’t miss out on this great event with some fantastic food. Orders are due no later than Friday, October 8 so please be sure to see the CARE Fall BBQ Bash flyer to find out how to order!
If you are interested in purchasing books from the CARE Cass Junior High book fair, the deadline is fast approaching as the fair closes on October 6.
Community Connections
The Community Series presents The War for Kindness
Montini Catholic High School Registration Information
Important Dates to Remember
Friday, October 8 Early Release Day, Concord Elementary 11:15 a.m. and Cass 12:00 p.m.
Monday, October 11 No School – Columbus Day
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Cass63 Connections - September 23, 2021
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
Patriotism has been a key theme in our schools over the last two weeks. Obviously, the recent 20th anniversary of September 11 weighed in our memories this year, even if our students are far too young to recall the events of that time. We are proud of the performance of our junior high music students at Darien Remembers to commemorate this event and at Concord, our students held their annual patriotic assembly in commemoration of Constitution Day. It is wonderful to see our students at all levels participate in such meaningful activities to better appreciate and understand our American freedom.
Tomorrow I plan to share some updated information regarding our testing program. As questions come up, we always try to sharpen our communication and make sure you have all of the information you need to make an informed decision that is best for your family. Please keep an eye out for this.
We have had amazing success over the first month of the school year, and I thank you for the open communication and the effort at home to avoid any risk at school to the health of others, as well as to protect our learning environment. Masks and social distancing aside, things are way more normal that not. Thank you for your support and keep up the great work!
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
Stay Healthy, Stay Smart and Testing Updates
On Friday, September 24, several updates to the district’s plan will be provided to parents. This will include clarifications and updated information on the testing program.
Cass Students Take Part in Darien Remembers
Band and choir members from Cass Junior High participated in the Darien Remembers events held on September 12. We are proud of all of our students and staff who participated in remembering such an important day in our history.
Constitution Day at Concord
On Constitution Day, Concord Elementary School held its annual Patriotic Assembly. The assembly was held outside and it was a beautiful day and a wonderful assembly. Please take a look at some photos from the day.
Darien Woman's Club We HeART our Heroes
In the spring, our students were asked to participate in the Darien Woman’s Club We HeART our Heroes project. Both Cass and Concord Students contributed enough squares that they were able to create two separate art exhibits, including one from each school. These were displayed in three local fire departments and the library over the course of the summer. Our local heroes appreciated the thoughtfulness and recognition, and it was a great opportunity to display the talent of our students. We hope to display these in our schools soon as well!
PSAT Information for 8th Grade Students
District 86 will be giving the PSAT to all current 8th grade students who plan to attend Hinsdale South on Saturday, October 30, 2021. Students should plan to arrive at Hinsdale South between 7:30 – 7:45 AM, with testing beginning at 8:00 AM. The PSAT will not be used for placement into 9th grade coursework, but rather a baseline datapoint to measure growth on future PSAT & SAT tests. Testing is not required, so no make-up testing will be administered. You will receive additional communication from Hinsdale South in the coming weeks.
Cass 63 Alumni Thriving
Some of our Cass 63 alumni have started the 2021-22 school year off right at Hinsdale South High School! Former students Rachele Cameli, Alexandra Cima, Parth Joshi, Fatima Qureshi and Katie Spytek were all recognized by the language department for their high performance in a contest held over the summer on Duolingo and Kamile Zinis and Billy Gneiser were both named Athletes of the Week.
Congratulations to our high achieving high school students!
School Lunch Options Expanding
Beginning on Monday, September 27, the lunch program will begin offering four options per day for students in both buildings. At this time, all full lunches are free to all students who wish to take a lunch at school.
Also beginning on September 27, Cass Junior High will begin offering some a la carte items. There is a charge for all a la carte items and no cash will be taken at the registers during lunch. If your child would like to purchase any a la carte items, parents must deposit money on your child’s My School Bucks lunch account. This can be done online with a credit card or via a check to the school office.
October Lunch Menus
The October lunch menus are available under these links for Cass Junior High School and Concord Elementary School, and are also available on our website. Like many food service providers, Aramark is experiencing some shortages and lack of availability of certain items. We will avoid this as much as possible, but changes may have to be made to lunch menus without prior notice. Whenever possible, the district will communicate this information to parents in advance.
CARE Virtual Book Fair and Dine to Donate
After you are done shopping online at the virtual book fair for Cass Junior High, treat your family to dinner at Burrito Paradise where CARE is holding its next Dine to Donate event on Wednesday, September 29, 2021.
Community Connections
Indian Prairie Public Library Fall Information
Mighty Oak Athletic Youth Strength & Agility Training
Important Dates to Remember
Friday, October 8 Early Release Day, Concord Elementary 11:15 a.m. and Cass 12:00 p.m.
Monday, October 11 No School – Columbus Day
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Cass63 Connections - September 16, 2021
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
Our great start to the school year continues, and we thank each of you for your part in making this happen! Several important updates follow and while there is always business to address and reminders you will need, we plan to dedicate more space in the Cass63 Connections to highlighting our awesome students and staff.
Clear and open communication is essential to our success and that goes both ways, so never hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher, Dr. Anderson, Mrs. Marcinkewicz or me if there is anything you need. We are here for you. Thank you!
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
Bringing Science to Life
As part of her curriculum, Cass Junior High School science teacher Theresa West utilizes a garden planted outside the school each year. Students do real work in the garden while taking part in hands-on learning activities. This is a great example of science at its best when it is brought to life.
Meeting Social and Emotional Needs
As we work to meet the social and emotional learning needs of our students, we will also share those opportunities with parents whenever we can. The Glenbard Parent Series has three excellent upcoming events: Under Pressure: Taking Control of Stress & Anxiety, Maybe You Should Talk to Someone and Behind Happy Faces.
CARE Cass 63 Dash
On September 10, CARE held its annual Cass 63 Dash at Concord Elementary. The students and staff had a wonderful time and the weather was perfect for this highly anticipated event. Here are some great pictures from a great day!
Cross Country Team Update
The Cross Country season is underway and last week the Cass Warriors competed in their first meet. Congratulations Anna Wilcox who placed 5th overall at the meet.
Concord Patriotic Assembly
On Constitution Day, Friday, September 17, Concord will be holding its patriotic assembly. Students are invited to wear red, white and blue to school to show their patriotic spirit!
Dr. Laura Anderson, Principal
TikTok Challenge Beware
In recent days, schools everywhere have identified an increase in vandalism in schools by students. These incidents are believed to be the result of the “TikTok Bathroom Challenge”, which promotes vandalism in school restrooms by students. Unfortunately, we have experienced some of these issues and will continue to monitor. We are hopeful that these behaviors will cease.
Thank you for your collective efforts in speaking with your student about the importance of respecting school property and reporting vandalism as we work together to foster pride in our school. Thank you for your support!
Mrs. Christine Marcinkewicz, Principal
Stay Healthy, Stay, Smart! Updates
As communicated earlier in the week, the Stay Healthy, Stay Smart! plan has been updated to reflect information on our testing program through Northshore Clinical Labs for any parents interested. We will continue to update our plans whenever we can clarify or improve our mitigation strategies.
Proof of Vaccination Reminder
If your child is 12 or older and has had their vaccination, parents may wish to provide proof of that vaccination so that your child may be able to avoid quarantine should they be a close contact. Last week, Principal Christine Marcinkewicz sent a message to 7th and 8th grade families with instructions on how to share your child’s vaccination card. If you did not receive that email and would like to share your child’s vaccination card, please contact Gayle Wilson at gwilson@cassd63.org.
CARE Virtual Book Fair at Cass Junior High
CARE will be hosting a virtual book fair for Cass Junior High beginning September 23 through October 8, 2021. Please take advantage of this great even as 25% of all sales go back into our schools.
