• Attendance Matters: As we celebrate a great start to the school year, we also want to highlight the importance of being in school every day. Did you know that missing just 2 days of school each month adds up to nearly 10% of the school year? Consistent attendance makes a big difference for both academic growth and social connections.

• Cell Phone Policy: Please review the following letter describing our cell phone policy and how it will be enforced through our Yondr program. Here is a short video outlining how the Yondr pouches work and how our procedures are implemented each day.  Please complete the D76 Cell Phone Acknowledgement Form and contact the Main Office if you have any questions. 

• Student Dropoffs: In an effort to keep students safe, we ask that all parents drive with care and reduce their speeds as they approach the school in their vehicles.

• PowerSchool Parent Portal: Parents will be able to view their child’s schedule for the year via our PowerSchool Parent Portal to be turned back on Friday, August 14th. Helpful login information for parents and guardians can be found here.

• ParentSquare: New to ParentSquare? ParentSquare is a user-friendly way for parents and staff to communicate throughout the year. Please review these helpful instructions on how to access your ParentSquare account.

• WOMS Schedule and Calendar: The West Oak Middle School day starts at 8:25am and ends at 3:25pm. Here is our district calendar and here is a document showing all of our bell schedules. 

• Bus Routes: Here are the bus routes which includes pick-up locations and times. Please make sure your child arrives a few minutes early as pick-up and drop-off times will fluctuate, especially at the beginning of the year. 

• Arrival & Dismissal Procedures: Please click here to view our arrival and dismissal procedures. Thank you in advance for following these procedures and the guidance of our bus supervisors to ensure a smooth and safe arrival and dismissal! 

• Breakfast/Lunch: As we welcome our students back for another exciting school year, we wanted to remind you you that Diamond Lake School District 76 participates in the ISBE Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program, which means all students receive breakfast and lunch at no cost, every school day, regardless of household income. No application is required, every enrolled student is automatically eligible. Also, our monthly food service menus, along with nutrition data, can be found on our district website.  For August, those menus can be found HERE. We're also committed to supporting our students' overall health and wellbeing. Our District Wellness Policy outlines how we approach nutrition, physical activity, and healthy habits across our schools. You can read the full policy HERE.  Thank you for being such an important part of the Diamond Lake community. We look forward to a great year ahead!

• Extracurriculars: In order to get the most out of middle school and the best experience possible, we always encourage students to get involved in the various sports, clubs, and activities that we offer throughout the year. Here is a list of some of the offerings we have and here is a discription of our different clubs. 

• 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.

• Diamond Awards: New to this year, we ask families to complete this nomination Form if they would like to recognize a staff member they feel are going above and beyond with what they do in the classroom, school, or district. Please consider spreading the positivity bys highlighting the great work that staff our doing in our district. 

• PTO Budget Meeting- Did you know that all parents, guardians, teachers, and staff are considered members of the PTO?  We have no dues or membership fees. You are invited to join us on Tuesday, August 25th from 6-7:00pm for our budget meeting. We will introduce our officers, talk about ways you can be involved, and present and vote on our 2026-2027 budget. This is a great time to jump in or bring a friend.  Child care is not provided, but your children are welcome to attend. Interested in being involved but can’t make the meetings? Indicate ways you’d like to volunteer on our interest form, and we'll contact you when an opportunity that matches your interest is available.

• Spirit Wear Store- Getting ready for the school year? Don't forget spirit wear.  Our D76 spirit wear store is open now through September 20th.  Shop now at https://diamondlake26.itemorder.com/

• Save the Date- The Back to School Bash will be held on Friday September 25th from 5:30-7:30pm. Weather permitting this event will be outdoors. Interested in volunteering or donating a raffle prize? Contact us at dist76pto@gmail.com

Your student's classroom teacher should be your first point of contact. For building-related information, please call the front office at 847-566-9220 or contact the following individuals via email: 

• Front Office Staff: Mrs. Mitzy Mondroy: mmonroy@dist76.org & Ms. Jennifer Sanjines: jsanjines@dist76.org 

• Principal: Brandon Pedersen bpedersen@dist76.org 

• School Nurse: Julie Marchese: jmarchese@dist76.org