Dear Kildeer Families,
We want to thank all of our families again for your partnership last week at family educator conferences. In the past two years, our system switched to conferences in October to allow for earlier communication regarding your child’s academic and social-emotional progress. At this point, you’ve had time to reflect and process what you learned about your child. As always, we value our communication together and encourage you to reach out with not only questions or concerns, yet also celebrations of growth from your child.
This school year, we are all navigating the impact that the pandemic has had on us all and continue to pay close attention to our students’ needs. As your child’s parents, we appreciate your insights and welcome ways in which we can support each other.
At the end of the day, our students are resilient and we are so proud to see them rise to the challenges and opportunities that each day brings! I want to give a special shout-out to our 5th-grade orchestra for your perseverance during rehearsals. The rendition of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" was beautifully executed! We appreciated you welcoming our surprise visitor, too!
NEW *Class Meetings*
This school year, all students have access to a class meeting on a daily basis. During this time, teachers may focus on classbuilding to support peer relationships, social-emotional targets, cross-pollination from Ms. Avdeon (social worker), or even some challenges from Mrs. Kieser and Mr. Higgins. This week, we asked students to consider how to show pride in our school, specifically how we treat our bathrooms. At the end of our short video, we challenged students to create artwork that could be displayed as a gentle reminder to SHOW 5!
We are so proud that we already have over 30 posters from students! We look forward to highlighting some of the student work, soon!
BONUS: Ask your child this weekend how they can show pride at Kildeer!
NEW *After School Clubs-PLEASE READ IF YOUR CHILD ATTENDS ONE*
As several clubs have started recently, we want to make sure that our students get to the right location after school. We assume your student will stay after school for the club they signed up for. If there is a change in their plans, please contact the Front Office. We appreciate your help.
NEW *FAMILY READING NIGHT....Mark your calendars!*
Our annual Family Reading Night takes place on Thursday, November 18 from 6:30-7:30 pm. Our goal is to provide families with a fun night out where you can experience two different rounds of literacy-related activities (i.e. flashlight reading, reading for two voices, Sora eBook app) in partnership with the Student Council. While walk-ins are welcome, please consider using THIS Google Form to RSVP if you would like to attend and indicate your ideal preferences for the evening activities. It will help us plan for the event and do our best to make a match for your choices. We look forward to seeing you at the event!
NEW *Law Enforcement Safety Drill*
On Monday, October 25, Kildeer Elementary School will be conducting a Law Enforcement Safety Drill. Students may be evacuating the building during the drill.
In compliance with the New Safety Drill Act, parents have the right to exempt their child from the Law Enforcement Drill.
If you do not wish your son or daughter to participate in the Law Enforcement Safety Drill, please contact Principal Kieser through email: [email protected]. If we do not hear from you, we will assume your child has permission to participate in the drill.
Repeat *Halloween Costumes*
Stores are full of Halloween costumes, and I'm sure that your child is excitedly looking forward to getting a Halloween costume together for this year's festivities. When selecting or creating a costume with your child to wear at school, please be sure that the following expectations are followed:
- Must be appropriate for school
- No masks, blood, super scary stuff, general ickiness, or weapons
- No cigars or cigarette items
- No bare tummies
- Please keep hair coloring and make-up simple
**If you are unsure about a costume or costume prop, please contact your child's classroom teacher. Students whose costumes do not meet these expectations will be asked to adjust their costume for the school festivities.**
Repeat *Halloween Parade & Parties*
On Friday, October 29, all students will have the opportunity to participate in a parade outdoors (dependent upon the weather) as well as the classroom party. Please see some reminders below:
- The parade may be viewed by families outdoors along the front of our school, starting by the large gym doors. Families should remain across the driveway to view students on the sidewalk. Thank you for being mindful of social distancing.
- If it rains, it will be indoors for students and staff only.
Parties will begin at approximately 2:00 pm and end at 2:45 pm. Only PTO-approved parent party volunteers may attend classroom parties. Please see more party volunteer information below.
IMPORTANT NOTES FOR PTO PARTY VOLUNTEERS
- Parents attending the parties may not bring additional family members, other children, etc. We need everyone to abide by this and will have to ask you to leave if you come with other attendees.
- Every PTO volunteer approved to come into our school MUST have their license or ID scanned through our security system to enter. You have to bring this with you or you will not be able to enter. There is always a very long line at this first party, so please anticipate this. We highly encourage PTO room party volunteers to swing by Kildeer sometime in October before the party to have their license scanned, which will speed up the process. The more people who come in early to be scanned, the shorter the line! You may also come on the day of the Halloween party BEFORE THE PARADE to have your license scanned.
- All volunteers must have followed our procedures for verifying vaccination or have proof of a negative Covid test. Call the office with questions.
- All volunteers must wear a mask at all times and remain socially distanced.
Repeat *Long Grove Fire Protection District Resources*
As promised, the Long Grove Fire Protection District has shared its first fire safety video with us, this one on Smoke Detectors. Please check out this video in your Virtual BackPack.
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 ***
-
Follow us on Facebook: KildeerPTO & Instagram: KildeerPTO
Check out the blog!
In other news, we welcomed our guest, Representative Chris Bos, into our school this week. Through the partnership with the Illinois Principal's Association, he had the opportunity to shadow me as "Principal for a Day". Along with Mr. Higgins, we all toured the school, attended a mini-orchestra concert, discussed our incredible community and valued partnership with the PTO, popped into classrooms, and even visited a team meeting.
As someone coming into Kildeer for the first time, he shared that "you can just feel the community here". That is an absolute testament to each and every stakeholder for making Kildeer a special place.
Enjoy your weekend ahead. The Kieser household is attempting "round 2" with camping. What I learned from our last camping trip is 1) Kids can get really dirty (like, really dirty), and 2) I will cherish those snuggles by the campfire forever and ever.
Happy Friday!
Fondly,
Mrs. Vail Kieser
Principal