- 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 - February 2, 2023
February 2, 2023
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
Have you ever given a thought to education as a career but never pursued it? Or do you know anyone who has? Substitute teaching is a great way to find out, and there are plenty of opportunities. This does not have to be a daily commitment, as we simply need good people who are willing to learn more and commit to a day a week or more.
Here is a link to our substitute application, and earning sub teaching or teacher assistant credentials is not difficult. While this is not the highest paying job, serving as a substitute for our students can be extremely rewarding, and I have known several people who made a career change after giving it a try.
At the very least, thank you for helping pass this information along to anyone who might be interested. Every single person makes a huge difference and we are also very grateful for the ones we have now! If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please feel free to email me or contact Gayle Wilson at gwilson@cassd63.org. Thank you!
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
Boys & Their VIPs Registration Deadline February 3
The deadline for purchasing tickets for the CARE Boys & Their VIPs event is Friday, February 3. The event is next Wednesday, February 8, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Cass Junior High, and features an exotic animal show. Please see this flyer for more information and to purchase your tickets for this fun event.
Girls & Their VIPs Registration Deadline March 3
CARE has also announced the Girls & Their VIPs event, which will be Friday, March 10! The Luau themed night will be held at Cass Junior High and here is the flyer with more information. The deadline for registration will be Friday, March 3.
Sexual Abuse and Teen Dating Violence Prevention at Cass Junior High
We request that 7th grade parents read this letter from Principal Christine Marcinkewicz regarding the upcoming Teens Taking Charge Program. The letter has important information regarding this program which is presented by the YWCA and covers information about sexual abuse and teen dating violence. Students will also be taking part in follow up lessons on team building days. If you have questions after you have read the letter, please contact Christine Marcinkewicz at cmarcinkewicz@cassd63.org.
Do you know someone that has a child that will be 5 years old by September 1, 2023 and lives within the Cass School District 63 boundaries? Please have them contact sleonard@cassd63.org or jchapman@cassd63.org or call Concord Elementary at 331-481-4000, option 1. This flyer has more information on who should be registering, how to register and the Virtual Kindergarten Round Up, scheduled for February 22.
Cass School District 63 is seeking teacher assistants for the remainder of the 2022-23 school year. These are full-time positions with benefits. Candidates must possess or be willing to get a Professional Educator License with a paraprofessional endorsement, which is not difficult to obtain. This is a highly rewarding job in an area of significant need for our student population. For more information or if you are interested in applying, here is the application and information.
Chorus Performs at Chicago Wolves Hockey Game
The fine arts department was busy last Saturday. The 7th and 8th grade chorus performed “Take Me Home”, as recorded by Pentatonix, at the Chicago Wolves game on Saturday, January 28. The kids stayed for the game and cheered on the Wolves to victory over the Rockford Icehogs. Please enjoy some pictures from the day.
Cass Junior High Jazz Band Performs at Jazz Jamboree
Last Saturday, the Jazz Band performed at the 25th Anniversary Jazz Jamboree at Thomas Middle School. This festival is unique in that it is non-competitive and features clinicians that work with every band after their performance and offers musicians instant feedback for their just completed performance. Mr. Murphy, Interim Band Teacher, shared some thoughts on the day: To say the Cass Warriors of Jazz brought their A-game would be an understatement. Soloist Maksymilian Mirowski, Mauricio Gubert and Adrianna Ibarra brought intensity and bite to their solos on the modern jazz tune, "High Maintenance." Jazz flutist Natalie Martin and Trumpeteur Jack Nash gave a fantastic performance of Tito Puente's "Oye Como Va." Bassist Ally Tragudar, pianist Chris Nakamura and drummer Jake Zakar held the Warriors of Jazz together on the incredibly challenging jazz fusion tune "Birdland," while Nora Schaffer and Domink Tisonczyk brought the cherry on top with their Trumpet and Alto Sax solos respectively. To say that I was proud of them, would not sufficiently describe the emotions I felt on that snowy day. These musicians played Jazz last Saturday and more importantly, made music.
Preschool Family Day
Last Friday, 32 families participated in our Preschool Family Day at the DuPage Children's Museum in Naperville. This was a great opportunity for families with our youngest students to spend time together in a fun and educational venue.
2nd Grade Concert
Concord Elementary School recently held its 2nd Grade Concert. Teacher Angela Zurawski led students through this great concert with an important message about taking care of the earth. Please enjoy these pictures from this fantastic evening.
Hinsdale South Acappella Choir Visits Cass Junior High
The Hinsdale South Acappella Choir performed at Cass Junior High earlier today including alumni (pictured above) Sydney Pongphimkham, Sophia Zakar, Lily Levine, Andrea Crisp, Erin Menako, Wesley Davis, Keira Hagen, Ellen Mulgrew, Yumi Li, Maya Hashim and Annina Garro. Tyler Hallman was also in attendance but not pictured. We thank director Mr. Chris Gumban for bringing our talented alumni back to Cass.
Concord Yearbook Orders
If you have not yet ordered a yearbook for your child at Concord Elementary, here is your opportunity to do so now. If you are interested, please print and send back this order form by February 23, 2023.
Important Chromebook Care Reminders
As a reminder to parents, district issued Chromebooks should be transported inside the district issued carrying case at all times. Chromebooks are being dropped and damaged and there is a $50 charge each time it is damaged. We appreciate your assistance with reinforcing this requirement at home just as we do at school. Thank you!
DuPage County Health Department "Give Kids a Smile Day"
The DuPage County Health Department Dental Program is joining the American Dental Association in observance of Give Kids a Smile Day on Friday March 3, from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm. Free dental screenings will be done by DuPage County Health Department dentists. Children will receive a School Dental Exam form, oral health education and an oral healthcare kit. The event is by appointment only.
Alumni Accolades
Congratulations to Hinsdale South student Adrian Folfas for his 4th place finish at the West Suburban Chess Conference meet where he was also awarded the 2022-23 Team Sportsmanship Award.
Following are resources and opportunities outside of the district that are available to our parents and families in or around our school community.
Visit our school lunch program page for regularly updated menus and information about pricing and payment. Lunch menus are subject to change, so please check back regularly for the most up to date information.
Important Dates to Remember
For many more dates or to sync your calendar with ours, please visit the Cass 63 Calendar page.
February 17, 2023
Early Release Day – Concord, 11:15 a.m. and Cass, 12:00 p.m.February 20, 2023
No School – Presidents Day
Archives
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Cass63 Connections - January 26, 2023
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
We had an awesome Spelling Bee at Cass Junior High this week, and the original 53 participants are shown in the picture below. Congratulations to Floriano Garro for winning the bee, our finalists and all of the students who worked hard to compete. Also, thank you to teachers Audrey Vaci, Jeff Grand and Jennifer Callahan for organizing the opportunity and serving as judges for the bee. Check out the article below for more details and congratulations to our students and finalists.
On a very different note, I would encourage our parents to review the information provided below from Principals Laura Anderson and Christine Marcinkewicz regarding Erin’s Law and instruction related to sexual abuse and prevention. This is important to protect our students, and equally important for you to have conversations at home with your children. Please reach out to the principals or me with any question on this important topic.
We had some excellent presentations from several of our teachers and administrators on the growth of our students in the areas of reading and math. I’m going to share more on this at a future date, but there is some information below and in the Board Briefs if you are interested. Our main focus is growth and maintaining a mindset towards constant improvement. We also want to do the best we can to communicate on your child’s progress and share it in a manner that is easy to understand.
Please reach out with any questions. Thank you!
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
Friday, January 27, 2023 is an early release day for our students. Concord Elementary will be released at 11:15 a.m. and Cass Junior High at 12:00 p.m. Please contact your child’s school office with questions.
Cass Junior High Spelling Bee
After two hours and 13 rounds, our 2023 Cass Junior High Spelling Bee champion is seventh grade student Floriano Garro! Floriano will represent our school at the DuPage County Spelling Bee in February. Here are the finalists:
Champion - Floriano Garro (7th grade)
Runner Up - Madalyn Thomas (7th grade)
3rd place - Jude Kennish (7th grade)
4th place - Amanda Chen (7th grade)
5th place - Matteo Vitagliano (5th grade)Congratulations to all 53 students who qualified for our school spelling bee. Keep up the outstanding work, and we hope to see many of our students return in the Cass Spelling Bee next year.
Cass Junior High Girls Volleyball Tryouts
Cass Junior High is holding tryouts for Girls Volleyball on Tuesday, January 31 and Wednesday, February 1 from 3:30-5:00 p.m. in the Cass Junior High School Gym. Please make sure your child has a current Sports Physical dated within the last 12 months on file in the Cass Junior High office prior to the tryouts or they will not be permitted to participate. Please contact Coach Landon Mitchell at lmitchell@cassd63.org or Coach AJ Petigo at apetigo@cassd63.org with any questions.
At the January 24 meeting, the Board of Education was provided with an overview of our academic progress. Several teachers and administrators shared details regarding the academic growth of our students, as well as some of our interventions and efforts to support our students in the areas of math and reading.
Due to the challenges of hiring bus drivers and with a fleet of aging buses, Superintendent Mark Cross and the Board also discussed the potential need to bid for outsourced student transportation services. This will be discussed at a special meeting and public hearing on February 21, prior to the regular Board meeting.
Here are the Board Briefs with more information from the January meeting.
Sexual Abuse Awareness and Prevention at Concord Elementary
It is estimated that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually abused by the time they turn eighteen years old. It is also estimated that around 90 percent of the abusers are people the child knows. In response to these startling statistics, and the hard work of Erin Merryn, who took a personal tragedy and created a positive change across America, Erin’s Law has been widely implemented across the country, including Illinois.Beginning next week, we will commence with our legally mandated, age-appropriate child sexual abuse awareness and prevention education program for our students at Concord. Erin’s Law will be taught during Skills for Learning lessons in the last week of February and the first week of March. Here is additional information and links regarding Erin’s Law and sexual abuse prevention.
If you have questions about this program, please contact school counselor Helen Park at hpark@cassd63.org. If you do not wish for your child to participate, please place your request in writing to Dr. Laura Anderson at landerson@cassd63.org.
Sexual Abuse and Teen Dating Violence Prevention at Cass Junior High
We request that 7th grade parents read this letter from Principal Christine Marcinkewicz regarding the upcoming Teens Taking Charge Program. The letter has important information regarding this program which is presented by the YWCA and covers information about sexual abuse and teen dating violence. Students will also be taking part in follow up lessons on team building days. If you have questions after you have read the letter, please contact Christine Marcinkewicz at cmarcinkewicz@cassd63.org.
It is time to start registration for Kindergarten for the 2023-24 school year. Please take a look at this flyer for information on who should be registering, how to register and Kindergarten Round-Up.
Important Chromebook Care Reminders
Parents, please remind your students that their district issued Chromebooks are expected to be transported inside the district issued carrying case at all times. Chromebooks are being dropped and damaged and we have a $50 charge each time it is damaged. We appreciate your assistance with reinforcing this requirement at home just as we do at school. Thank you!
8th Grade Washington, DC Trip Last Change to Register!
The deadline to register is February 1. If you wish to register, please visit www.academicexpeditions.com, click “GO TO MY TRIP” and enter the tour code: cssdc2023. If you have any questions, please contact Ken Kohnke at kkohnke@cassd63.org.
Cass School District 63 is seeking teacher assistants for the remainder of the 2022-23 school year. These are full-time positions with benefits. Candidates must possess or be willing to get a Professional Educator License with a paraprofessional endorsement, which is not difficult to obtain. This is a highly rewarding job in an area of significant need for our student population. For more information or if you are interested in applying, here is the application and information.
Class of 2023 T-Shirts Order Deadline February 1
Help your 8th grade student celebrate their upcoming graduation from Cass Junior High by getting them a Class of 2023 T-Shirt. Orders must be submitted by February 1 so don’t miss this opportunity.
Boys & Their VIPs Registration Deadline February 3
CARE will be hosting a Boys & Their VIPs event on Wednesday, February 8 featuring an Exotic Animal Show. The event will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Cass Junior High and the deadline for purchasing tickets is Friday, February 3. Please see this flyer for more information and to purchase your tickets for this fun event.
