Communication & Participation

Woodridge 68 utilizes a number of PowerSchool software products, including a student management database system that provides teachers, administrators, and parents the ability to follow their student’s progress and use past data for ongoing analysis. PowerSchool helps promote interaction between students, parents, and staff so that everyone is focusing on the same goal - providing the best education possible for all students.

Web-based PowerSchool Parent Portal facilitates communication between the office, the classroom, and home. Parents/guardians can log in to and see all of their children in one place, their grades, assignments, scores, attendance, schedules, and more for each school your children attend. If you have one student in elementary school and one in junior high, parents will see information for both the elementary school and junior high school.

A library of tutorial videos to assist families has been created and is posted on the district website. If you are having issues using Parent Portal, please contact powerschool@woodridge68.org.

Woodridge 68 subscribes to an automated messaging system called Messgaes XRE through Finalsite to communicate important information to parents and staff within a very short period of time. The system allows the district to quickly inform parents by phone, email, push notification, and/or text message about any critical or emergency situations. Schools also use it to issue reminders and keep families informed about upcoming events and activities.

To be sure all messages are received, parents should verify through Parent Portal that their official contact information is correct in the district’s student database system, PowerSchool. Any changes should be reported immediately to the school office.

Woodridge School District 68 uses Peachjar to deliver school information and approved flyers from community organizations electronically. This green initiative saves our schools tons of paper and reduces copy costs by thousands of dollars.

School-approved eflyers will be emailed directly to you. Additionally, you can view these eflyers by clicking the Peachjar button on your school’s website and the district app. Parents and guardians can access Peachjar anywhere—on your phone, tablet, or computer, and in your preferred language.

All parents with a valid email address in PowerSchool are automatically enrolled. This system is used exclusively for distribution of district- and school-approved flyers. Your email address will not be shared or used for any other purpose.

Parents can stay connected to district news and information through the following channels:

• Web: woodridge68.org
• Email: E-Update: 68 (news and upcoming events, sent monthly) and Board Briefs (highlights from Board of Education meetings)
• Mobile app: fully integrated, available for Android and iOS devices
• Social media: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
• Print: Update: 68 newsletter postal mailed to all households in the district three times a year

All schools within the District have a 10-10 Civil Defense Radio for receiving severe weather information. If a tornado watch (chance of dangerous weather) is issued, all students participating in outside activities will be called back to the classroom and after-school activities will be canceled. Normal school bus procedures will continue during a tornado watch. If a tornado warning (tornado has been sighted) is issued, students will be kept in the building until the warning is lifted. Children will, however, be released to their parents if they come for them. Each school has an emergency procedure protocol.

Should an emergency situation necessitate student pick-up, emergency contact information given by the parent/guardian will be used.

During the school year, our schools face the possibility of being closed due to an emergency, extreme cold, or severe storm. The decision about whether to close school buildings in inclement weather takes into consideration a number of factors and is made in consultation with the superintendents from Community High School District 99 and other surrounding feeder districts.

If a decision is made to close school, that information will be communicated through several sources as soon as possible. Some important reminders:

• Schools are open unless you hear from the district otherwise.
• Do not contact the school for closing information.
• Make sure your contact information is up to date in PowerSchool Parent Portal.

Woodridge 68 students learn at home when school buildings are closed for weather or other emergencies. Illinois School Code (105 ILCS 5/10-20.56) allows for the use of e-learning days in lieu of emergency days. In Woodridge 68, e-learning days are utilized instead of traditional "snow days." This means no adding days at the end of the school year.

Our schools welcome family and community involvement, but to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all students, staff, and visitors, certain expectations must be followed when visiting school property or attending school events.

All visitors are required to check in at the school’s main office, present valid identification, sign in, and wear a visitor badge while on campus. Visitors should also sign out and return their badge when leaving. For larger events—such as school assemblies, concerts, or public meetings—sign-in may not be required, but visitors must still follow all school rules and staff directions.

Any staff member may request identification from any person on school grounds or in any school building: refusal to provide such information is a criminal act. The Building Principal or designee shall seek the immediate removal of any person who refuses to provide requested identification.

Families who wish to meet with teachers or staff members should schedule appointments in advance. These meetings are typically arranged outside of instructional time to minimize classroom disruptions.

The district expects all individuals on school grounds to behave in a respectful and appropriate manner. Conduct that endangers others, disrupts the educational environment, or violates local laws and district policies is strictly prohibited. This includes but is not limited to threats, harassment, possession or use of drugs or alcohol, unsafe or aggressive behavior, and any form of disorderly or disruptive conduct. Any person who engages in prohibited conduct may be ejected from school property in accordance with state law.

Certain legal restrictions apply to registered sex offenders. These individuals may not be present on or near school property when students are present, unless they are the parent or guardian of a student and have notified the principal in advance for specific, approved purposes—or have received permission from the Superintendent. In such cases, they must be supervised at all times while on school property.

Read more: Board Policy 1500: Visitors to and Conduct on School Property

Woodridge School District 68 values the opportunity to collaborate with outside providers to support student success. In accordance with 105 ILCS 5/14-8.02(g-5), the district permits access to classrooms and personnel in limited circumstances for the purpose of observing or evaluating a student receiving special education services or being assessed for eligibility.

Observation requests may come from a parent/guardian, independent educational evaluator, or other qualified professional acting on behalf of a student. To ensure a productive learning environment, observations will be scheduled in consideration of classroom schedules, staff availability, and the visitor’s request. The district reserves the right to modify observation arrangements to minimize disruption to instruction.

