Virtual Backpack

Welcome to the virtual Backpack for DeKalb Community Unit School District 428. The Virtual Backpack was created to distribute information in a more “eco-friendly” way. Flyers that are approved will be available through the district website. While this doesn’t eliminate all paper copies sent home with students, it will reduce the amount.
Prior to submitting, please review the Virtual Backpack Guidelines for Flyer Approval

Materials posted on this page are the responsibility of the organization represented, and endorsement by DeKalb Community School District #428 is neither direct nor implied.

Flyer with the text: ARTS IN ACTION
PLANNING A NEW PUBLIC ART PROJECT
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Share your voice as the Ellwood
House Museum and DeKalb County
History Center plan a new grantfunded
public art project celebrating
DeKalb's historic Pleasant Street.
What themes and history would you
like to see re-Fleeted? What kind of art
would make the best impact? How
should community members be
involved going forward?
ELLWOOD HOUSE MUSEUM
Healing Illinois
DATE: Wednesday, April 1st
TIME: 6:00pm
Location: Flamingos
1029 Pleasant St #3501,
DeKalb
Contact: Audrey King
king(@ellwoodhouse.org
(815) 756-4609
Join virtually:
Healing Illinois is funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services in partnership with The Field Foundation of Illinois.
Flyer with the text: ARTS IN ACTION
NUEVO PROYECTO DEARTE-PANEACION
DINOS UE OPINAS
Comparta su opinion, actualmente el
Museo Ellwood Housey el Centro de
Historia del Condado de DeKalb
estan planeando un nuevo proyecto
de arte publico financiado 9ue celebra
la historica calle Pleasant de DeKalb.
iQue temas e historia le gustana ver
reflejados? iQue tipo de arte tendna
mayor impacto? iC6mo debenan
participar los miembros de la
comunidad en el future?
ELLWOOD HOUSE
MUSEUM
, Healing
Illinois
FECHA: Miercoles, Abril 1
HORA: 6:00pm
Lugar: Flamingo
1029 Pleasant St #3501,
DeKalb
Contacto: Audrey King
king(@ellwoodhouse.org
(815) 756-4609
Carolina Velandia
carolina.velandiaher(@d428.org
Join virtually:
[!]_ [!]
El programa Healing Illinois esta financiado por el Departamento de Servicios Humanos de Illinois en colaboracion con la
Fundacion Field de Illinois .. Flyer with the text: Camp Maple Leaf
7 weeks of Summer Fun for all abilities and all
• Kishwaukee Special Recreation Association
school ages!
Wage:
Weekly field trip to Mardi Gras Lanes
Visit local pools and splash pads
Play water activities
Make art projects
Enjoy nature activities
Create sensory projects
Play sports
Have fun
When and
where is it?
June 1-July 17, 2026
8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Hopkins Park Shelter
1403 Sycamore Rd, DeKalb
What is the price?
Full day Full session
E.B- $1,289/ $1,697
$1,359 / $1,767
Half day Full session (7 weeks)
E.B- $646/ $850
$681/ $885
Summer school option
*E.B = Early Bird Pricing
March 1 - March 31
Regular Pricing: April 1- May 17
(First 4 weeks Half Day, second 3 weeks Full day)
E. B- $943/ $1,241
$993/ $1291
For more information, contact Dawn Schaefer
email dschaefer@kishsra.org or 779-777-7285
Flyer with the text: NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
Jerry L. Johns Literacy Clinic
College of Education
NIU Summer Literacy Camp June 1st through June 24th, 2026
The Jerry L. Johns Literacy Clinic at Northern Illinois University is forming a cohort of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-grade students to receive free, in-person reading tutoring.
Has your child struggled with reading? We’re recruiting fi rst- through third-grade students to join a cohort of children to attend our summer literacy camp at the Jerry L. Johns Literacy Clinic at NIU. Under the direction of Dr. David Paige, the reading needs of each child are diagnosed. These results are used to design individualized instruction that meets the child’s specifi c reading needs.
The literacy camp will take place Monday through Thursday morning from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at the NIU Wellness Center located at 3100 Sycamore Road, Suite 2003 in DeKalb. Camp dates are June 1-4, 8-11, 15-18, and 22-24 and parents must provide transportation for their child. Children are expected to attend each camp session.
Interested parents or legal guardians should e-mail Dr. David Paige for information at dpaige2@niu.edu. Enrollment in this year’s camp is limited so contact Dr. Paige now.
