Programming & Events Students & Families
Select 58
In the spring, twenty-nine 8th grade students from Herrick Middle School and twenty-nine 8th grade students from O’Neill Middle School are selected from those who submit an application and essay highlighting their efforts in service learning within their community. The program honors students for citizenship, participation in co-curricular activities, and service activities within the Downers Grove and surrounding communities.
Sneak Preview
Starting middle school can sometimes be a scary transition. The Sneak Preview program aims to support all District 58 students in that transition by providing incoming 7th grade students an opportunity to gain familiarity with their lockers, classrooms, teachers, and the variety of new experiences and opportunities waiting for them on their first day of school.
The Reading Games
Students ranging from 3rd grade to 8th grade create teams, read books, and compete in a Q&A environment based on the literature they have read. Each student receives a participatory prize; 1st, 2nd & 3rd place ribbons are awarded in each group. A grand prize is also awarded for each reading level. On average, over 600 students participate. This one-day event not only teaches students teamwork, it also allows students to compete in a battle of the wits and knowledge for prizes provided by local businesses.
Author Fest
New to the Education Foundation of District 58, we are proud to partner with the Downers Grove PTA Council and District 58 PTAs on Author Fest. This event allows students to meet and visit well-known children's authors and illustrators. Half of the schools in District 58 participate each year on a rotating basis.