🏆 We’re National Award Winners! 🏆 We’re proud to announce that our district has been recognized at the District Administration’s National Awards Program, a prestigious honor celebrating innovative initiatives that deliver measurable results and transform education across school districts nationwide. ✨ Our district won the District of Distinction Award in the Professional Development & Wellness category—highlighting our commitment to supporting educators, strengthening professional growth, and prioritizing well-being across our schools. 🎉 We’re especially proud to share that Dr. Weeks was there to accept the award on behalf of our district, representing the outstanding work happening across our schools every day. This recognition reflects the work of our staff and leaders who continue to put people first and drive a meaningful, lasting impact for our students, teachers and community. @DA_magazine @DrHeidiWeeks #WeAreItasca10

As we continue celebrating our D10 retirees throughout June, today we honor Mr. Craig Benes and thank him for 11 years of dedicated leadership and service to D10. As Superintendent, Mr. Benes has helped lead D10 with a focus on excellence, supporting strong academic achievement while continuing the district’s commitment to athletics and the fine arts. When asked to describe his time in D10 in one word, his answer was: “Expect the incredible.” One of Mr. Benes’ favorite memories from his career is seeing the district’s strong academic outcomes flourish while maintaining opportunities that allow students to grow beyond the classroom. As he begins retirement, Mr. Benes is looking forward to having more flexibility with his time, spending time with his children and family, continuing dance classes with his wife, Audrey, and training for and racing triathlons. “I will miss the incredible educators and amazing students and families who make Itasca District 10 a truly special place.” – Mr. Benes Thank you, Mr. Benes, for your leadership, dedication, and commitment to the D10 community over the past 11 years. We wish you all the best in retirement and this next chapter! 🎉 #WeAreItasca10

As the school year has come to a close, we are celebrating our retirees who have made an incredible impact on our students and schools! Join us throughout June as we honor their contributions and share their memories! Today, we recognize Barb Stelk for her 21 years at District 10! During her tenure at D10, she has been a Physical Education Teacher while also taking on many additional roles that have enriched the student experience. She has served as Athletic Director, Coach of Intramurals, basketball and volleyball scorekeeper, and coach for Cross Country, Girls Basketball, Boys Basketball, Girls Volleyball, and Track. Some of Ms. Stelk’s favorite memories include: -Mr. Anderson and I trying to capture a bat in our gym with a badminton net! - Mr. Anderson and I trying to capture a bat in our gym with a badminton net! relationships that were made with the athletes and watching them grow as individuals and with one another.” “It's been a fun and good ride and I am so blessed that I was a part of Peacock throughout these past years. As Ferris Bueller said, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."” - Ms. Stelk As she begins retirement, she is looking forward to having her mind relax a bit (it's constantly spinning with information), more time to spend creating cool wood projects and general projects around the house, more time to play sports including pickleball, golf, jet skiing and paddle boarding, and lastly more time to volunteer and give back to those in need. Thank you, Ms. Stelk, for your commitment and passion for students and athletics that have left a meaningful impact in District 10. Congratulations on your retirement! 🎉 #WeAreItasca10

As the school year comes to a close, we are celebrating our retirees who have made an incredible impact on our students and schools! Join us throughout June as we honor their contributions and share their memories! Today, we recognize Jeff Jay for his 10 years at District 10! Mr. Jay has spent the last ten years serving as Franzen’s Band Director. Some of Mr. Jay’s favorite memories include: 🎵 Working with a master like Tim Loest and seeing Robert Ranz following in his footsteps “This community is so lucky to have this fifth-grade team. I get to see how great they are on a daily basis. Thank you Michelle, Joe, Brad, Courtney, Danielle, and Rachel. They are Hall of Fame Teachers!” - Mr. Jay As he begins retirement, Mr. Jay is looking forward to traveling with his wife and working on cars… and going to watch many White Sox games! Thank you, Mr. Jay, for your dedication, leadership, and care for the Franzen community. Congratulations on your retirement! 🎉 🎷 #WeAreItasca10

Throughout the month of June, we want to celebrate and honor our retirees who have made an incredible impact on our students and schools! Join us throughout June as we honor their contributions and share their memories! Today, we recognize Linda Wit for her remarkable 34 years at Franzen! Linda began her career as Franzen’s Library/Media Center Director, serving in that role for 27 years before becoming Assistant Principal and eventually Principal, a position she held for the past 5 years. Some of Linda’s favorite memories include: 🍎Erik Estrada came to visit for a parent night on internet safety. 🍎Saving every note written by students over the years because, as she shared, “They mean more to me than any gift.” “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have spent 34 years at Franzen. Over that time, the relationships I have built with my co-workers, students, and their families (many who were students too!) have been the most meaningful part of my work. It has been a privilege to be a part of this community. I love Itasca! Thank you for all you have given to me.” - Linda As she begins retirement, Linda is looking forward to spending more time with family and friends and traveling. Thank you, Linda, for your dedication, leadership, and care for the Franzen community. Congratulations on your retirement! 🎉 #WeAreItasca10

We are proud to share the recipient of the 2026 Mr. Drew Spirit Award, presented at our End of the Year Staff Celebration. Congratulations to Mike Reisel (Peacock Spanish Teacher), this year’s honoree! This award honors the memory of Drew Van Vooren, a beloved paraprofessional in our NDSEC classroom who passed away in 2022. Each year, we are joined by Mr. Drew’s father as we celebrate his legacy and present this meaningful award. The Mr. Drew Spirit Award recognizes a District 10 staff member who exemplifies the qualities that made Mr. Drew so special: • Servant Leader • Student-Centered • Collaborative • Positive and Friendly Attitude Congratulations! 💙🌟👏 #WeAreItasca10

