Dear Kildeer Families,
I'd say this week was exactly what we needed as a community. Thank you so much to all of the families that came out Tuesday night to attend the evening hours of the book fair and the ice cream social. My family came home with some great new books, a sugar rush from the tasty ice cream and toppings, as well as pure joy from playing on the playground. My daughter, Nolyn, has recently mastered the monkey bars and was showing off her skills to anyone that would give her an audience. Also, my son, Colton, debuted his new haircut!
It felt so wonderful to have our families back in the hallways of Kildeer together. I even saw some former students that have not stepped foot in our school for several years. My heart was absolutely full to see the joy this event brought to all. Throughout the evening and in between navigating my own children, I also chatted with many families about how refreshing it felt to be together in person. This once again reminded me of the importance of human connection.
None of this would have been possible without the support of our PTO volunteers. The amount of time, thought, and love that goes into planning a community event is admirable. There is a TON involved such as (yet not limited to): working with Scholastic to order the books, setting up the books, sending out communication to the teachers and families, coordinating volunteers, crossing our fingers for good weather, keeping track of our own kids, printing our pre-orders, and the list could go on and on...... The point here is a heartfelt thank you to all that had a hand in this event!
I also want to shout out to Mr.Higgins for bringing his daughter to check out our event, the multiple teachers that stepped up to volunteer or simply attend, and this generous community for attending and coming together to celebrate as a Kildeer family!
NEW *Schedule changes for the week*
- Tuesday, September 28- early release with student dismissal at 2:00
- Friday, October 1- half-day with student dismissal at 11:45
NEW *Volunteers & Vaccination Verification or Proof of a Negative Test
As you may or may not know, Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker held a COVID-19 press conference on August 26, 2021, where he issued new rules regarding indoor masking, and signed an Executive Order 2021-20, regarding educational employee vaccination and testing requirements. In the Executive Order which applies to all “school personnel,” volunteers are included in the definition unless they are present for only a short period of time and whose movements of close physical proximity are “fleeting”.
Those who have been identified as a current or upcoming PTO volunteer recently received a survey asking that you provide proof of vaccination and notifying them that if unvaccinated they would need to provide proof of a negative Covid test within 48 hours of reporting to volunteer.
If you have already uploaded proof of vaccination, please disregard this information.
How do I provide proof of vaccination proactively should I choose to volunteer at my student(s) school this year?
By following this link, you may provide proof of vaccination to your school(s).
https://kcsd96.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6umRb91nGZZ74xg
What if I am unvaccinated but want to volunteer this year?
Unvaccinated volunteers must provide proof of a negative Covid test when you arrive at the school on the day you are scheduled to volunteer. Negative test results are only good for the 48 hours prior to arrival. For example, if an unvaccinated volunteer is scheduled to be in the school the next week, they would have to provide a new test result.
What type of Covid test qualifies?
You may present a negative antigen or PCR test. Home testing kits do not qualify as the test must be observed and documentation of the result provided to you.
Why can’t unvaccinated volunteers take a Covid test at the school?
The BinaxNow test provided to schools is in short supply at this time. As a result, schools have been notified that we cannot use the test for any screening purposes. If we were to do so, they would no longer supply the test to us. We are only allowed to use the test for symptomatic individuals on campus (students or staff) or when a person qualifies for test-to-stay. If and when test supplies increase, those restrictions may be lifted. If they are, we will be in a position to reconsider testing unvaccinated volunteers in our schools at that time.
What is the process for volunteers to either provide proof of vaccination or proof of a negative test?
- Vaccinated volunteers may submit their proof of vaccination at any time by following the link provided and completing the survey and uploading proof of vaccination.
- The list of those who have done so will be made available to the school (principal, assistant principal, administrative assistant, and nurse) and updated periodically by Lubna Andrabi in our district office.
- Unvaccinated volunteers must bring proof of a negative test to the main office on the day they are scheduled to volunteer.
- The main office will make a copy of your negative test.
- The test result must be within the previous 48 hours. The staff at the front desk in the main office will assist you.
What if I am fully vaccinated but forgot to upload my proof of vaccination?
If you have not uploaded your vaccination card, you may provide proof of vaccination when you arrive (vaccination card). We strongly encourage you to upload your card so that you do not need to present it each time you report to volunteer.
NEW *Snacks and Second Lunch Update*
We are excited to announce that students will be able to purchase a second lunch and/or snack starting next Monday, Sept. 27th. *The first lunch is still free for the remainder of the school year.
Students will be charged for a snack and/or a second lunch. You can add money to their account through Organic Life link HERE where you will need their student ID number.
If you have any questions, please reach out to the Front Office: [email protected] and [email protected].
NEW *Online Author Visit*
Kildeer is trying something new with our author visit this year and having a totally virtual event! From Friday, 9/24 through Thursday, 9/30, students will participate in the event during their regular Learning Center class. This event is free from The Book Stall with the Mo O'Hara (author) and Jess Bradley (illustrator) coming "live" from England.
Click HERE to order books. Orders are due by Thursday, September 30.
