News

South Students to Unite for CommUNITY program

On Thursday, February 28 at 6:30 p.m., students will present “Cultural CommUNITY Connections: A Celebration of African American Culture."

Musical “Guys and Dolls” to Run at North High on November 2-4, 2012

Students at North High School in Downers Grove will present the musical “Guys and Dolls” on November 2 through November 4, with evening performances on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and a performance on Sunday at 3 p.m.

North High Students Use School Spirit to Bolster Cancer Awareness

On Friday, October 12 as its team faces rival Hinsdale Central in football, the North High student spirit organization called “N-Zone” hopes to generate excitement for the game--as well as awareness about cancer. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Play “Lend Me a Tenor” to Run at North High on April 27 - 29

Students will present the comedy “Lend Me a Tenor” on Friday, April 27 and Saturday, April 28 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, April 29 at 3 p.m. The community is welcome to attend.

The Business of Burgers

North High and South High invite the community to come out on Wednesday, April 18 from 5 to 9 p.m. to Tom & Eddie’s restaurant, located at the Yorktown Center in Lombard.

North High School Names New English Department Chair

Starting with the 2012-13 school year, Christopher Bronke will serve as North High's new English department chair. The Board of Education approved his appointment at its regular business meeting on March 19, 2012.

District 99 to Host Northern Illinois University Jazz Ensemble

On Thursday, February 2, 2012, District 99 in Downers Grove will welcome the Northern Illinois University Jazz Ensemble, directed by Ron Carter, to perform a concert.

Bite-Sized Wisdom for Parents of Teenagers - Special Parent Presentation on October 25

Do you ever worry about what kind of teenager your child will become? Or what's ahead for your high schooler? If so, you'll want to attend "Bite-Sized Wisdom for Parents of Teenagers" (or "Yikes! A Teenager Lives in My House!") with parenting expert Tyler Durman.

News@99 - September 2011

Find District 99 news and updates about our students, staff and Board of Education in our interactive, e-newsletter--News@99.

10 District 99 Students Named 2012 National Merit Semifinalists

Ten students at Community High School District 99 have been designated as semifinalists in the 2012 National Merit Scholarship Program, an academic competition for recognition and scholarships sponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

District 99 Board of Education Approves Tentative Budget

The District 99 Board of Education gave its tentative approval to the balanced 2011-12 budget presented on Monday, August 15, 2011.

North High School Names New Science, Physical Education/Health/Driver Ed Department Chairs

North High School announces that starting with the 2011-12 school year, Michael J. Heinz will serve as the new science department chair and Mr. Courtney D. White will serve as the new physical education/health/driver ed department chair.

2011 Graduate Haley Sims Makes Chicago Tribune Scholar-Athlete Team

North High graduate Haley Sims is one of 20 area seniors to make the Chicago Tribune Scholar-Athlete team.

South High School Speech and Debate Team, Coach Receive National Awards

The Speech and Debate team at South High School in Downers Grove received the “School of Excellence Award in Speech” at the 2011 National Forensic League (NFL) National Tournament, which was held June 13-18, 2011 in Dallas, Texas.

District 99 Board of Education Approves Contract for Support Staff

On June 20, 2011, the Community High School District 99 Board of Education approved a three-year contract with the D99 Support Staff Association, which includes non-certified staff at North High School, South High School, and the Administrative Service Center.

Over 80 Recognized

Over 80 North High and South High students and staff were recognized at the Board of Education meeting on May 16, 2011.

District 99 Education Foundation Awards $15,350 in Grants to Schools, Scholarship

The District 99 Education Foundation announces that it will give away $15,350 in grants this month to benefit the two schools of Community High School District 99, North High School and South High School in Downers Grove.

South High School's Jazz Ensemble Performance to be Webcast

South High School’s Jazz Ensemble NYC performance will be webcast on May 14 at 12:10 CST. The ensemble was also selected to perform at the Midwest Clinic and IMEA Conferences.

Bilingual Family Dinner Dance - May 13 at 6 p.m.

Please join us at South High School for the Sixth Annual Bilingual Family Dinner Dance!

