Back to School Information 2025-2026

Aug 27 2025

Dear Intermediate District 287 Families and Caregivers,

Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year! We’re so excited to welcome your student(s) back to school when classes begin on Tuesday, September 2nd.

At Intermediate District 287, everything we do is guided by helping every student thrive. Whether it’s through personalized learning, strong support systems, or inclusive practices, our focus is on meeting each student where they are and helping them grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

We believe education is a partnership, and we’re so grateful to have you alongside us. Your trust means the world to us, and we’re committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and empowering environment where every student can learn and belong.

As we begin this new year together, we’re excited for all the learning, connection, and growth ahead. Please take a look below for helpful details to get the school year off to a smooth start.

Wishing you and your family a joyful start to the school year!

Warmly,

Marcy Doud

Superintendent

Strategic Plan Focus Area Work Group

District 287 would like to hear from you as we develop our Strategic Plan Year 3 Goals. We developed the 2024-2029 Strategic Plan in collaboration with our families/caregivers, students and staff. We spent last year working with our 287 community to create year 2 goals and we want to thank those of you who participated and gave feedback. If you are interested in participating or joining us again as we develop the goals for 2026-2027, we invite you to participate in one of the following Focus Area Work Group Meetings:

October 23, 2025, 4:00-6:00 pm
November 13, 2025, 4:00-6:00 pm
December 11, 2025, 4:00-6:00 pm
February 12, 2026 4:00-6:00 pm
March 12, 2026, 4:00-6:00 pm

A meal will be served at each event. Please sign up.

Evolv Weapons Detection System

We understand that creating a safe and welcoming environment is paramount for everyone in our school community. To further enhance the security of our schools, we've implemented the Evolv Weapons Detection System as an additional layer of protection. This system operates much like a traditional security screening, but with advanced capabilities to identify threats like explosives and firearms more effectively, helping us ensure comprehensive safety. A key benefit of this technology is its ability to allow more people to enter our buildings smoothly and efficiently.

It's important to clarify that the Evolv systems are exclusively designed for weapons detection, focusing on identifying components of potential threats. We want to assure you that we are not installing or utilizing any facial recognition technology at any of our sites.

We deeply value every member of our community and acknowledge that security measures like these can be perceived differently by individuals. We understand that some may view a weapons detection system as a concern for racial equity or overall school climate. Please know that we are fully committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive atmosphere. We continuously and closely monitor our entire screening process, diligently evaluating its effectiveness and, most importantly, its impact on everyone who enters our buildings. Our goal is always to balance robust safety with our dedication to a positive and equitable school experience for all.

Student & Visitor Screening

All students, staff, and visitors entering a District 287 school facility are required to utilize designated entry points equipped with an Evolv Weapons Detection System (WDS). Visitors will be directed to a specific entry point for WDS screening.

Should the system alert to a potential weapon on an individual or within their belongings:

Students will undergo a secondary search of the identified area for the potential item.
Staff and visitors will be requested to remove any items that may be causing the alert and then re-enter through the system.

Furthermore, any student who leaves the building unchaperoned or is temporarily outside their supervising staff member's view must undergo the full screening process again upon re-entry.

RAPTOR Visitor Check-In

District 287 utilizes the RAPTOR visitor management system to enhance security protocols for all entrants. This system offers a more comprehensive background screening capability.

To gain entry to a District 287 facility and sign in through RAPTOR, a valid form of identification is required. Preferred identification includes a picture ID, such as a driver's license, state identification card, or passport.

Layers of Safety

A comprehensive approach to school safety means that we must double down on the foundational trauma-responsive practices, such as trusting relationships with students, mental health supports, strong check-in and screening processes, and a rigorous and engaging curriculum. Relationship building is the number one layer of protection. View our layers of safety chart here.

Health Information

Health & Safety of the 287 community is of the utmost importance to us, so we do plan to keep many increased safety prevention measures in place to prevent catching and spreading respiratory or infectious illnesses and/or diseases.

Application For Educational Benefits

Meals are free for all students for the 2025-26 school year through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision. Although meals are free for all students, we ask that you still submit an Application for Educational Benefits to potentially qualify for other benefits, including:

Summer SUN Bucks
Possible reduced rates for middle and high school activities in your home district
Reduced AP testing and college application fees
Compensatory funds for the District to reduce class sizes, provide counseling and social work services, and hire specialists

You may create a School Cafe account and apply online or fill out a paper application and submit it to your students' school. A separate email will be sent to you with additional food service information.

School Calendar & Notification of a School Cancellation

You can view the 2025-2026 school calendar for this year on our calendar webpage.

If the District ever decides to move to cancel school, you will be notified using the contact information we have on file for your student. If you ever need to update your contact information, please update the information in ParentVUE or reach out to your school’s front office.

Stay Connected With Your Student's Teacher

We are excited to introduce you to TalkingPoints, a communication platform designed to help you stay connected with your student’s teachers and support their education. You will automatically receive messages from your student’s school and teachers via SMS text unless you choose to download the TalkingPoints for Families app and log in. If you haven’t signed into the app, you will receive messages from teachers and staff members via SMS text. When you do, make sure you save their number in your phone for easy access!

ParentVue/StudentVue

To ensure we have accurate student information, new and existing parents/guardians are asked to verify student information through the parent/guardian portal called ParentVUE. For new parents/guardians, you should have received an email with information on how to create an account. You will be brought to a screen that states “Online Verification.” If you have questions about ParentVUE or Online Verification, please contact your school’s front office. Staff will be available at your school’s open house to help parents/guardians access ParentVUE as well as review and complete forms in online verification.

Transportation

Student transportation for District 287 is provided by contractors through each student’s home school district. Please contact your home school district’s transportation department for transportation questions and needs. Visit our transportation webpage to find their contact information.

Cell Phones

Legislation requires all school districts to establish cell phone use policies.. We have a cell phone policy in our student handbook and encourage you to read it. Depending on your program, students might be able to carry phones or other electronic devices and other programs may require students to turn their cell phones off while in school. You will receive communication from your program about the plan for cell phones. At District 287, the best way to reach your student during the school day is by calling the school front office, not the student’s personal cell phone. If you have any questions please reach out to your school principal.

New District Logo

We’re excited to share that District 287 has begun the official rollout of the new logo! The updated logo was approved by the School Board following thoughtful engagement with staff, students, and families/caregivers. Rooted in our mission, values, and strategic plan, the new logo represents a fresh, unified identity for our district, and we can’t wait to see it in action. You'll begin to notice the updated look appearing on official materials, communications, and platforms throughout the school year.

Questions, comments, or concerns?

If you have any questions or want to reach out to us, please feel free to contact your school’s front office or your school’s family engagement representative, and they will be happy to assist you.

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