Dr. David D. Paige, Director Flyer with the text:Nature Explorers Camp 2028
Beat summer boredom by signing your child up for one or all day camps! Choose from three
week-long programs, each with a different theme. Camp will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.
Nature Explorers Camp meets at the Natural Resource Education Center located in Russell Woods
Forest Preserve; one mile west of Genoa, IL on State Route 72. Children will have fun learning-about
nature through handstand activities, games, and nature awareness. Camps fill quickly and space is ~
limited to 20 per camp! Registration today!
TRAILBLAZERS CAMP
June 22 - June 26: Ages 9-11
Anyone who loves exploring the outdoors and discovering
how nature works will feel right at home at this camp!
Campers will step into the role of real adventurers,
participating in hands-on exploration, solving challenges,
and uncovering the secrets of the forest. From plants and
animals to rocks and hidden ecosystems, each day is filled
with exciting discoveries, active learning, and plenty of fun
in the great outdoors.
COLD-BLOODED CRITTERS CAMP
July 6 - July 1 0: Ages 7-9
(Must have completed 1st grade)
Registration
https://go.illinois.edu/
Nature Explorers
Campers will have fun learning about our local reptiles and
amphibians. We will get up close and personal with our
resident cold-blooded creatures and learn Flyer with the text: CHICAGO
BLACK COLLEGE EXPO
High school students are invited to attend the Chicago Black
College Expo to connect with colleges, explore scholarships, and
learn more about the admissions process.
Saturday, April 4, 2026
• Depature: 9 a.m. from New Hope parking lot
• Lunch: Priscilla's Ultimate Soul Food
• Return: Around. 3 p.m. to New Hope
Students should bring $20 for lunch and
are encouraged to bring copies of their
transcripts if available.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
® www.newhopeofdekalb.org
newhope missionary Baptist church
Sponsored by Project Hope and New Hope Missionary Baptist Church Flyer with the text: Spots Are Filling Up Fast!
Register now to secure your week
A.D.O.P.T. Summer Camp
Weekly Camp Themes:
Week 1 & 5: Baby Animals
Week 2 & 6: Canine
Week 3 & 7: Feline
Week 4 & 8: Exotic Animals
Register now.
Several
weeks are
already
full!
adoptpetshelter.org/summer-camp
Flyer with the text: DeKalb Township 1 day 2 services. March 25 9am - 2PM. Appointments suggested. Walk-ins welcome. 2323 S. 4th St. DeKalb. Illinois Tollway. Illinois Tollway Transponder Sticker Swap & Servicing. & Illinois State Treasurer Unclaimed Property ICash Discover what's yours. Appointments; 815-758-8282. dekalbtownship.org.
Flyer with the text: Dive Into
Adventure at Our
Mermaid
Party!
¡Esta es tu oportunidad de
sumergirte en la diversión con
las Girl Scouts!
Join us for a magical, underthe-
sea adventure where you’ll:
• Help save the planet with ocean science.
• Create a shimmering saltwater work of art.
• Grow your very own mermaid garden.
• Bring a friend; make new ones—it’s all FREE!
Parents and caregivers, you’re invited too!
Come learn how Girl Scouts helps girls grow in
confidence, curiosity, and creativity.
Saturday March 28 2026 @ 1-4pm
Immanuel Lutheran Church
511 Russell Rd A, DeKalb
Interested Contact: Girl Scout John
815-215-8521
Padres de familia y cuidadores,
ustedes también están invitados!
Vengan a descubrir cómo las
Girl Scouts ayudan a las niñas a
desarrollar su confianza,
curiosidad y creatividad.
Contact
johnjones@girlscoutsni.org
815-215-8521
Scan the QR code
to learn more.
Escanea elcódigo QR para
obtener más información
Girl scouts of northern illinois.
Flyer with the text: After-hours Concert: NIU Steel BandFriday April 17 @ 6:30Pm main Lobby for all ages. Join us for an after-hours concert
performed by the Northern Illinois
University’s renowned Steelband! The
concert will be an eclectic program of
musical styles highlighting the versatility
and profundity of the steelpan.
For more information, please contact us at samanthah@dkpl.org or ex. 1701.
Enrich. Inform. Entertain. Inspire.
Flyer with the text: FRIENDS
OFTHE
DEKALB
PUBLIC
LIBRARY
-·-· -·-· - ·-· -
Friends
of the Library
SPRING
BOOKSALE
April 24-26
Lower Level, for all ages
During library open hours*
*The book sale will end 30 minutes
before the library closes each day.
