Archived News

This is the image for the news article titled Notice of April 14 Board Meetings

04/12/2026

On April 14, 2026, the Board of Education will meet for its regular monthly micro meeting. The meeting will be conducted in open and closed sessions beginning at 6 p.m. at the Educational Service Center, 214 Washington Street. The open session will be held in the Board Room. The closed session will be in Room 112. The Board’s monthly Student Achievement and Operations Services committee meetings will follow the micro meeting at approximately 7 p.m. in the Board Room.

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Middle School Music Festival on April 14 and 15

04/09/2026

Waukegan Public Schools’ Middle School Music Festival is back! The popular event will be hosted on Tuesday, April 14 and Wednesday, April 15 at the Genesee Theatre in downtown Waukegan. The event will feature performances by band, choir, orchestra and mariachi students from all five Waukegan middle schools.

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Kindergarten Registration Event - April 11

04/08/2026

Waukegan Public Schools will host its next Kindergarten Registration event on Saturday, April 11, at Jack Benny Middle School, 1401 Montesano Avenue, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. This event is open to families with children who will turn 5 on or before September 1, are entering kindergarten for the 2026-2027 school year, and are not currently enrolled in the District’s EPIC pre-k program.

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Black Parent Network Meeting on April 21

04/07/2026

Our April Black Parent Network meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 21, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Families are invited to join us in person at the Waukegan High School Brookside Campus library or participate virtually via Zoom. This month’s meeting will feature important updates from the African American Male Achievement Initiative (AAMI), a continued discussion on the creation of the BPN Scholarship, and a conversation around summer school/camp opportunities to support our students.

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WAUK-PAC Presents Mary Poppins Jr. April 17 and 18

04/06/2026

District 60’s K-8 theater program, the Waukegan Performing Arts Company (Wauk-PAC), will debut its next production, Mary Poppins Jr., later this month. Moe than 50 Waukegan students representing eight elementary and four middle schools make up the cast and crew of the production.

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Project Discovery Information Night at Little Fort Elementary

04/03/2026

Little Fort Elementary School invites elementary families across Waukegan Public Schools to learn more about Project Discovery, a program designed for students who benefit from accelerated and enriched learning opportunities.

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WHS Earns National SkillsUSA Models of Excellence Recognition

04/02/2026

Waukegan High School has been named one of just 24 SkillsUSA chapters nationwide to earn the prestigious Models of Excellence designation for 2026. This honor represents the highest level of recognition from SkillsUSA and highlights the nation’s most outstanding chapters. WHS is the only school in Illinois to receive this distinction this year.

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Academia 60: Supporting Bilingual Children

04/01/2026

Waukegan Public Schools’ Bilingual and Multicultural Department invites families to attend the next session in its Academia 60 Parent Education Series, focused on supporting bilingual children and understanding the benefits of learning more than one language. This session will be led by Psychotherapist Sandra Gomez, and will help parents understand how children learn two languages and why being bilingual is a strength.

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Student Board Member Search 2026-2027

03/30/2026

The Waukegan Community Unit School District Board of Education is seeking two students to serve as Student Board Members for the 2026-2027 school year. Any student who will be a sophomore, junior, or senior next year is eligible to apply. The Board selects two students to serve one-year terms, with one representative from each campus (Brookside and Washington). The term runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

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Notice of March 31 Board Meeting

03/27/2026

The Board of Education for Waukegan Public Schools will meet in a Special Meeting on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 6:00 pm in Room 112 at the Educational Service Center, for the purpose of discussing the annual evaluation for the superintendent. Pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (1), the discussion will be held in Closed Session. A brief open session with Public Comment will precede the closed session portion in the Board Room. The meeting will adjourn from Room 112. No action will be taken during the open session.

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Spring Break 2026

03/20/2026

See below for a special Spring Break message from Superintendent Plascencia... As we head into Spring Break, I want to take a moment to wish all of you a well-deserved pause from the busy pace of the school year. I hope the days ahead offer an opportunity to rest, spend time with loved ones, and enjoy whatever brings you happiness.

Read More About Spring Break 2026

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Missed Our Budget YouTube Update? Watch It Anytime

03/19/2026

Thank you to those who logged in for last night’s community budget presentation. We appreciate the opportunity to share more about how our District approaches financial planning and decision-making. If you were unable to watch live, the presentation, which was conducted in both English and Spanish, is now available to watch on our YouTube Channel.

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Reminder: Join Us Tonight for a Community Budget Update

03/18/2026

District leaders will share an overview of the district’s financial outlook, explain the budgeting process, and discuss how decisions are made to support students and schools. Wednesday, March 18, at 6 p.m. Live on the District 60 YouTube channel.

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District 60 Earns Meritorious Budget Award for 2025-2026

03/18/2026

For the ninth consecutive year, Waukegan Community Unit School District #60 has received the Meritorious Budget Award from the Association of School Business Officials International for its 2025–2026 budget. The award recognizes District 60’s commitment to financial transparency, responsible budgeting, and clear communication with the community.

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Academia 60 Parent Workshop: Why Are Assessments Important?

03/17/2026

Families are encouraged to join us for “Why Are Assessments Important? / ¿Por Qué Son Importantes las Evaluaciones?”, presented by Dr. Bertha Campos, of our Bilingual & Multicultural Department, and Dr. Jonathan Brown, of our Data and Assessment Department. The workshop will take place on Thursday, March 19, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Waukegan High School Brookside Campus. Families may also join virtually via Google Meet.

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Spring Break Free Meal Distribution on March 20

03/12/2026

Waukegan Public Schools will host a free meal distribution event for families ahead of Spring Break on Friday, March 20, at the Waukegan High School Brookside Campus, 2325 Brookside Avenue. Meals will be available from 5 to 7 p.m.

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Waukegan High School Jazz Café Returns March 19

03/11/2026

It is that time of year when the Waukegan High School cafeteria transforms into a jazz nightclub for the annual WHS Jazz Café Dinner. This year’s event will take place on Thursday, March 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the Waukegan High School Brookside Campus Cafeteria A/B. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m., and guests can enter the building through Door 11.

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Returning Student Registration for the 2026-2027 School Year Now Open

03/11/2026

Registration is now open for all returning Waukegan Public Schools students in grades Kindergarten through 11. Parents must complete the online registration process through the Parent Portal. To access registration, log in to Parent Portal and click on "More" to find the Online Registration link. The registration deadline is April 24, 2026. Families are encouraged to complete the registration process before Spring Break to help avoid delays and ensure their information is up to date as we prepare for the 26-27 school year.

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Join Us for a Live Update on the District Finances

03/10/2026

You are invited to join us for a YouTube Live event on Wednesday, March 18, where district leaders will provide an overview of our financial outlook, discuss the budgeting process, and explain how we are planning for the year ahead while continuing to prioritize strong support for students and schools.

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Notice of March 10 Board Meetings

03/06/2026

On March 10, 2026, the Board of Education will meet for its regular monthly micro meeting. The meeting will be conducted in open and closed sessions beginning at 6 p.m. at the Educational Service Center, 214 Washington Street. The open session will be held in the Board Room. The closed session will be in Room 112. The Board’s monthly Student Achievement and Operations Services committee meetings will follow the micro meeting at approximately 7 p.m. in the Board Room.

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Join Us Saturday for Our Final Family Listening Tour

03/05/2026

We invite families and community members to join us this weekend for the final in-person listening tour, hosted in partnership with our wonderful community partners at Waukegan to College. You do not need to have a child currently enrolled in the Waukegan to College program to attend. All District 60 families are welcome. Saturday, March 7: 1 p.m. – English Session and Spanish Session

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Academia 60 Parent Workshop: The Impact of Social Media on Today’s Youth

03/04/2026

Waukegan Public Schools’ Bilingual and Multicultural Department, in partnership with the Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC), invites families to attend the next session in its Academia 60 Parent Education Series. Families are encouraged to join us for “The Impact of Social Media on Today’s Youth / El Impacto de las Redes Sociales en los Jóvenes de Hoy,” presented by guest speaker Dr. Ferney Ramírez, a psychologist.

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Virtual Family Listening Tours Begin Today

03/02/2026

Our Family Listening Tour continues this week, with virtual sessions beginning today. These sessions are an opportunity for families to share their thoughts, experiences, and ideas as we continue working to strengthen our schools. While virtual sessions are organized by grade band, you are welcome to join whichever session best fits your schedule.

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Clark Elementary Authorized as an International Baccalaureate World School

02/25/2026

Waukegan Public Schools is proud to announce that Clark Elementary School has been officially authorized as an International Baccalaureate World School, offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP). Clark received its official authorization last month following a multi-year process that began in 2022. The designation recognizes the Clark community’s commitment to providing rigorous, inquiry-based instruction that encourages students to think critically, take ownership of their learning, and make meaningful connections to the world around them.

