Country Meadows Families,
It is hard to believe that the month of December is already here! With only two weeks left until winter break brings us to the year 2022, we still have a lot to accomplish and celebrate. Next week all D96 students will take the NWEA MAP assessment in both reading and math (see below for details). We are looking forward to celebrating the growth our students have made so far this year while also acknowledging we have a lot of exciting learning left to do! We hope everyone has an enjoyable weekend, and we look forward to seeing students back here next week!
Kindly,
Meghan Bird - Principal
NEW *NWEA MAP Testing*
All students in grades K-8 will be participating in NWEA MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) assessment. The MAP assessment is a normed referenced, computerized adaptive test that helps teachers, parents, and administrators improve learning for all students and make informed decisions to promote a child's academic growth. Like in previous years, all students will be taking the MAP test in reading and math during the school day. Testing will take place on Monday, December 6th and Tuesday, December 7th.
Students who are quarantined during those testing days will take the MAP assessment after they return to school.
Due to the proximity of the MAP testing window to Winter Break, families will receive NWEA MAP scores on Monday, January 10th. This allows building administration enough time to complete make-up testing and for each family to receive scores at the same time.
NEW *Vaccination Cards for 5-11 yr olds*
Once the district sponsored vaccination clinics for second doses have been completed, a D96 message will be sent out to all families. This message will include a link for vaccination cards to be uploaded. Please do not send copies of vaccination cards prior to the message going out the week of December 13th.
NEW *Reader of the Month*
In the Learning Center, we are highlighting a reader from a different grade every month. For the month of December, 3rd grade teachers nominated students who are passionate about reading, and one lucky student was chosen at random to be featured in the library on a special board and also gets to choose a free book. The 3rd Grade Reader of the Month for December is Matthew Lee from Ms. Hanes’ class!
What do you think is the best thing about reading?
When I get to read, I learn cool things and go on fun adventures with the book.
What is your favorite book and why?
My favorite series is Harry Potter because it's fantasy and fact at the same time.
NEW *Golden Paws*
This year we have introduced the exciting GOLDEN PAW. Golden paws are earned when an entire class is seen exhibiting PRO (People Respecting Others) behavior that is respectful, responsible, or peaceful. For example, a class may earn a Golden Paw for being respectful to a substitute the day a teacher is absent, listening and adhering to lunch room expectations, or walking quietly/peacefully in the hallways.
This weeks Golden Paws winners include:
- Larson
- Zimmerman/Hyman
- Thompson
- Alt
- Pauwels
- Charpentier
Keep up the great work, Country Meadows PROs!
NEW *PTO Update*
Please take a moment to visit the PTO Blog this week!
Spirit Wear
Ongoing spirit wear sales continue online! Order by Saturday, December 4th to receive items by the holidays! (Orders placed by the end of day tomorrow will arrive by 12/22.)
Winter Party
Winter classroom parties are fast approaching on Friday, December 17th. If you are a class parent, please make sure you have reached out to the volunteers for the part to begin planning if you have not already done so. If you volunteered to assist with your child's winter classroom party and have not yet heard from the classroom parent, please reach out to Sarah Baker at [email protected].
Yearbook Committee
The PTO is currently seeking a parent volunteer to chair the Yearbook Committee for the 2022-2023 school year. We are seeking to fulfill this position early to allow for training time on use of the software. Please reach out to us at [email protected] to express your interest.
REPEATING *Symptoms, Close Contacts, and Travel Quarantine*
If you have any questions about symptoms, close close contacts or quarantining please visit the IDPH Decision Tree posted on the District 96 COVID-19 webpage.
Additionally, as winter break approaches, please note the guidelines for unvaccinated individuals and international travel posted on the District 96 COVID-19 webpage.
REPEATING *O’Hare PCR Results*
If you do not receive your child’s PCR results over the weekend, we apologize for the inconvenience.
Please feel free to contact O’Hare Labs by sending an email to [email protected]. This email is monitored frequently each day and is the preferred method of contact. Please be sure to include your child’s First Name, Last Name, DOB, and test date in the email.
If preferred, you can also call the Call Center at (800) 604-0197 Monday-Saturday between the hours of 10am-5pm.
REPEATING *Covid Metrics*
To stay up-to-date this school year on local metrics, please visit the COVID DASHBOARD for District 96. Our priority remains to keep our students safe and follow guidance from the CDC. If your student is identified as a "close contact", you will be notified individually through the contact tracing process.