Visit the library's lower level for an
astonishing selection of great quality
hardcovers and paperbacks at
bargain pricesl
-·-· -·-· - ·-· - For additional information,
contact the Friends
at (815) 756-9568, ext. 1030,
or email friends@dkpl.org.
Enrich. Inform. Entertain. Inspire.
Flyer with the text: INFORM
ENCOUNTERS:
INTRODUCTION
TO SELF DEFENSE
FOR TEENS
Wednesday, April 22 @ 3:30 p.m.
Teen Room, for grades 6-12
DEKALB
PUBLIC
LIBRARY
Are you interested in learning the basics of self-defense? Inform
Encounters is a self-defense awareness program that empowers
teens with skills to prevent and manage difficult encounters
through a combination of awareness, verbal de-escalation, and
physical techniques.
For more information, please contact
YooNek at yooneks@dkpl.org
or (815) 756-9568 ext. 6110.
Enrich. Inform. Entertain. Inspire.
Flyer with the text: Teen events April
Recycled Words: Found Poetry
Friday, April 3 @ 1:30 p.m.
DEKALB
PUBLIC
LIBRARY
Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio
Vibe-Check Saturdays
Saturday, April 4 @ 1:00 p.m.
Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio
NIU STEM Cafe: The Physics
of Skateboarding
Thursday, April 9 @ 5:00 p.m.
Fargo Indoor Skate Park
American Video Games
and Technology for Teens
Friday, April 17 @ 1:30 p.m.
Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio
For more information, please contact Steven at stevenm@dkpl.org or ext. 3400.
Enrich. Inform. Entertain. Inspire.
Flyer with the text: Kids' Egg Hunt DeKalb Park District. Explore & engage.
Saturday, March 28 | Hopkins Park.
Ages 10 & Under
The hunt begins at 11:00 AM sharp!
Hop on over for our kids' egg hunt! Bring your own baskets and join the fun as children search for colorful eggs filled with treats. It's a fun-filled spring celebration perfect for families—don't miss the excitement, smiles, and photo-worthy moments!
No pre-registration is required. Free Event! Flyer with the text: Glow-in-The-Dark Teen Egg Hunt.
Ages 11-18.
Thursday, April 2.
8:00 - 9:00 PM.
Lions Park Shelter. Resident: $5 | Non-resident: $6
Join us for a night of glowing fun! Grab your friends and get ready to hunt for glowing eggs filled with candy, prizes, and surprises. This will be an individual hunt only, but feel free to run around with your friends! Prizes will be awarded to the top three participants that collect the most eggs.
• Glow-in-the-dark eggs hidden across the field
• Special prize eggs with gift cards & more
• Free glow necklaces & bracelets at check-in
• Music, games, and a photo-op
DeKalb park district Explore & engage. QR Code with text that reads Register Here. Flyer with the text: PUZZLE PALOOZA.
Sunday, March 29.
1:00 - 3:30 PM.
Sports and Recreation Center.
Resident: $45.00 I Non-resident: $56.00 (per team).
Puzzled on how to spend your afternoon? Look no further!
Teams of 2-4 individuals will race against other teams to finish the same
500-piece jigsaw puzzle. (Only two people on your team can be 76+.)
The team who is closest to finishing at the end of two hours wins!
The 1st and 2nd place teams will receive a winning certificate and prize.
Stick around after the competition for our puzzle swap.
Puzzle Swap: Bring your own old puzzle(s) that are ready to be rehomed
(please make sure all the pieces are present) and leave with a new-to-you puzzle! Flyer with the text: DYFL 2026 SEASON REGISTRATION
begins 2/22 & ends 6/15
Email us at info@mydyfl.com
Visit our Website dyfljrbarbs.com
Competition
Cheer
• Grades 3-8
• $430- Includes a new
uniform, bow, shoes,
warm-ups, and a bag
to keep!
• Payment plans are
available
• Season runs July 20th
to mid-November
(mid-December if
national qualifying)
• Practices M/T/Th
5:30-7:30pm
*Please note--cannot do both
sideline and competitive
cheer
**Additional costs will incur if
nationals qualifying; nationals
is encouraged but not
required
• $150 (payment plan
available!)