September 23 Board of Education Meeting
The Board of Education’s September meeting will be held on Thursday, September 23, at 7:00 p.m. Meetings are normally held on the third Tuesday of the month, but we will announce whenever there is a departure from the usual schedule.
Community Connections
Darien Woman’s Club Fall Children’s Clothing Resale
Important Dates to Remember
Thursday, September 23 Board of Education Meeting – 7:00 p.m., Cass Junior High School Gym
Friday, October 8 Early Release Day, Concord Elementary 11:15 a.m. and Cass 12:00 p.m.
Monday, October 11 No School – Columbus Day
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Cass63 Connections - September 9, 2021
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
On behalf of our Board of Education in Cass School District 63, thank you to the hundreds of people who took the time to respond to our recent strategic planning surveys. With over 400 responses, we could not have had a better turnout from mostly our parents, but also our staff and our graduates who are currently sophomores, juniors and seniors at Hinsdale South High School.
While the feedback was extremely positive, our mindset is one of growth and improvement. At a later time, I will hare more about the collective survey results, but the feedback is beyond helpful. At our strategic planning meeting this past Tuesday, the Board reviewed this information and continued with the deep work necessary to establish goals and chart a course forward. We are not hiring a firm or paying a fancy consultant, but just rolling up our sleeves and getting it done. From the beginning, our plan has been to keep it simple, have broad goals and provide a system for monitoring our progress.
Every successful business or organization has a vision and a plan to get there. We are well on track, and your support is very much appreciated. I will continue to keep you updated on this as we move forward, and the Board will approve the final plan later this fall. More information is also provided through the Board Briefs, which are typically updated within one to two days after each meeting.
Peace to you and your families as we commemorate September 11 and honor those we lost, as well as the brave men and women who protect the great freedoms we enjoy here in America. More on that below, and never hesitate to reach out to us here at school if you need anything at all.
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
September 10 Early Dismissal Schedule
As a reminder from the 2021-22 school calendar, we have early dismissal on Friday, September 10. Dismissal on all school improvement days throughout the year is scheduled for 11:15 at Concord and 12:00 at Cass.
It’s Been 20 Years…Remembering September 11
This Saturday marks the 20th anniversary of the events that took place and so many lives lost on September 11, 2001. While there are some limitations to what we are able to do in a group setting, in our shortened school day on Friday, September 10, our Cass Junior High School students will be engaged in learning activities to commemorate the day.
At Concord Elementary School, on September 17 (Constitution Day), the children are encouraged to dress up in red, white and blue for school activities and a patriotic assembly. This includes what we hope will be a beautiful rendition of “This Land is Your Land”. We also have the CARE D63 Dash during the school day on September 10, and the kids are encouraged to wear red, white and blue for this as well!
While enjoying the upcoming weekend, please reflect on the freedoms we enjoy in this great country, express our appreciation and support for our men and women who protect our freedom and consider participating in local events with your family, including through Darien’s commemoration events.
Proof of Vaccination Reminder
If your child is 12 or older and has had their vaccination, parents may wish to provide proof of that vaccination so that your child may be able to avoid quarantine should they be a close contact. Principal Christine Marcinkewicz sent a message to 7th and 8th grade families with instructions on how to share your child’s vaccination card. If you did not receive that email, please contact Gayle Wilson at gwilson@cassd63.org.
Take a Look! Awesome Community Speaker Series
Parents, we strongly encourage you to take advantage of the incredible speakers our friends at Hinsdale Township High School District 86 and Community Consolidated School District 181have put together. Their resources and sharing allow all local school districts to participate in the Community Speaker Series. There are three upcoming events, including The War for Kindness: Building Empathy in a Fractured World, The Price You Pay for College, and The Addiction Inoculation.
Separately from this, our parents can also tap into the Glenbard Parent Series which also has two excellent upcoming events: Under Pressure: Taking Control of Stress & Anxiety and Maybe You Should Talk to Someone.
September 23 Board of Education Meeting
The Board of Education’s September meeting is going to be held on Thursday, September 23, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. Meetings are normally held on the third Tuesday of the month, but we will announce whenever there is a departure from the usual schedule.
Coming Soon…Important Updates to Stay Healthy, Stay, Smart!
Very soon, we expect to provide some key updates to the Stay Healthy, Stay Smart! plan. This will include information regarding our testing program through Northshore Clinical Labs, guidelines regarding family travel and also clarifications with the length of quarantine times. We are also hopeful that we will soon be allowed to implement some form of the test-to-stay strategy here in DuPage County.
Important Dates to Remember
Friday, September 10 Early Dismissal – 11:15 a.m. Concord, 12:00 p.m. Cass
Saturday, September 11 Patriot Day (in Honor of 9/11)
Monday, September 13 CARE Meeting – 7:00 p.m., Cass Junior High School Gym
Thursday, September 23 Board of Education Meeting – 7:00 p.m., Cass Junior High School Gym
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Cass63 Connections - September 2, 2021
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
With a very successful opening of the school year well under way, it is wonderful to see our kids all here at school, enjoying their teachers and friends and thriving in an incredible learning environment.
We also continue to adapt to the health and safety needs and the support of our parents has been second to none as we all work through this together. Thank you to the outstanding self-reporting of our parents, we currently have just 10 students or staff isolated or quarantined and as of this writing we have had no known cases or close contacts at school.
Some key updates to the Stay Healthy, Stay Smart plan include getting ready to commence with our testing program through Northshore Clinical Labs, clarifications regarding proper masks and masking, and the implementation of regularly updated data for our school setting. We have also removed sections or questions from the plan that are no longer relevant to opening the school year. Any recent changes are indicated with date of the change in the question heading and we will continue to update this information as questions or issues arise.
As a reminder, this coming weekend is Labor Day, so there is no school on Monday, September 6. Also, we have an early dismissal scheduled for next Friday, September 10. We will remind you with a friendly text message, but please plan accordingly.
Following are a few pictures from the opening day at Cass Junior High School. Thank you for your support in a healthy and smart start to the school year and have a wonderful Labor Day weekend with your families!
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
Concord Elementary Virtual Curriculum Night
This year curriculum nights will be held virtually. Please look for a communication from your child's teacher with how their class curriculum night will be held. Some will be through Zoom and some will be through a prerecorded video. You can find information on the dates and times at Concord Curriculum Nights.
Cass Junior High Virtual Curriculum Night
By now you should have received an email from your children’s teachers regarding their virtual curriculum nights. If you have not received an email or if you any questions, please contact the Cass Junior High School Office at 331-481-4000.
Reminders on Proper Masks and Masking
Particularly in the school setting, it is critical that proper masks be worn at all times, and that the masks are properly worn. Guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control provide that masks should have two or more layers of breathable fabric and should NOT have exhalation valves or vents. Masks should completely cover the nose and mouth and fit snugly with no gaps. Following is a simple summary of the guidelines from the CDC (click on the image for more information). Please let us know if you have any questions.
Safety Alert! Bus Arm Requires Vehicles to Stop
This is an important reminder that a vehicle cannot pass a school bus with the stop arm out and the lights flashing. IF THE STOP ARM IS OUT, YOU MUST STOP. There are no exceptions to this and observed instances will be reported to the police. If you observe this happening, please report it to the police as well. There is no way we can take any chances when it comes to the safety of our children. Thank you!
Transition to Ivy League Kids
Thank you for your continued patience and cooperation as we have made the transition to Ivy League Kids before and after school program. If you wish to register your child, please continue to use their registration portal as required. Also, please remember to email your child's teacher and Concord administrative assistant Maggie Skurzewski at mskurzewski@cassd63.org if you are adding or removing any days or times to your child's normal schedule.
If you have any questions about this or if you have any questions regarding the program itself, please contact the main Ivy League Kids office at 815-464-1265 or email contact@ivyleaguekids.org. Thank you!
