✨ Pritchett Students Dive Into the World of AI! ✨

Our second and third-grade students recently joined the global Hour of AI event during technology time with Mrs. Pingel! 🤖 Students explored what AI is and how it can be used responsibly to make a positive impact on our world. 🤝

In a hands-on activity, our young innovators "trained" an AI robot to distinguish between marine wildlife and ocean pollution. 🌊🐟 This exciting lesson showed them a real-world example of how machine learning can help clean up our oceans and protect the planet! 🌍🚀 We are so proud of our students for exploring the technology of the future today! 🌟 #D102 #EveryDayEveryStudent
4 days ago, District 102
Students standing next to a sign that says "hour of AI"
Students smiling with their iPads
Students sitting at a table working on iPads

Step back in time with Mr. Teplinsky’s 5th graders! 📜
Our students didn't just read about history this week—they lived it through an immersive Discovery colony simulation.

Working in teams, these young pioneers established their own settlements, facing the same high-stakes survival choices as the very first colonists. From choosing defensible land and budgeting limited resources to negotiating trade deals and alliances with neighboring groups, they experienced the complexities of building a society from the ground up. 🤝🌾

Beyond the history books, our students sharpened essential 21st-century skills like critical thinking, strategic planning, and teamwork. 🧠✨ By navigating unexpected hurdles and working together, they proved that the best way to understand the past is to build it ourselves! 🏗️🇺🇸 #D102Impact #D102 #EveryDayEveryStudent

5 days ago, District 102
Students pointing to various colonies.
Students making a deal and shaking hands.
Students comparing their trades.
Students working on making a trade.
Students working at their table in a group.
🎭AJHS School Play🎤

Our AJHS theater students delivered four powerful one-act plays addressing key teen issues like peer pressure, technology, and self-acceptance. The performances were fantastic! The students independently managed every aspect of the show, from lighting and audio to props and curtains. True student leadership! 💡 All concession proceeds were donated to Omni Youth Services, supporting local teens.

Congratulations to the cast, directors Mrs. Simon & Ms. Frank, and all our wonderful parent and staff volunteers.
#D102Impact #EveryDayEveryStudent
10 days ago, District 102
Students performing on stage for a play.
Student on stage performing in a play.
Students on stage in costume performing a play.
📢 P.E. Powering Through Winter

Our amazing PE department is maximizing the new "mega gym" by offering a diverse rotation of activities! 💪 Right now, students are mastering their skills in a Volleyball Unit 🏐 or crushing their goals with Fitness Conditioning. 🏃‍♀️🏋️‍♂️

And when the snow flies in the Midwest? ❄️🌨️ That's when more fun begins! Students can earn choice time and enjoy awesome options like high-energy Gaga Ball (a student favorite!) or, for the truly adventurous, exciting outdoor sledding! 🛷

The teachers were so proud to give students new experiences in the fresh air—some students even said it was their first time sledding ever! Students loved creating core memories while getting active! #D102Impact #EveryDayEveryStudent
11 days ago, District 102
Students throwing snow in the air.
Girls holding their sleds.
Students getting ready to sled down a hill.
🔥 Sixth Graders Explore Dry Ice in Thermal Energy Unit! 🧪❄️
Students in Ms. Bischoff's 6th grade Science classes successfully concluded their Thermal Energy unit with a fascinating, hands-on exploration of dry ice. 🧤🧊

Through observation and experimentation, students were able to determine the unique property of dry ice: it sublimates (changes directly from a solid state to a gas state 💨), completely bypassing the liquid phase. The young scientists were especially excited to see the dramatic effects of manipulating the dry ice’s environment, which successfully triggered visible chemical reactions! 🤩🔬

#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102Impact
17 days ago, District 102
Students working at their desks with ipads.
Students working on ipads.
Students working on
Students working at their desks.
Students working at their desks doing an experiment.
🌟 D102 Academic Powerhouse! 🧠 Two Teams Score 2nd Place at Regionals! 🥈🥳

