@D10Itasca

Meet Your Superintendent, Dr. Heidi Weeks! ✨ While Dr. Heidi Weeks is beginning her first year as Superintendent of Itasca School District 10, she is certainly not new to our district. Having served in District 10 leadership for many years, she has built strong relationships with our students, staff, families, and community and is honored to continue serving in this new role. "I believe in the incredible potential of our students, staff, and community. It is an honor to serve as Superintendent, and I look forward to working together to ensure every learner has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive." Learn More About Dr. Weeks: Itasca10.org/Superintendent Join us in welcoming Dr. Weeks as she leads District 10 into the 2026–2027 school year! 🎉 #WeAreItasca10

THREE SCHOOLS. ONE DISTRICT. AN EXCEPTIONAL ACHIEVEMENT! All three District 10 schools — Benson Primary, Franzen Intermediate and Peacock Middle School — have earned an “Exemplary” designation on the Illinois School Report Card! This is the highest of six school performance ratings awarded by the Illinois State Board of Education. This outstanding accomplishment reflects the dedication and hard work of our students, staff, families, Board of Education and community. We’re proud of what we continue to achieve together as we support, challenge and inspire every learner, every day! Congratulations, D10! 🎉👏 #WeAreItasca10

Throughout the school year, the Itasca Community Advisory Committee brings together parents, staff members, and community members for meaningful conversations, candid feedback, and the sharing of ideas. At each meeting, members have the opportunity to stay informed, ask questions, share their perspectives, and provide feedback on topics that matter to our school community. We’re grateful for the time, thoughtful conversations, and continued partnership of our Community Advisory Committee members. 💙 #WeAreItasca10

Our D10 staff spent the recent Professional Development Day learning, collaborating, and growing together with one goal in mind: better supporting every learner, every day. We especially loved hearing from Dr. Mario Acosta and learning alongside colleagues from across the district. Because great learning starts with great learning for our staff, too! #WeAreItasca10

Celebrating Itasca’s business appreciation night! ✨ #weareitasca10

FINAL REMINDER — DON’T MISS THE RANDY O. LEGACY POKER FUNDRAISER! ♠️ Visit RandyOLegacy.org for tickets Time is running out to grab your seat for the Randy O. Legacy Poker Fundraiser! Join us Thursday at 5:30 PM for an evening of poker, raffles, dinner, and community — all while giving back to D10 schools! 🎟️ Tickets are still available, but don’t wait! We hope to see you there!

The Man. The Myth. The Legend. Peacock staff celebrated Mr. Travis with special shirts as he began his final school year before retiring at the end of the year. Here’s to one more incredible year, Mr. Travis! 🎉 #WeAreItasca10

We are SO back! 🎉 The halls are filled, the classrooms are ready, and our D10 staff is excited to welcome our students back for another incredible school year! From prepping alongside their peers to gathering together as a school community, our teachers and staff are ready to LEVEL UP. Here’s to a fantastic first day and an amazing year ahead! #WeAreItasca10

Welcome Wednesday ✨ For our final Welcome Wednesday spotlight, we're excited to introduce Mrs. Vilia Gaikis, our new District Case Manager/Assistant Principal at Benson and Franzen! Get to know Mrs. Gaikis: ❤️ Favorite Children's Book: The Day the Crayons Quit ☕ Coffee Order: Iced coffee with cream 🍎 Favorite School Lunch: Leftovers! What Inspired You to Become an Educator? “My older sister, who worked as a school occupational therapist, was one of the first people to inspire my interest in education. I remember volunteering at a school field day and being surrounded by the excitement, energy, and joy of the students. Watching the teachers connect with and support their students made me realize how meaningful it would be to be part of that experience. That day helped me discover that education was more than just a career—it was a path where I could make a genuine difference in the lives of children.” We’re excited to have her in this new role and look forward to the positive impact she’ll make for our students, families, and staff. #WeAreItasca10

Opening Days are officially underway! 🎊 We kicked off the new school year with all D10 staff coming together to learn, connect, and get ready for another exciting school year. This year, we’re ready to LEVEL UP in every way! #WeAreItasca10

As the first day of school approaches, Dr. Weeks shares a few words for our students, families, and staff. We're ready for another amazing year in District 10! To Students: "Believe in yourself. Every day is a new opportunity to learn and grow." To Families: "Thank you for your trust and partnership." To Staff: "Let's Level Up together." Full Q&A with Dr. Weeks in the August District Newsletter: app.smore.com/n/0edgz4 #WeAreItasca10

Welcome to District 10! Last night, we welcomed our newest staff members at our Board of Education meeting! We’re excited to have these talented educators and staff joining the D10 family and can’t wait to see the impact they’ll make on our students and community. 💙 Help us give them a warm D10 welcome! #WeAreItasca10

