Back-to-School Time is Just Around the Corner

As summer winds down, Patch shares beginning-of-school-year info.

Hey, parents – if you haven’t done so already, it’s time to get your kids registered for school, pay the fees and do some last-minute back-to-school shopping. And kids, it’s time to make the most of the waning lazy days of summer.  So, get ready to meet your new teachers, greet your old friends, make some new ones  –  and to begin filling your brains with knowledge.  School begins in just a couple of weeks. Here’s some information to help get you started for the 2012-13 school year. Mark DeLay Elementary School (grades K-2) Address: 6801 Wilmette Ave., Darien Phone: 630-852-0200 Principal: Lisa Kompare Lace Elementary School (grades 3-5) Address: 7414 Cass Ave., Darien Phone: 630-968-2589 Principal: Martin Casey Eisenhower Junior High …

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Kingswood Academy Musical Spreads Good Messages and Technicolor Dreams

The school will perform "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" this weekend.

Audiences will be treated to music with a message this weekend when Kingswood Academy performs its spring musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The 49-student cast will put on a marathon five performances, each time telling a story that emphasizes some of Kingswood’s core values. “The music is so fun, it’s an upbeat show and it has a good message,” director Becky McNulty said.  Some of those messages include forgiveness, humility and perseverance.  Joseph, for example, forgives his brothers even after they try to murder him. His brothers then demonstrate humility when they realize their errors.  Even though the cast members are young, McNulty said the messages hit close to home.  “They take it to heart,” she said. “We talk…

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Readers' Choice

Readers' Choice: Which Darien Preschool is Tops?

Darien Patch asks readers to recommend their preschool pick.

Any decision about your children ranks among the most important choices you make. It never hurts to have the wisdom of parents who have “been there, done that” when you send your kids off to the first years of school.  In this week’s Readers’ Choice, we’re asking you to share your thoughts on Darien’s preschools. Write a review by clicking on the preschool’s name, vote in the poll below or do both! Voting closes at noon Friday. (Note: The list includes primary schools that offer a preschool program.)

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Lauren Williamson

10:43 am on Monday, April 16, 2012

Thanks for voting for your preschool picks! This week we've got another kid-focused poll for you. Head over to this week's Readers' Choice (http://patch.com/A-s0gg) to vote for your favorite family friendly restaurant in Darien.   more ›

Kingswood Academy and UNI-Carrier Claim Patch Listings

These businesses can now upload photos and add information.

We're happy announce that Kingswood Academy and UNI-Carrier have claimed their Patch listings. By claiming their listings, these businesses are now able to upload and feature photos for their listings, provide additional information about goods and services, link to their own websites and Facebook pages via Patch, and more.  Here's a video on how to claim your business listing. 

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Kingswood Academy Hosts Golf Outing

Annual fundraiser will be held Sept.11 from 12:00-7:00 p.m.

Everyone needs a little help from their friends now and again, which is the very reason Kingswood Academy hosts an annual golf outing — to raise funds for families needing tuition assistance. The need has become greater in recent years among the 168 students and 88 families enrolled, said Carrie Peters, Kingswood’s advancement director. “As [more] families struggle with job losses, pay cuts and increases in prices,” Peters said, “we all work together to ensure that those who want to attend school here can.” The scramble event, sponsored by Advantage National Bank in Elk Grove, will take place at Carriage Greens Country Club. Co-chair Mark Gilbert credits the planning efforts of Mike Wallace and an efficient committee along with community …

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PHOTOS: Kingswood Academy Welcome Back Picnic

Kingswood celebrated the start of a new school year with a picnic at Darien Community Park.

Kingswood celebrated the start of a new school year with a picnic at Darien Community Park.

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Kingswood Students Serve Up Fun at Carmelite Carefree Village

Students and residents enjoy monthly bingo game.

The anticipation was palpable as third-grade students from Kingswood Academy bounded in the front door of Carmelite Carefree Village carrying bingo supplies. That exuberance was matched by the residents who gathered in the activity room, waiting for their monthly get-together. Bingo games among the students and the village's residents have been a standing activity since 1996. A different grade travels each month during the school year to spend an hour with the senior citizens. The students sit with the residents, play bingo and have a chat while fellow students spin the cage and call out the numbers. Kingswood Advancement Director Carrie Peters accompanied the children and said this is a very positive ongoing activity for the children. “…

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Radio Personality Talks About Finding Truth in Media

Relevant Radio's Sheila Liaugminas captivated an intimate audience at Kingswood Academy Saturday.

Relevant Radio's Sheila Liaugminas captivated an intimate audience at Kingswood Academy Saturday afternoon with her wisdom and grace. The topic of the day? Truth in media. And Liaugminas is certainly an expert. Liaugminas has been awarded an Emmy for her journalistic talents in both print and broadcast media. Discussing sensitive topics such as politics, faith and the media, she has written for Time magazine, the Chicago Tribune and Catholic New World, along with many others. Liaugminas hosts “A Closer Look” on Relevant Radio, where she interviews a variety of experts on current events. The Parent Association of Kingswood brought Liaugminas in as part of a family education program for parents, explained Principal Lisa Grundon. Liaugminas …

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Father's Day Comes Early to Kingswood

In honor of St. Joseph's Day, the school celebrated Father's Day on Friday.

Throughout the year, mom's are a common sight in Kingswood Academy's halls as they volunteer to help in various ways. The fathers, however, are present less often. Kingswood believes the more fathers are involved in their children's lives, the better the children perform in school and adhere to moral values. And so, in honor of St. Joseph's Day (a day to celebrate the Virgin Mary's husband) Kingswood invited all fathers to come and spend time with their children at school. Some helped with yard duty, and watched the students during their recess or lunch. Others took a more hands-on approach. A professional photographer, Mr. Telinski taught students the traditional Mexican game “Loteria,” which is like a Spanish-language version of Bingo. …

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Kingswood Academy Annual Benefit Sees Best-Ever Turnout

With more than 380 guests at Kingswood Academy's annual benefit dinner and silent auction, it was the best turnout ever.

Kingswood Academy held its 15th annual benefit dinner Saturday at Ashton Place. The night consisted of dinner, a video presentation, a silent auction and a raffle. With more than 380 guests, it was the benefit's biggest turnout ever. Kingswood's Advancement Director, Carrie Peters, ran the event. She anticipated the benefit would earn the school as much as, if not more than, last year's $80,000 total. Advantage National Bank Group and El Milagro sponsored the event. Principle Lisa Grundon, in her ninth year at Kingswood, was the evening's speaker. She spoke of Kingswood's accomplishments, including winning the “Best of Darien” award for three years in a row and the recent changes made to the school. Thanks to its three year campaign, “…

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