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Family University / Association of Parents and Staff

Family University

The TrueNorth Family University is a component of family engagement. It is designed to empower students, families and stakeholders, foster belonging, create an inclusive community, and optimize the outcomes for ALL.

For the APS/Family University events, please click the available links to register for events. 

APS/Family University Events

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At the TrueNorth Family University we believe in:

  • Empowerment through Collaboration: Families, school staff and communities work together, presume competence and create a family/school partnership.
  • Valuing Expertise and Humanity: Recognize families as experts in their children’s education.
  • Shared Responsibility for Success: All stakeholders share ownership in ensuring high quality outcomes for all learners.
  • Advocacy for Social Justice: Promote inclusion throughout the lifespan as a key element of social justice.
  • Inclusive Partnerships: Provide diverse perspectives to foster environments where all learners can thrive.
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The Association of Parents and Staff (APS) is an organization of parents who have children with special needs in any of TrueNorth's 18 member school districts, and the staff who serve them. Our mission is to make a difference in the lives of our children with disabilities through advocacy, partnership and support. Together with our staff partners, we hope to heighten awareness and understanding of learning differences, provide ongoing training and education, and offer support and connections to all.

Whether children are enrolled in a TrueNorth instructional classroom or receive services through their local school district, all parents of children with learning differences are welcome.

Click here to learn more about our Parent Facilitator Nicole Magesis or reach out to her directly at apsnewsletter@truenorth804.org.

Association of Parents and Staff – Executive Board 2024-25

  • Northbrook District 28, Marni Popowcer 
  • Northbrook District 30, Paul Redmann
  • Glencoe District 35, Laura Epstein 
  • Kenilworth District 38, Anne Murphy and Tanya Brown
  • Lake Bluff District 65, Laura Peace and Samantha Weiss
  • Bannockburn District 106, Marika Waddell
  • Deerfield District 109, Amy Cutler, Co-President, apscopresident@truenorth804.org
  • North Shore District 112, Elena Fridman
  • Township HS 113, Carolyn Koppel, Co-President, apspresident@truenorth804.org
  • Glenbrook High School District 225 , Heather Remien
  • Northbrook District 27, Vacancy
  • Sunset Ridge SD 29, Vacancy
  • Northfield District 31, Vacancy
  • Glenview District 34, Vacancy
  • Winnetka District 36, Vacancy
  • Lake Forest District 67, Vacancy
  • Lake Forest HS District 115, Vacancy
  • New Trier High School District 203, Vacancy

TrueNorth Educational Cooperative 804

Who you should call if: Contact
Your child is 0 to 2 years of age Child and Family Connections. Lake County Residents - (800) 585-1963. Cook County residents - (800) 585-1963
Your child is 3 to 5 years of age
Local school district Special Education Administrator
Your child is of school age Classroom Teacher or local school district Special Education Administrator
You have questions about TrueNorth Instructional Programs Local school district Special Education Administrator, or Dr. Kristen Ninni at kninni@truenorth804.org or (847) 831-5100 ext. 2235
You have questions about TrueNorth District Services Local school district Special Education Administrator, or Dr. Kristen Ninni at kninni@truenorth804.org or (847) 831-5100 ext. 2235
You have general questions, need support, or want to talk to other parents Kristen Endre at APSPresident@truenorth804.org or (847) 446-4194