Country Meadows families,
It is safe to say that we truly enjoyed every moment of Kindness week at Country Meadows, and we are so proud that our coin drive is going to benefit the wildlife in Australia! Staff and students also embraced the associated Spirit week which provided extra fun and excitement. Take a look at Mrs. Zimmerman and some of her students enjoying the 100th day of school dressed like they're 100 years old! This was greatly appreciated given the gloomy weather we have been experiencing! I hope everyone is able to enjoy the sunshine and warmer temperatures they are forecasting for Sunday.
NEW *Regarding the Coronavirus - Info & Guidance for Schools*
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has issued this information and guidance–including Frequently Asked Questions regarding the coronavirus–for families whose students attend Illinois Kdg–Grade 12 schools.
The info includes this related link to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, which is frequently updated.
The IDPH continues to advise that the best way to prevent infection by this virus is similar to the precautions recommended to avoid the seasonal flu, including frequent hand washing.
Respecto al Coronavirus: Información y Guía para las Escuelas
El Departamento de Salud Pública de Illinois (IDPH por sus siglas en Inglés) ha emitido esta información y guía–incluyendo Las Preguntas Más Frecuentes sobre el coronavirus (Spanish)–para familias cuyos estudiantes asisten a las escuelas de Illinois de los grados Kdg a 12.
La información incluye este enlace al sitio web de los Centros de Control y Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC por sus siglas en inglés) el cual se actualiza con frecuencia.
El IDPH continúa aconsejando que la mejor manera de prevenir la infección de este virus es similar a la de las precauciones que se recomiendan para evitar la influenza, incluyendo lavarse las manos con frecuencia.
NEW *Human Growth & Development*
We will be starting our Human and Growth and Development unit the week of February 4th. This unit is for grades third through fifth.
Third-grade lessons cover on plants, animals, and babies.
Fourth-grade lessons cover the development of babies and puberty.
Fifth-grade lessons cover puberty and a discussion on Erin's Law with our social worker Ms. Chen.
Fourth and fifth grade will be split on February 6th and 11th. The boys will be with Mr. Loessl and the girls will be with Ms. Almdale.
The links below contain a document with more information and a waiver if you wish to opt out of the Human and Growth and Development unit. The opt out forms must be signed and returned to the PE team.
3rd Grade & 4th Grade (Info & Waiver for Human Growth & Development Unit)
5th Grade (Info & Waiver for Human Growth & Development Unit)
NEW *Important Action Item for Parents of Current 5th Graders*
Parents of ALL currently enrolled 5th graders whose students will attend in School District 96 in the 2020–2021 school year must prove their residency again by Feb. 14, 2020.
Country Meadows Administrative Assistant Cheryl Kelly will accept proof of residency and provide a required form for your signature.
Please note that the requirement to re-prove residency for a current 5th grader applies–even for families who have other students currently attending KCSD96 schools.
MORE INFO about the requirement and process to re-prove residency
NEW *Valentine's Day*
It's crazy to think that Valentine's Day is right around the corner! If you choose to include an item with your child's Valentines, please note that only non-food items are permissible.
Candy, snacks, or any sort of food item will be sent back home with your child on Valentine's day if sent to school. Non-food items are permitted, and there are many pre-packaged Valentines that can be purchased that include a trinket (i.e., pencil, erasers, bookmark, etc.). Card and party stores or stores with a birthday party aisle (i.e., Target) are a great place to look for these types of items.
Here are some ideas of non-food items if you choose to include something: Pencils, erasers, stickers, play-dough, bubble wands, plastic/rubber figurines, capsules that become figures when placed in water, mini deck of cards, spinning top, crazy straws.
NEW *PTO Update*
Take a moment to read the BLOG this week.
REPEATING *Kids Heart Challenge*
On February 7th all students will take part in the Kids Heart Challenge during PE classes. Mr. Loessl and Ms. Almdale are excited to bring this fun event to Country Meadows! Please see this flyer for more information about the Kids Heart Challenge!
REPEATING *Erin's Law Presentation*
An Illinois law known as Erin’s Law requires schools to implement an age-appropriate sexual assault and abuse awareness/prevention curriculum for Kindergarten through Grade 12.
Kildeer Countryside CCSD 96 researched and observed best practices and programs for delivering this instruction, selecting Victor Pacini to present Be Seen & Heard ©.
The focus of this developmentally appropriate and interactive program is to teach children skills to keep them safe from danger or abuse. Concepts discussed will include distinguishing safe from unsafe touches, safety rules at home and school, saying NO, safe/unsafe secrets, and telling a trusted adult, as well as reinforcing that an adult’s touching him or her is not the child’s fault. For more information about this presentation please go to www.victorpacini.com/peace-of-
The presentation to Country Meadows students will be during the school day on Tuesday, February 4th.
If you prefer that your child does not attend this prevention education session, please submit your written request - or your questions - to me at [email protected].
REPEATING *KCSD96 Offers a Dual Language Opportunity*
Parents are invited to consider the Dual Language Program for their incoming Willow Grove kindergartner. The program’s purpose is to give children the opportunity to develop a deep academic proficiency in two languages. Fifty percent of the academic day instruction is delivered in Spanish and 50 percent in English. Following their kindergarten year at Willow Grove, Dual Language participants continue at Country Meadows for Grades 1–5 and transition to Woodlawn for Grades 6–8.
To be included in the public lottery that will be used to select the 2020–21 Dual Language kindergarten class, an Interest Form (ENGLISH or SPANISH) is due to the Willow Grove Early Learning Center office by 3 p.m. on Mar. 18.
LEARN MORE about the KCSD96 Dual Language program and attend a Parent Education Evening on Feb. 12 or Mar. 16 at 6:30 p.m. at Willow Grove Early Learning Center to hear a presentation from District faculty/administrators and ask questions.
Fondly,
Mrs. Meghan Bird, Principal