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Family Listening Tour Begins This Week

02/23/2026

Our Family Listening Tour begins this week. These sessions are an opportunity for families to share their thoughts, experiences, and ideas as we continue working to strengthen our schools. Families may attend either a virtual or in-person session. Virtual sessions are organized by grade band, but you are welcome to attend whichever session best fits your schedule.

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Notice of February 23 and 24 Board Meetings

02/21/2026

A Special Meeting with Closed and Open Session of the Board of Education will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in Room 112 at the Educational Service Center. Pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (1), the discussion will be held in Closed Session. A regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 7 p.m. for Open Session, and 6 p.m. for Closed Session.

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Just a Few Weeks Remain to Complete the Illinois 5Essentials Survey

02/20/2026

District 60 families, staff, and students still have time to share their feedback through the 2025–2026 statewide Illinois 5Essentials Survey, but the survey window will close on March 13. Teachers, students, and parents are encouraged to complete the research-based survey, which takes approximately 25 minutes.

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Juarez Principal Recognized by ISBE with ‘Those Who Excel’ Award

02/18/2026

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has honored Miguel Juarez Middle School Principal Mr. Nelson Campos with a Those Who Excel Award of Meritorious Service in the School Administrator category for the 2025–2026 school year. Mr. Campos was one of more than 450 educators across Illinois recognized this year through the Those Who Excel program, which annually celebrates educators who have made significant contributions to their school communities and demonstrated excellence in their profession.

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Update Regarding Lifetouch School Photography

02/17/2026

We are aware of recent social media discussions and news coverage regarding Lifetouch, the photography company that provides school photography services for our district. We understand that some families may have questions, and we want to assure you that we are taking this matter seriously. At this time, we are reviewing the situation and gathering information to ensure that any decisions we make reflect the best interests of our students and families. While this review is ongoing, we are postponing upcoming Lifetouch photography sessions and events across the district.

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Notice of February 18 Special Board Meeting

02/15/2026

A Special Meeting with Closed and Open Session of the Board of Education will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in Room 112 at the Educational Service Center. Pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(16), the discussion will be held in Closed Session. The subject will be practices and procedures, or professional ethics, and the meeting will be conducted by a representative of the IASB. The closed session will also briefly cover personnel matters, pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1), and collective bargaining matters, pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2).

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Update on Budget Prioritization and Administrative Staffing Review

02/13/2026

Like many school districts, we are navigating a changing financial landscape, including the expiration of federal ESSER funds, enrollment shifts, and rising operational costs. Fortunately, the district’s strong budgeting practices and responsible fiscal management, guided by the Board of Education and supported by the dedicated work of our finance team, have positioned us well to address these challenges. At the same time, we must continue to be thoughtful and proactive to ensure long-term financial sustainability.

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Applications Now Open for Prospective Lyon Students

02/12/2026

Lyon Magnet Elementary School is now accepting applications from parents seeking to enroll their children for the fall of 2026. The online application can be accessed here. The deadline to complete the application is April 24, 2026. Lyon currently has openings for students entering kindergarten, with limited openings for students entering grades 1-5. Students should already be registered with Waukegan Public Schools before completing an application for Lyon.

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Black Parent Network Meeting - February 17

02/11/2026

Our February Black Parent Network meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 17, beginning at 6 p.m. This meeting will be hybrid, so families can participate in person in the Waukegan High School-Brookside Campus Library or virtually via Zoom. This month’s meeting will include updates from the African American Male Achievement Initiative (AAMI), a discussion on the creation of the BPN Scholarship, and the selection of the first topic for the BPN Leadership Parent University.

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Join Superintendent Plascencia for Upcoming Family Listening Sessions

02/11/2026

Over the past several weeks, I have had the opportunity to meet with staff and students across our district as part of our Winter Listening Tour. I am now excited to invite families to join me as we continue this important work together. These listening sessions are designed to provide an opportunity to share what is working well in our schools, where we can continue to grow, and how we can strengthen the climate and safety of our learning environments. Your voice matters, and I look forward to learning from your experiences and perspectives.

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27 Waukegan High School Students Named Illinois State Scholars

02/10/2026

Twenty-seven Waukegan High School students were honored this week after being named 2026-20227 Illinois State Scholars by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). Students were recognized during a special ceremony celebrating their outstanding academic achievement. The Illinois State Scholar designation is awarded annually to high-performing students across the state.

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WHS Presents "Mamma Mia!" February 19-21

02/09/2026

Waukegan High School’s Fine Arts Department will debut its production of "Mamma Mia!" musical February 19-21 in the Trapp Auditorium of the Waukegan High School-Brookside Campus. Performances will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 19, Friday, February 20, and Saturday, February 21.

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Message to Families and Staff Regarding School Operations

02/08/2026

We are writing to follow up regarding the student-led activity that occurred on Friday at Waukegan High School, as well as related activity at at least one of our middle schools. We want to re-emphasize that the events on Friday were student-led. We understand that students chose to express themselves, and that day has now passed. At this time, we want to be very clear that any additional protests, walkouts, or similar activities that students may be discussing or planning are not sanctioned, approved, or supported by any school or by the district. Our expectation moving forward is that the school day remains focused on learning, safety, and normal operations.

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Notice of February 10 Board Meetings

02/08/2026

On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, the Board of Education will meet for its regular monthly micro meeting. The meeting will be conducted in open and closed sessions beginning at 6 p.m. at the Educational Service Center, 214 Washington Street. The open session will be held in the Board Room. The closed session will be in Room 112. The Board’s monthly Student Achievement and Operations Services committee meetings will follow the micro meeting at approximately 7 p.m. in the Board Room.

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The 2025–2026 Illinois 5Essentials Survey Is Now Open

02/06/2026

District 60 families, staff, and students have the opportunity to share feedback by participating in the 2025–26 statewide Illinois 5Essentials Survey, which focuses on school climate and learning conditions. Teachers, students, and parents are encouraged to complete the research-based survey, which takes approximately 25 minutes, at any time before the survey window closes on March 13.

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Kindergarten Registration Information for Fall 2026

02/05/2026

Waukegan Public Schools has begun to register incoming kindergarten students for the 2026-2027 school year. Parents of children who will turn 5 years old prior to September 1 can begin registering for the fall, depending on their current enrollments. See below for information on various timelines.

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Black History Month Celebration This Week

02/04/2026

Waukegan Community Unit School District #60 invites families and community members to join us for our annual Black History Month Celebration this Thursday, February 5, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Genesee Theatre in downtown Waukegan. This year’s theme, A Century of Black History Month Commemorations, honors 100 years of Black History Month through student-created displays, cultural presentations, and special recognition of distinguished alumni.

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JROTC’s Valentine’s for Veterans Returns February 7

02/02/2026

Waukegan High School’s JROTC program will host its annual Valentine’s for Veterans event this Saturday to support and honor local veterans. Families are invited to attend this free craft event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 7, at the WHS–Washington Campus. Participants will have the opportunity to create handmade Valentine’s Day cards for veterans, with all supplies provided.

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Celebrating Black History Month in District 60

02/02/2026

Throughout February, District 60 will honor Black History Month by recognizing the history, achievements, and lasting contributions of African Americans to our nation and to our community. Schools across the district will explore African American history, culture, and leaders through classroom lessons, student projects, performances, and special events. Families are encouraged to follow their school’s website and social media channels for updates on activities taking place throughout the month.

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Academia 60 Parent Workshop: Parenting with Love and Logic

01/29/2026

Waukegan Public Schools’ Bilingual and Multicultural Department, in partnership with the Bilingual Parents Advisory Committee (BPAC), invites families to attend the next session in our Academia 60 parent workshop series. Families are encouraged to join us for “Parenting with Love and Logic / Crianza con Amor y Lógica,” presented by guest speaker Psychotherapist, Dr. Sandra Gómez. The workshop will take place on Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

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EPIC Preschool Walk-in Registration Events in February

01/28/2026

District 60 continues to accept Pre-K enrollment for the current school year and will host three EPIC Preschool walk-in registration events in February. These events will support families who would like help completing the enrollment process. The walk-in events will take place on Tuesdays from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. on February 10, 17, and 24 at the Lincoln Center, 1201 N. Sheridan Road.

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Nelson Campos Earns Statewide IPA Honor

01/27/2026

Miguel Juarez Middle School Principal Nelson Campos has been named the Illinois Middle School Principal of the Year, a prestigious honor recognizing outstanding school leaders across the state. The news was shared with Mr. Campos in a surprise ceremony on January 27, when representatives from the Illinois Principals Association (IPA) visited Juarez to inform him of the recognition.