• Season runs July 20th
to mid-October
• Includes warm-up
outfit & bow to keep
• Uniform supplied by
DYFL
K-2
• Practices Tuesdays &
games Thursdays
5:30-7pm
• Might perform at the
Princess Gala in
October
3-5
• Will travel with the
tackle program and
cheer at their games
on weekends
• practice Tues. and
Thurs. from 5:30-7pm
*Please note--cannot do both
sideline and competitive
cheer
• Grades K-5
• Girl's Flag Football
grades 6-8
• $150 (payment plan
• available!)
• Season runs July 20th
to mid-October
• Practices M/T/Th
5:30-7pm (until games
start)
• Games on Thursdays
from 5:30-7pm
• Includes a jersey,
shorts, and a bag to
keep!
Email us
info@mydyfl.com
Visit our Website
dyfljrbarbs.com
DYFL 2026 SEASON REGISTRATION
begins 2/22 & ends 6/15
*Be on the lookout for communication regarding pre-season camps!
**DYFL Jr. Barbs is a feeder program but not affiliated with D428.
Sideline Cheer Flag Football Tackle
Football
• Grades 1-5
• $430 (payment plan
• available!)
• Season runs July 20th
to mid-October
• Practices M/T/Th
5:30-7pm (until games
start)
• Games on weekendstime
TBD
• Includes a jersey,
pants, and a bag to
keep!
• Helmet and pads
supplied by DYFL
**Please note this is a travel team.
*Be on the lookout for communication regarding pre-season camps.
** DYFL Jr. Barbs is a feeder program but not affiliated with D428.
Flyer with the text: FAMILY
STREET SMART RT: $14 | NR: $18 Ages 5+
March 14, 2026 | 10:00 AM - Noon
This class is designed to empower children and parents, strengthen
children's personal boundaries and boost parental confidence.
Replace fear with knowledge, skill, and power, by enhancing a child's
critical thinking abilities and physical resistance skills.
Designed to empower both parents and children
Green check mark Icon with text: Build confidence
Green check mark Icon with text: Develop physical and critical-thinking skills
Green check mark icon with text: Sports and Rec Center
Visit dekalbparkdistrict.com. QR Code reading  DeKalb Public Library Flyer with the following text: Vibe-Check Saturdays. Saturday, March 7, April 4,
and May 2@ 1PM Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio, for teens in grades 6-12
Vibe Check Saturdays provide a safe, supportive and uplifting space for you through fun group activities and mentorship! DeKalb Public Library. For additional information, please contact Cheyenne at cheyennet@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 6109. ENRICH. INFORM. ENTERTAIN. INSPIRE
DeKalb Public Library Flyer with the following text: Let us know which books, games,
programs, and services you want at
your library. Develop interpersonal
skills, earn volunteer hours, contribute
to your community, and have fun, too!
Snacks will be provided.
Wednesday, March 11, April 8,
and May 13 @ 4:30 p.m.
Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio,
for teens in grades 6-12. For additional information, please contact Steven at stevenm@dkpl.org
or (815) 756-9568 ext. 3400. ENRICH. INFORM. ENTERTAIN. INSPIRE
DeKalb Public Library Flyer with the following text:Air Hockey
Tournament
Friday, March 27, April 24, and May 22
@ 3:30 PM
Teen Room, for grades 6-12
For additional information, please
contact Steven at stevenm@dkpl.org
or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3400.  Challenge your friends, enjoy snacks, and show off your skills on the Teen Room's air hockey table to win prizes in a monthly air hockey tournament! No registration is required. Dekalb public library. Enrich. Inform. Entertain. Inspire.
DeKalb Public Library Flyer with the following text:Anime-Manga
Club
March 6 and 20
April 3 and 17
May 1 and 15
@ 3:00 PM
Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio,
for teens ages 13-17
Join us to discuss anime and manga, play some
games, and of course, watch anime!
This program is intended for teens in grades 6-12. For more information, please contact Hadley at hadleyo@dkpl.org
or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2851.
DeKalb Public Library Flyer with the following text: World
of Reading
Saturday, March 14 | 10am - 1pm
DeKalb Public Library, for all ages
Explore a World of Reading at one of our
biggest events of the year!
Join us for a day of literary exploration filled
with food, crafts and activities, suitable for
readers of all ages. Admission is free, and
memories are guaranteed.
For additional information,
contact Theresa at theresaw@dkpl.org
or (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350. ENRICH. INFORM. ENTERTAIN. INSPIRE.
DeKalb Public Library Flyer with the following text: Teen art Club. Thursday, March 26, April 23, and May 21 @ 4:30 pm. Teen room, for grades 6-12. Draw, craft, or make-and-take and display your creativity at Teen Art Club! We'll have new projects and art materials to try at every meeting. For additional information, please contact Jesus at juanb@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3401. Enrich. Inform. Entertain. Inspire.