Welcome Wednesday ✨ This week we're excited to spotlight Mrs. Heather Buske, our new Director of Teaching & Learning! While Mrs. Buske is not new to District 10, we're excited to welcome her into her new leadership role! Most recently, she served as Assistant Principal at Benson Primary School, and we're thrilled to have her supporting teaching and learning across the district. Get to know Mrs. Buske: ❤️ Favorite Children's Book: Charlotte's Web ☕ Coffee Order: Vanilla Iced Latte 🌮 Favorite Lunch: Besa Mi Taco Nachos What Inspired You to Become an Educator? "My parents tell me I used to play teacher when I was very young, so I think education was always my path. I was fortunate to have many amazing teachers who inspired my passion for learning, and they helped shape the educator I am today." Favorite District 10 Tradition: "Staff outings! I love that staff can get together outside of school hours to volunteer, work out, or enjoy a meal. It's a great way to build our #WeAreItasca10 community!" Learn more about Mrs. Buske by visiting her staff profile: benson.itasca10.org/apps/pag…

Welcome to District 10! Earlier this week, we welcomed our newest educators to the D10 family! They spent the day connecting with one another, learning more about our District, and preparing for a successful school year alongside their new colleagues. We're thrilled to have these talented educators join our District! ✨ #WeAreItasca10

Welcome Wednesday ✨ This week we're excited to spotlight Ms. Katie Sard, the new Principal of Franzen Intermediate School! While Ms. Sard is no stranger to District 10, we're thrilled to welcome her into her new leadership role! After serving as Franzen's Associate Principal last year, she's ready to lead the Falcon community into an exciting school year. Get to know Ms. Sard: ❤️ Favorite Children's Book: The Boxcar Children series ☕ Coffee Order: Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew 🥗 Favorite Lunch: Portillo's Chopped Salad What Inspired You to Become a Teacher? "My second grade teacher, Miss Reid, inspired me to become an educator. She made me excited to come to school every day by creating a classroom where I felt welcomed, supported, and valued. Her positive impact showed me the importance of building meaningful relationships, and I strive to create that same sense of belonging for every student, family, and staff member I meet." Favorite District 10 Tradition: "Opening Days! I love how they bring all D10 staff together to reconnect, welcome new colleagues, and build excitement for the year ahead. The shared messages and experiences create a common purpose that carries into our schools and classrooms, reinforcing our commitment to students and one another." Congratulations to Ms. Sard on her new role! #WeAreItasca10

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to visit our District 10 team at National Night Out! 💙 We loved spending the evening connecting with our students, families, and community members. Events like these are a great reminder of what makes our D10 community so special. #WeAreItasca10

Welcome Wednesday ✨ This week we're introducing Jeff Herriman, Director of Buildings & Grounds! Behind every great district is a team dedicated to creating safe, welcoming spaces where students and staff can thrive. Here's what inspired Jeff to pursue a career in facilities leadership: "I was inspired to become a Buildings and Grounds Director because I enjoy creating safe, clean, and well-maintained environments where students and staff can focus on learning and working. I like solving problems, improving operations, and working with a team to keep facilities running efficiently. Seeing the positive impact a well-maintained building has on a school community is very rewarding." Please join us in welcoming him to District 10! #WeAreItasca10

Our District 10 admin team is hard at work planning for a successful start to the school year! ✏ #WeAreItasca10

Welcome Wednesday ✨ This week we're excited to introduce Tamara Mitchell, our new Chief School Business Official (CSBO)! Get to know Tamara: ❤️ Favorite Children's Book: Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. ☕ Coffee Order: Caramel Macchiato 🍎 Favorite School Lunch: Potbelly Chicken Salad Sandwich ✨ What Inspired Her Career? "I often say that the school business profession chose me. Public education has always been a passion of mine, and I love being able to combine accounting with supporting schools. Knowing my work helps ensure students and educators have the resources they need to succeed makes this career incredibly rewarding." 📚 Fun Fact: "I enjoy giving back to the profession by presenting at conferences, writing articles, and mentoring colleagues. I have authored several published articles and am honored to have served as Past President of the Illinois Association of School Business Officials Board of Directors." We're excited to have Tamara join the D10 team. Please join us in giving her a warm welcome! Learn more about Tamara by visiting her staff profile: itasca10.edlioschool.com/app… #WeAreItasca10

It’s Welcome Wednesday, where each week we will be getting to know some of our leaders in new roles and new staff members as we approach the start of the new school year! Here's a little more about Dr. Weeks beyond the Superintendent's office! ❤️ Favorite children's book The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe ☕ Coffee order Non-fat Latte 🍎 Favorite school lunch Any Fulla Beans sandwich & Fox & Turtle Eggplant Salad 👩‍🏫 Who inspired you to become a teacher? "The teacher who inspired me to become an educator was my second grade teacher, Mrs. Hansen." 🎉 Favorite District 10 tradition Our annual End-of-Year Celebration that honors and celebrates our staff! Check out our Full Q&A with Dr. Weeks in our July Newsletter: app.smore.com/n/bm8kw #WeAreItasca10

Exciting progress is happening at Benson Primary School! Our new outdoor classroom is well underway! Next up: classroom seating, landscaping, and the special touches that will bring this learning space to life! We can't wait to share the final reveal with you once it's complete. Stay tuned! 🌳🔎 #WeAreItasca10 #OutdoorClassroom