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Kindergarten Registration Now Open for Eligible EPIC Students

01/26/2026

Waukegan Public Schools is now accepting early kindergarten registration for the 2026-2027 school year for current District 60 preschool students who will be five years old by September 1. This will be the only opportunity for students currently enrolled in District 60 preschool programs to pre-register. Pre-registration will remain open through February 27.

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Waukegan Schools Open on Monday, January 26

01/25/2026

All schools will be open tomorrow, Monday, January 26, and operating on their normal Monday schedules. While snow is expected to continue today and cold temperatures are forecast for tomorrow morning, our maintenance teams will be out early to ensure school buildings, walkways, and entrances are safe and ready for students and staff. We ask families to help ensure

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Notice of January 27 Board Meeting

01/25/2026

A regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 7 p.m. for Open Session, and 6 p.m. for Closed Session. The meeting will be conducted in person in the Educational Service Center Board Room, 214 Washington Street. Closed Session will occur in Room 112.

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Friday, January 23, is an E-Learning Day

01/22/2026

Due to extreme cold weather, Waukegan Public Schools will observe an e-learning day on Friday, January 23. The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Warning, with wind chills expected to reach as low as -35. For the safety of our students and staff, all in-person classes will be canceled. During the e-learning day, students will receive instruction virtually and should log in to Google Classroom at their regularly scheduled times to access lessons, assignments, and schedules

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Reminder: Academia 60 Parent Workshop on Jan. 22

01/20/2026

Waukegan Public Schools’ Bilingual and Multicultural Department, along with the Bilingual Parents Advisory Committee, will host an Academia 60 parent workshop focused on helping children succeed in school and in life. Families are invited to attend “Cómo criar a sus hijos para que tengan éxito en la escuela y en la vida / How to Raise Your Children to Succeed in School and in Life,” featuring guest speaker Sergio Negri, who will share practical strategies, encouragement, and insights to support students’ academic and personal growth.

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Applications for Prospective 2026 Cooke Students Available

01/15/2026

Cooke Magnet School is now accepting applications from families interested in enrolling their children for the 2026-2027 school year. The online application is available here, and the deadline to apply is March 1, 2026. Cooke is a fine arts–focused elementary school that offers an engaging curriculum centered on art, music, and science. Openings are currently available for students entering kindergarten, with limited availability for students entering grades 1–5. Enrollment is open to any kindergarten through fifth-grade student who resides within Waukegan Public Schools’ boundaries.

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WHS JROTC Drill Team Benefit Luncheon on Jan. 24

01/14/2026

Waukegan High School’s U.S. Army JROTC Bulldogs Drill Team invites families and community members to support their program by attending the team's annual benefit luncheon on Saturday, January 24, at the Waukegan High School - Brookside Campus.

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BPAC Meeting on January 29

01/13/2026

Parents are invited to participate in the next Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC) meeting on Thursday, January 29, at 5:30 p.m. in the Waukegan High School – Brookside Campus Brett Theatre (2325 Brookside Avenue).

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Diverse Learner Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Disability Presentation Jan. 22

01/12/2026

The Waukegan Community Unit School District’s Diverse Learner Department will host an online presentation next month, designed to provide DL families with an overview of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Disability. SSI is a federal program administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that provides monthly cash payments to people aged 65 or older, or who are blind or have a disability, who have limited income and resources.

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Notice of January 13 Board Meetings

01/10/2026

On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, the Board of Education will meet for its regular monthly micro meeting. The meeting will be conducted in open and closed sessions beginning at 6 p.m. at the Educational Service Center, 214 Washington Street. The open session will be held in the Board Room. The closed session will be in Room 112. The Board’s monthly Student Achievement and Operations Services committee meetings will follow the micro meeting at approximately 7 p.m. in the Board Room.

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ACCESS Testing Begins Soon

01/09/2026

State assessment season begins this month, and we want to inform you about the upcoming ACCESS testing for our English Learner (EL) students. ACCESS for English Learners is an annual state assessment that measures students' progress toward English proficiency and will begin mid-January.

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District 60 To Host Black History Month Celebration Feb. 5

01/08/2026

Waukegan Community Unit School District #60’s annual district-wide celebration of Black History Month is back with an exciting new theme this year as part of this year’s centennial observance of Black History Month.

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New Year Reminder: Community Solar Savings for Families

01/08/2026

As we kick off the new year, we want to remind families about the Yeoman Creek Community Solar Farm program. More than 300 Waukegan families have already signed up, and interest continues to grow.

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BPN Parent Night: Join Us at the WHS Girls Basketball Game on January 28

01/07/2026

We invite you to join us for the Black Parent Network (BPN) Parent Night on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. as we come together to support the Waukegan High School vs. Warren Township Girls' Basketball Game at the WHS Dog Pound gym, 1011 Washington Street.

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COMPASS Special Education Virtual Educational Series for Families

01/06/2026

Waukegan Public Schools is partnering with the Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center (FMPTIC) to offer a Special Education Virtual Educational Series for Families, an eight-session program designed to empower and support families of students with disabilities. This interactive series, which begins this month, will help families develop a deeper understanding of the special education process while fostering collaboration between home and school.

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Academia 60 Parent Workshop on Helping Your Child Succeed

01/06/2026

Waukegan Public Schools’ bilingual and multicultural department, along with the Bilingual Parents Advisory Committee (BPAC), will host a special Academia 60 parent workshop focused on supporting student success in school and in life.

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Beginning of the Year Student Achievement Data Update

12/22/2025

Last week, the district publicly shared our 2025-2026 Beginning of the Year student achievement data, providing an early look at how our students are performing across literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies. A recording of the presentation is available on our YouTube channel, and we are also sharing PDF copies of the presentation in both English and Spanish.

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Wishing You a Happy Winter Break

12/19/2025

As we enter Winter Break, I want to extend my sincere thanks to our families, students, and staff for their continued dedication and support throughout the year. Your partnership and commitment are what make our schools strong, and we are truly grateful for all that you do.

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Notice of December 16 Board Meeting

12/12/2025

A regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 7 p.m. for Open Session, and 6 p.m. for Closed Session. The meeting will be conducted in person in the Educational Service Center Board Room, 214 Washington Street. Closed Session will occur in Room 112.

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2 WHS Seniors Awarded QuestBridge Match Scholarships

12/10/2025

Waukegan High School seniors Yasir Espinoza and Javier Granda have earned full four-year scholarships through the QuestBridge National College Match program, a national college access program that partners with leading colleges and universities to offer full scholarships to outstanding students. Yasir matched with Northwestern University, and Javier matched with Princeton University, securing early admission and full scholarships that cover the entire cost of attendance.

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Winter Break Meal Distribution - December 19

12/09/2025

Waukegan Public Schools will host a free meal distribution event for families to kick off Winter Break on Friday, December 19 at the Waukegan High School - Brookside Campus, 2325 Brookside Avenue. Meals will be available between 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Families may pick up food by driving up to door 25, which is located at the back of the Brookside Campus. Families will be asked to stay in their cars, and students are not required to be present to pick up meals.

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Parent University: Supporting Your Child During E-Learning Days

12/08/2025

The next session in District 60’s Parent University series will take place on Thursday, December 11, and will focus on how families can support their children during an e-learning day prompted by inclement weather. This week’s session will guide families through what to expect during an e-learning day, how attendance and participation work, and what students and parents will need at home to be successful.

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Notice of December 8 and 9 Board Meetings

12/05/2025

A Special Meeting with Closed and Open Session of the Board of Education will be held on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. On December 9, 2025, the Board of Education will meet for its regular monthly micro meeting. The meeting will be conducted in open and closed sessions beginning at 6 p.m. at the Educational Service Center, 214 Washington Street. The Board’s monthly Student Achievement and Operations Services committee meetings will follow the micro meeting at approximately 7 p.m. in the Board Room.

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Auditions for WAUK-PAC’s Mary Poppins Jr.

12/05/2025

District 60’s K-8 theater program, the Waukegan Performing Arts Company (WAUK-PAC) is holding auditions for its upcoming production of Mary Poppins Jr. later this month. Auditions will be held on Thursday, December 18, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Cooke Magnet School, 522 Belvidere Road. All K-8 students are welcome to audition.

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Lightfoot School Closure Update - No Student Attendance on December 4

12/03/2025

We want to provide an update following this afternoon’s plumbing issue. Our maintenance and operations teams worked quickly to identify the issue, address the plumbing problem, and begin cleanup throughout the building.

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December Waukegan Schools’ Holiday Concerts

12/03/2025

It’s the most wonderful time of the year for school concerts, and Waukegan Public Schools students have several shows planned in the upcoming weeks to fill you with holiday cheer.

