MUSTANG MINUTE

As we navigate the school year, student safety remains our top priority—starting with the daily commute. School buses are statistically the safest way for students to travel to and from school, but keeping them safe takes a team effort between drivers, students, and parents.

How Families Can Help:

• Be Early, Be Visible: Have your child at the bus stop 5 minutes early. Teach them to stand at least 6 feet (3 giant steps) away from the curb while waiting.

• Respect the "Danger Zone": Children should never walk behind the bus. If they drop something near the bus, they should tell the driver immediately rather than bending down to pick it up.

• Follow the Stop Arm: When driving near school buses, remember that red flashing lights and an extended stop arm mean stop. Never attempt to pass a bus loading or unloading students.

• Review Bus Rules at Home: Remind your child to remain seated, keep their hands inside the windows, and use quiet voices so the driver can focus on the road.

Thank you for partnering with us to ensure every child arrives at school and returns home safely every single day!

We are excited to capture your student's smile! Please keep the following details in mind to help the day run smoothly:

• Attire: Solid colors photograph best

• Order Forms: Please complete and return paper order forms with payment on or before Picture Day. If ordering online, follow the instructions on the form provided by the photography vendor.

• Arrival: Photography begins promptly in the morning. Please ensure your child arrives on time so they don't miss their scheduled class slot.

Thank you for your help in making Picture Day a success!

Mark your calendars! Join us for a fun-filled community evening where your favorite teachers and staff trade in their gradebooks for McDonald's aprons.!

Event Details:

Come grab dinner, say hello to school staff as they work behind the counter, greeting families, and serving up meals. A portion of all proceeds generated during the event will directly benefit our school programs.

We can't wait to see our school community there!

Fourth and Fifth Grade Parents/Guardians:

Martin School offers an IN-HOUSE intramural program called “Team-Oriented Games!” In the first session, for six days, participants will learn about and play Ultimate Kickball, Matball, Tee-Softball and Kickball. These are active, team-oriented activities that promote personal fitness, sportsmanship and teamwork. All practices will be held after school from 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM. Parents are required to provide transportation home for their child.

The First Session:

Monday, Sept. 14, Tuesday, Sept. 15 & Thursday, Sept. 17

Monday, Sept. 21, Tuesday, Sept. 22 & Wednesday, Sept. 23

Every participant MUST have a current Physical OR Sports Physical on file with the school nurse PRIOR to practicing. The physical must have taken place within the last calendar year. You can download the form at district41.org, Parents&Students>Forms>HealthServices>SportsPhysical or by scanning the QR code.

We had some GREAT attendance numbers for the month of August for the time students were ON-SITE, but we also have some room to grow!

🏆 Kindergarten led the way in August at 98.9%
4th Grade – 97.6%

We would LOVE grade levels met or exceeded our 97% attendance goal! 🎉

5th Grade – 96.4%

1st Grade – 96.3%
3rd grade– 96.1%
2nd Grade – 95.4%

Parents, we need your help getting EVERY grade level above that 97% line! Every day your child is at school is another day of learning, growing, and being part of what is happening at Martin School.

Of course, if your child is sick, we want them home getting better. But when they are healthy, we need them here!

Every day counts. Every minute matters.

Dear Mustang Families,

We are so grateful for the continued support and involvement of our amazing parents and guardians! As we plan for upcoming events and activities, we welcome volunteers to help make these experiences meaningful and memorable for our students.

In order to volunteer at Martin School, we ask that ALL interested individuals complete a Volunteer Information Form and Waiver of Liability. These forms help us ensure a safe and organized environment for everyone.

Some of the wonderful ways you can volunteer include:

• Field Day
  
  

• Mystery Reader in the classroom
  
  

• Chaperoning Field Trips
  
  

• And many more opportunities throughout the year!
  
  

Please complete and return the attached form if you are going to be volunteering at Martin this school year!! Thank you for being a vital part of the Martin School community. We look forward to working together to create great memories for our students!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Curriculum Night! It was wonderful connecting with so many of our families and sharing our goals for the upcoming school year.

