[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6115770,"mediaKeyId","2736443-62f041c9e4cffd4aaffd9ff6ce52fe6e","parentId",2736443,"title","District schedules neurodiversity spirit week, lessons and t-shirts for May","audioSeconds",342,"startMs",3569000,"endMs",3911000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2736443-62f041c9e4cffd4aaffd9ff6ce52fe6e&start=3569&end=3911","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2736443-62f041c9e4cffd4aaffd9ff6ce52fe6e/thumbnail_3569000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6115770/Illinois/District-schedules-neurodiversity-spirit-week-lessons-and-t-shirts-for-May","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6115770-ab54e4f373b13f18238330e8228ba85f/orig.mp4?Expires=1776685681&Signature=a3UkkNUnM0XFFgpiUSfcp0TPK-ID7-KyU3uMLH99NziX~p-5BIWKgFO5rrba~NFtiSRIdu2CXjvsW8nFPgiFD2GtNZbhg2mUd5EE~uMchemuU6O3LknstT3jotH8PLdR6h~-DWwxJlyRDUa15Gism9Vduw9qa9EiOcv3udTIJnnYTfqBkUz3bi9eqF8Hd58LUFC7ZY2ftC5~RPaVvPK2Gg826bQNzoGJVup-4-MbhFvp4VGZjmFDFt3HJCMEHsjuLXy~bejZkEEbFSL8Br0Wg3yr68jHT6wpM~h4w65mShi1PXuaXYDWCdaD-3mY1XRDFCKbYV-c-CPz3hs1WeKNHQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Evergreen Park ESD 124","date","2025-03-20T12:41:14Z","article","District staff presented plans at the March 19 meeting for a neurodiversity spirit week in May intended to promote inclusion across the district.

Miss Terrell told the board the program will include age-appropriate lessons for grades K'8, daily spirit themes (Movement Monday, Tie-Dye Tuesday, Wear Your Passion Wednesday, Thinking-Kind Thursday, Feel-Good Friday) and related activities. Elementary lessons will be taught by assistant principals at the building level; middle-school lessons will be delivered during advisory time and include short video and TED Talk materials for older students.

The district intends to purchase staff shirts and is working with High 5 Heights, an adult transition program in the area, to produce neurodiversity T-shirts that read \"Celebrate neurodiversity\" and carry the district logo; staff said they are exploring logistics for families to purchase shirts as well.

Why it matters: The program aims to teach inclusion vocabulary and practical steps students can take to include peers with different learning styles. Staff described a mix of classroom discussions, read-alouds and short activities such as student-written handprints and sticky-note commitments to promote everyday inclusion.

Next steps: Staff said lessons would be completed in May, videos and student testimonials from prior years will be shared with families, and logistics for family purchases of shirts will be finalized.

Ending: The board did not take formal action; the presentation was an informational update on district activities.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","3/19/2025 Regular Board Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Evergreen Park ESD 124 staff outlined plans for a neurodiversity spirit week in May with classroom lessons by grade, daily themes, and a T-shirt partnership with High 5 Heights; staff said the program emphasizes inclusion and will include lessons for all K'8th grades.","taxTitle","Evergreen Park ESD 124, School Boards, Illinois","taxId",54698,"location","Illinois","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6115774,"Technology staff recommend cloud-based phone system and vendor contract; board to consider in April",333,1669000,2002000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2736443-62f041c9e4cffd4aaffd9ff6ce52fe6e&start=1669&end=2002","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2736443-62f041c9e4cffd4aaffd9ff6ce52fe6e/thumbnail_1669000.jpg","/articles/6115774/Illinois/Technology-staff-recommend-cloud-based-phone-system-and-vendor-contract-board-to-consider-in-April","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6115774-15bf9443d856a8822d537a82545a6c1d/orig.mp4?Expires=1776685681&Signature=gmV7TSxr6gDOYi6XMYZW9qst9jVmtHqct5qaGhkDZQZnYcjPt57LPzj2ubq0P8~FKZMkUWs0g2SZVJ~VWLGKQqHO~wiioeNHujdXOGtsyMXpe9Mk~fhjZPdMS~q~GW7ux5H53q0s7Skl4-Al~6rdsl5aiw5YVBFUpHEZqdh~ogOYtuhKd-3HeIOqvjRA4fDi6~cGK8~H9YCYAWuFWSIJWToHE9wXtMcm6cnbpCAdYdwn3SC2n1ngCscYLdOQt2-CWqIap3O3dHMXzbq3D9KxNgrXQbPOGmim7Wz0vj0N2Cn6XYfIPf6t44BqdolWFBo9e29KNiUSdkBD9ZkGXuQMTw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District technology staff briefed the Evergreen Park ESD 124 board on March 19 that the district's phone system is outdated, lacks recent security updates and needs replacement; staff recommended a cloud-based system from a vendor the presenter identified as Rival 5 (also referenced as Bridal 5 during the presentation) and said the board will be asked in April to approve a contract for installation this summer.