North High Students Visit D.C., Congresswoman Judy Biggert

From April 10 -15, 15 North High School students and Social Studies Teacher Amy Wlodek-Holland traveled to Washington D.C. as part of the “Close Up” program. Close Up is the nation’s largest civic educational organization.

South High School in Downers Grove Awarded Blue Ribbon for Health Programs

The Illinois Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (IAHPERD) has awarded a blue ribbon in health education to South High School in Downers Grove for 2011-14.

State Championship Success for SkillsUSA Students at South High School

At the SkillsUSA Illinois State Championships held on April 14-16 in Springfield, Illinois, students from South High School in Downers Grove were successful in the “Architectural CAD,” “3D Design and Animation,” and “Job Interview” competitions.

2011-12 Preschool and Playgroup Openings

The preschool programs at North High School in Downers Grove, including its Preschool and Playgroup, have openings for the 2011-2012 school year!

North High School Principal Maria Ward Named “Principal of the Year”

Maria Ward, principal at North High School in Downers Grove, was named “Principal of the Year” by the DuPage Region of the Illinois Principals Association, and also served as the region’s nominee for the state award.

2011 Summer Sports Programs

Registration for the District 99 Summer Sports Programs is now open. Camps are open for children in grades K-12!

Two South High School Students Receive National Art Awards

Two South High School students received national recognition for their works of art by receiving three awards from the 2011 National Scholastics Art and Writing Awards.

Over 300 Recognized

At the Board of Education meeting on March 21, 2011, over 300 students and staff were recognized for their achievements.

North High School Student Serves as State Reader for Abraham Lincoln High School Book Award

North High School senior Mandy Winslow was selected to serve as one of six official state readers for the Abraham Lincoln Award: Illinois’ High School Readers’ Choice Award.

Architecture Competition Success for Students at South High School in Downers Grove

Congratulations to the SkillsUSA students and their success in the IDEA (Illinois Drafting Educators Association) Regional Drafting competition at College of Dupage.

South High School Raises $42,000 for Cancer

NBC 5 aired a story about a District 58 second grader who will be shaving his head in recognition of a young friend who battled cancer. See a replay here!

Jazz Ensemble from South High School in Downers Grove Selected for NYC Festival

The jazz ensemble from South High School in Downers Grove, directed by Craig Roselieb, has been selected as one of only 15 finalists in the 16th Annual Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival being held in New York City, New York on May 12-14, 2011.

Update on North High Missing Funds

17 South High Students Inducted into National Technical Honor Society

Seventeen seniors from South High School in Downers Grove were inducted into the inaugural chapter of the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) on Thursday, February 17, 2011.

Speech Team at North High School Places Eighth, Receives Four State Medals

The speech team at North High School received four medals, including one first place finish, at the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) state meet in Peoria, Illinois on February 18 and 19, 2011. ​

North High Students Headed to DECA State Competition

A record number of North High students involved in DECA, an organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management, are headed to state.​

District 99 Student Artists Win 138 Scholastic Art Awards

Community High School District 99 student artists claimed 138 awards at the 2011 Scholastic Art competition held in January.

Missing Cash at North High School

On January 4, 2011, approximately $2,000 in proceeds from athletic events held over winter break were discovered missing from the safe located in the North High athletic office.

State of the District - January 2011

District 99 Superintendent Dr. Mark McDonald has issued the second of four quarterly reports to the Board of Education. He outlines the many strategies that District 99 staff members are using to reach the three overall goals set forth in the annual plan for the 2010-2011 school year.

Two North High School Students Selected for Daily Herald Leadership Team

Two North High School seniors, Kirsten Keller and Caroline Sterr, have been selected as two of ten students to represent the 2010-2011 DuPage County Daily Herald Leadership team.

South High School to Celebrate College Athletics Signing Day

South High School will hold a Division I and II College Athletics Signing Day on Thursday, February 10, 2011 in room D180 at 7:15 a.m. at the school.

Award-Winning District 99 Jazz Bands to Perform Special Concert

The community is invited to hear the award-winning South High and North High School jazz groups on Thursday, February 3, 2011 at 7 p.m. in North High's Clarence Johnson Auditorium.