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Cold Weather Information for Waukegan Schools

12/02/2025

Winter has arrived more intensely than in past years, as we have already experienced several rounds of harsh weather. As we move further into the season, we would like to remind families of our district’s cold-weather policies and procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of all students. Sudden temperature drops and snow can create challenging conditions, and it is essential that families are aware of what to expect as we navigate the months ahead.

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WHS Assistant Principal Receives Reaching Out and Building Bridges Award

12/01/2025

Waukegan High School’s Washington/AOEC Campus Assistant Principal, Ms. Sheonta Myers, has been named the recipient of the Illinois Principals Association’s “Reaching Out and Building Bridges Award”, recognizing her as one of Lake County’s standout educational leaders.

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**Cancelled** Notice of December 2 Special Board Meeting

11/29/2025

The meeting has been canceled and will be rescheduled for a future date.

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Warm Thanksgiving Wishes

11/25/2025

s Thanksgiving approaches, I want to extend my deepest appreciation to each of you. This season always reminds me how fortunate I am to serve as Superintendent of such a caring and resilient community. What stands out most every year is the way our families, staff, and students support one another. That sense of unity is the heart of our District, and it shines through in everyday moments that make our schools special.

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District Update on Student Progress

11/24/2025

At last week’s Board of Education meeting, we shared an important overview of our students’ performance on this year’s state assessments. Many of these themes are connected to the Illinois Report Card data we released last month, but this presentation provides a more detailed look at how our students are progressing academically. You can view a video of the presentation here. We are encouraged by the continued progress across our district.

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Thanksgiving Break Meal Distribution - November 26

11/24/2025

Waukegan Public Schools will host a free meal distribution event for families during Thanksgiving Break on Wednesday, November 26 at the Waukegan High School - Brookside Campus, 2325 Brookside Avenue. Meals will be available between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Families can pick up food by driving up to door 25, which is located at the back of the Brookside Campus. Families will be asked to stay in their cars, and students are not required to be present to pick up meals.

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Meet the Bulldogs - November 21

11/20/2025

Waukegan High School’s winter sports season is officially underway as the Bulldogs prepare to hit the court for their annual “Meet the Bulldogs” event on Friday, November 21. The evening will kick off at 4 p.m. with a matchup featuring our middle school teams, giving families a first look at the future of Bulldog basketball.

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Juarez Principal Named Lake Middle School Principal of the Year

11/19/2025

Miguel Juarez Middle School Principal Nelson Campos has been named the Illinois Principals' Association's (IPA) Lake Region Middle School Principal of the Year.

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Districtwide Safety & Climate Survey

11/18/2025

Waukegan Public Schools is committed to ensuring that students feel safe, supported, and valued in our schools. As part of this effort, we have launched Safety & Climate Surveys for students in grades 4 to 12, staff, and families. Links to the surveys were sent directly via email to families, students, and staff. The surveys are brief and designed to gather feedback about safety, respect, and overall school climate. Responses will help our district understand what’s working well and where improvements can be made.

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Waukegan High School Madrigal Dinner Dec. 5 & 6

11/17/2025

Hear ye, hear ye! Tickets are now on sale for the annual Madrigal Dinner hosted by the Waukegan High School Music Department. This year’s feast is set to take place over two nights, on Friday, December 5, and Saturday, December 6.

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Notice of November 18 Board Meeting

11/16/2025

A regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 7 p.m. for Open Session, and 6 p.m. for Closed Session. The meeting will be conducted in person in the Educational Service Center Board Room, 214 Washington Street. Closed Session will occur in Room 112.

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District 60 Celebrates Board Members’ Day 2025

11/15/2025

Waukegan Community Unit School District No. 60 joins school districts across Illinois in celebrating School Board Members’ Day. Observed annually on November 15, Board Members’ Day is an opportunity to recognize and thank the unpaid volunteers who serve school districts across the state. These individuals work tirelessly for the benefit of their stakeholders and provide a vital voice for the communities they represent. This year’s theme is “The Heart of Local Education!”

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Feedback Requested on Future School Year Calendars

11/14/2025

Our district is finalizing proposed calendars for the next three academic years. Before presenting them to the Board of Education for approval, we are seeking feedback on several key aspects of the calendars.

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This is a reminder that our November Black Parent Network (BPN) meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 18, from 6 to 6:45 p.m. The meeting will be hybrid. You can join us in person at the Waukegan High School – Brookside Campus library or via Zoom, whichever works best for you.

Reminder of November 18 BPN Meeting

11/14/2025

This is a reminder that our November Black Parent Network (BPN) meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 18, from 6 to 6:45 p.m. The meeting will be hybrid. You can join us in person at the Waukegan High School – Brookside Campus library or via Zoom, whichever works best for you.

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Parent University This Week: SchoolLinks Information Session

11/10/2025

District 60 is excited to invite families to its next Parent University session, scheduled for Wednesday, November 12, at 6 p.m. on the District’s YouTube Channel. This session, led by members of the District’s College and Career Readiness department, will provide participants with an overview of the College & Career Readiness Platform, SchooLinks.

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Notice of November 10 Board Meetings

11/07/2025

On Monday, November 10, 2025, the Board of Education will meet for its regular monthly micro meeting. The meeting will be conducted in open and closed sessions beginning at 6 p.m. at the Educational Service Center, 214 Washington Street. The open session will be held in the Board Room. The closed session will be in Room 112. The Board’s monthly Student Achievement and Operations Services committee meetings will follow the micro meeting at approximately 7 p.m. in the Board Room.

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WAUK-PAC Presents Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition November 21 and 22

11/07/2025

District 60’s K-8 theater program, the Waukegan Performing Arts Company (WAUK-PAC) will debut its next production,Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition, later this month. Nearly 70 Waukegan students representing seven elementary and four middle schools make up the cast and crew of the production.

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Parent University: Freshmen on Track (FOT)

11/05/2025

District 60 is excited to invite families to its next Parent University session on Thursday, November 6, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Waukegan High School – Brookside Campus Library.

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WHS Presents Maricela de la Luz Lights the World Nov. 14-16

11/04/2025

The Waukegan High School Theatre Department will debut its production of "Maricela de la Luz Lights the World" on November 14-16 in the Trapp Auditorium of the Waukegan High School-Brookside Campus.

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Waukegan High School Student Council to Host Fall Festival

11/04/2025

The Waukegan High School Student Council invites all District 60 elementary students and their families to its annual Fall Festival event on Thursday, November 13, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the WHS- Washington Campus Cafeteria, 1011 Washington Street. Participants are asked to enter through door 28 off of Jackson Street.

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Notice of November 5 Special Board Meeting

10/31/2025

A Special Meeting with Closed and Open Session of the Board of Education will be held on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in Room 112 at the Educational Service Center. Pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (16), the discussion will be held in Closed Session. The subject will be self-evaluation, practices and procedures, or professional ethics, and the meeting will be conducted by a representative of the IASB. The meeting will begin in open session in the Board Room and then move to closed session in Room 112. The meeting will adjourn from Room 112. No action will be taken during the open session.

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Addressing Concerns About Today’s Incident in a Neighboring District

10/30/2025

Many of you may have seen or heard about today’s incident circulating online, showing federal immigration officials entering Warren Township High School in Gurnee to apprehend an external individual who ran into the building while fleeing ICE officials. Like many others, I am deeply disturbed by what we saw.

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2025 State Report Card Information Released

10/30/2025

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) today released the annual Illinois School Report Card, which highlights how schools and districts across the state are progressing toward a wide range of educational goals. This year’s Report Card reflects data from the 2024-2025 school year. Stakeholders can view their district or school’s results by visiting www.illinoisreportcard.com.

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Black Parent Network Meeting – November 18

10/29/2025

It’s that time again! Our November Black Parent Network meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 18, from 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. This meeting will be hybrid, so families can participate in person in the Waukegan High School – Brookside Campus Library or virtually via Zoom.

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Parent University October 30 - Promotion Policy

10/29/2025

District 60’s Family and Community Engagement Department will continue its series of Parent University events this week with a special presentation covering District 60’s Promotion Policy.

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Parents Invited to Participate in BPAC Elections November 13

10/28/2025

District 60’s Bilingual & Multicultural Department, as part of its Parent University Academia 60, will host officer elections during its next Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC) meeting on Thursday, November 13, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will take place in the library of the Waukegan High School - Brookside Campus, 2325 Brookside Avenue.

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Final Week of National Bullying Prevention Month: Spirit Week!

10/27/2025

As we conclude National Bullying Prevention Month, Waukegan Public Schools thanks our students, staff, and families for helping promote kindness, unity, and respect throughout October.