Important - Peanut Free in Cass 63!
It has come to our attention that some students continue to bring lunches or snacks containing peanuts or nuts, including peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. We understand this can be a favorite with kids, but please respect that we do not allow food containing peanuts or nuts of any kind in school. It is important to remember that some allergies can be extremely dangerous for certain children. To keep some of our most vulnerable kids safe, all areas of our buildings must remain free of peanuts, nuts or any products containing peanuts or nuts. We appreciate your assistance with this important matter. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s school office.
Early Dismissal Scheduled September 10
As a reminder from the 2021-22 school calendar, we have early dismissal on Friday, September 10. This is scheduled for 11:15 at Concord and 12:00 at Cass.
Next Time We Will Avoid the Tree…
It's not perfect, but we will try again later in the year when we (1) don't have to hurry, and (2) get more practice with the drone! Nevertheless, what a wonderful way to celebrate the spirit of the first day of school at Cass Junior High. Welcome back, kids!
Darien Remembers 9/11
The City of Darien has arranged a number of ceremonies marking the 20th anniversary of 9/11 and the events can be found at Darien Remembers.
CARE Dine to Donate at Chipotle
CARE Dine to Donate returns with a Taco Tuesday at Chipotle on September 28, 2021 from 4-8 p.m. Please see the Taco Tuesday flyer for information on how to participate.
CARE Spirit Wear Sale
If you would like to start the year off right for your Cass or Concord students, CARE is holding a spirit wear sale. Please make sure to check out the spirit wear sale information to learn how to order.
Important Dates to Remember
Monday, September 6 Labor Day – No School
Friday, September 10 Early Dismissal – 11:15 Concord, 12:00 Cass
Saturday, September 11 Patriot Day (in Honor of 9/11)
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Cass63 Connections - August 26, 2021
What a great first day!
There were a lot of smiles and happy faces behind those masks today. The kids were so happy to be back and we were just as happy to see them! We had a very successful day, especially considering this was the first time with all of our kids since March of last year. We will share more pictures from both schools, but a few of those happy faces are included below.
There are always things we need to address so please share if you have a concern, while also keeping in mind that most things will work themselves out after the first few days. We know buses may take a day or two to land on schedule and pick up and drop off lines can be long. Concord especially is a challenge the first few days as more parents tend to drop off their little ones the first few days, and there isn't a rhythm yet with the flow of traffic. Be patient and we will get there, always keeping safety at the forefront. Please be mindful of the littles ones, stay off your phones when driving and watch for kids walking and waiting at bus stops.
Also as a reminder, I respectfully ask you as parents to remember to check your children for symptoms and keep them home if you have any doubt. If so, please follow the testing protocols and let us know if you have any questions. Along those lines, we will be announcing some updates soon with our testing program and options. Our approach to this has evolved as we adapt to the current guidance and opportunities available for our families, as well as listen to the feedback of our parents and school community, and work closely with our local health department.
I've never been more proud of our teachers, staff, students, parents and families in our wonderful school district. Let's Stay Healthy, Stay Smart and keep the lines of communication wide open. Thank you for your support and let's have a great year!
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
Welcome New Cass 63 Staff!
We are excited to welcome 14 new employees to Cass School District 63 for the 2021-22 school year! We also have several student teachers this fall and our new staff members fill a wide variety of key positions. Welcome!
Front row (left-right): Cass PE and Health Teacher AJ Petigo, Cass English Language Arts Teacher Shannon Wachowski, Cass Special Education Program Assistant Deysi Miranda, Cass Special Education Teacher Quinn Csuk, Concord Social Worker Dana Flutman, Concord Teacher Assistant Kylie Wild, Concord Teacher Assistant Kelly Skalnik, Cass Long-Term Substitute Teacher Savanna Miska, Concord Teacher Assistant Isa Sagat
Back row (left-right): Cass Student Teacher Jaron Woodsley, Concord Student Teacher Malikah Muzammil, Speech Pathologist Jessica Andujar, Third Grade Teacher Brynn Alexander, Kindergarten Teacher Caitlin Finan, Cass Teacher Assistant Alex Gula, Cass Custodian Mark Blend
Schedule Changes with Ivy League Kids
Until we work through the scheduling with our new Ivy League Kids before and after school program, please continue to use their registration portal as required, but also email your child's teacher and Concord administrative assistant Maggie Skurzewski at mskurzewski@cassd63.org if you are adding or removing any days or times to your child's normal schedule with ILK. This will help us greatly and also ensure the safety of our students as we get established with the new program. Please let us know if you have any questions about this and if you have any questions regarding the program itself, please contact the main Ivy League Kids office at 815-464-1265 or email contact@ivyleaguekids.org. Thank you!
The Importance of Peanut Free in Cass 63
While allergies can always be a serious health concern, some are particularly dangerous for certain children. To keep some of our most vulnerable kids safe, please remember that our buildings, including the lunchrooms, must remain free of peanuts, nuts or any products containing peanuts or nuts. We appreciate your assistance with this important matter. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s school office.
8th Grade Parent Zoom Meeting
Typically, a representative from the AWARE (Adolescents with Awareness, Resources, and Education) Program provides a parent presentation to compliment the AWARE Health Curriculum that Illinois mandates for all grade 8 students.
Due to COVID Protocols, this meeting will now be a zoom meeting on August 31 at 7:00 p.m. The link to the meeting is as follows:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85885795113?pwd=RVI5V3JURTdja01QMHVnVlp5VHlDZz09
Meeting ID: 858 8579 5113
Passcode: 192850You can find more information here on AWARE and Teen Parent Connection.
Cass Junior High School Curriculum Night
In part because of the pandemic, but also to make it easy for parents to not miss any important information, our traditional “Curriculum Night” will be held virtually this school year. Please be on the lookout next week for emails that will be sent to you from each of your child’s teachers. If you have any questions, please contact the Cass Junior High School Office at 331-481-4000.
Parent Survey Coming Soon
The Board of Education is working on the Cass School District 63 Strategic Plan and a parent survey will be coming soon. This survey will allow for input and provide actionable data the Board and Superintendent Cross can use as they develop the plan and establish future goals for the district. Thank you in advance for your input!
Link the Cass 63 Calendar to Yours
Cass School District 63 has a live calendar on the website and, if you are interested, there is a way to automatically upload the dates on the calendar to your phone. If you would like to take advantage of this option, please go to the District Calendar and at the top right corner of the calendar (just above the Month/Day/List boxes) you will see three icons. The first icon on the left that looks a little like a paperclip is the iCal Feed Instructions, which will explain on how to link our calendar to yours.
September Lunches
The lunch menus for September are now available at Cass Junior High September lunch menu and Concord Elementary September lunch menu. Please note that there is a shortage of Sunbutter at this time, and as a result on the dates that Sunbutter is on the menu, there may be an alternate lunch offered.
Cass Junior High School Recycle Rally is Back!
Mrs. Paszkowski’s Energy & Environment Class will be participating in the Recycle Rally again this school year. Everyone at Cass Junior High is welcome to participate. Information can be found at Recycle Rally on what to collect and where to submit questions.
CARE Updates
For those new to Cass District 63, CARE (Cass Resources for Enrichment) is the parent organization that generously supports the students, staff and community of Cass School District 63. If you are interested in becoming involved, CARE is a great way to do that.
Welcome Back to School tells you all about CARE and what they do. How can I help? contains helpful information about how you can get involved. One of the things CARE does is make sure our students and staff have spirit and if you are interested you can find information on how to purchase your spirit wear here. CARE’s first official event is the Back to School Ice Cream Social to held on August 27.
Thank you for supporting CARE and the students of Cass 63!
Darien Remembers 9/11
The City of Darien has arranged a number of ceremonies marking the 20th anniversary of 9/11 and the events can be found at Darien Remembers.
