Thank you to the incredible community for the love, support, gifts, and food this week to celebrate our staff. Our PTO and volunteers really hit it out of the park! It is truly hard to belive we are only 14 school days away from summer!
On Monday, 4th grade students were treated to a concert and learning experience from band. The middle school band students played together and highlighted the different instruments in the band. In 5th grade students may choose to begin playing an instrument!
This Thursday Country Meadows had their final PTO-sponsored Cultural Arts Assembly, Dance to China. Students saw incredible dancers, learned phrases in Chinese, and some students tried out dancing too!
This Friday, Mrs. Shaver and I hosted our monthly PAW grade level winners for popsicles on the playground!
Beginning on Thursday, we will begin our Courtney Cub Countdown for the last 11 days of school! See below for the theme each day.
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As the weather has warmed up, we do see an increase in tick activity in the area. We encourage you as good practice to check your child each day. Included below is a graphic from IDPH regarding ticks. Lastly, this week's PAWSitive Office Referrals recognizes students that go above and beyond! Students that are recognized will have their name displayed in our school slideshow and should stop by the office for a special prize! The following students received PAWSitive notes from staff:
1st Grade: Cora D, Rukshitha
Kindly,
Michelle
*PTO Message*
*Upcoming Dates*
- May 18: Courtesy Cub Countdown - Each day will have a different theme to help countdown the end of the year.
- May 19: Field Day - All grade levels will enjoy a day outside engaging with their friends in games. The rain date is May 25.
- May 23: Early Release & Kindergarten Transition Day - Country Meadows will welcome our incoming 1st graders to meet the 1st grade team and specials teachers!
- May 25: Country Meadows End of the Year Party - Join other Country Meadows families from 5:30pm-7:30pm to celebrate the end of the year.
- May 26: Half Day
- May 29: No School
- May 31: 5th Grade Transition Day - Country Meadows 5th graders will get a sneak peek at Woodlawn.
- June 1: 5th Grade Party - During the school day, our 5th graders will celebrate their hard work in elementary school with a party organized by the PTO!
- June 2: Last Day - Half Day
NEW *Fire Drill Rescheduled*
Due to the rain on May 8th, the Country Meadows and Woodlawn fire drill has been rescheduled for May 17th.
NEW *Technology Update*
Aside from a few exceptions (defined below) all students will KEEP their District 96 technology (iPad, iPad Case, Charging Cable, Charging Brick, and Logitech Crayon) over the summer and will be expected to return with it at the beginning of the 23-24 school year. It will be the student’s responsibility to come to school next year with all of their technology items. Should parents have technology-related questions over the summer, they can get a hold of us at [email protected].
Exceptions:
- All EC student iPads at Willow Grove will be collected at the end of the school year. We will redeploy class sets at the start of the 23-24 school year.
- All 8th-grade student iPads will be collected on the morning of Wednesday, May 24th at both middle schools.
- Any student who is confirmed not returning to District 96 for the 23-24 school year will need to turn in their technology items on the last day of school.
- Any student who unenrolls from District 96 (during the school year or during the summer) is required to turn in their technology items as soon as possible after they confirm unenrollment, even if families indicate they are planning to return at a later date, District 96 technology items should be collected.
NEW *MAP Reports*
Spring MAP Reports will be sent home on Monday, May 15th.
NEW *Student/Parent Handbook Reminders*
Animals on Campus: As a general rule, animals are not allowed on the school campus or grounds during school hours when children are present. The exception would be when the assistance of a dog is required due to a disability. The service dog must be identified visually with a vest and harnessed, leashed, or tethered while on campus. In all other cases, written permission must be obtained from the District Office before an animal is allowed on school grounds.
NEW *Field Day*
Field day is coming up on May 19th (weather permitting). Please make sure that your student(s) are dressed in comfy clothes, with good athletic shoes for that day. This is also a great day to make sure they have a refillable water bottle. First, second, and third grade students will be outside from 9:00-11:00, and fourth and fifth grade will be outside from 12:15-2:15. Sunscreen and bug spray are also a good choice for field day, but cannot be shared and need to be applied by the students themselves. Looking forward to a great and fun day!
Repeat *New Middle School Parent Coffee - May 16th*
For all incoming 6th Grade parents and anyone new to Woodlawn for the 2023-24 upcoming school year: Join us at 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 16, 2023. Enjoy coffee with fellow parents to learn more about the fun programs supported and funded by the PTO. You will have the chance to connect with other parents and learn about opportunities to be involved in your child’s middle school experience. Please let any friends with incoming 6th graders know about this program. We look forward to meeting you!
Repeat *Library Books*
Parents if you happen to see any school library books at home please return them to school. All library books need to be returned by May 19th.
Repeat *Cross-Cultural Expert Speaks May 23*
An expert in the raising of children cross-culturally will share her wisdom with District 96 families at the end of next month. Author Ruth E. Van Reken speaks virtually on “Raising Children Cross-Culturally: Maximizing the Benefits, Minimizing the Challenges'' on May 23, 2023 (7-8:30 p.m.). She is the author of “Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds (3rd edition).”
Here’s what she will discuss:
“There is no question that there are many gifts for those who grow up interacting with different cultural communities. Learning to ‘code-switch’ positively in certain situations can be a great asset in today’s globalizing world. Being a cultural bridge is another gift that can come with such a childhood. But the realities of juggling the differing expectations between different cultural contexts can also introduce certain challenges. Questions related to identity, attachment, and belonging are often common during this process. This session will not only help to normalize why these challenges frequently arise, but also share practical strategies for how parents and other caregivers can help children maximize the gifts and grow from the challenges as well.”
To pre-register, please visit: https://kcsd96.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZArduCsrTwrGNL2dHxfbVHDgroIyXKYP1hP
For questions, please contact Lubna Andrabi, Community Parent Liaison, at [email protected].
Repeat *Proof of Dental Exam*
Dear Parents/Guardians of District 96 Kindergarteners, 2nd, and 6th Grade Students:
Please note that your child’s completed dental examination is now due, per Illinois school law. The deadline for the dental examination is due no later than May 15 of the current school year. Proof of this required dental examination must have been completed within eighteen months prior to the May 15 deadline.
If you haven’t already done so, please make an appointment with your child’s dentist for a dental examination, have him and/or her complete the required form and return it to your child’s school nurse.
State of Illinois Proof of Dental Examination Form
In the event that you are unable to fulfill this requirement, the state of Illinois does permit a waiver of the examination.
State of Illinois Dental Waiver Form