Technology staff member Mr. Lee told the board the district's current system runs Cisco CallManager released in 2014 with its last security update around 2019'20 and can no longer be updated or serviced in its current form. \"The release of CallManager that we're using was released in, 02/2014, and it received its last security update in February '19 or '20,\" Mr. Lee said during his presentation.

Mr. Lee described several operational and safety improvements the new system would provide:

- Improved 911 capabilities that can transmit room-level location in addition to building address;
- Integration with paging and the district's public-address system to allow all-call paging by administrators from phones;
- Cloud-based architecture with on-premises interfaces for PA integration and redundancy, and a customer-service model that staff described as helpful when carrier issues arise; and
- Call-bursting capacity to handle high-demand periods (presenter said the vendor allows bursts up to 60 concurrent calls versus the district's current hard limit of 22 lines).

Mr. Lee said staff plan to present a recommendation and a proposed five-year contract with Rival 5 at the April board meeting, with installation planned for the summer and full implementation before the start of the next school year. The contract under consideration would include software and firmware maintenance as part of the vendor's managed service.

Why it matters: The district emphasized safety (improved 911 location data) and operational reliability (more concurrent capacity and vendor support) as reasons to replace the aging system. Staff also cited limits on concurrent lines that affect morning attendance call volume.

Next steps: The district attorney is reviewing contract language; staff said they will bring a final recommendation to the board in April and, if approved, proceed with procurement and installation during the summer.

Ending: No contract was approved at the March 19 meeting; board action is expected in April.","District technology staff reported that the current phone system is obsolete and recommended a cloud-based replacement from Rival 5 (also referenced as Bridal 5 in the presentation); the board was told a contract will be recommended at the April meeting with installation planned this summer.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6115778,"Student advisory members ask board to expand \"Project Tree\" access, applaud changes to enrichment",264,711000,975000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2736443-62f041c9e4cffd4aaffd9ff6ce52fe6e&start=711&end=975","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2736443-62f041c9e4cffd4aaffd9ff6ce52fe6e/thumbnail_711000.jpg","/articles/6115778/Illinois/Student-advisory-members-ask-board-to-expand-Project-Tree-access-applaud-changes-to-enrichment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6115778-a00556c86bea84da5c40d9d6543b3082/orig.mp4?Expires=1776685681&Signature=X6~v-tr4VXV~pM2gZf-ORdvdkR1FzFrbYa6zHZ0Q~r-jwKl~bZsTYhgn0CnIa8CKS2nIJdr8YCUKR0VEJL~uxK6yclnMKzXhOB2i5s9-1TjEExW8dFZwFJJ0LZL6s6eMnDbR4syjPZ0gHxZp1YfOQN2v0CSCSuUA8vZ-fE6-xUAVWb~FYGLzlZcBdcA2RTcRqR6Mw~QCfSoDxlj5Yxq-MJoVDIWvDGa6CP6Aw2mEluYpS-AeZef67rjdsL8b7MEhVNwdWMrQvBSWM2ZFZBf1YM6UmmFe0Cw3OJCOyCjj8I97je~xh~KLvjo8EbxdMymU7gjGFpy3rtZPbV9YqRTlag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Two seventh-grade student advisory board members told the Evergreen Park ESD 124 board on March 19 that the district's Project Tree enrichment program has caused students to lose instructional time and has limited peer relationships for some pupils, and they urged continued changes to expand access.