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Notice of October 28 Board Meeting

10/25/2025

A regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 7 p.m. for Open Session, and 6 p.m. for Closed Session. The meeting will be conducted in person in the Educational Service Center Board Room, 214 Washington Street. Closed Session will occur in Room 112.

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Parent-Teacher Conferences October 22, 23

10/14/2025

Waukegan Community Unit School # 60 will host Parent-Teacher Conferences on Wednesday, October 22, and Thursday, October 23.

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Notice of October 14 Board Meetings

10/11/2025

On October 14, 2025, the Board of Education will meet for its regular monthly micro meeting. The meeting will be conducted in open and closed sessions beginning at 6 p.m. at the Educational Service Center, 214 Washington Street. The open session will be held in the Board Room. The closed session will be in Room 112. The Board’s monthly Student Achievement and Operations Services committee meetings will follow the micro meeting at approximately 7 p.m. in the Board Room.

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Addressing E-Learning and Supporting Each Other

10/09/2025

Over the past week, we have seen an increased presence of immigration officials in Waukegan’s streets and neighborhoods, and I understand firsthand the fear and uncertainty this has created for our students, families, and staff. As a Latina and a member of this community, I understand the sadness and frustration many of you are feeling, and I share the concerns families have for the safety of their children and loved ones.

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BPAC Elections Meeting October 16

10/08/2025

District 60’s Bilingual & Multicultural Department invites all EL families to join us for our upcoming Parent University Academia 60: BPAC Elections!

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Continuing Our Commitment to Financial Transparency

10/07/2025

Last night, Waukegan Public Schools hosted a YouTube Live event to share an overview of the District’s financial health and the recently approved Fiscal Year 2026 budget. We appreciate the community members who joined us, and we want to make sure everyone has access to this important information.

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Upcoming Pre-ACT Testing for Students in Grades 8–11

10/07/2025

This fall, students in grades 8 through 11 will participate in Pre-ACT testing. The Pre-ACT provides valuable insight into whether students are on track for college and career readiness, and it helps guide future planning and support. Freshmen will test on October 9. Eighth graders, sophomores, and juniors will test on October 16. All testing will take place at each student’s school campus. This will be the first year that eighth graders participate in the assessment.

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Medical Exclusion Deadline is October 15

10/06/2025

This is a reminder about an important upcoming deadline related to student medical records and immunization requirements. The Illinois Department of Public Health requires certain immunizations and exams before students can attend school. In accordance with state law, students who do not have updated medical records on file or proof of an upcoming appointment can be excluded from school after Wednesday, October 15, 2025.

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Reassurance and Support Amid Immigration Concerns

10/03/2025

Across our community, we know that concerns around immigration enforcement have increased. We want to acknowledge the stress this may cause for many families, and reassure you that District 60 is closely monitoring developments while remaining firmly committed to keeping our schools safe, supportive, and welcoming for every student and family.

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October is Anti-Bullying Month in WPS

10/01/2025

Waukegan Public Schools is kicking off National Bullying Prevention Month this October with a month full of activities, events, and learning opportunities to promote kindness, unity, and respect in our schools. This year’s theme is “Be Kind, Be Great, Be You!” To show our shared commitment, every student and staff member will receive a bracelet to wear throughout the month.

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Following Up on Our Livestreams with the Center for Immigrant Progress

09/30/2025

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our two recent live information sessions on immigration-related topics. We are grateful to the Center for Immigrant Progress for partnering with us and providing such valuable information and resources to our community.

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Tonight: Immigration Information Session, Part 2

09/29/2025

Waukegan Public Schools is partnering with the Center for Immigrant Progress to host the second part of our two-part virtual information series on important immigration-related topics tonight, September 29.

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WPS60 October Fire Safety Events

09/24/2025

District 60 is partnering with the Waukegan Fire Department this fall to support our families with important fire safety resources and events.

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Join Us for a Live Update on District Finances

09/23/2025

We are committed to being transparent and keeping our community informed about the financial health of our district. Over the past several years, we have been intentional about taking steps to be fiscally prudent, strengthening our financial position, earning recognition for our practices, and achieving improved credit ratings thanks to the excellent work of our finance team.

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Parent University September 25 - Parent Teacher Conferences

09/23/2025

District 60’s Family and Community Engagement Department will continue its series of Parent University events this week with a special presentation on helping middle school and high school parents prepare for next month’s Parent-Teacher Conferences.

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Our Stopfinder App is Now Live

09/22/2025

Families can now use the Stopfinder app to securely track their child’s school bus in real time. Stopfinder is a free, easy-to-use mobile app that provides instant access to route information and helps improve communication about transportation.

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Pasta & Pops 2025 Tickets on Sale

09/22/2025

Tickets are now available for the Waukegan Association of Music Partners’ (AMP) annual Pasta & Pops dinner, taking place on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.

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Notice of September 23 Board Meeting

09/19/2025

A regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 7 p.m. for Open Session, and 6 p.m. for Closed Session. The meeting will be conducted in person in the Educational Service Center Board Room, 214 Washington Street. Closed Session will occur in Room 112.

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Enroll in the Yeoman Creek Community Solar Program

09/17/2025

We are excited to remind you about the Yeoman Creek Community Solar Farm program. More than 400 Waukegan households have already applied to take part in this initiative.

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District 60 Hosting Virtual Immigration Information Series

09/16/2025

Waukegan Public Schools is partnering with the Center for Immigrant Progress to host a two-part virtual information series focused on important immigration-related topics. Both sessions will be presented in Spanish and English at 6 p.m. on our District’s YouTube channel.

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North Teacher Honored by Bears as ‘Classroom Legend’

09/16/2025

Rayeanne Nickerson, an Instructional Support Teacher at North Elementary, has been recognized as a Chicago Bears “Classroom Legend.” The program, in partnership with CDW, celebrates Chicago-area teachers who go above and beyond for their students.

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Immigration Officials in the Community

09/15/2025

We are aware of reports of federal immigration officials present on the near north side of Waukegan today, and we want to assure you that there have been no reported issues at any of our school buildings.

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Hispanic Heritage Month in District 60

09/15/2025

Hispanic Heritage Month begins today, and District 60 is excited to begin its annual month-long celebration of Hispanic history and culture. Throughout the month our schools will immerse students in Hispanic history and culture, through various events, activities, and lessons.

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Notice of September 16 Board Meeting

09/12/2025

***THIS MEETING HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO A YET TO BE DETERMINED DATE*** A Special Meeting with Closed and Open Session of the Board of Education will be held on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in Room 112 at the Educational Service Center. Pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (16), the discussion will be held in Closed Session. The subject will be self-evaluation, practices and procedures, or professional ethics, and the meeting will be conducted by a representative of the IASB. The meeting will begin in open session in the Board Room and then move to closed session in Room 112. The meeting will adjourn from Room 112. No action will be taken during the open session.

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Parent-to-Parent Special Education Network Meeting October 2

09/11/2025

District 60’s Diverse Learners Department will host its first Parent-to-Parent Special Education Network support group meeting of the school year on Thursday, October 2, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Welcome Center, 742 W. Greenwood Avenue.

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New Bus Tracking App for Families Coming Soon

09/10/2025

Later this month, Waukegan Public Schools will roll out the Stopfinder bus tracking app, a new, easy-to-use mobile app that provides real-time updates on your child’s school bus.

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WHS Senior Selected for ISBE Student Advisory Council

09/08/2025

Waukegan Community Unit School District #60 is proud to announce that Waukegan High School Senior Yasir Espinoza has been selected to serve on the Illinois State Board of Education’s Student Advisory Council (SAC) for the 2025–2026 school year.

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Parent University September 11 - Parent Teacher Conferences

09/05/2025

District 60’s Family and Community Engagement Department will continue its series of Parent University events next week with a special presentation on helping parents prepare for next month’s Parent-Teacher Conferences.

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Notice of September 9 Board Meetings

09/05/2025

On September 9, 2025, the Board of Education will meet for its regular monthly micro meeting. The meeting will be conducted in open and closed sessions beginning at 6 p.m. at the Educational Service Center, 214 Washington Street. The open session will be held in the Board Room. The closed session will be in Room 112. The Board’s monthly Student Achievement and Operations Services committee meetings will follow the micro meeting at approximately 7 p.m. in the Board Room.

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Black Parent Network Meeting – September 9

09/05/2025

We invite you to join us for the first Black Parent Network meeting of the school year on Tuesday, September 9, from 6 to 6:45 p.m. The meeting will be hosted virtually via Zoom.

