Dear Kildeer Families,
The 2021-22 school year is upon us! My name is Vail Kieser and I have the absolute pleasure and honor to serve as Kildeer Elementary School's principal.
I live locally in Lake Zurich with my family and you might have even seen me out and about this summer. My kids attended camp and I got to run into many familiar faces! I am married to my high school sweetheart and together we share two children. Nolyn is going to be a 1st grader this year. Last year she was a "zoomie" so I'm thrilled to have her step foot in her elementary school this year. Our son Colton is 4 and will be in preschool. Believe it or not, he still has not had a haircut since March 2020. We have a decision to make soon. What you already know or will learn about me is that I value my family and my children more than anything. Be prepared for some stories throughout the year.
This year begins my 15th in District 96 and my 6th year as the principal. I'm not sure where the time goes, yet I know that I am ready to get this year going. We are thrilled to welcome all students back for in-person learning in just a couple of weeks.
Thanks ahead of time for checking my blog each week. You'll find a lot of pertinent information and dates to mark your calendar! Are you ready for a great year?
NEW *Meet our office staff*
Please take a moment to meet our incredible office team! If you ever need anything this year, please don't hesitate to reach out. We are here for YOU!
Mrs. Jennifer Hagen, Administrative Assistant, [email protected]
Mrs. Tracey Wright, Clerical Aide, [email protected]
Mrs. Alison Forsythe, School Nurse, [email protected]
Mr. Josh Higgins, Assistant Principal, [email protected]
Mrs. Vail Kieser, Principal, [email protected]
NEW *Reminder to Complete the Consent Forms*
This is a friendly reminder to complete your acknowledgment forms by August 9th. It is required that each family acknowledge they will send their child to school, symptom-free, every day.
Each family has received the following Consents and Acknowledgements:
1) Consent to participate in weekly screening using the RT-PCR nasal swab at home (not required)
2) Consent to test on campus when symptomatic or when identified as a close contact (please see the presentation for more information - not required)
3) Acknowledgements that include that by sending a student to school parents are certifying that they are symptom-free (REQUIRED).
NEW *Class Placement Information & Bus Information*
This year your child’s class placement and bus information, if applicable, will come to you electronically on Thursday, August 12th. A team of staff members worked diligently to make sure each child was placed in the classroom in which he or she will find continued success. We know you appreciate the fact that, with such careful thought and consideration put into these decisions, including your input, no changes will be made and we thank you for your support.
If you do not receive a notification, please email our administrative assistant, Mrs. Jennifer Hagen, at [email protected], or give us a call in the office.
NEW *New Family School Tours*
If you are a new family to Kildeer this school year, please come join us on Friday, August 13th at 10:00 am OR 2:00 pm. We will hold an informational session to start and then take a brief tour of the school. Thanks for submitting an RSVP below so that we can plan accordingly. We look forward to meeting you!
Please RSVP HERE.
NEW *Meet the Teacher*
We are thrilled to welcome our students and families back into the halls of Kildeer for the traditional meet the teacher! This is an opportunity to drop off your school supplies and briefly meet the teacher. Thanks for helping us to keep this event fun and safe for everyone by following the guidelines below.
- Everyone must wear masks regardless of vaccination status.
- Please be aware of social distancing.
- All children must be supervised by their caregiver for the duration of the event.
- Please attend anytime during your assigned time slot. This will help us to keep the halls and classrooms less crowded.
Kildeer Elementary School - Tuesday, August 17th.
- Last Names A-L 8:30am - 9:15am.
- Last Names M-Z 9:15am - 10:00am.
NEW *First Day of School - Thursday, August 19th - HALF DAY*
Kildeer- 8:25 AM - 11:45 AM
Please see the District 96 calendar link for more information
NEW *Birthday Treats*
Our birthday treat policy has changed. Please know that moving forward, only school-appropriate, non-food items such as pencils, stickers, crazy straws, etc. will be allowed. If you are unsure whether the item is school-appropriate, please contact your child's classroom teacher for guidance.
NEW *Health Form Deadline*
The district website lists today as the deadline for immunization forms. All immunizations should be completed to avoid school exclusion. Please refer to the D96 Student Health website for more information.
NEW *Curriculum Nights*
More information will be forthcoming. Please save the date:
Kildeer Elementary School - Wednesday, August 25th
Grades 1 & 2: 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Grades 3 - 5: 7:15pm - 8:15pm
NEW *I AM ME...WE ARE KILDEER family celebration SAVE THE DATE*
Please mark your calendars for Thursday, January 13, 2022! We will be hosting our 4th annual family celebration. What makes this one special? It's an evening where we come together to learn from and about each other. It's that simple! Keep a lookout for more details in the upcoming months!
Repeat *REQUIRED SUMMER READING & OPTIONAL WEEKLY SUMMER LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES*
To keep the learning going all summer, District faculty developed a 10-week summer curriculum with required reading for incoming students in KDG–Grade 8 AND optional math review activities. In addition, optional fun activities in the areas of STEM, music, writing, and more are also designated by week. SEE SUMMER ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES
The SUMMER READING webpage includes Book Lists for optional reading for Early Childhood–Grade 5 as well as the required reading assignment for middle school students entering Grades 6–8. Note that required summer reading for students entering KDG–Grade 5 is found in the SUMMER ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES resource, as described above.
Repeat *2021–22 School Supply Lists and Kits*
See Info to download grade-level school supply lists or order school supply kits to be delivered directly to your home. (Order kits by July 9 for home delivery by Aug. 13.)
Repeat * iPad Exchange Info for ALL KCSD96 Students*
Action needed! This summer District 96 will exchange your student's old iPad, charging cable, charging brick, and iPad case for new equipment. You'll need to schedule an appointment to make the exchange and the exchange must occur before Aug. 1. READ DETAILS about this process and how it affects ALL District 96 students.
*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 ***
- Please visit the PTO table on Tuesday, August 17th for Meet the Teacher and get signed up with membership toolkit if you have not already! PTO members will be there to answer any questions and share information about how to get involved this school year. We will be located at the front entry of the school.
Check out the blog! New blog coming soon!
The energy for this school year is alive and well already. I'm grateful for a fresh start and to see all of our sweet Kildeer students soon.
Have a great weekend ahead!
Fondly,
Mrs. Vail Kieser
Principal