Good afternoon Country Meadows Families,
As we come to the close of an incredible school year, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for your ongoing partnership, support, and the joy your children bring to our community each and every day. This year has been filled with meaningful learning, personal growth, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime.
With that, I share my final Principal’s Message for the 2024–25 school year.
Our 5th grade students recently visited Woodlawn, and we’re so grateful to the PTO for organizing fun and memorable activities before and after the trip. Your efforts helped make this a truly special experience!
We also celebrated our final Band Concert of the year—and what an outstanding performance it was! Our students truly were amazing on stage.
As we head into summer, please take a moment to check the Lost and Found. Any remaining items will be donated, so we encourage you to reclaim jackets, water bottles, lunch boxes, and other belongings before then.
Wishing you all a safe, restful, and adventure-filled summer. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in August for another fantastic year together!
Kindly,
Aska Lempke
Principal
*Upcoming Dates*
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Monday, May 26 - No School | District Holiday
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Thursday, May 29 - Half Day | Last day of school & Report period ends/Trimester 3 report cards issued
NEW Summer Reading
As summer approaches, we encourage you to help your children dive into the joy of reading. Research consistently shows that children who read at least four books over the summer are better prepared for the upcoming school year and avoid the "summer slide"—a decline in reading skills that can occur during the break. Whether your child is an eager reader or a reluctant one, summer offers a unique opportunity to explore new worlds through books and foster a lifelong love of reading.
Our curated summer reading lists include a variety of genres from generational classics to new releases in dystopian, science fiction, historical fiction, and nonfiction, ensuring there's something for every reader.
Please note:
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Incoming EC–5 students are encouraged to read over the summer to keep building their literacy skills and love for books—no formal assignments required.
Explore the grade-specific reading lists below:
Incoming Early Childhood and Kindergarten List
Happy Reading!
NEW *Orchestra Information*
For current 3rd grade families:
All 4th graders in District 96 have the opportunity to learn to play a string instrument and join orchestra! The orchestra program continues all the way through 8th grade, and our students go on to participate in high school and beyond.
If your current 3rd grade student is interested in joining orchestra as a 4th grader, please follow the link below:
Beginning Orchestra Registration Form
Please contact the orchestra teacher, Eileen Wronkiewicz, with any questions or concerns: [email protected]
For current 4th grade families:
Please use the following link to indicate your student's registration for 5th grade orchestra next year! We hope to see your students continue with all their amazing progress. Next year, we will learn all four strings, more advanced rhythms, and more advanced bow techniques. As we saw at our concert, there is huge growth from our 4th grade to 5th grade year and we cannot wait to see how this group of 4th graders continue to grow.
Your current 4th grader can still join orchestra as a 5th grader, even if they did not do it in 4th grade. Please use the link above to register your student and Ms. Wronkiewicz will reach out with more information.
REPEAT *Trimester 3 Report Cards*
As we approach the end of the report period, we'd like to remind families that Trimester 3 report cards will be issued on May 29th. This marks a significant moment to reflect on student progress and achievements. We encourage parents to review these reports with their children and celebrate their efforts and growth.
To view, parents will need to log into School Insight/TeacherEase. Returning families should have School Insight/TeacherEase log-in information. For new families or anyone who does not have an account established, you will soon be receiving an email from the district. If you have any questions, please reach out to your school's front office. If you forgot your password, please ensure you are selecting "Forgot Password" on the School Insight/TeacherEase log-in page. Thank you for your continued support in fostering a positive learning environment!
REPEAT *CM CUBS SPIRIT WEEK* (5/21-5/29)
Celebrate the end of the year in style with CMCUBS countdown!
C – Comfy Day & Craft Day (5/21)
Wear your comfiest clothes and get creative with some fun crafts!
M – Mismatch Day & Must Go Outside (5/22)
Mix it up with mismatched clothes and enjoy some outdoor time!
C – Character Day & Card Game Day (5/23)
Dress up as your favorite character and bring a card game to share!
U – Uplifting Day (5/27)
Write a kind letter to brighten someone’s day!
B – Bring a Stuffed Animal & Buddy Reading (5/28)
Bring a stuffed animal and enjoy some reading time with a buddy!
S – Show & Tell, Say Goodbye, Spirit Day (5/29)
Bring something to show, say goodbye to classmates, and wear your CM Gear to show your school spirit!
REPEAT *Student Summer Tech*
As we approach the end of the school year, we want to take a moment to touch base about student technology and expectations as we wrap up our time with students. Similar to this time last year, KCSD96 will collect all devices before break and return them when students come back in the fall. Please note, students will not be required to back-up any of their files as their data will still be in place when they get their iPads back in the fall.
Teachers will be collecting the following items:
For Grades K, 1, and 8:
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iPad
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Case
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Logitech Crayon
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Block Charger + USB-C cable
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Optional: USB-C audio adapters
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For Grades 2-7
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iPad
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Case
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Logitech Crayon
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Optional: USB-C audio adapters
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This process allows us to track inventory, so everything is ready for the 2025-26 school year. Additionally, it gives us the opportunity to set clear expectations with students about responsible device use when they receive them in the fall. It also helps us protect our resources by reducing the chances of devices being lost, stolen, or damaged. Finally, by keeping devices at school, we support healthier summer habits focused on outdoor play, social-emotional growth, family time, and rest.
Please note, students who attend ESY will have access to their devices while they are here learning. Additionally, if a student uses their device as a communication tool, the district will not be collecting their device over the summer. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs. Lempke
*Purple PAW - Students have been excelling in their challenge to earn a Purple Paw*
C- Caring, U - Using self-control, B - Be respectful
Next week will be...S! Can you take a guess?