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Supporting Families During Local Immigration Updates

09/04/2025

We are reaching out today in response to recent reports about increased federal immigration officials in our region, including the possible use of Great Lakes Naval Station as a coordination site. As we stated last week, we understand that this news may cause uncertainty or concern for some families and stakeholders.

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Hispanic Heritage Celebration 2025

09/03/2025

Waukegan Public Schools will host its annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration on Thursday, September 18. The theme of this year’s celebration of Hispanic history and culture is “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future.” This year’s event will be held at the Waukegan High School’s Brookside Campus, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

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State-Mandated Safety Drills Beginning This Month

09/03/2025

Now that we are in September, Waukegan Public Schools will begin conducting state-mandated safety drills required each year in all of our buildings. These drills include fire, lockdown, bus evacuation, and tornado or shelter-in-place exercises. Each one plays an important role in helping students and staff know how to respond in the event of an emergency.

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Notice of September 4 Special Board Meeting

09/02/2025

The Board of Education for Waukegan Public Schools will meet in a Special Meeting on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 6:00 pm in Room 112 at the Educational Service Center, 214 Washington Street, for the purpose of discussing annual performance goals for the superintendent arising out of her evaluation. This meeting will be held in Closed Session. A brief open session with Public Comment will precede the closed session in the Board Room. No formal action will be taken during the open session.

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2025 WHS Homecoming Parade Application Now Open

09/02/2025

Waukegan High School is now accepting applications from groups or organizations interested in participating in its 2025 Homecoming Parade on Friday, September 26. This year’s Homecoming theme is “Starry Night”. The deadline to submit an application is Wednesday, September 17, at midnight.

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Parent University September 4 - Attendance Matters

08/29/2025

Tune in for the first Parent University of September, where District 60’s Family and Community Engagement Department will spotlight the important topic of student attendance “Attendance Matters”, will premiere on the District's YouTube channel at 6 p.m. on September 4.

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Commitment to Safety and Support Amid Federal Law Enforcement Concerns

08/28/2025

We are aware of reports that federal agencies may utilize the nearby Great Lakes Naval Base for potential law enforcement operations in the region. While nothing has formally been announced, we understand this news may cause concern among members of our community, and we want to provide reassurance about what this means for our schools.

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Update on Welcome Center Property

08/27/2025

At last night’s Board of Education meeting, the Board authorized the District to begin the process of exploring a sale of our Welcome Center building at 742 Greenwood Avenue. The District has owned this property for nearly 20 years, and it was home to student registration and evaluation services. Since the opening of our new Educational Services Center in downtown Waukegan this summer, the building has been largely vacant. The few remaining staff members will be transitioned to other District locations in the near future.

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Important Notice: Email Phishing Alert

08/26/2025

Our school district has identified an increase in email phishing attempts. Phishing is a type of scam where cybercriminals try to trick you into giving out personal information, like passwords or account details, by pretending to be a trusted source.

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Parent University August 28 - Assessment and Data

08/26/2025

District 60’s Family and Community Engagement Department will host its next Parent University on Thursday, August 28. This week’s topic is “Assessment and Data”, and the presentation will premiere on the District's YouTube channel at 6 p.m.

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Diverse Learner Parent Advocacy Leadership (PAL) Program

08/25/2025

Waukegan Public Schools’ Diverse Learner Department’s Parent Advocacy Leadership (PAL) program kicks off its Fall 2025 sessions on September 9. PAL is a free four-week training program from the Family Resource Center on Disabilities that is designed to help parents navigate the special education process in Illinois.

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First Immigration Know Your Rights Session Tonight

08/25/2025

We'd like to remind our families that this evening we we will host the first of two special Know Your Rights presentations focused on immigration-related topics, including encounters with ICE, how to be an ally, and creating a safety plan. Led by Belany Contreras, with the North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic, these events will provide advice and resources to help families navigate immigration challenges.

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Notice of August 26 Board Meeting

08/23/2025

A regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 7 p.m. for Open Session, and 6 p.m. for Closed Session. The meeting will be conducted in person in the Educational Service Center Board Room, 214 Washington Street. Closed Session will occur in Room 112.

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New Community Solar Program Benefits Waukegan Families

08/20/2025

You may have noticed the new solar field that has recently been under construction at our district-owned Yeoman Creek site. We are excited to share that this project is an opportunity for our Waukegan community to save money while supporting clean, local energy.

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EPIC Preschool Preview Night August 28

08/20/2025

District 60 will be hosting a special EPIC Preschool Preview Night for PreK families later this month, designed to help them better familiarize themselves with the program. The event will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 28, at Clearview Elementary School, 1700 Delaware Road.

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Notice of August 19 Special Meeting

08/17/2025

The Board of Education for Waukegan Public Schools will meet in a Special Meeting on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 6:00 pm in Room 112 at the Educational Service Center, 214 Washington Street, for the purpose of discussing annual performance goals for the superintendent arising out of her evaluation. This meeting will be held in Closed Session. A brief open session with Public Comment will precede the closed session in the Board Room. No formal action will be taken during the open session.

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District 60’s 25-26 Parent University Series Launches August 21

08/15/2025

District 60’s Family and Community Engagement Department is launching its 2025-2026 Parent University series on August 21, with a robust schedule of information sessions designed to give parents and guardians tools to support their children’s educational journey.

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Know Your Rights Immigration Session - Aug 25 & Sep 8

08/12/2025

As this school year gets underway, we understand that many families in our community may be feeling concerned or uncertain about changes and challenges related to immigration. Waukegan Public Schools is committed to offering information, resources, and support during this time.

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Notice of August 12 Board Meetings

08/10/2025

On August 12, 2025, the Board of Education will meet for its regular monthly micro meeting. The meeting will be conducted in open and closed sessions beginning at 6 p.m. at the Educational Service Center, 214 Washington Street. The open session will be held in the Board Room. The closed session will be in Room 112. The Board’s monthly Student Achievement and Operations Services committee meetings will follow the micro meeting at 7 p.m. in the Board Room.

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Emergency Day eLearning Plan Hearing Aug. 12

08/07/2025

Waukegan Public Schools will host a special Public Hearing on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 to discuss the renewal of our eLearning Plan. The purpose of this hearing will be to seek input from school personnel, parents, and other community members concerning the provision of the Illinois School Code allowing for eLearning days as amended by Public Act 101-0012. The eLearning days would be implemented in situations when school would otherwise be closed due to extreme cold, major snowstorms, or other emergencies, in lieu of the District’s scheduled emergency days.

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Bus Information For 2025-2026 School Year

08/06/2025

A message was emailed to Waukegan Public Schools parents today with important bus route information for the upcoming school year. Parents should check their primary email address on file to view these details.

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Notice of Budget Workshop # 3 - August 5

08/03/2025

Budget Workshop #3 for the Board of Education will be held on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 6 p.m. The meeting will be conducted in the Educational Service Center’s Board Room, 214 Washington Street. No final Board action will be taken at this meeting.

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Important Transportation Software Update

08/01/2025

We want to inform you about some important changes to our student transportation services for the upcoming school year. As previously shared, our Transportation Department has transitioned to a new routing and scheduling software called Transfinder, which will be used for students in PreK–8th grade who ride yellow school buses.

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Important PreK Schedule Modifications

07/31/2025

We are thrilled to soon begin the 2025-2026 school year and can not wait to see you and your little ones for a year full of fun and learning.

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Protecting Our Students: Rights, Safety, and Support at School

07/30/2025

As we prepare to welcome our students back to school on August 11, we want to take a moment to speak to the concerns and anxieties felt by many in our community. Recent news about immigration enforcement activities this summer has understandably created fear for some of our families. We want to reiterate that our school district strives to be a safe and welcoming space for all students, regardless of immigration status.

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District 60 Recognized for Comprehensive Financial Report

07/30/2025

Waukegan Community Unit School District #60 has again been awarded the prestigious "Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting" (CAFR) by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report for the fiscal year ending in June 2024.

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Notice of July 29 Board Workshop Meeting

07/26/2025

A special workshop meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at 6 p.m. for Open Session. The meeting will be conducted in the Educational Service Center Board Room, 214 Washington Street. The subject will be to discuss superintendent goal setting, evaluations, and Board roles. The workshop will be facilitated by Dr. Mark Friedman.

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Back-to-School Registration Events July 29, 30, 31

07/25/2025

District 60 is hosting three Back-to-School registration events next week for families who have not yet completed the registration process for the 2025-2026 school year.

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Auditions for WAUK-PAC’s Wizard of Oz Jr.

07/24/2025

District 60’s K-8 theater program, the Waukegan Performing Arts Company (WAUK-PAC) is holding auditions for its upcoming production of Wizard of Oz Jr. Auditions will be held at Cooke Magnet School, 522 Belvidere Road, on Thursday, August 21, from 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. All K-8 students are welcome to audition.