Student advisory board member Cameron Brennan and student advisory board member Marielle Scudder spoke at the start of the board's staff-report section, describing how earlier versions of Project Tree required some students to travel to another school or arrive early for a single class, which led to missed assemblies and specials for some students.

\"We bring this up because of the impact this had on students such as a loss of instructional time, missed specials, and limiting peer relationships because of the way Project Tree works,\" Brennan said. The students also said the district's enrichment sequence, which they described as preparatory classes in fourth and fifth grade, can help more students qualify for Project Tree if the enrichment options are made more visible to families.

Administrators present told the board they had already used student feedback to change some elementary practices, including stopping the use of buses for Project Tree at the elementary level so students attend enrichment at their own school. The student presenters thanked the board and administration for listening and for putting some of their suggestions into practice.

Why it matters: The students framed the discussion around equity of access and instructional continuity: when enrichment or pull-out programs require travel or early arrival, students can miss classroom instruction or social activities. The presenters asked for clearer communication and broader enrichment offerings so more pupils can access Project Tree without losing core instructional time.

What the students asked for: More on-site enrichment so students can meet Project Tree prerequisites at their home school; better public information about enrichment and how it connects to Project Tree; and consideration of social dynamics so students have peers from their school in enrichment groups.

District response and next steps: Administrators thanked the students for their work and said some recommended changes had already been implemented. Staff said they would continue to roll out the enrichment program changes and to publicize instructions and eligibility so families understand how enrichment and Project Tree placements will work.

Ending: The board did not take formal action on Project Tree at the meeting; the item was presented as a student update and a progress report on actions the administration has already begun.","Two seventh-grade student advisory board members told the board Project Tree and enrichment placements have reduced instructional time and peer-group opportunities; they thanked the administration for changes to elementary routing that stop bussing for those programs.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6115782,"Board approves HVAC, flooring contracts and adopts 2025–26 calendar; several consent items pass",4035,1391000,5426000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2736443-62f041c9e4cffd4aaffd9ff6ce52fe6e&start=1391&end=5426","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2736443-62f041c9e4cffd4aaffd9ff6ce52fe6e/thumbnail_1391000.jpg","/articles/6115782/Illinois/Board-approves-HVAC-flooring-contracts-and-adopts-202526-calendar-several-consent-items-pass","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6115782-e824a815d37c938c0cedea3c6746159e/orig.mp4?Expires=1776685681&Signature=H0~hJO7eKu1vYPFP0ms-CFzKClsBSTwp0laqknUAP~mqNW9Hn8T8bsuOLD1F8gvWkB5fo-RwWodcwduRzQ9O3qlvPfrEt-c1HzUc88vjLfoBzMbL05QkZ0L8gGDvxpVe-rbRlgGr9ArrW3Ylwi5dcABqFhAH5h04vTNUIbQ5UhBKyaXpoPV3XOuvzNscr5Ggb4tzErcnV~sYrsI8TU1ApwoL1mpZcuNkOmtJdGbIzSZLRYb9bV1rzgr4TwVzUphCUm4TUrSittxiKdUCrgddwuqYKfOgF~p~LiRo6mA3F8U5V4F~3SRv0YJ8DK~7YcNUZsTYrbQJULLwiaBTlrPuUQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Evergreen Park ESD 124 Board of Education on March 19, 2025 approved two capital contracts and adopted the district's 2025'26 school calendar during its regular meeting.