Important Dates to Remember
Wednesday, September 1 First Day for Prekindergarten Students
Monday, September 6 Labor Day – No School
Friday, September 10 Early Dismissal – 11:15 Concord, 12:00 Cass
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Cass63 Connections - August 19, 2021
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
The 2021-22 school year is here! Our teachers and staff look forward to seeing you at our Orientation Day on August 24 and welcoming your children back to school at Concord Elementary and Cass Junior High on August 26!
Concord is communicating much information electronically to parents today, while at Cass most information will be distributed in person on Tuesday. This will include your child’s schedule, assigned teachers and bus stops. Our Orientation Day is very important at both schools, and the schedule for Tuesday is provided below.
If you have not yet done so, please complete the COVID-19 Parent Certification Agreement for each child in your household. This is a simple acknowledgement that you will check your children daily and keep them home if they have any symptoms or close contacts outside of school. This just needs to be done one time and is in lieu of the daily form parents completed last year. Thank you!
Please reach out if you need anything at all. Otherwise, we are looking forward to seeing the kids back next week!
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
Starting School Heathy and Smart
If you have not yet done so, please take a look at the Stay Healthy, Stay Smart! plan for opening the school year safely. This includes the important one-time Parent Certification Agreement that is explained in the plan.
Board Briefs
The Board of Education held its regular August meeting on August 17, as well as a strategic planning session on August 3. Please review the Board Briefs if you are interested in the highlights and action from these meetings.
Important! Orientation Day August 24
Orientation Day provides teachers and students the opportunity to briefly connect together with their child’s school and teachers. Orientation Day is scheduled for Tuesday, August 24 and as much as possible, we ask that families follow the Orientation Day schedule to keep crowd sizes down, to maximize the opportunity to interact with teachers and staff and also allow as much social distancing as possible. To have a teacher assigned for your child, your child must be registered for school!
Old 5th Grade Chromebooks Needed for Orientation Day!
All 5th grade students need to bring their old Chromebook, including the charger and carrying case to Orientation Day. They will be turning their old Chromebook in and a new one will be provided. Please contact the Cass Junior High office at 331-481-4000 with questions.
Reminder – Sports Physicals
If your child will be participating in any extracurricular sports this coming school year, your child must have a current IHSA/IESA Pre-participation Examination form on file prior to trying out for their sport. The physical must be dated within 395 days of the first day of participation.
Before and After Care Online Registration Open
If you plan to register your child for the before and after school care program that was formerly B.A.S.E., the Ivy League Kids registration portal is open. Please be sure to register as soon as possible to allow time to schedule and plan for the start of the school year. If you should have any questions regarding the program, please contact the main Ivy League Kids office at 815-464-1265 or email contact@ivyleaguekids.org.
Temporary Disruption to Phone Service
On Friday, August 20, 2021 the District will be switching phone carriers and during the transition you may experience difficulty reaching the district or school offices. The intermittent disruptions are expected to occur between 10:00 a.m. and noon. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
August Lunch Menus
Aramark will continue to provide lunches to any students interested this school year. As you may already be aware, for the entirety of the 2021-22 school year lunches will remain free for all students. The lunch menus for August are available at Cass Junior High August lunch menu and Concord Elementary August Lunch Menu.
Cass Junior High School Recycle Rally is Back!
Mrs. Paszkowski’s Energy & Environment Class will be participating in the Recycle Rally again this school year. Everyone at Cass Junior High is welcome to participate. Information can be found at Recycle Rally on what to collect and where to submit questions.
Stopping Automatic Payments in My School Bucks
My School Bucks has a feature allowing for automatic payments in the lunch program. This feature is only accessible within the parent’s accounts. Since lunches are free for all students in the 2021-22 school year, we would appreciate it if families who have this feature turned on, would turn it off for this school year. If you have any questions about this, please contact Deb Dolehide at ddolehide@cassd63.org or Amy Underhill at aunderhill@cassd63.org.
Cass Junior High School Gym Shirts
Cass Junior High students are required to wear a Cass Junior High gym shirt. Any students needing a gym shirt can purchase one for $10 cash on orientation day. If you have any questions, please contact the Cass Junior High office at 331-481-4020.
First CARE Meeting August 23
The first CARE (Cass Resources for Enrichment) meeting of the 2021-22 school year will be held on Monday, August 23, at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Room at Cass Junior High School.
Important Dates to Remember
Tuesday, August 24 Orientation Day and Cass Junior High Picture Day
Thursday, August 26 First Day of School for Kindergarten-8th Grade Students
Wednesday, September 1 First Day of School for Prekindergarten Students
Monday, September 6 Labor Day – No School
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Cass63 Connections - August 12, 2021
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
As the summer winds down and the new school year quickly approaches, I'm going to use this space to share a few very important reminders. We want to be as prepared as we possibly can for your child's first day, and we truly appreciate the assistance and cooperation over these last two weeks.
Late Registration and Orientation Day - Our annual Orientation Day for both parents and students will be held at both schools on Tuesday, August 24. More information is provided below, but please be aware that if you have not yet registered your child for school and paid the necessary fees, we are unable to assign your child's teacher for that day and will not be able to provide a bus stop to start the school year. If you or any family, neighbors or friends have not yet registered, please contact us immediately at 331-481-4000 so we can help you and assign your child's teachers and schedules for both Orientation Day, as well as the first day of school. Thank you!
Before and After School Care Registration - If you are in need of before or after school child care, please do not wait! Registration is through the Ivy League Kids portal under the link below. We no longer do this at school or on Orientation Day since it is an online registration process. If you have any questions, please contact the Ivy League Kids office at 815-464-1265 or email contact@ivyleaguekids.org.
Back to School Healthy and Smart - We are working on final details and updates to our Stay Healthy, Stay Smart! back to school plans. We expect to communicate this information to parents next week.
Please review the rest of the information that follows, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need any additional information. We are here to help you and your families in any way that we can, while making the start of the 2021-22 school year a great success. Thank you!
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
Still Haven’t Registered?
Please contact your child's school office immediately! Concord Elementary School is 331-481-4010 and Cass Junior High School is 331-481-4020.
Important! Orientation Day August 24
Orientation Day is a Cass 63 tradition that provides teachers and students the opportunity to briefly connect together with their child’s school and teachers. Orientation Day is scheduled for Tuesday, August 24 and as much as possible, we ask that families follow the Orientation Day schedule to keep crowd sizes down, to maximize the opportunity to interact with teachers and staff and also allow as much social distancing as possible. To have a teacher assigned for your child, your child must be registered for school!
Also on Orientation Day, all 5th grade students need to bring their old Chromebook, including the charger and carrying case. When they turn their old Chromebook in, a new one will be provided. Please contact the Cass Junior High office at 331-481-4020 with questions.
Before and After Care Registration Open!
If you plan to register your child for the before and after school care program that was formerly B.A.S.E., the Ivy League Kids registration portal is open. Please be sure to register as soon as possible to allow time to schedule and plan for the start of the school year. If you should have any questions regarding the program, please contact the main Ivy League Kids office at 815-464-1265 or email contact@ivyleaguekids.org.
Free Lunches for the 2021-22 School Year
Aramark will continue to provide lunches to any students interested this school year. As you may already be aware, for the entirety of the 2021-22 school year lunches will remain free for all students. To start off the school year, Aramark will be offering one hot and one cold lunch option each day to students just as they did last year. The District will no longer be taking individual orders each week and students will be free to take a lunch on any days they choose.
As the year progresses we hope to be able to expand the lunch offerings and bring back a la carte items. We will keep you updated on this possibility. Please contact your child’s school office with questions.
Stopping Automatic Payments in My School Bucks
My School Bucks has a feature allowing for automatic payments in the lunch program. This feature is only accessible within the parent’s accounts. Since lunches are free for all students in the 2021-22 school year, we would appreciate it if families who have this feature turned on, would turn it off for this school year. If you have any questions about this, please contact Deb Dolehide at ddolehide@cassd63.org or Amy Underhill at aunderhill@cassd63.org.
