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Devonshire Elementary

Parent Newsletter 12.4.2025

Posted Date: 12/05/25 (03:30 PM)


A cartoon dolphin leaps out of the water, depicted in shades of blue.

The Dolphin Digest

December 4, 2025
The exterior of Devonshire School on a sunny day.

Dear Families,

We had a successful week coming off our Thanksgiving recess. One of many highlights was the 4th grade musical. Thank you for all of the hard work and preparation that went into the production from students and staff, and for all of those who attended. We look forward to more shows!

The cold weather seems to be here to stay for some time. We are outdoors for recess and during arrival and dismissal unless the "feels like" temperature is below 15 degrees. This means cold-weather clothing is required (boots, snow pants, a hat, gloves, and jackets). Please reach out to your teacher if you need winter clothing. Click here for more information regarding district weather policies and procedures.

Please read below for details about some of our upcoming events and opportunities.
A school choir performs on a stage, with a conductor leading them.
 

Sign Up for Clubs for Winter and Spring

Sign up for winter clubs open on December 12 at Noon and closes on March 20th. See the flyer below. Use the QR code below or go to https://www.skokieparks.org/district-68-after-school-clubs/ to sign up.


Flyer for Devonshire Elementary School after-school clubs, with program details.
 

Upcoming music events

Please join us for the combined Devonshire Chorus and elementary orchestra concert on December 16th at 7 pm at Old Orchard Junior High.
 

Annual Lockdown Drill

We will be practicing our lockdown safety drill on Wednesday, December 10th, during the school day. This drill takes approximately 5-10 minutes. A Skokie Police Officer and Mr. Ritz will walk the halls to support our classrooms in following the drill procedures. If you do not want your child to participate in this drill, please fill out the opt out form and submit it to the main office or your child’s teacher by Friday, December 5th.
 

Arrival and Dismissal

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.
Illustration of school arrival and dismissal, featuring a school building, bus, car, and bicycle.
 
A graphic with the words 'IMPORTANT INFORMATION' in bold letters.

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.

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.

TARDY TO SCHOOL: If your child is late to school, 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. Please note that you will be asked to sign your child in late, beginning at 8:40 a.m.

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 Infinite Campus Parent Portal.

PARENT-STUDENT HANDBOOK: Please review our District 68 Parent-Student Handbook for more detailed information.
 

Student Spirit Dress Up Days

Every Friday, we encourage staff and students to wear blue or their dolphin t-shirt. Thank you again, PTA.

We also have some fun Wednesdays every month to share. This month, on November 19th, please wear something for Hat day. Check out the flier on the left for more dates and themes!
A school calendar announces Devonshire Spirit Days, including Sports Day, Hat Day, and Silly Sweater Day.
 
A plate is divided into sections, each filled with a variety of healthy foods.

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. If a student arrives after 8:35 a.m. they will need to enter their grade level’s entrance to start the school day. 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. Students who bring lunch from home, may purchase milk only. Parents must pay for lunch through their Infinite Campus account unless they qualify for meal benefits.

Menus and other information can be found on our meals website.   
 

Upcoming Events


  • December 9: Report cards available on the parent portal at 4 p.m.
  • December 16: Elementary Orchestra and Chorus concert 7 p.m. at Old Orchard Junior High.
  • December 18: Board of Education meeting, 7 p.m. at the ESC.
  • December 19: Winter class parties 2 p.m.
  • December 22 - January 2: Winter Break
  • January 8: Picture Re-take day

For more information about events, see the Devonshire Elementary School Calendar on the school website
Colorful graphic with the words 'Upcoming Events' in bold text.
 
Devonshire Elementary PTA logo with a dolphin and text.

Parent Teacher Assocation

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

Contact Information

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

847-568-4901
Brian Ritz | Principal
Vicki Chappell | Secretary
Danielle Lashay | Health Clerk