Dine to Donate at Chucks Every Tuesday in January
CARE has partnered with Chuck’s Southern Comforts Café to give everyone something to look forward to every Tuesday in January and next Tuesday is the last day to participate! Take advantage of the last Take Out Tuesdays by giving Chucks a call to place your order and CARE will earn 15% off of the day’s sales. Please be sure to bring this flyer with you to show when you pick up your order!
Alumni Accolades
- Congratulations to Hinsdale South art students Alexandra Cima, Ellen Mulgrew and Audrey Koepfle for being recognized at the Regional Scholastic Awards.
- Congratulations to Hinsdale South student Sophia Zakar for being selected to the All State Choir.
- Best of luck to Hinsdale South Hornet Business Professional of America students Elias Carder and Anna Meng as they head off to compete in the state competition for the Business Professionals of America.
Visit our school lunch program page for regularly updated menus and information about pricing and payment. Lunch menus are subject to change, so please check back regularly for the most up to date information.
Important Dates to Remember
For many more dates or to sync your calendar with ours, please visit the Cass 63 Calendar page.
January 27, 2023
Early Release Day – Concord, 11:15 a.m. and Cass, 12:00 p.m.February 17, 2023
Early Release Day – Concord, 11:15 a.m. and Cass, 12:00 p.m.February 20, 2023
No School – Presidents Day -
Cass63 Connections - January 19, 2023
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
This week we are going to shift gears and speak directly regarding drug use among our youth. Before you scroll down thinking this doesn't impact your child, I would strongly encourage you to keep reading.
First of all, there isn’t a junior high or high school that isn't going to have this issue occasionally arise. While the perception may be that it is more commonly a high school issue, we have learned that junior high students in particular are not immune from this risk and we do deal with it from time to time here at school. Perhaps that risk is heightened because it is easy for all of us as educators and parents to assume that kids this age are too young, don't have access, or the biggest mistaken assumption any parent can make, “My kid would never...”
Unfortunately, accessing illegal drugs is easier for kids than it has ever been. With social media and the ability to communicate discreetly and instantly with virtually anyone, there are countless opportunities for kids to get access, perhaps sometimes when they aren’t even looking for it. There is also the simple fact that some substances that were illegal for everyone a few short years ago are now legal for adults when obtained the correct way. Unfortunately, just because it is legal for you does not make it legal for kids. This includes vaping devices and “gummies”, both of which are illegal for children to possess, use or ingest.
As a result, when it comes to our students, we take these situations seriously and handle them as appropriate based on the facts and circumstances surrounding each situation. Ideally, we also hope that it is handled with the assistance and cooperation of the parents involved so that we can help and support both the child and the family. That high level of communication and cooperation between school and home is always going to have the best outcome.
Along these lines, we do need to make it very clear that drugs in our school will not be tolerated under any circumstances. If we have reasonable suspicion that there is a concern, we are going to make every effort to hunt it down and get it out. This is going to be accompanied by serious disciplinary consequences, whether that is possession, use, or distribution. This is very important for everyone to understand.
Having said that, our goal is to avoid serious disciplinary consequences at school (or with the police) and instead be proactive and provide help and intervention as soon as we or you as parents think there may be an issue. Principal Christine Marcinkewicz, Assistant Principal Michelle Roberts and I have had deep conversations about how best to tackle this proactively, and when it arises going forward. As a result, we want you as parents to know the following:
1. We are here for you and your kids. Our administrators and school service personnel are completely dialed in and ready to help wherever we can if you reach out. Along these lines, I would encourage you to review the resources available on our Healthy Kids, Safe Schools page, particularly under the Child and Family Counseling drop down. You can also reach out to any of our staff under the “I need help. Who can I contact?” section.
2. Do not be offended if we talk to your child or reach out to you because we are concerned. We are not waiting for proof or direct evidence. I am giving our staff the green light and my full support to contact you if there is any suspicion that your child may be using or suspected of doing so. If we are wrong, that's a good thing, but maybe it will lead to a great conversation or a better understanding of why this came up. If we are right, then we are intervening that much sooner and before things get more serious or dangerous.
3. We do not want your students to get in trouble. If you come to us with a concern about your child or someone else's, then we will help. What we can't have is any substances here at school. Whether that is an issue or not, we will deal with it at the time, but the help is there for you regardless of any necessary disciplinary consequences. We would much rather intervene and help than discipline or punish.
4. Talk to your kids. Please have good conversations with your child so they know that they can come to you or to us, whichever you prefer. But kids have to know that they have an adult who they know they can go to. It is equally important to discuss the very real dangers of what is out there.
5. Educate yourself on the dangers that didn't previously exist. This is the biggest reason we are here talking about this. Are you aware of the dangers of fentanyl? It is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin. That's right. And it might just be laced in that little bit of marijuana. Why? Instant addiction, which is good for business when you're the one selling. Unfortunately for many first time users, it isn't just the instant addiction you need to worry about. It is instant death.
So let’s take a proactive approach and make sure we are all communicating and working together. We are going to step up our efforts to educate our students and make sure they understand the risks, and that they can come to us if they need help or if they have concerns about a friend or classmate. I will share more on this, but we felt that this was something important to share with you so that you can talk to your kids as well.
As always, never hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns at all. Thank you.
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
Sexual Abuse Awareness and Prevention at Concord Elementary
It is estimated that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually abused by the time they turn eighteen years old. It is also estimated that around 90 percent of the abusers are people the child knows. In response to these startling statistics, and the hard work of Erin Merryn, who took a personal tragedy and created a positive change across America, Erin’s Law has been widely implemented across the country, including Illinois.
Beginning next week, we will commence with our legally mandated, age-appropriate child sexual abuse awareness and prevention education program for our students at Concord. Erin’s Law will be taught during Skills for Learning lessons in the last week of February and the first week of March. Here is additional information and links regarding Erin’s Law and sexual abuse prevention.
If you have questions about this program, please contact school counselor Helen Park at hpark@cassd63.org. If you do not wish for your child to participate, please place your request in writing to Dr. Laura Anderson at landerson@cassd63.org.
Sexual Abuse and Teen Dating Violence Prevention at Cass Junior High
We request that 7th grade parents read this letter from Principal Christine Marcinkewicz regarding the upcoming Teens Taking Charge Program. The letter has important information regarding this program which is presented by the YWCA and covers information about sexual abuse and teen dating violence. Students will also be taking part in follow up lessons on team building days. If you have questions after you have read the letter, please contact Christine Marcinkewicz at cmarcinkewicz@cassd63.org.
Concord Elementary School has an award winning preschool program earning the ExceleRate Gold Circle of Quality Award for over 15 years. If you are interested in this fantastic program for our youngest learners, the next preschool screening will be held on Friday, March 10 for any child who is 3, 4 or 5 years old. Please see this flyer for more information on the preschool program as well as information on how to sign up for the screening.
It is time to start registration for Kindergarten for the 2023-24 school year. Please take a look at this flyer for information on who should be registering, how to register and Kindergarten Round-Up.
Advanced Ensemble and Jazz Band Tour
The 7th and 8th Grade Advanced Ensemble and the Cass Junior High Jazz Band went on a performance tour with stops at Concord Elementary, Oak Trace Senior Retirement Community and the King-Bruwaert House Senior Community. Thank you to choral teacher Becky Kriz and interim jazz band director Daniel Murphy for planning this great day for our youngest students and members of our community.
8th Grade Washington, DC Trip Registration Deadline February 1
To register, please visit www.academicexpeditions.com, click “GO TO MY TRIP” and enter the tour code: cssdc2023. If you have any questions, please contact Ken Kohnke at kkohnke@cassd63.org.
Teacher Assistants Needed
Cass School District 63 is seeking teacher assistants for the remainder of the 2022-23 school year. These are full-time positions with benefits. Candidates must possess or be willing to get a Professional Educator License with a paraprofessional endorsement, which is not difficult to obtain. This is a highly rewarding job in an area of significant need for our student population. For more information or if you are interested in applying, here is the application and information.
Save the Date! CARE Golf Outing June 2
Golf is back! CARE is hosting a golf outing the afternoon of June 2, 2023 so please be sure to save the date! More information will be coming soon.
Class of 2023 T-Shirts
Help your 8th grade student celebrate their upcoming graduation from Cass Junior High by getting them a Class of 2023 T-Shirt. Orders must be submitted by February 1 so don’t miss this opportunity.
Boys & Their VIPs Registration Deadline February 6
CARE will be hosting a Boys & Their VIPs event on Wednesday, February 8 featuring an Exotic Animal Show. The event will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Cass Junior High and the deadline for purchasing tickets is February 6. Please see this flyer for more information and to purchase your tickets for this fun event.
Dine to Donate at Chucks Every Tuesday in January
CARE has partnered with Chuck’s Southern Comforts Café to give everyone something to look forward to every Tuesday in January! Take Tuesday's off of cooking, and take advantage of Take Out Tuesdays by giving Chucks a call to place your order and CARE will earn 15% off of the day’s sales. Please be sure to bring this flyer with you to show when you pick up your order!
2nd Grade Music Program Front Row Seat Raffle Closes Monday
Here is your chance to get the best seats in the house for the 2nd grade music program scheduled for January 26. CARE is hosting a front row seat raffle. Tickets will be sold through January 23. Please see under the link for more information and how to purchase your raffle tickets.
Alumni Accolades
- Matt Camacho helped the Hinsdale South boys bowling team qualify for sectionals by placing 9th overall in the recent regional tournament.
Visit our school lunch program page for regularly updated menus and information about pricing and payment. Lunch menus are subject to change, so please check back regularly for the most up to date information.
Darien Woman's Club Creative Youth Art Fair
The Darien Woman’s Club will be holding it’s 41st Annual Creative Youth Art Fair on February 26, 2023 at Cass Junior High School. Please look under the link for more information on the art fair and for registration information.
Following are resources and opportunities outside of the district that are available to our parents and families in or around our school community.
The Community Speaker Series presents The Emotional Lives of Teenagers
American Youth Symphony Orchestra Auditions
American Music Institute Summer Music Camps
Important Dates to Remember
For many more dates or to sync your calendar with ours, please visit the Cass 63 Calendar page.
January 27, 2023
Early Release Day – Concord, 11:15 a.m. and Cass, 12:00 p.m.February 17, 2023
Early Release Day – Concord, 11:15 a.m. and Cass, 12:00 p.m.February 20, 2023
No School – Presidents Day -
Cass63 Connections - January 12, 2023
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
This week we are asking people to spread the word to help us secure teacher assistants at both schools. While not the highest paying job, the full-time positions do come with excellent benefits and the rewarding opportunity of working with some wonderful kids who need the support. Depending on the schedule, we will also consider part-time if someone is interested.
We are also in need of substitutes for all roles. This can be a commitment of as little as one day per week and getting your sub license is not difficult to do. Like all school districts, we are seeing a huge shortage in this area and we appreciate your interest or help in sharing this information.
Here is the application portal and information. Also, please feel free to contact Principals Laura Anderson, Christine Marcinkewicz, or me with any questions or for more information. Thank you! !
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
No School January 16 in Honor of Dr. King
As a reminder, there is no school on Monday, January 16, 2023 in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Please Spread the Word! Concord Preschool Program
Concord Elementary School has an award winning preschool program earning the ExceleRate Gold Circle of Quality Award for over 15 years. If you are interested in this fantastic program for our youngest learners, the next preschool screening will be held on Friday, March 10 for any child who is 3, 4 or 5 years old. Please see this flyer for more information on the preschool program as well as information on how to sign up for the screening.
Getting Ready for Kindergarten
It is time to start registration for Kindergarten for the 2023-24 school year. Please take a look at this flyer for information on who should be registering, how to register and Kindergarten Round-Up.
Teacher Assistants Needed
Cass School District 63 is seeking two teacher assistants for the remainder of the 2022-23 school year. There is a vacancy at both Concord Elementary and Cass Junior High Schools and these are full-time positions with benefits. Candidates must possess or be willing to get a Professional Educator License with a paraprofessional endorsement, which is not difficult to obtain. This is a highly rewarding job in an area of significant need for our student population. For more information or if you are interested in applying, here is the application and information.
8th Grade Washington, DC Trip Registrations Closes February 1
To register, please visit www.academicexpeditions.com, click “GO TO MY TRIP” and enter the tour code: cssdc2023. If you have any questions, please contact Ken Kohnke at kkohnke@cassd63.org.