Softball Team Tryouts Rescheduled
Softball Tryouts have been rescheduled and will now be held on August 16 and 17 from 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the softball field behind Cass Junior High. All girls trying out are expected to bring their own equipment.
Please be aware that if your child does not have an updated IHSA/IESA Pre-participation Examination on file, they may not tryout. The physical must be dated within the last 365 days of the tryout date of August 16, 2021. If your child is interested in trying out, please complete this form even though it is not required. If you have any questions, please reach out to Coach Danielle Trezzo at dtrezzo@cassd63.org.
Cass Junior High School Gym Shirts
Cass Junior High students are required to wear a Cass Junior High gym shirt. Any students needing a gym shirt can purchase one for $10 cash on orientation day. If you have any questions, please contact the Cass Junior High office at 331-481-4020.
First CARE Meeting August 23
The first CARE (Cass Resources for Enrichment) meeting of the 2021-22 school year will be held on Monday, August 23, at 7:00 p.m. More details will be provided next week!
Important Dates to Remember
Tuesday, August 24 Orientation Day and Cass Junior High Picture Day
Thursday, August 26 First Day of School for Kindergarten-8th Grade Students
Wednesday, September 1 First Day of School for Prekindergarten Students
Monday, September 6 Labor Day – No School
Community Connections
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Cass63 Connections - August 5, 2021
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
Do you have your school supply shopping done yet? Just teasing as you have plenty of time, but we are just three weeks away from the first day of school! As the new school year quickly approaches, we will continue to keep you updated with information, schedules and opportunities. Among other things, this includes details regarding Orientation Day on August 24, registration for our new before and after school care program powered by Ivy League Kids, information regarding extracurricular opportunities and any updates to our Stay Healthy, Stay Smart! back to school plans.
We have not made changes to our health and safety plans this week, because some items are still being determined at the county level. While we were initially informed that the DuPage County Health Department was going to fully follow the guidance of IDPH and the CDC, this week we have learned that some parts of the guidance are still under consideration at the county level. As soon as this is clarified, we will update our Stay Healthy, Stay Smart! plan and communicate any changes to you.
In terms of masking, as a district we were already planning to follow the previously issued CDC and IDPH guidance. In addition to this, Governor Pritzker has now issued an executive order requiring masks in all public and private schools, regardless of an individual's vaccination status. While people may have different opinions on the masks, as a school district we will be starting the year with full masking for all students, staff and visitors in the school setting. We did this for an entire school year with no issues last year, and we fully expect to start this school year with no issues as well. Our focus will be on keeping our students and staff safe, healthy and in school every day where they belong.
Please feel free to contact our administrators or office staff if you need anything or have any questions at all. Thank you!
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
Before and After Care Registration Open!
We are very excited about our new partnership between Cass School District 63 and Ivy League Kids to provide our kindergarten through 8th grade parents with the option of high quality before and after school child care. Follow the link for more details, including access to the registration portal. If you have any questions regarding the program, please contact the main Ivy League Kids office at 815-464-1265 or email contact@ivyleaguekids.org.
Don’t Miss It! Orientation is Tuesday, August 24
Our annual Orientation Day will be held at both schools on Tuesday, August 24. We do ask that families follow the Orientation Day schedule to keep crowd sizes down and allow for everyone to socially distance as much as possible. Please note that per IDPH guidance and orders for schools, masks will be required. Please contact your child’s school office with any questions.
Cass Junior High School Picture Days
Speaking of Orientation Day, all Cass Junior High School students will be taking their pictures on August 24. Please watch for order forms from HR Imaging to be mailed home. Please be aware that 8th grade students will be having formal pictures taken in January, but they will be required to have their pictures taken on Orientation Day as well. Please contact the Cass Junior High office at 331-481-4020 with questions.
Medication Paperwork for the 2021-22 school year
If your child will be taking medication during the school day, please make sure to have their physician complete the Medication Dispensing Form. A new form needs to be submitted each school year. Please bring this completed form along with your child’s medication to the school office on Orientation Day.
If your child needs to have an asthma inhaler at school, the Medication Permission Form for Asthma Inhalers needs to be completed by your child’s physician each school year. Please be sure to have this form completed and turn it in to the school office on Orientation Day.
Fee Waiver Application
Fee waiver applications for the 2021-22 school year are now available for any families that feel that they would be eligible. If you would like to apply, please complete the Fee Waiver Application and return it to the district office for review as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please contact Amy Underhill at aunderhill@cassd63.org.
Softball Team Tryouts
Softball Tryouts for the 2021-22 school year will be held on August 12 and 13 at 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the softball field behind Cass Junior High. All girls trying out are expected to bring their own equipment. Please remember that your child must have an updated IHSA/IESA Pre-participation Examination on file to tryout. The physical must be dated within the last 365 days of the tryout date of August 12, 2021. If your child is interested in trying out, please complete this form even though it is not required. If you have any questions, please reach out to Coach Danielle Trezzo at dtrezzo@cassd63.org.
2021-22 School Year Calendar
The 2021-22 school year calendar includes all students attendance dates for next year, including orientation day, school holidays, parent-teacher conferences and also early dismissal days. These take place approximately once per month and as a reminder, next year these will return to the normal schedule of dismissal times which are 11:15 a.m. at Concord and 12:00 p.m. at Cass.
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Cass63 Connections - July 29, 2021
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
Just four weeks from today, we welcome our students back to school and we can't wait! While most people (including kids!) love summer, the excitement of a new year is coming and it will be wonderful having your children back with us at school.
What follows are several updates and reminders for the opening of the 2021-22 school year. This includes changes to our Stay Healthy, Stay Smart! plan after updated health guidance was announced this week, as well as the schedule for our annual Orientation Day on Tuesday, August 24. Registration for our new Ivy League Kids (formerly B.A.S.E.) program will also be coming soon and in a separate message to parents.
We will update you weekly between now and the start of the school year. Until then, enjoy the rest of the summer with your families and reach out if you need anything at all. Thank you!
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
Orientation Day Tuesday, August 24
Orientation Day is a Cass 63 tradition that provides teachers and students the opportunity to briefly connect together with their child’s school and teachers. We hope it will reduce some of the back to school anxiety for some children as well. Orientation Day for the 2021-22 school year is Tuesday, August 24. We do ask that families attend following the Orientation Day schedule to keep crowd sizes down, to maximize the opportunity to interact with teachers and staff and also allow as much social distancing as possible. Please contact your child’s school office with questions.
School Starts Thursday, August 26
Students entering kindergarten through 8th grade start school on August 26, while our prekindergarten students start on September 1. We can’t wait to have them back! The 2021-22 school year calendar includes all students attendance dates for the new school year, including orientation day, school holidays, parent-teacher conferences and early dismissal days. As a reminder, early dismissal days take place approximately once per month, with dismissal times of 11:15 a.m. at Concord and 12:00 p.m. at Cass.
Did you Forget to Register?
If you have not yet registered your child for the 2021-22 school year, the deadlines have passed and schedules and bus routes are set. If you are past the deadline and transportation is needed, please understand that bus routes are now established and we will not be able to make changes until after Labor Day. If you need assistance, please contact your child’s school office as soon as possible.
New Health Guidance Impacts Stay Healthy, Stay Smart! Plan
As the start of the 2021-22 school year approaches, we expected public health guidance to change and it already has. The district has worked hard to create a plan that will help our students and staff stay in school and remain healthy, and we will do so and remain adaptable while following public health guidance.
Parents are encouraged to review the updated Stay Healthy, Stay Smart! Plan, which shows any changes in red. We expect that this will continue to evolve as more guidance and clarification is provided from the CDC, IDPH and the DuPage County Health Department. The district will continue to share any changes whenever necessary, and we appreciate your support and understanding as we work to get the school year off to a successful start.
