The following “official email newsletter,” featuring upcoming events, was distributed on May 16, 2018, to families and community members signed up to receive 204 E-News. Note time-sensitive events and opportunities.
Fine Arts Festival
May 19
Experience the artistic talents of District 204 students at the 32nd Annual Fine Arts Festival from 9 am to 4 pm on Saturday, May 19 at all 3 high schools. This one day event includes 80 musical performances featuring 9,000 students and more than 12,000 pieces of artwork on display throughout Neuqua Valley, Metea Valley and Waubonsie Valley High Schools. District 204 was recently named a NAMM Award winner for the 7th straight year as a Best Communities for Music Education. Presentations honoring the District for this award will take place at 9:00 am at Neuqua Valley High School, 10:45 am at Metea Valley High School and 1:15 pm at Waubonsie Valley High School. This event is funded by the Indian Prairie Educational Foundation (IPEF) with additional support through a grant from the City of Naperville. To view a performance schedule, visit FAF Schedule.
Engage 204 Report
May 21
This school year, the Board of Education asked a group of community members to lead a community engagement process called Engage 204. The purpose was to hold a series of public meetings that would bring together community members to explore different aspects of the district, including budgets, facilities, academics and other key issues involved in maintaining a successful educational experience for students. A total of five community sessions were held, with each including an opportunity for participants to share ideas and discuss topics in small groups. The key findings from these meetings will be presented by the Engage 204 community leaders during the May 21 Board of Education meeting at 7 pm at the Crouse Education Center, 780 Shoreline Drive, Aurora. Presentation materials and videos from all the Engage 204 sessions are online at engage204.org.
Help Support Families in Need
May 18
District 204 currently has 18 percent of its students qualifying for free or reduced lunch. This translates to more than 5,000 students. Purchasing school supplies so children are prepared for the school year can be challenging for low-income families. To address this problem, the Indian Prairie Parents’ Council (IPPC) is hosting a drive to support families who may need assistance when their children return to school in August. If you would like to help make a difference for our families, you can make a donation in any amount by visiting donate. If you would prefer to write a check, please make it payable to Indian Prairie Parents’ Council. Checks can be mailed to Community Relations Coordinator, Crouse Education Center, 780 Shoreline Drive, Aurora, IL 60504. IPPC will use 100 percent of funds collected to purchase Meijer, Walmart and Target gift cards for distribution through the schools to families in need. Donations can be made through May 18.
Battle of the Bands Applications
May 30
Calling all students who play in bands! District 204 student musicians are encouraged to participate for a chance to win $1,000 in prizes when the Indian Prairie Educational Foundation hosts a Battle of the Bands on August 25 as part of its 30th Anniversary Celebration. Eight student bands will be selected to compete. Details and the application are available at Battle of the Bands.
Team IPEF Kids Marathon
Register now
Want a great way to encourage healthy choices with your children this summer? Register them to participate as a charity hero with Team IPEF in the Naperville Kids Marathon. Students ages 5-13 commit to running 25 miles (one mile at a time) between May 1 and October 19 and track their miles. On Saturday, October 20, they run the final 1.2 miles at Naperville North High School on a portion of the course used by Team IPEF runners in the Naperville Half Marathon the following day. All participants receive a Team IPEF shirt, race shirt and finisher medal. Register online IPEF and select the school your child will represent. Cost is $44 and includes race registration and a $26 tax deductible donation.
This Week’s e-Folder
This week’s e-Folder has been updated with information on community programs. For more information about the programs listed below, visit the 204 e-Folder.
- The Valley Runway Dress and Accessory Collection
Next Board of Education Meeting
The next regular Board of Education meeting is at 7 pm on Monday, May 21, 2018 at the Crouse Education Center, 780 Shoreline Drive, Aurora. Meeting agendas and documents will be available online prior to the meeting. Video of the regular meeting can be streamed live or viewed the following day at YouTube.
Editor’s Notes / Indian Prairie School District 204, one of two local public school districts serving Naperville, is the fourth largest school district in Illinois with 28,000 students. Encompassing 46 square miles, School District 204 serves portions of Naperville, Aurora, Bolingbrook and Plainfield.
Earlier this month, all three high schools in District 204 high were ranked in the top 25 in the 670 high schools in the state for the first time in the 2018 Best High Schools ranking from U.S. News & World Report.
2018 Commencement for School District 204 high schools is set for different time (MVHS at 10AM, WVHS at 2PM, NVHS at 6PM) on Sun., May 27, at Northern Illinois University Convocation Center in Dekalb.
