Dear Kildeer Families,
It was such a great feeling to welcome you back to Kildeer this week for curriculum night whether you attended in-person or zoomed in. I know that our time is precious so it's greatly appreciated to have you join and hear how we can best partner for the year ahead. I always love the opportunity to connect as a community as well as introduce the incredible staff, welcome new families, and give shout-outs for our PTO.
We officially have our first full week of learning under our belts, too. I must say I'm beyond impressed with our students. It's been incredible to see how quickly they've adjusted back into routines and are already working so hard. I've even had students request to have school on the weekends. I'd say that sounds like success for bringing our students back!
NEW *Early Release Reminder*
This is a friendly reminder that Tuesday, August 31st is an Early Release, and students will be dismissed at 2:00. Please ensure students are picked up by this time.
NEW *Covid Metrics*
To stay up-to-date this school year on local metrics, please visit the COVID DASHBOARD for District 96. Our priority remains to keep our students safe and follow guidance from the CDC. If your student is identified as a "close contact", you will be notified individually through the contact tracing process.
NEW *Simultaneous Student Pick-Up from Willow Grove & Elementary Schools*
Please know that we understand that some families may have concerns related to picking students up from Willow Grove and an elementary school building. Please know that all principals are aware of this concern, and no child will ever be left unattended. We appreciate your best effort in picking your children up in a timely manner, and we appreciate your adhering to our current dismissal times. If when you arrive at a building your child is not waiting outside with an adult, please park and come to the front office. If you will be well after 3:15 to a specific location, please feel free to call and inform the office of your ETA.
NEW *Law Enforcement Safety Drill EDUCATION*
On Wednesday, September 1st, Kildeer will be conducting the annual Law Enforcement Safety Drill EDUCATION. Students will be learning age-appropriate safety procedures.
In compliance with the New Safety Drill Act, parents have the right to exempt their child from the Law Enforcement Drill EDUCATION.
If you do not wish your son or daughter to participate in the Law Enforcement Safety Drill Education, please contact Vail Kieser and Josh Higgins, [email protected] and [email protected]. If we do not hear from you, we will assume your child has permission to participate in the drill education.
NEW *NWEA MAP Assessment*
All students in grades K-8 will be participating in NWEA MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) assessment. The MAP assessment is a normed referenced, computerized adaptive test that helps teachers, parents, and administrators improve learning for all students and make informed decisions to promote a child's academic growth. Like in previous years, all students will be taking the MAP test in reading and math during the school day. Testing will take place on Monday, August 30th and Wednesday, September 1st.
Students who are quarantined during those testing days will take the MAP assessment after they return to school.
NEW *Creative Writing Club*
Attention all 3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade students! Do you love to use your imagination? Do you dream of one day seeing your own books in bookstores? Or maybe you enjoy writing poetry or song lyrics or even short stories? If so, please join Creative Writing Club this year where you’ll have the opportunity to hone your writing skills while also participating in some super fun activities. The club will follow a workshop format with opportunities to learn new techniques, practice them, and share your masterpieces with your fellow authors. This club will run in two sessions (join one or both!) on Mondays from 3:00pm-4:00pm. The first session will run from September 13, 2021 until December 13, 2021, and the second session (with different content) will run from January 10, 2022 -May 23, 2021. Sign up quickly as the first twenty students to register will be accepted. Prompt pick up in the front of the school at 4pm is required.
Complete this google form to sign up!
NEW *AFTER SCHOOL SPORTS PROGRAM - 3RD, 4TH AND 5TH GRADE*
Beginning the week of August 30th, After School Sports will be offered to all students in 3rd, 4th and 5th grade. Some of the activities included are general games, basketball and volleyball. The 3rd Graders will meet on Mondays, 4th Graders on Wednesdays and 5th Graders on Thursdays. There will be 20 sessions for each grade level and all sessions run from 3:00 - 4:00. Please make arrangements for your child to be picked up on time. (If your child is continually picked up late it may result in your child no longer being able to stay for the program.) Children will be picked up in front of the building, and we strongly urge families to carpool. HERE is a calendar posted with the scheduled dates for those who sign up to participate in the After School Sports Program. Students do not have to attend every session. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us. In order for your child to participate, we will need the District 96 Parent Consent Form for Student Activity/Athletic Participation that can be found HERE!
NEW *BEFORE SCHOOL SPORTS PROGRAM - 1ST and 2ND GRADE*
We are offering a Before School Sports Program for all 2nd grade students which will meet on Tuesday mornings beginning August 31st. First grade Before School Sports Program will start on November 9th, and more information will be available soon . Your child will be welcome to attend 10 sessions between 7:45-8:15 where we will play favorite games in the big gym before school begins. HERE is a calendar of the meeting dates. Children do not have to attend every session that is offered. Children will be expected to find their own transportation (not on the school bus) and can be dropped off at the FRONT OF THE BUILDING AT 7:45. If your child attends the Club House program you will need to notify them about your child’s participation in our program. In order for your child to participate, we will need the District 96 Parent Consent Form for Student Activity/Athletic Participation that can be found HERE
NEW *Coding Club*
Do you know the secret CODE??? Does your student love to use technology, solve puzzles and be creative? Then Coding Club is for them!
Please complete this form if you are planning to have your child sign up for Kildeer School's Coding Club for the 2021-2022 school year.