We are incredibly proud to celebrate the success of two dynamic teams at the recent IAC Academic Bowl Regionals! Way to go, students! 🎉

Meridian 4th-Grade Team: Our Meridian 4th-grade knowledge stars clinched a fantastic 2nd place finish! They powered through eight teams and made it to the final round against the Francis Parker 5th-grade team. The final was competitive, with only a few points separating the scores! 👏

Aptakisic 7th-Grade Team: The Aptakisic 7th-grade brainiacs also achieved an impressive 2nd place! They competed against eight rivals, earning their spot in the championship round against the Daniel Wright 8th-grade team. Their final round was just as fiercely competitive, decided by only a few points! 🤩

What a tremendous achievement showing the hard work and dedication of our students! We are so proud! 🍎📚

#D102Impact #everydayeverystudent
18 days ago, District 102
Students holding an award.
Students holding an award
Mrs. Wyer’s kindergarten class brought the book, "We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt", to life with an exciting classroom adventure! 👏

They managed to get this fun activity in just before Thanksgiving break and the snow arrived! 🦃❄️ The children navigated obstacle courses 🏃‍♀️ and collected their own leaves. The best part? They had to rush back to escape the (fake!) skunk! 💨🦨

They finished by adding their beautiful collected leaves to a class tree display. 🌳🖼️ What an engaging way to learn storytelling and follow directions! ✅
#D102Impact #EveryDayEveryStudent
19 days ago, District 102
Students hopping over obstacles.
Teacher reading a book to the class.
student hanging a leave on a tree.
🐾 Kindergarten Enjoys Their First 'Furry Friday'! 📚
Mrs. Iacullo's kindergarten class held their very first "Furry Friday" with special guests, Chinu and Mr. Praveen, from the D102 Therapy Dog Program.

Before the visit, students learned how to safely approach and greet a dog. All students got to practice greeting Chinu and Mr. Praveen, and many were able to read a book with Chinu. The visit was a huge success and described as "amazing" by the students! #D102Impact #EveryDayEveryStudent
20 days ago, District 102
Girl reading to a therapy dog.
Girl reading to a therapy dog.
Boy petting a therapy dog.
Boy petting a therapy dog.
🎁 December to Remember is HERE! 🎁 It’s that time of year, and our December to Remember campaign is back! We know many families are facing challenging times, and our goal is to support as many as possible, making a real #D102Impact across our schools and community. We truly appreciate any support you can give! You can support our mission in two key ways: 1. 💸 Monetary Donations Your financial contributions help us fulfill any remaining needs and wishes, ensuring every family is covered. You can donate directly here: https://d102pto.membershiptoolkit.com/ 2. 🛍️ Fulfill a Wish Browse the items requested by families and choose one (or more!) to purchase. Access the Wish List here: https://evite.me/uWuSByPWGg. Links on the list are suggestions. Feel free to purchase items from any store! Drop-Off Details: Items can be dropped off to the District Office by December 5th. Please make sure all items are labeled with the family code and age of the recipient. Let's work together to make this December a time of warmth and support for our #D102Community. ❤️
20 days ago, Kate Cooper
December to Remember Flyer
🦃🍽️ A perfect flashback as Thanksgiving is just around the corner! 🍎📚

Last week, our wonderful Kindergarteners at Tripp held their special Foodless Feast! Instead of food, these thoughtful students brought in menus listing all the things they are thankful for. They were absolutely adorable in their hand-made turkey hats, sharing songs, and reading poems! 💖

Most importantly, families showed incredible generosity by working together to gather donations for our local food pantry. What a heartwarming way to celebrate gratitude and community!

#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102Impact
25 days ago, District 102
Student holding up her menu with a hat on.
Students holding up a menu about what they are thankful for.
Students discussing what they are thankful for.
Student sharing with a teacher what she is grateful for.
Student showing what she is thankful for.
Students sitting with arms around each other at a table singing a song.
STudents smiling at a table with their hats and menus.
Students with their menus and hats on.
Students smiling with cute handmade hats on.
Students holding up their menus at a table.

