- 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 - June 23, 2022
June 23, 2022
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
On Tuesday, June 28, the voters in our community will decide the future direction of Cass School District 63 as it relates to safety and security, as well as our HVAC systems, indoor air quality and future energy costs. Here is a recent news article covering the referendum. Our Facility Planning FAQs answer every question we have been asked and under this link is our video presentation and voting information.
Regardless of the outcome on June 28, we have had some awesome people contribute to our facilities and finance committees, including staff, parents and community members. We also have a highly ethical and supportive Board of Education who cares deeply about kids and represents our community so well in this critical volunteer role. Without them, we wouldn’t have the long-term vision and detailed plan that we do.
Despite all of the work and time involved with this planning, we remain future-focused in many areas. This includes our new STEM and science position at Concord, updated math curriculum and resources, our clarified academic grading system and our constant effort to improve our communication to you as parents, our culture will remain focused on growth, improvement and simply doing what is best for our kids.
This is our last weekly communication of the summer, and we will pick it up again beginning Thursday, July 28. We are always here in the district office and will keep parents updated with any important news or information as needed.
Don’t forget to vote on Tuesday! As always, thank you for your support of our children and our schools. Have a great summer!
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
Cass Junior High Softball Tryouts August 15 and 16
Softball Tryouts for the 2022-23 school year will be held on August 15 and 16 from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm at the softball field behind Cass Junior High School. All girls trying out are expected to bring their own equipment. Please remember that your child must have an updated IHSA/IESA Pre-Participation Examination on file to tryout. The physical must be dated within the last 365 days of the tryout date of August 15. If you have any questions or if your child is interested in trying out, please contact Coach Danielle Trezzo at dtrezzo@cassd63.org.
Family Directory Coming This Fall
Cass 63 will be providing a family directory this fall through an app that parents can use on their devices. Parents will have the ability to opt out of inclusion in the directory if that is preferred. More information will be provided prior to the start of the school year.
New Academic Grading System
As announced previously, we are implementing a new Academic Grading System that will go into effect with the 2022-23 school year. We developed a unique system that maintains the strengths of standards-based grading, provides clarity about how your child is performing, and facilitates a smoother transition to high school.
Expectations and percentages should be very clear for all students who want to achieve the next (or highest) academic level. As always, we will support all students at every step of the way and continue to establish high academic expectations. More on this will be shared as we open the new school year.
Cass School District 63 partners with Ivy League Kids to provide our kindergarten through 8th grade parents with the option of high quality before and after school childcare. Here is information regarding fees for the 2022-23 school year. To register for the program, go to this registration portal and click on Register Now under Before/After School to fill out the before and after school program registration form online. Please note that each child will need a separate registration packet.
Ivy League Kids accepts Illinois Action for Children Child Care Assistance Program. If you have any questions regarding the program, please contact the main Ivy League Kids office at 815-464-1265 or email contact@ivyleaguekids.org.
June 21, 2022 Board Briefs
The Board of Education held its most recent meeting on June 21. The Board approved recommendations for several updated policies, reviewed recommended health and safety protocols, discussed the long-term facility plans and approved the recommended employment of several staff positions. Please see the Board Briefs for more information.
Prekindergarten Screening August 1
On Monday, August 1, the prekindergarten program will be holding screenings for 3, 4 and 5-year old children. You can find more information at prekindergarten screenings.
On Tuesday, June 28, the voters in our community will decide the future direction of Cass School District 63 as it relates to safety and security, as well as our HVAC systems, indoor air quality and future energy costs. The details, facts and rationale for our plans have been provided in every possible format, including our Facility Planning FAQs. Every question we have been asked and then some is provided under this link, along with our video presentation and voting information and timelines. Also, anyone can contact any Board of Education member or Superintendent Mark Cross with any questions at mcross@cassd63.org.
Does Your Child Really Need a Smartphone?
The more we learn and experience, smartphones are distracting, may impact brain development and physical health, and have proven in many cases to be dangerous for kids. The Wait Until 8th Pledge empowers parents to rally together to delay providing children a smartphone until at least 8th grade. By banding together, this will decrease the pressure felt by kids and parents to own a device that potentially may do far more harm than good. This is certainly something for all parents to consider.
Preparing for the 2022-23 School Year
For at least the 2022-23 school year, we are maintaining the traditional Parent-Student Orientation Day, which is scheduled for Friday, August 19. Please review the schedule and mark your calendars. The first day of the 2022-23 school year will be Tuesday, August 23, and the first day of school for blended prekindergarten will be Monday, August 29. Here is the 2022-23 District Calendar, which includes all currently scheduled school events, as well as a one-page summary of holidays, early dismissal days, etc. We will share reminders and updates about fall dates later in the summer.
Important Dates to Remember
For many more dates or to sync your calendar with ours, please visit the Cass 63 Calendar page.
Tuesday, June 28
General Primary ElectionThursday, July 28
Cass63 Connections Back to School EditionFriday, August 19
Parent Student Orientation DayTuesday, August 23
First Day of Student Attendance (Kindergarten-8th Grade)Monday, August 29
First Day of Prekindergarten Attendance
Archives
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Cass63 Connections - June 16, 2022
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
We always strive to pursue positive change where it is needed. One priority that emerged from our strategic planning last fall was the opportunity to improve how we communicate the academic performance of our students. Standards-based grading has many merits, but feedback from our graduates and parents made it clear that we could do better with how this is communicated.
As a result, we are implementing a new Cass 63 Academic Grading System to go into effect with the 2022-23 school year. We developed a unique system that maintains the strengths of standards-based grading, provides clarity about how your child is performing, and facilitates a smoother transition to high school. Information about the new grading system can be found on our website and under each icon and performance category, you will see a traditional letter grade and percentage range plus a standards-based descriptor of your child’s progress. This consistent grading scale will apply for every subject and every year from 2nd through 8th grade.
We do not see merit in assigning D or F letter grades when our students struggle from time to time. There is no reason or benefit in labelling a child as a failure academically at this age. We want to implement something unique and focused on the long-term academic growth of our students. We are not de-emphasizing or “sugar coating” substandard performance. Our goals are quite the opposite, and you will see that we have separate grades for work habits for this very purpose.
Expectations and percentages are now very clear for all students who want to achieve the next (or highest) academic level. As always, we will support all students at every step of the way. We will also continue to establish high academic expectations. We are implementing this change in PowerSchool throughout the summer, and we will share an orientation on what you can expect to see as soon as we return to school in the fall.
Please reach out to Dr. Anderson, Mrs. Marcinkewicz or me if you have any specific questions in the meantime. Thank you!
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
Cass Junior High Field Day
Our 5th, 6th and 7th grade students enjoyed an end of the year field day including fun activities such as softball, kickball, chalk art, dancing in the gym with a DJ, karaoke and a movie. With this great variety of choices, every student had multiple things that they enjoy to choose from and a great day was had by all!
The Wait Until 8th Pledge
Do young kids really need a smartphone? The more we learn and experience, smartphones are distracting and potentially dangerous for children, and every major carrier has phones that simply call and text 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 kids and parents alike over the kids having a smartphone.
The school district has been providing factual information to our parents, taxpayers and community as part of our facility planning efforts. Unfortunately, there is information being distributed in our community about the June 28 referendum question that is factually incorrect. It is also anonymous with no ability to verify the source of information.
In contrast to that approach, here are our facility planning FAQs, which have been vetted by our 12-member Facilities Committee, our Board of Education, and our taxpayers and community from three public community meetings. We know not everyone who may have questions can attend those meetings, so if you are interested, here is our video presentation. More factual information is also being provided via mail to all households in the district this coming week.
For those interested, here are the voting details for the June 28 election. We welcome the questions as we simply want our community to have accurate and detailed information. Please reach out anytime to mcross@cassd63.org with any questions or concerns.
Summer Parent Communications
We will continue with our weekly Cass63 Connections through June 23 and will then resume weekly communications on July 28. We are always here in the district office and will keep parents updated over the summer with any important news or information as needed. Also, the Cass63 Connections never go away should you need to look back for any reason.
Prekindergarten Screening August 1
On Monday, August 1, the prekindergarten program will be holding screenings for 3, 4 and 5-year old children. You can find more information at prekindergarten screenings.
Preparing for the 2022-23 School Year
For at least the 2022-23 school year, we are maintaining the traditional Parent-Student Orientation Day, which is scheduled for Friday, August 19. Please review the schedule and mark your calendars. The first day of the 2022-23 school year will be Tuesday, August 23, and the first day of school for blended prekindergarten will be Monday, August 29. Here is the 2022-23 District Calendar, which includes all currently scheduled school events, as well as a one-page summary of holidays, early dismissal days, etc. We will share reminders and updates about fall dates later in the summer.
Alumni Corner
A huge congratulations to Cass 63 graduate Charlie Nilles who has returned home to Darien with three medals in swimming at the National USA Special Olympics recently held in Orlando, Florida. Charlie won Silver in his 500 Freestyle, Bronze in his 200 Individual Medley and Team Illinois took Bronze in the 4 x 50 Medley Relay. Congratulations, Charlie!
Community Connections
The American Music Institute is holding Music Camps and Lessons over the summer.
Important Dates to Remember
For many more dates or to sync your calendar with ours, please visit the Cass 63 Calendar page.
Tuesday, June 28
General Primary ElectionThursday, July 28
Cass63 Connections Back to School EditionFriday, August 19
Parent Student Orientation DayTuesday, August 23
First Day of Student Attendance (Kindergarten-8th Grade)Monday, August 29
First Day of Prekindergarten Attendance -
Cass63 Connections - June 9, 2022
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
We are less than three weeks from the June 28 general primary election. Included on the ballot will be a question asking for voter approval to address our facility needs as it relates to safety, security, and our HVAC systems in Cass School District 63. As you know by now, the details are right here in our facility planning FAQs.
During April and May, we also held three public presentations that were well-received and appeared to answer the questions of those who were in attendance. For those who could not attend, here is our facilities planning video presentation.
We keep this topic in front of our community because we want people to have accurate and factual information. If you hear something that contradicts what we share as a district, please ask! We welcome the questions, even if it comes from unknown or anonymous sources.
Our Board of Education and staff is very proud of our long-term planning and effort to provide our students and community with safe, secure and healthy schools in the most cost-effective manner. We are equally proud of doing this with completely honest, transparent and factual details.
Please feel free to share this with anyone who may have questions on this topic. More voting information is also provided below. Thank you!
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
Congratulations to the Cass Junior High School Class of 2022! Our 8th grade commencement ceremonies were held on June 2 as we celebrated 89 students who are ending their time at Cass School District 63 and moving onto the next step in their educational journey. We wish each and every graduate the very best of luck and we look forward to hearing about your continued successes in the future.
New 2022-23 Academic Grading System
Next week’s communication will include information about our new academic grading system that will go into effect with the 2022-23 school year.
4th Grade Clap Out and ACES (All Children Exercising Simultaneously)
Graduation is not the only celebration in Cass School District 63. On the last day of school at Concord, it is the tradition to send our 4th graders off to Cass Junior High for 5th grade with a clap out. On the same day, Concord participates in ACES as a way to come together as a school before school ends for the summer. These are great traditions for our students. Please take a look at these pictures to see the fun that was had by all.