This club is offered to 1st – 5th graders and will meet in on WEDNESDAYS from the end of the school day until 4:00 p.m. and will be facilitated by Miss Koldon and Miss Rickel.
Coding Club will be held each WEDNESDAY from 3:00PM-4:00PM in Miss Rickel's classroom.
There will be 2 sessions held for this club.
SESSION 1- - - 1st and 2nd Graders- OCTOBER 13TH- DECEMBER 1ST (Will not meet on November 25th)
SESSION 2- - - 3rd, 4th, and 5th Graders- DECEMBER 8TH-FEBRUARY 2ND (Will not meet on December 23rd or 30th)
IMPORTANT NOTES:
There is NO FEE for this club.
Please complete this form by FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8TH.
QUESTIONS? Email Miss Koldon [email protected] or Miss Rickel [email protected]
NEW *Reader's Theatre*
Let's get together and "ACT OUT". Does your student love to use expression, be creative and perform for others? Then Reader's Theater Club is for them!
Please complete this form if you are planning to have your child sign up for Kildeer School's Reader's Theater Club for the 2021-2022 school year.
This club is offered to 3rd – 5th graders and will meet in Miss Rickel's ROOM on THURSDAYS from the end of the school day until 4:00 p.m. and will be facilitated by Miss Koldon and Miss Rickel.
Reader's Theater Club will be held each THURSDAY from
OCTOBER 14TH THROUGH FEBRUARY 3RD. (We will NOT meet on: Nov. 25th, Dec. 23rd, Dec. 30th)
IMPORTANT NOTES:
There is NO FEE for this club.
Pick up from the club will be in the FRONT of the school building at the parent pick-up line.
Please complete this form by THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26TH.
QUESTIONS? Email Miss Koldon [email protected] or Miss Rickel [email protected]
Repeat *Bus Information*
PLEASE NOTE: There continues to be a workforce shortage on a national and local level. This is significantly impacting the ability of all transportation companies to fill driver openings. First Student continues to have unfilled driver positions for District 96 bus routes. They have been using substitute and "borrowed" drivers from other regions to fill our needs the last few days but the reality is that the positions remain unfilled and a "band-aid" plan is being created for each day. Our Director of Transportation continues to meet with First Student multiple times per day to problem solve. We will continue to keep you updated on what is likely to be an ongoing challenge.
Repeat *Upcoming Dates of Note*
- Curriculum Night - August 25, 2021- 6:30-8:00pm @ Kildeer
- Cougar Fun Run- September 10, 2021
- PTO Ice Cream Social- September 21, 2021 *UPDATED*
- Picture Day- September 24, 2021 @ Kildeer
Repeat *Food Service*
FREE MEALS IN SCHOOL: Under the waivers to USDA Nutrition Programs currently offered, the District is able to provide free meals to all students. One reimbursable daily meal will be provided free of charge to each student that chooses to participate on school days.
SNACKS FOR PURCHASE IN SEPTEMBER: Snacks will start being offered at the beginning of September. If you wish your child to be able to purchase snacks at that time, please be sure to have their account prepaid on the K12PaymentCenter. This site will allow you not only to monitor balances but also transaction history. There are no transaction fees related to this account. To create an account you will need your student's 7 digit ID number, which will be emailed to you this evening with the subject line of D96 Food Service Information.
ORDERING PROCESS: Each morning, students will tell their teachers which entree they will order and those numbers will be shared with the food service staff. Please encourage your students to take the entree they ordered to ensure that all students receive the desired meal. Menus can be viewed on the District website.
Repeat *Daily Snack*
All students should bring an individual daily snack. It is required that snacks are only from our District Approved Snack List for the safety of students. Please label snacks with your child’s name.
Approved Snacks: What Parents Need to Know
The District has revised the APPROVED SNACK LIST. The items the list includes are free of the Top 8 allergens: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy, and wheat. This list includes the foods that are approved for students' Daily Snacks. Daily snacks for your children must be from this list or they will be sent home.
IMPORTANT: All items for Daily Snacks, with the exception of fruits and vegetables, MUST be prepackaged to allow staff to easily check that snacks meet the approved requirements.
Director of Educational Services Amy Gluck also has provided responses to FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) about foods approved for daily snacks/special events.
For your convenience, find links to the District 96 Approved Snack List and Approved Snack List FAQs on the homepage of the District 96 website and the homepage of each school.
Lunches packed from home may contain anything and do not need to be from the Approved Snack List. If your child is bringing in lunch, snacks must be packed separately from lunch. Please label lunch bags and snacks with your child’s name.
*Tech Hub*
KCSD96 Family Technology Hub! The District 96 Family Technology Hub is designed to guide families through technology tools.
Please email [email protected] with any tech-related support needed.
*** PTO News ***
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Reminder! Dessert day and special lunch sign-ups close August 31. Log on to membership toolkit (https://kildeercountrysidepto.membershiptoolkit.com) to sign up!
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Volunteers needed! Please sign up to chair a committee or volunteer at an event by logging on to membership toolkit. There are lots of opportunities, and you don't have to be available during the school day to help out! Questions? Contact [email protected].
- Follow our PTO on social media! Facbook: Kildeer pto, Instagram: @kildeerpto
Check out the blog!
Just a friendly reminder that on Tuesday next week we have our first early dismissal for the school year at 2:00. Please be sure your child knows his or her after-school plans.
Enjoy the weekend ahead!
Fondly,
Mrs. Vail Kieser
Principal