Prekindergarten Screenings August 2
Prekindergarten Screenings are scheduled for August 2, 2021. Your child must be preregistered to participate. Here is more information on ages of qualification and how to sign your child up for the screening.
Ivy League Kids (formerly B.A.S.E.) Registration Coming Soon!
Registration for our new before and after school childcare program is coming soon! We will send this out as a separate communication as soon as it is ready. Here is the information we have available now, and we will share more as it is available from our partner organization.
Ivy League Kids is a new school district partner that will replace the former B.A.S.E. program. The hours of operation will be morning care starting at 6:30 a.m. and after school care going until 6:00 p.m. The program will be held at Concord Elementary School on all days students are in attendance, including half days.
New District Website
We are in the process of making significant changes to both our standard and mobile websites at www.cassd63.org. It is our hope that the changes will be more user friendly and functional for our parents and public. The web addresses and links you have bookmarked should be unchanged, but please reach out if there is anything you need or cannot find.
Cass Junior High School Pictures on Orientation Day
All Cass Junior High School students will be taking their pictures on Orientation Day August 24. Look for order forms from HR Imaging to be mailed home. Please be aware that 8th grade students will be having formal pictures taken on January 12, 2022 but they will still be required to have their pictures taken on Orientation Day as well. Please contact the Cass Junior High office at 331-481-4020 with questions.
Fee Waiver and Free & Reduced Lunch Application
Fee waiver applications for the 2021-22 school year are now available for any families that feel that they could be eligible. If you would like to apply, please complete the Fee Waiver Application and return it to the district office for review as soon as possible.
For the 2021-22 school year, lunches will be free for all students regardless of financial need. However, if you believe you would be eligible for free or reduced lunch, we still ask that you complete and return the Application for Free or Reduced Lunch to the district office.
If you have any questions, please contact Amy Underhill at aunderhill@cassd63.org.
Part-Time School Nurse Needed
Cass 63 has a need for a part-time school nurse for the 2021-22 school year. This position will conduct general school nurse duties at both Cass Junior High and Concord Elementary School. Hours and a specific schedule will be arranged with the final candidate. Please click on the link for details and information on how to apply.
Other Vacancies in Cass 63
We have several vacancies as some positions are difficult to fill in the current economic environment. These are great opportunities for the right candidates, so please share with people who might be well-qualified for the respective positions. Thank you!
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Cass63 Connections - June 10, 2021
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
On behalf of all of us in Cass 63, I want to thank you for helping make the 2020-21 school year very successful. It was especially joyful finishing the year with the wonderful graduation ceremonies last week. We greatly appreciate the many positive comments and feedback, while of course looking forward to a traditional ceremony again in 2022. There were many cool things about our graduation, but one of them was reading the personal notes from teachers to each of our graduates. I can assure you that many of our kids will keep those forever.
Another wonderful event was seeing our kids' excitement with the 4th grade clap out (click on the link for some great pictures)! We had to keep it indoors due to the rain, but the kids had so much fun. We look forward to sharing the professional graduation and clap out videos with our parents as soon as they are ready. It was a great end to the school year and nothing brings excitement like a bunch of happy kids!
As it relates to COVID, we made it through the year with no known spread at school, achieving our primary goal of keeping everyone healthy and safe in the school setting. We know both anecdotally as well as from the final data this year that the efforts made at school and at home helped us achieve this important goal. I know some things were frustrating for you as parents just as it was for us here, but we tried to implement the guidelines with integrity, communicate openly and honestly, and ultimately work together to do the right thing. We got there, and the support, dialogue and feedback has been very much appreciated.
There is no doubt that there will be safety and mitigation measures in place when school opens this fall, but we continue to move forward in our planning for our students to be here in person for five full school days. Over the course of the summer and closer to the start of the school year, I will share any updates and requirements in this regard, as well as any news related to vaccinations for children under the age of 12. We will never let down our efforts of keeping everyone safe at school as our primary focus at all times, while continuing to press forward with our students and their academic, social and emotional growth.
We will communicate as needed over the course of the summer, but this will be the final Cass63 Connections of the 2020-21 school year. We will resume regular weekly communications on Thursday, July 29. The school district office is open all summer and you can always reach out to us anytime via email or just give us a call.
Thank you for all of the kindness, support and interaction we have had in this very unusual year. It is appreciated more than you know. Enjoy the summer with your families and travel safely!
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
Moving Forward with Ivy League Kids
Thank you to the many parents who joined our informational meeting with Ivy League Kids. The feedback received both during the meeting and after was 100 percent positive. Once we pin down some additional details, a recommendation will be made to the Board of Education that we move forward with Ivy League Kids at our next meeting on June 22. Once that is in place and things are all set, we will share the details about registering your children if you are interested. More information about Ivy League Kids can be found here.
2021-22 Transportation Needs
Planning bus routes each year takes significant time and effort. If you have not yet registered for the 2021-22 school year but intend to utilize Cass 63 bus transportation, you must, no later than Tuesday, June 15, contact mskurzewski@cassd63.org at Concord or vhirhager@cassd63.org at Cass to let them know of your intent for your child to ride the bus. This includes if your child will be taking an Encore class (early morning band or chorus) at Cass and are in need of the Encore bus.
If you inform either school of your intent to have your children utilize district transportation after June 15, it is unlikely your child will be on a bus route until after Labor Day. Thank you for your assistance with this!
Registration for the 2021-22 School Year
The deadline has passed and there are still outstanding registrations for the 2021-22 school year. If you have not already done so, please complete registration for your children as soon as possible so that we can properly plan for the coming school year. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact your child’s school office.
8th Grade Graduation
The culmination of our students’ time in Cass School District 63 occurred on Thursday, June 3 and the day could not have been better. Principal Marcinkewicz, along with many Cass staff members, did an outstanding job creating a very special day for our graduates. The video from that day will be ready in the near future and will be shared with our 8th grade families as soon as it is available.
Concord End of the Year Activities
At the end of each school year, Concord students experience many fun activities including, but not limited to, field days. Please take a look at the end of the year pictures highlighting some of the fun that was had by all.
Prekindergarten Screenings August 2
Prekindergarten Screenings are scheduled for August 2, 2021. Your child must be preregistered to participate. Please take a look at this page for information on ages of qualification and how to sign your child up for the screening.
2021-22 School Year Calendar
The 2021-22 school year calendar includes all students attendance dates for next year, including orientation day, school holidays, parent-teacher conferences and also early dismissal days. These take place approximately once per month and as a reminder, next year these will return to the normal schedule of dismissal times which are 11:15 a.m. at Concord and 12:00 p.m. at Cass.
Catholic Charities Holding Back to School Fair
Catholic Charities is holding its annual DuPage County Back to School Fair on August 4, 2021. Online registration is required.
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Cass63 Connections - June 3, 2011
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
Today is a great day as we celebrate the Cass Junior High School Class of 2021 with a series of 87 graduation ceremonies with families and friends present. While elementary school is just the beginning of the educational attainment for the vast majority of our students, it is without question the most important. Our graduation is not just from 8th grade, but a culmination of at least nine years of school from either preschool or kindergarten for most of our students. When you consider the four brief years to earn a high school diploma and most college degrees, nine or more years at a child’s most developmental and critical ages, the time in Cass 63 is without a doubt the most important part of a child's learning and growth.
We are very proud of all of our graduates and wish them well as they move on to the nine different high schools they will attend this fall! Parents, as your child's first teacher, we thank you for giving us great kids to work with and prepare. The collaboration between school and home is essential to every child's success and we appreciate your support and work to make education a priority for your kids. We are very confident that our graduates are prepared and ready for the next step! Also, here is a special message from our CARE organization to our graduates.
