This is it. The last Principal’s Blog of the year. I sense your sadness as you read this. I promise to be back in August and I want to say thank you to all of the parents who are graduating out of D96. You have been wonderful supporters of Woodlawn and D96. I hope that everyone has a relaxing summer and is able to get out and enjoy themselves.
Graduation is Tuesday, June 1st at 5p.m. for last names A-L and 6:45p.m. for last names M-Z.
- Please have your student bring their Covid Screener Form
- 2-4 guests per family for outdoor graduation & 2 adults per family for indoor graduation
- Please do not arrive early
- Masks are required
- Social Distance 6’
- Bring a lawn chair or blanket
- Enjoy the moment
Memorial Day
This country, of which I am so proud of is built upon the members of our military, both men and women, who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. I hope we all take a moment to honor their memory.
June 3rd is a half day for 6th and 7th graders. Dismissal is at 11:10AM.
8th Graders do not have school on June 1st, 2nd, or 3rd.
Yearbooks
6th and 7th Grade Yearbooks - REMOTE AND IN PERSON STUDENTS PLEASE READ
We will be distributing 6th and 7th grade yearbooks to the IN PERSON STUDENTS on June 3rd before they leave for the day.
REMOTE STUDENTS can pick up their yearbooks on June 2nd or June 3rd from 7AM- 3PM.
REQUIRED SUMMER READING & OPTIONAL WEEKLY SUMMER LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
To keep learning going all summer, District faculty developed a 10-week summer curriculum with required reading for incoming students in KDG–Grade 8 AND optional math review activities. In addition, optional fun activities in the areas of STEM, music, writing, and more are also designated by week. SEE SUMMER ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES
The SUMMER READING webpage includes Book Lists for optional reading for Early Childhood–Grade 5 as well as the required reading assignment for middle school students entering Grades 6–8. Note that required summer reading for students entering KDG–Grade 5 is found in the SUMMER ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES resource, as described above.
Refund of 8th Graders' Positive Lunch Account Balances:
Positive lunch account balances for graduating 8th graders will be refunded.
Refund checks will be mailed by the District Business Office staff by June 4 to the home address on record.
IMPORTANT iPad Exchange Info for ALL KCSD96 Students
Action needed! This summer District 96 will exchange your student's old iPad, charging cable, charging brick, and iPad case for new equipment. You'll need to schedule an appointment to make the exchange and the exchange must occur before Aug. 1. READ DETAILS about this process and how it affects ALL District 96 students.
School Supplies
It is time to order school supplies for the 21-22 school year. Please click on the link below to order.
Access the ordering information.
Vernon Area Public Library Online Teen Volunteer Upcoming Summer Opportunities
The Vernon Area Public Library will be starting a new online summer volunteer program on Sat., June 5. The program will run through Sun., Aug. 8, 2021.
This program is designed for teens in Grades 7–12 and will provide an opportunity to volunteer from home. Students do not need to fill out applications or go through any training. Teens can volunteer as their schedule allows.
Please select from a list of projects on the website (which will be live on June 5): https://guides.vapld.info/teenvolunteers.
(Please note that School District 96 does not track or provide recognition for student volunteer hours.)
For more information, contact Teen Volunteer Coordinator Diane Presta, [email protected], 224.543.1485.
Finally, we have all heard the quote, “The journey is the reward.” With a couple of days left in the school year, I am going to declare this year a success. I believe that this community and staff have learned a lot about each other. I know that our teachers have appreciated the overwhelming support from families and visa versa. I get to oversee all of this and, as trying as it has been, we have absolutely done our best. I just want to thank everyone for their support and commitment to our students.
I want to thank one person. Ellen Gartenberg is retiring in a couple of days. Ellen has been a fierce advocate for students through the years. She pushed students to achieve, often surprising those to achieve more than they ever thought possible. Ellen has been a leader and an absolute piller of support for her team, this school and myself. I know it is hard for her to walk away from her passion and calling, but after 32 years, Ellen deserves time for her family and travels. Thank you Ellen, you will be missed.
I hope that you were able to get a chuckle every now and then from this blog. I will be back in the fall and we will do it again. Thank you and have a wonderful summer.
Thank you again, Greg Grana