D114 Family Update: D114 Weekly Family Updates--3/30/26

Good morning, and welcome back! I hope Spring Break was fun!

Updated Lotus Drop Off/Pick Up Procedures

IAR TESTING..coming soon!

lllinois students in grades 3-8 will participate in the state assessment called the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) exam in English Language Arts and Mathematics. The 2025 window for testing is from March through April. Our students will be completing the assessments during the week of April 7. Make-up testing for students who are absent will be given as soon as possible within the remainder of the testing window.

The IAR exam asks students to demonstrate and apply their knowledge and skills with the updated Illinois Learning Standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics. The exam measures students’ problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, and reading and writing skills, which are abilities all students need to stay on track for college and career readiness after high school. These spring assessments correspond with what your child is learning in the classroom and they should not require time outside of school to prepare for the test, however you can visit the following link to see practice questions to better understand the types of questions your child may be asked.

https://il.mypearsonsupport.com/practice-tests/

It is important to remember that no test provides a complete picture of student performance; the IAR results are one of many factors that we use to measure progress. Assessments help provide a sense of where and how we are succeeding and where and how we must improve, along with other indicators such as classroom work samples and teacher observations. While the scores from last year’s test administration have provided a new baseline for student performance going forward, the IAR assessment is designed to give schools and teachers more information to support improvement efforts and personalize teaching to better guide your child’s learning.

Results from the IAR assessment should be received in the fall. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns, including any requests for students to not participate in testing. We thank you for your continued support and commitment to your child’s academic and social-emotional growth and success.

Summer School 2026

If your child is being invited to attend summer school, you will receive a phone call and letter via US Mail with information. PLEASE return this letter to school--no student will be officially signed up until this letter is returned. If you have any questions, please contact Kristie Paul at 847-973-4028!

Calling All Incoming Kindergarten Students and Families!!!!

COMING SOON...

Absences

While we ALWAYS want our students at school, please be sure to review our Illness Guidelines (linked here).

Just a reminder that--if a student is absent from school for ANY reason--they are NOT permitted to attend any after school events. If they can't come to school, they should not attend after school events.

Students should absolutely stay home if they are sick, but we want them back with us as soon as possible!