Parent Newsletter 4.24.2026

Posted Date: 04/24/26 (04:00 PM)

The Dolphin Digest

April 24, 2026

The exterior of Devonshire School on a sunny day.

Dear Families,

A group of diverse children stand on a stage, some looking towards a microphone.

As we settle firmly into our 3rd trimester, there is a renewed sense of energy and momentum throughout our building. With warmer weather finally making a consistent appearance, our students have been embracing more opportunities to learn, play, and grow together, especially during recess.

This week has also been filled with the joy of music across our district. Our students represented our school beautifully at the District Choral Fest, showcasing not only their talent but also their dedication and pride. In addition, our youngest performers took the stage for the Kindergarten Musical pictured to the right, which was an absolute delight!

Trimester 3 is always a special time of year; it is full of growth, celebration, and reflection. We’re looking forward to all that’s ahead and are grateful for the continued partnership of our families in making our school such a positive and supportive community.

Please read below for details about other upcoming events and opportunities.

Multicultural Night

The PTA is planning Devonshire's third annual Multicultural Night. We hope it will be even bigger and better than previous years. Please see the flyer below to learn more about the event. Please only fill out the Google Form that interests you and your family. We are also in great need of volunteers. Please use this iink to sign up for a spot to volunteer.

We're taking sign ups for the following:

1. Food dish(es) for the buffet (in the Gym)

2. A Cultural Showcase station (in the main hallway)

3. A Performance (in the Cafeteria)

Please click here to access translated flyers in our top languages.

Poster for 'Multicultural Night' presented by The Devonshire PTA, featuring colorful handprints.

Registration is Open For New and Returning Families

Please visit the district website at www.skokie68.org. Feel free to reach out to the front office with any questions.

A colorful playground with a slide, climbing wall, trampoline, and sandbox in front of a school building.

Devonshire Playground Will Close at 8:30 a.m. Daily

While we know families and students enjoy playing on the playground in the morning, we need to start enforcing the policy requiring students to line up by grade level to enter the school at 8:30 a.m. every day. At 8:30, students should begin settling into their lines, getting ready for their day of learning. Families are welcome to enjoy the park before 8:30 or after school. Thank you for your cooperation.

Spring Musical Concerts

Please join us for our Spring Chorus concerts. Our next one is on May 20th, at 6:00 p.m. at Devonshire. Ms. Patel and students have been hard at work preparing for their shows!

Spring Chorus Concert Dates announcement with floral border and strawberries.

PTA Board Elections

Devonshire PTA Board Elections will take place on May 14, 2026 at 7:00 PM in the school library. A Zoom option will also be available and shared closer to the date.

We are currently seeking parents and guardians interested in serving in the following open positions:

President
Treasurer
Secretary

Serving on the PTA Board is a meaningful way to support our school community and help shape the year ahead. If you are interested in running, please complete the Intent to Serve Form by May 1 using the QR code on the election flyer below.

For questions about the roles or election process, please contact the Elections Committee at devonshireptaelections@gmail.com.

Thank you for supporting Devonshire PTA!

Devonshire Elementary PTA Board Elections poster seeking candidates for President, Treasurer, and Secretary.

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

April 29: Multicultural Night 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
April 30: Elementary Orchestra Concert @ OOJH 7:00 p.m.
May 4 - May 6: 5th grade outdoor education trip
May 13: Elementary Band Concert @ OOJH
May 14: District Art Show 6:00 p.m. @ OOJH
May 14: PTA meeting 7:00 p.m.
May 19: Kindergarten Orientation 6:00 p.m.
May 20: Devonshire Choir Concert 6:00 p.m. at Devonshire.
May 21: Board of Education Meeting 7:00 p.m.
May 25: NO SCHOOL Memorial Day
May 27: NO SCHOOL Eid al-Adha

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.

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