Attention DPS Families! Please see the attached letter about the surveys that will be sent home during the month of January.
Congratulations to our "Chaos Coordinator", BRANDY FARRIS for being selected for the TJD Spirit Award this week. Brandy is an important part of our team! She not only does her secretarial duties but goes above them to support our students and staff. She helps in every facet of the day-to-day operations, from covering breaks / lunches to giving students their medications.
THANK YOU Brandy for all you do for the students, families, and staff at TJD!!!
THANK YOU Brandy for all you do for the students, families, and staff at TJD!!!
With the winter weather season upon us, please remember to go into the Parent Portal and make sure your contact information and emergency contact information is up-to-date. If you have questions on how to access your Parent Portal, please contact your building secretary or Rachel Little at the District Office. You won't get school delay or closing notices if your information is not updated.
✨ Our DHS Dance Clinic is coming up! Sign up now and join us for the 12/19 performance at halftime of the boys' JV Basketball game. Forms are due 12/3! 💜
Happy Substitute Teacher's Day!
Substitute teachers are the quiet strength of a school district, stepping in whenever they’re needed to keep classrooms running smoothly and learning on track. They bring stability during teacher absences, ensuring students continue to grow, feel supported, and stay engaged. Their ability to adapt quickly, connect with diverse learners, and uphold the district’s educational standards makes them invaluable partners in student success.
Substitute teachers not only fill temporary gaps—they reinforce the foundation of the entire school system, bringing reliability, professionalism, and heart to every classroom they enter.
Substitute teachers are the quiet strength of a school district, stepping in whenever they’re needed to keep classrooms running smoothly and learning on track. They bring stability during teacher absences, ensuring students continue to grow, feel supported, and stay engaged. Their ability to adapt quickly, connect with diverse learners, and uphold the district’s educational standards makes them invaluable partners in student success.
Substitute teachers not only fill temporary gaps—they reinforce the foundation of the entire school system, bringing reliability, professionalism, and heart to every classroom they enter.
Attention DPS Families! Please see the following flyers for the 2026 Young Authors Writing and Cover Art Contest!
Reminder: Make sure classroom teachers forward the entries to Ms. Guthrie and Mrs. Meeks at Madison School.
Reminder: Make sure classroom teachers forward the entries to Ms. Guthrie and Mrs. Meeks at Madison School.
Sharing information from our friends at Discover Dixon
Sharing information from our friends at the Tri-County Opportunities Council
From our friends at the DPS Foundation:
Parents/Community Members - We Would Like Your Help…
For the last several years the main fundraiser for the Dixon Public Schools’ Foundation has been the "Stupor Bowl" held each Super Bowl Weekend.
This year’s Stupor Bowl will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026.
We also hold a Silent Auction during this event and are looking for donations of items such as baskets, homemade items, sports tickets, or services (such as exercise, salon, or massages).
Programs that can benefit from your donation include positive incentives for students, classroom supplies, and enhanced technology.
Please contact Dianne Frye or Sarah Wilson by email at dfrye@dps170.org or swilson@dps170.org, if you would like to make a donation towards the Silent Auction, so we can get your item on our auction list.
Items would need to be dropped off to RMS or Central Office before Friday, February 6, 2026.
Parents/Community Members - We Would Like Your Help…
For the last several years the main fundraiser for the Dixon Public Schools’ Foundation has been the "Stupor Bowl" held each Super Bowl Weekend.
This year’s Stupor Bowl will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026.
We also hold a Silent Auction during this event and are looking for donations of items such as baskets, homemade items, sports tickets, or services (such as exercise, salon, or massages).
Programs that can benefit from your donation include positive incentives for students, classroom supplies, and enhanced technology.
Please contact Dianne Frye or Sarah Wilson by email at dfrye@dps170.org or swilson@dps170.org, if you would like to make a donation towards the Silent Auction, so we can get your item on our auction list.
Items would need to be dropped off to RMS or Central Office before Friday, February 6, 2026.
Congratulations to Janine Huffman for the Spirit award. She is not just a Principal but works with the kids on a daily basis and is always helping support the staff in any way that she can. We are lucky to have her lead out team. Thank you for all the you do for us here at TJD.
Dixon Public Schools #170 is cancelling the Special Board Meeting scheduled for 5 pm on Monday, 11/17/25. The Regular Board Meeting for November will still be held at 6 pm on Wednesday, 11/19/25 in the District Office Board Room.
Reminder: Wednesday, November 12th is a Half-Day
There will be no school Tuesday, November 11th on Veteran's Day
THANK YOU to Community State Bank for their generous $250 donation to Thomas J Dempsey Therapeutic Day School. We were nominated as part of Community State Bank's 50th Anniversary Social Media contest by Vanessa Gomez.
Thank you to Tim Kunkel, Bank President and his staff for their community support and service.
#BePurple
Dixon Public Schools is having a Special Board Meeting on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. in the Jefferson Elementary School Gymnasium. The meeting will be recorded and posted on the District’s YouTube channel and website. You can view the agenda here: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/1258
Sharing information from our friends at Lee County Council on Aging
DPS 170 wishes Steve Marco a Happy Retirement from WIXN after 45 years promoting our schools, athletics, and activities! Thank you, Steve! You are the "spirit" of Dixon!
CONGRATULATIONS to our SPIRIT AWARD winner Sherri James! Sherri not only gives the students at TJD their breakfasts and lunch, but sits with the students and models good behavior at the table. She is supportive of the staff and students at TJD in any way she can and engages in conversation with the students during breakfast and lunch. She is willing to do extra for the staff when asked if it benefits the students. She is an amazing Cafeteria Server and our meal times go smoothly with her in charge.
Thank you Sherri for being a big part of TJD.
Attention DPS Families! Please take a few minutes to complete our short survey on Whitsons. We'd love to hear what you think, and your feedback makes a huge difference! Scan the QR code or click this link https://xmp.insight-surveys.com/s/ql9jfi
Behind every thriving school team is a principal who leads with vision and heart. During National Principals Month, let's recognize the leaders who make collaboration possible and success achievable! #BePurple