🤩 Building Connections at AJHS! 🤝✨

What a fantastic way to head into Thanksgiving break! 🥳 AJHS held its first-ever school assembly centered on spirit, games, sportsmanship, and teamwork! 🏀🏆 It was truly special to have the whole school gather in one space at the same time! 🏫

Staff and students from all grades teamed up for hilarious minute-to-win-it games like fun relays 🏃‍♀️ and the challenging box stacking challenge 📦, encouraging teamwork and providing non-stop laughs 😂. Our building principals and staff made absolutely sure this memorable moment was a significant #D102impact on connection before students and staff went off to break. 🦃🍂

We are so proud of the AJHS spirit! #EveryDayEveryStudent

27 days ago, District 102
Students stacking boxes on top of one another in the gym.
Students cheering with stacks of boxes.
Students are cheering and holding signs in the bleachers.
Students holding up signs in the bleachers.
The eagle mascot is watching over the shoulder of a staff and student at a game.
A view of the bleachers filled with students.
Students with their light up bracelets in the bleachers.
Boys sitting together in the bleachers.

🤩 Building Connections at AJHS! 🤝✨

What a fantastic way to head into Thanksgiving break! 🥳 AJHS held its first-ever school assembly centered on spirit, games, sportsmanship, and teamwork! 🏀🏆 It was truly special to have the whole school gather in one space at the same time! 🏫

Staff and students from all grades teamed up for hilarious minute-to-win-it games like fun relays 🏃‍♀️ and the challenging box stacking challenge 📦, encouraging teamwork and providing non-stop laughs 😂. Our building principals and staff made absolutely sure this memorable moment was a significant #D102impact on connection before students and staff went off to break. 🦃🍂

We are so proud of the AJHS spirit! #EveryDayEveryStudent

27 days ago, District 102
Students stacking boxes on top of one another in the gym.
Students cheering with stacks of boxes.
Students are cheering and holding signs in the bleachers.
Students holding up signs in the bleachers.
The eagle mascot is watching over the shoulder of a staff and student at a game.
A view of the bleachers filled with students.
Students with their light up bracelets in the bleachers.
Boys sitting together in the bleachers.

🤩 Building Connections at AJHS! 🤝✨

What a fantastic way to head into Thanksgiving break! 🥳 AJHS held its first-ever school assembly centered on spirit, games, sportsmanship, and teamwork! 🏀🏆 It was truly special to have the whole school gather in one space at the same time! 🏫

Staff and students from all grades teamed up for hilarious minute-to-win-it games like fun relays 🏃‍♀️ and the challenging box stacking challenge 📦, encouraging teamwork and providing non-stop laughs 😂. Our building principals and staff made absolutely sure this memorable moment was a significant #D102impact on connection before students and staff went off to break. 🦃🍂

We are so proud of the AJHS spirit! #EveryDayEveryStudent

27 days ago, District 102
Students stacking boxes on top of one another in the gym.
Students cheering with stacks of boxes.
Students are cheering and holding signs in the bleachers.
Students holding up signs in the bleachers.
The eagle mascot is watching over the shoulder of a staff and student at a game.
A view of the bleachers filled with students.
Students with their light up bracelets in the bleachers.
Boys sitting together in the bleachers.
Reminder! No school November 24-28. All offices will be closed. Happy Thanksgiving!
30 days ago, District 102
Reminder! No school November 24-28. All offices will be closed. Happy Thanksgiving!
🧠🧸 The Power of Play was on full display at Early Childhood's latest Family Event! 🚀

Parents kicked off the morning with an insightful session, learning about the vital role different types of play have in fostering cognitive, social-emotional, and physical growth. What a fantastic way to support our little learners! 🌱

Then, the students took over, diving into incredible play stations! They explored with large cardboard boxes, creative loose parts, exciting sensory messy play, and imaginative dramatic play setups. It was a day of open-ended exploration and pure joy! 🎉

