We are into single digits on the number of school days left. Incredible. Beginning today after school, we will start celebrating our 8th-grade students. This is an outstanding group and one that I am so proud of for several reasons. We just have a few items in the blog this week, so it should be a quick read.
Upcoming Dates:
5/23- Half Day- Students dismissed at 11:10 a.m.
5/23- Last Day for 8th Graders
5/26- No School
5/27- 8th Grade Graduation 5:30 p.m.
5/29- Last Day for 6th and 7th Graders
5/29- Half Day- Students dismissed at 11:10 a.m.
Talent Show
Our Woodlawn Talent Show was this past Thursday. Our students had dance numbers, singing, poetry readings, an orchestra ensemble, and a drum solo. The students did an amazing job and I had a wonderful time watching this show. Congratulations to all of our participants.
Stevenson High School Summer Reading
Parents, you can access the summer reading program for SHS by clicking this link.
Dental Exams for 6th Grade Students ONLY
Please note that your child’s completed dental examination has an upcoming due date, per Illinois school law. The deadline for the dental examination is due no later than May 15 of the current school year. Proof of this required dental examination must have been completed within eighteen months prior to the May 15 deadline.
If you haven’t already done so, please make an appointment with your child’s dentist for a dental examination, have him/or her complete the required form, and return it to your child’s school nurse.
State of Illinois Proof of Dental Examination Form - Click Here
In the event that you are unable to fulfill this requirement, the state of Illinois does permit a waiver of the examination - Click here
If you have any questions, please contact Denise Kaufmann [email protected].
NEW *Student Summer Tech*
As we approach the end of the school year, we want to take a moment to touch base about student technology and expectations as we wrap up our time with students. Similar to this time last year, KCSD96 will collect all devices before the break and return them when students come back in the fall. Please note, that students will not be required to back up any of their files as their data will still be in place when they get their iPads back in the fall.
Teachers will be collecting the following items:
For Grades K, 1, and 8:
- iPad
- Case
- Logitech Crayon
- Block Charger + USB-C cable
- Optional: USB-C audio adapters
For Grades 2-7
- iPad
- Case
- Logitech Crayon
- Optional: USB-C audio adapters
This process allows us to track inventory, so everything is ready for the 2025-26 school year. Additionally, it gives us the opportunity to set clear expectations with students about responsible device use when they receive them in the fall. It also helps us protect our resources by reducing the chances of devices being lost, stolen, or damaged. Finally, by keeping devices at school, we support healthier summer habits focused on outdoor play, social-emotional growth, family time, and rest.
Please note, that students who attend ESY will have access to their devices while they are here learning. Additionally, if a student uses their device as a communication tool, the district will not be collecting their device over the summer. If you have any questions, please reach out to Jessica Barnes or Kasie Dolan.
Virtual Backpacks
District Virtual Backpack: https://www.kcsd96.org/about/virtual-backpack
Woodlawn Virtual Backpack: https://www.kcsd96.org/w/virtual-backpack
Finally, there have been a bunch of lasts for me, but for years, the bowling party has been one of my favorite activities. It seems counterintuitive to enjoy bringing 175 of your closest 14-year-old friends to a public bowling alley, but our students are fun, respectful, and very well-behaved. Oftentimes, I am invited to join their lane and show off my mad bowling skills, and my sad 120 average. Some of the things that students struggle with are going one at a time on a lane and only having one person on the wooden part of the lane at a time. For years we have worked through that and have had a wonderful time. It is so amazing to see the growth in all 8th-grade students as they progress through middle school. They come in children and leave here as a much more confident young adult. They have a sense of humor, understand sarcasm, and are a pleasure to talk with. Parents, you have done a great job with this group and I could not think of a better group to walk out with. Personally, bowling holds a very special place in my heart, because of my dad. He would take me bowling every so often and he had a smooth, left-handed ball that curved right into the pocket, seemingly every single time. He would also watch bowling (The Pro Bowlers Tour/ABC) on Saturday afternoons. I could not think of anything more boring but my dad was a wonderful man with a bad back and incredible baseball knowledge. My kids thought he was the biggest teddy bear in the world, whereas I often faced his thundering velvet hand. So my trip with the 8th graders is actually fun for me, for so many reasons. Have a great weekend.