Basketball and Cheerleading Seasons Wrapping Up
The Cass Junior High boys’ basketball season is winding toward the end of the season. Under the leadership of coaches Brynn Alexander and Landon Mitchell, the teams have worked hard at improving their skills and working together as a team.
Under the direction of Mary Kate Favia and Theresa West, our cheerleading team has also grown tremendously as the team gets more confident in their cheers and routines. The girls are doing a fantastic job.
We look forward to watching the basketball and cheerleading teams continue to grow as players as they finish out the season. Here are some pictures from a recent game.
2nd Grade Music Program Front Row Seat Raffle
Here is your chance to get the best seats in the house for the 2nd grade music program scheduled for January 26. CARE is hosting a front row seat raffle. Tickets will be sold through January 23. Please see under the link for more information and how to purchase your raffle tickets.
Alumni Accolades
- Hinsdale South Speech Team students Quinn Isberg, Annina Garro and Tyler Hallman all placed in their events at recent competitions!
- Destin Talbert played for his 4th FCS national title this past Sunday as a member of the North Dakota State Football Team!
Dine to Donate at Chucks Every Tuesday in January
CARE has partnered with Chuck’s Southern Comforts Café to give everyone something to look forward to every Tuesday in January! Take Tuesday's off of cooking, and take advantage of Take Out Tuesdays by giving Chucks a call to place your order and CARE will earn 15% off of the day’s sales. Please be sure to bring this flyer with you to show when you pick up your order!
Visit our school lunch program page for regularly updated menus and information about pricing and payment. Lunch menus are subject to change, so please check back regularly for the most up to date information.
Important Dates to Remember
For many more dates or to sync your calendar with ours, please visit the Cass 63 Calendar page.
January 16, 2023
No School – Martin Luther King, Jr. HolidayJanuary 27, 2023
Early Release Day – Concord, 11:15 a.m. and Cass, 12:00 p.m. -
Cass63 Connections - January 5, 2023
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
Happy New Year! I hope that you all had a wonderful holiday and some great time together as a family. Our teachers and staff were back on Tuesday with training focused on several areas. At Concord, Dr. Anderson and the staff were analyzing NWEA assessment data and working to improve our approach with reading and math instruction and interventions. Our staff is taking nothing for granted in these critical areas and are focused on the research and best practices to make sure that all of our students are successful.
At Cass, Mrs. Marcinkewicz and the junior high staff focused on departmental curriculum work and group discussions and presentations about the book Fostering Resilient Learners: Strategies for Creating a Trauma-Sensitive Classroom. This is part of a greater effort to meet our kids where they are, and making sure we are sensitive to their individual backgrounds and needs. It is a great book that our leadership, counselors and teachers embrace in making certain we meet the needs of our students.
Also included was training with our new approach to school safety. Our staff is in the process of completing the first step of ALICE training and once that is complete, we will involve the Darien Police Department in this training with all of our staff on our next early dismissal day. Both principals and I are now certified ALICE instructors, training typically provided for law enforcement. It is our intention to integrate this into our proactive planning with the police and we are taking nothing for granted. Combined with the upcoming addition of our enhanced security systems, we will be prepared to better respond to an emergency and to have law enforcement on site immediately in a crisis situation.
As a district, we work to make the best use of our time on these types of days. Whether related to academic growth, social and emotional learning, or safety and security, it is always time well spent when we can plan and work together proactively as a staff.
Please reach out with any questions, and here's to a great 2023!
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
Concord Elementary Winter Parties
On the last day of school before winter break, students at Concord Elementary got to enjoy winter parties in their classroom to kick off their time off. Please enjoy these pictures from the day.
8th Grade Pictures January 10
8th Grade Picture Day is on Tuesday, January 10. Eight grade students should come to school dressed up and ready for pictures. They may bring clothes to change into after pictures have been taken. No money is due at this time. Proofs will be sent to the school and sent home to parents for an opportunity to order pictures. If you have any questions, please contact the Cass Junior High office at 331-481-4000, extension 2.
Cass Junior High Chess Team
The Cass Junior High Chess Team, which has over 30 players, is off to a great start this year. After a close first match loss against Westview Hills, the team bounced back with three wins in a row. Congratulations to Coach Mosquera and the team and keep up the great work!
8th Grade World Language Presentation and Survey
As your 8th grade student may have shared with you before the break, the Hinsdale South High School World Language Department Chair came to Cass Junior High to give a presentation on the language options available to students at Hinsdale South. They have asked us to share this feedback survey with the 8th grade students and this video with our 8th grade families so that you may learn more about the Hinsdale South world language program.
Teacher Assistants Needed
Cass School District 63 is seeking two teacher assistants for the remainder of the 2022-23 school year. There is a vacancy at both Concord Elementary and Cass Junior High Schools and these are full-time positions with benefits. Candidates must possess or be willing to get a Professional Educator License with a paraprofessional endorsement, which is not difficult to obtain. This is a highly rewarding job in an area of significant need for our student population. For more information or if you are interested in applying, here is the application and information.
CARE presents Boys & Their VIPs Event
CARE will be hosting a Boys & Their VIPs event on Wednesday, February 8 featuring an Exotic Animal Show. The event will be held from 6:00 – 8:00p.m. at Cass Junior High and the deadline for purchasing tickets is February 6. Please see this flyer for more information and to purchase your tickets for this fun event.
Sticky Fingers cooking classes sessions 2 and 3 have limited openings. If you are interested in having your kindergarten through 4th grade student learn to cook and have fun doing it, this is a great opportunity. Please see this flyer for more information and how to register, which will be on a first come, first served basis. Ten percent of all registration fees will go back to CARE.
Dine to Donate at Chucks - Every Tuesday in January
CARE has partnered with Chuck’s Southern Comforts Café to give everyone something to look forward to every Tuesday in January! Take a night off of cooking, and take advantage of Take Out Tuesdays by giving Chucks a call to place your order and CARE will earn 15% off of the day’s sales. Please be sure to bring this flyer with you to show when you pick up your order!
Visit our school lunch program page for regularly updated menus and information about pricing and payment. Lunch menus are subject to change, so please check back regularly for the most up to date information.
Following are resources and opportunities outside of the district that are available to our parents and families in or around our school community.
Indian Prairie Library Upcoming Events
Glenbard Parent Series Upcoming Events which include You Are Not a Bad Parent, The Varied Paths to 21st Century Careers along with many other opportunities.
Important Dates to Remember
For many more dates or to sync your calendar with ours, please visit the Cass 63 Calendar page.
January 16, 2023
No School – Martin Luther King HolidayJanuary 27, 2023
Early Release Day – Concord, 11:15 a.m. and Cass, 12:00 p.m. -
Cass63 Connections - December 15, 2022
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
Happy Holidays! From the wonderful concerts at both schools, to the ugly (festive?!) staff holiday sweaters, to our junior high choral students singing beautiful carols around school this morning, and the crazy shenanigans of Mrs. McElligott and Mrs. Mathis at Concord, the spirit of the holidays is all around! It is clear that both the kids and staff are excited and ready for the holiday season.
Having said that, let’s also acknowledge that the holidays are not a happy time for everyone. If anyone in your family or among your friends needs help, there are many 24/7 resources available, including on our Healthy Kids, Safe Schools page. This includes resources for child and family counseling, crisis support, suicide prevention and families who may be struggling financially. Even when it feels like it, no one is ever alone and there is always help available.
As a reminder, after early dismissal on Friday, December 16, students do not return to school until Wednesday, January 4. Also, while the district office remains open for business over most of the holiday break, this is when some take time off so there will be no planned communications over the next two weeks. The Cass63 Connections will resume on Thursday, January 5.
However you may celebrate, we wish you and your family a wonderful holiday. See you in 2023!
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
Friday, December 16 is an early release day with Concord released at 11:15 and Cass at 12:00 pm. There are no prekindergarten classes on Friday, December 16. Students will then be on winter break until their return on Wednesday, January 4, 2023.
Cass Junior High Pick Up and Drop Off Reminders
For the safety of all of our students and staff, we need all parents to follow the procedures shared with families at the start of the school year. Specifically, we have had some parents parking in the school parking lots and waiting there to pick children up at the end of the school day. For a variety of safety and traffic reasons, parents are not to utilize school parking lots during pick up and drop off times. Following the correct times and procedures will help ensure that we keep everyone safe. If you have a time issue on a given day, please make other arrangements. Thank you for your cooperation in prioritizing the safety of our students!
Concord Junior Chorus Winter Concert
Concord recently held its Junior Chorus Winter Concert and it was a great way to showcase the talents of our young students, as well as celebrate the holiday season. Thank you to Angela Zurawski for leading our students and helping them to provide such a festive and musical show!
Cass Junior High Winter Band Concert
The Cass Junior High Winter Band Concert was also held recently. Beginning Band, Concert Band, Symphonic Band and Jazz Band all showcased their hard work and sounded amazing. Thank you to interim band director Daniel Murphy and band director Megan Duffy-Legan for helping to guide our talented young musicians.
Cass Junior High Spirit Week and Holiday Carolers
This week has been full of all kinds of fun at Cass Junior High, from hat day to squad day to tomorrow’s planned pajama day. The Ensemble Chorus added to the holiday spirit by caroling around the building and at lunch time, CARE hosted an ice cream sundae bar for our students. It is always wonderful to see students and staff participating and here are some pictures of the holiday fun!
Elf Mayhem and Staff Shenanigans
Not to be outdone by their junior high colleagues, the Concord staff had an ugly holiday sweater contest. Take a look to see who you would pick. While the sweaters were being voted on, the elves invaded Concord and students will spend some of their day discovering them throughout the building. Here a few pictures of what your children may find if you want to ask them about their day.
The Board held its monthly meeting on December 13 at which a public hearing was held to discuss the 2022 tax levy, the school report cards were reviewed, progress was reviewed on the district strategic plan and a resolution was adopted to move forward on issuing the initial set of bonds to allow the district to commence with work on the safety and security updates. For more information on the meeting, please take a look at the Board Briefs.
Teacher Assistants Needed
Cass School District 63 is seeking two teacher assistants for the remainder of the 2022-23 school year. There is a vacancy at both Concord Elementary and Cass Junior High Schools and these are full-time positions with benefits. Candidates must possess or be willing to get a Professional Educator's License with a paraprofessional endorsement, which is not difficult to obtain. This is a highly rewarding job in an area of significant need for our student population. For more information or if you are interested in applying, here is the application and information.
Sticky Fingers cooking classes sessions 2 and 3 have openings. If you are interested in having your kindergarten through 4th grade student learn to cook and have fun doing it, this is a great opportunity. Please see this flyer for more information and how to register, which will be on a first come, first served basis. Ten percent of all registration fees will go back to CARE.
2022-23 Calendar Update
The school improvement early release day that was previously scheduled for May 19 has been moved to Friday, May 12, 2023. Here is the updated calendar. Please contact the district office with any questions.
In the event it is necessary to cancel school due to inclement weather, it is our intention to have all students remain at home for a full day of remote instruction. We would then continue with the remainder of the week on the originally planned schedule. In the event in-person instruction is cancelled, we will send a notification to all parents via text and email once that decision is made. The notification will also be posted on our website at www.cassd63.org as well as on school district social media accounts.
Alumni Accolades
- Congratulations to the cast of Carrie the Musical at Hinsdale South, which featured many Cass alumni, for being selected to go to state and perform at the University of Illinois on January 13. Tyler Hallman and Lily Levine were individually recognized by the Illinois High School Musical Theater Awards for their performance in the musical!
- Congratulations to the Hinsdale South Varsity Chess Team including former Cass Chess Team players, Conrad Kremper and Adrian Folfas, for taking 2nd place out of 34 teams in a recent tournament.
Visit our school lunch program page for regularly updated menus and information about pricing and payment. Lunch menus are subject to change, so please check back regularly for the most up to date information. Menus for January 2023 will be updated closer to the return to school.
Following are resources and opportunities outside of the district that are available to our parents and families in or around our school community.
Important Dates to Remember
For many more dates or to sync your calendar with ours, please visit the Cass 63 Calendar page.
