Dear Blackwell Families,

 

We kicked off this week with incredible energy at our whole school assembly! It was the perfect way to launch our Annual Charity Walk fundraiser and we are so excited to see our Bobcats come together to support such a worthy cause. Please see the school news below for more details on how you can get involved and support our students’ efforts.

 

To wrap up the week, our hallways were buzzing with excitement for the Student Book Fair. It was a joy to see so many new books in the hands of our Bobcats! We want to extend a huge thank you to our PTA volunteers who dedicated their time to help our students shop and keep things running smoothly. We couldn’t do it without you!

 

We hope you have a wonderful weekend. 

Stephanie Fry and Julie Shapiro

During the month of April, District 54 will be supporting the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by fundraising money to make a difference for children and their families. St. Jude’s is dedicated to advancing cures and prevention for childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Your donation supports research, treatments and other care for children and families in need.

 

Money can be donated via cash, QR Code, check, or by clicking this link. Checks can be made out to Blackwell Elementary School. Cash and check can be placed in a sealed envelope and turned in to the main office with the form that was sent home today. We ask that students do not go door to door asking for money.

 

Join us on Friday, April 24th at 7:45am for donuts and activities in the Blackwell gym. 

 

If you can believe it, it’s already time to start thinking about the 2026-2027 school year and we would love to hear your input! If you would like to share considerations with us, kindly complete the Parent Input Form and submit your response by Monday, April 27th. Please remember that any forms that request a specific teacher will be disregarded.

Mark your calendars now for the May 13 PTA meeting to discuss opportunities for the 2026-27 school year. 

 

Show your Bobcat pride by getting some freshly designed Blackwell Spirit Wear! Orders MUST be in by April 19.

 

Our school is amazing… but even amazing schools need parents to keep things running. Right now, we’re urgently looking for two brave (and mildly caffeinated) heroes to step in as PTA President and PTA Treasurer.

 

Before you scroll past thinking “not me”

 

Congrats — you’re already overqualified.

 

No one steps into these roles knowing everything. The “secret” is just showing up, asking questions, and Googling responsibly. Plus, you’ll have a whole team, past leaders, and school support to help you every step of the way.

 

 

This isn’t about being perfect — it’s about caring enough to jump in.

 

👉 If you’ve ever thought, “Someone should do something”… this is your moment.

 

Step up. We promise you won’t regret it. (And we’ll definitely help you.)

 

Have questions – email [email protected] 

 

 

Dine and Share – Please mention the Blackwell PTA when ordering.

 

Check in at the kiosk in the foyer, check in with the office, then head to the gym – no experience needed, just your smile and enthusiasm.

 

🍦 Friday, April 10 • 11:00–12:30

 

🥗 Thursday, April 16 • 11:00–12:30 – QP Greek

🥗 Thursday, May 7 • 11:00–12:30 – Culver’s

🥗 Thursday, May 21 • 11:00–12:30 – Mugs

The District 54 School Board is seeking community feedback to guide their search for the next superintendent. Please take a few minutes to complete this Superintendent Search Survey and offer your insights by April 13. You are also invited to attend one of the following focus groups related to the superintendent search. 

 

Registration for the 2026-2027 school year is now available through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Please log in to review the current information and make any necessary changes. Reminder you can also register your younger children who will be starting kindergarten in August 2026 through your portal account.

 

If you do not have a portal account, or cannot remember your username or password, please contact [email protected]. If you do not intend to return for the 2026-2027 school year, please notify our school office and we will coordinate the transfer of records to your new school district. If you have any questions, please contact our office.

 

It is time for fourth-grade students to sign up for Instrumental Music lessons next year! Information about band (trombone, trumpet, clarinet, flute) and orchestra (cello, viola, or violin) will be distributed to fourth-grade students at school. However, District 54 is also hosting the following meetings for parents where instruments will be demonstrated and information about the Instrumental Music Program will be shared.

Families are encouraged to attend the meeting at their neighborhood junior high, but can attend whichever meeting works best for them.

Visit the Instrumental Music website for more information. If you have any questions, please contact the band or orchestra teachers at your child’s school.

 

In District 54, we are dedicated to supporting the academic and social-emotional growth of every student. Your perspective as a parent or guardian plays a vital role in helping us build a complete understanding of your student’s strengths and areas for growth. To gather your valuable input, families of students in grades K–8 will receive an email on Monday, April 13, containing a unique link to complete the District 54 Personal Assessment of Core Competency for your student(s). The survey will be open through Friday, May 1. We sincerely appreciate your participation, as strong collaboration between home and school is essential in supporting your student’s overall well-being.