Dear Kildeer Families,
The best part about working in a school is traveling from classroom to classroom and seeing not only students in action but their incredible teachers coming up with creative ways to work with kids. After spending time in third grade, I noticed Ms. Ohnsted wearing a crown, the very same one from her costume last week! She smiled as I walked in and I noticed that the students around the room were working independently, allowing her to give undivided attention to the students at the table. Not only did the crown serve as a prop for a costume, but it is now a visual reminder for students to "C3B4ME". Students are asked to rely on their team and work with each other to problem-solve, thus promoting interdependence.
This is just one small example of how our teachers get creative in the classroom. I could not be prouder of this incredible staff and their passion to support students on a daily basis.
NEW *Student Council News*
Kildeer Countryside School is collecting Unwanted Halloween Candy starting from Nov 3. to Nov. 19. All of the candy is going to food pantries and shelters.
Candy can be put in boxes in the parent drop off/pickup area or at the bus doors. There will also be candy collection boxes in the school office. Thank you for your help and understanding.
Sincerely, Student Council
NEW *Road Work - Potential Impact*
Please be aware that Lake County has notified us that Old McHenry Rd. will be closed (from Hawthorn Woods to Rt. 22) to through traffic beginning Monday, November 8th and is scheduled to reopen on Sunday, November 21st. This will likely impact traffic patterns for the duration of the closure.
NEW * Indoor Music Concerts*
We are excited to have our students perform in concerts to showcase their talents. Students will follow school health guidance protocols as they do in their music classes.
In order for District 96 to maintain safety and health guidelines, each child will be strictly limited to 1 guest only. Guests will be provided seating in the gym that has been spaced for social distancing. Masks will be required.
The event will allow for live virtual access and will be recorded to later share with other family members or relatives unable to attend due to attendee restrictions. More information on how to access the live link will be coming soon.
NEW *First Orchestra Concert of the 21-22 school year*
ANNOUNCING! Our Very First Orchestra Concert of the Year!
- 4th Grade CM/Kildeer Orchestra Concert: Thursday, November 11th, 6:30 pm @ Woodlawn Gym
- 5th Grade CM/Kildeer Orchestra Concert: Thursday, November 11th, 7:30 pm @ Woodlawn Gym
Students should arrive 40 minutes prior to the concert, in concert attire, and with their instrument and book/folder.
We look forward to a fantastic concert!
Repeat *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 *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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Coat Drive Ends Friday, November 12th: make sure to send in new, unused coats to donate towards Shelter Inc.
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Toy Drive begins November 15th: we love to be able to help the community. Be on the lookout for when to send in your new, unwrapped toys to help kids in need!
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Ladies Night Shopping Fundraiser, TBA: get ready to shop & help support the PTO! We will be providing an update soon on when and where!
Check out the blog!
Can you believe that our first trimester of the school year officially ends next Friday, November 12? Report cards will be made available on Friday, November 19th! We look forward to celebrating our students from the first trimester.
Have a great weekend and don't forget about the time change!
Fondly,
Mrs. Vail Kieser
Principal