86 New Members Admitted to the National Honor Society at Downers Grove South

Downers Grove South High School congratulates 86 new members of the National Honor Society. They were initiated during a formal ceremony on Wednesday, January 5.

Downers Grove South High School to Hold Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

On Saturday, January 8, Downers Grove South High School will welcome 23 new members to its Athletic Hall of Fame.

Candidates File for District 99 Board of Education Openings

Six candidates have filed to run for the District 99 Board of Education election on April 5, 2011.

District 99 Business Days and Hours

Notice of office days and hours during the 2010-11 winter holiday period for receipt of objections to nominating petitions for the upcoming election.

Downers Grove South Welcomes Girls' Basketball Alumni

Calling all girls' basketball alumni! On Friday, December 17, 2010 the Downers Grove South Girls’ Basketball Program will welcome back its basketball alumni.

Supporting Needy Families

On Thursday, December 9 starting at 8 a.m., students and staff at Downers Grove North High School will assemble in front of the school to fill a full-sized school bus with gifts they have collected for 152 children and 20 senior citizens in need.

Downers Grove High Schools to Host Holiday Concerts (with Celebrity Artist Sam Stryke) and Art Shows

The week of December 6 will be filled with holiday music and art shows at both North High and South High.​

South High School Students Participate in Snowball Weekend

Last weekend was unseasonably balmy, but that didn’t prevent 330 students and staff from South High School from participating in Snowball.

Success for Girls Swim and Dive Team at North High

The 2010 girls swim and dive team at North High School placed fourth at the IHSA state meet on Saturday, November 20 at Evanston Township High School.

Downers Grove North Celebrates Collegiate Athlete Signings

Anthony Ciango will play baseball for Northern Illinois University and Haley Sims will swim for Stanford University.

District 99 Recognizes American Education Week

"There are so many people who go above and beyond on a daily basis so that our students receive a high quality education," says Superintendent Dr. Mark McDonald.

Downers Grove North Band Close to Reaching Fundraising Goal

The Downers Grove North Marching Band has nearly reached its goal of raising $460,000 for its trip to London.

District 99 Names New Communications Director

Jill Browning has been selected as the new Communications Director for Community High School District 99.

“Astounding” increase in Advanced Placement program

Students in District 99 are taking more Advanced Placement (AP) classes, more AP tests and are getting higher scores. The report on the AP program underscored the increasing achievement level of District 99 students, mirroring strong gains in ACT and PSAE test scores.

Statement on theft at South High School

Community High School District 99 notified the Downers Grove Police Department that approximately $4,000 in cash was taken from receipts from South High.

Two capital projects on horizon

A preview of two major capital projects were presented to the District 99 Board of Education at its workshop meeting Monday. A massive project to replace the boiler and HVAC system at South High is at the top of the priority list. Another is the Master Site Plan to improve overused, inadequate and aging outdoor fields and related facilities.

Board adopts budget and looks at financial forecast

The Board of Education on Sept. 20 adopted a balanced budget and also looked ahead at finances in the next five years.

Test scores show impressive gains

The Community High School District 99 Class of 2010 showed impressive gains on the ACT, both in a year and over five years, with increases four-fold the state's gains. PSAE results also showed steady gains with the highest percentage of students meeting or exceeding state benchmarks in math and the second highest in reading in District 99 history.

Board approves tentative budget

It is a difficult year for school finances, but District 99’s 2010-11 budget, presented to the Board Aug. 16, is balanced and fund balances are stable.

Special meeting set Aug. 11 to discuss Appellate Court ruling

The Community High School District 99 Board of Education set a meeting at 7 p.m. Aug. 11 to discuss an Appellate Court ruling in the eminent domain case regarding the 45-acre site in Woodridge.

Year-end report shows stable finances

District 99’s finances remain stable despite state funding that is not only in arrears but the furthest behind in history. If the state funding is forthcoming, the District expects to close the books on 2009-10 with an $800,000 surplus.

