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November Volunteer of the Month

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Sotiria “Sammie” Kapsis is a school counselor by profession, which has been invaluable in her role as a volunteer at Peterson Elementary School, where she leads discussions with students on topics such as bullying prevention, empathy, respect, problem solving and friendship skills. She is on the executive team of the Indian Prairie Parents Council (IPPC), serving as an advocate for parents and students in Indian Prairie School District 204. For her dedication in supporting students, parents, and teachers, she is being recognized as the District 204 BMO Harris Bank Volunteer of the Month.

“In a district where we are blessed with a strong community of caring volunteers that selflessly give of their time, it is a tremendous honor to be considered among one of them,” she said.

Kapsis has been volunteering in the district since she moved to the area four years ago. Her daughters attend Peterson Elementary School and Crone Middle School. She has served as Peterson’s representative on the IPPC; she is the IPPC first vice president and is chair of the IPPC Legislative Committee. She also was a candidate for the school board, and served on the district’s Food Committee and the Bring Your Own Technology Committee. As part of the Junior Achievement, STEM and Savvy Business Kids programs, she empowers children to learn about their role in the community, how to use their strengths and to know they have a voice and a responsibility as students in the district.

Her inspiration as a volunteer has been her mother, who was the first in her family to go to college and always tried to inspire new ideas in her daughter through her studies. Kapsis attended school in Greece for five years and across the U.S. for the rest of her educational career, which has given her a multicultural perspective in learning and life that she passes on to her own children.

“The example that we set for our students today, reflects the actions they will take tomorrow,” she said. “As a responsible steward of our community, it’s wonderful to help out in your child’s school and share your interests with them in a way that engages and inspires them.”

BMO Harris Bank is helping District 204 recognize one volunteer each month who has generously given his or her time to support District 204’s students and schools. To celebrate these outstanding volunteers, BMO Harris Bank is donating $1,000 to the volunteer's school. To nominate an outstanding volunteer, visit. http://ipsdweb.ipsd.org/Subpage.aspx/Volunteer

Volunteer of the Month
Peterson Elementary School volunteer Sammie Kapsis talks with students on the subject of bullying prevention. Kapsis is the District 204 BMO Harris Bank Volunteer of the Month for November.

Volunteer of the Month
Nicki McIntyre (left), branch manager for BMO Harris Bank, presents a $1,000 check to Peterson Elementary to honor Sammie Kapsis (right) who was named the District 204 BMO Harris Bank Volunteer of the Month for November.

Public Hearing on 2013 Levy

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The Board of Education of Indian Prairie School District 204 has scheduled a public hearing for Monday, December 9, 2013 at 7:05 pm at the Crouse Education Center, 780 Shoreline Drive, Aurora, IL. Any person desiring to appear at the public hearing and present testimony may contact Jay Strang, Assistant Superintendent of Business at 630-375-3070.

The Illinois School Code authorizes Boards of Education to levy a tax on the real property within the district to support its public schools. The Illinois property tax cap permits the Board to increase its tax extension by an amount limited to the Consumer Price Index plus any new property growth that may have occurred during the past year. The tentative levy is set at an amount to capture the taxes from this new growth.

The total levy request for 2013 is $240,447,536, an increase of 3.2% over the 2012 extension, or the actual amount the district received. Since the CPI applicable to the 2013 levy is one point seven percent (1.7%), it is anticipated that the district will actually receive an estimated 2.5% overall increase, primarily from new growth.

Conference Affiliation

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Indian Prairie currently competes in the Upstate Eight Conference in both athletics and activities. District 204's three high schools currently compete against East Aurora, Bartlett, South Elgin, and West Chicago. The DuPage Valley Conference has invited all three District 204 high schools to join its conference starting with the 2015-16 school year. Other schools currently in the DuPage Valley Conference are Naperville North, Naperville Central, Glenbard North, Wheaton North, Wheaton Warrenville South, and Lake Park. In comparing the two conferences, athletic directors and principals feel a move to the DuPage Valley Conference would be beneficial to students because it represents opportunities to challenge and encourage growth. Travel times would be shorter, as schools would be in closer proximity. The board supported the principals' recommendation to change conferences beginning in 2015-16. Administrators are expected to respond to the DuPage Valley Conference invitation in December.

