Dear Diamond Lake Families,

What a wonderful week at DLS! 💙 Our Cubs continue to amaze us with their curiosity, creativity, and excitement for learning. From working toward learning goals to celebrating special moments together, there is so much to be proud of across our school. We have a busy week of celebrations and learning ahead.

Red Ribbon Week Spirit Week | October 26–30

We will celebrate Red Ribbon Week with a fun Spirit Week! Join us in showing our school spirit by participating in the following themed days:

• Monday, October 26: Pajama Day

• Tuesday, October 27: Wear District 76 Spirit Wear

• Wednesday, October 28: Dress Your Best — DLS Picture Day!

• Thursday, October 29: Wear Red

• Friday, October 30: Wear Your Halloween Costume

We are excited to celebrate Halloween with our Cubs on Friday, October 30! Below is the schedule for our classroom parties and parades. Please review the times so you know when each celebration will take place.

• 7:45–8:15 a.m. | AM Pre-K Party

• 8:15 a.m. | All-School Parade: Second grade will lead the parade. Students and staff will line the hallways to cheer on each grade as they parade through the school. Students will re-enter through the West Town door.

• 10:00–11:00 a.m. | Second-Grade Party

• 12:30–1:30 p.m. | First-Grade Party

• 1:00 p.m. | PM Pre-K Parade: Anyone not participating in a classroom party is welcome to gather in the main hallway or by the lockers near Door 2 to watch the parade.

• 1:20–2:00 p.m. | Kindergarten Party

• 1:30–2:00 p.m. | PM Pre-K Party

Thank you for helping us make Halloween a fun and memorable day for our Cubs. We look forward to seeing everyone's creativity and school spirit!

💙 Thank You, DLS Families!

Keep shining and #SparkleOn,

Mrs. Sunny Morley

Principal, Diamond Lake School

smorley@dist76.org

In accordance with Erin’s Law, all Illinois public schools are required to provide age-appropriate lessons each year to help students recognize unsafe situations, understand personal body safety, and know how to seek help from trusted adults. We will be presenting the lesson(s) during the weeks of November 2, 2026 through November 13, 2026.

These lessons are designed to empower students with knowledge and skills to protect themselves. They focus on:

• Understanding the difference between safe and unsafe touches

• Identifying trusted adults at home and school

• Learning how to say “no” and get help when feeling unsafe

• Recognizing personal boundaries and respect for others
  
  

The lessons are presented in a sensitive, age-appropriate manner by our trained staff and/or approved curriculum resources. Our goal is to ensure students feel safe, supported, and informed.

If you have questions about the content of these lessons or wish to review the materials before they are presented please contact your school social worker by Wednesday, October 28, 2026:

Diamond Lake School: Deborah Wargaski 847-566-6601

West Oak Intermediate School: Lisa Brickert 847-970-3544

West Oak Middle School: Lindsay Harmon 847-566-9220

Thank you for your partnership in helping us keep all students safe and informed.

Winter Clothing Drive- It’s been warm this week but winter is coming.  If you have gently used winter clothing that no longer fits your family the Winter Clothing Drive will run from October 19th through November 6th.  We are collecting new hats, new gloves, and new scarves; as well as gently used snow pants, coats, hoodies, and boots. Clothing can be dropped off in the collection bins at any school office. Notify the office of your donation to receive a raffle entry for prizes at the Dia de los Muertos Celebration. Help us keep our community warm this winter! 

Spirit Wear Pop-up Sale-Back by popular demand our Spirit Wear store is reopening.  Order now!  This limited time opening will not be extended.  All orders must be shipped to home. 

Board Game Club-Did you know that West Oak Middle School has a Board Game club?  They are looking to expand their game collection.  If you have gently used complete board games that are not getting used at your house please consider donating them. Donations can be dropped off at the West Oak Middle School to the attention of Adam Dorr. Contact dist76pto@gmail.com with any questions.

Holiday Party Donation Request 

The D76 PTO is happy to support Diamond Lake School and West Oak Intermediate School as they celebrate Halloween and Winter Break. These celebrations will include a snack, a craft, and an activity. You are invited to help us support our students and teachers by donating $6 per student to fund both parties.  Please send in cash or check with your student in an envelope marked ‘PTO Holiday Parties’. Or you can donate to the PTO via Zelle using the email d76ptopayments@gmail.com. The Account holder is Dezerae.  Please include ‘Holiday Parties’ in the memo. 

Lunch time Volunteers-Our food service company is providing monthly tastings for new menu items.  If you would like to volunteer to help pass out samples during lunch please sign up below.  Please note each school is on a different day for the duration of all the lunch periods. Volunteer during food tasting lunches

D76 CARES: At D76, the well-being of our students and families is our top priority. Understanding the critical role mental health plays in student success, we have launched D76 CARES - a comprehensive initiative aimed at improving access to quality mental health services across our community. D76 CARES stands for Community, Advocacy, Resilience, Engagement, and Support. Treatment services are initially provided free of charge to district families for up to 8 sessions. Click HERE for treatment request.