District Update – Sept. 26
Posted on 09/26/2025
Introducing the District 39 Educational Foundation's Innovative Educator Award
The District 39 Educational Foundation is proud to announce a new award to highlight innovative excellence in our buildings. The Innovative Educators award will recognize teachers who demonstrate excellence in innovative teaching and learning practices in their classrooms and who model the characteristics of the D39 Educational Foundation’s mission.

Nominees for the Innovative Teachers Award are educators who think beyond traditional teaching methods and programs. Some descriptors of Innovative Educators are listed below:
• Try new practices and approaches to reach and teach students
• Create an environment of innovation within their classrooms
• Show leadership among their peers and share their innovative practices for the benefit of all students
• Provide new and innovative opportunities for students in their varied interests and talents
• Innovative in building a welcoming community within their classrooms where every student is valued for unique abilities, background, and talents

Nominations for this award will open on Nov. 3 and we will share more information on the nomination process in the weeks ahead. Families are encouraged to nominate qualified faculty/staff as we seek to showcase our amazing D39 educators!

Parent Education Events
Earlier this month, District 39 held its first Parent Education event of the year, titled “Navigating School Safety Scenarios: How Would You Respond?” A recording of that presentation is now available. This event was held in partnership with the Wilmette Police Department, Be SMART, Family Service Center and the KEY Coalition.

Mark your calendar for our next Parent Ed presentation, “Generative Artificial Intelligence for Parents and Caregivers,” set for Wednesday, October 15 at 6:30 pm. Amanda Bickerstaff from AI for Education will be our presenter for this evening event held virtually via Zoom. Registration for this event is open now. Please visit our Parent Education webpage for our full schedule of events as well as archived recordings of past events.

Additionally, PASS39 (Parent Association of Student Services) is partnering with the Wilmette Public Library for an event titled “Navigating 504 and IEP Plans.” This in-person event will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 14 from 6-7:30 pm at the Wilmette Public Library and aims to provide families with clarity and support as you explore educational options for your child(ren). Online registration is open now. 

Science Olympiad Coach Needed
Would you like to mentor some of D39’s bright, scientific minds? District 39 is looking for coaches for its varsity and junior varsity Science Olympiad teams for the 2025-26 season. Last year’s team posted a top-10 finish at the state meet and is looking for a mentor to help them build on that accomplishment. This program will not be able to continue if we do not have coaches to support our teams. Please consider sharing your expertise! This position will receive a stipend of $3,213 for the year. If interested, please check out the job descriptions and apply online.