Concord Elementary Field Day
Another great Concord Elementary end of the year activity is Field Day. Field Day is full of lots of different activities for students to enjoy. This time honored tradition is a favorite of all of our students and as you can see in these pictures, the kids all had a fantastic time.
June 28 Referendum Information
As part of an ongoing plan to improve safety, security, indoor air quality, energy efficiency and long-term savings, we have a referendum on the ballot for the June 28 general primary election. Under this link are voting deadlines and details, including the fact that June 12 is the last day for voters to register online to vote through the State Board of Elections website. June 13 is the first day of in-person early voting at permanent polling places other than the office of the election authority.
These and other voting details are also provided under Question #20 of our facility planning FAQs.
Summer Parent Communications
We will continue with our weekly Cass63 Connections through June 23 and will then resume weekly communications on July 28. We are always here in the district office and will keep parents updated over the summer with any important news or information as needed. Also, the Cass63 Connections never go away should you need to look back for any reason.
Prekindergarten Screening August 1
On Monday, August 1, the prekindergarten program will be holding screenings for 3, 4 and 5-year old children. You can find more information at prekindergarten screenings.
Preparing for the 2022-23 School Year
For at least the 2022-23 school year, we are maintaining the traditional Parent-Student Orientation Day, which is scheduled for Friday, August 19. Please review the schedule and mark your calendars. The first day of the 2022-23 school year will be Tuesday, August 23, and the first day of school for blended prekindergarten will be Monday, August 29. Here is the 2022-23 District Calendar, which includes all currently scheduled school events, as well as a one-page summary of holidays, early dismissal days, etc. We will share reminders and updates about fall dates later in the summer.
Community Connections
Mark your calendars for the DuPage County Back to School Fair on August 10, 2022. More information can be found here in English and in Spanish.
Important Dates to Remember
For many more dates or to sync your calendar with ours, please visit the Cass 63 Calendar page.
Tuesday, June 28
General Primary ElectionThursday, July 28
Cass63 Connections Back to School EditionFriday, August 19
Parent Student Orientation DayTuesday, August 23
First Day of Student Attendance (Kindergarten-8th Grade)Monday, August 29
First Day of Prekindergarten Attendance -
Cass63 Connections - June 2, 2022
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
Congratulations to the Cass Junior High School Class of 2022! This year's 89 graduates are ready to move forward with their education at the high school level, and we couldn't be more proud of them! The commencement ceremony is this evening at 7:00 p.m. in the Cass Junior High gymnasium. Doors open for parents and the public at 6:00 p.m. This ceremony culminates nine years of education in Cass School District 63, and even more for our graduates who started as preschoolers. The Class of 2022 is ready for the next big step.
Recognition Night was held Tuesday evening at Cass Junior High School, as our faculty, staff and administration honored over 200 students for their accomplishments. The evening includes a wide variety of memorial and departmental awards, as well as our academic award recipients from 5th through 8th grade. We made a huge mistake and sincerely apologize that all parents were not invited to the ceremony. This was a big error on our part and something for which we take total responsibility. In an effort to make sure our current students are appropriately recognized, we created a special page with a listing of all 2022 Recognition Night honorees. This is provided below and is also featured on our homepage at www.cassd63.org. I personally apologize to the parents who were not notified, as effective communication is something we pride ourselves on as a school district. We own the mistake and it won't happen again.
Congratulations to each of our graduates for their hard work and accomplishments so far. We wish you the best in high school and beyond! Also, congratulations to all of our students who earned the recognition for their academic achievements. We are proud of our kids and truly appreciate you as parents who love and support them. Thank you!
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
Cass Junior High School Recognition Night
The faculty, staff and administration recently honored many of our Cass Junior High School students at Recognition Night for their accomplishments this year. To make certain that our students are recognized, we created a special page with a listing of all 2022 Recognition Night honorees. Please also enjoy these pictures from the evening. Congratulations to all of our students for their accomplishments!
Last Day, Early Dismissal and Final Grades Friday, June 3
Our final day of the school year is tomorrow, Friday, June 3. Concord will be released at 11:15 and Cass at 12:00.
We expect that final grades will largely be available tomorrow, although some tests and papers are still being graded. As a result, some grades may not be finalized until next week and will show up in PowerSchool as soon as they are complete. To access grades, please review How to Check Progress in PowerSchool (Report Cards).
Summer Parent Communications
We will continue with our weekly Cass63 Connections through June 23 and will then resume weekly communications on July 28. Of course we are always here in the district office and will keep parents updated over the summer with any important news or information as needed. Also, the Cass63 Connections never go away should you need to look back for any reason.
June 28 Referendum Information
As part of an ongoing plan to improve safety, security, indoor air quality, energy efficiency and long-term savings for both the district and our taxpayers, we have a referendum on the ballot for the June 28 general primary election. We have held three community meetings and will soon release a video summary of our presentation. Factual information for our community is provided in our facility planning FAQs, and a second informational flyer will soon be sent to all households in the district.
Parent-Student Orientation and the 2022-23 School Year
For at least the 2022-23 school year, we are maintaining the traditional Parent-Student Orientation Day, which is scheduled for Friday, August 19. Please review the schedule and mark your calendars. The first day of the 2022-23 school year will be Tuesday, August 23, and the first day of school for blended prekindergarten will be Monday, August 29. Here is the 2022-23 District Calendar, which includes all currently scheduled school events, as well as a one-page summary of holidays, early dismissal days, etc. We will share reminders and updates about fall dates later in the summer.
5th & 6th Grade MAP Field Trip
The Mind Adventure Program (MAP) serves students who have been formally identified for the gifted program. On May 24, our 5th and 6th grade MAP students had a phenomenal day learning about and experiencing Chicago architecture.
Kindergarten Learns About Bugs
Concord Elementary kindergarten students recently had a “Bugs Around” field trip at Morton Arboretum. The students had a wonderful time learning and exploring for bugs. Please enjoy more pictures from this exciting day of hands on learning.
Science Students Break Ground on Expanded Garden
Under the direction of Mrs. West, 7th grade students worked together to break ground for the expansion and redesign of the Cass Junior High garden. Using shovels and brute strength, students were able to remove several feet of grass along the edge of the existing garden. The vision is to develop this additional green space into a pollinator garden, a Monarch butterfly milkweed area and a section dedicated to the health and well-being of our students.
This green space will also create opportunities for leadership development, problem solving skills, working collaboratively with others, planning, mentoring, writing, speaking, observing and coordination of group efforts and goals creating an opportunity to educate all district students about the benefits of designing and maintaining a living garden classroom that also supports pollination efforts, citizen science and environmental stewardship.
We appreciate CARE’s support of the garden expansion project!
4th Grade Visits Cass Junior High School
Our 4th grade students are ending their time at Concord and looking forward to moving to Cass Junior High. To help with this transition, the 4th grade students were welcomed to the junior high by students and staff. Students arrived to welcoming messages outside of the school, heard from current junior high students and staff and took a tour around the school to help them be better prepared for 5th grade. Please take a look at some of these wonderful messages the students found when they arrived.
Prekindergarten Screening August 1
On Monday, August 1, the prekindergarten program will be holding screenings for 3, 4 and 5-year old children. You can find more information at prekindergarten screenings.
Schoolkitz for the 2022-23 school year are available to order now! Save money, save time, support our schools, and mark off a back-to-school task all in one when you purchase your back-to-school supplies through us!
This link will take you to the Concord Elementary School order site, and here is the link for the Cass Junior High School site. There is a $5 per toolkit savings for orders submitted by June 3. You can also go to www.schoolkitz.com for more information.
COVID-19 Data Dashboard
Here is the current COVID-19 Data Dashboard for both the most recent two weeks, as well as cumulative totals for the 2021-22 school year.
CARE May Events
- Last Day of School Ice Cream Celebration – The Dairy Queen in Willowbrook is hosting an opportunity to both treat your kids to ice cream to celebrate the end of the year AND support CARE one last time this school year. Twenty percent of proceeds between noon and 10:00 p.m. on Friday, June 3 will go to CARE. We hope to see you there!
Alumni Corner
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Congratulations to Hinsdale South senior Elijah John who was one of two students who received the Fermi Award which is awarded to students who have shown outstanding dedication to and enthusiasm for science!
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Congratulations to Hinsdale South seniors Hunter Long and Gracie Wilcox who were awarded the American Legion Student Awards. These students were chosen for embodying the American Legion values of scholarship, courage, leadership and service.
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Congratulations to Maggie Chen for placing 5th in the Badminton IHSA State Finals and for being named Hinsdale South athlete of the week.
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Congratulations to Hinsdale South student Amari Alexander who was part of the all-conference 4x200 relay track team.
Community Connections
Mark your calendars for the DuPage County Back to School Fair on August 10, 2022. More information can be found here in English and in Spanish.
Important Dates to Remember
For many more dates or to sync your calendar with ours, please visit the Cass 63 Calendar page.
Thursday, June 2
8th Grade Graduation, 7:00 p.m.Friday, June 3
Last Day of Student Attendance
Early Release Day – Concord at 11:15 and Cass at 12:00Thursday, July 28
Cass63 Connections Back to School EditionFriday, August 19
Parent Student Orientation DayTuesday, August 23
First Day of Student Attendance (Kindergarten-8th Grade)Monday, August 29
First Day of Prekindergarten Attendance -
Cass63 Connections - May 26, 2022
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
We are down to the final few days of a phenomenal school year! This year has been a huge challenge on many levels, but I am so proud of our students and staff. Through it all, we have maintained our focus on the education and safety of our students, while making sure everything is "back to normal" for the kids. Here in Cass 63, we are ending the year on the highest note with more activities, trips and end of the year celebrations than we can count.
Sadly, the fun of wrapping up a great school year is also overshadowed by the tragedy of what took place in Texas earlier this week. I can assure you it weighs heavily on all of us here not only because we see the unnecessary pain and suffering of children, educators and their families, but also because of the great responsibility to do everything possible to keep our kids safe. While the odds are low and we believe that our schools are very safe, these tragedies have become far too common, and we can take nothing for granted. As a reminder, here are some resources from the letter I shared with parents yesterday and below we have information on Safe2Help.
Along these lines, over the last 48 hours I have been asked multiple times about our facility planning as it relates to safety and security. So much of the focus is on our HVAC improvements, because that is the costliest item as it relates to the ballot question for the June 28 referendum. However, it is absolutely true that we also have three related needs as explained in our facility planning FAQs. This includes replacing our old fire alarm systems, updating and modernizing the video surveillance systems, and purchasing an integrated intercom and communication system for extreme emergencies and safety situations. Without question, the investments in our video surveillance and internal communication systems are very important. These are equal needs at both of our schools and something that has been a huge priority in our facility planning, long before the most recent tragedy.
Any questions of this nature are very welcome. Last night was our third and final scheduled facility information meeting, and we appreciate those who were able to attend. For those who were not able to do so, by early next week we will share a recorded webcast of the presentation.
There is no school Monday due to the Memorial Day holiday. Enjoy the weekend as a family, and we will see your kids next week for the final four days of the school year!
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
Congratulations Class of 2022! 8th Grade Graduation June 2
We are excited to celebrate the Class of 2022 with 8th grade graduation in the Cass Junior High School gymnasium on Thursday, June 2, at 7:00 p.m. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. and no tickets are necessary. Congratulations to our graduates and best of luck in high school! We cannot wait to see where this next road takes you.
