Skip to main content

Devonshire Elementary

Parent Newsletter 5.8.2026

Posted Date: 05/08/26 (03:45 PM)
View Original Post


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

The Dolphin Digest

May 8, 2026
The exterior of Devonshire School on a sunny day.

Dear Families,

As we step into the start of our end-of-year season, it has been wonderful to see our students supporting and encouraging one another. We are proud of the hard work and perseverance our students are showing each day. We had many highlights this week, including welcoming Junior Achievement to our school, where students learned valuable lessons in financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship. Our 5th graders also attended our annual outdoor education trip, where they learned about outdoor activities and even more about themselves. See the group photo below.

Please read below for details about other upcoming events and opportunities.
A large group of students and adults pose for a photo in front of a 'Welcome to Timber-Lee' sign.
 

Teacher Appreciation Week!

Teacher Appreciation Week is 5/11-5/15, and we'd love your help celebrating the incredible teachers who make Devonshire special! Please send our fabulous teachers and staff some extra love in your own way and/or take a moment to add a message, photo, or video to our teacher appreciation board. Whether it's a fond memory, a simple thank you, or a shoutout for something specific they've done, every post makes a difference. Add your message here. Please submit by May 11. Thank you for supporting our Devonshire community!

Also, let's treat all our hard-working teachers and staff to a potluck lunch on Friday, May 15! Please see the sign-up for dishes that you can bring using the link below:

 

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.
 

i-Ready Math and Literacy Testing next week

Next week students will be taking our local i-Ready test on their ipads for Math and Literacy.

To best prepare your child for the tests, please: 
  • Encourage your child to read slowly and carefully, re-read when confused and try their best.

  • You can have an impact on your child by talking with them about your expectations. Please explain to your child that a great test taking strategy to use when you don’t know the answer is to take a deep breath, tell yourself you can do it, then reread the question and answer choices, thinking hard about all that you know, and make your best choice. Tell yourself good job for using all of your strategies and really thinking hard about this!

  • Children who are focused and try to solve problems they perceive as hard are the most successful at showing what they truly know. We discussed in class how it is important to look at all of the answer choices - usually one or two can be eliminated. 

  • Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep before the tests and comes with their iPad fully charged.

  • Make sure your child eats a healthy breakfast and lunch. Please send them to school with a healthy snack.

Skokie 68 Art Show

Please join us at the District 68 Art show on May 14 from 6 - 7pm at Old Orchard Junior High. Come help celebrate all of the work of our young artists!
 

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


  • 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
  • June 4: Devonshire Dolphin Bash 5:30 p.m.
  • June 8: Last day of school.

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