For the second consecutive year, our Board of Education has been awarded the Illinois Association of School Boards 2025 School Board Governance Recognition. As one of only 42 Illinois school boards to earn this designation, we are honored to be acknowledged for exceptional school governance practices in support of quality public education.

Serving on a school board is a lot of work and we are so grateful for the leadership, dedication, and commitment of our BOE members. Thank you to Board President Wesley Muirheid, Vice President David Barsotti, Secretary Stephanie Gunn, and Board Members Salina Claps, Dan Hunt, Marlowe Kachlic, and Matt Olech. Congratulations on this well-deserved award!

It’s been a great first month of school! Here’s a look at what’s been happening across the district.

Hauser sixth graders enjoyed their outdoor adventure at White Pines Ranch.
Ames Dolphins celebrated school spirit.
Blythe Park brought their silly smiles to picture day.
Central kindergarteners had some fun learning all about apples.
Hollywood first graders learned about digestive systems with a spooky twist.

We love to see you working hard, having fun, and learning new things!

Last night, district administration hosted a dinner for new D96 teachers. This was a chance for new staff to meet our Board of Education members and celebrate their first month in the district. Dr. Ryan-Toye later introduced all new teachers at the board meeting, as well. Thank you to everyone who was able to join us! 

We are thrilled that three of our schools were ranked in the top 50 of best public elementary and junior high schools in Cook County by Chicago Magazine! Students and staff work hard to make District 96 a great place to learn and grow. Congratulations to Blythe (14), Central (41), and Ames (49)!

According to Chicago Magazine, performance measures were based on 2023-24 data which included IAR growth, attendance, and the 5Essentials survey. The list is featured in the September 2025 issue. Way to go, D96!

Blythe students, parents, and community members recently met with district architects to begin the planning process for a new Blythe Park playground. Student representatives shared their ideas and those of their classmates in an interactive visioning session where they designed their dream playground.

This is a collaborative project between the Village of Riverside and District 96 to create a playground that will serve Blythe Park students and the Riverside community for years to come. It is scheduled for construction and completion in summer 2026.

Did you know that a student who is regularly absent two days a month loses over a year of instructional time by the time they graduate from high school? September is Attendance Awareness Month, a time to remind students and families that good attendance builds strong learning habits, keeps students on track with their classmates, and helps them feel more connected to their school community.

Building principals are sharing these reminders in their weekly emails and recently at fall parent night. We appreciate everyone’s partnership and commitment in helping your child arrive at school on time and ready to learn each day.

There is no school on Monday, September 1. Enjoy your long weekend to rest and recharge as we get back into the school routine. See you Tuesday, D96!

You'll find them behind-the-scenes and often behind screens, but our tech team plays a huge part in district, staff, and student success. A big thanks to Jonathan, Luis, and Charles who helped clean and reset over 1,700 student iPads and Chromebooks this summer to get them ready for the first day of school. To learn more about how we integrate technology into our classrooms, visit Departments > Technology & Innovation at district96.org.

Blythe Park parents and community members are invited to meet with district architects to learn more about Blythe Park’s upcoming playground project. Chat and connect with DLA Architects about potential designs on Monday, September 8 at 8:15 am or Tuesday, September 9 at 6:30 pm. Students will discuss the project during the school day.

All visitors must check in at the front office with an ID during school hours using Door A (south doors) at 735 Leesley Road. Check in at Door B (north doors) for the Tuesday evening session. Both sessions will take place in Blythe Park’s Library on the lower level.

We are excited to work with families, neighbors, and the community to envision a new Blythe Park playground for summer 2026!

From sidewalk chalk to yard signs, our elementary schools welcomed students and staff back with fun messages! We hope everyone in D96 has a great school year!

It was the first day for teachers and staff! Today’s Institute Day at Brookfield Zoo included introductions, shared goals for the year, and a World Cafe workshop facilitated by 2024 Illinois Teacher of the Year Rachael Mahmood. We are ready for a great year ahead!

First week reminders: drop off school supplies and meet your teacher on Tuesday from 8:15-9. The first day for elementary and Hauser students is Wednesday!

It’s not just a new year for students—we also welcomed 26 new teachers and staff! At New Teacher Orientation this week, new teachers met one another, got acquainted with district resources, and won prizes! We are so excited to have everyone on the D96 team to start the school year.

One week to go until the first day of school! We hope you had a safe, happy, and relaxing summer. We’ll see everyone on Wednesday, August 20.

The Blythe Park prairie, butterfly, and sensory gardens are thriving thanks to our volunteer waterers. Earlier this spring, second and third graders in Blythe’s Garden Club spent time learning about local plant species, how to take care of them, and planting the garden. This is a great example of how education can be fun, engaging, and environmentally conscious. Stop by the Blythe Park Amphitheater to see the garden as you enjoy this last full week of summer!

Our District Leadership Team met this week for their annual retreat—a time to connect, reflect, and plan for the year ahead. With some new faces, several familiar leaders stepping into new roles, and returning staff, the commitment to supporting our students and schools has never been stronger. A special thank you to the Brookfield Zoo for hosting us in the Great Bear Wilderness Classroom!

School Leadership:

Todd Gierman (Ames)

Casimira Gorman (Blythe)

Pete Gatz (Central)

Erin Dwyer (Hollywood)

Chris Harvalis & Katie Kayastha (Hauser)

Nikki Mazza (Elementary Schools)

District Administrators:

Martha Ryan-Toye

Nora Geraghty

Angela Dolezal

Molly Marquardt

Our incoming kindergarten students met with teachers last week for their kindergarten assessment. These one-on-one screenings help teacher’s understand a child’s strengths and areas where they may need support. While students are with a teacher, caregivers are asked to fill out a questionnaire to help create a more complete picture of a child’s readiness. Congratulations and welcome to our newest D96 “recruits!”

Teacher meet & greets for all 5 schools are on Tuesday, August 19 from 8:15 am-9:00 am. Elementary students can drop off their school supplies and meet their classroom teacher. Hauser students can walk their schedule, meet their teachers, and set up their locker. Teacher assignments and Hauser schedules will be emailed prior to that.

School supply lists can be found here: https://www.district96.org/page/school-supplies.

Building principals will send a welcome email with school-specific information this week. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Welcome to our two newest district leaders who started earlier this summer. Dr. Erin Dwyer is taking over as principal at Hollywood School while Molly Marquardt steps in as the district’s director of technology. They each bring over 15 years of experience to their respective roles. We are excited to have them on our team!

Thank you to the Riverside Junior Woman’s Charity for generously donating over $3,000 to pay off remaining food balances for district students in need. The Juniors (Philanthropy Committee pictured here) are dedicated to fundraising efforts throughout the year to support a variety of local initiatives. We are so grateful to our community partners and their positive impact on D96 students.

So many Ames Dolphins have been spotted reading this summer! Thanks to the families who have shared their photos and favorite books with Mrs. Collins (pictured here with her little one!).

Whether you’re reading outside, in bed, at the library or wherever, we know cozying up with a book is a great way to reduce the “summer slide” and prepare for the next grade level. Summer reading programs at our local libraries are also a great way to keep kids engaged!