For more information, view the presentation slides at the link below or watch the Conference Affiliation video at 204tv.org.


Principal Named for MVHS

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At Monday night's meeting, the Board of Education approved Dr. Darrell Echols as principal of Metea Valley High School. The school's current principal, Jim Schmid, is retiring in June.

Dr. Echols has served as the principal of Hill Middle School since 2010. His previous experience in District 204 includes working for seven years as a middle school teacher, and serving for three years as dean of students at Waubonsie Valley High School. Dr. Echols gained additional school leadership experience serving as a middle school principal in Plainfield for two years.

Superintendent Kathy Birkett described Dr. Echols as a "student-focused educator." She added, "Darrell is a strong communicator who will work well with Metea Valley's great staff, students and parents."

Dr. Echols looks forward to leading Metea Valley. "I am very excited to be joining the staff and students of Metea Valley High School. Principal Jim Schmid has built a strong foundation at Metea Valley where student learning is the focal point. It is an honor to follow him in this leadership role.”

Dr. Echols earned his Bachelor’s degree from Ohio Wesleyan University and his Master’s and Doctoral degrees from Aurora University.

Dr. Echols begins his new position July 1.



STEM Partnership School Discussed

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At the January 13 meeting, the Board of Education discussed the agreement for joint operation of the John C. Dunham STEM Partnership School, an innovative multi-district school on the Aurora University campus. The STEM Partnership School will open fall 2014 and serve approximately 200 students in grades three through eight from East Aurora, West Aurora, Indian Prairie and Oswego school districts.

The school’s curriculum will be aligned to new educational standards and is being developed by the four participating districts, the university, the corporate sector, and governmental and not-for profit partners. All subjects required by the Illinois State Board of Education will be taught, preparing the community’s talented young learners in ways that will ignite their interest in mathematics and science.

Equally important is the opportunity to develop the school as a model center for teacher preparation, faculty development and education research. Approximately two to three teachers will be drawn from each of the four partner districts and participate in graduate courses and professional development opportunities related to teaching and learning in STEM areas during their time at the school. Teachers then will return to their home school districts ready to serve as leaders and share their enriched knowledge of content and pedagogy with their colleagues.

Fifty students from each school district will have the opportunity to attend the school at no additional cost. Pending approval of the agreement from all four school districts, Aurora University will arrange a series of parent meetings where more information will be shared regarding application and admission procedures. University officials anticipate those meetings will occur in early spring. District 204's Board of Education is expected to vote on the agreement at its January 27 meeting.

More information on the John C. Dunham STEM Partnership School is available at:

stem.aurora.edu 


204tv.org  


STEM PowerPoint


IPEF 25th Anniversary Celebration

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IPEF 25

Friday, March 21, 2014
8pm Performance
Wentz Concert Hall

at North Central College in Downtown Naperville

Event Tickets: $25 per person
Reserved Performance Seating

VIP Tickets: $125 per person
Includes 5:30-7:30pm drinks & dinner at Hugo's Frog Bar or Sullivan's & VIP Performance Seating

Enjoy the nationally acclaimed high school music programs of Metea, Neuqua and Waubonsie Valley all on the same stage for a special performance celebrating the best of Indian Prairie School District 204.

Experience success stories, both past and present, and learn more about one of this community's hidden gems - the Indian Prairie Educational Foundation.

Order tickets through the Wentz Hall Box Office at 630-637-7469 or http://tickets.noctrl.edu.

Ticket availability is limited. Seating assigned first come, first served.

For partnership opportunities view this document or contact Susan Rasmus (630-375-3652 or susan_rasmus@ipsd.org).

Last Day of School Update

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Due to the district-wide closing of all schools for the recent snow days, two emergency days will be used at the end of the year. The scheduled last day of school is now June 4. However, we could still see more winter weather that could close schools and use additional emergency days. There are always five emergency days at the end of the school calendar for this purpose.

The two days that elementary schools were closed due to heat do not impact the last day since it was not a district-wide closure.