When a trusted adult is not available, Safe2Help Illinois offers students a safe, confidential way in which to share information that might help prevent suicide, bullying, school violence or other threats to child or school safety. This site is an incredible resource that also includes an anonymous tip line in the event children, parents or community members become aware of potential threats to safety.
There are also numbers to call or text for help. Parents are encouraged to review the resources available on the site, and this can also be downloaded as an app. Just look for “Safe2HelpIL” at the App Store or on Google Play.
Schoolkitz for the 2022-23 school year are available to order now! Save money, save time, support our schools, and mark off a back-to-school task all in one when you purchase your back-to-school supplies through us!
This link will take you to the Concord Elementary School order site, and here is the link for the Cass Junior High School site. There is a $5 per toolkit savings for orders submitted by June 3. You can also go to www.schoolkitz.com for more information.
Wojciech Gilarski Selected for All-Illinois Junior Band
Cass Junior High 8th grade trumpet player Wojciech Gilarski was selected to perform with the All-Illinois Junior Band and recently performed in the festival at the University of Illinois. Congratulations to Wojciech on this amazing accomplishment!
8th Grade Students Explore Locally
While some of the 8th grade class was in Washington, D.C., the 8th graders who remained behind had the chance to explore sites closer to home. From Cantigny to The Forge, the students had wonderful opportunities to learn and have fun right here. Please take a look at the pictures from the local 8th grade adventures.
Cass School District 63 provides facts and details on the facilities referendum to help voters make an informed decision at the upcoming election. This includes information to check 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. Following are several upcoming dates for the June 28, 2022 primary election:
May 19, 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 designated by the election authority, which includes the DuPage County Fairgrounds.
June 12, 2022 Last day for voters to register online to vote through the State Board of Elections website.
June 13, 2022 First day of in-person early voting at permanent polling places other than the office of the election authority. Here is a PDF listing of early voting locations.
For more details, see #20 of our Facility Planning FAQs.
An Exothermic Reaction!
The Cass Junior High 8th grade science classes are studying exothermic reactions through hands-on learning!
Therapy Dogs Visit Concord
Therapy dogs Bodhi and Bane visited with the Concord 4th grade advanced math class recently as a culminating activity to celebrate their dog park projects. Here are more pictures of the students and their projects.
Cass Junior High will be hosting Summer Band Camps this summer. Please see this flyer for the dates and other information.
As the school year winds down, the lost and found at our schools has grown. If you think your child may have left something behind at Concord, a lost and found is set up in the Concord vestibule for parents to stop by to take a look at their convenience. At Cass, please have your child check the lost and found in the multipurpose room (lunch room). Anything remaining at the end of the school year will be donated.
COVID-19 Data Dashboard
Here is the current COVID-19 Data Dashboard for both the most recent two weeks, as well as cumulative totals for the 2021-22 school year.
CARE May Events
- 8th Grade Graduation Seat Auction - For families wanting the opportunity to secure the best seats in the house for graduation, the auction closes at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 27. Please be sure to place your bid!
- Last Day of School Ice Cream Celebration – This is a great opportunity to both treat your kids to ice cream to celebrate the end of the year and support CARE one last time this school year. We hope to see you there!
Alumni Corner
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Congratulations to College of DuPage student Megan Dooley who was part of the team that created posters for the League of Women Voters of Wheaton.
Community Connections
DuPage County Health Department Baby Formula Facts
Important Dates to Remember
For many more dates or to sync your calendar with ours, please visit the Cass 63 Calendar page.
Monday, May 30
Memorial Day – No SchoolTuesday, May 31
Cass Junior High School Recognition Night, 7:00 p.m.Thursday, June 2
8th Grade Graduation, 7:00 p.m.Friday, June 3
Last Day of Student Attendance (Kindergarten-8th Grade) and
Early Release Day – Concord at 11:15 and Cass at 12:00 -
Cass63 Connections - May 19, 2022
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
My apologies for the longer message, but we have some wonderful news to share! Last week I referenced some exciting things that are coming as a result of our Strategic Plan. Perhaps the most obvious will be significant changes to our grading system starting this fall. With the input of graduates and parents through our surveys and obviously our wonderful teachers here at school, Mrs. Marcinkewicz, Dr. Anderson and I worked to come up with a plan that maintains the strengths of standards-based grading, provides better clarity about how your child is performing academically, and helps make a smooth transition to high school. We reviewed this plan with the Board of Education earlier this week, and they are extremely supportive of the changes.
Once implemented, when you look at your child’s performance you will see a clear descriptor of your child’s progress, along with a traditional letter grade and percentage. This will be for every subject and with the same consistent scale from 2nd through 8th grade. We are not doing this the easy way, but we are going to do it the right way. As a result, we have much work to do over the summer, but I will share the details of our plan with you before the end of the school year. It will be posted prominently on our website as a permanent reference for you. Please watch for more information in the coming weeks!
Something we think is even more exciting is the planned addition of a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) facilitator/teacher at Concord Elementary School this fall! With the emphasis on reading, language arts and math in particular at the early grade levels, it is common that science sometimes gets pushed aside until junior high. We would rather find better ways to engage our students and ignite in them a passion for science early on, and I commend Dr. Anderson, Ms. Doyle and the staff at Concord for thinking outside the box on how we can achieve our goals and raise the bar in this area for our younger students! More on this will be shared, and I am so grateful for the Board of Education’s support of this exciting development.
Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the other exciting opportunity in Cass 63, which is proactively and cost-effectively resolving our safety, security and HVAC needs. This is on the ballot for June 28, and we will continue our efforts to keep our parents, community and taxpayers well informed with factual information. The district is hosting two more facility information meetings this coming week.
The next information meeting is completely virtual via Zoom on Monday, May 23, at 6:30 p.m. Just click on the link to access the meeting. We will then host another in person meeting on Wednesday, May 25 at 6:30 p.m. in the Cass Junior High choral room (room 125). Details are also available under our Facility Planning FAQs, which we will continue to update until every single question is answered. Every effort is being made to be completely transparent with our plans, solutions and costs.
We have a lot of exciting things taking place in this amazing school district, and the support of our parents and community is appreciated more than you know. Never hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns at all. Thank you!
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
Recognition of Staff Service and Retirements
The Board of Education and Mr. Cross recognized the following individuals for achieving milestones of dedicated service to the district, as well as one retiring staff member.
10 Years of Service – Beth Dooley, Katie Doyle and Mike McLean
15 Years of Service – Dr. Laura Anderson, Filomena Manna-DeChiara and Amy Underhill
20 Years of Service – Helen Park
25 Years of Service – Yvonne Ilko and Wayne Ostrowski
30 Years of Service – Jen Callahan, Karen Hyder, Kristen Orr and Angela Zurawski
Retiree Yvonne Ilko – In addition to reaching 25 years of service, Cass library assistant Yvonne Ilko is also retiring this year. We want to thank her for all that she has done for our students and wish her the very best as she begins this new chapter. Congratulations, Mrs. Ilko!
Collectively, these staff members have 265 years of service in our district!
2022-23 Registration Closes Tomorrow
Registration for the 2022-23 school is closing tomorrow. If you have not already done so, you must register your children. Even if you are not intending to pay for registration at this time, you are still required to register so that we can plan, schedule and assign for the coming school year. Please take a look at the 2022-23 registration information, which includes the details and information you need. Thank you!
4th Grade Parent Night May 24
Attention 4th grade parents! Please join us on Tuesday, May 24 at 6:30 p.m. at Cass Junior High in Room 125 for our 4th Grade Parent Night. At this meeting, we will discuss what you and your child can expect as they transition to Cass Junior High and 5th grade in the fall..
8th Grade Visits D.C., Lays Wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Our 8th grade students just returned from Washington, D.C. and had an incredible trip. Our students represented Cass School District 63 very well. One of the highlights was the honor of visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in which students Anna Wilcox and Elliot Davis were honored with the responsibility of laying the wreath before the tomb. It was a very moving moment for our students and staff. Thank you to Principal Christine Marcinkewicz and teacher Ken Kohnke for taking care of our students and providing our 8th graders with this incredible opportunity. For more highlights from the trip, please see the Washington, D.C. trip pictures.
7th Grade Visits Springfield
Our 7th grade students visited the Illinois state capitol last week, spending the day exploring Springfield and learning the history of Illinois. Here are pictures of some of the great experiences and fun things they were able to see and do.
May 17, 2022 Board Briefs
The Board of Education held its most recent meeting on May 17. The Board recognized staff members for their years of service and retirement, reviewed progress with our strategic plan, discussed the adjusted grading system that will go into effect at the start of the 2022-23 school year, and approving the recommended employment of several key staffing positions and the addition of a full-time school district nurse and occupational therapist. Please see the Board Briefs for more information.
Facility Planning Update Meetings Next Week
The school district is hosting two facility information meetings next week. The next information meeting is completely virtual via Zoom on Monday, May 23, at 6:30 p.m. A final in person meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 25 at 6:30 p.m. in the Cass Junior High choral room (room 125).
This information is very important and these meetings are an opportunity to learn about the plans, solutions and costs, as well as to ask any questions. More information is also available under our Facility Planning FAQs. We hope to see you there!
Early Voting Starts Today
DuPage County Clerk Jean Kaczmarek has announced that voters can now submit their paper ballots for the General Primary Election beginning Thursday, May 19 at the county’s early voting site at the DuPage County Fairgrounds (Building 2), 2015 Manchester Road in Wheaton. Here are the details and hours for on-site early voting.
For more information, including to see if you are a registered voter, 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, please visit the DuPage County Election page.
Successful Soccer Seasons
The girls and boys soccer seasons have come to a close for Cass Junior High. They had a great season of growth and a few good wins! Thank you to coaches AJ Petigo and Ken Kohnke for leading these athletes through a fantastic season.
Boys Volleyball Wraps Up
The boys volleyball season came to a close and they should be proud of how hard they worked and how much they have grown in their sport. Congratulations to Coach Landon Mitchell and the boys on a great season!
4th Grade Band Recruitment Night
Cass Junior High is proud to have an award-winning band. On Thursday, May 26, there will be a band recruitment night for all incoming 5th grade students. Please see this letter from Mrs. Legan, and this flyer with more information about this upcoming meeting and how and when you can attend. We hope your soon-to-be 5th grade students take advantage of this wonderful program.
Save the Date - Summer Band Camp
Cass Junior High will be hosting Summer Band Camps this summer. Please see this flyer for more information.
2022-23 School Supply Kits
Schoolkitz for the 2022-23 school year are available to order now! Save money, save time, support our schools, and mark off a back-to-school task all in one when you purchase your back-to-school supplies through us!
This link will take you to the Concord Elementary School order site, and here is the link for the Cass Junior High School site. There is a $5 per toolkit savings for orders submitted by June 3. You can also go to www.schoolkitz.com for more information.
Welcome Class of 1966!
Last week, Principal Christine Marcinkewicz welcomed the Class of 1966 who came to tour the building before their high school reunion. The Class of 1966 consisted of 19 students and the building was roughly a third of the size it is now. It was great hearing their memories!
Lost and Found
As the school year winds down, the lost and found at our schools has grown. If you think your child may have left something behind at Concord, a lost and found will be set up in the Concord vestibule for parents to stop by to take a look at their convenience. At Cass, please have your child check the lost and found in the multipurpose room (lunch room). Anything remaining at the end of the school year will be donated.