December 16, 2022
Early Release Day – Concord, 11:15 a.m. and Cass, 12:00 p.m.December 19, 2022 – January 2, 2023
No School - Winter BreakJanuary 3, 2023
No School – Staff Institute DayJanuary 4, 2023
School ResumesJanuary 16, 2023
No School – Martin Luther King Holiday -
Cass63 Connections - December 8, 2022
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
It is very apparent to us here at school that many of your kids are really, really, really excited about the holidays! If you don’t believe me, ask any teacher, particularly those who teach younger kids. The excitement is at a very high level, and this is one of several areas in which the job of a teacher is much harder than that of a superintendent!
Of course, there is nothing more fun than seeing children being joyful and excited, and we want them to be equally excited about learning here at school. We can’t compete with Santa, but our teachers do a tremendous job making learning activities interesting, engaging and whenever possible, fun! Some parts of learning can be boring, but in most classrooms, you would never know it. When kids are engaged, interacting, discussing, sharing, doing or experimenting, they are learning.
Even with the busy holidays and schedules, we should try to remember this at home as well. There are so many opportunities to talk and engage with your child and use just about anything as a learning opportunity. Reading a book, riding in the car, conversing, drawing, shopping at the store, questioning, writing, playing a game or singing a song, just about any activity is a chance for your child to learn. The opportunities are all around us.
Here at school, we are dialing more and more into student growth data and looking at how our students are learning, and what gaps need to be filled as we thankfully distance ourselves from the pandemic. I will share more on this over the course of the remainder of the school year, but at school we want to do whatever we can to help your child grow as much as possible each year.
Learning is always a partnership between home and school. Never hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher, principal or me if we can help in any way. Thank you!
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
Weather-Related Cancelation Announcements
In the event it is necessary to cancel school due to inclement weather, it is our intention to have all students remain at home for a full day of remote instruction. We would then continue with the remainder of the week on the originally planned schedule. In the event in-person instruction is cancelled in Cass 63, we will send a notification to all parents via text and email once that decision is made. The notification will also be posted on our website at www.cassd63.org as well as on school district social media accounts.
Holiday Soap Collection Through December 16
The Darien Woman’s Club Holiday Soap Collections is taking place through December 16. Please see this flyer for information on where and what to donate.
STEM Students Tackle Transfer of Energy
Under the guidance of STEM teacher Jessica Ruiz, our 4th grade students recently learned about the transfer of energy through a hands-on project. Students learned that an egg raised above the ground has potential energy due to the force of gravity. When dropped, the egg’s potential energy is converted into kinetic energy. Could teams of students build a device to carry the egg on this journey through the air and transfer of energy, without breaking the egg on impact? It turns out that every team in Mrs. Schlottman's class were successful! Following are some pictures, and Mr. Cross got to observe and learn more from our students about the transfer of energy as well.
Teacher Assistant Job Posting
The district is seeking a teacher assistant at Concord Elementary School. A Professional Educator License with a paraprofessional or substitute teacher endorsement is required. If you are interested in applying, here is the application and information.
A Build Your Own Sundae Bar will be offered at Cass Junior High during lunch on Thursday, December 15. Each student will receive a bowl of ice cream to which they can add their own toppings including candy, marshmallows, syrup, whipped cream, etc.! Popsicles will also be available for any students with dietary allergies or limitations. Thank you to CARE for providing this wonderful treat for our students!
Concert Front Row Seat Raffles
Now is your chance to win front row seats to the upcoming Cass Winter Band Concert scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on December 14. Please see under the link for information on how to enter the raffle.
CARE will be hosting a Book Fair at Cass Junior High on Tuesday, December 13 through Thursday, December 15. Please see under the link for more information.
Dine to Donate at Panda Express
During the busy holiday season, why not give yourselves a break from cooking and take advantage of the next Dine to Donate at Panda Express on December 15. Be sure to print the flyer so that 20% of your order gets donated back to CARE.
Alumni Accolades
- Congratulations to Hinsdale South student Sophia Zakar on being selected to the All State Musicians for Choir!
- Congratulations to students at Hinsdale South who were recently named Illinois State Scholars by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. We are proud to announce that 20 of those students came from Cass and they were Sami Alkhudari, Makena Camden, Zachary Carder, Diego Castellanos, Jacob Charters, Alexandra Cima, Dimitrije Gujanicic, Keira Hagen, Tyler Hallman, Yusuf Hussain, Yumi Li, Ellen Mulgrew, Jaitin Pallath, Aryan Patel, Fatima Qureshi, Mark Splingaire, Katherine Spytek, Megan Tai, Avni Verma and Connor Wyent.
Visit our school lunch program page for regularly updated menus and information about pricing and payment. Lunch menus are subject to change, so please check back regularly for the most up to date information.
Following are resources and opportunities outside of the district that are available to our parents and families in or around our school community.
Glenbard Parent Series Upcoming Events
Important Dates to Remember
For many more dates or to sync your calendar with ours, please visit the Cass 63 Calendar page.
December 16, 2022
Early Release Day – Concord, 11:15 a.m. and Cass, 12:00 p.m.December 19, 2022 – January 2, 2023
No School - Winter BreakJanuary 3, 2023
No School – Staff Institute DayJanuary 4, 2023
School Resumes -
Cass63 Connections - December 1, 2022
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
I'm very excited to share the wonderful news that our referendum results have been certified by the DuPage County Clerk's office. The certified YES vote will allow us to move forward with our safety and security planning, as well as address our heating, ventilation and air conditioning needs in both schools. The results demonstrate the trust our community has placed in our school district and we look forward to following through and delivering on our plans.
In terms of timelines, the most urgent work will revolve around the planning and installation of the BluePoint Security System, new video surveillance cameras, updated intercom and phone systems, the replacement of the fire alarm systems and the installation of additional physical security measures across the district. We expect this work to be completed prior to the opening of school next August.
What will take additional time is the replacement of our HVAC systems. With continued extended lead times for this type of equipment due to supply chain concerns, as well as making certain we allow ourselves the most competitive bidding environment, we expect to complete this work in the summer of 2024. This will allow us time to finish project design in the coming weeks and months and go to bid with the best timing to complete the project as cost effectively as possible. In the meantime, we are using $274,000 of our grant funds to address several classrooms and spaces that are of the greatest need at Concord this coming summer.
Our school district is blessed to have some very supportive people who worked behind the scenes to support this effort. I don't even know all of those involved because it was completely separate from our work and communications as a district. But you know who you are and on behalf of our students, staff, Board and community, thank you! I would also like to thank so many of you for the countless words of support you have expressed for our plans and effort. The kindness is overwhelming and means more than you know.
We continue to head in such a positive direction and we could not do it without your support. Thank you!
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
Weather-Related Cancelation Announcements
We are well into the time of year when we could see weather-related cancellations of school or school activities. In the event it is necessary to cancel, it is our intention to have all students remain at home for a full day of remote instruction. We would then continue with the remainder of the week on the originally planned schedule. In the event in-person instruction is cancelled in Cass 63, we will send a notification to all parents via text and email once that decision is made. The notification will also be posted on our website at www.cassd63.org as well as on school district social media accounts.
3rd Grade Music Program
The 3rd Grade Music Program was held on November 17 and as always, Mrs. Zurawski led the students in an amazing concert. Please enjoy these pictures from the evening. Great job, 3rd grade!
4th Grade Art Parade
As inspired by the many famous Thanksgiving Day parades, our 4th graders created amazing “floats” in Ms. Marien’s art class and held a parade throughout the halls of Concord School. All of the students lined up in halls to watch the 4th grade have an indoor parade with their creative floats. It was the perfect way to end the week and prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday! Please take a moment to enjoy some pictures from the parade.
Toy Drive Deadline December 2
Concord Elementary School is holding a toy drive and the last day to donate is December 2. Donations will go to supporting local families through the Darien Lions Club and Toys for Tots. Please see this flyer for information on what and where to donate. Thank you for your support!
Teacher Assistant Job Posting
The district is seeking a teacher assistant at Concord Elementary School. A Professional Educator License with a paraprofessional or substitute teacher endorsement is required. If you are interested in applying, here is the application and information.
Concert Front Row Seat Raffles
Now is your chance to win front row seats to the upcoming Concord Junior Chorus Winter Concert on December 8 or the Cass Winter Band Concert on December 14. Please see under the links for information on how to enter the raffles.
CARE is hosting two events early in 2023 for kids and their VIPs. The first is Boys & VIPs Exotic Animal Show on February 8. The next is Girls & VIPs Luau Dance on March 10. Please look under the link for more information.
Visit our school lunch program page for regularly updated menus and information about pricing and payment. Lunch menus are subject to change, so please check back regularly for the most up to date information.
Following are resources and opportunities outside of the district that are available to our parents and families in or around our school community.
Indian Prairie Library Upcoming Events
Darien Woman’s Club Holiday Soap Drive
Darien Historical Society Christmas Community Celebration
DuPage Pads Wrapped In Warmth Winter Clothes Drive
Important Dates to Remember
For many more dates or to sync your calendar with ours, please visit the Cass 63 Calendar page.
December 16, 2022
Early Release Day – Concord, 11:15 a.m. and Cass, 12:00 p.m.December 19, 2022 – January 2, 2023
No School - Winter BreakJanuary 3, 2023
No School – Staff Institute DayJanuary 4, 2023
School Resumes -
Cass63 Connections - November 17, 2022
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
As we head into a short week of virtual parent-teacher conferences and then a holiday break, I want to wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving. I know people are very busy, but I hope you are able to enjoy your time together as a family. I'm blessed to have both of my adult children and their families close by, but the time they were young truly went past in a blink of an eye. Enjoy every moment.
There is no planned communication with the holiday next week, so the Cass63 Connections will resume in two weeks. Peace to you and your family and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
No School Week of November 21
Just a reminder that due to parent-teacher conferences on Monday and Tuesday of next week and the Thanksgiving holiday for the remainder of the week, there is no school next week. School will resume with the normal schedule on November 28.
Cass Junior High Celebrates Veterans Day
Our Cass Junior High seventh grade students honored a very special group of guests and their families at an amazing and heartfelt Veterans Day assembly on Friday, November 11. Students wrote and recited genuine letters of appreciation to the 13 veterans who represented all branches of the military and are family and friends of our students and staff. Being honored were William Bozek - Army, Harold Deeman - Army, Richard Johnson - Army, Donald Krause - Army, Donald Kriz - Army, Robert Menako - Army, Jim Pelszynski - Army, John Watts - Army, David Shaver – Navy, Richard Deeman – Air Force, Sal Martinez – Marines, Steve Matozzi – Marines and Shawn Lamb – Coast Guard. We thank these gentlemen for their distinguished service to our country.
Welcome New Board Member Chris Green
Please join the Board of Education in welcoming Mr. Chris Green to the Board. The Board appointed him to replace Kent Absalonsen who recently moved out of the district. Mr. Green is a real estate development manager and lives in Darien with his wife Prem and two sons. We thank him for stepping into this important volunteer role.
4th Grade Creates Imaginative Book Reports
Our 4th graders at Concord School recently created some imaginative book report projects that are on display in the Learning Center. From pizza boxes to creative book awards, our students combined their love of reading and writing with their artistic talents!
Cass Junior High Fall Choral Concert
On November 10 Cass Junior High held a Fall Choral Concert. We have so many talented vocalists and the students put on a wonderful performance!
The Board of Education held its most recent meeting on November 15. At the meeting, the Board seated new member Chris Green, set a Truth in Taxation Hearing for December 15 and approved a summer 2023 maintenance project. More details are available in the Board Briefs.
1st Trimester Progress Reports Coming Soon
The first trimester ended on November 11 and report cards will be available in PowerSchool on Friday, November 18. Here are the directions on how to access the progress reports and please contact your child’s school office with questions.
Concord Elementary School will be holding a toy drive from November 14 through December 2. Donations will go to supporting local families through the Darien Lions Club and Toys for Tots. Please see this flyer for information on what and where to donate. Thank you for your support!
Cass Junior High Girls Basketball
The Cass Junior High girl’s basketball season came to an end on Tuesday night versus Lisle Junior High. The girl’s showed incredible growth both in their individual skills and in their play as a team. They should all be proud!
Teacher Assistant Job Posting
The district is seeking a teacher assistant at Concord Elementary School. A Professional Educator License with a paraprofessional or substitute teacher endorsement is required. If you are interested in applying, here is the application and information.
