North Elementary hosts Chicago Bears Mini Monsters clinic for students

North Elementary hosted a Mini Monsters clinic led by the Chicago Bears on May 4. Students in grades 2 through 5 participated in football-themed stations, including throwing, catching, running drills, and tackling exercises.

Former Chicago Bears wide receiver Fabien Bownes was present at the event, encouraging students as they moved through each station and motivating them to build confidence. North Elementary staff and volunteers supported the activities by cheering on students and maintaining a supportive atmosphere throughout the day.

The event featured active participation from both staff and volunteers who contributed to an energetic environment. Students displayed enthusiasm as they engaged in fitness activities with their peers.

Villa Park School District 45 represents DuPage County and includes Ardmore Elementary School, Jackson Middle School, Jefferson Middle School, North Elementary School, Schafer Elementary School, Stevenson School, Westmore Elementary School, and York Center Elementary School; it enrolled 3,306 students in the 2019-2020 school year as an elementary district serving pre-kindergarten to eighth grade. The district spent $23,216 per student in 2020 for a total of $76,753,683; it has a teaching staff of 224 earning an average salary of $74,159 before pension contributions with no teachers having more than ten absences per year; its student body is comprised of approximately 43 percent White students along with Black (7.8 percent), Hispanic (35.4 percent), and Asian (8.2 percent) populations; its chronic truancy rate was reported at 3.6 percent during the same period—well below the statewide average—according to, the Illinois State Board of Education.

The school community thanked the Chicago Bears along with dedicated staff and volunteers for organizing what was described as a memorable day focused on fun and fitness.