COVID-19 Data Dashboard
Here is the current COVID-19 Data Dashboard for both the most recent two weeks, as well as cumulative totals for the 2021-22 school year.
CARE May Events
- 8th Grade Graduation Seat Auction - For families wanting the opportunity to secure the best seats in the house for graduation, here is your chance to try to take care of that before graduation day.
- Last Day of School Ice Cream Celebration – This is a great opportunity to both treat your kids to ice cream to celebrate the end of the year and support CARE one last time this school year. We hope to see you there!
Alumni Corner
- Congratulations to Hinsdale South student Dimitrije Gujanicic for placing 24th in C++ Programming at the BPA Nationals held in Dallas, Texas.
- Congratulations to Hinsdale South World Language Honors Society Inductees Alexandra Cima, Veanka Francisco, Tyler Hallman, Parth Joshi, Yumi Li, Nicole Pacasova and Ellen Mulgrew.
- Congratulations to Makena Camden who will be the 2022-23 District 86 Board Liaison from Hinsdale South.
- Congratulations to Hinsdale South’s Connor Wyent who placed 9th on the high bar and 10th in the all-around and floor exercise at the Boys Gymnastics sectional tournament.
- Congratulations to Katie Joseph who is the Hinsdale South Female Athlete of the Week.
Community Connections
Ike’s Fish for Fun – A Free Youth Fishing Event
DePaul Basketball Camps for kids Age 5 through 17
Important Dates to Remember
For many more dates or to sync your calendar with ours, please visit the Cass 63 Calendar page.
Friday, May 20
2022-23 Registration DeadlineMonday, May 23
Facility Information Meeting (virtual) 6:30 p.m.Wednesday, May 25
Facility Information Meeting, 6:30 p.m.Monday, May 30
Memorial Day – No SchoolTuesday, May 31
Cass Junior High School Recognition Night, 7:00 p.m.Thursday, June 2
8th Grade Graduation, 7:00 p.m.Friday, June 3
Last Day of Student Attendance (Kindergarten-8th Grade) and
Early Release Day – Concord at 11:15 and Cass at 12:00 -
Cass63 Connections - May 12, 2022
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
I love our school district. Our parents are so supportive and the staff is simply second to none. Getting to see our awesome kids perform so well in their spring activities has been so much fun. We have so many positive things taking place and even though the school year is about to end, you can feel the momentum as we move toward fulfilling the goals of our Vision 2025 Strategic Plan. Next week, we expect to announce some things that will emerge from that vision and plan.
In the meantime, we continue to work on plans to address our needs as it relates to safety, security and our heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. We have two upcoming community information meetings that will be held via Zoom on Monday, May 23 and in person on Tuesday, May 25 at Cass Junior High, both starting at 6:30 p.m.
Addressing this is a critical need and at these meetings, we will present the information and answer every question. This is on the June 28 general primary election ballot and we want everyone to be aware of the issues, needs and costs as it relates to the future of our facilities. We will be sharing more on this over the next six weeks, as we want everyone to be well-informed. I would highly recommend that everyone in our school community review the Facility Planning FAQs, which we continue to update as questions arise.
If you are interested in learning more or helping share factual information with the community, please let me know. As always, please reach out anytime with any questions. Thank you!
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
Important! 2022-23 Registration Deadline Next Friday
The deadline for 2022-23 registration is next Friday. To assign teachers, courses, bus stops and other necessary work in the offices, registration will be turned off after this date. Please take a look at the 2022-23 registration information, which includes the details and information you need. Please be sure you have completed the registration for each child. This is not completed until you have reached and submitted the “Finishing Step to Registration Process.” Thank you!
Spring Band Concert
The Spring Band Concert was held recently at Cass Junior High. The evening was full of wonderful music performed by talented musicians under the direction of Megan Duffy-Legan.
4th Grade Band Recruitment Night
Cass Junior High is proud to have an award-winning band. On Thursday, May 26, there will be a band recruitment night for all incoming 5th grade students. Please see this letter from Mrs. Legan, and this flyer with more information about this upcoming meeting and how and when you can attend. We hope your soon-to-be 5th grade students take advantage of this wonderful program.
6th Grade Learns About Lewis and Clark Expedition
As 6th grade students wrapped up their study of the Lewis and Clark Expedition with Mrs. Patrey, they acted as explorers who were sent by the United States government to find a new species. While enjoying the beautiful outdoors, students took a journey to explore and collect information about a new species on the grounds of Cass Junior High. They also had the option of using their imaginations by creating their own species. Students then presented their new discovery to the class by explaining its characteristics, behaviors, and usefulness to the United States.
Concord Yearbook Information
The 2021-22 school year yearbooks have arrived and were delivered today to all students who ordered and paid for them. Please see this flyer for more information on the yearbook delivery.
If you did not order a yearbook for your child, there is still a chance to get one for them for this year. There will be a yearbook raffle on Wednesday, May 18. Please review this important information on how to enter the raffle.
National Nurses Day
On Friday, May 6 we celebrated National Nurses Day with nurses Katie Robinson and Katie Beringer. We appreciate these two outstanding nurses that have shared the responsibility of taking care of our Concord students this school year!
Scholastic Bowl Season Wraps Up
The Scholastic Bowl season has come to a close, and the Cass Warriors came in second place after a hard-fought season filled with many ups and downs. After a year of remote competition, it was extra enjoyable to return to in-person meets and the students had a great time preparing and competing against their peers at other schools. Thank you to CARE and the Wirth family for their generosity in helping the team celebrate its achievement. We look forward to next year, working hard to uphold our school's reputation as a great competitor!
Track and Field Teams Enjoy Success!
This week, our Cass Track and Field team wrapped up an outstanding 2022 season. The students braved the cold, rain and snow over the past six weeks as they practiced both short and long-distance running events as well as throwing and jumping events. After setting many personal records, we were proud to qualify six athletes for the SDEAA Conference Track Meet. Congratulations to everyone on the team, and we hope to see you out again next spring!
Community Information Meeting Scheduled for May 23 and 25
The Board of Education and Superintendent Mark Cross recently hosted the first of three community information meetings. This lead to great discussion and dialogue with the community members present, but we hope to have more participation at the next two opportunities. The meetings are being held to provide detailed information and respond to any questions about the June 28 ballot question to address safety and security concerns, as well as replacement of the district’s HVAC systems with a highly efficient geothermal system.
The remaining meetings are scheduled for the following dates, times and locations:
Monday, May 23, 6:30 p.m. via Zoom (link posted prior to the meeting)
Wednesday, May 25, 6:30 p.m. at Cass Junior High School
Details and information regarding the school district’s plans can be found on the district’s website under Facility Planning Frequently Asked Questions.
Lost and Found
As the school year winds down, the lost and found at Concord and Cass has grown. If you think your child may have left something behind at Concord, a lost and found will be set up in the Concord vestibule for parents to stop by to take a look at their convenience. If you think your child may have left something behind at Cass, please have your child check the lost and found in the multipurpose room (lunch room). Anything still left at the end of the school year will be donated.
Summer Food Service Programs
For any families interested, there are opportunities to obtain meal assistance over the summer. If you would like more information on the summer food service programs, please contact the Northern Illinois Food Bank at 630-443-6910 or Summer Meals Illinois at 800-359-2163.
COVID-19 Data Dashboard
Here is the current COVID-19 Data Dashboard for both the most recent two weeks, as well as cumulative totals for the 2021-22 school year.
2022-23 School Supply Kits
Schoolkitz for the 2022-23 school year are available to order now! Save money, save time, support our schools, and mark off a back-to-school task all in one when you purchase your back-to-school supplies through us!
This link will take you to the Concord Elementary School order site, and here is the link for the Cass Junior High School site. There is a $5 per toolkit savings for orders submitted by June 3. You can also go to www.schoolkitz.com for more information.
CARE May Events
- Let’s Get Pampered! - Last chance to sign up for this fun opportunity taking place this Sunday, May 15.
- Last Day of School Ice Cream Celebration – This is a great opportunity to both treat your kids to ice cream to celebrate the end of the year and support CARE one last time this school year. We hope to see you there!
Alumni Corner
Congratulations to Eli Carder, Elijah John, Eva Marie Louis, Jaitin Pallath and Ann Valiathara who were all part of the Hinsdale South math team who collective placed 16th overall at the ICTM State Competition.
Congratulations to Maggie Chen, Megan Tai and Rachele Cameli on winning the IHSA Badminton Sectional for Hinsdale South Varsity badminton. Best of luck to them as they compete in the IHSA state finals next week.
Community Connections
Junior Hornet Summer Dance Camp
Avery Coonley School Summer Program
Important Dates to Remember
For many more dates or to sync your calendar with ours, please visit the Cass 63 Calendar page.
Friday, May 13
Early Release Day – Concord 11:15/Cass 12:00Friday, May 20
2022-23 Registration DeadlineMonday, May 23
Facility Information Meeting (virtual) 6:30 p.m.Wednesday, May 25
Facility Information Meeting, 6:30 p.m. -
Cass63 Connections - May 5, 2022
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
On behalf of all of our teachers and staff, I want to thank you for the kindness and support so many of you have shown for the celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week. I especially want to thank our CARE group for the special things they have done for our staff as well. No one is ever obligated to do a thing, but just a note or a few kind words are appreciated by our educators more than you know. Thank you!
Please be sure to register your children for the upcoming school year if you haven't yet done so. We are getting this done much earlier so we can better plan for the 2022-23 school year. The deadline is May 20, and we will need to turn it off after that date and registration will become much less convenient for you. Everything you need to know is below and don't forget the school supply kits that are also available to order now if you are interested.
There are just 20 attendance days left in the school year and hardly a day will go by that we don't have something going on at one grade level or another. It is so fun seeing the kids performing, singing, playing and going on their field trips. While these are normal things, there are so many reasons it is better than ever this spring. Along these lines, please note that we have several participation deadlines included below.
Never hesitate to reach out if you need anything. Enjoy the warmer days ahead!
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
2022-23 Registration Reminder - Deadline May 20
Registration for the 2022-23 school year is underway and the deadline is fast approaching. If you have not already done so, you must register your children before May 20, 2022. Even if you are not intending to pay for registration at this time, you are still required to register so that we can plan, schedule and assign for the coming school year. Please take a look at the 2022-23 registration information, which includes the details and information you need.
2022-23 School Supply Kits
Schoolkitz for the 2022-23 school year are available to order now! Save money, save time, support our schools, and mark off a back-to-school task all in one when you purchase your back-to-school supplies through us!
This link will take you to the Concord Elementary School order site, and here is the link for the Cass Junior High School site. There is a $5 per toolkit savings for orders submitted by June 3. You can also go to www.schoolkitz.com for more information.
Symphonic and Jazz Bands Earn Multiple Awards
The Symphonic and Jazz Bands had a fantastic day at the Music in the Parks Festival at Six Flags Great America. This included their performance at the festival, as well as the opportunity to enjoy a great day at the park after earning the following awards:
- 1st Place Superior Rating – Junior High Jazz Band
- 1st Place Superior Rating – Junior High Concert Band
- Best Overall Jazz Band
- Best Overall Concert Band
- Winner of the Esprit De Corps Award
While there is so much to be proud of, the Esprit De Corps award is something for which our students, staff and parents should be extra proud. This award is given to the performing group that showed the most significant school spirit, teamwork, and enthusiasm during their performance. The Cass ensemble stood out amongst all 16 middle schools and high schools that performed at the festival.