Get Support From 211 DuPage
211 DuPage is a free, confidential referral and information helpline and website for DuPage County residents. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year round, the service will direct people to health and social services resources. Those will include help with basic needs like securing food and clothing, rent and utility payment assistance, senior programs, home weatherization, caregiver support, and legal aid, among others. Please look under the link for more information.
Dine to Donate - November 28, 2022
Give yourself a break from cooking after the Thanksgiving holiday and plan to have dinner and dessert at that burger joint, Woodgrain Pizza and Oberweis on November 28. Please be sure to bring this flyer with you and 20 percent of your purchase will go back to CARE.
Visit our school lunch program page for regularly updated menus and information about pricing and payment. Lunch menus are subject to change, so please check back regularly for the most up to date information.
Following are resources and opportunities outside of the district that are available to our parents and families in or around our school community.
Cub Scouts Pack 97 Reptile Show
Important Dates to Remember
For many more dates or to sync your calendar with ours, please visit the Cass 63 Calendar page.
Friday, November 18
1st Trimester Report Cards AvailableNovember 21 - 22
No School – Virtual Parent Teacher ConferencesNovember 23 - 25
No School – Thanksgiving BreakDecember 16, 2022
Early Release Day – Concord, 11:15 a.m. and Cass, 12:00 p.m.December 19, 2022 – January 2, 2023
No School - Winter BreakJanuary 3, 2023
No School – Staff Institute DayJanuary 4, 2023
School Resumes -
Cass63 Connections - November 10, 2022
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
While we aren’t quite to Thanksgiving, this is a perfect time for expressing the highest gratitude to some very extraordinary people.
Our Veterans – If there is anything we should never take for granted, it is the great freedoms we enjoy living in the United States of America. None of this would be possible without the sacrifice and service of our veterans. We look forward to honoring them at Cass Junior High School on Veterans Day this year. Thank you to our veterans for your sacrifice and freedoms!
Our Educators – Next week is American Education Week and I’m so grateful to our amazing faculty and staff in Cass School District 63. Our people are second to none and I’m so proud to work with these dedicated people. If you think of it, shoot one of them a message of gratitude and support. It will be appreciated more than you know. Thank you to our teachers and staff!
Our School Board – These seven volunteers have a largely thankless job representing our community through highly effective board governance. Collectively, they are my boss and I could not ask for a better group to serve in this role. Along with our staff, they are also a huge reason why we continue to grow and achieve the success we do as a district. Thank you to our Board members!
Our Parents – Every teacher and administrator will tell you that the biggest factor in the success of our students is their parents and life at home. We are blessed to have supportive parents who also have high expectations for your children’s academic, social and emotional growth. You are your child’s first teacher and we are grateful to have such a strong partnership. Thank you to our parents!
Our Community – It is virtually impossible to achieve a high level of success without community and taxpayer support. Like any business, we need the funds to provide the highest level of education, as well as safe, secure and healthy schools. While we await official certification of our referendum, we clearly had incredible community support during a challenging economic time. Thank you to our community!
All of you fit into one or more of these groups and with each passing day, I am more grateful to be a part of this great school district and community. Thank you!
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
The week of November 14 is American Education Week and we are so grateful for our teachers and staff! The school district and CARE will partner to provide our staff with a nice lunch on Tuesday. Thank you to our wonderful teachers, teacher assistants, bus drivers, custodians, administrative assistants, clerks, nurses, building administrators and district office staff for all you do for our students!
ILMEA Junior High Honor Band
Congratulations to 8th graders Nora S. and Adrianna I. for being selected to perform with the ILMEA Junior Honor Band this past Saturday! Great job performing and way to make us proud!
Last Call for Donation Drive for Homeless Veterans
In honor of Veterans Day, Cass Junior High is holding a donation drive for the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans Freedom Commissary from Veterans Day on Friday, November 11. Please see this flyer for further information and a list of what items are being requested.
Concord Book Fair November 14 - 18, Family Night November 16
CARE is hosting the Scholastic Book Fair at Concord Elementary November 14 – 18, including a family shopping night on Wednesday, November 16, from 4:30 – 7:00 p.m. Information on the book fair and online ordering can be found under the link.
1st Trimester Progress Reports Coming Soon
The first trimester ends November 11 and report cards will be available in PowerSchool on Friday, November 18. Here are the directions on how to access the progress reports and please contact your child’s school office with questions.
Concord Elementary School will be holding a toy drive from November 14 through December 2. Donations will go to supporting local families through the Darien Lions Club and Toys for Tots. Please see this flyer for information on what and where to donate. Thank you for your support!
School Board Member Appreciation Day is November 15 and we appreciate these leaders in Cass School District 63. Thank you to President Shelly Camden, Vice President Lana Johnson, Secretary Alice Esposito and members Rinku Patel, Urszula Tanouye and Steve Wyent. Also, thank you and welcome to incoming Board member Chris Green, and outgoing member Kent Absalonsen. We truly appreciate your service to the community!
Hinsdale South Presents Carrie The Musical
Carrie The Musical will be performed at Hinsdale South High School on November 10, 11 and 12 at 7:00 p.m. and November 13 at 2:00 p.m. Many of our Cass alumni are in the cast and crew for this weekend’s performance, including: Tyler Hallman, Lily Levine, Wesley Davis, Elliott Davis, Quinn Isberg, Peyton Drouin, Molly Severus, Keira Malloy, Andrea Crisp, Annina Garro, Anthony Cox, Ella DeRousse and Casey Johnson.
The musical, based on the novel by Stephen King, has a PG-13 rating. Here is a recent article on the performance from the Chicago Tribune. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students. Best wishes to our graduates with the performance!
Teacher Assistant Job Posting
The district is seeking a teacher assistant at Concord Elementary School. A Professional Educator License with a paraprofessional or substitute teacher endorsement is required. If you are interested in applying, here is the application and information.
Alumni Accolades
Congratulations to Anna Wilcox and Haylee Crumpler who were Breakfast Club Winners at Hinsdale South High School for the first quarter.
Front Row Ticket Raffle for 3rd Grade Music Program
CARE is holding front row ticket raffles for the 3rd Grade Music Program which will be held on November 17. Please see the link for more information on the raffle and how to purchase your tickets.
Holiday Gift Shopping & Cookie Dough Fundraiser
CARE is holding a holiday fundraiser which is underway now through November 15. Please do not miss out on this great opportunity to shop for holiday gifts, treats and other seasonal items. Please see this flyer for links to the online catalogs and information on how to order.
Visit our school lunch program page for regularly updated menus and information about pricing and payment. Lunch menus are subject to change, so please check back regularly for the most up to date information.
District 86 Community Conversations – Hinsdale High School District 86 is hosting its next “Community Conversation” on November 16 from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the library at Hinsdale Central. This session will be focused on the district's multi-tiered system of supports and early release Wednesdays. If you are interested, please complete the RSVP form. The session will also be recorded and posted on the district’s website and YouTube channel. If you have questions or need more information, please contact Dr. Chris Covino at ccovino@hinsdale86.org.
District 86 Culture and Equity Leadership Team – The District 86 Culture and Equity Leadership Team (CELT) is a superintendent's committee that is composed of students, staff, parents and Board members. Parents of students in grades 6 through 8 are welcome to apply. The deadline to apply is 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 15. Here is the informational message and here is the application form for those interested.
Important Dates to Remember
For many more dates or to sync your calendar with ours, please visit the Cass 63 Calendar page.
Friday, November 11
End of 1st TrimesterFriday, November 18
1st Trimester Report Cards AvailableNovember 21 - 22
No School – Virtual Parent Teacher ConferencesNovember 23 - 25
No School – Thanksgiving Break -
Cass63 Connections - November 3, 2022
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
One of the greatest joys in education is not only seeing our students grow academically, but also watching them participate in extracurricular activities and simply enjoy being at school with the fun and learning that takes place. The last two weeks have been no exception!
Concord Elementary held their character assembly last Friday, which was a wonderful event. The kids then enjoyed their classroom parties for Halloween! At Cass Junior High, our 8th grade students presented their science fair projects. For the ones I was able to see, they did an excellent job explaining their hypothesis, background research, data collection and interpretation of the results. We also had some very unique scientific studies! Our 7th graders visited Springfield and among other things, stood where President Lincoln delivered his House Divided speech at the old state capitol. The junior high students also had several ball games, a fun spirit week, and a Halloween dance.
On November 11, we will be celebrating Veterans Day with a student assembly at Cass Junior High School. As part of this, the junior high is hosting a Donation Drive for Homeless Veterans that runs through Veterans Day. More information on this is provided below. Our Concord students were recently refreshed on the Constitution and also held our Patriotic assembly in September. Teaching our children about the foundations of our freedom and the sacrifice of our veterans is one of the most important things we do.
A few quick reminders...remember to set your clocks back this weekend! Also, there is no school on Tuesday due to the statewide election holiday. Don't forget to vote! The first trimester ends next Friday and report cards will be available on November 18. Have a wonderful weekend!
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
No School Tuesday, November 8
This is a reminder that due to a statewide holiday for election day, there will be no school on Tuesday, November 8. Remember to vote!
Important Reminders on Attendance Reporting
If your child will be out of school for any reason, it is extremely important that you report their absence prior to the start of the school day. The only way we can ensure that your child is safe is to confirm that you are aware of their absence. Please help us by making sure to take this important step.
When you call, please be sure to leave your child’s name, dates of the absence and the reason for the absence. If your child will be out multiple days, one call is sufficient as long as you leave all of the dates your child will be absent.
The Concord attendance line is 331-481-4000, Option 1, Press 5.
The Cass attendance line is 331-481-4000, Option 2, Press 7.If you have any questions, please contact your child’s school office.
Chris Green Selected as New Board Member
After the recent resignation of Vice President Kent Absalonsen since he moved out of District, the Board of Education recently conducted a search process to appoint a new member as his replacement. After screening and interviewing six applicants, the Board is happy to announce that at the November 15 meeting, Mr. Chris Green will be appointed to the vacant seat. More information will be shared after the November meeting. Welcome Mr. Green and thank you to Mr. Absalonsen for his seven years of service to the students, staff and community of Cass School District 63.
8th Grade Graduation Date Set for May 31, 2023
Mark your calendars for 8th Grade Graduation, which will be held on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. Please note that due to a scheduling conflict, this is not on the traditional Thursday. Also, the 8th grade dance will be held on the evening of Friday, May 12, 2023.
Parent-Teacher Conference Registration Open
Virtual Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled for November 21 and 22. If your child attends Concord Elementary, you should have already received a letter from your child’s teacher with information on how to register. If your child attends Cass Junior High, registration is now open. Please review this information from Mrs. Marcinkewicz and Ms. Roberts on how to register for virtual conferences at Cass Junior High. If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s school office.
Cass Junior High Halloween Dance
Last week, Cass Junior High held its Halloween Dance. Students were able to come to school in costume and then enjoy the dance after school. Please enjoy these pictures from the school day and dance.
Concord Fall Parties
On October 27, Concord Elementary held their Fall Party Celebrations. Students were able to wear their costumes to school, attended an all character assembly followed by classroom parties. Take a moment to look through these pictures to see all the fun!
8th Grade Science Fair
Cass Junior High recently held its 8th Grade Science Fair. The students did a great job coming up with fun and interesting ideas ranging from rockets, bowling alleys, personal space and conformity. Please take a moment to enjoy these pictures from the fair.
Cass Junior High Spirit Week
Cass Junior High had a great Spirit Week last week with days including 80’s Throwback Day and Anything but a Backpack Day. The student and staff participation did not disappoint. It is great to see this level of involvement! Please enjoy these pictures from the week.
Cass Junior High Donation Drive for Homeless Veterans
In honor of Veterans Day, Cass Junior High is holding a donation drive for the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans Freedom Commissary from October 31 through November 11. Please see this flyer for further information and a list of what items are being requested.
Cass Junior High Chess Tryouts November 10 and 11
Cass Junior High Chess tryouts will be held on Thursday, November 10 and Friday November 11 from 3:35 to 5:00 p.m. in the Cass Junior High library. Student must be able to attend both days of the tryouts to be considered. Please contact Karen Mosquera at kmosquera@cassd63.org with questions.
Teacher Assistant Needed
The district is seeking a teacher assistant at Concord Elementary School. A Professional Educator License with a paraprofessional or substitute teacher endorsement is required. If you are interested in applying, here is the application and information.