Request and Authorization Process
Prior to scheduling any observation:

• The district must have a current “Authorization for Exchange of Confidential Information” and/or “Authorization to Release Student Record Information” on file.
• The observer must complete the “Request to Access Classroom(s) or Personnel for Special Education Evaluation and/or Observation Purposes” form. This form outlines the purpose, requested dates/times, and expected duration of the observation.
• Any professional evaluator must present appropriate identification and credentials.
• If student interviews are requested, written consent must be provided by the parent/guardian.

Observation Guidelines

• Observations are generally limited to once per school trimester and may not exceed one hour or one class period.
• Requests for extended or additional visits must be submitted with supporting documentation and are subject to administrative approval.
• Observers must adhere to all school safety, security, and visitation policies, as well as privacy laws including FERPA and the Illinois School Student Records Act.
• A designated district representative (e.g., case manager, psychologist, social worker, or administrator) will accompany all visitors during the observation.
• If a follow-up discussion with school personnel is needed, it must be scheduled separately from the observation.

Regulation 1500R2
Administrative Adoption: January 23, 2023
Revised: January 13, 2025

Woodridge School District 68 welcomes the involvement of all parents and guardians as active partners in the educational process. Parents are encouraged to:

• Keep thoroughly informed about their child’s school and progress
• Become involved in their child's school and education
• Maintain ongoing communication with their child’s teacher and other school staff
• Provide input on school-related issues
• Learn how they can assist in their child’s learning

Woodridge School District 68 values the support of community members who wish to volunteer their time and talents. Volunteers and guest speakers help enrich our students' educational experiences, support staff, and strengthen connections between school and community. We appreciate the time and care our volunteers contribute to creating a positive school environment for all students.

Volunteers may assist in a variety of ways, such as supporting classroom activities under a teacher’s supervision, serving as guest speakers or special presenters, helping supervise school events or field trips, or providing crisis support during emergency situations (with proper qualifications).

Please note:

• Volunteers may not be used for office or clerical duties.
• All volunteers must go through a screening process, including background checks. Individuals registered as sex offenders or violent offenders against youth are not permitted to volunteer.
• Volunteer coaches are required to follow all child protection and anti-hazing policies.

Read more: Board Policy 6050: Community Resource Persons and Volunteers

Parent-teacher organizations (PTOs) foster stronger parent-teacher relationships, enhance school community, and provide a platform for parent advocacy and volunteer opportunities. Each school in Woodridge 68 has its own parent-teacher organization. Active participation in these organizations is an ideal way to support your children and their school. We urge parents to contribute their talents and experience firsthand the benefits children receive from these volunteer efforts.

Grades K through 6 are permitted to hold three parties per year. All class parties will be scheduled during the last hour of the day. Party chaperones should refrain from bringing younger children and/or other visitors to the building during classroom parties. Outside food is not permitted (please see the Wellness information in the Educational Programs & Services section of this handbook).

Parent-teacher conferences are a great way to get to know your child's teacher and be a partner in your child's success by fostering a strong partnership between home and school, improving student communication, and providing opportunities for parents to understand their child's progress and address concerns. These conferences are scheduled twice a year for all students in grades K-8. Parents will be notified in advance regarding school hours and the dates of the conferences.

The School Board accepts gifts from any education foundation or other entity or individual, subject to certain conditions.

The District will provide equal treatment to all individuals and entities seeking to donate money or a gift. Upon acceptance, all gifts become the District’s property. The acceptance of a gift is not an endorsement by the Board, District, or school of any product, service, activity, or program. The method of recognition is determined by the party accepting the gift. 

Students, parents, and other citizens are discouraged from the presentation of gifts to employees of the District. The Board encourages the writing of letters to staff members expressing gratitude or appreciation, as opposed to gifts.

Read more: Board Policy 1317: Gifts to the District and Personnel

Different technology tools have become an important part of the teaching and learning process. Photographs and videos assist students and teachers alike in communicating, learning, and teaching. They have become valuable tools for all.

The photographs and videos are used for educational purposes within the school and for reporting and storytelling purposes throughout the district. This may include, but is not limited to, district newsletters and website, social media, internet, and local news media.

Pictures of Unnamed Students

Students may occasionally appear in photographs and video recordings taken by school staff members, other students, or other individuals authorized by the Building Principal. The school may use these pictures, without identifying the student, in various publications, including the school yearbook, school newspaper, and school website. No consent or notice is needed or will be given before the school uses pictures of unnamed students taken while they are at school or a school-related activity.

Pictures of Named Students

Sometimes the school may want to identify a student in a school picture. For example, school officials want to acknowledge those students who participate in a school activity or who deserve special recognition. Examples of this include the district spelling bee winner or a state-qualifying athlete.

Parents & guardians are asked upon initial registration of their student for permission to publish a photo or video with a student identified by name. This permission is considered to be in force unless expressly revoked. If a parent/guardian wishes to grant or revoke permission, he/she is to contact the school office.

Pictures of Students Taken By Non-School Agencies

While the school limits access to school buildings by outside photographers, it has no control over news media or other entities that may publish a picture of a named or unnamed student. School staff members will not, however, identify a student for an outside photographer.

Regulation 5600R3
Administrative Adoption: March 23, 2009
Revised: January 13, 2025

Individual student school pictures are taken in the fall, and sometimes spring, of each year. Pictures may be purchased by parents at their option.

All articles found in the building, on the playground, or on the bus are to be placed in designated boxes located in the school. If your child is missing an item of clothing, please have your child check in the box. Parents are urged to mark all clothing and school materials with the child’s name.