📣 Hey! The kids have a question! Have you taken our survey yet?
It takes 5 minutes and helps guide the district for the years ahead. As we review our mission, vision, and values, your feedback tells us what our goals should be for the:
👩💻 superintendent
🏫 principals
🧑🏻🏫 teachers
🧑🎓and students
🗓️ Your voice matters in this process! Please take 5 minutes to complete the survey at district96.org by Wednesday, March 4.
We loved connecting with so many families last night! Students played games, parents learned more about our math curriculum, and we ended the night with bingo and prizes.
Thanks to Sara Hickey, D96 instructional coach, teachers from all 4 elementary schools, and student leaders from Hauser for coordinating the fun. Next year's family learning night will focus on science.
As a reminder, our strategic plan survey is open until Wednesday! This is a chance to share your thoughts on where you'd like to see the district in the years ahead. Take the survey at district96.org.
We can’t wait to see you at our next Family Learning Night! Connect with your PreK-Grade 5 student, learn more about our math curriculum, and find ways to develop these skills at home.
🎲 Play grade-level games led by D96 staff and Hauser volunteers.
🏆 Enter raffles for exciting prizes and play Family BINGO (7:30 PM).
🧑🏫 Attend a parent info session at 6:45, 7:00 (Spanish), or 7:15 PM. Childcare provided.
🧩 Take home free game materials to keep the math fun going at home.
🎲 Play grade-level games led by D96 staff and Hauser volunteers.
🏆 Enter raffles for exciting prizes and play Family BINGO (7:30 PM).
🧑🏫 Attend a parent info session at 6:45, 7:00 (Spanish), or 7:15 PM. Childcare provided.
🧩 Take home free game materials to keep the math fun going at home.
The district is beginning the process of reviewing its vision, mission, values, and goals to develop its next strategic plan. We invite you to share your input by completing a 5-minute survey that will help shape our district’s priorities for the next five years.
Your voice matters. Our current strategic plan led to the implementation of full-day kindergarten, a social emotional curriculum for elementary students, and improvements to playgrounds and outdoor spaces. These initiatives were directly informed by community feedback.
The survey is open to the entire community. We encourage you to share it with friends and neighbors, even if they do not currently have students in the district. Responses will be collected through March 4. The survey and updates on the strategic planning process an be found at https://www.district96.org/article/2704933.
Your voice matters. Our current strategic plan led to the implementation of full-day kindergarten, a social emotional curriculum for elementary students, and improvements to playgrounds and outdoor spaces. These initiatives were directly informed by community feedback.
The survey is open to the entire community. We encourage you to share it with friends and neighbors, even if they do not currently have students in the district. Responses will be collected through March 4. The survey and updates on the strategic planning process an be found at https://www.district96.org/article/2704933.
After 17 years of dedicated service to District 96, our HR Specialist is retiring today.
Donna has been at the helm of Human Resources for nearly two decades. With kindness and support, she has steered many D96 staff members through life’s joys and challenges.
Over the last month, Donna has been working closely with our new HR Specialist to share her knowledge and ensure a smooth transition. We wish Donna a well-deserved and joyful retirement and welcome Shannon aboard!
Donna has been at the helm of Human Resources for nearly two decades. With kindness and support, she has steered many D96 staff members through life’s joys and challenges.
Over the last month, Donna has been working closely with our new HR Specialist to share her knowledge and ensure a smooth transition. We wish Donna a well-deserved and joyful retirement and welcome Shannon aboard!
In anticipation of inclement weather, we have made the decision to shift to an eLearning day on Friday, January 23. Student devices will be sent home with them today. To review our eLearning plan, instructions, and student expectations, visit district96.org.
Riverside Parks & Recreation will be offering supervised childcare and eLearning support at the Quincy Street Community Center (43 E. Quincy) for $38 from 8:00 AM-3:00 PM. Before and after care can be added for an additional fee. Participants can register online or onsite.
After school activities on Thursday, January 22 will continue as scheduled. Friday, January 23 before and after school activities are canceled.
Stay safe and warm!
Riverside Parks & Recreation will be offering supervised childcare and eLearning support at the Quincy Street Community Center (43 E. Quincy) for $38 from 8:00 AM-3:00 PM. Before and after care can be added for an additional fee. Participants can register online or onsite.
After school activities on Thursday, January 22 will continue as scheduled. Friday, January 23 before and after school activities are canceled.
Stay safe and warm!
As we welcome the new year, we’re also reflecting on an important milestone — the final year of our 2021-26 Strategic Plan. This plan has guided our work and helped focus our efforts on what matters most: student growth, thriving learning environments, supporting staff, strengthening family connection, and responsible use of resources.
Over the last five years, this work was facilitated by Educational Leadership Solutions (EdLS), whose partnership helped move this plan from vision to practice. We’re proud of the progress made and are excited to share that we will continue working with EdLS to help guide the development of our next strategic plan.
Parents, community members, and staff will be invited to share feedback as part of this process. Our goal is to have a new strategic plan updated and approved by the Board of Education at the end of this school year.
Thank you to the Strategic Plan Committee and our EdLS consultants, Gary and Karen, for their time, thoughtful input, and commitment to representing our community throughout this process!
