Country Meadows Principal's Message - January 7th

Country Meadows Principal's Message - January 7th

Country Meadows Families,

Welcome back, and Happy New Year!  It was so nice to welcome students and staff back this week. It is clear that the break provided a reset for everyone so that we are ready to conquer the remainder of this school year together.  We are looking forward to all of the great learning, fun experiences, and good health that 2022 will bring our Country Meadows community.

Warm Regards,

Meghan Bird - Principal


NEW *Half Day Reminder*

This is a friendly reminder that on Friday, January 14th, students will be dismissed from school at 11:45am.


NEW *Cold & Snowy Weather and Recess*

Please remember to send your child to school with proper weather appropriate clothing.  Weather permitting, students will go outside for recess every day.  The temperature, wind chill, and weather conditions will be monitored throughout the morning to determine if there is a need for indoor recess.  When the temperature is below zero degrees, students will be kept inside for recess.  Alternate factors are used to make decisions when the temperature is between zero to ten degrees to determine if we have indoor or outdoor recess. We do try to allow the children to go outside whenever possible, so please help them to come prepared with gloves, scarf, hat, snow pants, and snow boots.  In order to play in the snow, students must have snow pants and snow boots.  


NEW *MAP Test Results*

NWEA MAP Test results will be shared with parents via email on Monday, January 10th at 3 pm.


NEW *Vaccination Cards for 5-11 yr olds*

You can provide vaccination verification after your child has received his/her full vaccination.  Click HERE to complete the upload.


NEW *Remote Learning Eligibility Reminder*

This is a friendly reminder that remote learning via Zoom will begin on the second full day of absence and is only available for students who meet one of the following requirements:

  • Student is asymptomatic (no symptoms) after receiving a positive Covid test result
  • Student is unvaccinated, asymptomatic, and under mandatory quarantine after being identified as a close contact to a confirmed positive Covid case.
  • Student is unvaccinated, has traveled internationally and is under mandatory quarantine upon returning home. 

The Illinois State Board of Education has indicated that all schools must be in person except when experiencing a cluster of cases, an IDPH defined outbreak, or a severe staffing shortage due to positive cases.  These decisions are made in consultation with the local health department but are not local decisions at this point.

Outside of meeting the above criteria, typical attendance protocols will apply.  For example, if a student is exhibiting a Covid symptom this will be considered an excused absence to ensure the student is able to rest and recover.  After symptoms resolve, a negative PCR result is needed to return to school.


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:

  • Levy
  • Thompson
  • Widmaier
  • Jacobson

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!  Ongoing spirit wear sales continue online!  Show some school spirit with a new shirt, sweatshirt or even pants!

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 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 *In-Person Pre-Registration Option*

Pre-registration for 2022–2023 kindergarten is in-person or online. Incoming kindergarten students must be 5 years old by September 1, 2022 to register for the 2022-23 kindergarten school year.

 

In-Person Pre-Registration Option:

When: Thursday, January 13, 2022, 5–7 PM drop-in (Parents may also pre-register online during the month of January for the free T-Shirt)

Where: Willow Grove Early Learning Center, 777 Checker Drive, Buffalo Grove, IL

Parents of incoming kindergartners will need to prove residency with required documents and District forms and to complete a brief online pre-registration form. (Incoming kindergartners do not need to be present.)

Required documents:

  • CURRENT monthly mortgage or lease statement or property tax bill AND
  • CURRENT utility bill AND
  • Student’s birth certificate, passport, or visa (photocopy not accepted) AND 
  • Parent or Guardian photo ID (Passport or Driver’s license)
  • RESIDENCY FORM
  • HOME LANGUAGE SURVEY 
  • ENROLLMENT FORM

 

Online Pre-Registration Option:

You do not have to attend in person to pre-register. Details coming soon. Please continue to watch for updates in the Principal's Message and on the District 96 website.

 

Click here to learn more about Kindergarten in District 96.

 

Questions? Please contact our D96 public info coordinator at [email protected] or 847.459.4260, ext. 8022.


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.