The Board of Education typically approves a final revised school calendar once the threat of weather-related closures has past.

January Volunteer of the Month

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Donna Tipton is the parent volunteer that every PTA president dreams about. She is always ready, willing and able to give her time and talent in many capacities at Kendall Elementary School, where her children Brett and Ella attend. For her dedication in supporting students and teachers, she is being recognized as the District 204 BMO Harris Bank Volunteer of the Month.

“I am overwhelmed at the honor,” Tipton said. “I like to plan things, I want to make a difference and I like to help people – it all comes together for me with volunteering.”

She first started volunteering for room parties and helping in the classroom. She then began volunteering monthly at the Library Media Center where she currently designs and installs the popular display wall murals. She coordinates volunteers for the LMC and is an executive board member on the Kendall PTA.

Her behind-the-scenes work has led to publishing the school directory; scheduling restaurant nights; and bringing in a new line of spirit wear for students and staff. Over the past year, she helped launch several new initiatives including Donuts for Dads, Muffins with Mom, classroom raffle baskets and the first Kendall Fun Run.

Her inspiration as a volunteer was her high school youth group adviser in her hometown of New Milford, Conn. After she married her husband, Dave, in 2000, they volunteered as youth group leaders in New York for several years. Her real dedication to volunteering began after her 3-year-old niece, Hanna, lost her battle with cancer in 2006. She found courage and strength from her brother and sister-in-law, who founded the Butterfly Walk for CancerFree KIDS in 2007. Tipton has volunteered with them on the walk over the past seven years and has helped raise over $490,000 for pediatric cancer research.

“I am so happy to be able to show my kids firsthand what it is to give back and help others and to have them help out as well,” Tipton said. “You’re also setting an example for them as a volunteer, so they know it’s an important thing to do.”

BMO Harris Bank is helping District 204 recognize one volunteer each month who has generously given his or her time to support District 204’s students and schools. To celebrate these outstanding volunteers, BMO Harris Bank is donating $1,000 to the volunteer's school. To nominate an outstanding volunteer, visit Volunteer of the Month.


District 204 BMO Harris Bank Volunteer of the Month Donna Tipton with 15 iPads that were purchased from funds raised by the Kendall Fun Run, which she organized.


BMO Harris Bank presents $1,000 check to Kendall Elementary in honor of Donna Tipton who is the District 204 BMO Harris Bank Volunteer of the Month for January. (L to R) Nicki McIntyre – Branch Manager BMO Harris, Vicki Chow – Kendall PTA President, Lena Guerrieri – Kendall Elementary Principal, Donna Tipton, and Chris Michalski – Market President for BMO Harris Bank-Naperville.

High School Online Summer School Registration

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Registration is now available for high school online summer school for Consumer Economics and Music Theory.


Please see Online Summer School and register today. Registration will not be complete until payment is received.


District 204 Spelling Bee Winners

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Twenty-one middle school students from seven middle schools participated in the District 204 Spelling Bee on February 3, 2014.


This year's competition went 21 rounds, with the two finalist competing in the last 15 rounds. Gregory Middle School eighth-grade student, Viraja Alluri spelled “incognito” correctly to capture the District 204 championship. 


Second place went to Jonathan Li, a sixth-grade student at Scullen Middle School.


Hill Middle School eighth-grade student, Arjun Sundararajan was the third-place winner.


The three District 204 winners will move on to compete in the county-wide ComEd/DuPage County Spelling Bee Finals on February 26 in Wheaton. The Scripps National Bee will take place on May 25-31, 2014, in Washington D.C.


Through a partnership with Naperville Community Television, DVDs of the District 204 Spelling Bee are available for purchase. A portion of the proceeds go to the Indian Prairie Educational Foundation. Visit NCTV17.com for information.


Points of Pride, 02.06.14

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District Spelling Bee Winners


Twenty-one middle school students from seven middle schools recently participated in the District 204 Spelling Bee.


This year's competition went 21 rounds, with the two finalist competing in the last 15 rounds. Gregory Middle School eighth-grade student Viraja Alluri spelled “incognito” correctly to capture the District 204 championship.


