Fox River Grove Middle School Home

A message from the principal,

Welcome to Fox River Grove Middle School! My name is Donnie Castans, and I am honored to serve as the principal of our incredible school community.

This is my sixteenth year in education. I earned my bachelor's degree in Chemistry Education from Illinois State University and have served as a high school science teacher, Science Department Chair, Educational Technology Coordinator, and Associate Principal. Throughout my career, I've also coached athletics and academic teams while sponsoring clubs that encourage curiosity, creativity, and exploration.

At Fox River Grove Middle School, we are proud to be a close-knit school serving approximately 175 students in grades 5–8. Our staff is committed to educating the whole child by helping students grow academically, socially, and emotionally in a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment.

Together, we strive to create a school where every student can thrive by:

• Building meaningful relationships that help every student feel known, valued, and supported.
• Encouraging curiosity and lifelong learning by inspiring students to ask questions, explore new ideas, and embrace challenges.
• Celebrating growth by recognizing effort, perseverance, and continuous improvement.
• Partnering with families through open communication and collaboration to support every child's success. Join ParentSquare to keep in touch with your child’s teacher!

We believe that by working together, we can create a strong foundation for your child's academic and personal growth. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher or the school office if you have any questions or need additional support.