NEW *Tech Chess Club*
Technology Chess Club is NOT a chess class! Beginners will learn the basics of the game and more seasoned players will hone their skills through practice on boards and with Computer Software / iPads / Safe Internet Chess Sites.
Tech Chess Club is offered to 2nd – 5th graders and will meet in the LEARNING CENTER on THURSDAYS from the end of the school day until 4:00 p.m. and will be facilitated by Mr. Pazol & Mrs. Goyke.
Please be aware that students may register for other clubs in the school even if they conflict with the club.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO SEND A NOTE TO YOUR CHILD'S TEACHER EACH WEEK TO REMIND THEM AND THEIR TEACHER THAT THEY WILL BE ATTENDING!
*** This year there will be TWO different sessions during the year. Students will be assigned to ONE session only.***
Tech Chess Club will be held on THURSDAYS from:
SESSION #1: OCTOBER 14 - FEBRUARY 3
and
SESSION #2: FEBRUARY 10 - MAY 19
IMPORTANT NOTES:
There is NO FEE for this club.
Pick up from the club will be in the BACK of the school building in the bus parking lot.
QUESTIONS? Call Mr. Pazol @ 847.634.3243 ext.6207 OR e-mail him: [email protected]
Click HERE to sign-up!
NEW *Picture Day*
Picture day for Kildeer students took place TODAY during P.E. class. Be sure to order school photos. Click HERE to see directions. Picture retake day is on Wednesday, October 27th.
NEW *September Book Talks from VAPL*
Vernon Area Public Library is excited to offer the new book talks for the month of September! A note from the library:
"If we have a copy on our shelf, anyone, no matter the library card's origin, is able to call and have it set aside or walk in and check it out. We also have 2 popular pick copies of each title that are only available at the library for patrons to walk in and take them off the shelf for checkout. Those copies do NOT fulfill the holds on the holds list so turn around with much more frequency. If a student does have a card from Vernon, they are eligible to put a copy on hold. If a student has a card whose origin is from another library, they can check with their home library to see if these titles are available.
These books are all well-reviewed, popular books that are commonly purchased by all neighboring libraries. It's because of you, we are able to help many more students embrace the love of reading."
Repeat *Thought Exchange Partnership*
The District 96 Thought Exchange Partnership (TEP) offers parents opportunities to give feedback and receive information about District instruction, programs, and initiatives. Understanding parent perceptions is helpful for planning and communicating. Contact District 96 Community Parent Liaison Lubna Andrabi, 847.459.4260, ext. 8136, with questions. In particular, the District invites parents who have students enrolled at Willow Grove Early Learning Center to consider joining the Thought Exchange Partnership. The first meeting is scheduled for October 21, 2021 from 7:00-8:30 via Zoom.
Repeat *ERIN’S LAW*
An Illinois law known as Erin’s Law requires schools to implement an age-appropriate sexual assault and abuse awareness/prevention curriculum for Kindergarten through Grade 12.
Kildeer Countryside CCSD 96 researched and observed best practices and programs for delivering this instruction, selecting Victor Pacini to present Be Seen & Heard ©.
The focus of this developmentally appropriate and interactive program is to teach children skills to keep them safe from danger or abuse. Concepts discussed will include distinguishing safe from unsafe touches, safety rules at home and school, saying NO, safe/unsafe secrets, and telling a trusted adult, as well as reinforcing that an adult’s touching him or her is not the child’s fault. For more information about this presentation please go to www.victorpacini.com/peace-of-mind-2
The presentation to Kildeer students will be during the school day on Wednesday, September 29.
If you prefer that your child does not attend this prevention education session, please submit your written request - or your questions - to me at [email protected].
Repeat *Fall Parent/Educator Conferences*
The conference dates are Thursday, October 7th from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM and Friday, October 8th from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM.
We will be using Meet the Teacher as an electronic sign-up for conferences. A School Messenger email will be sent to families on Monday, September 20th at 6:00 PM with a link to sign up for conferences.
Conferences will be held over zoom unless parents request an in-person conference using the instructions below. A document with all the staff zoom links will be sent out on Wednesday, October 6th at 2PM.
REQUESTING AN IN-PERSON CONFERENCE
After selecting the teachers you wish to meet with and choosing a time for each conference, Meet the Teacher will prompt you to save the appointment and ask if you want to add a message for the teacher. If you want to have an in-person conference with the teachers, you must notify the teachers via this messaging feature (see picture below).
Elementary parents will have the option to sign up with the classroom teacher as well as specials teachers and any related service providers their children see.
Repeat *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.
*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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Thank you to all of the families for attending the ice cream social and supporting Kildeer through the bookfair!
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As Always: Follow us on Facebook: KildeerPTO & Instagram: KildeerPTO
Check out the blog!
Our week ended on an awesome note with some delicious donuts from our PTO, a successful dessert day, and the cutest kids around for picture day!
I hope you all have an incredible weekend ahead and take some time to be fully present as a family. That is my plan and I hope you'll join me!
Fondly,
Mrs. Vail Kieser
Principal