December 2018

Naper Families,

We have had such an amazing start to the 2018-2019 school year at Naper this year! I truly feel so very lucky to be part of such a positive school community. Thank you for welcoming me with open arms and being willing to try new ideas and ways to do things. I have had so much fun getting to know your students! They are kind, smart and love their school! They are the reason I love to come to work every day. The teachers at Naper are truly top notch. The instruction happening in the classrooms here is outstanding. In every classroom I see teachers who have created strong relationships with students, engaging lessons, differentiation, co- teaching and SEL in action. Naper parents… you are simply the best! Thank you for supporting all that we do! Thanks for many supplies for our classrooms, special lunches, extra snacks for our students, volunteering in classrooms and for parties! You truly partner with us and we are BETTER TOGETHER!

This year we have focused on creating a positive and collaborative climate and culture, improving communication as well as improving teaching and learning in all classrooms. Thank you for embracing our BETTER TOGETHER mindset! Each day when we finish announcements we ALL start our day by saying, “Remember…we are better together!” This simple reminder each day that we all are better when we support one another is powerful. Many students have begun to use this language and notice times this is true in their classroom or life.

In January we will continue to find ways to embrace positivity and we look forward to Open House at the end of the month. Mark your calendars and plan to join us to celebrate all the wonderful things happening at Naper on January 31 from 6:00-7:30.

Enjoy winter break and the holiday season with family and friends. Find time to relax and spend time with people you enjoy. We will see you back at Naper on January 8, 2019.

With Gratitude,

Tracy Dvorchak Principal, Naper Elementary

Welcome Back! 

In this letter you will find some basic information to ensure everyone has a positive start to a new year!

I am honored and excited to be the new principal of Naper Elementary School.  I look forward to meeting our students and their families at our upcoming Family Fun Fair as well as Curriculum Night. 

We are so excited that another school year is upon us!  Our teachers and staff have been very busy preparing Naper School for your arrival.  If you are new to our community, WELCOME!  Naper School is a special community with amazing students, teachers and parents!  We are so glad you are here.

We have some fabulous new staff members joining us this fall!  Please join us in welcoming the following new staff to the Naper community:

• Mike Madzinski will serve as our new Learning Commons Director.
• Lynn Vieni will serve as our new school nurse.
• Christa Valkanos will serve as our OT.

You will be able to access your child’s classroom placement on August 9 at 3:00pm through Infinite Campus.  Our staff worked diligently to ensure all classrooms are well balanced and will meet student needs.   

Our Health Office will be open on August 13 from 1:00-2:30 for parents to drop off medication, access medication forms or discuss care plans with Mrs. Vieni and Mrs. Cabrera. 

Kindergarten Crash Course for parents will take place on August 15 at 6:30pm.  If you are a new kindergarten parent please plan to attend to have all your questions answered!  Please plan to meet in the Learning Commons.

Curriculum Night is Thursday, August 30!  Please mark your calendars and plan to attend.  This night is for parents only.  We look forward to meeting with you and creating strong partnerships!

The first day of classes for students in grades 1-5 is August 16.  Please plan to meet your teacher on the blacktop near the gym.  All teachers will be wearing staff t-shirts and will have signs to assist you in getting your child to the correct line.  

On August 17, all students can enter the building through assigned doors beginning at 8:00am.  The bell will ring at 8:15 and we will have announcements and instruction will begin. 

Students in 4^th Grade will exit out of the south front door.  Students in 2^nd and 3^rd grade will exit from north front door.  This year all Kindergarten and 1^st Grade students will exit from Door 7 (located off the gym).  Teachers will ensure all students get on the correct bus, assist walkers in locating parents and help our youngest students to find parents in the carpool lane.

Kindergarten students will have Sneak Peek on August 16 and will not attend a full day of school.  See below for times:

On Friday, August 17, kindergartners will have a full day of school. They will meet their teachers outside Door 1.  Kindergartners should always enter the school through Door 1.  Parents will pick up kindergartners outside Door 7 (located outside of gym) after school or we will ensure they get on the correct bus and get home safely to you!  Staff will stay with kindergartners and first graders while they wait for parents in the car pool lane in a waiting area. 

If you have questions, do not hesitate to call the school office at 630-420-6345.  Julie Strang and Suzy Olson will be happy to assist you! 

Remember we are BETTER TOGETHER,

Tracy Dvorchak,

Principal, Naper Elementary School

1. Design and implement effective practices that promote learning experiences for all.
2. Foster a high-performance culture focused on student learning.
3. Steward resources effectively to promote student learning.
4. Effective communication and community relations.