Incredible! Congratulations to these fine musicians and director Megan Duffy-Legan for leading our bands to these outstanding accomplishments and representing our school district and community so well.
Community Information Meetings Scheduled for May 23 and 25
The Board of Education and Superintendent Mark Cross recently hosted the first of three community information meetings. This lead to great discussion and dialogue with the community members present, but we hope to have more participation at the next two opportunities. The meetings are being held to provide detailed information and respond to any questions about the June 28 ballot question to address safety and security concerns, as well as replacement of the district’s HVAC systems with a highly efficient geothermal system.
The remaining meetings are scheduled for the following dates, times and locations:
Monday, May 23, 6:30 p.m. via Zoom (link posted prior to the meeting)
Wednesday, May 25, 6:30 p.m. at Cass Junior High School
Details and information regarding the school district’s plans can be found on the district’s website under Facility Planning Frequently Asked Questions.
Spring Choral Concert
The Cass Junior High School Spring Choral Concert was held last week and it was an outstanding performance. Thank you to choral director Becky Kriz for bringing out the best from our talented students in 5th and 6th Grade Chorus, 7th and 8th Grade Chorus, as well as our Advanced Vocal Ensemble.
Boys' Soccer Success
The Cass Junior High soccer teams have had a hard time getting matches in this spring, but last week our boys’ team defeated Jefferson Junior High 2-0 in a competitive match at Hinsdale South High School. Congratulations to Coach Ken Kohnke and the team for their effort and success so far this season.
Concord Book Fair Closes Friday, May 6
Sponsored by CARE, the Concord Book Fair is wrapping up! Parents can shop on-line anytime or in person when school is not in session.
8th Grade Bowling Trip Registration Closes May 6
Our graduating 8th grade students are invited to attend a bowling trip on June 1. You must register by Friday, May 6 to attend. Please review this flyer for more details and information on how to register.
8th Grade Dance? Last Chance!
Ticket sales for the 8th Grade Dance close Friday May 6. We have more than 60 kids attending this fun event to celebrate the Class of 2022! Don't miss out ... get a ticket here by the end of the day on May 6.
Summer Food Service Programs
For any families interested there are opportunities to obtain meal assistance over the summer. If you would like more information on the summer food service programs, please contact the Northern Illinois Food Bank at 630-443-6910 or Summer Meals Illinois at 800-359-2163.
COVID-19 Data Dashboard
Here is the current COVID-19 Data Dashboard for both the most recent two weeks, as well as cumulative totals for the 2021-22 school year.
CARE May Events
- Let’s Get Pampered! Final sign up reminder. Put yourself first and join us on Sunday, May 15 for an afternoon of manicures and pedicures while meeting other families and supporting CARE! Fun and unique gift baskets will be auctioned along with a kid’s raffle. We hope to see you there!
- May Dine to Donate at Buona Beef is scheduled for Tuesday, May 10.
Alumni Corner
Congratulations to Hinsdale South High School students Eva Louis, Ann Valiathara and Elijah John for placing in the top 10 in the state at the Science Olympiad.
Community Connections
Hinsdale South Volleyball Summer Camps for incoming Freshmen are being held June 6-June 16. To register, please go to https://hinsdalesouth.8to18.com/accounts/login.
Important Dates to Remember
For many more dates or to sync your calendar with ours, please visit the Cass 63 Calendar page.
Friday, May 13
Early Release Day – Concord 11:15/Cass 12:00Friday, May 20
2022-23 Registration DeadlineMonday, May 23
Facility Information Meeting (virtual) 6:30 p.m.Wednesday, May 25
Facility Information Meeting, 6:30 p.m. -
Cass63 Connections - April 28, 2022
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
Last night, we held our first public information meeting to provide our parents and community the opportunity to learn the details and ask questions about our facility needs in the areas of safety, security and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. While it wasn’t a huge crowd, I can assure you that those who attended have a deep and clear understanding of our needs, and detailed plans to address the issues. Great questions were asked, and it was a wonderful discussion.
This was the first of three scheduled public information meetings as we work to provide accurate and detailed information for our taxpayers and community. This is on the ballot of the June 28 general primary election (normally held in March), but we are not running a campaign to tell people which way to vote.
In fact, we are taking a unique and innovative approach by simply providing detailed facts and answering every question with complete honesty, openness and transparency. We believe that the facts speak for themselves and in the end, the voters in our community will decide.
We are also taking a unique and innovative approach with plans for a geothermal HVAC solution in both schools. This approach was studied carefully by our facilities committee and vetted with our engineer and architects. Between our committee and Board of Education, it has been discussed and reviewed in great depth, and the approval to move forward with this solution has been unanimous every step of the way.
In addition to the two remaining community information meetings that will be held via Zoom on May 23 and in person on May 25, I would recommend that you review the Facility Planning FAQs, which we will continue to update as questions arise.
What we can’t do is nothing. We have developed a comprehensive, long-term, and cost-effective plan to move our district light years ahead in this area. This will not only keep our schools that much safer and healthier, but it will also pay dividends financially down the road. We welcome your questions, concerns and suggestions every step of the way!
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
It's Teacher Appreciation Week!
We love our teachers and staff in Cass 63 and next week is a perfect time to recognize all of them! The week of May 2 is Teacher Appreciation Week across the country, and our wonderful CARE organization is showing its support with some special treats, just as the Board of Education will provide a special lunch on Tuesday! We know our awesome teachers, as well as the rest of our outstanding staff who lead and support our students, is the most important part of our schools. Thank you to our staff in Cass School District 63. We all appreciate you!
Hey You! Yeah You! It's Time to Register Your Kids!
Registration for the 2022-23 school year is underway and the deadline is fast approaching. If you have not already done so, you must register your children before May 20, 2022. Even if you are not intending to pay for registration at this time, you are still required to register so that we can plan, schedule and assign for the coming school year. Please take a look at the 2022-23 registration information, which includes details about proof of residency, school supplies, fees, and medical requirements.
2022-23 School Supply Kits
Schoolkitz for the 2022-23 school year are available to order now! Save money, save time, support our schools, and mark off a back to school task all in one when you purchase your back to school supplies through us!
This link will take you to the Concord Elementary School order site, and here is the link for the Cass Junior High School site. There is a $5 per toolkit savings for orders submitted by June 3. You can also go to www.schoolkitz.com for more information.
Not Your Average 3rd Grade Science
Our 3rd graders have been learning about the engineering and design process, inventors, and inventions in reading, science, and social studies. They have also been working on an invention research project/presentation in writing. To help celebrate Earth Day, we have been learning about kid inventors doing their part to help the planet and students brought recycled objects from home to start a home garden. Students will end the unit with a presentation on an inventor or invention and test a flood barrier they create in the science lab.
Concord Elementary Book Fair May 2-6
The Concord Book Fair is back in person for our students! Parents can shop on-line anytime or in person only when school is not in session. Sponsored by CARE, the Concord Book Fair is Tuesday through Friday next week!
Kid's Heart Challenge 2022
Concord Elementary School has completed the 2022 Kid’s Heart Challenge. The challenge was extremely successful raising $4,577.85. Take a look at these photos to see what a great time the kids had participating. Thank you to Concord physical education teachers Greg Kirchen and Craig Damrow for all their hard work planning for this wonderful event for our students!
8th Grade Bowling Trip Registration Open
Our graduating 8th grade students are invited to attend a bowling trip on June 1. Registration by May 6 is required to participate. Please review this flyer for more details and information on how to register.
COVID-19 Data Dashboard
Here is the current COVID-19 Data Dashboard for both the most recent two weeks, as well as cumulative totals for the 2021-22 school year.
CARE May Events
Let’s Get Pampered! Reserve your service time now for our meet and greet fundraiser at World Star Nails on Sunday May 15.
Community Connections
Chicago Choral Artists presents Considering Matthew Shepard
Important Dates to Remember
Friday, May 13 Early Release Day – Concord 11:15/Cass 12:00
Friday, May 20 2022-23 School Year Registration Deadline
Monday, May 23 Community Facility Virtual Information Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
(A link will be provided prior to the meeting.)Wednesday, May 25 Community Facility Information Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
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Cass63 Connections - April 21, 2022
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
Last night, we held our 1st Annual Art and Jazz Show and it was such a great event! Concord and Cass students submitted hundreds of projects of all kinds, and of course the Jazz Band was amazing. We have more on this awesome evening below, including a link to some pictures from the evening.
When we conducted surveys last fall, we received excellent feedback from graduates, parents and staff that helped us establish our Mission and Core Beliefs and Values as well as our Vision 2025 Strategic Plan. Even though we were not asking for feedback specifically related to grading, we did see a theme of concerns expressed so we embedded a review of our system into our plan. We have studied this in depth and are working with our teachers with the goal of providing a grading system that is clear, balanced and helps students better transition to high school, while also maintaining the strengths of what we have in place. I will keep parents updated on our progress later in the spring but wanted to make you aware of this topic. More information is provided under the Board Briefs below.
Speaking of our strategic plan, I have been sharing information regarding our facility plans and needs. This is a critical issue for our school district, and a referendum to fund the project is on the ballot for the June 28 general primary election. An informational flyer is in the mail to all district residents this week, pointing people toward our FAQs and our community informational meetings. The first one is this Wednesday, April 27, at 6:30 p.m. at Cass Junior High School. More information is provided below.
Thank you for your support of our students and our schools and never hesitate to reach out if you have any questions at all. Thank you!
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
2022-23 Registration Reminder
Registration for the 2022-23 school year is underway and the deadline is fast approaching. If you have not already done so, you must register your children before May 20, 2022. Even if you are not intending to pay for registration at this time, you are still required to register so that we can plan, schedule and assign for the coming school year. Please take a look at the 2022-23 registration information, which includes details about proof of residency, school supplies, fees, and medical requirements.
Community Facility Planning Information Meeting April 27
The Board of Education and Superintendent Mark Cross will be hosting a series of community information meetings to provide detailed information and respond to any questions about the June 28 ballot question to address safety and security concerns, as well as replacement of the district’s aging and inefficient HVAC systems with a highly efficient geothermal system.
Notice of these meetings are also provided through an informational flyer that will be mailed to all homes in the school district. The meetings are scheduled for the following dates, times and locations:
Wednesday, April 27, 6:30 p.m. at Cass Junior High School
Monday, May 23, at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom (meeting link posted prior to the meeting)
Wednesday, May 25, 6:30 p.m. at Cass Junior High School
Details and information regarding the school district’s plans can be found on the district’s website under Facility Planning Frequently Asked Questions.
April 19, 2022 Board Meeting
At its most recent meeting, the Board of Education focused on communicating information related to facility planning and the June 28 general primary election, as well as adoption of new mathematics curriculum resources and planning for some changes with the current grading system across the school district. For more information and other meeting details, please see the Board Briefs.
1st Annual Art and Jazz Show a Success!
Last evening marked the 1st Annual Art and Jazz Show. With hundreds of pieces of art submitted, the participation was outstanding. Many students, parents and staff came out to enjoy the artwork and music and a wonderful time was had by all that attended. While we wish we could share each and every piece of art submitted, we do have a small sampling of pieces for your viewing pleasure. Thank you to art teachers Matt Etherington and Belle Marien, along with band teacher Megan Duffy Legan for all of the hard work they put into planning this lovely event.
