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Devonshire Parent Newsletter 08.21.2026

Posted Date: 08/21/26 (05:11 PM)
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A blue cartoon dolphin mascot with a wide smile is featured in a circular logo.

The Dolphin Digest

August 21, 2026
The entrance to Devonshire School on a bright, sunny day with an American flag flying.

Dear Families,

There is so much joy and excitement as we prepare to welcome our Dolphins back to school on Monday! It was wonderful to see our community come together at Supply Drop-Off, where more than 200 families stopped by to meet teachers and get ready for a great year ahead.

As we begin a new school year, we are excited to live out our vision: One Pod, One Community - Everyone Belongs, Everyone Safe. Just like a pod of dolphins, we are stronger when we learn, grow, and support one another. We can’t wait to see our students on Monday and begin another joyful year together. Welcome back, Dolphins!
 

Communication about how students get home

If you haven't already, please share with your child's teacher how your child is getting home each day. Please remember that if you need to change the way a child is getting home for a specific day, you should communicate this to the teacher and office secretary, Vicki Chappell. Thank you!
 

Coffee and Pastries from the PTA on Monday

The PTA will have coffee and pastries set up on the arrival area for parents and staff. Please stop by to say hi and enjoy a treat. Thank you!
 

Back to School Information

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL: Our first day of school is Monday, August 24th. The PTA will be here to greet students and families on the playground.

CLASS ASSIGNMENTS: You may view your class assignment in the Parent Portal or on Infinite Campus. You can see how to see your class assignments by clicking here,
  • If you haven’t registered your child for school this year, you will not receive a class assignment. Please go to this page to register. 

MEDICAL FORMS: Medication Administration Forms and other health-related information can be found on the District 68 Student Services page. Medication Administration forms must be completed in order for children to take medicine at school. Please send your child’s medical forms with your child for the first day of school if applicable.

BICYCLES: Only fourth and fifth grade students are allowed to ride their bikes to school. Students must wear helmets when riding their bikes. Bikes are to be locked up in the bike rack near door 2. Should you permit your child to ride a bike to school, please discuss bicycle safety. No skateboards, scooters, or roller blades should be brought to school.
 

Bus Information

If you have selected to ride the bus, you can find information about your child's bus route in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal by going to the "more" section on the left and selecting "transportation." Please call the central office at 847-676-9000 if you have specific questions or requests regarding bus transportation. See below for a visual.
A screenshot of the Infinite Campus portal shows a menu with 'More' highlighted, leading to options like 'Transportation'.
 

Arrival and Dismissal Procedures

Drop off and pick up occur on Kenneth Avenue. Please only stop at the playground entrance closest to Davis. For the safety of our students, please do not double park, do not park on the side of the street with the houses, and stay in a single line. Students will line up according to grade level. Click here to see a map and detailed directions for picking up and dropping off.

Students should be dropped off between 8:30-8:37 a.m. If you arrive after 8:40 a.m., please park and bring your child to the main entrance. Please note that if the weather is bad (under 10 degrees with windchill, rain, or wet/blowing snow), students will come into the school building beginning at 8:30 a.m. 

3rd - 5th grade students can walk home or walk to a parent in a parked car, if they have a signed permission slip. If you choose, you may submit this permission slip to your child’s teacher.
 
A white plate divided into sections, showcasing a balanced meal with fruits, vegetables, protein, and grains.

Meals

Breakfast: Breakfast will be served daily from 8:25 a.m. - 8:35 a.m. Students may enter through door 8 for breakfast. A staff member will be there to greet students starting at, but not before, 8:25. There is no early drop-off unless you are registered for SPACE. No student may enter the building for breakfast after 8:35 a.m. Parents must pay for breakfast through their Infinite Campus account unless they qualify for meal benefits.

Lunch: Students may choose to bring lunch from home or receive a school lunch. We will provide hot lunches through our provider, Organic Life. Parents must pay for lunch through their Infinite Campus account unless they qualify for meal benefits.

 

School Information

SCHOOL HOURS: Students are escorted into the building at 8:37 a.m. daily. School on Mondays runs 8:40 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and Tuesdays-Fridays are 8:40 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

TARDY TO SCHOOL: If your child arrives to school after 8:40 a.m, you must escort your child into the main entrance and sign them into school for the day. The sign-in sheet will also include the reason for the tardiness.

PLAYGROUND: While we encourage families to enjoy our community play space after school hours, the park and playground are closed to the public during school hours from 8:25 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, and 8:25 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. on Monday. This rule is grounded in student safety, and we appreciate your cooperation in enforcing this safety measure.

ATTENDANCE: If your child will be absent, you must report the absence including the reason for the absence. If your child has a medical appointment and will come in late or leave early from school, we ask that you report that information as well. Absences or early/late arrivals due to appointments may be communicated through the Parent Portal or you may call the Attendance Line at (847) 568-4996.

PARENT-STUDENT HANDBOOK: Click here for the 2026-27 Parent/Student Handbook.
 

Parent Teacher Association

Please visit https://www.devonshirepta.com to sign up for the PTA, see events, purchase Devonshire gear, and more!
 

Upcoming Events

  • Monday, August 24th: First Day of School!
  • Wednesday, September 9th: Open House 6:00 - 7:30
  • Thursday, September 10th: PTA Meeting 7:00 p.m.

For more information about events, see the Devonshire Elementary School Calendar on the school website.
A stylized calendar with the text 'MARK YOUR CALENDAR' prominently displayed.
 

Important Links

Please click on the links below to access important resources.

 

Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Call us at the Main office: 847-568-4901


  • Brian Ritz | Principal | britz@skokie68.org
  • Vicki Chappell | Secretary | vchappell@skokie68.org
  • Danielle Lashay | Health Clerk | dlashay@skokie68.org
  • School Website: www.skokie68.org/devonshire/