Jack London Middle School

10/09/2026

A little global exchange at London!

On Wednesday, Jack London Middle School welcomed approximately 20 educators and education leaders from the Chungnam Board of Education in South Korea as part of a Chicago-area visit facilitated by Google for Education.

The delegation spent the morning visiting classrooms, observing lessons and seeing firsthand how London students and teachers use technology to support learning – including Chromebooks, Google Classroom and Google Workspace. They also connected with district and school officials to learn more about instructional strategies and educational technology.

But the visit was about more than technology. Our Lightning had an opportunity to share their own experiences and perspectives on learning, while the delegation shared a little of their own culture with us — including a care package featuring a tea set inspired by "K-Pop Demon Hunters."

The international connection won't end here! The delegation and London leaders agreed to begin a pen pal program to give students on both sides of the world an opportunity to connect and learn from one another.

The group also talked about the possibility of returning to London (or the district) next year – something we'd be thrilled to see happen!

A special morning of learning, sharing and building connections that reach far beyond our classrooms.

10/01/2026

October is National Bullying Prevention Month — a time to come together as a community to promote kindness, respect and a sense of belonging for every student.

Throughout the month, we’ll share resources and highlight how our schools work to prevent bullying and create positive, supportive school communities.

We’re kicking things off with a series of infographics that break down the different forms bullying can take. Because recognizing what bullying looks like is an important first step toward preventing it.

➡️ Swipe through today’s carousel to learn more, and join us this month in helping create schools where every student feels seen, supported and safe.

09/25/2026

  The Community Consolidated School District 21 Board of Education’s Committee of the Whole on Thursday, Sept. 24, recommended pausing the district’s attendance boundary redesign process, meaning no boundary changes would be implemented for the 2027-28 school year. The recommendation follows a ...

09/23/2026

: A Window That Keeps a Memory Shining

Just beyond the North Commons at Jack London Middle School is a window pane filled with a stained-glass space shuttle, a colorful tribute with a story that goes back more than 25 years.

London administrators installed the window in loving memory of Ryan Delaney, a seventh grader at the school who tragically passed away in March 2000.

Ryan's classmates had voted him a "star student," recognizing him as someone who lived out the life skills they valued. His home-base teacher also remembered him as someone students could count on – someone who made them feel safe and was always a friend.

"He was so kind and friendly,” Principal Wendy Billington said at the time. “He had a great sense of humor. He was always an upbeat kid. He wanted to do well.”

Today, the space shuttle remains a permanent part of the hallway, keeping Ryan's memory visible to the generations of students who pass by it each day.

One window, one tribute, a lasting reminder of a student who touched so many hearts.

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Have something unique at your school that we should feature in a future edition of “D21 Details?" A tradition, piece of history, unusual object or just something that makes your school special? Send us a message or email [email protected]. We’re always looking for the next D21 Details!

09/11/2026

A little extra encouragement before the weekend.

With the final 30 minutes of the day, some of our students took time to write messages of affirmation and encouragement for their fellow Lightning – reminders that a few kind words can go a long way.

The activity also took place on a meaningful day, as we spent the day discussing and remembering the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11. In a day centered on remembrance, reflection and the importance of looking out for one another, our students offered a simple reminder of their own: kindness matters.

09/11/2026

In case you missed this update from the district.

08/23/2026

Week One ✅

08/18/2026

Please join us in welcoming Officer Kasia Struga of the Wheeling Police and Fire Departments as the new school resource officer for the London strand! 👋

Struga will work with students, staff and families at London, Field, Riley and Tarkington throughout the 2026-27 school year, with a focus on building relationships, being a positive presence and supporting students throughout their school experience. Most importantly, she'll also continue serving as a handler for Buddy, the Wheeling Police Department’s therapy and community engagement dog!

We also want to thank Officer Czapla for his service to the London strand. While he’s moving into a new role as one of the SROs at Wheeling High School, we’re glad he’ll still be around our community and look forward to seeing him from time to time!

Learn more about Officer Struga, her background and her approach to building connections with students in our full story:https://bit.ly/4x1tnVT

Welcome, Officer Struga!

08/17/2026

Talk about your transformations!

It's hard to believe that just a few months ago, Jack London Middle School looked very different.

While students and staff were away for the summer, crews were busy throughout the building completing a major slate of improvements designed to modernize the school, improve learning spaces and create new opportunities for students. With the work now wrapping up ahead of students’ return Wednesday, we’re taking a look back at everything that went into this summer’s transformation.

🔧 New boilers to improve the building’s heating system
🔧 New servers to support the school’s technology infrastructure
🔧 Asbestos abatement
🔧 A new sound system

🔬 New lighting and flooring in Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) and science rooms
🔬 Bathroom and sink upgrades in FCS and science rooms
🔬 New appliances in the FCS room
🔬 Select science rooms converted to support the orchestra program
🔬 A completely reimagined South Commons to accommodate Project Lead the Way classrooms

🏫 Renovation of the front office
🏫 Renovation of the North Commons
🏫 Improvements throughout the building that give London a refreshed, more modern look and feel

Taken together, these projects represent a significant investment in London, and the transformation is visible from the moment you walk into the building.

Most importantly, the improvements are ready to welcome students back. After a busy summer of construction, London will be ready to open its doors Wednesday to a new school year in a building that looks and feels a whole lot different.

We’re excited for our students and staff to see the results of all that summer work!

08/13/2026