Looking back on autumn successes in Dist. 203

As we emerge from the holiday season, we look back at an exciting fall where our Naperville 203 students, educators and community members were actively engaged in important discussions, athletic endeavors and creative outreach.

Nearly 600 community members gathered for two Focus 203 sessions titled "A Community Conversation About Suicide."

A record-breaking crowd attended to discuss a difficult but important topic, led by Loyola University Chicago professor and suicide prevention expert Jonathan Singer. Singer discussed myths and facts, warning signs, and tips for parents, schools and communities to prevent suicide.

Focus 203 continues to provide an interactive forum to engage in meaningful dialogue to generate ideas and suggestions to ultimately strengthen our learning community.

Our student athletes had a very successful fall. Both Naperville North's boys soccer and its girls cross-country teams won their state titles. The girls cross-country team went on to the Nike Cross Nationals in Portland, Oregon, where it finished second. We are extremely proud of this historic Naperville North accomplishment.

Naperville Central senior color guard member Emily Wilkinson was selected from more than 400 band and guard members nationwide to perform at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Jan. 6 in San Antonio, Texas.

Performing at the Alamodome during halftime, Emily will be a part of the 125-person unit. We look forward to cheering Emily on and celebrating her success.

Meanwhile, the cold weather is upon us and it's time to remind everyone how we cancel or delay school due to severe weather.

Naperville 203 launched an important video on how district administrators make this decision. We had student support in creating this fun video, including editor and producer Mike Rapsys, the Central Redhawk Rowdies, North Dawg Pound, Central cheerleading, North gymnastics, Central band, North basketball, Buster, and the Redhawk mascot.

To watch the video, and for all weather-related school closing/delayed start information, visit www.naperville203.org.

All of us at Naperville 203 hope you had a wonderful holiday season with family and friends. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to high-quality education and to our students. #Inspire203.

• Dan Bridges is superintendent of Naperville Unit District 203. His column appears monthly during the school year.