We’re proud to recognize District 10 team members celebrating 30 impactful years of service. Please join us in congratulating: • Doug Anderson (Peacock) • Cindy Kuta (District Office) Thank you for three decades of dedication, commitment, and service to District 10. Your years of hard work and support have made a meaningful and lasting impact on our students, staff, schools, and community. We are grateful for all you have contributed over the years and honored to celebrate this milestone with you. 🎊🌟💙 #WeAreItasca10

We’re honored to continue our District 10 Milestone Service Staff Series by recognizing team members celebrating 25 years of service. Please join us in congratulating: • Stacey McCarthy (District) • Nancy Bernal (Benson) Thank you for 25 years of dedication to District 10. Your contributions have made a lasting difference in the lives of students, staff, and the entire school community. 🎊🌟💙 #WeAreItasca10

We’re proud to continue our District 10 Milestone Service Staff Series by recognizing team members celebrating 20 years of service. Please join us in congratulating: • Joe Cuzzone (Franzen) • Amy Eich (Benson) • Milissa Riley (Benson) Thank you for two decades of dedication, hard work, and commitment to District 10. Your years of service have made a lasting impact on our students, schools, staff, and community. 🎉👏⭐ #WeAreItasca10

We’re continuing our District 10 Milestone Service Staff Series by recognizing team members celebrating 10 years of service. Please join us in congratulating: • Rachel Berry (Benson, Franzen) • Kelly Dolan (Peacock) • Chris Imes (Benson, Franzen) • Jeff Jay (Franzen) • Vicky Mann (District 10) • Mike Reisel (Peacock) • Katie Sard (Franzen) • Diane Dreher (Franzen) Thank you for your continued dedication, hard work, and commitment to District 10. Your contributions help support our students, schools, and community every day. 🎉👏⭐ #WeAreItasca10

We’re kicking off our District 10 Milestone Service Staff Series by recognizing team members celebrating 5 years of service. Please join us in congratulating: • Dena Herbert (Franzen) • Mary Mitu (Franzen) • Lisa Doyle (Franzen) We appreciate all you do and are proud to celebrate this milestone with you.🎉👏⭐ #WeAreItasca10

Celebrating the amazing educators and support staff who inspire, support, and shape the future. Join us in saying thank you as we kick off Teacher Appreciation Week! ❤️🍎✨ #TeacherAppreciationWeek #WeAreItasca10

Happy National Principals Day! Today we proudly recognize the leadership, dedication, and care shown by our outstanding principals across the district. A special thank you to: Mr. Jason Taylor, Peacock Middle School Ms. Linda Wit, Franzen Intermediate School Mrs. Melissa Stafford, Benson Primary School Your commitment to students, staff, and the entire school community makes a lasting impact every single day. 👏🍎 #WeAreItasca10

That’s a wrap on our final Itasca Community Advisory meeting of the year! To celebrate all the learning and collaboration from this school year, attendees enjoyed a fun round of bingo—reviewing key topics and highlights from each meeting along the way. Thank you to all the parents, teachers, board members, community members, and school leaders who dedicated their time and voices to these meetings throughout the year. We look forward to continuing this important work together next year! 🎉💙 #WeAreItasca10

Join us in celebrating our incredible District 10 Assistant Principals during National Assistant Principal Week, April 6–10! Thank you for your leadership, dedication, and the difference you make every day. Celebrating: • Mrs. Buske (Benson) • Ms. Sard (Franzen, Associate Principal) • Mrs. Mileto (Peacock) 🎉✨ #WeAreItasca10

Happy National School Librarian Day! Today, we celebrate the amazing librarians of D10 who inspire curiosity, foster a love of reading, and guide our students to endless possibilities. Thank you for being the champions of knowledge, the keepers of stories, and the heart of our school libraries. 💙📚 #WeAreItasca10

Reminder: 2026 Fine Arts Festival & Pasta Dinner Don’t forget — mark your calendars for Thursday, April 16th at Peacock Middle School for an evening full of food, fun, and creativity! Event Highlights: Fine Arts Festival – Admire amazing student artwork Jazz Band Performance – Live music from our talented school jazz band Frozen Jr Preview – Sneak peek of the upcoming school production Music Boosters Raffle – Win exciting prizes while supporting our music programs All-You-Can-Eat Pasta Dinner – Pasta, salad, and more Get Involved: Volunteer to help Purchase tickets for dinner & raffle Sponsor a placemat or program spot Pre-order recommended. 👉 Reserve your spot now: form.jotform.com/26047710328… All proceeds support Itasca School District 10 music programs. The Band, Choir, and Musical Cast & Crew thank you for your support! 🍝🎵🎨 #WeAreItasca10

It is National Paraprofessional Appreciation Day! We want to give a huge shoutout and a heartfelt thank you to these rock stars who make a difference for our students and district every day. 🎊 #WeAreItasca10

The March D10 on the 10th is Here! Stay connected with the latest updates and reminders from around the district. In this edition you’ll find: Important upcoming dates Kindergarten & Preschool registration reminders The 5Essentials Survey Current job opportunities in the district And more updates for our D10 families! Read it here: app.smore.com/n/umwq4 Be sure to check it out and stay informed about what’s happening in our schools. 📰📢 #WeAreItasca10

“When community leaders experience a day in our schools, they see firsthand the promise, potential and power of public education.” Yesterday, our schools welcomed some very special leaders, our community partners, for Principal for the Day! From local police officers to former teachers, and more, these amazing guests popped into classrooms to learn with our students, share their expertise, and inspire curiosity. After exploring classrooms, everyone came together to share insights, celebrate learning, and connect as a community. A huge thank you to all of our guests for making the day memorable! #WeAreItasca10