The first day of school can be a joy for many and can also be filled with anxiety for some. As parents, teachers and students gear up for the first day of school, Community Consolidated School District 21 (“CCSD21”) would like to provide you with a few reminders and resources to make the transition to the first day of school a success. 

Registration

Is your child registered for the 2022-2023 school year? You still have time to register your child by visiting the District website and following the steps listed there. For the 3rd year in a row, the District will be waiving registration fees for each student. 

Questions related to the registration process can be directed to the CCSD21 Registrar, Carmina Martinez at 847.520.2610 or [email protected]. 

 

Medical Exams

Physical  exams are required for the following grades: preschool, kindergarten, 6th grade, 7th (if participating in sports), 8th (if participating in sports), or if it’s the first time enrolling for school in the State of Illinois. 

Dental exams are required for the following grades: kindergarten, 2nd, 6th or if it’s the first time enrolling for school in the State of Illinois. 

Vision exams are required for kindergarten students or if it’s the first time enrolling for school in the State of Illinois. 

Medical forms can be accessed here. 

 

School Hours

For grades 1-5, school starts on August 17 at 9:00 am and ends at 3:30pm. 

For grades 6-8, school starts on August 17 at 8:00 am and ends at 3:00 pm.

For kindergarten, school starts on August 18 at 9:00 am and ends at 3:30pm. 

For pre-kindergarten, school starts on August 18 at 9:00 am and ends at 11:30am (for the morning session) and starts at 1:00 pm (for the afternoon session) and ends at 3:30 pm. 

See school hours here and the 2022-2023 school calendar here.

 

Transportation

Transportation is provided by First Student, Inc., one of the largest transportation companies in the U.S. In most cases, students who reside 1.5 miles or more from their school, or if they must cross a hazardous area, are eligible for bus transportation. Routes, including time and stop, will be available in early August. 

If you would like to find out if your child is eligible for bus transportation, contact D21’s transportation coordinator at 847.520.2705.

 

Class Assignments

You may be wondering who your child’s teacher will be? Rest assured, staff at each school is diligently working on class assignments which will be sent to parents in early August. 

You may always contact your child’s school for additional information. 

 

Free and Reduced Meals

CCSD21 invites families from Cooper, Hawthorne, Longfellow, Riley and Poe to apply for free and reduced breakfasts and lunches for the 2022-2023 school year. Meals are nutritionally balanced and available every school day for qualified students as part of the National School Lunch Program, a federally assisted meal program operating in public schools. Eligibility guidelines are based on household size and income. See the application form here. Children in the other schools within our district receive free meals through The Community Eligibility Program (CEP). 

For the most up-to-date food menu, visit mealviewer.com. You do not have to create a profile. Simply click “Enter site – Families.” Then click on “Menus” and “Find your school.” Type in your child’s school name (i.e., London Middle School, Tarkington Elementary School, etc.). When you hover over the food item, you will be able to see the calories, fat content, sugar content, and other important details of your child’s meal.  

For additional information on our meal programs, contact Cindy Kile at 847.520.2706.

 

School Supplies

D21 will be providing all enrolled students with school supplies needed for the 2022-2023 school year. These kits – filled with items such as pencils, pens, glue sticks, scissors, crayons, notebooks, and much more – will be distributed to each student upon return to the classroom. Backpacks are not included. 

 

Physical Education Uniforms

PE uniforms will be provided for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. Students will receive one uniform each. Additional uniforms can be purchased throughout the school year at the front office. 

 

Communications

ParentSquare is School District 21’s communication tool and designed to keep parents informed and to facilitate school participation. It provides a safe way for the district, principal, teachers, staff, and parents to: 

• Send and receive school and class information 
• Share pictures and files 
• See calendar events 
• Sign up to volunteer 
• and much more… all in one centralized place!   

Each parent’s account will be automatically created with the email address and cell phone number provided at the time of student registration. One ParentSquare account can and should be utilized for accessing all of your children. 

If you don’t have an account, you can sign up here or contact your child’s school. 

 

These helpful resources will allow you and your child to transition into the new school year with comfort and ease.

Welcome to the new school year!