Good Afternoon, Ivy Hall Families,
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving break. It is hard to believe that we only have three weeks of learning before winter break. As a reminder, we appreciate everyone calling or emailing the office if your child(ren) are not in attendance. If you know in advance of an absence, please email the classroom teacher and Mrs. Mackay, our administrative assistant.
Next week, we have MAP testing. I have included MAP testing dates and other details below. Please ensure that your child gets a good sleep and breakfast. Results from the MAP test are used by teachers to make instructional decisions for your child.
Winter weather has already arrived. Some days are very cold and others are mild. Please ensure your child has the proper clothing for outdoor recess.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Mike Senatore
Upcoming Dates
- Friday, December 1 - World Wide Wildcats (PTO Event)
- 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 *Student Council Field Trip to Belmont Village*
How would you like to bring JOY to someone else this holiday season? The Student Council and Mrs. Coleman have planned an after school Field Trip to The Belmont Village on Wednesday, December 20th from 3:30pm to 4:15pm. Students from Ivy Hall will sing holiday songs to the elderly! Bus transportation to and from Belmont Village will be provided. Students should be picked up from Ivy Hall when the performance is over at 4:30. Space is limited and we are only able to take 25 students, therefore if your child has participated in this experience before, we ask that you give someone else an opportunity. The first 25 respondents will be granted the opportunity to participate. Please have the form completed by December 8th.
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 *District 96 Newcome 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.
This is an event only for parents and guardians.
Coffee and other refreshments will be served.
For planning purposes, please RSVP by December 13.
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:
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.