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Back-to-School Resource Fair This Saturday - Important Details

07/23/2025

We’re looking forward to seeing you at our Back-to-School Resource Fair this Saturday, July 26, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Brookside Campus of Waukegan High School. This annual event is one of our most exciting and well-attended.

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Board of Education Appoints Student Board Members

07/23/2025

The Waukegan Community Unit School District #60 Board of Education has appointed Waukegan High School students Franki Jacobo and Trajhor Allen to serve as Student Board Members for the 2025–2026 school year.

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Proposed Emergency Day eLearning Plan Public Hearing

07/22/2025

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Preparing for the First Day of School on August 11

07/21/2025

The first day of the school year is just three weeks away! I hope you are all enjoying the final weeks of Summer Break. As families prepare to return to our schools, we wish to provide reminders of important back-to-school information. Please see below for useful information that we hope will answer many of your questions in advance of August 11.

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Notice of July 22 Board Meeting

07/18/2025

A regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 7 p.m. for Open Session, and 6 p.m. for Closed Session. The meeting will be conducted in person in the Educational Service Center Board Room, 214 Washington Street. Closed Session will occur in Room 112.

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School Supply Lists for Waukegan Families

07/16/2025

Waukegan Community Unit School District #60 Elementary and Middle Schools have streamlined supply lists. All students will follow universal supply lists by grade level, making it easier for families to know what their child needs, regardless of the school they attend. You can find the updated supply lists linked below for your convenience.

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Professional Learning Days Schedule 2025/2026

07/15/2025

Waukegan Community Unit School District #60 will once again hold Professional Learning Days during the upcoming school year. These dedicated days provide valuable opportunities for staff to participate in additional professional development, which will lead to adjustments in the regular bell schedules.

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New Student Registration For 2025-26 School Year

07/14/2025

If you are new to the Waukegan area or have a child who will be entering one of our schools for the first time during the 2025-26 school year, now is the perfect time to register for the upcoming school year.

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Back to School Resource Fair 2025

07/09/2025

Our District's annual Back to School Resource Fair is right around the corner, and we are excited to invite our families to this year's event. This year's Resource Fair will take place on Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Brookside Campus of Waukegan High School.

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Back-to-School Registration Events

07/07/2025

The first day of school is Monday, August 11, and all families are encouraged to complete registration as soon as possible to ensure a smooth start to the school year.

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Notice of July 9 Special Closed Session Board Meeting

07/04/2025

A Special Session Board Meeting to conduct individual interviews with the finalists for the Student Board Member positions will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at the Educational Service Center, 214 Washington Street, Waukegan. This meeting will be held in Closed Session in Room 112. A brief open session with public comment will precede the closed session in the Board Room. No official Board action will be taken at this meeting.

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WHS Summer School Graduation Ceremony

07/01/2025

Waukegan High School will host its Summer School Graduation Ceremony for the class of 2025 on Wednesday, July 2.

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District Offices Begin Move to New Downtown Location

06/27/2025

Waukegan Public Schools is beginning the transition of several departments to the new Waukegan Educational Service Center, located at 214 Washington Street in downtown Waukegan. This modern, centralized facility will improve accessibility and operational efficiency, helping us better serve students, families, and staff. The Waukegan Educational Service Center is located at the northwest corner of Washington and Genesee Streets. Free on-site visitor parking is available in our parking lot.

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Student Health Requirements 2025-2026

06/23/2025

The Illinois Department of Public Health requires a number of immunizations and exams before students can attend school in the State of Illinois. Below is a detailed list of those requirements and the grades affected by each prerequisite. Parents are asked to please plan for the 2025/2026 school year and begin scheduling these immunizations and exams soon. If missing any required immunizations or a physical, students may be subject to exclusion from school starting October 15.

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Notice of June 23 and June 24 Board Meetings

06/20/2025

A Special Meeting with Closed and Open Session of the Board of Education will be held on Monday, June 23, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in Room 112 at the Educational Service Center. The subject will be self-evaluation, practices and procedures, or professional ethics, and the meeting will be conducted by a representative of the IASB. A regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 7 p.m. for Open Session, and 6 p.m. for Closed Session. The meeting will be conducted in person in the Educational Service Center.

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WAUK-PAC Presents Finding Nemo Jr. June 27 & 28

06/19/2025

District 60’s K-8 theater program, the Waukegan Performing Arts Company (WAUK-PAC) will debut its next production, Finding Nemo Jr., later this month. Nearly 60 Waukegan students representing seven elementary and three middle schools make up the cast and crew of the production.

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Summer School Graduation and 8th Grade Promotion Ceremonies

06/18/2025

Summer school graduation ceremonies for Waukegan High School and District #60 middle schools will be held in the upcoming weeks for students who have successfully completed summer school requirements.

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Notice of June 17 and 18 Special Closed Session Meetings

06/13/2025

A special meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Tuesday, June 17, at 6 p.m. at the Educational Service Center, 214 Washington Street. A second special closed session meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 18, at 6 p.m. at the Educational Service Center, 214 Washington Street.

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21 Waukegan Schools Honored for PBIS Work

06/11/2025

Twenty-one Waukegan Community Unit School District # 60 school buildings were recently recognized by the Midwest Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Network for their PBIS implementation efforts during the 2024-25 school year. Buildings recognized included all 15 elementary schools, four middle schools, AOEC, and the WHS-Washington Campus. Recognized schools include:

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WPS60 Message: Help Us Prepare for the Back-to-School Resource Fair

06/10/2025

We need your support as we prepare for this year’s Back-to-School Resource Fair! We're looking for volunteers to help pack hundreds of backpacks with supplies for our annual school supply giveaway and community celebration.

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Notice of June 10 Board Meetings

06/06/2025

On June 10, 2025 the Board of Education will meet for its regular monthly micro meeting. The meeting will be conducted in open and closed sessions beginning at 6 p.m. at the Educational Service Center, 214 Washington Street. The open session will be held in the Board Room. The closed session will be in Room 112. The Board’s monthly Student Achievement and Operations Services committee meetings will follow the micro meeting at 7 p.m. in the Board Room.

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June Preschool Walk-in Registration Events

06/05/2025

District 60 will host three EPIC preschool walk-in registration events later this month, where families will have an opportunity to register their child in Pre-K for the 2025-26 school year.

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Pre-Register Now for Our Back-to-School Resource Fair on July 26

06/03/2025

Waukegan Community Unit School District # 60’s annual Back to School Resource Fair is just around the corner. This year’s Fair will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 27 at the Waukegan High School - Brookside Campus, 2325 Brookside Avenue.

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Notice of Budget Workshop # 2 - June 3

06/01/2025

Budget Workshop #2 for the Board of Education will be held on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at 6 p.m. The meeting will be conducted in the Educational Service Center’s Board Room, 214 Washington Street. No final Board action will be taken at this meeting.

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Device Care Over the Summer

05/30/2025

As the school year has officially come to a close, and summer school is set to begin, we want to thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students’ learning and success. Many of our students have taken home their school-issued Chromebooks for the summer. Whether or not your child is enrolled in summer school, we recognize that many students continue to use their school-issued devices throughout the summer. To help ensure these devices stay in good condition and are ready for use when school resumes, we encourage families to follow a few simple Chromebook care guidelines.

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District 60 Summer Meals Program Begins Next Week

05/29/2025

Waukegan Public Schools’ annual Summer Meals Program will begin the week of June 2 at 11 school sites across the District. Through this program, all Waukegan children, including those not enrolled in the District's summer programs, are eligible to receive free breakfast and lunch.

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Notice of May 27 Board Meeting

05/25/2025

A regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 7 p.m. for Open Session, and 6 p.m. for Closed Session. The meeting will be conducted in person in the Educational Service Center Board Room, 214 Washington Street. Closed Session will occur in Room 112.

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Waukegan High School Honors 2025 Senior Athletes

05/22/2025

Waukegan High School honored more than 190 student-athletes during its annual Senior Sports Awards program on May 20. The awards ceremony recognized athletes in 27 sports for their achievements on the field and in the classroom.

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8th Grade Promotions on May 21 and 22

05/20/2025

Eighth-grade promotion events will be hosted over two days, on May 21 and May 22. Promotion events for all five Waukegan middle schools will be held in the Genesee Theatre, 203 N Genesee St. Families should contact their child’s school for information on tickets. Click to read more.

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Class of 2025 Graduation Information

05/14/2025

Waukegan High School will host its 152nd commencement exercises on Friday, May 16 at 5:30 p.m. at Weiss Field. An expected class of more than 950 students will make up Waukegan High School’s Class of 2025. Gates at Weiss Field will open at 4 p.m. Each graduate will be given four tickets for the ceremony. No spectators will be admitted without a ticket. Families are asked to please arrive together if possible, as saving seats for others will not be permitted. The ceremony will be broadcast live on the District’s YouTube Channel. See facts about the Class of 2025 here.

