Country Meadows Principal's Message - Friday, December 1, 2023

Country Meadows Principal's Message - Friday, December 1, 2023

Good Afternoon Country Meadows Families,

I trust you had a delightful Thanksgiving break filled with warmth and cherished moments. As we step back into the rhythm of school life, it's incredible to realize that we're just three weeks away from the winter break.

Next week, we have MAP testing. I have included MAP testing dates and other details below. Please ensure that your child gets a good night's sleep and breakfast.

Time truly flies, and the upcoming weeks promise exciting learning opportunities and memorable experiences for our students. Let's embrace this period of growth and discovery as we approach the well-deserved winter break.

As we navigate the fluctuating weather, with some days being chilly and others more mild, I kindly request your assistance in ensuring that your child comes to school equipped with the appropriate clothing for outdoor recess. 

Wishing you all a fantastic December ahead!

Warm regards,

Aska Lempke

Upcoming Dates:

  • Wednesday, December 6 - MAP Testing

  • Thursday, December 7 - MAP Testing

  • Tuesday, December 19 - Early Release Day

  • Tuesday, December 19 - Newcomer Coffee & Conversation, 7 p.m. (Ivy Hall Elementary School)

NEW *MAP Testing*

The MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) assessment will be administered in all District 96 schools in grades K-8 on Wednesday, December 6 and Thursday, December 7.  If students are absent for testing, and the make up window is still open, students will be able to make up the test.  If the window is closed they will not be able to make up the test.

NEW *Recess During the Winter*

For students to play in the snow, they must have snow pants, boots, gloves, and a jacket.  This applies to both the field and the playground area. This ensures that their clothes, hands, and feet are dry for lunch and the remainder of the afternoon.  Students who do not have snow pants and boots can still play on the blacktop area.

NEW *Newcomer Coffee & Conversation*

District 96 hosts a Newcomer Coffee & Conversation for parents and guardians of newly registered students, to give them an opportunity to ask questions and share information about their transition.

This year’s Coffee starts at 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 19, at Ivy Hall Elementary School (Mat Room), 1072 Ivy Hall Lane, Buffalo Grove.   

It is an informal opportunity for these new parents and guardians to ask questions and share their thoughts ~ with other parents and staff ~ about their experiences in the district. These parents might be experiencing the District’s social customs and teaching practices for the first time, just as their students have, and can glean from the experiences of others.

New parents/guardians who missed the New Family Tours in August are encouraged to attend this conversation.  Those who did attend the tours are welcome to join this conversation to share how they are adjusting to the District 96 culture. 

Coffee and other refreshments will be served.

For planning purposes, RSVP by December 13 at https://forms.gle/Kn5SkyzZFbHgtyCn7.

This is an event only for parents and guardians.

Got questions?  Email Lubna K. Andrabi, Community Parent Liaison, at [email protected].

REPEAT: *Sense of Belonging Survey*

In District 96, we believe that feedback from students regarding their perception of the school climate and teacher-student relationships provides valuable input about their sense of belonging. Our school district is committed to providing our students with every opportunity to succeed. Substantial research indicates that supporting students’ social-emotional development improves their readiness to learn, positive classroom engagement, and overall academic performance. As a result, District 96 will administer a student belonging survey to all students EC-8. These surveys are below for your review. A physical copy will be available from the district office upon request.

Surveys Below:

-Grades K, 1, and 2

-Grades 3, 4, and 5

-Grades 6, 7 and 8

With this information, the District can make thoughtful and informed decisions to support students' deeper sense of belonging at school. As always, student privacy and safety are of the utmost importance. This survey is FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy and Protection Act), and PPRA (The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment) certified. The collected data will improve our students’ sense of belonging and will only be used by our schools. Student responses will support group patterns so schools can provide support in those targeted areas. Thank you for supporting our school communities and their corresponding sense of belonging. 

If you would like to exclude your child from participating in the survey, please contact your child/children’s building principal.

 
Second Grade Robot Parade - Innovation Lab
Mrs. Lockhart and the second grade students recreated the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade!