Berwyn North School District 98

📚 REMINDER: FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL IS ALMOST HERE!

BN98 Families, the first day of school is just around the corner! We’re excited to welcome our students back for another great school year.

📅 FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Let’s start the 2026–27 school year strong! 🎉

WELCOME BACK, BN98! 💙

Join us for the August Board of Education Meeting! Whether you prefer to participate in person or from the comfort of your home, we welcome you to engage with us.

Location: Lincoln Middle School

Monday August 17th, 2026 6:30 PM

Can’t make it in person? Stream the meeting via Vimeo at the link below:

Link: https://vimeo.com/event/6112795

Password: August2026

🎒📚 A huge THANK YOU to our community members, sponsors, families, volunteers, and amazing committee for making our Back-to-School Event possible! Your support and dedication made this special day a success. We are so grateful for our incredible community! ❤️

🏫 We can’t wait to welcome our students back for the first day of school on August 19th! ✏️🍎

🎒📚 ¡MIL GRACIAS a nuestros miembros de la comunidad, patrocinadores, familias, voluntarios y al increíble comité por hacer posible nuestro evento de Regreso a Clases! Su apoyo y dedicación hicieron de este día todo un éxito. ¡Estamos muy agradecidos por nuestra maravillosa comunidad! ❤️

🏫 ¡Estamos muy emocionados de recibir a nuestros estudiantes para el primer día de clases este 19 de agosto! ✏️🍎

📱 NEW STUDENT SCREEN TIME & CHROMEBOOK POLICY

Beginning in AUGUST 2026, Berwyn North School District 98 will implement a new approach to student technology use designed to reduce screen time and prioritize human-led instruction, classroom engagement, and peer socialization.

WHAT’S CHANGING?

💻 CHROMEBOOKS WILL STAY AT SCHOOL
Students will no longer take Chromebooks home as part of our take-home device program.

⏱️ REDUCED SCREEN TIME AT SCHOOL
Students will have less screen time during the school day. Technology will continue to support learning when appropriate, but it will reinforce—not replace—the classroom experience.

DAILY SCREEN TIME LIMITS

PreK
0 minutes per day
0 minutes per week

Kindergarten–2nd Grade
30 minutes per day
150 minutes per week

3rd–5th Grade
45 minutes per day
225 minutes per week

6th–8th Grade
60 minutes per day
300 minutes per week

💰 TECHNOLOGY FEE REFUNDS

Families who have already paid the technology fee will receive a refund.

A school receptionist will contact you by phone or email when your refund is ready. All refunds will be processed by the end of September 2026.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we work together to create a balanced learning environment that supports our students’ growth and development.

A Message from the Superintendent

Dear Berwyn North Families,

We are writing to provide an important update regarding our district's policy on wireless communication devices in schools. Recently, Illinois lawmakers approved Senate Bill 2427, which requires all Illinois school districts to implement a policy prohibiting students from using wireless communication devices during the school day.

This legislation defines wireless communication devices to include cell phones, tablets, laptop computers, gaming devices, and wearable devices such as smartwatches or smart glasses.

Why are wireless communication devices prohibited?
The primary goal of this new law is to protect our students from the distractions of social media and the rising rates of cyberbullying, ensuring they can focus fully on learning. By removing these physical distractions, we aim to cultivate a healthier and more productive learning environment for every child.

Research on the Impact of Digital Devices in the Classroom
Restricting wireless devices is backed by research linking phone-free instruction to improved academic performance, especially for vulnerable students. Beyond academics, excessive screen time contributes to issues like digital eye strain, poor sleep, and increased anxiety. By limiting devices, we aim to curb cyberbullying and digital peer pressure, prioritizing human-led instruction and social-emotional development.

Exceptions
Exceptions will be granted for the following reasons:

Medical Necessity: A physician determines a device is necessary for student health.

IEP/504 Accommodations: Devices required by an IEP or 504 plan will be provided by the school.

English Learner Support: The school will provide devices required for curriculum access.

We recognize this is a significant change. If students need to make a call, they may use the telephones in classrooms or the Main School Office.

Students are not to have a wireless communications device on their person during school hours or while at school sponsored activities. If a student is found to be in possession of one, the device will be confiscated and will only be returned to a parent/guardian.

We appreciate your partnership in helping us foster a focused and supportive educational environment. If you have any questions regarding how these changes may impact your student, please contact a member of your school’s administration.

Sincerely,

Dr. Michelle Smith

Dr. Michelle Smith, Superintendent
Berwyn North School District 98

Join us this Saturday, August 8, from 12:00–4:00 PM for an afternoon filled with music, dance, and community fun!

Bring your family, cheer on our talented performers, and kick off the new school year with us! We can't wait to see you there! 💙💛

📍 Jefferson Soccer Field this Saturday, August 8 | 12:00–4:00 PM

📣 BN98 is HIRING!
We're looking for passionate people to join our amazing team! 🌟
📍 Make a difference in our diverse community.
📝 Apply now: https://www.applitrack.com/d98/onlineapp/default.aspx

School Supply Lists can be found under the "Students" drop-down menu on the website.👇

🔗 https://www.bn98.org/page/school-supply-list

☝ Las listas de útiles escolares se pueden consultar en el menú desplegable Estudiantes en el sitio web.

📢 Join us for the July Board of Education Meeting! 🎓 Whether you prefer to participate in person or from the comfort of your home, we welcome you to engage with us.
🏫 Location: Lincoln Middle School
🕡 Monday July 20th, 2026 6:30 PM
📺 Can’t make it in person? Stream the meeting via Vimeo at the link below:
🔗 Link: https://vimeo.com/event/6044383
🔒 Password: July26

📢 ¡Acompáñanos a la reunión del Consejo de Educación de julio! 🎓 Ya sea que prefiera participar en persona o desde la comodidad de su hogar, le damos la bienvenida a participar con nosotros.
🏫 Lugar: Escuela Lincoln
🕡 Lunes 20 de julio a las 6:30 PM
📺 ¿No puedes asistir en persona? Transmitir la reunión a través de Vimeo en el enlace de abajo:
🔗 Enlace: https://vimeo.com/event/6044383
🔒 Contraseña: July26