Principal's Message
We are moving into week six next week and we have definitely gotten into routines with both our RLA and in-person students. It has been great to visit some class Zoom sessions and see the ease with which our RLA students can hop between classes and Zoom sessions and navigate their online assignments!
Our in-person students are getting into the rhythm as well and have been practicing creative and socially-distanced ways to collaborate, play games, and give one another feedback. To encourage in-person student motivation to follow our safety procedures, today we're beginning a raffle ticket incentive--rewarding in-person classes showing these skills throughout the day with a raffle ticket. We'll pull a ticket on October 7th and the winning class(es) will receive a special lunch with me on October 9th. We'll be in touch with families of the winning classes on October 8th to help with lunch planning.
I wish an easy fast to those of you observing Yom Kippur. Enjoy the long weekend.
Warmly,
Ginny
Halloween News for All
Unfortunately, due to social distancing restrictions, we will be unable to hold our annual Halloween parade around the neighborhood this year. However, we’re still excited to allow students the fun of observing Halloween during school. Here are a few notes about what Halloween will look like this year.
*Costumes will be allowed in K-5 for both in-person and RLA students. If your child chooses to wear a costume, please observe the following guidelines:
- Costumes will be worn all day. We’re discouraging parents from picking up in-person students for lunch this year as this will create challenges for social distancing.
- Costumes for ALL students must not be overly scary and may not include replica weapons or excessive blood or gore.
- Costumes for in-person students must allow for the following:
- Hands not covered and able to be washed/use sanitizer
- Students should be able to sit comfortably for the day
- Students should be able to use the bathroom without assistance
- Students' faces should be visible so that they are able to wear a typical face mask with their costume
- Please avoid inflatable or extra large costumes
*In lieu of PTO-organized classroom parties, students will participate in fun, socially-distanced activities throughout the day. We will work with our PTO to provide individually-wrapped craft bags for our RLA students that will be available for pick-up on 10/28.
Dressing Appropriately for Fall Weather, In-Person Students
This year students will be outside more than ever. With our first colder week last week, we noticed that some students were complaining about being cold and wishing they had brought a jacket or sweatshirt to school. Most students are dressing warm enough for recess when they are able to move around, but it feels very different when students are sitting still in the shade eating lunch. With that in mind, it might be a good idea for your student to keep a sweatshirt, jacket, or blanket at school in case they find the need for a bit more warmth during the day. Please make sure to label all clothing/blankets that students bring to school.
Safety Drills Update, In-Person Students
Our in-person students completed the state-required bus evacuation drill this week. They did great and were flexible with sanitizing hands and staying apart. Next week, we will have our Northbrook Police Department liaison join us for an adapted lockdown drill. Students will not "hide" in the room for the drill, but will instead stay at their desks and practice being silent, listening to directions, and ensuring the classroom door is locked. We will complete one adapted fire drill with the Northbrook Fire Department in the next couple of weeks.
Fall Assessment News for All *repeat*
As shared previously, this year, all 2nd through 5th graders will take the MAP Reading and Math assessments this fall. The window begins next week for in-person students (see dates below). RLA students will also take MAP this fall. We'll also be reading with students using a common assessment tool to gauge approximate reading levels and areas of strength and for development. Our K and 1st students will be working with teachers 1:1 with the AIMSWeb+ benchmark assessment tool in both math and reading. All of these data points are joined together with the wealth of knowledge we're collecting about students in class to help teachers make instructional decisions. Please contact your child's teacher with any questions.
In-person MAP testing schedule:
- 4th grade: 9/25 & 9/30
- 3rd grade: 10/2 & 10/7
- 2nd grade: 10/9 & 10/13