Cass 5th Grader Makes Team USA Junior Badminton Team
Congratulations to our own Vincent Chen who recently qualified for the Team USA Junior Badminton Team! Vincent and Team USA will be competing at the Pan Am Games in the Dominican Republic. Good luck, Vincent!
8th Grade Bowling Trip Registration Open
Our graduating 8th grade students are invited to attend a bowling trip on June 1. Registration by May 6 is required to participate. Please review this flyer for more details and information on how to register.
Last Chance to Order 8th Grade Yard Signs
Celebrate your graduate with a personalized Class of 2022 yard sign, a great tradition for our graduating 8th graders. You can order a sign with or without your graduate’s first name. Please click here to order. THE DEADLINE IS APRIL 22 and signs will be delivered to your yard in early May!
Cass Junior High Food Drive Success
The Cass Junior High food drive held last week was a smashing success! Our Cass Warriors collected 804 items for the local food pantry. Thank you to all who participated and especially to our 6th grade students who won the competition!
Incoming 7th Grade Students - Advanced English Language Arts Class
6th grade parents, please see this letter from Principal Marcinkewicz with information on the 7th grade advanced/accelerated English language arts class.
Incoming 5th Grade Students - High Math Information
4th grade parents, please see this letter from Principal Marcinkewicz with information on the high math program for 5th grade students.
COVID-19 Data Dashboard
Here is the current COVID-19 Data Dashboard for both the most recent two weeks, as well as cumulative totals for the 2021-22 school year.
CARE May Events
CARE is excited to announce the following May events, please mark your calendars:
Book Fairs hosted in-person by CARE and Scholastic
Concord Elementary School - Monday, May 2 through Friday, May 6*
Cass Junior High School - May 23 through Thursday, May 26*
* Kindly note that parents are not permitted to come into the schools to shop the book fairs during school hours.
Dine to Donate
On Tuesday, May 10th, CARE is partnering with Buona Beef (located at 7417 Cass Ave, Darien) for our Dine to Donate Fundraiser night. Mention the CARE Fundraiser when you order and Buona will give 20% of the event's sales back to our schools!
Let’s Get Pampered
On Sunday, May 15th, CARE is hosting a "Let's Get Pampered" fundraising event at World Star Nails (located at 7411 S Cass Ave, Darien). More details to be shared soon!
Alumni Corner
Congratulations Cass 63 graduates Sami Alkhudari, Anna Angus, Hasan Azim, Makena Camden, Diego Castellanos, Jacob Charters, Maggie Chen, Victoria Cius, Nicholas Dominguez, Dimitrije Gujanicic, Tyler Hallman, Yusuf Hussain, Yumi Li, Ellen Mulgrew, Jaitin Pallath, Aryan Patel, Fatima Qureshi, Katherine Spytek, Megan Tai and Avni Verma for being inducted into the National Honor Society on Wednesday, April 13.
Congratulations to Annika Nicol, Ellen Mulgrew and Henry Sullivan who are all IHSA Journalism State Qualifiers.
Congratulations to Megan Tai who has been named the Female Athlete of the Month at Hinsdale South High School.
Community Connections
Anxiety & OCD 101 presented by the District 86 Parent Network
Important Dates to Remember
Wednesday, April 27 Community Facility Information Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Friday, May 13 Early Release Day – Concord 11:15/Cass 12:00
Friday, May 20 2022-23 School Year Registration Deadline
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Cass63 Connections - April 14, 2022
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
As we quickly move toward the end of the school year, we are very excited about the return of so many wonderful activities, as well as several new ones. We can’t make up for everything from the previous two years, but our teachers and administrators want to do what we can to making it meaningful and fun for our students.
Our 4th graders just had a blast at a Chicago Wolves hockey game, and our junior high kids have a fun day planned on May 27. See below for the details! This is in addition to the 7th grade trip to Springfield, the 8th grade trip to Washington DC trip, the 8th grade dance and much more.
This coming Wednesday, we are also excited to be are hosting our 1st Annual Art and Jazz Show at Cass Junior High, featuring artwork from our talented students at BOTH Concord and Cass! Art teachers Matt Etherington, Belle Marien and jazz band director Megan Duffy-Legan are making this a very special night and we hope you will join us in celebrating the arts in Cass 63!
And as we look toward next school year, this is a reminder that it is time to register your kids! If you have not yet done so, please take a look at the registration information, which includes details about proof of residency, school supplies, fees, and medical requirements. We have an easy online registration process but if you have any questions, just let us know. The deadline to register is Friday, May 20.
Thank you!
Community Meetings Regarding Facility Ballot Question Announced
The Board of Education and Superintendent Mark Cross will be hosting a series of community information meetings to provide detailed information and respond to any questions about the June 28 ballot question to address safety and security concerns as well as the district's aging and inefficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
Notice of these meetings will also be provided through an informational flyer that will be mailed to all homes in the school district. The meetings are scheduled for the following dates, times and locations:
Wednesday, April 27, 6:30 p.m. at Cass Junior High School
Monday, May 23, at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom (meeting link posted prior to the meeting)
Wednesday, May 25, 6:30 p.m. at Cass Junior High School
Details and information regarding the school district’s plans can be found on the district’s website under Facility Planning Frequently Asked Questions.
Art and Jazz Show April 20!
On Wednesday, April 20, District 63 is proudly hosting our 1st Annual Art and Jazz Show from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at Cass Junior High. This show will feature works from both Concord and Cass students, and will be accompanied by a special performance from members of the Cass Junior High Jazz band.
There is no limit to the amount of work a student can submit, and all media types, including digital art, are allowed. If you are interested in submitting artwork for this event, please contact Ms. Marien at bmarien@cassd63.org or Mr. Etherington at metherington@cassd63.org. The deadline for art submissions is April 19!
Just for Fun! Cass Junior High All School Field Trips (corrected date)
Cass Junior High is excited to announce an all school field trip on Friday, May 27. Last week the Cass63 Connections noted an incorrect date for the field trips so please make sure you have the correct date on your calendar! Students in 7th and 8th grades will be going to Great America and students in 5th and 6th grades will be going to Enchanted Castle.
For information on cost for the trip and how to register, please see 7th and 8th Grade Great America trip or 5th and 6th Grade Enchanted Castle trip. If you wish for your child to participate, you must register no later than May 1 and please make sure you are registering for the correct event. If you have any questions, please contact the Cass Junior High office at 331-481-4000 option 2.
Let's Glow! 8th Grade Dance Registration
Tickets are now available for the 8th grade dance! The dance is Friday, May 13 at Chuck's Banquets, tickets are $30 each, and you must RSVP by May 6. Get your ticket today by clicking here. Questions? Contact the Dance Committee by emailing lpjohnson13@gmail.com.
Incoming 7th Grade Students - Advanced English Language Arts Class
6th grade parents, please see this letter from Principal Marcinkewicz with information on the 7th grade advanced/accelerated English language arts class.
Incoming 5th Grade Students - High Math Information
4th grade parents, please see this letter from Principal Marcinkewicz with information on the high math program for 5th grade students.
5th & 6th Grade Health
As part of our 5th and 6th grade health Growth and Development curriculum, presenters from Candor Health (formerly Robert Crown) will be presenting to our students on Tuesday, April 19. Please see 5th and 6th Grade Growth and Development for information on the subjects covered and how to opt your child out of the curriculum if you wish to do so.
COVID-19 Data Dashboard
Here is the current COVID-19 Data Dashboard for both the most recent two weeks, as well as cumulative totals for the 2021-22 school year.
District 86 Seeks Community Input
District 86 is seeking the community’s help with the development of its profile of a graduate, which will feature the qualities and characteristics it wants students to possess when they leave high school. The district has created a brief survey people can use to:
- Provide up to five attributes that they believe describe the ideal District 86 graduate.
- Convey their interest in being part of a focus group that will aid the creation of the profile.
The survey can be accessed here and will be open until April 22 at 4:00 p.m.
Community Connections
StemCon hosted by College of DuPage
Soccer Clinic hosted by Hinsdale Central and Illinois State University
Important Dates to Remember
Friday, April 15 No School – Local School Holiday
Wednesday, April 20 District Art and Jazz Show
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Cass63 Connections - April 7, 2022
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
Following months of effort, planning and research, earlier this week the Board of Education held a special meeting for the sole purpose of finalizing plans for addressing several safety and security concerns as well as the district's aging and inefficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
After another excellent discussion, the Board unanimously approved a resolution to submit this question to the voters in the June 28 general primary election. Specifically, this is asking our citizens of Cass School District 63 to approve borrowing up to $13,425,000 to address our needs. This follows the equally strong consensus from our Facilities and Finance Committees to move forward. Getting to this point is a huge step, and now we will focus our efforts in making certain we provide accurate, clear and factual information to our citizens and taxpayers.
As part of this, please review the Facility Planning FAQs that are posted on our website. This will be updated as questions arise and more information becomes available. We are also planning at least two community information meetings scheduled for Wednesday, April 27 and Wednesday, May 25, at 6:30 p.m. These will include a presentation of the plans, details and costs, as well as an opportunity for any questions from our parents and community.
More information will be provided in the coming weeks. In the meantime, please reach out if you have any questions at all, or feel free to contact any member of the Board. I truly appreciate the excellent input we have had so far from our parents, community and staff.
Thank you!
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
District Wide Art and Jazz Show April 20!
On Wednesday, April 20, District 63 is proudly hosting our first annual district wide art show from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at Cass Junior High. This show will feature works from both Concord and Cass students, and will be accompanied by a special performance from members of the Cass Junior High Jazz band.
There is no limit to the amount of work a student can submit, and all media types including digital art are allowed. If you are interested in submitting artwork for this event, please contact Ms. Marien at bmarien@cassd63.org or Mr. Etherington at metherington@cassd63.org.
Just for Fun! Cass Junior High All School Field Trips
Our kids had to miss out on a lot of activities the last two years. We can’t make up for all of it, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have one extra fun day! Cass Junior High is excited to announce an all school field trip on Friday, May 27.
Students in 7th and 8th grades will be going to Great America and students in 5th and 6th grades will be going to Enchanted Castle. For information on cost for the trip and how to register, please see 7th and 8th Grade Great America trip or 5th and 6th Grade Enchanted Castle trip. If you wish for your child to participate, you must register no later than May 1. Please make sure you are registering for the correct event. If you have any questions, please contact the Cass Junior High office at 331-481-4000 option 2.
Attention 8th Grade Parents!
It’s time to celebrate our 8th graders, the Class of 2020! Please mark your calendars for the 8th grade dance on Friday, May 13. We have two fundraisers that not only celebrate your graduate but help pay for the dance as well!
CLICK HERE to order a special commemorative Class of 2022 T-Shirt! Second, CLICK HERE to order a personalized Class of 2022 Yard Sign for your graduate! Deadline for orders is Friday, April 8! For more information, contact our Dance Committee at lpjohnson13@gmail.com.
Safety, Security and HVAC Plans and FAQs
The Board Briefs include information from the recent meeting in which the Board of Education approved moving forward with a referendum question on the June 28 ballot to address these needs. The district will continue to update its Frequently Asked Questions on this topic, including information on the plans, cost and rationale for what is being proposed.
