Good afternoon, Country Meadows families,
What a fantastic week we’ve had! Students and staff were thrilled to enjoy a snow-free Halloween this year, and a huge thank you goes out to our amazing party planning parents and PTO volunteers for creating a Halloween filled with fun and memorable moments.
With the weather shifting, please remember to dress your child warmly for outdoor recess each day. We want everyone to enjoy a comfortable time outdoors, no matter the weather.
As we approach the close of our first trimester, I want to express my gratitude for your continued support and partnership.
Warmly,
Aska Lempke
Upcoming Dates
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November 5 - NO SCHOOL - Election Day
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November 8 - Report period ends, EC-Grade 8
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November 15 - Trimester 1 report cards issued
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November 19 - EARLY RELEASE DAY
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November 27 - NO SCHOOL District Holiday
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November 28 - NO SCHOOL District Holiday
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November 29 - NO SCHOOL District Holiday
NEW *Illinois School Report Card*
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) released the annual Illinois Report Card on Oct. 30 at www.illinoisreportcard.com. The Report Card shows the incredible achievements of our schools when it comes to a wide range of educational goals.
Our academic successes reflect a strong tradition of excellence at Kildeer Countryside School District 96. This includes maintaining a strong focus on standards-based instruction and core instruction, continuous improvement targeting content and standards, language acquisition, and more. These areas align to our Board Approved Goals for the 24-25 school year, as outlined here.
One component of the Illinois School Report Card is the annual summative designation – a descriptor of how well our school is meeting the needs of all students. This designation is federally required and is based on 14 indicators of academic and school quality/student success. We are pleased to share that Country Meadows Elementary received the highest tier, an Exemplary designation. That classification measures areas including academic growth and proficiency, chronic absenteeism, and a school climate survey.
At Country Meadows, we hold high expectations for all students and believe every student can meet our expectations. This designation gives us the opportunity to reflect on our goals to further enhance instruction and supports for our entire student community. We welcome this opportunity to dive into our data and to talk about continued investments we can make to support every student in reaching their fullest potential.
The Illinois School Report card is just one of many pieces of data that we as a District analyze and use to drive school improvement efforts. Soon, you will receive information to participate in the online 5-Essential parent survey. We encourage all of our families to spend a couple minutes to take this important and insightful survey.
It’s incredibly important that as many KCSD96 students take the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) as possible. We ask that parents continue to allow their child to participate, if they are able to based on their grade level. When we have a high participation rate, this allows our school to receive the most accurate data snapshot of our school as possible.
reminder for parents to continue to encourage their child(ren) to take the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR), if their grade level allows them to do so. We want to receive the most accurate snapshot of our school, by making sure our test score data reflects as many students as possible.
Thank you for your continued partnership to ensure every child at Country Meadows is thriving. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Principal Aska Lempke directly at [email protected]. You can also find this information on our website at any time, at https://www.kcsd96.org/curriculum/school-report-cards.
*NEW* Law Enforcement Safety Drill
On Monday, November 4, Country Meadows and Woodlawn will be conducting a Law Enforcement Safety Drill. Students will be evacuating the building during the drill. If the weather does not cooperate, we will reschedule the drill and communicate the rescheduled drill date.
In compliance with the Safety Drill Act, parents have the right to exempt their child from the Law Enforcement Drill.
If you do not wish your child to participate in the Law Enforcement Safety Drill, please contact Aska Lempke at [email protected]. The administration will arrange for an alternative review of safety procedures with your child.
If we do not hear from you, we will assume your child has permission to participate in the drill.
*NEW* Family Reading Night*
ADVENTURE AWAITS YOU AT Country Meadows
Join us and mark your calendars for Thursday November 21st, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Please use this form to pre-register to help us plan accordingly.
What is FAMILY READING ADVENTURE NIGHT?
The night will feature guest readers and activities to follow. Does your child like building, art, creating, or reading under the stars? On November 21st, you can choose your reading adventure. There will be five different books read aloud with activities to match, but you can only choose 2! Which adventure and path interests you most? Let's take a look at just one of the many adventures that awaits you this year.
You will also have an opportunity to shop the Country Meadows Book Fair as a family during the evening!
A guest reader will read Crossings:Extraordinary Structures for Extraordinary Animals by Katy Duffield
Around the world, bridges, tunnels, and highways are constantly being built to help people get from one place to another. But what happens when construction spreads over, under, across, and through animal habitats? Thankfully, groups of concerned citizens, scientists, engineers, and construction crews have come together to create wildlife crossings to help keep animals safe.
From elk traversing a wildlife bridge across a Canadian interstate to titi monkeys using rope bridges over a Costa Rican road to salamanders creeping through tiny tunnels beneath a Massachusetts street, young readers are certain to be delighted and inspired by these ingenious solutions that are saving the lives of countless wild animals.
The activity for this book is:
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Build your own animal crossing using wooden blocks
Take a look at another book! Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth
A beautifully illustrated picture book that explores the themes of belonging, perspective, and the importance of understanding our place in the world. The narrative takes the reader on a journey through the universe, highlighting the wonders of Earth and the connections among its inhabitants. With a blend of humor and poignancy, Jeffers encourages readers to appreciate the diversity of life and to foster a sense of community.
The activity for this book is:
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Coffee Filter earth art project
STAY TUNED - Next week's blog will feature a new adventure!
CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU THERE! - Mrs. Lockhart
REPEAT *Human Growth and Development*
Illinois State law requires all school districts with a comprehensive health curriculum to provide instruction on specific health topics including human growth and development. These topics align to the Illinois Physical Development and Health Standards. KCSD96 recognizes that parents/guardians are the primary educators for their families on these topics.
This instruction falls under a specific list of topics that you may elect to have your child excused from, as outlined by Illinois School Code. If you choose this option, please submit a specific request, in writing, to the school principal, asking that your child be excused from the class during that specific period(s) of instruction, and we will provide an alternate assignment.
For questions about the 4th grade program, please consult the links below. Parents of 5th graders will receive more information after the start of the school year. If you still have questions, please contact the school’s principal or assistant principal.
For specific materials, please see below.
Fourth Grade
This year KCSD96 will be hosting Candor Health Education (formerly Robert Crown Center) on November 18th. Candor Health will provide the learning to 4th grade students, and 4th grade teachers will be present during this learning experience. As in the past, students will not be separated by gender during the presentation by Candor Health.
Please click on the links below for a helpful overview of the program. The letter contains tips for parents to start conversations with children at home. The video will show you everything the students will see during the presentation.
School Program Overviews for Parents – Candor Health Education VIDEO
Password Premier25
Halloween Parade