Second place went to Jonathan Li, a sixth-grade student at Scullen Middle School. Hill Middle School eighth-grade student Arjun Sundararajan was the third-place winner.


The three District 204 winners will move on to compete in the county-wide ComEd/DuPage County Spelling Bee Finals on February 26 in Wheaton. The Scripps National Bee will take place on May 25-31, in Washington D.C.


Through a partnership with Naperville Community Television, DVDs of the District 204 Spelling Bee are available for purchase. A portion of the proceeds go to the Indian Prairie Educational Foundation. Visit NCTV17.com for ordering information.


Music Awards


The Illinois Music Educators Association (ILMEA) selected 53 District 204 student musicians, representing Metea Valley, Neuqua Valley and Waubonsie Valley High Schools to perform at the ILMEA All-State Music Festival last month. This placed District 204 at the top of the school districts statewide with participants at the ILMEA Conference. Special recognition goes to Katie Merrick, Metea Valley High School junior, on being named as a selectee for the ILMEA Future Music Educators Symposium.   


In addition, the Crone Middle School Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Katie Brown, and the Metea Valley High School Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Donald Devany, performed as part of the professional development program for teachers around the state. Ten District 204 staff members were selected as additional clinicians for the program.  


Neuqua Valley High School student Celina Kobetitsch received recognition for the second year in a row from the ILMEA Composition Contest. Kobetitsch’s composition "The Easel" was awarded second place in the Instrumental Solo and Chamber Music category. 


Waubonsie Valley High School teacher Mark Myers also recently received national recognition when he was asked to serve as the guest conductor for the Alabama All-State Show Choir. This was the second opportunity that Myers has received to serve as an All-State conductor. Last fall he served as the conductor of the Arizona All-State Show Choir.


Technology and Engineering Awards


The International Technology and Engineering Educators Association announced Metea Valley High School teacher Pat Feulner is the recipient of the 2014 Teacher Excellence Award for the State of Illinois. The award recognizes a teacher’s outstanding contribution to the profession. He will be recognized at the organization's annual conference in March.


In addition, the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association named Metea Valley's Technology Engineering Department as the recipient of the 2014 Program Excellence Award. Metea Valley was selected out of all the other high school programs as the best in Illinois this year.


 


Reminder from Transportation Services

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Thank you for your patience with any bus route delays due to the extreme weather we have experienced. We would like to remind you to please continue to help us by clearing your sidewalks, especially if there is a bus stop located adjacent to your property. Also, please slow down and use extra caution in neighborhoods as some snow drifts are taller than our students.

Thank you for your assistance in keeping our students safe.

Tim Keeley
Director of Support Services

Last Day of School Update

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Due to the district-wide closing of all schools for the recent snow days, four emergency days will be used at the end of the year. The tentatively scheduled last day of school is now Friday, June 6, 2014.

However, we could still see more winter weather that would close schools and use additional emergency days. There are always five emergency days at the end of the school calendar that can be used for this purpose.

The two days that elementary schools were closed due to heat do not impact the last day, since they were not district-wide closures.

Board Names Next Superintendent

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The Indian Prairie School District 204 Board of Education appointed Dr. Karen Sullivan as the next Superintendent of Schools.

The community is invited to meet Dr. Sullivan at a special reception from 5 to 6 pm on Tuesday, February 11 at the Crouse Education Center, 780 Shoreline Drive, Aurora.

Dr. Sullivan is a familiar face in District 204, with 18 years of experience in the areas of special education, human resources, and leading schools. Since 2011, she has served as Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. In her current role, she has established a strong working relationship with the associations that represent the teaching and clerical staff. As lead negotiator, she has successfully negotiated contracts with both groups.

She also served as the first Principal of Prairie Children Preschool and Principal of Cowlishaw Elementary School, as well as Director of Student Services. While at Cowlishaw Elementary School, she increased overall student achievement by 12 to 15 percent and narrowed the achievement gap at a school with a growing diverse student population.

Dr. Sullivan also gained experience working in Elmhurst Community School District 205, where she served as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. While there, she implemented an intervention system used to better support students with special needs. She also facilitated the incorporation of Common Core State Standards into the district's curriculum.

Dr. Sullivan began her career in 1981 as a Speech/Language Pathologist in the Flossmoor-based South Metropolitan Association, a special education cooperative that provided services to south suburban school districts. She went on to lead the group's parent/infant program and later was named the Director of Grants and Special Projects.

The Board of Education conducted a national search with the assistance of Iowa-based Ray and Associates, Inc. to select its next superintendent. Board President Lori Price said the national search was an important part of the process. "Although we had an internal candidate, we wanted to make sure we measured that candidate against top-notch school leaders from around the country. Through that process, we found Dr. Sullivan continued to rise to the top. We are giving the community an outstanding superintendent."

Dr. Sullivan received her doctoral degree from Lewis University. From the University of Illinois, she earned a Master of Science in Speech/Language Pathology and a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Science.


Hill and Fry Principals Appointed

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The Indian Prairie School District 204 Board of Education appointed two longtime educators to principal posts. Michael Dutdut, assistant principal at Crone Middle School, was appointed principal of Hill Middle School, replacing Darrell Echols, who is the new principal of Metea Valley High School. Laurel Hillman, student services coordinator at White Eagle Elementary School, was appointed principal of Fry Elementary School, replacing Dave Younce, who is leaving the district.

Superintendent Kathy Birkett said, “We are so fortunate to have such dedicated, student-focused educators, who are willing to take on new leadership roles within our district.”

Dutdut taught language arts, science and history at Still Middle School and then served as a dean at Waubonsie Valley High School, prior to moving to his current position at Crone. He also coached football, track and Special Olympics. He has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Western Illinois University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of St. Francis.

Hillman started her career in 1995 in District 204 as a third grade teacher at Georgetown Elementary School, where she was also student services coordinator until 2003 when she moved to White Eagle Elementary School in the same role. She has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Aurora University.

Dutdut and Hillman will begin their new positions July 1.


Call for Exhibitors for Summer Activities Fair

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Exhibitor registration is now open for the sixth annual Student Summer Activities Fair. This event, cohosted by Indian Prairie Parents’ Council, in conjunction with District 204 and State Representative Darlene Senger, typically draws more than 400 attendees. The purpose is to highlight great programs throughout our community that offer young children and teens enriching summer activities. This year's Summer Activities Fair takes place from 6 to 8 pm on Wednesday, March 5 at Still Middle School.

The registration fee for exhibitors is $25, with all proceeds benefiting the Indian Prairie Parents' Council Scholarship Fund. Space is limited. The exhibitor registration deadline is February 24.

For more information, see Vendor Registration below or email ippcpta@gmail.com.

February Volunteer of the Month

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BMO Harris Bank Volunteer of the Month

Kathy and Mike Luczynski met at Illinois State University and they have been partners ever since, in life and as volunteers. The couple stepped in this year to help the Fischer Middle School PTSA with both operational and fundraising efforts, which included concession and apparel sales, the Fischer Family Fun Run, the school directory, and student and staff recognition programs. For their dedication in supporting students and teachers, they are being recognized as the District 204 BMO Harris Bank Volunteers of the Month.

“This is our way of giving back and thanking the teachers and staff who have given so much,” Kathy said. “We are so humbled by the honor.”

When Kathy took over as PTSA president this year, she helped boost fundraising revenue, increase the number of volunteers and brought forth an infectious, positive attitude. With a background and a degree in foodservice management, she developed a plan to streamline and update operations. One of the first volunteers she recruited was her husband, Mike, who developed the back office systems necessary for all successful organizations to function. Mike also developed and designed the new PTSA and Fun Run websites, in addition to a new logo and tagline for the PTSA – “Membership Matters.”

Kathy and Mike are no strangers to volunteering. Kathy began volunteering with the PTA when their son attended Prairie Children Preschool. She also served in a PTA leadership role at Steck Elementary School, in addition to being on the board of a local youth soccer league. Mike has volunteered since college, coaching youth sports and serving on the same youth soccer board as Kathy for the past decade. They both remarked that they had extraordinary role models growing up – their parents.

“It just gives you a good feeling to help people who are less fortunate than you,” Mike said. “It’s important to give back to the community.”

