September 10, 2021

Good evening GRES Families,

We have many exciting things happening next week:

  • Curriculum Night is next Thursday, 9/16/21 from 5:00-7:00pm. The current plan is to provide videos for families to view at home AND to offer an in-person option for those that are comfortable. Please sign-up for a time slot here so that we can ensure social distancing by limiting the number of people in a classroom at any one time (there are three time slots to choose from). Anyone attending will be asked to show a green checkmark indicating that you have passed the health questionnaire prior to entering the building. The link and QR code are accessible by clicking on the green checkmark below. Please know that if our COVID numbers increase, there may be a change to our current plan.
  • We are beginning our emergency safety drills next week, specifically starting with the bus evacuation drills on Monday and Tuesday during PE.
  • In an effort to reduce or eliminate having to quarantine students due to social distancing requirements, we will be adjusting what lunch looks like beginning next week. We will be ironing out issues over the course of the week so that all students will be able to be 6 feet apart from their closest neighbor. This means that if students stay in their seat during lunch, we should not have to quarantine students due to lunch time.


And a few important reminders we want to bring to your attention:
  • In alignment with our current policies (not new), students may NOT bring things to distribute for special events (birthdays, parties, good-byes, etc.).
  • If you need to deliver lunch for your child(ren), please know items can only be dropped off for your own child(ren). You may not provide food for other students.
  • It may also be helpful and reduce waiting time if families can review with their child(ren) as part of the morning routine how they are getting home each day.
  • For the families that walk or bike-ride with their child(ren) to school, please stay back at the yellow gate. This area is the kiss-and-drop and pick-up zone for families. Families should not be on the blacktop drive that leads around to the back of the building or in the grassy area by the bike racks.
  • Families that pick-up and drop-off via the car line:
  • students must exit on the curb side,
  • parents do not exit the vehicle, and
  • feel free to make a bright sign to help your child(ren) recognize the car.
  • The green check times out after completing the daily health certification; please take a green check to prevent having to do it again!
  • Please send an extra mask with your child in a ziploc bag that can be kept in their backpack should they need to change it part way through the day.
  • We still have Kindergarten yard signs if you'd like to pick one up.
  • Most importantly, we'd like to fill our remaining open positions. Currently, we are looking for a paraprofessional (full time) and lunch recess supervisors (10:30am-12:50pm).

We appreciate any feedback you wish to provide as we believe we are a team working towards the same goal! :)

Sincerely,
Michele Breyne
GRES Principal
Intramurals
In compliance with the state guidance, Yorkville is excited to be offering in-person athletic intramurals for the 21-22 school year for co-ed cross country, co-ed volleyball, girls basketball, boys basketball, and co-ed soccer. All athletic activities will adhere to the levels of play allowed per the Governor and strict social distancing protocols will be followed. Masks will be required for indoor sports and students will need to bring their own water bottles.  

Completing THIS google form serves as registration for your student and includes information about requirements, timelines and costs to participate.  Registered students will receive an email from the building coaching staff with specific information regarding their sport.

Y115 Return to Play Waiver - Following Covid Infection
Arrival & Dismissal
One of the other routines that is really coming together is our morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up. All good things come with time...as we repeat this procedure daily, our times waiting in line are decreasing! The line goes much smoother when all hugs, kisses, and good-byes are provided as you wait on Grande Trail. In the morning when staff waves you up, please pull as far up as possible and encourage your child(ren) to get out as quickly as possible.

In the afternoon, please focus on pulling up, the available staff will help locate your child. We have noticed several families parking on Grande Trail by the park. For any families that do so, please use the blacktop path to walk over by the yellow gate and wait for your child to meet you. It may be a good idea to review every morning with your child how they will be getting home ("don't forget, you're taking the bus this afternoon," "meet at the yellow gate and we'll walk together," "watch for us in the blue truck," etc.). In addition, if someone different than normal will be picking your child(ren) up, please share this information with them so they know who to expect. If you think it may help, we are happy to provide bright colored paper for those who would like to make an eye-catching sign to hang in the window that may help your child(ren) recognize your car quicker. Please ask your child's teacher, and we'll send it home next week. If nothing else, it's a great activity to do as a family.

As a safety measure, we are talking with individual families when necessary to keep ALL students out of the parking lot. Parking in the parking lot to expedite dropping off or picking up your child is not allowed. Again, our goal is to keep our students safe and we can do that by working together! Please know that due to short- or long-term individual safety needs (students with wheelchairs, on crutches, or with impairments, etc.), we have made arrangements for a small number of our families (less than 1%) to park and pick up their child. To find out if you are eligible, please contact the office. We appreciate your understanding and trust in our decisions.
Nurse's Notes
Many of the same mitigating health factors are still in place from last year.
  • This includes when ANY family member is sick, ALL family members MUST stay home while waiting for test results. Please contact the school nurse any time positive results are acquired.
  • This also includes mask requirements. Masks need to prevent droplets from being released. Mesh masks, masks with valves, vents, openings, holes, or visible gaps in the design or material are NOT allowed.
PTO Information
The next PTO Meeting will be on 9/22/21 in the GRES Computer Lab or via Zoom, 4:30pm.

The Grande Reserve Elementary School spirit wear sale ends next week on September 15! Act fast to lock in great savings and show your school spirit. Shop Now!

Sale Highlights:
  • Tees from $16.99 ($22.09)
  • Hoodies and sweat pants
  • Ultra-soft garments
  • Free shipping on all orders over $100


If you haven't already, please take a few minutes and complete the PTO Survey.

To contact the PTO, please send an email to: grandereservepto@gmail.com.

Follow the GRES PTO and stay up to date on all the happenings at:
Fox Foodies
On Monday of next week, choice 1 will be cereal NOT Pancakes.

School Lunches are free for all students again this year! Students will be given choices each day.
Upcoming Events
9/13/21 - BOE Meeting, 7:00pm
9/16/21 - GRES 1st-6th grades Curriculum Night, 5-7:00pm.
9/22/21 - PTO Meeting at GRES Computer Lab or via Zoom, 4:30pm
Lost & Found
If one of these items belongs to you, please contact the office at 630-553-5513.
Quick Links
Nominate a Staff Member
Y Not Say Something Tip Line
QR Code & Health Certification Link

Tech Help
21-22 Y115 Family Playbook
School Lunch and Food Service Information
Transportation Change Request Form
Student Services
Referral Form
Links to Previous Newsletters
Grande Reserve Elementary School | Phone: 630-553-5513 | Fax: 630-553-5030 | www.y115.org