Dear Kildeer Families,
We’d like to congratulate our band and orchestra students for their very first performance of the school year. Concerts have always been a way to celebrate our students’ talents for music and we are glad to have them back. It goes without saying how incredibly hard they have worked to prepare for the occasion, and I’m sure it felt a little unnerving to perform in front of the in-person and remote audience. However, they persevered and we could not be prouder. Let’s give a special shout-out to our band and orchestra teachers, Mr. Craw and Mrs. Ok, for creating an environment where students can thrive!
Additionally, we are officially one-third of the way through the school year. Do me a favor and make sure your children get some kudos this weekend for being hard workers during the first trimester. We cannot wait to see where they go next!
NEW *Parent Drop-off REMINDER*
For the safety of our Kildeer students, please do not get out of your car when dropping your students in the Parent Drop-off line. If you would like to walk your student to the entrance, please park in the designated parking spaces and walk them on the sidewalk. Thank you.
NEW *The Weather*
This is just a gentle reminder to ensure your children come to school with the appropriate outdoor clothing. We do our best to have recess outside as much as possible and want to ensure our students are dressed for the weather. Thanks for your help!
NEW *Report Card Explanation*
Reports will be released to parents on Friday, November 19th at approximately 3:00pm. Please click HERE to listen to a brief explanation of our standards-based reporting system.
NEW *Parent to Parent Network*
Parent to Parent Network is hosting a wonderful opportunity to learn more about security and safety on virtual platforms from two of our own. This virtual session is “Family Tech Talk,” featuring Lucas Cowden, the District’s Director of Technology, and Buffalo Grove Police Officer Essig, KCSD 96’s Resource Officer.
“Family Tech Talk” runs from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17. To register, click here.
NEW *Symptoms, Close contacts, and Quarantine*
If you have any questions about symptoms, close contacts or quarantining please visit the IDPH Decision Tree posted on the District 96 COVID-19 webpage.
Additionally, as winter break approaches, please note the guidelines for unvaccinated individuals and international travel posted on the District 96 COVID-19 webpage.
NEW *Next Week Calendar Reminders*
- Monday, 11/15- IL School Board Member's Recognition Day
- Wednesday, 11/17- ESP Recognition Day
- Thursday, 11/18- Family Reading Night
- Friday, 11/19- Report Cards Issued
Repeat *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.
Members of the student council have partnered together to share words of support and encouragement. They've recently been digging into the idea of a "growth mindset". Here is a picture of the bulletin board to demonstrate their commitment to thinking positively and supporting all of our students!
Repeat *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.
Repeat * 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.
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 *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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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!
Let's end this week with a shout-out to our 5th graders. Our tradition of "Picnic with the Principals" has officially returned and we've already had a lot of fun with three of our classes. If you are new to Kildeer, this is a dedicated time when Mr. Higgins and I spend lunch with a class of students. Instead of us eating at the same time, we take the opportunity to ask questions and answer questions. This is absolutely one of my favorite times to spend with our Kildeer cougars.
Have a great weekend ahead!
Fondly,
Mrs. Vail Kieser
Principal