If you weren't able to make it—or if you simply want to review the information—we’ve attached the full slideshow presentation below.

Click Here to View the Curriculum Night Slideshow

Please don't hesitate to reach out directly to your child's teacher if you have any follow-up questions. We are looking forward to a fantastic, collaborative year ahead!

The State of Illinois requires vision and hearing screening to be completed on an annual basis.

The purpose of vision and hearing screening is to aid in the detection of school-age children who have or are at risk for developing vision and hearing disorders.

Vision screening is required for preschool, kindergarten, 2nd grade, 8th grade, special education students, transfer students, and teacher referrals.

Hearing screening is required for preschool, kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, special education students, transfer students, and teacher referrals.

Vision and hearing screenings will take place throughout the school year at all District schools.

As we kick off a great new school year, please take a few minutes to review our Student Handbook with your child. It contains important details regarding school policies, attendance guidelines, dress codes, safety procedures, and student expectations designed to keep our school running smoothly and safely for everyone.

Reviewing the handbook together ensures that you and your student know what to expect and helps set everyone up for a successful year.

👉 Click here for a copy

Thank you for your partnership in fostering a positive, safe, and supportive environment for all our students!

A HUGE thank you to Ms. Parmley, Mrs. Short, Mrs. Roggy, Mrs. Weiser, and Ms. Williamson for organizing yet another summer MATH/READING program!!!!! THANK YOU!!

A round of applause to all of the students who completed a summer reading or math log! Our dedicated learners were rewarded with a delicious popsicle treat to celebrate their hard work. Individual achievements were honored with certificates, reading medals, and math bracelets—such an amazing achievement!
A heartfelt thank you goes out to all of our staff for your help with distributing and encouraging these logs. Thanks to your support, we had over 70 participants this year!

At Martin School, bullying of any kind, by any person, is unacceptable. All students should be free from worries about being bullied. Students who bully others must be taught other, appropriate ways of interacting with peers. The purpose of this letter is to provide you with information concerning the School District’s anti-bullying program and to encourage you to help us identify students who are being bullied.

The School Board policy on bullying begins with this goals statement:

Bullying, intimidation, and harassment diminish a student’s ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate. Preventing students from engaging in these disruptive behaviors is an important District goal.

Bullying is defined as follows:

Bullying means any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including communications made in writing or electronically, directed toward a student that has or can be reasonably predicted to have the effect of one or more of the following:

1. Placing the student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s person or property.

2. Causing a substantially detrimental effect on the student’s physical or mental health.

3. Substantially interfering with the student’s academic performance.

4. Substantially interfering with the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.

Bullying, intimidation, and/or harassment may take various forms, including without limitation: threats, stalking, physical violence, sexual harassment, theft, public humiliation, destruction of property, or retaliation for asserting or alleging an act of bullying.

We ask for your active partnership in keeping Martin School a safe, supportive space for every child. If you ever suspect or become aware that your child—or another student—is experiencing bullying, please report it to a school staff member, teacher, or administrator immediately. By working together to identify concerns early, we can address behaviors, support affected students, and ensure a positive learning environment where all children feel valued and secure.

We are committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment. The Report a Concern form offers students and parents a confidential way to report any issues or concerns. Submissions are reviewed by the appropriate school staff, who will investigate and respond as needed.

This process helps ensure all reports are taken seriously, documented properly, and addressed promptly. It also allows the school to identify behavior patterns and take preventive action when necessary.

Attendance in elementary school is essential for academic success, skill development, and socialization. Regular attendance ensures children do not miss critical lessons, helping them perform better academically and develop foundational skills in reading, writing, and math. It also fosters social skills and friendships, establishes routine and discipline, and provides access to necessary support systems. Consistent attendance also encourages parental involvement and sets the stage for long-term educational and career success. Your children need to be at Martin School all day, every day!

A HUGE thank you to BOTH Antioch Traveling Closet and Castle Autoplex of McHenry for their incredibly generous donation of backpacks packed with school supplies!