Front Row Ticket Raffle for Upcoming Concerts
CARE is holding front row ticket raffles for the upcoming Fall Choral Concert which will be held on November 10 and the 3rd Grade Music Program which will be held on November 17. Please look under the links for more information on the raffles and how to purchase your tickets.
Holiday Gift Shopping & Cookie Dough Fundraiser
CARE is holding a holiday fundraiser which is underway now through November 15. Please do not miss out on this great opportunity to shop for holiday gifts, treats and other seasonal items. Please see this flyer for links to the online catalogs and information on how to order.
Hinsdale South 8th Grade Initial Registration
Hinsdale South High School has asked us to share with our 8th grade families that it is time to submit initial registration information to District 86. Please submit soon to avoid missing important information about high school course selection and contact Hinsdale South High School with any questions.
Visit our school lunch program page for regularly updated menus and information about pricing and payment. Lunch menus are subject to change, so please check back regularly for the most up to date information.
Salvation Army Holiday Assistance
Important Dates to Remember
For many more dates or to sync your calendar with ours, please visit the Cass 63 Calendar page.
Sunday, November 6
Daylight Savings Time – Turn clocks back one hour!Tuesday, November 8
No School – Election DayFriday, November 11
End of 1st TrimesterWeek of November 14
Concord Book FairFriday, November 18
1st Trimester Report Cards Available -
Cass63 Connections - October 27, 2022
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
In just 12 days, our voters will decide on the future of our school district as it pertains to our safety, security and HVAC needs. I have talked to hundreds of people from young adults with no kids yet in school, to you as our parents, as well as many empty nesters and senior citizens. Everyone I have talked to has been so kind, even though not everyone likes the idea of a tax increase. This is exactly why we take it so seriously and work to be completely transparent with our plans and the costs.
Unfortunately, some anonymous person in our community is providing information through a flyer sent to our households that is completely false. The most painfully obvious attempt to mislead is how the tax increase to pay for the bond is portrayed. As a simple example, the flyer implies that a $200,000 home is going to see an increase of $500 per year in taxes and nothing could be further from the truth.
While it does reference the “equalized assessed value” of the home, it leaves out the fact that equalized assessed value is actually one-third of the assessed value, as well as the $6,000 residential exemption. If approved by the voters, we expect the maximum increase in the property tax rate to be $0.25. So what does that mean for you?
Using the above example and assuming the increase in the rate is exactly 25 cents, if your home actually has a fair cash value of $200,000 and you live in that home as your primary residence, the tax increase for the year would be $151. The flyer goes on to imply that a $400,000 home would have a $1,000 increase, when in fact it would actually be $333. Is your home worth $600,000? You would have an impact of $485, still $15 less than the flyer implies for a $200,000 home.
More information will be provided in our community in the coming days, but I wanted to make sure you know the truth. And unlike the anonymous flyer, with our information you will always know the source and who to contact with questions.
Thank you for your support and let me know if you have any questions.
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
This is a reminder that there will be an early dismissal on Friday, October 28. Concord Elementary will dismiss at 11:15 a.m. and Cass Junior High at 12:00 p.m. There are no Prekindergarten classes on Friday, October 28.
8th Grade Science Fair October 28
8th Grade Parents are invited to visit the Science Fair projects from Mrs. Paszkowski’s 8th grade science classes on Friday, October 28 from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. in the Cass Junior High School Gym. Please park in the back of the school and enter through the gym doors. For this event, you will only have access to the gym. If you have any questions, please contact Susan Paszkowski at spaszkowski@cassd63.org.
Have you thought about getting a part-time job that will allow you the flexibility to choose your own schedule and commit to work at your discretion? If yes, substitute teaching may be for you. Cass School District is looking for substitute teachers and if you meet or are able to meet the criteria noted, please consider this opportunity. There are two ways to become a substitute teacher: (1) If you have a bachelor’s degree in any subject area, it is very easy to obtain your substitute license that will be valid for five years; or (2) If you have at least 60 hours of college coursework from an accredited university, you are eligible to obtain a short-term substitute license that will be valid through June 30, 2023.
For more information on either option, please contact Gayle Wilson at gwilson@cassd63.org. You may also see the Illinois State Board of Education’s informational flyer Become a Substitute Teacher. If you know of anyone who may be interested in this opportunity, please share this information! If you are already qualified and would like to apply, here is the application and information.
Junior High Parent-Teacher Conference Registration Opens October 31
Virtual Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled for November 21 and 22. If your child attends Concord Elementary, you should have already received a letter from your child’s teacher with information on how to register. If your child attends Cass Junior High, registration opens on October 31 at 9:00 a.m. Please review this information from Mrs. Marcinkewicz and Ms. Roberts on how to register for virtual conferences at Cass Junior High. If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s school office.
Concord Elementary Picture Retake Day November 3
Concord Elementary School picture retake Day is November 3. Students who have not yet had their pictures taken or students who would like to have their pictures retaken may participate. Students who are retaking their pictures must return the original photos on picture retake day so that new photos may be taken.
Cass Junior High Donation Drive for Homeless Veterans
In honor of Veterans Day, Cass Junior High is holding a donation drive for the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans Freedom Commissary from October 31 through November 11. Please see this flyer for further information and a list of what items are being requested.
7th Grade Visits Springfield
On Friday, October 21, 7th grade students went to Springfield, Illinois for the day to explore our state’s capitol. The visit included the Illinois State Capitol, Abraham Lincoln’s home, Oak Ridge Cemetery, Illinois Military Museum and the Lincoln Presidential Museum. This trip offers a great opportunity for our students to learn about the state they live in and they took advantage of every minute they were there.
Following are some key dates and information for the November 8 General Election.
October 24, 2022 - First day for early voting at permanent polling places. Here are the early voting locations.
November 3, 2022 - Last day for the election authority to receive an application (either by mail or electronically) for a vote by mail ballot from any registered voter.
November 7, 2022 - Last day for early voting at the office of the election authority or at a designated location.
November 8, 2022 - General Election (Polls open 6:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.)
Any voter can verify if you are a registered voter and how to locate your polling place, as well as how to find an in-person voter registration location near you if you prefer to vote in person. For all other information, please visit the DuPage County Election page.
Fall Choral Concert Front Row Ticket Raffle
CARE is holding a front row ticket raffle for the upcoming Fall Choral Concert which will be held on November 10. Here is more information on the raffle and how to purchase your tickets.
Cass Junior High Chess Tryouts November 10 and 11
Cass Junior High Chess tryouts will be held on Thursday, November 10 and Friday November 11 from 3:35 to 5:00 p.m. in the Cass Junior High library. Student must be able to attend both days of the tryouts to be considered. Please contact Karen Mosquera at kmosquera@cassd63.org with questions.
Would consolidating school districts help our situation? Absolutely not. Consolidating school districts has absolutely nothing to do with the maintenance of buildings, HVAC systems or safety and security needs. In fact, it is far more likely that consolidation would increase rather than decrease costs to our local taxpayers. Cass School District 63 already has by far the lowest expenditure per student in the area.
Want more information? Visit the Facility Facts and FAQs.
Alumni Accolades
Congratulations to Tommy Gneiser on being named Hinsdale South High School’s Athlete of Week for his exceptional golf season and for ranking amongst the very best golfers in Hinsdale South’s history.
Are you familiar with Khan Academy? This is an incredible resource for online lessons, video tutorial sessions and reviews of concepts. Used by students, parents and teachers alike from K through 12, part of the Khan Academy’s mission is to fill in gaps in understanding and accelerate learning. We strongly encourage you to take a look at the content and opportunities included, particularly when your child needs help at home or with a concept.
DuPage County Sex Offender Search
The DuPage County Sheriff’s Office compiles and maintains this website where parents can look up sex offenders in our area, sign up for email alerts, review safety tips and find other helpful links. This link is also available on the Cass District 63 website under the Healthy Kids, Safe Schools. Just look for the “Preventing Sexual Abuse and Stopping Sex Offenders” tab.
Visit our school lunch program page for regularly updated menus and information about pricing and payment. Lunch menus are subject to change, so please check back regularly for the most up to date information.
Important Dates to Remember
For many more dates or to sync your calendar with ours, please visit the Cass 63 Calendar page.
Friday, October 28
Early Release Day
Concord 11:15 a.m. and Cass 12:00 p.m.Sunday, November 6
Daylight Savings Time – Remember to turn your clocks back one hourTuesday, November 8
No School – State Election Day Holiday -
Cass63 Connections - October 20, 2022
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
Holding our CARE Trivia Night again was a long time coming, but it was totally worth the wait! To all who participated, thank you for your support and a very special thank you to those who worked so hard to organize such a wonderful event. This takes our very dedicated volunteers countless hours, and we all appreciate their great work. We can’t wait for next year. We have a couple missing from the photo below, but our teacher and staff teams certainly had a great time as well!
At our Board of Education meeting Tuesday evening, we discussed potential plans for safety and security improvements that are part of the November 8 referendum. In addition to the full replacement of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, following are the main items we are actively pursuing if the referendum passes:
- Installation of the BluePoint Security system, a high-level, integrated notification system for a gun threat or active shooter situation.
- An increase in the number and quality of interior and exterior surveillance cameras that are integrated with the BluePoint system.
- A modernized intercom and internal communication system.
- Replacement of the current phone system.
- Replacement of the current fire alarm system.
- Installation of additional physical security measures at all entrances and exits.
Knowing that every second matters in an extreme emergency, our goals are to maximize our physical barriers, reduce law enforcement response times from minutes to seconds, and also allow for a much more targeted response to a crisis. In addition to these measures and separate from the referendum, we are also making an investment in ALICE training for our 120 faculty and staff members in Cass 63. Dr. Anderson, Mrs. Marcinkewicz and I are also going through additional intensive training to become certified ALICE instructors. We aren’t just talking about safety, we are doing it. There is nothing in this world that matters more to us than keeping your kids safe at school.
Along these lines, I would encourage you to consider attending one of our upcoming community meetings, and certainly pass along this information to any neighbors or friends. The link to this evening’s 6:30 p.m. meeting via Zoom is provided below, along with information on two meetings that will be held in person next week. Updated information on some of our planned safety and security measures as well as the community meeting is available under our Facility Facts and FAQs.
As always, your questions are very welcome. Reach out anytime. Thank you!
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
As part of our effort to provide our parents and community with accurate information, we are holding three community meetings regarding the November 8 referendum to address our significant safety, security and HVAC needs at both Concord Elementary and Cass Junior High Schools. Following are the dates and locations:
Date and Time Location
Thursday, October 20, 6:30 p.m. Virtually via Zoom
Tuesday, October 25, at 6:30 p.m. Choral Room, Cass Junior High School
Wednesday, October 26, 6:30 p.m. Indian Prairie Public Library, Darien
If you or anyone you know is interested in working as a substitute teacher, please let them know about this opportunity. There are two ways to become a substitute teacher: (1) If you have a bachelor’s degree in any subject area, it is very easy to obtain your substitute license that will be valid for five years; or (2) If you have at least 60 hours of college coursework from an accredited university, you are eligible to obtain a short-term substitute license that will be valid through June 30, 2023.
For more information on either option, please contact Gayle Wilson at gwilson@cassd63.org. You may also see the Illinois State Board of Education’s informational flyer Become a Substitute Teacher. If you know of anyone who may be interested in this opportunity, please share this information! If you are already qualified and would like to apply, here is the application and information.
Cass Junior High Spirit Week October 24-28
Cass Junior High Spirit Week is next week! We look forward to seeing all the fun ideas students and staff come up with to join in on the fun.
8th Grade Parents are invited to visit the Science Fair projects from Mrs. Paszkowski’s 8th grade science classes on Friday, October 28 from 11:00 a.m.-11:45 a.m. in the Cass Junior High School Gym. Please park in the back of the school and enter through the gym doors. For this event, you will only have access to the gym. If you have any questions, please contact Susan Paszkowski at spaszkowski@cassd63.org.
Cass Junior High Fall Music Concert
Cass Junior High School recently hosted the Fall Music Concert, featuring our Advanced Vocal Ensemble and Jazz Band. Thank you to Choral Director Becky Kriz, Band Director Megan Legan and her current substitute Daniel Murphy for doing an incredible job directing these talented students and providing a wonderful concert.
