Congress Park Dolphin Newsletter

3.21.25

Dear Congress Park Community,

Congratulations to our third, fourth, fifth and sixth graders for their hard work and dedication during the past two weeks of IAR testing! We are so proud of the effort each student put into doing their best.

A special thank you as well to all students for being quiet and respectful of the testing environment. This created a positive space for everyone to focus and succeed.

An Important Message from Our Psychologist & Social Workers

As we continue to prioritize the well-being of our students, we wanted to take a moment to share some important information regarding screen time and the type of content children are exposed to, especially at the elementary age. Research from social workers and psychologists shows that excessive screen time and exposure to inappropriate shows can have lasting effects on children's psychological and developmental health.

At this stage in their lives, children's brains are highly impressionable, and what they watch can influence their emotional, cognitive, and social development. Too much screen time, particularly with content that is not age-appropriate, can lead to difficulties in concentration, in social skills, increased anxiety, and problems with emotional regulation. Additionally, exposure to violent or mature content can distort their perception of the world and negatively impact their behavior.

Shows and/or video games like Squid Games, 5 Nights at Freddy’s, Poppy Playtime (i.e Huggy Wuggy), Call of Duty. These are just a few examples that have been shared at school. Please review parental ratings to see if it is appropriate for your child. 

We strongly encourage you to monitor and limit the amount of time your child spends on screens. Set clear guidelines around what is acceptable for their age group, and be mindful of the types of programs and apps they engage with. Quality educational content and interactive activities are ideal for fostering healthy brain development. Be alert with the ads that can lead your child to another website. 

As parents, you play a crucial role in supporting your child’s mental and emotional well-being. We recommend creating a balanced routine that includes screen-free time, physical activity, and opportunities for social interaction.

Thank you for your continued partnership in promoting the healthy development of our students.

Kind regards,

Amy Grieve

Congress Park Principal

CP NEWS

2025-26 Registration

Registration for the 2025-2026 School Year is Open.

Online Enrollment and Residency Verification applies to ALL students every school year. Enrollment involves going online to fill out and update the required information for your student. Please be sure to verify that all information is correct - i.e. addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, emergency contacts, etc.

This process can be completed via your computer, tablet/iPad, or similar. Please note - you cannot complete online registration on a cell phone or through the PowerSchool App.

If you have multiple students, you must enroll each student separately.

You, as the parent/guardian of your child, should be listed as the first emergency contact.

If you lease a property or reside with someone within D102 boundaries,  we request that you submit an updated lease or the Residency Affidavits each year.

If your address has changed from what we have on file, you must provide new residency documents. You can upload new residency documentation as a part of this online registration, or drop off those documents at your child's school of attendance.

Residency information may be requested from returning families after the online registration has been submitted.

Your student's enrollment is not confirmed until you have completed all steps and provided the required paperwork.

Student Council Fundraiser for Hinsdale Humane Society

Student Council is collecting items for the Hinsdale Humane Society through April 17. They are in need of paper towels, towels, clean bedding, blankets and toys. Items can be dropped off at CP or ordered directly through their Amazon or Chewy wish lists. Donations of gift cards, cash, and volunteer time are also greatly appreciated!


Hinsdale Humane Society Wish List

REMINDERS

Attendance

If your child will be absent from school, please contact cpattendance@dist102.k12.il.us. This is a quick and easy way to communicate with the health office about your child's absence.

Congress Park Parent Calendar

Congress Park activities can be found on the District website, or parents can subscribe to our Parent Google Calendar.  Follow the link to subscribe.  Congress Park Parent Google Calendar

Commercial Lunches

As outlined in our Parent Handbook, we kindly ask that commercial lunches, such as McDonald’s, not be brought in during the school day. If a lunch of this type is dropped off, your child will enjoy it in the office. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a healthy and consistent environment for all our students.

UPCOMING DATES

3/21 - Spring Carnival

3/25 - Dental Clinic at CP

3/28 - Coffee with the Principal

3/28 - IAR Testing Ends

3/28 - Registration for 2025-26 School Year Closes

3/31 - 4/5 - Spring Break

4/11 - Flying High PIzza Fundraiser Event

From our Congress Park PTO

Spring Carnival - TONIGHT!!!

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PTO CARING KIDS CLUB

Space and supplies at Caring Kids Club meetings are limited to the number of students in the sign up. PLEASE ONLY SEND YOUR CARING KID AFTER SIGNING THEM UP IN THE SIGNUPGENIUS.

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Pizza FUNdraiser Event at Flying High

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PTO is Searching for a Green Thumb!

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DISTRICT/COMMUNITY EVENTS

District 102 Parent Night

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Park Patriot Summer Basketball Camp

Park Junior High Summer Basketball Camp

Compete, work on your skills, HAVE FUN!

  Camp Features:

  • Instruction from Park Junior High Coaches

  • Individual skills and drills (shooting, passing, dribbling)

  • Team drills

  • Contests

  • Gameplay

Location:  Park Junior High - 325 N. Park, La Grange Park

Dates:  June 9 - June 26 (No camp on Fridays or June 19)

Who:  Boys and Girls entering Grades 4-8.  Please note each grade level is limited to 60 participants.

Times:   

  • Boys entering Grade 8: 8:00-9:00 a.m.

  • Boys/Girls entering Grade 4,5,6: 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

  • Girls entering Grades 7,8: 11:00 a.m.-Noon

  • Boys entering Grade 7: 11:00 a.m.-Noon

Cost:  $75.00 per student Includes t-shirt (size options: YL, YXL, AS, AM, AL, AXL, AXXL). Please choose the size at the time of registration.

Registration:  Online through PushCoin. Sessions will no longer be available on PushCoin once max enrollment is reached. 

Direct Questions to Ryan Malloy - malloyry@dist102.k12.il.us

Park Patriot 2025 Summer Basketball Camp