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Auditions for Finding Nemo Jr.

05/13/2025

District 60’s K-8 theater program, the Waukegan Performing Arts Company (WAUK-PAC) is holding auditions for its upcoming production of Finding Nemo Jr.! Auditions will be at Cooke Magnet School, 522 Belvidere Road, on Thursday, May 15, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. All K-8 students are welcome to audition.

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Notice of May 12 and May 13 Board Meetings

05/10/2025

Budget Workshop # 1 for the Board of Education will be held on Monday, May 12, 2025, at 6 p.m. On May 13, 2025 the Board of Education will meet for its regular monthly micro meeting. The meeting will be conducted in open and closed sessions beginning at 6 p.m. The Board’s monthly Student Achievement and Operations Services committee meetings will follow the micro meeting at 7 p.m. in the Board Room.

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WHS Students Win Congressional Art Contest

05/07/2025

Two Waukegan High School students were recently announced as winners of Congressman Brad Schneider’s 10th District Congressional Art Competition.

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EPIC Preschool Walk-in Registration Event May 17

05/07/2025

District 60 will host an EPIC preschool walk-in registration event later this month, where families will have an opportunity to complete the registration process to enroll their child in Pre-K for the 2025-26 school year.

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Summer School 2025 Parent Information

05/06/2025

Last month, we shared information on our Waukegan Public Schools' 2025 Summer School program, which will run from June 3 to June 26 for students in grades PreK-12. Families of eligible students will be contacted by their child’s school with more information.

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Schools Foundation’s Teacher Appreciation Fundraiser

05/02/2025

The Waukegan Schools Foundation is celebrating Teacher Appreciation Day in a big way with its annual “Treat-a-Teacher” event on Tuesday, May 6. The community is invited to join the celebration from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Yorkhouse Tavern and Table, located at 4555 W. Yorkhouse Road in Waukegan.

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Kindergarten Registration Event Sat. May 3

05/01/2025

Waukegan Public Schools' final new student Kindergarten registration event for families new to the District has been rescheduled to Saturday, May 3.

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New Board of Education Members Seated

04/30/2025

The Waukegan Community Unit School District #60 Board of Education officially seated four members during a special organizational meeting on Tuesday, April 29.

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Registration Deadline for the 2025-26 School Year - April 30

04/29/2025

The returning registration deadline for the 2025-26 school year is this Wednesday, April 30. Families have until tomorrow to complete the online registration process.

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Graduation and Promotion Event Details

04/28/2025

Graduation and promotion events for Waukegan High School seniors and Waukegan 8th graders are fast approaching. Parents of seniors and 8th graders should have received information regarding planned graduation and promotion events for their child. Please see below for further information.

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Notices of April 29 Board Meetings

04/26/2025

A special meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the Educational Service Center, 214 Washington Street, Waukegan, IL. The meeting will begin in open session in the Board Room before moving into closed session in Room 112 to review closed session minutes and discuss specific personnel matters. Following the closed session, the Board will meet back in open session and adjourn sine die. A special organizational meeting will immediately follow.

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Waukegan Public Schools Summer School Information 2025

04/24/2025

Planning for Waukegan Public Schools’ 2025 Summer School programming is being finalized, and parents of eligible students should soon hear from their child’s school about summer options. Summer School for grades preK-12 will run from June 3 to June 26, 2025.

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WHS Music Program Ranked 3rd in Illinois

04/23/2025

Waukegan High School’s music program has once again finished its competition season ranked as one of the top programs in Illinois. Students in the band, choir and orchestra combined for a 3rd place finish among all Illinois High School Association Class AA schools.

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World Premiere of Un Solo Pueblo – May 1

04/22/2025

Join us for the world premiere of Un Solo Pueblo – a vibrant and emotional new work for concert band by award-winning Colombian composer Dr. Rubén Darío Gómez – on the WHS Spring Band Concert, Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 7:00 PM. This powerful piece celebrates the unity of Latin communities across the U.S. and beyond, offering Latin background musicians a chance to reconnect with their roots through music. Come experience this unforgettable night of music, culture, and celebration!

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WHS Presents "The Addams Family" April 24-26

04/21/2025

Waukegan High School’s Fine Arts Department will debut its production of "The Addams Family" musical April 24-26 in the Trapp Auditorium of the Waukegan High School-Brookside Campus.

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Notice of April 22 Board Meeting

04/19/2025

A regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 7 p.m. for Open Session, and 6 p.m. for Closed Session. The meeting will be conducted in person in the Lincoln Center Board Room, 1201 N. Sheridan Road. Closed Session will occur in Room 120.

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Returning Student Registration Deadline April 30

04/16/2025

The registration deadline for the 2025-26 school year is quickly approaching, and families have until April 30, 2025 to complete the process.

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Final Kindergarten Registration Event is May 3

04/15/2025

Waukegan Public Schools' new student Kindergarten registration event originally scheduled for April 26 for families new to the District has been rescheduled to Saturday, May 3.

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Two-Way Dual Language Program Information Session - April 29

04/14/2025

There’s still time for families to explore enrollment in our District’s Two-Way Dual Language program for the upcoming school year. To help parents learn more about the program, our District is hosting another informational meeting on Tuesday, April 29 at 5 p.m. at Oakdale Elementary School, 2230 McAree Road.

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Notice of April 15 Board Meetings

04/12/2025

A Special Session Meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, to discuss specific personnel performance - 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1). The meeting will be in Closed Session beginning at 6 p.m. in Room 120 at Lincoln Center, 1201 N. Sheridan Road. Public comment will precede the closed session in Room 120. The meeting will precede the Board's regular monthly committee meetings.

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Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration May 8

04/11/2025

Waukegan Public School’s Family and Community Engagement Department will host its annual Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration on Thursday, May 8.

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Kindergarten Registration Information For Fall 2025

04/10/2025

Waukegan Public Schools has begun registering incoming kindergarten students for the 2025-2026 school year. Parents of children who will turn 5 years old prior to September 1 can begin registering for the fall, depending on their current enrollments. See below for information on various timelines.

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District 60 to Host Parent to Parent Special Education Network Meeting

04/09/2025

District 60’s Diverse Learners Department Parent to Parent Special Education Network support group will meet on Tuesday, April 22 from 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. in the Welcome Center, 742 W. Greenwood Ave.

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WAUK-PAC Presents Moana Jr. April 11 and 12

04/08/2025

District 60’s K-8 theater program, the Waukegan Performing Arts Company (WAUK-PAC) will debut its next production, Moana Jr., in April. 90 Waukegan students representing 10 elementary and 5 middle schools make up the cast and crew of the production.

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2025 Elementary Art Show at the Waukegan Library

04/07/2025

Waukegan Community Unit School District #60’s annual Elementary Art Show is now open at the Waukegan Public Library and will run through April 30.

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Notice of April 7 and April 8 Board Meetings

04/05/2025

The Board of Education for Waukegan Public Schools will meet in a Special Meeting on Monday, April 7, 2025, at 6:00 pm in Room 120 at Lincoln Center. A regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 7 p.m. for Open Session, and 6 p.m. for Closed Session.

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2025 Middle School Music Festival - April 15 & 16

04/04/2025

Waukegan Public Schools’ annual Middle School Music Festival is right around the corner! The popular event will be hosted on Tuesday, April 15, and Wednesday, April 16 at the Genesee Theatre in downtown Waukegan.

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Student Board Member Search 2025-2026

03/31/2025

The Waukegan Community Unit School District Board of Education is seeking two students to serve as Student Board Members for the 2025-2026 school year. Any student who will be a sophomore, junior, or senior next year is eligible to apply.

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School Meal Program Update & Federal Policy Changes

03/31/2025

We know many of you have questions following the recent presidential executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. While the full impact and implementation of this decision remain unclear and are likely to take time, we want to assure our community that we are closely monitoring developments. We will continue to rely on guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education, which has been a strong and consistent ally through these changes. As we learn more, we will keep our families informed.

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5Essentials Survey Deadline Approaching

03/25/2025

District 60 staff, students, and parents have until this Friday, March 28 to complete this year’s statewide 5Essentials survey! Click here to take the survey.

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Happy Spring Break!

03/21/2025

Spring Break is finally here, and I wanted to take a moment to send my best wishes for a peaceful and refreshing break. Whether you’re traveling, diving into your favorite hobbies, or simply taking some time to relax at home, I hope this time away brings you joy and relaxation.

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