Country Meadows Families,
It’s hard to believe that we are quickly approaching the end of January. While it is evident that student learning, engagement, and safety continue to be our main priorities, we make sure to have fun along the way. You can see students in our Introduction to Indian Culture Club enjoying the fun activities they partake in every Tuesday afternoon! We'd also like to thank our amazing PTO for sponsoring a delicious special lunch from Culver's today! Please remember that Tuesday next week is an Early Release for students, and enjoy the weekend ahead.
Warm Regards,
Meghan Bird - Principal
NEW *Calendar Reminder - Early Release*
This is a friendly reminder that Tuesday, January 25th is an Early Release. Students will be dismissed at 2pm.
NEW *Reader of the Month
In the Learning Center, we are highlighting a reader from a different grade every month. For the month of January, 1st 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 1st Grade Reader of the Month for January is Victoria Kim from Mrs. Zimmerman and Mrs. Hyman’s class!
What do you think is the best thing about reading?
I can learn new things and learn from it.
What is your favorite book and why?
My favorite book is Please Be Nice to Sharks because the sharks talk and it is really funny.
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:
- Diaz
- Cannistra
- Mason
Keep up the great work, Country Meadows PROs!
NEW *PTO Update*
Please take a moment to visit the PTO Blog this week!
Spirit Wear
It may be cold outside, but you can stay warm with spirit wear while saving big on items like hoodies, jackets and blankets! Save 15% sitewide with code: BUNDLEUP through January 31st. There is also free shipping on all orders over $100. Shop Now.
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.
Upcoming Events
- 2/14 - Valentine's Day Classroom Parties
- 2/18 - Special Lunch (Real Urban BBQ)
REPEATING *IDPH/ISBE COVID-19 Information*
On January 11, 2022 the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) released new COVID-19 information related to school exclusion and test-to-stay protocols. Please find all updated information on our website linked below.
https://www.kcsd96.org/covid-19
REPEATING *Technology Help Desk*
A friendly reminder that if you have technology-related issues at home with your student’s D96 technology (iPad, iPad Charger, Logitech Crayons, or iPad Case) please submit a help desk ticket at [email protected].
We have multiple technology personnel that are ready to help. Submitting a help desk ticket via the email address provided will ensure that somebody on the team sees your request.
REPEATING *Human Growth & Development*
We will be starting our Human and Growth and Development unit the week of January 24th. This unit is for grades third through fifth.
- Third-grade lessons will cover 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 Mrs. Johnson.
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)
REPEATING *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.
REPEATING *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.
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 *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.