What follows are some important reminders as we wrap up the school year. Monday, June 7 is a big day for several reasons, so please be mindful of the schedules and reminders below, particularly with registration for the 2021-22 school year. Once again, congratulations to the Cass Junior High School Class of 2021!
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
11:15 and 12:00 Dismissal Monday!
Monday, June 7 is the final day of student attendance for the 2020-21 school year. On this day, we will return to our traditional early dismissal schedule, which is 11:15 a.m. at Concord and 12:00 p.m. at Cass. Please plan accordingly. Thank you!
Ivy League Kids Parent Meeting Monday at 7:00 p.m.
As a reminder, there will be a virtual informational meeting on Monday, June 7, at 7:00 p.m. for parents interested in before and after school care when school opens this fall. Details are available here and we will answer any questions at the meeting. An email with the meeting link and other details will be resent on Monday.
Important! Registration Deadline Monday, June 7
The deadline to register for the 2021-22 school year is Monday, June 7. This is very important so that we can assign students to courses and teachers, arrange bus routes and complete all of our summer work to be ready for parent-student orientation day on August 24 and the first day of student attendance on August 26!
Please contact your child’s school office if there is something we can help you with to get the process completed. Details can be found in the Residency and Registration section of our website and the Parent Guide to Registration document includes step by step instructions.
Change to June Board of Education Meeting Date
The June Board of Education Meeting date has been changed from Tuesday, June 15 to Tuesday, June 22 at 7:00 p.m. Please contact Gayle Wilson in the district office at 331-481-4000 with any questions.
Cass Junior High Band Presents Spring Concerts
One of the hallmarks of our great school district is the emphasis on fine arts, including vocal and instrumental music. Under the direction of band teacher and director Megan Duffy-Legan, Cass Junior High School parents were recently provided with some wonderful spring performances and we wanted to share their performance and our talented kids with the community.
Despite the challenges of how best to teach our children music in the pandemic, our program, teachers and kids clearly thrived! "Each band worked tirelessly to prepare the music you are about to hear in these videos. I am proud of their performance considering how far they came this year and I cannot wait to see what next year has in store for our band program. Every student, whether they were in the band room or on Zoom, played a huge role in making these concert videos happen. Their positive attitudes and perseverance are admirable!" said Mrs. Duffy-Legan.
Following are the respective performances from our students for the spring 2021 concerts.
Prekindergarten Screenings August 2, 2021
Prekindergarten Screenings are scheduled for August 2, 2021. Your child must be preregistered to participate. Please take a look at this page for information on ages of qualification and how to sign your child up for the screening.
Concord Elementary Yearbooks
Concord 2020-21 yearbooks were delivered today to all students who have ordered and paid for a yearbook this school year. For our PreK and remote students, we will have them available for “Packet Pick-Up” on Friday, June 4 from 8:00-11:00 am.
Please note that we cannot replace any lost or damaged yearbooks once they have been distributed. Thank you for another great year full of memories!
2021-22 Cass Junior High School Softball Team
For the 2021-22 school year, softball will be a fall sport and will begin prior to the start of the school year in August. If your daughter is interested in participating, please sign up on this softball interest form.
2021-22 School Year Calendar
The 2021-22 school year calendar includes all students attendance dates for next year, including orientation day, school holidays, parent-teacher conferences and also early dismissal days. These take place approximately once per month and as a reminder, next year these will return to the normal schedule of dismissal times which are 11:15 a.m. at Concord and 12:00 p.m. at Cass.
Vacancies Remain for 2021-22 School Year
At this time, the school district is still looking to fill several positions for the 2021-22 school year. Here are the current vacancies for people who may be interested.
CARE Summer Reminders
CARE has some reminders for the summer as well as important dates for back to school.
CARE Sticky Fingers Cooking Lessons
If you are looking for something fun for your kids to do this summer, CARE is offering Sticky Fingers Cooking Lessons. Please take a look at the flyer for more information.
CARE Dairy Queen Fundraiser – June 7
What better way to celebrate the end of the craziest school year ever than to treat your family to ice cream at the Willowbrook Dairy Queen and give back to Cass 63 at the same time. Information on how to benefit the students of Cass 63 through CARE can be found here.
COVID-19 Dashboard
Our COVID-19 Data Dashboard reflects known information for the previous two weeks, as well as the cumulative information for the 2020-21 school year. There will be no further updates on the district website for the summer.
Opportunities for Summer Coding Classes
Please take a look at these great opportunities for coding classes run by students for students through Codivate.
Congratulations to the Class of 2021! -
Cass63 Connections - May 27, 2021
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
While the celebrations of our students are obviously quite different this year, none of our enthusiasm for their talents and accomplishments has been diminished in the least! Every chance we get, our staff is finding a safe way to make special things happen for our kids and to share that with parents or publicly whenever we can.
As recent examples, Mrs. Zurawski recently held her "Summer Fun and Sports!" themed fourth grade virtual choral concert and it was fantastic. Parents who watched will know what I am talking about, but we think our fourth grade could have both future Olympians and professional singers in the mix!
Earlier this week, Mrs. Paszkowski's 8th grade students held their annual science fair. I was amazed at not only their scientific knowledge, but also the ability of our students to research and present. Many of our students are also very passionate about their chosen topics. Please see below for more information as well as some pictures from the 8th grade science fair.
And just yesterday morning, the Cass Junior High staff was treated to a personal early morning mini-concert from Ms. Kriz's chorus students. Their numbers have been limited this year, but their singing is most definitely not! I'm also going to take the liberty of recognizing Gerald Esteban, who might play the piano as beautifully as anyone I have ever heard. Here is a photo of Mrs. Kriz and her talented students right after the mini-concert.
Still coming up, we have the Cass Junior High School Recognition and Awards Ceremony, which will be in the form of a student assembly during the school day on June 1. Our award winners will be announced and recognized publicly after the ceremony. Concord Elementary School's 4th grade clap out will take place on June 7. This special event celebrates our children ending their time at Concord and moving on to Cass. The district has arranged to record both of these special programs, and the videos will be provided to parents at a later date.
Last but not least, the capstone moment of a child's nine or more years in Cass School District 63 will take place on Thursday, June 3 with our 8th grade graduation ceremonies. Principal Christine Marcinkewicz, as well as the staff, Board and myself are very excited to welcome our graduates and families in one group at a time in what we hope is a special day for our graduates and families. And thank you to CARE for making this day even more special.
Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend, and let's not forget the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to allow for the freedoms we can too easily take for granted. As always, never hesitate to reach out if you have any questions at all.
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
2021-22 Registration Deadline Almost Here
The deadline to register for the 2021-22 school year is Monday, June 7. If you have questions about how to register the answers can be found on the Residency and Registration section of our website and the Parent Guide to Registration document includes step by step instructions. If there is a reason you have not yet registered, please contact your child’s school office to see if there is something we can help you with to get the registration process completed.
Attention Incoming 5th Grade Parents!
Cass Junior High is so excited to welcome your students to our school next year! We are hopeful that the new school year will bring back some of our past traditions and students will be able to attend Orientation Day in August to walk the halls and find their classes.
Today, the 4th graders came to visit Cass Junior High, have a tour, meet teachers and ask questions. Here is a video presentation which provides a great deal of information for students and parents.
We look forward to a great year. Please feel free to email any questions to Principal Christine Marcinkewicz at cmarcinkewicz@cassd63.org.
Last (Half) School Day for Most Students June 7
As a reminder to parents, the last day of school for most students will be Monday, June 7. This is a half day schedule with Concord dismissing at 11:15 a.m. and Cass 12:00 p.m. Our preschool and 8th grade classes have a different schedule. The end of year schedule contains the highlights of the main activities at each school and our school calendar page also has the various activity dates. Just let us know if you have any questions.