Kathy said she is very grateful for the educational support their children have received through the years. Although their son, Drew, will be graduating from Fischer this year, Kathy and Mike plan to keep volunteering at the school since their daughter, Alexis, will be attending in the near future and because it is an exceptional school with very special staff, administration and teachers.

“Volunteering matters,” Kathy said. “It affects a student’s whole environment and truly makes a difference in a child’s life.”

BMO Harris Bank is helping District 204 recognize one volunteer each month who has generously given his or her time to support District 204’s students and schools. To celebrate these outstanding volunteers, BMO Harris Bank is donating $1,000 to the volunteer's school. To nominate an outstanding volunteer, visit Volunteer of the Month.


District 204 BMO Harris Bank Volunteers of the Month for February, Kathy and Mike Luczynski, standing behind the table to once again supervise concessions sales for Fischer Middle School.em>


Photo (l to r) Nicholette Rossi – BMO Harris Bank Market President-Aurora, Nicki McIntyre – Branch Manager 95th Street, Fischer Middle School Principal Jennifer Nonnemacher, and District 204 BMO Harris Bank Volunteer of the Month recipients Mike and Kathy Luczynski em>

Join Team IPEF to for a Spot in the Naperville Marathon

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The Indian Prairie Educational Foundation is excited to be a Charity Partner for the 2014 Naperville Marathon & Half Marathon on Sunday, November 9, 2014.

Marathon participants can run on behalf of the IPEF!

By becoming a Team IPEF member, you will secure a spot before registration opens to the general public. Last year's event sold out in less than 14 hours.  Each Team IPEF member will be asked to raise $250, which will support for the Indian Prairie Educational Foundation’s Young Hearts for Life Cardiac Screening initiative. Since 2009, more than 16,850 District 204 high school students have received free ECG heart screens through the program.

Team IPEF members will receive:

  • Reserved entry to the Marathon or Half Marathon

  • Discount code for $10 off registration to the Marathon or Half Marathon

  • Unique Charity Runner recognition on race bib, program and website

  • Special race shirt

  • Charity Village stretching & massage

  • Charity Village gear check

  • Eligibility for Charity Awards for top fundraisers

  • Pre-Race Dinner


  • To join Team IPEF and secure your spot in the race, register during Charity Week February 24 through March 2.

    Learn more at Team IPEF or Naperville Marathon.

    Filmmaker & '06 Grad Featured at 25th Anniversary Event

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    Where are they now? Be inspired as you hear what District 204 graduates have gone on to accomplish since high school. 2006 Neuqua Valley High School graduate JJ Starr is one of 20 alumni whose story will be shared at the Indian Prairie Educational Foundation's 25th Anniversary Celebration on March 21 at Wentz Concert Hall in downtown Naperville.


    A graduate of Pepperdine University, Starr now travels the world capturing stories as an independent film producer. He's won five Telly Awards for his productions and recently completed his first feature length documentary, "The Dust on our Feet." The film shares the hardships of children in Honduras who live and work in the Tegucigalpa garbage dump. Find out more about this special evening at 25th Anniversary Celebration.


    A limited number of tickets are still available through the Wentz Hall box office. Proceeds from the evening benefit the Indian Prairie Educational Foundation.


    Indian Prairie Special Needs PTA Seeks Board Members

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    The Indian Prairie Special Needs PTA (IPSN) nomination committee needs your help.


    Our PTA is unique, as we are a district-wide special needs PTA. We provide resources and information to all of our special needs families and district staff. Our PTA continues to partner with the district in providing important information and updates. We have meetings with topics related to our special needs families and we also offer a Teacher Grant Program, which has helped many of our teachers.


    We are currently forming a nomination committee to help recruit new board members. This is where we need your help. We need to have a nomination committee established very soon, and it will need to have a slate of possible board candidates for our March 18 meeting. The IPSN PTA board election is April 15. If we don't have enough interest, our IPSN PTA could dissolve. 


    If you would like to be part of the IPSN PTA board, or would like to nominate someone, please submit your nomination to ipsnpta@gmail.com.                 


    For more information, contact ipsnpta@gmail.com.


     


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