5th & 6th Grade Health
As part of our 5th and 6th grade health Growth and Development curriculum, presenters from Candor Health (Formerly Robert Crown) will be presenting to our students on Tuesday, April 19. Please see 5th and 6th Grade Growth and Development for information on the subjects covered and how to opt your child out of the curriculum if you wish to do so.
Job Opportunity … Spread the Word!
The district is still seeking a full-time custodian at Cass Junior High School, with a starting rate of $17.00 per hour plus excellent benefits. The normal work schedule is Monday through Friday from 1:30 - 10:00 p.m. but the schedule is generally during daytime hours when school is not in session. Here is the application and information. Please contact Superintendent Mark Cross with any questions.
13th Annual Kids Heart Challenge
Concord Elementary will be participating in the 13th annual Kids Heart Challenge which is an optional fundraiser for the American Heart Association. Please see Kids Heart Challenge for information on the fundraiser and how your children may participate.
COVID-19 Data Dashboard
Here is the current COVID-19 Data Dashboard for both the most recent two weeks, as well as cumulative totals for the 2021-22 school year.
Alumni Corner
Congratulations to Jaylin Steele for being a part of the 1st place 4x160 team at the WSC Gold Indoor Conference Meet.
Community Connections
Hinsdale South High School 2022-23 Danceline Tryouts
Rep. Jim Durkin & Sen. John Curran Children’s Safety Expo
Important Dates to Remember
Thursday, April 14 Early Release Day (Concord 11:15 am/Cass 12:00 pm)
Friday, April 15 No School – Local School Holiday
Wednesday, April 20 District Art and Jazz Show
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Cass63 Connections - March 24, 2022
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
For many years, our Board of Education and staff have worked hard to maintain safe facilities for our students and staff. However, there are significant needs far outside of the district's budget that are overdue to be addressed, particularly as it relates to the district's aging and inefficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. This has been a key initiative of the Board, which is reflected under the student health and safety pillar of our Vision 2025 Strategic Plan.
After many related meetings, discussions and work over the past year in particular, the Board will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, April 5, at 6:00 p.m. The purpose of this meeting will be to discuss and share final details, hear any questions from the public and consider a resolution to place the issue on the ballot for the voters of our community to consider.
Every effort is being made to resolve these needs in the most proactive and cost-effective way, while also addressing the educational environment, energy efficiency and indoor air quality, while maximizing long-term energy savings and minimizing long-term life cycle costs. As we take this step, we will continue to be open and transparent about our plans, the costs and the benefits to doing this right. Questions are always more than welcome.
As we head into the school district's spring break with 11:15 and 12:00 dismissal on Friday, I hope you enjoy the time with your families. There will be no Cass63 Connections next week, and we will resume weekly communications when students return on Monday, April 4. Thank you!
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
District Wide Art and Jazz Show April 20!
On Wednesday, April 20, District 63 is proudly hosting our first annual district wide art show from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at Cass Junior High. This show will feature works from both Concord and Cass students, and will be accompanied by a special performance from members of the Cass Junior High Jazz band.
There is no limit to the amount of work a student can submit, and all media types including digital art are allowed. If you are interested in submitting artwork for this event, please contact Ms. Marien at bmarien@cassd63.org or Mr. Etherington at metherington@cassd63.org.
Darien Woman's Club Art Fair Winners
Congratulations to Zachary Komperda on taking 1st place in Division II and Anna Leopoldo for taking 1st place in Division III of Darien Woman’s Club Art Fair. We are so proud of these talented young artists!
2022-23 Registration Open
Registration for the 2022-23 school year opened last week! If you have not yet registered, please see the Residency and Registration section of our website and the Parent Guide to Registration document which includes step by step instructions. If you have any questions, please contact us at 331-481-4000 extension 1 for Concord Elementary School, extension 2 for Cass Junior High School or extension 3 for the district office.
Last Chance! 7th Grade Springfield Trip
The 7th Grade class trip to Springfield is scheduled for May 12, 2022. Students must be signed up no later than April 1, 2022 so please make sure to sign up so you do not miss this great opportunity. Here is more information on the trip and how to register your student. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Ken Kohnke at kkohnke@cassd63.org.
Board Briefs
In addition to the discussion and planned special meeting to address the district’s HVAC needs, at the most recent Board of Education meeting on March 22, the Board approved the updated the Stay Healthy, Stay Smart! plan to align with CDC guidance, approved several resignations, requests for retirement and employed a school psychologist, three teachers and two bus drivers for the 2022-23 school year. More information on Board discussion and action can be viewed in the Board Briefs.
Hinsdale South A Cappella Choir Visits Cass
The Hinsdale South A Cappella choir and madrigals, including alumni Luke Casey, Wesley Davis, Elijah John, Lily Levine, Yumi Li, Ryan Mueller, Henry Sullivan and Sophia Zakar, performed last week at Cass Junior High School. We thank their director Mr. Chris Gumban for taking the time to bring our talented alumni back to Cass!
Kindergarten Learns About Wind
Having fun and learning goes hand in hand! Our kindergarten students created kites and were able to fly them outside to learn about the wind!
Energy and Environment Classes Clean Up
Mrs. Paszkowski’s Energy and Environment class also took advantage of a beautiful spring day to collect litter that had accumulated outside over the winter. Thank you to our students for doing the right thing and taking great care of the environment.
Job Opportunity … Spread the Word!
The district is still seeking a full-time custodian at Cass Junior High School, with a starting rate of $17.00 per hour plus excellent benefits. The normal work schedule is Monday through Friday from 1:30 - 10:00 p.m. but the schedule is generally during daytime hours when school is not in session. Here is the application and information. Please contact Superintendent Mark Cross with any questions.
13th Annual Kids Heart Challenge
Concord Elementary will be participating in the 13th annual Kids Heart Challenge which is an optional fundraiser for the American Heart Association. Please see Kids Heart Challenge for information on the fundraiser and how your children may participate.
CARE Dine to Donate on March 26
CARE has partnered with Fill-A-Pita for its March Dine to Donate event on Saturday, March 26. Start off spring break right with your family and head to Fill-A-Pita between 10:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. to take advantage of this great way to support CARE and the students of Cass 63.
April Lunch Menus
Cass Junior High April Lunch Menu
Concord Elementary April Lunch Menu
COVID-19 Data Dashboard
Here is the current COVID-19 Data Dashboard for both the most recent two weeks, as well as cumulative totals for the 2021-22 school year.
Alumni Corner
Congratulations to Cass 63 graduates and Hinsdale South High School students Eli Carder, Parth Joshi and Eva Louis, who took the top three spots in the American Math Competitions, which are organized by the Mathematical Association of America.
Important Dates to Remember
Friday, March 25 Early Release Day (Concord 11:15 am/Cass 12:00 pm)
Monday, March 28-April 1 No School – Spring Break
Monday, April 4 School Resumes
Wednesday, April 20 District Art and Jazz Show
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Cass63 Connections - March 17, 2022
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
As we round the corner to nicer weather, we are so excited to have the opportunity for our kids to participate in some wonderful activities! It has been exactly two years since events across the globe caused children everywhere to miss out on so much. We can’t make up for all of that, but what we can do is make the end of this school year as fun and memorable for our kids as possible. Stay tuned for more on this!
We are also excited to take our next steps with some very hard work and planning that has been taking place within our school district. On Tuesday, March 22, the Board of Education will act on final recommendations for how to best proactively address the replacement of our aging and inefficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems at both schools. This is an issue that is long overdue for a permanent solution and consideration for the option that is safest for our students and the most cost-effective for our taxpayers was given not only for today but for the next generation as well.
Our 12-member facilities committee was unanimous in its recommendation to pursue a geothermal system at each school, as this solution scored the highest in each of the identified key areas of educational environment, indoor air quality, energy efficiency, sustainability, maintenance and life cycle cost and maximizing potential funding and grant opportunities. The geothermal solutions also have by far the lowest life cycle cost and current estimates show an estimated energy savings of approximately $70,000 per year.
There are many reasons to be excited about spring, but normal activities for kids and a long-term solution to the biggest challenge in our district are two of them! We will keep our parents and school community informed on both of these topics. In the meantime, please reach out if you have any questions or concerns at all.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
2022-23 Registration Opens Friday
Registration for the 2022-23 school year opens tomorrow! If you have questions about how to register the answers can be found on the Residency and Registration section of our website and the Parent Guide to Registration document includes step by step instructions. The 2022-23 registration deadline is Friday, May 20.
If you have any further questions, please contact us at 331-481-4000 extension 1 for Concord Elementary School, extension 2 for Cass Junior High School or extension 3 for the district office. Thank you!
District Wide Art and Jazz Show April 20!
On April 20, 2022 District 63 is proudly hosting our first annual district wide art show from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at Cass Junior High. This show will feature works from both Concord and Cass students, and will be accompanied by a special performance from members of the Cass Junior High Jazz band.
There is no limit to the amount of work a student can submit, and all media types including digital art are allowed. If you are interested in submitting artwork for this event, please contact Ms. Marien at bmarien@cassd63.org or Mr. Etherington at metherington@cassd63.org.
Symphonic Band Performance
This past weekend the Cass Junior High Symphonic Band put on a fantastic performance at the Southeast DuPage Band Festival. Congratulations to Mrs. Duffy-Legan and our talented students! Also, thank you to Mr. Alongi at Old Quarry Middle School for hosting a great event.
Girls Volleyball Season Ends
The Cass Junior High girl’s volleyball team recently completed their hard fought season. Congratulations to all the players and coaches Landon Mitchell and AJ Petigo on a great year!
Interested in Spring Sports?
Spring sports are about to begin at Cass Junior High School. To participate in any sport, students must have a sports physical on file that is dated within the 12 months prior to try-outs or start date. Following is tryout and start date information, and links to more details are included.
Track & Field 1st Day – March 21
Girls and Boys Soccer Tryouts – March 21 and 22
Boys Volleyball Tryouts – March 23 and 24
Concord Vision and Hearing Screenings March 23
On Wednesday, March 23, the DuPage County Health Department is conducting vision and hearing screening at Concord Elementary School.
Vision Screening Information – Preschool, select kindergartners who do not have the Illinois Eye Examination Report on file, 2nd grade, transfer students and all students receiving special services will be screened. Children with prescription glasses or children who are under the care of an eye doctor will not be screened. Please keep in mind that vision screening is not a substitute for a complete eye and vision evaluation by an eye doctor.
Hearing Screening Information – Preschool, kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, transfer students and all students receiving special services will be screened. Children who have a cochlear implant will not be screened.
The health department requires that students must wear a mask during the screening so please plan accordingly. The rescreening date is scheduled for April 4. Please contact the Concord school office with questions.
13th Annual Kids Heart Challenge
Concord Elementary will be participating in the 13th annual Kids Heart Challenge which is an optional fundraiser for the American Heart Association. Please see Kids Heart Challenge for information on the fundraiser and how your children may participate.
7th Grade Springfield Trip Information
The 7th Grade class trip to Springfield is scheduled for May 12, 2022. Students must be signed up no later than April 1, 2022. Here is more information on the trip and how to register your student. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Ken Kohnke at kkohnke@cassd63.org.
Class of 2026 4th Grade T-Shirt Order Opportunity
Hey 4th Grade Families, now is your opportunity to start showing your school pride and place your order for a Cass Class of 2026 t-shirt! Go to Class of 2026 to order yours today!
