Photo: Congratulations to the DHS Forensics Team for taking first place at its IHSA Regional Tournament
on Feb. 8. The team will continue on with 15/15 events advancing to sectionals at Freeport Feb. 15
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Greetings everyone!
While there's still some winter left to get through, I look forward to the arrival of spring and the renewed energy and growth it brings. With the seasonal transition, along with the many other changes we are in the midst of since the start of 2025, I am reminded of the incredible resilience and determination of our students, staff, and families. Together, we continue to cultivate an educational community where every learner is empowered to thrive.
This spring, we celebrate the achievements of our students, from academic successes to athletic triumphs and artistic endeavors. Their hard work and dedication inspire us all. Thank you to our families and educators for fostering an environment where students feel safe and supported in their pursuits.
We are excited about the progress made on district initiatives that further enhance our mission to provide an excellent education. This includes the opening of Beyond One Barb Transition Center, a new school in the north corridor (Dr. Leroy A. Mitchell ES), continuing to lower our levy for our taxpayers, and reorganizing our district for smaller class sizes at the elementary level. These efforts are designed to equip our students with the experiences and tools they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving world.
As we look ahead to the final months of the school year, I encourage you to stay engaged. Whether attending a school event, volunteering, or simply celebrating your child's daily achievements, your involvement is vital to our shared success.
Thank you for being an integral part of our district's journey. Together, we are shaping DeKalb's bright future.
With gratitude,
Let's go Barbs!
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Minerva Garcia-Sanchez, Ed.D.
Superintendent
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Formerly known as the SIT Conference, Barb STEAMCon 2025 is back and ready to engage students in the exciting world of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math! Barb STEAMCon is a conference led by students for students and open to all D428 students in grades 3-8.
The morning will be filled with a variety of fun and engaging sessions for students to attend. If they would like, students can also present and demonstrate STEAM tools and skills they have learned in school or that they are interested in. Presenters will include grades 3 -12 as well as groups from NIU and D428 staff on topics such as virtual reality, eSports, horticulture, robotics, and more!
Registration is open now through Friday, February 28. To register and for more information, visit https://bit.ly/42LwKEn.
The presentation schedule is set shortly after registration for the conference ends. The presentation schedule will be posted prior to the conference.
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2025-2026 school year registration opens April 1 |
Registration opens April 1, 2025, for the 2025-2026 school year for both new and returning students. There are some important updates for registration this year due to the changes in attendance boundaries. The first day of school for grades 1-12 is August 13. PreK-K is August 18.
Elementary families affected by boundary changes will receive notification letters from the district in the coming weeks. The new elementary boundary maps for the 2025-2026 school year will be available on the Registration page beginning February 18.
Registration will be fully online and done through Skyward Family Access. New students will register through the website. For 2025-2026, all grades K-5 students, including returning students, will need to provide current proof of residency.
Families are encouraged to register by May 9, 2025 to help ensure placement in their home school. All students must register by August 1 to avoid potential delays in starting school on the first day, transportation assignments, and delays in class schedule distribution.
Look for more information coming for in-person registration assistance events on May 8 and June 25.
Be sure to visit the Registration page for more information.
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Guidance for Parents/Guardians
Regarding Immigration Concerns |
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The district shared a letter to all D428 parents, families, and guardians on Jan. 22 regarding evolving changes in immigration policy and enforcement priorities.
We stress to our families and students that DeKalb CUSD 428 is committed to ensuring that our schools remain safe, inclusive, and welcoming places of learning for all students. We strive to ensure every child can attend school regularly without fear or hesitation.
The Board of Education adopted a Welcoming Resolution on December 3, 2019, which is still in effect. This resolution, in summary, outlines federal and state law regarding a child's access to a free public education regardless of that child’s immigration status and further states that due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and/or the Illinois School Student Records Act (ISSRA), that we cannot disclose to Law Enforcement Officials such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agents (ICE) or to any other person or entity any information about students.
The District’s schools shall remain safe and welcoming places for students and their families. The District shall protect confidential student information to ensure that students’ learning environment is not disrupted by immigration enforcement action, to the greatest extent permitted by law.
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Here are just a few highlights of our Barbs in action since the start of the new year!
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Congratulations to DHS Coach Brad Bjelk who won the IHSTCA Boys Class 2A 2024 Regional Tennis Coach of the Year!
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After 20 rounds of spelling, with six rounds where no one spelled an incorrect word, we have a winner. Congratulations to HMS student Andres Robles, our 2025 winner. He will advance to the county bee in February. Caleb Lafata is our runner-up. Thanks to all the students that participated and the teachers that helped them become excellent spellers.
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| Congratulations to Mr. Sykes on this notable recognition!
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DHS art students added their unique design as part of Brian Bemis Toyota's 'A Colorful World - 2025 Art Competition' with students from Genoa-Kingston and Sycamore. For the second year in a row, the Barbs took home the top voting honors and a $750 donation. Our thanks to Brian Bemis Toyota for hosting this competition and their support of local art students.
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| These grown up Jaguars headed back to Jefferson to volunteer for February's Fun Night!
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It's an FNBO Challenge sweep for the Girls and Boys Basketball teams who took on the Spartans on Jan. 31 at the NIU Convocation Center. The Girls team snapped the Spartans' 10-game winning streak with a decisive 40-29 win. The Boys team also had an impressive 59-38 win.
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Together, we learn and celebrate |
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Schools throughout the district look forward to a variety of activities as part of Black History Month, giving our students opportunities to learn more about the achievements and contributions of African Americans throughout history. Malta and Littlejohn look forward to their annual Wax Museum presentations, while the the DHS Black Student Union has several unique and fun events planned such as a game night, Pals & Paint, and an open mic night to share talents with peers.
March follows with Women's History Month when the doors of Littlejohn will again highlight the significant contributions to society and culture by notable women in our community, nation, and world.
Be sure to watch your school calendar of events and newsletters for opportunities to join in on learning and exploring fun with your student!
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DeKalb CUSD 428 Annual Report |
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The district publishes an annual report each year to inform our families, staff, community, and industry stakeholders about progress within its strategic plan, students and staff accomplishments, and an overview of its financial position.
The 2024 Annual Report is now available online, and limited printed copies can be picked up at the Education Center. We invite you to take a moment to learn more about the work D428 is doing to fulfill its mission of providing an equitable and inclusive education that supports students and equips them with the tools they need to thrive.
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Upcoming Dates to Remember |
February 17: Presidents' Day, No school
February 18: School Board Meeting
February 21: PLC Early Release Day
March 4: School Board Meeting
March 7: Teacher Institute Day, No School
March 18: School Board Meeting
March 21: PLC Early Release Day
March 24-28: Spring Break, No School
April 1: School Board Meeting
April 11: PLC Early Release Day
April 15: School Board Meeting
April 18: No School
April 21: No School
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