Cass Junior High Cross Country Ends Season
The Cass Junior High School Cross Country Team recently completed their season with students competing in the Class 2A sectional meet. All of our students registered their best times to end the season. Please enjoy a few pictures from their season. Congrats to all of our Cross Country coaches and runners!
Cass Junior High Recycling Contest
Cass Junior High teacher Susan Paszkowski is once again encouraging students to participate in the Recycle Rally. The rally is part of a nationwide contest that generates prizes and accolades for the top collecting schools. Of course the prizes are a nice perk, but the overall goal and objective is to create good recycling habits.
The Board of Education held its most recent meeting on October 18. At the meeting, the Board approved the fiscal year 2022 audit, discussed current safety and security plans and approved the renewal for property, liability, and worker compensation insurance. The Board also held a closed session to interview candidates for the current vacancy and is holding a special meeting on October 24 for this purpose as well. It is expected that the new member will be appointed and seated at the November 15 meeting. More details are available in the Board Briefs.
Following are some key dates and information for the November 8 General Election.
September 29, 2022 - First day for mailing or delivery of vote by mail ballot. First day for early voting at the office of the election authority and temporary locations.
October 23, 2022 - Last day for voters to register to vote through the State Board of Elections website.
October 24, 2022 - First day for early voting at permanent polling places. Here are the early voting locations.
November 3, 2022 - Last day for the election authority to receive an application (either by mail or electronically) for a vote by mail ballot from any registered voter.
November 7, 2022 - Last day for early voting at the office of the election authority or at a designated location.
November 8, 2022 - General Election (Polls open 6:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.)
Any voter can verify if you are a registered voter and how to locate your polling place, as well as how to find an in-person voter registration location near you if you prefer to vote in person. For all other information, please visit the DuPage County Election page.
Chess Tryouts November 10 and 11
Cass Junior High Chess tryouts will be held on Thursday, November 10 and Friday November 11 from 3:35 to 5:00 p.m. in the Cass Junior High library. The chess team is open to 5th-8th grade students and students must be able to attend both days of the tryouts to be considered. Please contact Karen Mosquera at kmosquera@cassd63.org with questions.
Consider Joining the Junior High Math Team!
The Cass Junior High Math Team is active and underway. Led by teacher Tim Stangarone, team members will spend time working on new and complex math problems, along with having some fun with quizzes, Kahoot, and some great math games. The team meets every Thursday from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Parents should make sure students have a ride home. Please contact Mr. Stangarone at tstangarone@cassd63.org with any questions.
Cass Junior High Parent-Teacher Conference Registration Opens October 31
Virtual Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled for November 21 and 22. If your child attends Concord Elementary, you should have already received a letter from your child’s teacher with information on how to register. If your child attends Cass Junior High, registration opens on October 31. Please review this information from Mrs. Marcinkewicz and Ms. Roberts on how to register for virtual conferences at Cass Junior High. If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s school office.
Cass Junior High School is excited to host a Halloween Dance for students on Thursday, October 27 after school. Please be sure to review this letter from Principal Christine Marcinkewicz for information on the dance, costumes and guidelines for the event.
What will appear on the November 8 ballot and what does it mean?
Shall the Board of Education of Cass School District Number 63, DuPage County, Illinois, be authorized to alter, repair and equip existing school buildings, renovate and replace heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, install safety and security improvements, pay alternate bonds issued to finance renovations to school buildings as claims as provided for by Article 19 (Sections 19-8 to 19-14, inclusive) of the School Code and issue bonds of said School District to the amount of $12,800,000 for the purpose of paying the costs thereof?
A vote of yes is simply authorizing the Board to issue bonds up to (but not to exceed) $12,800,000 to address the needs as described above and to pay off an existing bond that is funded out of existing operating funds. The portion used to refund existing operating debt will be paid off 8 years earlier than the outstanding issue, saving an estimated $200,000 in interest.
No funds can be used for salaries or benefits and the referendum does not allow bond proceeds to be used for any other purpose than what is described above. Once issued, the bond will be paid back over 20 years.
Want more information? Visit the Facility Facts and FAQs.
Last Call for Cooking Classes at Concord
In cooperation with CARE, Sticky Fingers Cooking Classes are coming to Concord. If you are interested in having your Kindergarten - 4th Grade student learn to cook and have fun doing it, this is a great opportunity. Classes are selling out so if you are interested, please see this flyer for information on how to register. Ten percent of all registration fees will go back to CARE.
Focus on Mental and Emotional Health
Do children really need a smartphone? At the very least, smartphones are distracting and potentially dangerous for children and major carriers have phones that allow for calls and texts without a data plan. The Wait Until 8th Pledge empowers parents to rally together to delay giving children a smartphone until at least 8th grade. By banding together, this will decrease the pressure felt by both kids and parents.
The weather has just started to turn and Concord already has a lot of coats in the lost and found. If your child’s coat is missing please make sure they check in the lost and found. We ask parents to please put your child’s name in their coats/jackets so that we can return them to students more easily.
Visit our school lunch program page for regularly updated menus and information about pricing and payment. Lunch menus are subject to change, so please check back regularly for the most up to date information.
CARE is holding its next Dine to Donate event at Zazzo’s Pizza in Darien on Wednesday, October 26. If you participate with this flyer OR mention the fundraiser, 15 percent of sales will benefit CARE.
Following are resources and opportunities outside of the district that are available to our parents and families in or around our school community.
American Music Institute and American Youth Symphony Orchestra are holding open enrollment and auditions as follows:
Open Enrollment - American Music Institute
Open Auditions - American Youth Symphony Orchestra
Important Dates to Remember
For many more dates or to sync your calendar with ours, please visit the Cass 63 Calendar page.
Thursday, October 20
Community Facility Information Meeting, 6:30 p.m.Tuesday, October 25
Community Facility Information Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Cass Junior High School Choral RoomWednesday, October 26
Community Facility Information Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Indian Prairie Public LibraryFriday, October 28
Early Release Day
Concord 11:15 a.m. and Cass 12:00 p.m.Sunday, November 6
Daylight Savings Time – Remember to turn your clocks back one hourTuesday, November 8
No School – State Election Day Holiday -
Cass63 Connections - October 13, 2022
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
As part of our effort to provide our parents and community with accurate information, we are holding three community meetings regarding the November 8 referendum to address our significant safety, security and HVAC needs at both Concord Elementary and Cass Junior High Schools. As your superintendent, I would highly encourage you to consider attending one of these meetings if you haven't done so previously. You're also welcome to bring any friends or neighbors who live in the school district and are interested in learning more. Here are the dates and locations:
Date and Time Location
Thursday, October 20, 6:30 p.m. Virtually via Zoom
Tuesday, October 25, at 6:30 p.m. Choral Room, Cass Junior High School
Wednesday, October 26, 6:30 p.m. Indian Prairie Public Library, Darien
Our community meetings are provided to present factual information about our plans for safety, security and HVAC improvements, including the details and costs. We are not holding these presentations to tell people how to vote, but simply to ensure that everyone get their questions answered. In addition to these meetings, we are also meeting with our local homeowner associations who are willing to learn more and any other groups who are interested. Never hesitate to contact myself or any Board members with any questions, concerns, or suggestions. Current information is also always available under our Facility Facts and FAQs.
I look forward to seeing many of you at Trivia Night Friday evening. Otherwise, have a wonderful weekend!
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
Substitute Teachers Needed
If you or anyone you know is interested in working as a substitute teacher, please let them know about this opportunity. There are two ways to become a substitute teacher: (1) If you have a bachelor’s degree in any subject area, it is very easy to obtain your substitute license that will be valid for five years; or (2) If you have at least 60 hours of college coursework from an accredited university, you are eligible to obtain a short-term substitute license that will be valid through June 30, 2023.
For more information on either option, please contact Gayle Wilson at gwilson@cassd63.org. You may also see the Illinois State Board of Education’s informational flyer Become a Substitute Teacher. If you know of anyone who may be interested in this opportunity, please share this information! If you are already qualified and would like to apply, here is the application and information.
Please Help! Veterans Day Letter Writing Project
Our 7th grade English language arts classes are writing letters in honor of Veterans Day and we would love to include individuals close to the Cass family. If you have someone you would like to recommend to receive a letter, please complete this brief Google form by Friday, October 14. You are welcome to submit the names of veterans or active duty military. Thank you for your help and supporting our veterans!
Virtual Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled for November 21 and 22. If your child attends Concord Elementary, you should have already received a letter from your child’s teacher with information on how to register. If your child attends Cass Junior High, registration opens on October 31. Please review this information from Mrs. Marcinkewicz and Ms. Roberts on how to register for conferences at Cass Junior High. If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s school office.
The Cass Junior High Math Team is active and underway. Led by teacher Tim Stangarone, team members will spend time working on new and complex math problems, along with having some fun with quizzes, Kahoot, and some great math games. The team meets every Thursday from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Parents should make sure students have a ride home. Please contact Mr. Stangarone at tstangarone@cassd63.org with any questions.
Cooking Classes at Concord
In cooperation with CARE, Sticky Fingers Cooking Classes are coming to Concord. If you are interested in having your Kindergarten-4th Grade student learn to cook and have fun doing it, this is a great opportunity. Please see this flyer for more information and how to register, which will be on a first come, first served basis. Ten percent of all registration fees will go back to CARE.
Prekindergarten Family Day at DuPage Children's Museum
Our second Prekindergarten Family Day was held on Friday, October 7 at the DuPage Children’s Museum. Please enjoy these pictures from this fun day for students and parents alike.
Fifth Grade Explores Ancient Egypt
To kick off the 5th grade Ancient Egypt unit, students learned how to write in hieroglyphics and created life size mummies. Take a moment to enjoy these photos from this great learning activity.
On Friday, October 21, the prekindergarten program will be hosting screenings for 3, 4 and 5 year old children. Please find more information at Prekindergarten Screening.
Cass Junior High School is excited to host a Halloween Dance for students on Thursday, October 27 after school. Please be sure to review this letter from Principal Christine Marcinkewicz for information on the dance, costumes and guidelines for the event.
When was the last time taxes were impacted through a referendum in Cass School District 63? Exactly 32 years ago. Back in 1990, voters approved a referendum to increase the overall tax rate by 40 cents. Soon after that referendum, the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (commonly known as PTELL) was implemented in DuPage County. PTELL prevents the district from collecting the full amount of revenues that were previously approved by the voters since it limits the annual increase in local tax revenues to no more than the consumer price index (CPI) or 5 percent, whichever is lower.
Despite the challenge of local revenues being limited to CPI and the unusual amount of time since the last passage of a referendum, the district is not asking for a tax rate increase. The purpose of this referendum is the issuance of a new bond to address specific needs as addressed in the Facility Facts and FAQs. It changes no other rates and raises no rate permanently.
Alumni Accolades
Hinsdale South High School seniors Sami Alkhdari, Zachary Carder, Diego Castellanos, Dimitrije Gujanicic, Aryan Patel, Fatima Quershi have all been added to the Hinsdale South Wall of Fame for consistently making the dean’s list, exceeding standards in all areas on state assessments and demonstrating high levels of achievement on Advanced Placement exams. Congratulations to these exemplary Cass 63 alumni!
Visit our school lunch program page for regularly updated menus and information about pricing and payment. Lunch menus are subject to change, so please check back regularly for the most up to date information.
Following are resources and opportunities outside of the district that are available to our parents and families in or around our school community.
Cub Scout Pack 97 Trick or Trunk Event
Hinsdale South presents Carrie the Musical
Darien Chamber of Commerce Casino Night in support of Cancer Smashers
Darien Lions Club and Darien Park District Halloween Party
Darien Lions Club Retire a Flag Event
Important Dates to Remember
For many more dates or to sync your calendar with ours, please visit the Cass 63 Calendar page.
Tuesday, October 18
Board of Education Meeting, 6:30 p.m.Thursday, October 20
Community Facility Information Meeting, 6:30 p.m.Tuesday, October 25
Community Facility Information Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Cass Junior High School Choral RoomWednesday, October 26
Community Facility Information Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Indian Prairie Public LibraryFriday, October 28
Early Release Day
Concord 11:15 a.m. and Cass 12:00 p.m. -
Cass63 Connections - October 6, 2022
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
Tonight’s message is a simple reminder for parents. If you haven’t done so lately and assuming your child has one, maybe now is a good time to check your child’s phone.