Newsweek ranks North among top public high schools

District 99 North High was named among the best high schools in the nation, according to Newsweek magazine’s annual ranking of high schools. It is ranked among the top six percent of public high schools in the nation.

Board approves support staff contract extension

A one-year contract extension for the support staff of Community High School District 99 was approved Tuesday by the Board of Education. Both parties agreed that in light of the unknowns of state funding and current economic conditions, a one-year extension was in the best interest of the both the District and the Support Staff Association.

Board selects Allyn Barnett to open Board seat

The Community High School District 99 Board of Education on Monday appointed former board member Allyn Barnett to fill the vacancy on the Board of Education. Barnett, of Woodridge, is a 23-year resident of District 99 and former District 99 Board of Education member. Board President Julia Beckman praised the caliber of applicants for the board seat.

Board of Education to interview three candidates

The Community High School District 99 Board of Education will interview three of 10 candidates who applied to fill a vacancy on the Board. All 10 candidates had "very impressive" credentials, said Board President Julia Beckman.

Top two percent of Class of 2010 named

Congratulations to the top two percent of students from the Class of 2010 from North and South High Schools. The students were honored at the Board of Education's recognition ceremony May 17.

Board of Education member Robert Lemke submits official resignation

As expected, Robert Lemke submitted his official resignation letter, dated April 30, 2010, resigning his position as a member of the Community High School District 99 Board of Education. He had announced at the April 19 Board meeting his intent to officially resign on April 30. At its upcoming May 3 meeting, the Board will review the timeline for appointing Lemke’s successor, an application for persons interested in being considered for the position and the Board’s requirements for applicants.​

4/16/10: Progress on District Goals

Here is a quarterly update on progress made toward the District goals for 2009-10 and 2010-11. DISTRICT GOALS FOR 2009-10 By June 30, 2010, the reading and mathematical skills of 77.5% or more of all students will meet expectations for the Illinois Learning Standards as measured by the Prairie State Achievement Examination (PSAE). This goal is derived from NCLB standards. The most recent PSAE scores (2009) show 74% of all students in District 99 met or exceeded state standards in reading and 75.8% met expectations in mathematics. Both scores show improvement over 2008. As our junior students prepare to take the 2010 PSAE, our goal is that at least 77.5% will meet or exceed state standards in both reading and mathematics. Such has been a key District goal since 2007.

April 10 Bagels with the Board has been rescheduled

Due to Board member attendance at the National School Board Convention, the April 10 Bagels with the Board has been rescheduled to April 17 at the Downers Grove Library from 9:00 a.m to 11:00 a.m.

Nearly 200 students, faculty honored after successful winter season

Nearly 200 District 99 students and faculty members were honored at the March 15 Board of Education meeting after a successful winter season of student and team competitions.

Change in pool agreement

District 99 and the Downers Grove Park District did not renew the pool agreement that covers rentals, lessons and open swim at North and South High School pools. District 99 is exploring how to provide future programming for community members at the two pools.

Board of Education meeting location changed

Monday's Feb. 22 Board of Education meeting has been changed from the Administrative Service Center (ASC) to South High to accommodate a potentially larger audience.

School in District 99 is cancelled today

Due to the inclement weather, classes are cancelled at District 99 North and South High Schools today, DATE.

Carols, chorals and concerts Dec. 8 and Dec. 10

As in seasons past, hundreds of student musicians will entertain during the holidays. The North High Mosaic Concert will be held 5:30 and 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8 in the Clarence Johnson Auditorium. The South High Holiday Concert will be held 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10 in the South High gymnasium. The concerts coincide with student art shows at both schools. The public is invited.

Board of Education hears update on facility agreements with Downers Grove Park District

The District 99 Board of Education met Nov. 30 to hear an update on negotiations with the Downers Grove Park District on the joint agreements to share facilities.

H1N1 update, county sets vaccination schedule

A small number of flu-like symptoms and probable H1N1 cases continue to be reported in District 99 high schools. Also, the DuPage County Health Department sets vaccination schedule.