COVID-19 Data Dashboard
Here is the current COVID-19 Data Dashboard for both the most recent two weeks, as well as cumulative totals for the 2021-22 school year.
Alumni Corner
Congratulations to Eli Carder, Zachary Carder, Elijah John, Parth Joshi, Eva Marie Louis, Jaitin Pallath, Ann Valiathara, Sophia Zakar who are all part of the Hinsdale South Math Team and are headed to the state competition on April 30.
Congratulations to Brendan Savage who qualified for and competed in the IHSA Three-Point Showdown finals in Champaign this past weekend!
Community Connections
8th Grade parents, Hinsdale South High School is holding a Shirt and Hoodie Sale through March 25. This is a great opportunity to get some spirit wear for your soon to be Freshman!
SASED, the District’s Special Education Cooperative, is hosting a series of Parent Workshops. They are Burning Up Instead of Burning Out on April 7, Building Trusting Relationships with Difficult Children on April 12 and Beginners Guide to Augmentative and Alternative Communication on April 25. Please click here for more information and to register.
Important Dates to Remember
Friday, March 18 2022-23 Registration Opens
Friday, March 25 Early Release Day (Concord 11:15 am/Cass 12:00 pm)
Monday, March 28-April 1 No School – Spring Break
Monday, April 4 School Resumes
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Cass63 Connections - March 10, 2022
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
One of the greatest challenges for parents today is being fully engaged with what is taking place with your children online. This includes the obvious issues related to social media and messaging services that are at their fingertips. It is critical that you are aware of what they are seeing and hearing, as well as who they are interacting with.
It is also a very wise parent who recognizes that sometimes our own great kids with wonderful parents can say inappropriate or hurtful things to others. They are kids. They are human. They want to connect. Sometimes the combination of being kids and wanting to connect in a world absent of adult supervision leads to unintended consequences. Sometimes these issues spill over into real life with their peer interactions, including here at school.
This is a topic that we talk about here not only because there is an impact at school, but also because some of you have shared your struggles. We recognize this and want to do what we can to help. One of those things we are talking about is putting opportunities before you and resources in your hands to learn more about how to battle this and protect your child.
One opportunity is tonight as our friends in Gower School District 62, through their foundation, are hosting an event that is explained below, and you are welcome to join by registering under the link. I share this because we are also looking for similar opportunities and will continue to promote these here as we have in the past.
This is a really important part of having a high-level connection between home and school. We will work to be proactive with this as much as we can, but there is no replacement for parents being completely engaged with your child and their online interactions. Take nothing for granted when it comes to their safety, and please reach out if you need anything at all. Thank you!
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
Parent Documentary Available Tonight
Our friends in Gower School District 62 have opened up the opportunity for you to join in a virtual screening for the film, The Upstanders. Here is the registration link and the viewing is Thursday, March 10, at 7:00 p.m.
The Upstanders is an education program about resilience, attention, and the power of connection to end bullying. The film explores cyber-bullying, bullying among friends, families, co-workers and the brain science behind it. After the film, there will be a panel discussion that includes access to additional resources and materials.
2022-23 Registration Opens March 18
Online registration for the 2022-23 school year will open on Friday, March 18. Details will be provided in advance and the deadline for registration and payment of fees will be Friday, May 20.
Progress Reports Available Tomorrow
The end of the 2nd trimester was Thursday, March 3 and progress reports will be available to parents on Friday, March 11 in PowerSchool. Here are the directions on how to access the progress reports. Please contact your child’s school office with questions.
Concord Vision and Hearing Screenings March 23
On Wednesday, March 23, the DuPage County Health Department is conducting vision and hearing screening at Concord Elementary School.
Vision Screening Information – Preschool, select kindergartners who do not have the Illinois Eye Examination Report on file, 2nd grade, transfer students and all students receiving special services will be screened. Children with prescription glasses or children who are under the care of an eye doctor will not be screened. Please keep in mind that vision screening is not a substitute for a complete eye and vision evaluation by an eye doctor.
Hearing Screening Information – Preschool, kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, transfer students and all students receiving special services will be screened. Children who have a cochlear implant will not be screened.
The health department requires that students must wear a mask during the screening so please plan accordingly. The rescreening date is scheduled for April 4. Please contact the Concord school office with questions.
Spring Sports Tryouts
Spring sports are about to begin at Cass Junior High School. To participate in any sport, students must have a sports physical on file that is dated within the 12 months prior to try-outs or start date. Following is tryout and start date information:
Track & Field 1st Day – March 21
Girls and Boys Soccer Tryouts – March 21 and 22
Boys Volleyball Tryouts – March 23 and 24
Kids Heart Challenge
Concord Elementary will be participating in the 13th annual Kids’ Heart Challenge which is an optional fundraiser for the American Heart Association. Please see Kids’ Heart Challenge for information on the fundraiser and how your children may participate.
7th Grade Springfield Trip Information
The 7th Grade class trip to Springfield is scheduled for May 12, 2022. Students must be signed up no later than April 1, 2022. Here is more information on the trip and how to register your student. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Ken Kohnke at kkohnke@cassd63.org.
CARE Fannie May Fundraiser Ends March 17
Easter is coming and it is the perfect time to stock up on Fannie May candy. Ordering is open from March 3rd through the 17th. Information on how to order can be found here. Please don’t miss this great opportunity.
Class of 2026 4th Grade T-Shirt Order Opportunity
4th Grade Families - now is your opportunity to start showing your school pride and place your order for a Cass Class of 2026 t-shirt! Go to Class of 2026 to order yours today!
Don't Forget to Spring Forward!
Don’t forget to move your clocks ahead one hour this Sunday!
COVID-19 Data Dashboard
Here is the current COVID-19 Data Dashboard for both the most recent two weeks, as well as cumulative totals for the 2021-22 school year.
Community Connections
The Community Speaker Series presents Jessica Lahey: The Addiction Inoculation. This presentation helps parents understand the roots of substance abuse and identify who is most at risk for addiction.
Holi Indian Festival of Love: Color Fight hosted by Indian Prairie Public Library
Important Dates to Remember
Friday, March 11 2nd Trimester Report Cards Available
Friday, March 18 2022-23 Registration Opens
Friday, March 25 Early Release Day (Concord 11:15 am/Cass 12:00 pm)
Monday, March 28-April 1 No School – Spring Break
Monday, April 4 School Resumes
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Cass63 Connections - March 3, 2022
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
This has been an extraordinarily positive week as we continue to focus on the health and safety of our students, and of course their academic, emotional and social growth. There have been no issues that we are aware of with the change in mask policy and everyone seems to have adapted very well. We will continue to monitor our cases and health situations daily, with our primary focus on what is taking place here at school.
While we are disappointed that schools continue to have no updated guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health, the signals have been clear that Illinois has defaulted to the recent guidance changes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About one week ago, Governor Pritzker said, "We will recommend that all school districts follow CDC guidance and will update our existing guidance in the coming days."
This has not yet happened, so in light of the new CDC guidance along with the recent legal rulings, we are currently utilizing the COVID-19 Community Levels to determine the necessary mitigations, even though we go above and beyond what is technically required. This new set of metrics currently has DuPage County in the Low (Green) Community Level and I have added this data point to our Cass 63 Data Dashboard, which we will continue to update on a weekly basis. Also, while we hope to gain more clarity with this soon, we are following the CDC Quarantine and Isolation guidance as well.
As I have communicated previously, all of our other mitigations remain in place and we will continue to monitor our data closely, with much experience in understanding how quickly things can change. Once we have guidance that more clearly and directly impacts our Stay Healthy, Stay Smart! plan, this will be updated and communicated to you as parents.
As always, please reach out with any questions or concerns at all. Thank you!.
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
Reminder – No School Friday, March 4
Due to a scheduled Teacher Institute Day, there is no school for students on Friday, March 4.
Chorus Night at Papa Passero's Tonight!
On Thursday, March 3, CARE is holding a fundraiser at Papa Passero’s featuring our Cass Junior High School Chorus. The 5th and 6th grade chorus will be singing from 6:00-6:30 p.m. and the 7th and 8th grade chorus and Advanced Vocal Ensemble will be singing from 7:00-7:40 p.m. Please remember to print this flyer and give it to your server. We look forward to seeing you there!
2022-23 Registration Opens March 18
Online registration for the 2022-23 school year will open on Friday, March 18. Details will be provided in advance and the deadline for registration and payment of fees will be Friday, May 20.
Safety First! Bus Reminders and Rules
Please help us ensure the safety of all students on District buses by reviewing the following bus rules with your children:
- No standing while the bus is in motion.
- Do not get out of your seat until the bus has come to a complete stop.
- No food or drink is allowed on the bus.
- For parents of Concord students, please remember that if there is no adult at the bus stop when your child reaches their stop, your child will not be permitted to exit the bus. They will be returned to Concord Elementary at the end of the route and parents will be notified to come and pick them up. If you arrive late to the stop and the bus is pulling away, please proceed to Concord Elementary where your child will arrive at the end of the route.
- For students on Bus 5 or 6, those routes have been combined for the remainder of the school year and Mrs. Perry will be driving the routes.
If you have any questions, please contact your child’s school office.
Do You Like Green Eggs and Ham?
Mrs. Rokicki’s 2nd grade class listens to Green Eggs and Ham read and acted out by Mr. Cross and Mrs. Dooley as part of Read Across America. The students seemed to agree that Mrs. Dooley is a much better actor than Mr. Cross!
Prekindergarten Screening Registration
For parents of 3, 4 and 5-year old children, Concord Elementary will be holding a prekindergarten screening on Friday, March 11, 2022. Your child must be registered to attend. Please see the prekindergarten screening information to learn how to register.
Last Chance for 8th Grade Washington, D.C. Trip Registration
If you have not yet signed up your 8th grader for the Washington, D.C. trip, this Friday, March 5 is the last day to do so!
7th Grade Springfield Trip Information
The 7th Grade class trip to Springfield is scheduled for May 12, 2022. Students must be signed up no later than April 1, 2022. Here is more information on the trip and how to register your student. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Ken Kohnke at kkohnke@cassd63.org.
Full-Time Custodian Vacancy
The district is still seeking a late-shift custodian at Cass Junior High School. The normal work schedule is Monday through Friday from 1:30 - 10:00 p.m. but the schedule is generally during daytime hours when school is not in session. Here is the application and information. Please contact Superintendent Mark Cross with any questions.
CARE - Fannie May Fundraiser
Easter is coming and it is the perfect time to stock up on Fannie May candy. Ordering is open from March 3rd through the 17th. Information on how to order can be found here. Please don’t miss this great opportunity.
Cub Scout Pack 3097 BBQ in the Snow
The 24th Annual BBQ in the Snow will be held on Tuesday, March 8 at Concord Elementary School. Don't miss out on this popular event.
Alumni Corner
Congratulations to Dimitrije Gujanicic and Aayush Patel who both qualified for the National Competition in the Business Professionals of America. They will compete in Texas in May.
COVID-19 Data Dashboard
Here is the current COVID-19 Data Dashboard for both the most recent two weeks, as well as cumulative totals for the 2021-22 school year.
Important Dates to Remember
Thursday, March 3 End of 2nd Trimester
Friday, March 4 No School – Staff Institute Day
Friday, March 11 2nd Trimester Report Cards Available
