Dear Diamond Lake Families,

What a fun week we had at DLS! There was so much excitement throughout the building, and it was wonderful to see our Cubs making memories, learning together, and celebrating as a school community. 💙

🎃 Celebrating Halloween at DLS!

Our Halloween celebrations were so much fun! From the costumes to the classroom parties, our Cubs had a wonderful time celebrating together. A HUGE thank-you to our D76 PTO for providing the supplies that helped make our classroom parties successful. We appreciate their support. 

📸 Picture Day was a Success!
Our Cubs brought their biggest smiles for Picture Day! I can't wait to see the wonderful memories Lifetouch captured. We are looking forward to seeing all those smiling faces!

❤️ Red Ribbon Week Fun!
Red Ribbon Week brought lots of school spirit and fun opportunities to dress up! Thank you to our families for helping our Cubs participate and making each day special. We love seeing our students show their spirit and personality!

📅 Looking Ahead to Next Week

• Monday, November 2 | Late Start: Our school doors will open at 8:55 a.m. We look forward to welcoming everyone for a great start to the week!

• Friday, November 6 | High Five Friday: I can't wait to see who will be outside welcoming our Cubs with high fives next Friday! These special moments are such a fun way to start the day with smiles and positive energy.

🎯 Attendance Challenge: Can We Reach 100%?

This week's attendance stats: 

Monday: 95%

Tuesday: 93%

Wednesday: 96%

Thursday: 96%

Friday: 90%

Our challenge for next week is simple: How high can our student attendance be?

I am challenging DLS to work toward having one day with 100% student attendance! I know this is an ambitious goal, but I am hopeful that we will have a healthy week and get as close to 100% as possible. Every day of learning matters, and we want all of our Cubs here to learn, grow, and shine alongside their classmates! Thank you for continuing to partner with us and support your child's daily attendance. Let's see what our Cubs can do!

🧥 Cold Weather Reminder: As temperatures begin to drop, please remember to send your child to school with appropriate layers, a warm jacket, gloves, and a hat. We will continue to enjoy outdoor recess each day unless extreme cold or rainy weather prevents us from going outside. Thank you for helping our Cubs stay warm, comfortable, and ready to play!

💙 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 is running now 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 has reopened.  There are even some new cozy winter designs.  Don't miss your chance and wish you had ordered. Spirit Wear sale ends November 8th. Order Now!  All orders must be shipped to home.  

Ice Cream Day-is on November 11, 2026 for Kindergarten - 8th Grade. Culver’s custard cups will be available during lunch with optional sprinkles and chocolate sauce.  By paying $3.00 per cup you help us raise funds for other school activities and provide students a special treat. Please use our online registration and pay via Zelle or return the registration form with your payment to the school office. Interested in volunteering? Sign Up here!

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 sets of board games that are not getting used at your house please consider donating.  Donations can be dropped off at the West Oak Middle School to the attention of Adam Dorr. Contact dist76pto@gmail.com with any questions. 

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

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. 

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.