his month, District 60 officially began the use of two new tools that will make it easier for parents to access information about their children’s bus routes. Versatrans’ “My Stop” mobile app is a bus tracking tool that displays the estimated time of arrival and location of the user's child’s assigned school bus. Versatrans “My Stop” can be accessed from any smartphone or tablet by downloading the app on Apple's App Store and Google Play, as well as from any computer.

-Staff from Waukegan High School made a brief presentation to recognize Superintendent, Theresa Plascencia, who was recently honored with a “Excellence in Character” award from the College of Lake County. -Representatives from Waukegan to College gave a presentation about CReaTe, its new parent text messaging service.

Waukegan Community Unit School District # 60 schools will host open houses, meet & greets and other welcoming events ahead of the first day of school on August 22. Below is a list of events at each school. Parents with questions are asked to contact their child’s school.

Earlier this week, you might have seen news reports about a data breach involving Pearson, an education assessment company, which is used by school districts and universities across the United States. Pearson is a third party company, which District 60 has used for more than a decade, to provide benchmark and progress monitoring assessments in reading and math to our students.

The Waukegan High School marching band will officially kick off its season this weekend at Weiss Field, where it will host its annual Bulldog Marching Band Season Preview Show beginning at 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 10.

Students at several Waukegan Community Unit School District # 60 elementary schools will again see an increase in fruit and vegetable options at school, thanks to the Illinois State Board of Education’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP).

Waukegan High School schedule pick up events are scheduled this month for all incoming WHS students. Each event will take place at students’ respective campus. Students must be accompanied by a parent/ guardian at schedule pickup. During these events students will pick up Chromebooks. Students will also receive and sign the Student Discipline Handbook, pick up student IDs, pick up 2019-2020 class schedules, receive bus passes, and also have the opportunity to sign up for sports at the athletic office.

Waukegan Community Unit School District # 60 has again been recognized with a Meritorious Budget Award (MBA) for the 2018-2019 budget year, from the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO).

Waukegan Public Schools will unveil new websites this week, that will provide a more streamlined and easier-to-use experience for parents, students and staff. On August 1, District 60 is launching a redesign of its sites, including the websites for all schools buildings. T

Waukegan High School students who have not yet registered for the 2019-2020 school year will have a chance to do so at special upcoming registration events at the school.

This summer our District changed its third party mass communication provider, and as part of the change, all parents are being automatically re-enrolled in our texting system.

Action Items -The Board of Education voted to approve a $26,000 increase to the District's FY20 Infinite Campus Contract. Infinite Campus is District 60’s Student Information System. -The Board of Education voted to approve the purchase of Carnegie Learning math program for students in grades 6-9 at a cost of $179,173.

Waukegan Community Unit School District # 60 is accepting Pay-to-Ride bus applications for students that do not currently qualify for the district's bus service. Under the service, parents can pay a fee to have their children ride the school bus to and from school each day.

Waukegan Community Unit School District # 60 will host its annual Back to School Resource Fair and backpack giveaway for families on Saturday, August 10. The event is an opportunity for all District families to learn more about the various resources available to them, as well as receive a backpack filled with school supplies. The fair takes place August 10 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the gymnasium of Miguel Juarez Middle School, 201 N Butrick Street.

Waukegan Community Unit School District # 60 is teaming up with Known to Win clothing brand to host an official Guinness Book of World Records attempt to form the longest ever Soul Train Line as part of this month’s Summer Student Celebration event.

The Board of Education voted to approve the Information Technology Services Department’s (ITS) purchase of Chromebooks and cases for all incoming 6th grade students. The projection is 1,250 students, which may change before school starts. The estimated cost per device is $325.00 plus $25.00 for the protection case. The estimated total amount is $437,500.00, which is budgeted for Academic Year 2019-2020.

Waukegan High School’s Weiss Field stadium will see new, permanent lights installed this summer, following an approval by Waukegan City Council on July 1. The Council vote was the final hurdle to bring permanent lighting to the stadium. On June 25, the Board of Education voted to approve approximately $486,000 to install new lights at the field and the parking lots.

Action Items -The Board of Education voted to approve the purchase of Custodial supplies at a cost of $282,326. -The Board of Education voted to accept a bid from Northbrook-based F. E. Moran., totaling $303,000 for the Glen Flora Elementary Chiller project.

The Illinois Department of Public Health requires a number of immunizations and exams before students can attend school in the State of Illinois.

Two Waukegan High School teachers were recently honored by the Association of Filipino American Teachers of America (AFTA) for their positive impact as educators.