Are you aware of what they are seeing or sharing on social media? Do you know everyone they are talking to? Are you aware of the nature of their interactions? Are you certain their interactions are all with kids that they know? Are they all actually kids?
At the very least, by being open with your child about what’s on their phone or what type of interactions are taking place, you’re going to learn more. We all want to believe most of it is innocent, but that is not always the case. Sometimes it can be scary and sometimes kids can be mean or say unkind things. All of our kids are human.
It is not my intent to tell you how to parent, but sometimes we all need reminders and these phones are an enormous amount of power in their hands. It is just really wise to be mindful and protect your children, and you might be protecting others as well.
So take a look. Have good conversations. Let them know that they can talk to you and share their feelings. Ask them how they would handle situations. Empower them to speak up. Help give them the tools and words they need to stand up for themselves, or “walk away” when it is necessary.
As a reminder, we have an early release day on Friday, October 7 and there is no school on Monday, October 10. Have a wonderful weekend!
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
This is a reminder that there will be early dismissal on Friday, October 7. The school district will dismiss at 11:15 a.m. at Concord and 12:00 p.m. at Cass. Please also be aware that there are no Prekindergarten classes on Friday, October 7 and the school district is closed on Monday, October 10 in honor of Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day.
Cass Junior High Veterans Day Letter Writing Project
Do you have a military veteran or active duty military that is special to your family? We have a wonderful way for you to help honor them. Our 7th grade English language arts classes are going to be writing letters in honor of Veterans Day and we would love to include individuals close to the Cass family. Please see this letter for more information on this wonderful program and how to register someone to receive a letter. Please note that the deadline to register is Monday, October 10.
Trivia Night Registration Deadline October 7
The deadline to register is Friday, October 7! Trivia Night is Friday, October 14 at Carriage Greens and we have 30 staff participating this year! Tickets can be purchased on the CARE Website. Reach out to care@cassd63.org with any questions.
Jazz Band & Advanced Ensemble Concert Front Row Ticket Raffle
CARE is holding a front row ticket raffle for the upcoming coming Jazz Band & Advanced Ensemble Concert on Thursday, October 13. Here is more information on the raffle and how to purchase your tickets.
On Friday, October 21, the prekindergarten program will be hosting screenings for 3, 4 and 5-year old children. Children must be preregistered to participate in the screening sessions. Please find more information at Prekindergarten Screening.
A Letter from Dr. Anderson on Concord Fall Activities
Please see this letter from Principal Laura Anderson with important information about Halloween and fall festival parties.
Cass School District 63 is seeking bus drivers with a minimum starting rate of $20.00 per hour. Here is the online application and anyone interested can contact Superintendent Mark Cross at mcross@cassd63.org for additional information.
Spirit Wear Available Now!
Need a Gift Idea? CARE is selling spirit wear! Go to www.d63swag.com to order or you can purchase directly on the CARE website.
8th Grade Washington, D.C. Trip
Our 8th Grade students have a wonderful opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. from May 22-May 24, 2023 and visit many historical places including the United States Capital, Arlington National Cemetery, Mount Vernon and so much more. For more information and to register, please visit www.academicexpeditions.com, click “GO TO MY TRIP” and enter the tour code: cssdc2023. If you have any questions, please contact Ken Kohnke at kkohnke@cassd63.org.
When it comes to the referendum, one question that comes up is what about federal COVID relief funds? Can money school districts receive be used for our safety, security and HVAC needs?
Relatively speaking, Cass 63 is a very small recipient of federal emergency relief funds compared to most. The funding can also only be used for specified purposes. In other words, it is not “free money” that can be used for anything we choose. What follows is an accounting for all related funding the district has received or will receive under this category.
ESSER I - The first round of ESSER I was $53,988. This was used to provide additional Chromebooks for any grade levels and students who did not have them, specifically at the lower grade levels.
ESSER II - Our ESSER II allotment was $211,400 and we are currently using the funding to address learning loss in math to provide a full-time math interventionist and additional math resources at Concord Elementary School.
ESSER III - We are in the process of finalizing the ESSER III grant application for our allocation of $495,150. This was always intended to be used toward some of our HVAC and indoor air quality needs and costs, although at least 20 percent must be set aside for addressing any identified student achievement gaps. As a result, the district plans to allocate $379,636 toward our HVAC needs, with the remaining $115,514 to be used for partially funding an elementary STEM teacher, a digital program to individually support math and reading, a social emotional program, reading training, and other teaching and learning needs.
In addition to the federal funding as explained above, the district will also continue to pursue any and all grants that could offset any of our costs, before, during and after the referendum. In total so far, the district has secured approximately $500,000 in outside funding.
Want more information? Visit the Facility Facts and FAQs.
Visit our school lunch program page for regularly updated menus and information about pricing and payment. Lunch menus are subject to change, so please check back regularly for the most up to date information.
Following are resources and opportunities outside of the district that are available to our parents and families in or around our school community.
Important Dates to Remember
For many more dates or to sync your calendar with ours, please visit the Cass 63 Calendar page.
Friday, October 7
Early Release Day, Concord 11:15 and Cass 12:00Monday, October 10
No School, Columbus DayTuesday, October 18
Board of Education Meeting, 6:30 p.m. -
Cass63 Connections - September 29, 2022
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
At this week’s meeting, the Board of Education discussed detailed safety and security plans. We have been talking for months about general improvements we need to make, but as the November 8 referendum nears, we are dialing in on specific details.
Prior to making specific recommendations, our team wanted to think outside the box and get a fresh perspective for our planning. This included visiting area high schools that have recently upgraded their security systems to take a closer look at what they have in place. These local high schools share our philosophy that safety and security of our students and staff are our greatest priority.
The Board completely supported our direction and as a result we are actively pursuing several proactive measures, some of which will be dependent on the outcome of the referendum. Some of this is explained in the Board Briefs below and we will provide recommendations to the Board at the October meeting.
People will debate endlessly about the root causes of the escalating violence, both in schools and in society. Unfortunately, no amount of talking or blaming is going to fix the problem and certainly no one is going to fix it for us. So instead, we are spending our time and resources focused on actionable changes and proactive solutions to take our safety and security planning into our own hands and to a much higher level.
I will continue to share more on this and welcome any questions or concerns you may have. Both your support and constructive feedback has always been very welcome, and the safety of our students and staff is no exception. Please reach out anytime and I will continue to keep you updated on this important topic. Thank you.
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
September 27 Board of Education Meeting
The Board of Education held its most recent meeting on September 27. At the meeting, the Board approved the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget, discussed the importance of Federal Impact Aid in Cass 63, and also discussed detailed safety and security plans.
The Board also elected Lana Johnson as the new Vice President. Mrs. Johnson has served on the Board since 2018 and replaced Kent Absalonsen, who moved out of the area. During the month of October, the Board will be interviewing six finalists to fill the current vacancy. For more information on the Board meeting, please take a moment to review the Board Briefs to review other items discussed and acted on at the meeting.
Cass Junior High Veterans Day Letter Writing Project
Do you have a military veteran or active duty military that is special to your family? We have a wonderful way for you to help honor them. Our 7th grade English language arts classes are going to be writing letters in honor of Veterans Day and we would love to include individuals close to the Cass family. Please see this letter for more information on this wonderful program and how to register someone to receive a letter. Please note that the deadline to register is Monday, October 10.
A Letter from Dr. Anderson on Concord Fall Activities
Please see this letter from Principal Laura Anderson with important information about Halloween and fall festival parties.
Softball Season Success
The Cass Junior High softball team finished the regular season strong, and had their first playoff game this past Tuesday. The girls could not have gone out on a stronger note. Their playoff game ended 6-5, with a close back and forth game until the last out. They have grown tremendously as a team and have shown great fight throughout the entire season. Coach Danielle Trezzo is especially going to miss our amazing 8th grade players next year. Congratulations girls and go Warriors!
Cass Junior High Picture Retake Day October 6
Cass Junior High Picture retake Day is October 6. Students who did not have pictures taken on Orientation Day or students who would like to have their pictures retaken may participate. Order forms are available in the Cass Junior High Office or you may order online at mylifetouch.com using the Picture ID Code EVT3RRFJG. If ordering online, use the code SHIPFREEF22 to receive free shipping on orders of $29.99 and over. Students who are retaking their pictures must return the original photos on picture retake day so that new photos may be taken.
Last Call for 7th Grade Springfield Trip Registration
This year’s 7th grade field trip to the Illinois state capitol is October 21 and the deadline to register is Friday, September 30. Here is more information on the annual trip. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Ken Kohnke at kkohnke@cassd63.org.
October 7 Deadline to Purchase Trivia Night Tickets
The deadline to register is October 7, so get your table soon! Trivia Night is Friday, October 14 at Carriage Greens and we have 30 staff participating this year! Tickets can be purchased on the CARE Website. Reach out to care@cassd63.org with any questions.
Concord Dot Week!
Last week at Concord we celebrated Dot Week to promote creativity, courage, and collaboration. Dot Week is inspired by International Dot Day and a book titled The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds. Students read the story when they visited the school library and were engaged in many different learning activities in their classes throughout the week. Some of these activities included decorating their very own dots which were added to a school-wide collaborative art piece, enjoying a game of musical dots, and learning how to build various dot-themed structures in the STEM program. Please enjoy these pictures to see some of the learning and fun.
Flannel Friday at Cass Junior High
Here are some of our faculty and staff participants from the recent Flannel Friday at Cass Junior High!
Need a Gift Idea? CARE is selling spirit wear! Go to www.d63swag.com to order or you can purchase directly on the CARE website.
Jazz Band & Advanced Ensemble Concert Front Row Ticket Raffle
CARE is holding a front row ticket raffle for the upcoming coming Jazz Band & Advanced Ensemble Concert. Here is more information on the raffle and how to purchase your tickets.
With a referendum for major safety, security and HVAC upgrades on the November 8 ballot, an obvious question is why not just pay for this out of the district budget?
Our district has worked hard to be conservative and while paying for a project of this nature out of the existing budget would be ideal, it is not possible. Could parts of it be done overtime? Yes, but it will cost far more in the long run and it will have a major impact on our educational program.
Excluding current debt obligations, the total operations and maintenance budget (the part of the budget that is used for facilities-related costs) is just over $1 million. If a larger HVAC unit would become inoperable, the estimated replacement cost would take up 35 to 50 percent of the district’s budget for this purpose. There are many of these units and not only does it make no sense to do so in terms of the budgetary impact, it also makes no sense in terms of good business. Rather than try to replace units through a costly, piecemeal approach that will take away from the education our students are able to receive, the solutions provided by the district are both cost-effective and permanent.
Last but not least, the other area the district is working to tackle is major improvements with safety and security. More information on this will continue to be shared.
Want more information? Visit the Facility Facts and FAQs.
The district is seeking substitute teachers. A Professional Educator License or a Substitute Teaching License is required. If you do not possess either of these but you do have a bachelors’ degree, it is not difficult to obtain your substitute license. You may contact Gayle Wilson at gwilson@cassd63.org for information on how to obtain your license. If you would like to apply, here is the application and information.
Focus on Mental and Emotional Health
Recognizing the signs of adolescent depression in your child starts with being open to conversation, not being ashamed, and knowing the right words to use. Erika’s Lighthouse creates classroom education programs and resources we use at school, but they also offer a number of resources online for parents and families as well.
Visit our school lunch program page for regularly updated menus and information about pricing and payment. Lunch menus are subject to change, so please check back regularly for the most up to date information.
Following are resources and opportunities outside of the district that are available to our parents and families in or around our school community.
- Mighty Oak Athletic Youth Strength & Agility Training
- Mental Health First Aid Classes
- The Committee for Children has created weekly bullying prevention cartoons through the month of October featuring Captain Compassion and Kid Kinder.
- Hinsdale South High School has asked us to share with you that if your middle school or younger aged children will be attending this weekend’s home football games, your children must be accompanied by an adult. Parents are no longer permitted to drop their children off at the game and leave them unattended.
Important Dates to Remember
For many more dates or to sync your calendar with ours, please visit the Cass 63 Calendar page.
Friday, October 7
Early Release Day, Concord 11:15 and Cass 12:00Monday, October 10
No School, Columbus DayTuesday, October 18
Board of Education Meeting, 6:30 p.m. - Mighty Oak Athletic Youth Strength & Agility Training
