Skip to main content

Devonshire Elementary

Parent Newsletter 1.30.2026

Posted Date: 01/30/26 (05:43 PM)


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

The Dolphin Digest

January 30, 2026
The exterior of Devonshire School on a sunny day.

Dear Families,

This week was another great week in the books for Devonshire, even though we had an ENTIRE WEEK of indoor recess. We are looking forward to some warmer weather and a chance to get outside next week. One of the highlights this week was the number of blue hearts (over 2,000) we have already collected for our current schoolwide goal of following hallway expectations. Way to go, Dolphins!

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.
 

Frosty Fiesta Date Change

Due to the inclement weather, the Frosty Fiesta has been moved to February 6th, from 6:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m. Parents must stay at the event with children!
 

Skokie Park District After School Clubs

Clubs started last week on Tuesday, January 27th. Registration opens again on 2/26 for the Spring club. If you signed up, you should have received more information from the Skokie Park District.

Questions? Contact Leah Hurwitz at lhurwitz@skokieparks.org
 

2nd Grade Musical

Please join us for the 2nd grade musical on February 12 at 6 p.m.

Parent-Teacher Conferences 2/13 and 2/19

Parent-Teacher conferences are a great time to learn more about how your child is doing at Devonshire and to connect with your teacher. The dates for Parent Teacher conferences are February 13th from 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and February 19th from 4:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. You will receive more information from your child's teachers in the next two weeks.
 

ACCESS testing January 20th - February 20th

ACCESS testing for our multilingual learners, or English Language Learners (ELLs), will take place starting January 20th and go until February 20th. Here is a flyer with more information about the ACCESS test. Click here to see the flyer in other languages. Teachers will be sharing more specific times of when your child will be tested if they are a multingual learner.
 

Important: 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. See the flyer to the right for all the details.
Poster announcing Devonshire Spirit Days for 2026, featuring a mascot and upcoming themed days.
 
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



  • February 6: Frosty Fiesta Dance
  • February 12: Valentine's Day Class Parties 2:00
  • DATE CHANGE: February 12: 2nd Grade Musical
  • February 13: Parent-Teacher conference day, 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
  • February 16: President's Day - NO SCHOOL
  • February 19: Evening Parent Teacher Conferences, 4:30 - 8:00 p.m.
  • February 19: Board of Education meeting 7 p.m. at the ESC.
  • March 6: Trimester 2 ends

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