Additional cases of H1N1 at both schools

We wanted to further update District 99 families on H1N1 in District 99 schools. This afternoon (Oct. 14), we learned of additional probable cases and/or confirmed cases of H1N1 flu at North and South High Schools. Based on information from the DuPage County Health Department, schools throughout DuPage, including District 99, should expect more probable and confirmed cases among its students and staff for the next several days.

Outdoor facilities a concern; more study is needed

Board members heard a lengthy report Monday on fields and outdoor facilities at both schools and gave the initial go-ahead to study the issue further. Board members said that safety, crowding and aging facilties were all concerns and that further study was needed.

Student scores continue gains

District 99 students were characterized as “doing exceedingly well” on state tests and in other areas during a presentation on student achievement presented to the Board of Education at its workshop meeting on Monday, Sept. 14.

District 99 statement on MRSA

Before the school year began, North High received word from the DuPage County Health Department that two North High football players had contracted MRSA prior to the opening of school. In addition, District 99 received word that an incoming North High freshman had contracted MRSA. All three students contracted MRSA outside of North High School and prior to the opening of the school year. All three students received appropriate medical treatment and are currently in school.

Despite economic decline, District 99 to post surplus budget

District 99’s budget for the 2009-10 year is one of the few school district’s budget in the state that is balanced and even shows a small surplus. A public hearing on the budget will be held at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Administrative Service Center, 6301 Springside Ave., Downers Grove.

ACT scores continue upward trend

Students from Community High School District 99’s Class of 2009 posted strong scores on the ACT, eclipsing state and national averages and in all areas showing significant growth.

Your feedback needed for communications survey

If you are a resident of District 99, please take a few minutes to participate in a brief communications survey designed to measure community satisfaction with District 99 communications efforts.

District 99 students are national winners in forensic league tournament

Eighteen students from North and South competed in the National Forensic League Tournament last month. Among the national winners are two South High recent graduates.

Newsweek magazine puts North on "best" list

Community High School District 99 North High is among the best high schools in the nation, according to Newsweek magazine’s annual ranking of high schools.

Commencement ceremonies held

The commencement ceremonies for Community High School District 99 North High and South High seniors are steeped richly in tradition. But the accomplishments of the 2009 graduates are anything but average.​

Students to benefit from Foundation grants

Students at both North and South will benefit from new technology, thanks to grants recently approved by the District 99 Education Foundation, 99PLUS. The 99PLUS Board approved $4,640 in Learning Grants and $14,135 for the larger 99 PLUS grant.

Board lauds retiring members, welcomes new members

The Community High School District 99 Board of Education welcomed new members Debbie Boyle and Bill White and incumbents Julia Beckman and Terry Pavesich. All four were sworn in and seated at the Board’s meeting Monday, May 4.

Important information for District 99 families regarding swine flu

District 99 would like to share important information regarding swine flu. We continue to work closely with the DuPage County Health Department and the Regional Office of Education to obtain the most current and accurate information about swine flu in our area.

Board Workshop Cancelled

The meeting scheduled for Monday evening, April 13, has been cancelled.

Safety Drills Conducted at District 99 Campuses

This morning both North and South High Schools held practice lockdown safety drills.

Twelve students named National Merit Finalists

District 99 North and South High Schools announce the names of students who were selected as Finalists in the National Merit Scholarship competition.

South Speech Team wins sixth State Championship; North comes in Fifth

The District 99 South High School Speech Team captured an unprecedented sixth consecutive State Speech Team Championship Feb. 21. Also, the North High Speech Team placed Fifth in the state finals.

Speech Team Places 5th at IHSA State Finals

This weekend your Downers Grove North speech team placed 5th at the IHSA state speech meet in Belleville, IL.

Budget planning for 2009-2010 is well underway

As we begin intensive planning for the 2009-2010 school year, we do so with the understanding that our financial situation has changed significantly from our financial projections of September 2008. At that time, we predicted, based upon conservative estimates of our economic indicators that the 2009-2010 school year would conclude with a budget surplus of approximately $250,000. By January 2009, it was evident that our revenues would be as much as $1 million less than projected due to the downturn in the economy and all that surrounds it and thus began the process of finding ways to reduce our anticipated budget.