Thank you to all the amazing families who participated! ❤️

#D102Impact #EveryDayEveryStudent
about 1 month ago, District 102
Student finger painting at a table.
Parents playing with their kids on the floor.
Student playing with shaving cream.
Students sitting at their tables with shaving cream.
Parents sitting at tables.
Parents with their child in the classroom.
Student smiling and sitting in a box.
🎶🌎 Get ready to move! Pritchett and Tripp Schools brought the joy with their amazing Family Music Nights! 💃🕺

Families connected through rhythmic movement, music, and community spirit! Guided by the wonderful Mrs. Binder (Pritchett) and Mrs. Soto (Tripp), attendees plunged into joyful folk dances from around the world. 🌍 They mastered unique steps, sequences, and gained a beautiful appreciation for diverse cultures through this expressive art. 💖

What an incredible way to learn and connect!

#D102Impact #EveryDayEveryStudent
about 1 month ago, District 102
Students standing and singing in a circle.
Students standing and singing on risers.
Teacher standing with 3 girls.
Family holding their sticks together.
Students walking in a circle with rhythm sticks.
students on stage singing.
Students dancing in a circle and dancing.
This Saturday, November 15th, marks the official date we recognize the immense commitment of our D102 School Board! We extend our deepest gratitude to these dedicated volunteers who provide invaluable leadership and insight, ensuring the success and well-being of our entire learning community. You certainly make a #D102Impact

Superintendent McIntyre acknowledged their partnership at the November 11 meeting by presenting each member with an official D102 staff jersey! Now, our Board proudly wears the same gear as all D102 employees throughout the district.

Thank you, D102 Board of Education, for your service! 🍎
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102
about 1 month ago, District 102
Headshots of the Board of Education
🇺🇸 Making a difference one letter at a time! 💌 Our amazing 3rd-grade students in the Tripp Student Council honored our brave soldiers and veterans by writing heartfelt letters of gratitude for Veteran's Day.

Their thoughtful notes expressed appreciation for the courage and bravery shown by our military every single day. The letters have been mailed through A Million Thanks to reach deployed troops around the world! 🌎 We are so proud of our students for taking this meaningful action.

#D102Impact #EveryDayEveryStudent
about 1 month ago, District 102
Students standing with their notes to veterans.
A pile of student written notes to a veteran.
Student note to a veteran.
A student written note to a veteran.
Mixed Media Masterpieces at Meridian! 🖼️🎨
Check out the stunning work from Mr. Soto’s Art Encore class! 🤩🌟

Students recently wrapped up an impressive, multi-step project where they moved beyond simple drawing and dove into complex design techniques like collage, stripes, weaves, and notches. ✂️🧵

These pieces aren't just art—they're dimensional, layered compositions requiring meticulous planning and creative integration of elements. We are so proud of the skill and craftsmanship displayed by our emerging artists! 👏🙌

#D102 #EveryDayEveryStudent
about 1 month ago, District 102
Students showing off their art work.
Mr. Soto looking at the work with his students.
Student using a glue stick at a table.
Students creating their work.
🌟 Celebrating our Quarter 1 Portrait of a Graduate Students🌟

At the October 27 Board of Education meeting, we proudly recognized students from across D102 for exemplifying the Portrait of a Graduate traits! Board President Sklansky and Superintendent McIntyre welcomed these outstanding students who received a handshake, certificate, and keychain for their commitment to these key skills and values.

The Portrait of a Graduate defines the whole-child success we aim for, preparing students not just for academics, but for college, career, and life. Congratulations to all our first-quarter honorees! We can't wait to celebrate more students this year!

#D102 #EveryDayEveryStudent #D102Impact
about 1 month ago, District 102
President Sklansky shaking hands with a student and standing next to Supt. McIntyre
President Sklansky handing a certificate to a student.
Group photo of students who were recognized.
Family holding a photo prop
Boys holding a photo prop