Ivy League Kids Before and After School Parent Meeting June 7
As shared in a communication to parents earlier this week, there will be a virtual informational meeting on Monday, June 7, at 7:00 p.m. for parents who might be interested in before and after school care when school opens this fall. More details are available here and additional information will be sent prior to the meeting.
The Garden - Cass Junior High's Living Classroom
Master Gardeners, affiliated with the University of Illinois, have been volunteering their time to educate and give guidance to the 7th grade students at Cass Junior High in the care and maintenance of our living classroom for the past 15 years. Known as the garden, this is a green space located on the south side of the building that allows students to reconnect with nature and learn about native, exotic and invasive plant species.
Here is more information on the program, several pictures and some great quotes from our students!
8th Grade Science Fair
On Tuesday, May 25th the annual 8th grade science fair took place under the guidance of Mrs. Susan Paszkowski. While there were many, here are pictures of several great projects!
Advanced Art Students Visit Waterfall Glen!
Cass Junior High art teacher Matt Etherington and his 7th and 8th grade advanced art students recently visited Waterfall Glen to conduct observational nature drawings. The purpose of this particular lesson and visit was to focus on perspective, composition, and realism.
Spring Sports Teams Wrap Up Seasons
The pandemic certainly impacted our athletic programs earlier in the year, but our spring sports seasons were successful. Our Cass Junior High School girls soccer team finished 2-4 and ended the season with a win. The boys’ soccer team had a solid season, finishing with a record of 3-3. Our teams had a great attitude and with several 5th and 6th graders on the squads, the future looks bright!
Track season also recently wrapped up. Thirty student-athletes participated this spring and they were incredibly resilient as they practiced using extra safety precautions in an already physically demanding sport. We only ended up competing in two meets this season, with several athletes placing and scoring points in the SDEAA Conference meet. We are looking forward to more kids participating next spring and an even more successful season.
CARE Bentgo Lunchbox Sale – Sale Ends June 14
Time is running out to order Bentgo Lunchboxes for your children to be ready for lunches when school starts in the fall. These lunch boxes offer a convenient and eco-friendly option for packing school lunches. Please take a look at this Bentgo Lunch Box flyer and see what Bentgo has to offer.
COVID-19 Dashboard
Our COVID-19 Data Dashboard reflects known information for the previous two weeks, as well as the cumulative information for the 2020-21 school year. Please continue to self-report any close contacts and symptoms over the final two weeks of the school year.
Community Connections
Darien Lions Club 2021 4th of July Parade Best Decorated Bike Award
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Cass63 Connections - May 20, 2021
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
As the 2020-21 school year winds down, our staff is working to make the end of this very unusual year as memorable as possible. We need to continue to follow the health guidance to keep everyone safe, but the teachers and staff are being as creative as they can to make the end of the year fun for our kids!
You will see much of this referenced below and in case it helps, this end of year schedule contains the highlights of the main activities at each school. Our school calendar page also has the various activity dates.
While we know it is frustrating to miss certain events as parents particularly when the health guidance is changing for much of our world, please keep in mind that the guidance has not changed inside of our schools. Our students are not yet vaccinated, and we will continue to follow the rules that are in place as we have all year. On behalf of our staff, students and families, thank you very much for your understanding.
Last but not least, we have never quit working on a solution for providing a before and after care program for our kids and families and have made great progress in this regard over the last couple of weeks. In fact, all of us who have worked on this think that Ivy League Kids is an extraordinarily high-quality program to offer our parents and we will have the same hours as before. A brief explanation is provided below and over the course of the coming days, I will provide a separate communication with more details, as well as an opportunity for a virtual meeting to learn more if you are interested.
Thank you and as always, never hesitate to reach out to me or your child’s principal or teacher if you have any questions as we wind down the school year. Have a great weekend and enjoy the warm weather!
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
Recognition of Cass 63 Staff and Retirees
(pictured from left to right: Christine Marcinkewicz, Matt Etherington,
Bob Sniegowski, Maggie Adelman and Angela Zurawski)At its most recent meeting, the Board of Education recognized retiring staff members Bob Sniegowski and Theresa Murphy. Mr. Sniegowski retired in January after nearly 41 years of service as a custodian at Cass Junior High School, while Mrs. Murphy is retiring at the end of the current school year after 19 years as a speech pathologist at both schools. We wish both the very best as they begin their retirement!
The Board also recognized staff members Maggie Adelman, Matt Etherington, Jeff Grand and Christine Marcinkewicz for reaching 10 years of service in the district. Also recognized was Mary Kate Favia and Ginny Hirhager for reaching 15 years of service and Kristie Miller, Susan Paszkowski and Amy Pollitz for 20 years of service to our students. Thank you and congratulations to these dedicated employees of Cass 63!
Also recognized at the meeting was Concord music teacher Angela Zurawski and former technology assistant Dana Dolehide for receiving the Those Who Excel awards through the Illinois State Board of Education. Congratulations to these two exemplary staff members on receiving this well-deserved honor!
Please see the Board Briefs for more information about discussions and actions that took place at the meeting that was held on Tuesday, May 18.
Potential Before and After School Program
What appeared to be a difficult problem to solve seems to be turning into a great opportunity. After researching options to offer our parents a high quality before and after school care program, the school district is working on plans with Ivy League Kids. This is a private program utilized successfully by a number of other school districts. If we move forward to form a partnership with Ivy League Kids, it would be in place at the beginning of the 2021-22 school year.
Sometime soon, Mr. Cross will share additional details with parents, and will also arrange a virtual meeting for those interested to meet with representatives. Please watch for more information that will be coming soon!
Concord 4th Grade Clap Out
For our 4th grade parents, probably the most anticipated end of the year event is the 4th grade clap-out which celebrates children ending their time at Concord and moving on to Cass. While parents will not be able to attend this year, we do not want you to miss out! The district has arranged to have the clap-out celebration videotaped, and a link to that video will be provided to parents after the conclusion of the school year.
Cass Recognition and Awards Ceremony
All of our students and teachers deserve a resilience award after this pandemic school year! It looks like there may be a light at the end of the tunnel for next school year, but current health guidance remains and no more than 50 persons are allowed in one space in the school setting.
Therefore, we will modify our Recognition and Awards Ceremony this year by having the ceremony during the school day and students will receive awards in front of peers who also will earn awards. The assembly will be held during the school day on June 1 and student award winners will be announced and recognized publicly after the ceremony! While parents will not be able to attend this year, we do not want you to miss out! The district has arranged to have the ceremony videotaped, and a link to that video will be provided to parents at a later date.
Congrats to the Class of 2021!
If you are an 8th grade parent, please read the letter from Principal Christine Marcinkewicz for the most up to date information on graduation.
CARE is also helping to make the end of 8th grade special for our graduates. Here are more details for parents who are interested. Thank you to CARE for helping to make this a special time for our 8th grade students!
CARE Spin it to Win it and Dine to Donate
Now is the final week to take part in the Spin it to Win it Raffle and try to win the very last prize. Please take a look at the “Spin it to Win it” flyer to learn more about how to participate in this fun end of the year activity.
Also, next Wednesday is the last day for Dine to Donate from Chuck’s! Every Wednesday throughout the month of May, Chuck’s has been donating up to 20 percent of the day’s sales back to our schools through CARE. All you need to do it present them with the flyer above to ensure that your order is a part of this great fundraiser.
CARE School Supply Kit Orders
The last thing anyone wants to think about right now is preparing for the next school year, so why not take one thing off of your to do list and order the School Supply Kit? Take a look at the flyer for information on how to order yours today!
COVID-19 Dashboard
Our COVID-19 Data Dashboard reflects numbers for the previous two weeks, as well as the cumulative information for the 2020-21 school year. Please keep up the excellent self-reporting of household symptoms and close contacts so we can stay healthy and finish the year strong!
Community Connections
