Downers Grove 8-22-12

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INSIDE

SPORTS Benet, DGN feature some of state’s best

NEWS Fire alarm ordinance causes controversy PAGE 3

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www.buglenewspapers.com

Our Village, Our News

Back to School AUGUST 22, 2012

Vol. 4 No. 38

Students, school staff prepare for back to school frenzy By Robin Ambrosia Staff Reporter

August will always be associated with the back to school frenzy of purchasing school supplies, determining who your child’s teacher will be, trying on clothes to see what fits from last year, checking on bus schedules and making sure your camera is well charged for the treasured first day of school pictures. It’s important for all motorists to be aware of the decreased speed limits around school zones as well as increased pedestrian, vehicle and bus traffic particularly in their neighborhoods. As a reminder, state law prohibits cell phone use within a school speed zone. Fines for this offense start at $75. “It’s hard to believe, but the first day of school in District 58 is right around the corner,” said Jennifer Waldorf, communications coordinator for Downers Grove Grade School District 58 (DGSD58).

The first day of school for all 13 grade schools in DGSD58 is set for Monday, August 27. This will be a partial student attendance day. The shortened school day for grades first through sixth will be 8:20 to 11:40 a.m. while the middle school will be 8:35 to 11:51 a.m. (see website for kindergarten times). Tuesday, August 28 will be the regular school hours. Regarding traffic patterns, no major changes are planned. However, with the completion of the Belmont underpass, there is now a stoplight at Haddow and Belmont right by Puffer School, according to Waldorf. All six of Woodridge School District 68 (WSD68) grade schools as well as Jefferson Jr. High will begin Wednesday, August 22 with a full day but kindergarten classes don’t start until Thursday, August 23. “All students are strongly encouraged to be there day number one because every day counts,” said Amy Melinder, Director of Community

Engagement. The first day of attendance is a full day, with elementary schools in session from 8:20 a.m. to 2:55 p.m. and junior high school in session from 8:10 a.m. to 3:25 p.m. (see website for kindergarten times). The big news at WSD68 is their new breakfast program. All returning students will keep the same account and debit card as they had last year for lunch. New students will receive a new account and debit card. Westmont’s Community School District 201 (WCSD201) doesn’t begin until Wednesday, August 29. Westmont’s High School starts at 8 a.m. while Westmont Junior High at 8:15 a.m. Contact grade schools for more information about school times. Breakfast will also be served at all WCSD201 schools. Since breakfast will be served from 8 to 8:15 a.m. in the cafeteria, See SCHOOL, page 3


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