Over the last five years, this work was facilitated by Educational Leadership Solutions (EdLS), whose partnership helped move this plan from vision to practice. We’re proud of the progress made and are excited to share that we will continue working with EdLS to help guide the development of our next strategic plan.
Parents, community members, and staff will be invited to share feedback as part of this process. Our goal is to have a new strategic plan updated and approved by the Board of Education at the end of this school year.
Thank you to the Strategic Plan Committee and our EdLS consultants, Gary and Karen, for their time, thoughtful input, and commitment to representing our community throughout this process!
❄️ The snow might not have lasted through December, but it was still a festive month for our elementary schools!
Ames performers rocked the winter concert under Mr. DeStephano’s direction.
Blythe first graders “traveled” to Germany for gingerbread house-building to celebrate holidays around the world.
If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em: Central teachers submitted to the 6-7 craze on the 67th day of school!
The creativity came out for festive hat/accessory day at Hollywood!
Ames performers rocked the winter concert under Mr. DeStephano’s direction.
Blythe first graders “traveled” to Germany for gingerbread house-building to celebrate holidays around the world.
If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em: Central teachers submitted to the 6-7 craze on the 67th day of school!
The creativity came out for festive hat/accessory day at Hollywood!
🎉 District Staff celebrated the season and the upcoming retirement of our Director of Buildings and Grounds, Bill Radtke. Thank you to Bill for his 25 years of dedicated service to the district!
The District Office will be closed December 24-January 2. School resumes on January 5. We wish everyone a safe and happy winter break! ☃️
The District Office will be closed December 24-January 2. School resumes on January 5. We wish everyone a safe and happy winter break! ☃️
🎉 Celebrated annually on November 15, School Board Members Day recognizes and appreciates school board members for their dedication to students, staff, and the community. At last night’s Board Meeting, we paused to thank our Board of Education with handmade gifts from district art students. Beautiful watercolor cards were also signed by teachers and staff.
❤️ You are the heart of local education—thank you for making our district shine!
Board President Wesley Muirheid
Vice President David Barsotti
Secretary Stephanie Basanez Gunn
Salina Claps
Dan Hunt
Marlowe Djuric Kachlic
Matt Olech
❤️ You are the heart of local education—thank you for making our district shine!
Board President Wesley Muirheid
Vice President David Barsotti
Secretary Stephanie Basanez Gunn
Salina Claps
Dan Hunt
Marlowe Djuric Kachlic
Matt Olech
The District’s Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC) hosted a wonderful evening earlier this month celebrating Día de los Muertos. The event was an opportunity to explore and honor this meaningful tradition rooted in Mexican culture and celebrated in parts of South America.
Students and families enjoyed face painting, arts and crafts, traditional pan de muerto, and participated in a colorful skull-decorating contest. Every child went home with their own calaverita (sugar skull)!
Thank you to our BPAC families for bringing our community together to celebrate and learn from one another. 💀🌼🎉
Students and families enjoyed face painting, arts and crafts, traditional pan de muerto, and participated in a colorful skull-decorating contest. Every child went home with their own calaverita (sugar skull)!
Thank you to our BPAC families for bringing our community together to celebrate and learn from one another. 💀🌼🎉
Mrs. Desmond’s Central third graders enjoyed a special storytime with Superintendent Ryan-Toye last week. She read two books, answered thoughtful (and silly!) questions, and even left her childhood copy of Richard Scarry’s 'What Do People Do All Day?' for the class to peruse later. The visit wrapped up with a big round of applause.
👏📚
This curious class also had plenty of questions about the mysterious Central School swimming pool. Though the pool was built l00 years before Dr. Ryan-Toye’s tenure, the 2020 construction of a multi-purpose room and new classrooms is when the pool was finally filled in for good with 37 truckloads of gravel!
This curious class also had plenty of questions about the mysterious Central School swimming pool. Though the pool was built l00 years before Dr. Ryan-Toye’s tenure, the 2020 construction of a multi-purpose room and new classrooms is when the pool was finally filled in for good with 37 truckloads of gravel!
Each D96 school celebrated Veterans Day with patriotic student performances and heartfelt moments recognizing the brave men and women who have served our country.
Thank you to our amazing music staff, student speakers, Scout troops, and everyone who made these ceremonies so special. And a special thank you to our veterans, always. ❤️🤍💙
Thank you to our amazing music staff, student speakers, Scout troops, and everyone who made these ceremonies so special. And a special thank you to our veterans, always. ❤️🤍💙
As you know, tonight's forecast is very unpredictable. At this time, it is our decision to be IN SESSION tomorrow.
We will continue to monitor through the night and will reach out to you by 6:00 am if our plans change. Because we had not been anticipating an eLearning day, IF we cancel (unlikely), we would use a traditional snow day.
Please assume we are OPEN unless you hear an explicit message indicating schools are closed. If for any reason you feel that getting your child to/from school would create an unsafe situation for you and your family, please contact your school with the absence.
We will continue to monitor through the night and will reach out to you by 6:00 am if our plans change. Because we had not been anticipating an eLearning day, IF we cancel (unlikely), we would use a traditional snow day.