Flyer with the following text: Regional Candy Tasting for Teens Friday, March 20 @ 1:30 p.m.
Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio,
for tweens and teens in grades 6-12
There are different types of regional candies across the US. Learn about certain candies; and more importantly, taste theml For additional information, please contact Steven at stevenm@dkpl.org or 815-756-9568 ext. 3400. Enrich. Inform. Entertain. inspire.
Flyer with the following text: Now Enrolling
Youth Mentees! FSA is seeking youth to participate in our mentoring program
designed to support personal growth, confidence, and positive
decision-making.
Our program connects young people with caring, trained mentors
who provide guidance, encouragement, and a safe, supportive
environment. We partner with parents to help youth build skills
for success at school, at home, and in the community. CONTACT:
SHATOYA JACKSON
DIRECTOR OF YOUTH PROGRAMMING
SJACKSON@FSADEKALBCOUNTY.ORG
815-758-8616 X1204. Family Service Agency, Strengthening Individuals and Families
     Flyer with the following text: Dance Recital Classes. Dekalb Park District Explore and Engage.
THURSDAYS I JANUARY 8 - MAY 7
Recital Date: May 14th at Huntley Middle School Auditorium
From the studio to the stage, watch your dancer shine! Our recital classes are designed to build on the
fundamentals of dance, technique, confidence, and creativity while preparing dancers for a spring stage
performance. With quality instruction in a fun , supportive environment, students of all abilities can shine as
they develop their skills and discover the joy of performing.
Resident: $220.00 I Non-resident: $275.00 (This session includes 17 classes.)
MUNCHKINS COMBO: AGES 3-4 I 3:45 - 4:30 PM
Let your little one take their first steps into the wonderful world of dance! Our nurturing instructors will introduce the fundamentals of each
dance style, helping children discover the joy of movement while building coordination, creativity, and confidence.
PETITE COMBO: AGES 5-6 I 4:30 - 5:15 PM
Take your child's dance journey to the next level! In this dynamic combo class, students will continue exploring the exciting worlds of tap,
jazz, and ballet. Each session will build on foundational techniques while encouraging creativity, coordination, and self-expression.
BALLET: AGES 5-8 I 5:15 - 6:00 PM
Watch your little one blossom into a budding dancer! Each class focuses on foundational ballet techniques, including posture, footwork, and
graceful movement, while fostering creativity, coordination, and
self-expression .
TAP: AGES 5-8 I 6:00 - 6:45 PM
This lively and engaging class introduces young dancers to the exciting world of tap. Dancers will learn foundational tap techniques, timing,
and rhythmic patterns through fun exercises and choreography.
JAZZ/LYRICAL: AGES 5-8 I 6:45 - 7:30 PM
Get ready to groove and express yourself! Students will explore the upbeat rhythms and sharp movements of jazz alongside the expressive,
story-driven style of lyrical dance.
COMBO: AGES 5-8 I 7:30 - 8:15 PM
In this fun-filled class, students will experience multiple dance styles, from ballet and jazz to hip hop, while developing their technique,
rhythm, and expression .
To learn more about our Dance Recital Classes, please visit our website at
dekalbparkdistrict.com or scan the QR Code.
Please reach out to Emily Kvasnicka at ekvasnicka@dekalbparkdistrict.com,
or call (815) 758-7756!
Flyer with the following text: 2 WEEKS OF SKILLS CLINICS
8 WEEKS OF LEAGUE PLAY
RESIDENTS: $100|NON-RESIDENTS: $125
PRACTICES:
MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS OR FRIDAYS
SKILLS CLINICS (FIRST 2 WEEKS):
SATURDAYS | 11 AM - 12 PM
LEAGUE PLAY GAMES (8 WEEKS):
SATURDAYS | 9 AM - 2 PM
YOUTH BASKETBALL EXPERIENCE Dekalb Park District. Explore and Engage. BOYS & GIRLS | Grades 3-8. January 10 - March 14                          All services performed by Barber students in training under the supervision of a licensed Barber Instructor. Haircuts $15. 2337 Sycamore Rd. Dekalb IL 60115. 815-970-8030. Appointments and walk-ins available. Queer Movement Flyer Metropolitan Mayor's Caucus Metropolitan Mayor's Caucus    Year Round Flyers Little Sister Little Sister Family Service Agency