Dear Country Meadows Families,
Welcome to the 2018-2019 school year! My name is Meghan Bird, and I am honored to be the principal at Country Meadows Elementary School. I have spent the past few weeks making myself at home in the Country Meadows office with our incredible administrative assistant, Cheryl Kelly. Cheryl is very knowledgeable about all things CM, and I know we will make a very strong team! It is safe to say that Cheryl and I are eagerly awaiting the arrival of our staff and students to breathe life into these quiet walls!
My journey in District 96 began nearly a decade ago when I was offered a position as a special education teacher at Country Meadows Elementary School. I spent an amazing six years at Country Meadows learning and growing with incredible students and staff, and it was during this time that I began to fully understand just how special of a place this school is.
As the assistant principal at Woodlawn Middle School I was fortunate to refine my leadership skills alongside Greg Grana and the Woodlawn staff. I can honestly say that my experience as an administrator in District 96 only confirmed for me the high caliber of learning that takes place in our system.
Here are some things that are important for you to know about me:
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I am approachable, and I deeply value relationships. I will count on you to reach out to me, as I will reach out to you.
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Every decision that I make will be in the best interest of each student who walks through our doors.
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I hold high expectations for everyone in our school community as we are collectively responsible for all of our students.
I truly feel like I am coming “home”, & I am excited for a great school year. I have already had the opportunity to meet many of you, and I look forward to seeing everyone at Meet the Teacher! Please introduce yourself if we have not met as I am excited to put names with faces.
*An Invitation to New Families to Our District 96 Community*
Has your family recently moved to the United States or are you and your student(s) new to this area?
On Wednesday, Aug. 8 at 7 p.m., parents of registered students in Kindergarten–Grade 8 are invited to Twin Groves Middle School, 2600 N. Buffalo Grove Rd., Buffalo Grove, for a program to welcome you to our community and introduce you to our District 96 culture.
Learn about and understand our home-school connection, classroom dynamics, patterns of communication to expect from our teachers and administrators, and more. Ask questions and help us understand how we can best support you in acclimating to the culture of a new school district, neighborhood, and community.
While all interested parents are welcome, please note that the focus of this evening is not specifically curricular and general procedural information, which will be shared with all District 96 parents on their students’ designated grade-level Curriculum Nights. Rather, this is an informational opportunity for parents who–like their students–are experiencing our social customs and practices for teaching and learning for the first time.
Questions? Need an interpreter? Please contact Director of Language and Early Literacy, Katie Sheridan at [email protected]
*New Family Meeting*
If your family is new to Country Meadows, please meet us in the learning center from 8:00am-8:30am on Tuesday, August 14th (just prior to Meet The Teacher). This is a great opportunity to learn more about Country Meadows and receive a quick tour of the building!
*Meet The Teacher*
On Tuesday, August 14th, from 8:30-9:30, students are welcome to visit their classrooms, meet their teachers, and drop-off school supplies. If you pre-ordered a school supply kit from the PTO, it will be in your child’s classroom. The PTO Fair (see below) will also be taking place during this time!
*A Special Message from the CM PTO*
Please join us at the Country Meadows PTO fair on August 14th from 9:00-10:30 am. You will get an opportunity to meet the PTO board members, learn about PTO events, and sign up to volunteer at PTO events.
Be sure to occasionally stop by the Country Meadows PTO Membership Toolkit to sign up for all the exciting things from the PTO. The committee is working hard to have it ready by the first day of school!
*First Day of School*
The first day of school is Wednesday, August 15th. This will be an Early Release schedule which means that students will be released an hour early at 2:00pm.
*Class Assignment & Bus Route Communication*
Student’s classroom teacher assignment and bus route information will be emailed to you at about 3:00 PM on August 9th. If you do not receive notification, please email our administrative assistant, Cheryl Kelly, at [email protected], or give us a call in the office.
*Curriculum Night*
Curriculum Night is scheduled for Thursday, August 23rd, for ALL grades. This is a “parents only” meeting, and we hope you can attend. Please come directly to the gym for a brief presentation, and then we will send you on your way to your child’s classroom. Please note that this information is different than what is listed in the E-News/website link you received earlier today, however the times listed below are accurate.
Grades K,1, 2 @ 6:30 p.m.
Grade 3, 4 & 5 @ 7:00 p.m.
*School Hours*
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Arrival time is between 8:10am and 8:20am
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The tardy bell rings at 8:25am. A parent/adult must accompany tardy students into the office and sign them in if you arrive after 8:25am. Do not drop your child off at any door since all doors are locked and secured at this time. Please be aware that while we try to keep clocks on time, they can sometimes run a minute or two fast. If there are no adults outside, please walk your child into the front office.
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Dismissal: 3:00 p.m.
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Regular Day: 8:25 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
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Half Day: 8:25 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
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Early Release Day: 8:25 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Again, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2018-2019 school year! I am beyond excited to meet the students and families of Country Meadows, and I hope to make a positive and lasting impression on the school community. If you are new to Country Meadows this year, welcome! We are so glad you’re here! If you are returning to Country Meadows, thank you for your continued partnership in ensuring we make Country Meadows a great place for all!
Warmly,
Mrs. Meghan Bird, Principal