Please assume we are OPEN unless you hear an explicit message indicating schools are closed. If for any reason you feel that getting your child to/from school would create an unsafe situation for you and your family, please contact your school with the absence.
We look forward to our Illinois Report Card results every year to celebrate student growth and find ways to continue improving. In this annual assessment, each IL school receives one of five designations.
This year, two of our schools were rated exemplary and three commendable according to the state’s performance levels. Blythe Park and Hauser are our exemplary schools, ranked in the top 10% of all Illinois schools. Ames, Central, and Hollywood received the next best designation of commendable. The difference in designations is not cause for concern, as the student experience in an exemplary and commendable school is very similar.
To learn more about these ratings and student testing data, tune in to our November 5 Committee of the Whole meeting to hear from Dr. Angela Dolezal, Director of Teaching & Learning. Join us in person at Ames at 7:00pm or watch it live or recorded on YouTube.
This year, two of our schools were rated exemplary and three commendable according to the state’s performance levels. Blythe Park and Hauser are our exemplary schools, ranked in the top 10% of all Illinois schools. Ames, Central, and Hollywood received the next best designation of commendable. The difference in designations is not cause for concern, as the student experience in an exemplary and commendable school is very similar.
To learn more about these ratings and student testing data, tune in to our November 5 Committee of the Whole meeting to hear from Dr. Angela Dolezal, Director of Teaching & Learning. Join us in person at Ames at 7:00pm or watch it live or recorded on YouTube.
We are wrapping up our first two full months of school! Here’s some highlights from across the district in October.
In the staff vs. student volleyball game, Hauser teachers tried their best, but the 8th grade girls volleyball team remained undefeated!
Former Central student and current author, Abby Regan visited students to read her book, ‘Not Your Average Oatmeal.’
Ames students learned fire safety from the Riverside Fire Department. Firefighter Aiden is a former Dolphin himself!
Hollywood kindergarteners tasted different apples and made homemade applesauce for some hands-on learning.
Mrs. Allen explored the hydroponics station with Blythe kindergarteners and encouraged them to whisper positive thoughts to help the plants grow.
As October wraps up, we are all looking forward to Halloween. Please take a minute to speak with your student about making safe and responsible choices while at school and in the community.
In the staff vs. student volleyball game, Hauser teachers tried their best, but the 8th grade girls volleyball team remained undefeated!
Former Central student and current author, Abby Regan visited students to read her book, ‘Not Your Average Oatmeal.’
Ames students learned fire safety from the Riverside Fire Department. Firefighter Aiden is a former Dolphin himself!
Hollywood kindergarteners tasted different apples and made homemade applesauce for some hands-on learning.
Mrs. Allen explored the hydroponics station with Blythe kindergarteners and encouraged them to whisper positive thoughts to help the plants grow.
As October wraps up, we are all looking forward to Halloween. Please take a minute to speak with your student about making safe and responsible choices while at school and in the community.
Thanks to Mrs. Valaisa's Hollywood and Blythe third grade art students for brightening the district office! Don't forget, Ames art is on display at the Riverside Public Library through the end of the month, and Central artwork will be there in November.
At last night’s Board of Education Meeting, we recognized our district principals in celebration of National Principals Month and Principal Appreciation Week! Our incredible D96 principals lead their schools with dedication and inspire teachers, staff, and students every day.
Take a moment to appreciate and thank our D96 principals when you see them:
Todd Gierman (Ames)
Casimira Gorman (Blythe)
Pete Gatz (Central)
Erin Dwyer (Hollywood)
Chris Harvalis & Katie Kayastha (Hauser)
Also pictured is Nikki Mazza, our Elementary Intervention & Support Coordinator.
Take a moment to appreciate and thank our D96 principals when you see them:
Todd Gierman (Ames)
Casimira Gorman (Blythe)
Pete Gatz (Central)
Erin Dwyer (Hollywood)
Chris Harvalis & Katie Kayastha (Hauser)
Also pictured is Nikki Mazza, our Elementary Intervention & Support Coordinator.
🚧 The Cowley Road railroad crossing will be closed starting October 14 for approximately 3 weeks. 🚗 Detour signs will direct traffic to the Delaplaine Road crossing. 🚲 Pedestrians, students, and cyclists are encouraged to cross at Longcommon Road.
What to do with no school? Drop by the Riverside Public Library to see some one-of-a-kind work by Ames Dolphins! Mrs. Kinkin's and Mrs. Ditsworth's kindergarten classes have original artwork on display through November 3 on the library’s lower level. Stay for a spooky movie, or two, or three, or four on October 13! Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Visit riversidelibrary.org for more info.
Back to the art — we love sharing our young artists’ talents with the community! More D96 artwork will be on display during Riverside’s Holiday Stroll on Friday, December 5 at Village Hall. Stay tuned for more displays from our other schools at the library, as well.
Back to the art — we love sharing our young artists’ talents with the community! More D96 artwork will be on display during Riverside’s Holiday Stroll on Friday, December 5 at Village Hall. Stay tuned for more displays from our other schools at the library, as well.