Because of their support, our students are stepping into the new school year fully equipped and ready to learn with brand-new bags, notebooks, pencils, and essential classroom supplies. Community partners make a lasting impact on our school family, helping us ensure every child starts the year with confidence and the tools they need to succeed.

Please join us in sending a huge THANK YOU to them for supporting our students!

We are proud to continue our Student of the Month Ceremony, a special recognition event that highlights students who consistently demonstrate the 8 Habits of the Leader in Me. Each month, we will focus on one habit and recognize students who consistently model that leadership trait in their words and actions. From Being Proactive to Finding Their Voice, our students are learning how to lead themselves and others in positive ways. We look forward to celebrating their growth and leadership throughout the year!

In October at Olive C. Martin School, we are focusing on Habit #1: Be Proactive—the foundation of personal leadership. Being proactive means taking responsibility for our actions, attitudes, and choices. Instead of reacting to situations, proactive leaders pause, think, and make thoughtful decisions. Students will learn that they are in charge of themselves and that their choices shape their success. We’re excited to see our Mustangs take the lead and begin the year with a proactive mindset!

At Olive C. Martin School, we believe that strong partnerships between parents, teachers, and school leaders create the best learning environment for our students. That’s why we’re excited to invite you to be part of our new Parent Advisory Committee (PAC)!

What is the Parent Advisory Committee?

The PAC is a group of parents and guardians who work closely with the school administration to provide input, share ideas, and collaborate on initiatives that benefit our students and school community. This committee serves as a bridge between families and the school, ensuring that parent voices are heard and valued.

Why Join the PAC?

• Have a Say – Share your thoughts on school practices, programs, and initiatives.

• Stay Informed – Get updates on school events, curriculum, and upcoming decisions.

• Build Community – Connect with other parents and school staff to support student success.

• Make a Difference – Help shape the future of our school and create a positive learning environment.

How Can You Get Involved?

Please contact Dr. Klene if you are interested in serving on the PAC.

Dates:

Thursday, September 24th: 3:15-4:15 PM

Thursday, January 14th: 3:15-4:15 PM

Thursday, May 20th: 3:15-4:15 PM

Thank you for being a vital part of our school community!

District 41 puts students and staff first. Our goal is always to have students at school, when we can do so safely. Therefore, the district considers several factors when determining whether to close schools due to extreme weather, including data provided by the National Weather Service, including the temperature, windchill, and warnings. Although we strive each and every time to make the best decision regarding in-person or remote learning, oftentimes, no perfect decision exists. If school is not canceled and a parent and/or guardian feels their child is safer at home, they may reserve the right to keep them home. Keeping a child home due to weather will be recorded as an excused absence on the student's record as long as the parent and/or guardian report the absence to the school. Additionally, parents/guardians may choose to drop off/pick up their child from school.

The following are some criteria that are used when making school closure decisions. Invariably, there will be situations that do not fit into these guidelines, in which case the administration will do its best to provide cancellation information to families as soon as possible.

COLD DAYS - The National Weather Service predicts wind chills below -30 degrees, with other conditions considered.

SNOW DAYS - Heavy snow or icy conditions overnight or that worsen during the day.

E-LEARNING DAYS - An E-Learning Day may be an alternative to being fully closed. These days do not need to be made up at the end of the year. Students and staff would be notified before the end of the preceding day to bring their Chromebooks home. The e-Learning Plan is available on the District website under ‘Parents and Guardians Resources.’

Other Considerations

Multiple conditions that may include blowing snow, winds greater than 20 mph, heavy snow accumulations during travel times, hazardous driving conditions, ice accumulation, the ability of buses to start due to extreme cold, and power or phone outages.

A district-wide alert will be sent out via phone and email as early as possible. Parents can also check the district’s website. If schools are open due to weather, parents may keep a child home. They will be marked as excused.

If schools are closed...

District 41 Administration will do its best to provide cancellation information to families as soon as possible. District 41 will notify parents by 1:00 PM the previous school day of an e-Learning Day due to extreme weather. Parents will be notified with a target by 5:30 AM if schools need to close entirely for the day. The district makes every effort to inform parents as soon as possible. If schools are closed for the day, all after-school activities in the district, including sports and evening events, will be canceled unless otherwise communicated.

