Dear Kildeer Families,
What a great way to end our week! Today marked the first official BUDDY CLASSROOMS of the year. Given that we are not in person for our class parties or parade, our staff made it a truly special time to build community and have some fun together. It was priceless to see the looks on students' faces as they returned to the cherished tradition of buddy classrooms. Thank you to our committee that planned the events and made this time a priority. Now, more than ever, human connection is needed! I'd say the smiles, fun, laugher, and great conversation is evidence of our "mission accomplished"!
Speaking of connection, the pumpkins have brought so many smiles to our faces. This was one small way to bring our community together during this time. As we head into the next few months, I'm curious if you have other ideas? If so, please send me an email. I'd love to brainstorm together!
NEW *Vernon Area Public Library News*
Despite not being able to visit the schools during this time, the librarians at the Vernon Area Public Library are still eager to share great books with you, your faculty, and your students. Every month, we will be sending you videos of great books for each grade in your school, recommended by our librarians. Please feel free to share these links with your faculty.
NEW *Calendar Updates & Daylight Savings Reminder*
During the week of November 2nd, please know that D96 schools and offices may be operating remotely.
There will also be no school held on Monday, November 2nd, or Tuesday, November 3rd. Students will return for remote instruction on Wednesday, November 4th.
As a friendly reminder, we change our clocks back at 2:00 am on Sunday, November 1st.
NEW *Picture Day Retakes-Postponed*
Picture retakes, scheduled for Thursday, November 5th, have been POSTPONED. We will share the new date at a later time.
Repeat *Remote Learning for ALL District 96 Students Begins Oct. 26*
Reminder: ALL students at all grade levels will take an “adaptive pause” and revert to full remote learning for 10 days, beginning Mon., Oct. 26.
Remote learning for all District 96 students will remain in effect for at least 10 calendar days.
Please continue to use the new HYBRID schedule. We will not revert back to the previous schedule at the elementary level.
On or before Wed., Nov. 4, District families will receive updated information about current metrics and when in-person hybrid learning will resume.
Please see Supt. Schmidt’s Oct. 21 MESSAGE for more details.
Repeat *CODING CLUB*
Does your student have a love for math or computer science? Then the Coding Club is where they should be (virtually)! Please complete this form if you are planning to have your child sign up for Coding Club for this school year.
Repeat *Meals Are Available for Drive-Up Pick-Up*
Any KCSD96 family choosing to do so may pick up free breakfasts/lunches for their students weekdays from 11 AM–1 PM when District 96 students are in session. SEE DETAILS
Repeat *ComEd Bill Payment Assistance Options*
ComEd has provided bill payment assistance options for families experiencing financial hardship. Please find info HERE.
Repeat *Updated COVID-19 Metrics*
This UPDATED COVID-19 METRICS is the information “dashboard” that maintains transparent and open communication around COVID-19 metrics. As a user of the dashboard, the District has access to COVID-19 data as recommended by the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Northern Illinois Public Health Consortium. We review this data daily, update the dashboard weekly, and consider this data in making many decisions.
Repeat *Calling All Photogs*
We love capturing photos of kids learning in the Principal's Message. While currently, students are learning in your homes, we'd love it if you wouldn't mind sharing a photo us to use in the Principal Message, Twitter, etc. If you are comfortable sharing, please email a photo and caption to Mrs. Wright in the front office: [email protected]. Thank you!
Repeat *Calling All Kildeer Cougars*
Last year our morning announcements were so special because we involved our staff AND students. This year, we are looking for brave students to recite the Kildeer Pledge to be featured on the Monday morning announcements. If you are interested, please record a short video introducing your first name, homeroom, and grade. Then say the following:
As a Kildeer Cougar,
I promise to start each day with a smile on my face and make Kildeer school a safe, happy place.
I pledge to follow the Cougar 5 each day, respecting others in every way.
I am proud to be a Kildeer Cougar.
*PLEASE SEND YOUR VIDEOS TO TRACEY WRIGHT: [email protected]*
Repeat *Tech Hub*
KCSD96 Family Technology Hub! The District 96 Family Technology Hub is designed to guide families through technology tools related to Enhanced Remote Learning. On this site you can find links to the recordings and the corresponding Slides decks for the parent/family informational sessions from last week. You can also find tutorials on how to use ZOOM, Schoology, Seesaw, Clever, Notability, and other iPad essential tools for student learning. Additionally, there is a link to email the technology support desk. Please save or bookmark this site. It will be updated with tools, resources, and tutorials through remote learning to better support your family.
Please email [email protected] with any tech-related support needed.
*** PTO News ***
- Yearbook Pictures- Please help the yearbook committee by sending in the first day of school and remote learning pictures to [email protected].
- 5th-grade parents- Please submit a headshot of your child when he/she was 6-12 months old. The baby pictures will all be displayed in the yearbook and matched with your child's future dreams/favorite memories. Digital photos can be emailed to [email protected].
- Follow our PTO on: Kildeer PTO on Facebook and/or KildeerPTO on Instagram
Years ago when I became a principal, my colleague and mentor, Greg Grana, gave me some simple, yet solid advice. He said, "You know Vail, whenever you are having a rough day, go talk to a kid."
During the remote setting, it's not as easy as it used to be. However, I continue to love what I do because of our kids. I've joined many classrooms this week through zoom and always love when I get the timing right to join a breakout room. I'd like to shout-out to these awesome 3rd-graders for letting me tag along and hear what they were working on in writing!
Have an enjoyable and safe weekend ahead!
Fondly,
Mrs. Vail Kieser
Principal