Ivy Hall Families,
On March 12, 2020, the difficult decision to suspend student-led conferences and any further in-person schooling was made by District 96. In light of COVID-19 District 96 and many surrounding areas made the same decisions. At that time we had no idea how long the suspension to schooling would last.
On March 21, 2020, at 5 pm, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued a stay at home order for the state. This order extended through Tuesday, April 7, 2020. Schools have remained closed ever since.
On behalf of Ivy Hall Elementary School, I want to thank you (our Wildcat Families) for your commitment to braving this extremely trying time for all of us. Who would have imagined in March that all of our children would have to make such an abrupt change to learning?
Well, you did it. We are so proud and thankful for this community. Families stuck with it and overcame challenges as we all worked to find a new normal. This community should be very proud of what has been accomplished.
To our 5th graders and families that are pursuing other opportunities - Congratulations! Go and show the world and/or Twin Groves who you are and all that you can be. We are proud of you and look forward to hearing about all your successes in the future.
To our students and families that are returning next year - We look forward to helping you continue to navigate your goals and aspirations during the dynamic and trying time.
In closing, thank you for being Wildcat strong. Be well and be safe.
Bob Hanrahan, Principal & Kim Mollerdino, Assistant Principal
NEW: Summer Learning Requirements and Options
Plans for Summer 2020 days ahead look different than most of us anticipated, but they do include keeping the learning going for KCSD96 kids in fun and interesting ways.
Reading during the summer is critically important for students’ continued growth and helps counteract “summer slide”–when some of the achievement gains made during the previous school year slip away.
In addition to summer reading, District 96 faculty have been at work developing Summer Enrichment Activities for 11 weeks of summer!
Find weekly required reading as well as optional activities to choose from related to math connections, science, social studies, writing, music, art, PE, or STEM HERE. (Note: For optional activities they choose, students should be able to work independently. There is nothing to submit.)
All students entering kindergarten–Grade 5 also have grade-level-specific book ideas to inspire them to discover the pleasure of reading. Links to these lists are found at the foot of the Summer Enrichment Activities webpage.
In addition to optional Summer Enrichment Activities, all students entering grades 6–8 have a Read Outside Yourself Summer Reading Challenge, including a specific assignment.
Which Grade Level?
Grade-level groups at the top of the Summer Enrichment Activities homepage (that is, Grades EC/K–2, Grades 3–5, Grades 6–7) refer to the 2019–20 school year, as this enrichment includes support of some 2019–20 learning targets. Choose the grade level of your student in the just-completed 2019–20 school year. For example, a student who will be in Grade 8 in the 2020–21 school year should select the Grades 6–7 category and complete 7th-grade work.
NEW: Elementary Students' Reflections on HOPE
In mid-May, District 96 Language Development Coaches challenged their elementary students in Grades 3–5 to express "What hope means." Their video responses are genuine, heartfelt, and moving. Please take time for their inspiring reflections: What HOPE means to us – D96
NEW: Last Call for Material Pick Up
Monday, June 1st will be the last call for student material pick up. Between the hours of 9:00 am and 2:00 pm, please come to the south lot by the playground. All remaining student bags will be available upon request. Please enter the parking lot via the appropriate entrance and follow all staff member directions. We are also accepting technology returns and library book returns. Remember all students that registered to attend school next year in District 96 will retain their equipment over the summer.
NEW: Student Report Card Access Today
Your student’s report card will be available for you to access online today AFTER 3 PM. If you need assistance, please CLICK HERE for instructions to view your student’s report card, to switch between your children’s report cards, and more.
NEW: Where’s My Yearbook?
The following is an email from Lifetouch. Lifetouch is the vendor for this year's photos and yearbooks. We will coordinate a way for families to obtain yearbooks and photos when we receive them.
Thank you for your email/question. I appreciate you asking about the expected delivery date of your yearbook and composites. I can imagine you're excited to receive it and share it with students. We recognize that creating a plan for distribution may be more challenging this year.
We are doing our best to keep the original timeline of your delivery; however, I am unable to fully commit to that date. We are running about 3-5 weeks behind schedule. Currently, our yearbook plants are open and printing but may be running on a reduced staff to adhere to social distancing mandates necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
My commitment to you is to provide as much as I know when I know it. I am receiving a weekly update with books in production and preparing to ship. Once I see your school preparing to ship I will reach out to you with more information. That will likely be the only update I have for an arrival date at this time, although we are living in a world where information changes daily.
Thank you for your patience with me and Lifetouch during these unprecedented times. We value and appreciate your business! The next time you’ll be hearing from us is when the yearbooks have shipped.
REPEATING: Don't Wait! Register for the 2020–21 School Year
If you haven't already registered your new or returning District 96 student for the 2020–21 school year, please do so right away. Having an accurate enrollment count is important for anticipating staffing needs appropriately. Please tell new neighbors and friends to contact the public info coordinator [email protected] with registration questions and for info on options to delay/waive registration fees.