The Weekly Update #4

Students in 3rd–5th grade will take the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) on April 7–9 at 9:45 AM, and again on April 14 and 15. On April 14 and 15, 3rd and 4th grade will test at 8:45 AM, and 5th grade will test at 12:15 PM.

You can help your child feel confident and prepared by making sure they get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and arrive at school on time during testing days. Encouragement from home can also help students do their best and feel relaxed. Thank you for supporting our students during this time!

House Bill 6193, better known as Erin’s Law, was signed by Governor Pat Quinn on January 24, 2013. This law requires public schools to implement an age-appropriate sexual abuse awareness and prevention curriculum for all students in grades Pre-K – 12. The Erin’s Law requirements in statute have not changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and are the same regardless of the learning environment utilized by the school (i.e., in-person, blended, or fully remote). Below are some best practices and special considerations for the delivery of sensitive content in the various learning environments."

In District 181, we have adopted the Child Lures Prevention Curriculum to meet this mandate. Mrs. Gillmar (our school social worker) and your child’s classroom teacher will be teaching a one-time, developmentally appropriate lesson during the week of April 27th.

The presentation incorporates concepts and skills taken from lessons within the Child Lures Prevention Curriculum that are developmentally appropriate based upon grade levels. The presentation was aligned with learning standards that focus on teaching students basic skills to help keep them safe from abusive or dangerous situations. The presentation emphasizes healthy and safe relationships through interactive activities and discussions. Some concepts discussed during the presentation includes:

• Body Awareness Skills

• Healthy Choices

• Personal Boundaries

• Appropriate Relationships

• Safety Rules

• Self-Advocacy Skills

We have also created a webpage specifically addressing Erin’s Law, with background information and an overview of the curriculum we have adopted. Visit www.d181.org > Families > Services and Report>Erin’s Law. If you have questions or would like to opt out, contact Sarah Gillmar, School Social Worker @ SGillmar@d181.org

During the months of February and March, Prospect Panthers focused on the P.R.I.D.E. trait of Determination. Students were reminded that learning can sometimes be challenging, but determination means continuing to try, even when something feels difficult. As the quote says, “Fall down seven times, stand up eight.”

Throughout these weeks, students practiced perseverance by trying three strategies before asking for help, setting personal academic goals, and showing a growth mindset when faced with challenging tasks. Teachers and staff also recognized students who demonstrated consistent effort, resilience, and the ability to work through tough tasks.

It has been wonderful to see our students build confidence as they learn to push through challenges and keep trying.

As we move into April and May, our P.R.I.D.E. focus will shift to Engagement, encouraging students to stay actively involved in their learning, participate in class, and finish the school year strong.

“Eat the Rainbow” Optional Challenge

Attention Panthers: This year the EcoPanthers are challenging you to make earth and health-conscious choices. Starting the week of 4/21, we hope you accept the challenge of “Eating the Rainbow”. Your task will be to try and eat colorful fruits and vegetables from the Eat the Rainbow flyer. You can wear the colors that represent the fruits and veggies each day too! Use your flyer to keep track of the various fruits and vegetables you try each day.

By eating more fruits and vegetables for each meal, you will not only fuel your body with nutritious foods, you will also help to create less waste. Don’t forget to compost your scraps at lunch, too!

Earn Paws!

On Friday, April 24th, 5th grade EcoPanthers will be visiting each classroom with Green Paws worth 5 points. If you have your Eat the Rainbow pages printed and completed you will earn the Green Paw. This special paw represents your extra effort in reducing waste and making healthier choices!

“Trashless Tuesdays”

In addition to Eating the Rainbow, we are promoting “Trashless Tuesday” during EARTH Week : TUESDAY APRIL, 21st! Every Tuesday moving forward, we will ask you to try and bring in a trashless lunch.

Tips on how to go “Trashless”:

Small changes can make a big difference for the environment!

1) Choose a reusable lunch box or bag. Skip paper bags.

2) Ditch plastics that are meant to be used one time and then thrown away. We’re talking about plastic utensils, straws, and zip-top bags.

3) Use a refillable bottle for all beverages. They’re not only for water. Plastic bottles and juice boxes contribute to our waste.

4) Opt for fresh, whole fruits instead of pre-packaged slices or pieces. Bananas and oranges come in their own natural packaging!

5) Say no to Styrofoam.

6) Refuse plastic and paper bags when picking up takeout.

7) Don’t overpack. Pack only what will be eaten to eliminate wasted food. We waste more than one-third of our food, according to national estimates.

8) Bring salad dressing, condiments and dips in reusable containers. This will reduce waste, plus those single-serving items can be expensive.

9) Start small. Take stock of your daily lunch and consider one item you could do without or replace with a more sustainable choice.

Remember to keep composting daily, too!!!

The Community House will be offering the Before and After the Bell programs at Prospect School to help meet the needs of our families.

The Community House Registration

For more information about either program, please contact Karen Kaspar at 630-323-7500 ext. 248 or at kkaspar@thecommunityhouse.org