Student/Parent Handbook
We encourage all of our District families to review our
D39 student/parent handbook for details on all District policies and procedures. This informative document was also available to you during the registration/enrollment process. Our
Lechner Early Education Program (LEEP) handbook is also available with information for our youngest D39 learners.
Important Dates
The District 39 calendar for the 2025-26 academic year is available online for
both K-8 families and our
Lechner Early Education Program (LEEP) families. Below are some important dates to note for the start of the new school year:
- Wednesday, August 20 – First Day of Student Attendance (Grades K-8; Early Release)
- Thursday, August 21 - First Full Day of Student Attendance (Grades K-8)
- Monday, August 25 – Board of Education Regular Business Meeting
- Tuesday, August 26 - First Full Day of LEEP Student Attendance
- Monday, September 1 – Labor Day (No School)
Bike and Scooter Safety Tips
District 39, in partnership with the Village of Wilmette, the Wilmette Police Department, the Wilmette Park District and Avoca District 37, is
sharing safety tips with our Wilmette families throughout our community. These tips are important for all bike/scooter riders, and especially important for those considering e-bikes/scooters. We encourage parents to review these safety tips with children regularly.
- Wear a helmet. The best way to protect yourself is to wear a helmet.
- Wear other protective gear. Protect the rest of your body with elbow pads, knee pads, and closed-toe shoes.
- Be visible. All equipment should have lights and reflectors.
- Look both ways before riding through any kind of intersection. Stop and look for cars when crossing the street or a driveway. Be careful at crosswalks and intersections.
- Walk your bike/scooter in crowded areas. To avoid collisions with pedestrians and parked vehicles, the Village asks riders to walk scooters/bikes in crowded areas like downtown and school drop-off areas or walking routes.
- Avoid distractions. Do not use electronic devices, including ear buds, headphones or phones, while operating your bike/scooter.
- Use both hands. Don't carry anything that prohibits you from having both hands on the handlebars.
- Ride solo. If your bike/scooter is only intended for one person, ride solo.
- Be respectful of others. Exercise care when passing a pedestrian or another rider.
- Be mindful of speed. Some bikes/scooters can operate at very fast top speeds. Parents are encouraged to consider the speed and operability of any device before allowing younger riders to use them.
Parent Education Event – School Safety
Last year, District 39 hosted a Parent Education event titled
“Feeling Safe in District 39 Schools.” The information presented still holds true as we prepare for the 2025-26 academic year and contains valuable information for families. We encourage all families to watch the recording to learn more about how we work together to maintain a high level of building security and work with community partners to create a feeling of safety for all. Please
visit our Parent Education webpage for more information on our Parent Ed program and recordings of many of our previous presentations.
Join Our District Strategic Advisory Teams
Composed of representative stakeholders from district administration, teacher and support staff union leadership, parents, educational professionals, and members of the Board of Education, the District 39 Strategic Advisory Team (DSAT) reviews, informs, and evaluates implementation of the strategic plan as well as the related annual action planning and performance.
The team is charged with making recommendations regarding adjustments to action plans, implementation and progress monitoring, and reviewing key performance indicators (KPIs) while ensuring voice, agency, and representation in decision-making.
This group meets 3 times per year, from 7:15-8:15 am via Zoom with each member serving a two-year term on the team. If you are interested in joining this valuable and important District team,
please fill out and submit this brief application. Dates for this year’s meetings are listed below:
- Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025
- Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026
- Thursday, May 28, 2026