If schools are not closed…

If school is not canceled and a parent and/or guardian feels their child is safer at home, they may reserve the right to keep them home. Keeping a child home due to weather will be recorded as an excused absence on the student's record as long as the parent and/or guardian report the absence to the school in a timely manner. If school is already in session and conditions begin to worsen, the district will decide by 1:00 PM whether after-school activities will be canceled for that afternoon.

How is the decision to cancel school made?

Superintendents from area districts start communicating with each other as soon as the weather reports start to look threatening. District 41 collaborates with the Millburn, Emmons, Grass Lake, Lakes High School, Woodland, Grayslake Elementary, Grayslake High School, Gavin, Big Hollow, Fox Lake, and Grant High School superintendents. The superintendents generally attempt to reach a consensus on school closures. When area school districts make various decisions, the full District 41 administrative team finalizes the decision.

Reminder that the District provides free and reduced meals for students who qualify.

To apply for Free/Reduced meals visit our website under Food Service.

Click here for information on how to create a meal account for food purchases.

Paid Lunch is $3.85 and reduced lunch is $.40.
Paid breakfast is $2.20 and reduced rate breakfast is $0.30.

As a reminder-

No personal communication devices, including but not limited to cell phones, are

allowed to be used during the school day. Smartwatches may be worn and used as

watches. However, they may not be used as communication devices. At the middle

school, communication devices should be off or disabled, and phones should be in

lockers. At the elementary school, communication devices should be off or disabled,

and phones should be in lockers or in backpacks. In addition, personal communication

devices should not be used until students are outside of the school building at the end

of the school day.

Accessing the Family Support Hub:

Visit ilclassroom.com to access the Family Support Hub without logging in. Click the “Explore Curricula” button at the bottom of the screen and navigate to your student’s subject and grade!

Please click this link to access the Illustrative Mathematics Parent Information.

Mark your calendars for an exciting year ahead with our PTO! Beyond Thursday, we have a packed lineup of events, including the regular monthly meetings, McTeacher Night, a Meat Raffle, a Parent Night Out, and MUCH more!! Stay tuned for specific times and details for each event—we can't wait to partner with you to make this school year unforgettable for our students!

Darlene Kuxhouse

847-245-3400 x 31001

Kindergarten and New District #41 Students

Health Requirements Per the State of Illinois

* Physical Exam Form

* Up-to-date Immunization Records

* Eye Exam

* Dental Exam

Illinois State Health Requirements:

• All Incoming Kindergarten students must have ALL health requirements (see below)

• All Out-of-State Transfer Students must have ALL health requirements (see below)

Health Requirements:

• Current Physical exam and up-to-date immunizations are due by OCTOBER 15TH, 2026

• Dental exam dated 11/15/2025 to current

• Current Eye Exam (from Optometrist or Ophthalmologist)

Hearing and Vision Screenings:

During the school year, vision and/or hearing screenings are conducted for students. Please see the student/parent handbook for further information. Additional information will be coming home to families at a later date.

Fueling our minds with healthy food supports student concentration, energy, and overall wellness throughout the school day.

District #41 has recently updated our approved list for classroom snacks. Please remember that this list applies specifically to snacks eaten in the classroom-individual lunchbox choices remain up to your family.

👉 Click here to see the latest approved classroom snack list

At the beginning of each school year, school districts, charter schools, and non-public schools are required to notify parents and guardians of the availability of ISBE’s Resource Guide: https://www.isbe.net/Documents/Faiths-Law-Resource-Guide.pdf

September 4-Teacher Institute Day-No School

September 7- Labor Day-No School

September 14- Fall Picture Day

September 14- Board of Education Meeting District Office 7:00 PM

September 28- Board of Education Meeting District Office 7:00 PM

October 8- Parent Teacher Conferences-Noon-8:00 PM - No School

October 9- Parent Teacher Conferences-7:30-12:30 PM - No School

October 12- Columbus Day - No School

November 3- Non Attendance Day - No School

November 5-Music Concert Grade 5 @ 6:30 PM