The board voted to accept a proposal from Precision Control Systems Inc. to upgrade HVAC controls and equipment at Southwest Elementary for $918,000 and separately awarded a flooring contract for Northwest School to Diversify Pro Inc. for $399,323 (base bid plus alternate 1). The board also approved the district calendar for the 2025'26 school year and several routine consent items listed on the agenda.

Why it matters: The two construction contracts are intended to address long-standing building issues that the district said were affecting humidity and indoor comfort at Southwest and require asbestos abatement and flooring replacement at Northwest. The contracts are part of a multi-year facilities plan discussed by district staff and outside consultants.

Votes at a glance

- Precision Control Systems Inc.: Approved proposal to perform HVAC upgrades at Southwest Elementary (proposal presented at the meeting). Amount: $918,000. Outcome: approved (roll-call vote recorded as unanimous by members present). Motion and second: not specified in minutes. Vote record: all voting board members recorded as \"yes.\" Notes: District staff and the vendor described a phased schedule to complete most work over spring break and on second shifts to reduce classroom disruption.

- Diversify Pro Inc.: Award of the 2025 flooring replacement project (DLA Architects recommended award, includes base bid + alternate 1). Amount: $399,323 (combined). Outcome: approved (roll-call vote recorded as unanimous by members present). Motion and second: not specified. Notes: Work includes asbestos abatement followed by flooring installation; air sampling and licensed abatement contractor oversight will be used.

- 2025'26 School Calendar: Adopted as presented (includes staff start Aug. 13; student first day Aug. 21; winter and spring breaks and parent-teacher conference dates). Outcome: approved (roll-call vote recorded as unanimous by members present).

- DuPage West Cooperative: Board approved a resolution adopting proposed amendments to the DuPage West Cooperative intergovernmental agreement (the cooperative that advises on services for deaf/hard-of-hearing and visually impaired students). Outcome: approved (roll-call vote recorded as unanimous by members present). Notes: The resolution changes the cooperative's role from governing to advisory, the district said, while services and program delivery will continue without interruption.

- Scholarships and donations: The board approved the Judy Mulcrone scholarship awards and the Evergreen contribution award recipient and authorized a district donation to the Evergreen Reads program (amounts and recipients listed on consent agenda). Outcome: approved (roll-call vote recorded as unanimous by members present).

What district staff said: Representatives from Precision Control Systems and the district's facilities team briefed the board before the vote. The vendor explained that work approved in an earlier phase had been completed, designs were finished and that the district would take steps such as adding makeup air units, replacing rooftop units where needed and installing a rooftop unit where one did not previously exist to reduce building negative pressurization and indoor humidity.

District staff also reported that flooring work at Northwest will begin with asbestos abatement over spring break and continue through the summer, with air sampling and licensed abatement procedures in place, and that some classrooms will have exposed concrete for a short period during the work with mitigation such as rugs.

Next steps: District staff said crews will schedule the approved work and proceed with procurement and construction planning. The board did not specify financing changes at the meeting beyond the usual consent approvals; staff said bond/working-cash transfers and expected tax revenues were being tracked in financial reports.

Ending: The board moved the remaining business on the agenda to closed session; no further actions on the capital projects were recorded in public minutes at the meeting.","At its March 19 meeting the Evergreen Park ESD 124 Board of Education approved a $918,000 HVAC upgrade at Southwest Elementary and awarded a $399,323 flooring contract for Northwest School, adopted the 2025–26 school calendar and passed other routine consent items.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

District schedules neurodiversity spirit week, lessons and t-shirts for May

Technology staff recommend cloud-based phone system and vendor contract; board to consider in April

Student advisory members ask board to expand "Project Tree" access, applaud changes to enrichment

Board approves HVAC, flooring contracts and adopts 2025–26 calendar; several consent items pass