Dear Kildeer Families,
We were disappointed that we couldn't hold our outdoor parade today, yet our students had a fabulous parade indoors and all had their moment to shine. If we learned anything last year, it's that we can pivot in a heartbeat and that is just what we did. Mapping out a route for close to 500 students to parade? No problem. Utilizing painter's tape, stand spots, and velcro for social distancing? Challenge accepted. All the planning and teamwork paid off because the parade was a success! As always, the students impressed us with their costume choices and creativity. I think the 4th-grade team wins a shout-out for creativity, too. Did you know that Ms. Markiewicz sewed all of their team costumes? Now THAT is a useful skill!
It was a wonderful sight to see our parent volunteers in the small gym waiting to host the classroom parties. As Mr. Higgins and I visited each classroom, we heard laughter, saw students working on art projects, and parent volunteers getting to spend time with our students. I've officially called this year our "normal-ish" school year. Although we are not back to completely normal, it certainly feels good to have the human connection back.
Hats off to everyone that made today possible. The hours spent planning and making our parade and parties a reality do not go unnoticed.
One more....thanks to my office team! You are incredible to work with and I think we pulled off the play-doh pretty well if I do say so!
NEW *IDPH Guidance Update*
Our top priority is to keep kids in school with as little disruption as possible and we need your help and support to do so. As we head into colder fall and winter weather and we begin to spend more time indoors, we encourage you to stay vigilant when it comes to health and safety measures. The recent interest survey indicated that the parents of over 1,600 District 96 students are interested in scheduling vaccination appointments for their 5-11 year olds as they become available in the coming weeks. However, we are mindful of the continued risks that COVID presents to the school community and families of KCSD 96. The Illinois Department of Public Health has released guidance on how to celebrate more safely during the 2021 Fall season.
Guidance on Celebrations from the IDPH
As we continue through Fall and head into the holiday season, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is issuing updated guidance to help people celebrate more safely as we continue to battle COVID-19.
Masks
Masks are currently required, per Executive Order, in all indoor public locations in Illinois. A costume mask is NOT a substitute for a well-fitting mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Wearing a costume mask over a face covering to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is not recommended because it could make breathing more difficult. Safer options include choosing a costume that does not come with a costume mask, or find a costume that incorporates a face covering.
Trick-or-Treat
Trick-or-treating outdoors in small groups is best, but if outdoors is not an option, there are steps people can take to make indoor trick-or-treating safer. Those handing out tricks or treats indoors should open doors and windows as much as possible to promote increased ventilation and wear a mask. It is also important for everyone handing out or receiving treats to wash their hands.
Alternatives to door-to-door trick-or-treating can include setting up tables in a parking lot or other safe outdoor area where individually wrapped treats can be set out or holding an outdoor costume parade for kids along with a parent/guardian.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19, do not participate in any Halloween or Fall events.
More information on Halloween and Fall Guidance is on the IDPH website at https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19/community-guidance/Halloween.
Repeat *Attendance at School*
Attendance is one of the most powerful predictors of academic achievement and having your student in their seat, ready to learn for the entire school day will benefit them, their classmates, and our whole school community. Let’s work together to make sure your child has great attendance and can get the most out of their learning opportunities this school year.
OUR PROMISE TO YOU
We know that there are a wide variety of reasons that students are absent from school, from health concerns to transportation challenges. There are many people in our building prepared to help you if you or your student face challenges in getting to school regularly or on time. We promise to track attendance daily, to notice when your student is missing from class, communicate with you to understand why they were absent, and to identify barriers and supports available to overcome challenges you may face in helping your student attend school. Our parent handbook reflects legislative updates from the state and is ready for you to review.
WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU
We miss your student when they are not at school as we value their contributions to our school community. If your student is going to be absent, please contact the school in advance. If an absence was unplanned, please contact the school office as soon as possible.
HOW WE CAN WORK TOGETHER
- Send your child to school unless they are truly sick, such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, contagious rash or showing any other COVID like symptoms.
- Avoid appointments and travel when school is in session.
- Keep track of your child’s attendance.
- Set a regular bedtime and morning routine (including limiting how late your child may use any electronic devices) and finish homework and pack backpacks the night before.
- Have a backup plan for getting to school in case something comes up (this could be alternative bus routes, roads, or a plan with family members, neighbors, or other parents).
- Communicate with the school about how we can work together to support your child’s attendance.
OUR DUTIES UPON A STUDENT’S ABSENCES
- If your child has five unexcused absences we will reach out via phone and follow up with an email.
- If your child has seven unexcused absences we will schedule a conference with you and your child to create a student success plan and help continued supports.
- After 10 days of unexcused absences, and our supports and interventions haven’t helped get your student to school consistently, we are required to file a petition and you will be notified by formal letter that the case will be forwarded to the truancy department and the Lake County ROE, alleging a violation of RCW 28A.225.010, Illinois’s mandatory attendance law.
WHAT IS EXCUSED AND WHAT IS UNEXCUSED:
- Excused: Medical appointment, illness, quarantine, death in the family, mental health day, religious holiday
- Unexcused: Most other reasons for absence including travel/vacation, sporting event, missing the bus, sleeping in, day before a special occassion
Repeat *Go, Kildeer, go!
We are so proud to announce that Kildeer has been ranked #47 in elementary level schools in the state of Illinois by U.S. News & World Report. U.S. News & World Report has ranked high schools, colleges, and universities for many years, but this is the first time the organization has ranked elementary-level schools. Six of the District's seven schools made the list. There are no qualifying metrics for the early childhood level, therefore, our early learning center was not ranked.
We could not be prouder of our entire Kildeer School community!
Repeat *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!
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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Dessert Day Dates: Please note we had incorrect dates listed for Dessert Days. We have now updated to the correct dates. Please make note that the correct dessert days are as follows: November 18, December 16, January 27, February 24, March 17, April 21, and May 26. We apologize for the error.
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3rd & 4th Grade Movie Night: Our 3RD & 4TH Grade movie night is Friday, November 5th, 2021 from 6:00-8:30. We will be showing Raya and the Last Dragon. Please pre-order your tickets and snacks through Membership Toolkit: www.kildeercountrysidepto.membershiptoolkit.com **Please note that this is a PRE-ORDER ONLY event** Due to Covid precautions we will not be accepting walk-ins.
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Coat Drive- This runs from now through November 18th! NEW coats, hats, mittens, snow gear, etc. ONLY, please!
Check out the blog!
I received some very heartfelt and kind messages this week for Principal Appreciation Day. It goes without saying that I feel fortunate to work with such a supportive community of students, staff, and parents.
15 years ago when I started my journey in District 96 I had no idea that this would be my future. However, I feel so lucky that this is where I ended up. There truly is no place like Kildeer.
Have a wonderful and safe weekend ahead!
Fondly,
Mrs. Vail Kieser
Principal