Mustang Memo
August 2025
Upcoming Events
March 10-12: Spring Book Fair
March 10: Book Fair Family Night
March 11: PTO Meeting
March 13: Pi Day - Stock the Lounge
March 13: Author Visit (4th & 5th Grade) 9:30am
March 16-19: IAR Testing (3rd-5th Grades)
March 19: Board Meeting
March 21-29: Spring Break
SL Running Club
Spencer Loomis Running Club is back! Do you have a child who loves to run and is in the 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade? If so, this is the club for you!
Start Date - April 7th (5 weeks, ending May 5th)
-Meets Tuesdays after school until 4pm
-30 student participant limit
Flexible distance runs (Minimum 1 mile to 3+ miles) and fun activities each week
5Essentials Survey
*Please consider taking the following survey - we need to have a 20% response rate from parents in order to receive that feedback.*
Parents/guardians, students, and teachers across Illinois are invited to share their thoughts on the important elements of school effectiveness. This survey is a key tool in ongoing efforts to improve student learning and school conditions. District 95 highly values the insights and perspectives of parents/guardians; please complete the survey to assist in shaping the educational environment and experience for students.
Survey Participation Details:
Survey Period: February 3, 2026 - March 13, 2026
Who Will Participate: All teachers and 4th through 12th-grade students
Parent/Guardian Participation: All parents/guardians are encouraged to complete the survey. A 20% or higher response rate will generate a specific parent/guardian report.
Survey Link: http://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/survey/parent/
More Information: Visit https://www.5-essentials.org/illinois
Summer Semester
As summer approaches, District 95 will once again be offering a variety of Summer Semester programs for students in kindergarten through twelfth grade, including Extended School Year (ESY).
Summer Semester Course Offerings
Please click the links below to access further information about the summer semester and the programs that will be offered. If you are having trouble viewing any of these resources or need translations, please contact Todd Jakowitsch at todd.jakowitsch@lz95.org or (847) 540-4929.
Summer Semester Registration
Summer Semester 2026 registration will open on Monday, March 16, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. and run through Friday, April 10, 2026 for in-district families. Families who are not residents of District 95 will be able to register for a limited number of courses at the high school level from April 27, 2026 - May 15, 2026.
Registration will be conducted exclusively through ParentVue, accessible via the district website (www.lz95.org) including for non-District 95 families.
Wellness Corner
New this semester, we will be sharing additional information about a variety of student wellness topics for parent/guardian information. Please read on for additional information!
Community-based Resources
In addition to building-level team members (social workers, school psychologists and counselors at the middle/high school levels) available at all buildings to support student social-emotional and mental health needs, the district additionally maintains a list of community-based resources for family consideration. Families interested in accessing our community referral list can do so by clicking the link HERE).
Additionally, District 95 (through a partnership with Joanie’s Closet) has funding set aside to support families who are unable to access mental health services due to limited financial means. Families can learn more about the process for accessing financial support by contacting a building-based team member (social worker, psychologist), or by contacting the Student Services Department (847.540.7060).
The Importance of Play
Play or group activities across the ages (early childhood, elementary, adolescence) is critical for development. Play (or group interactions such as being on a team or in a theatrical production) allows kids to learn and practice critical skills - such as understanding rules of engagement, understanding different ways to socialize with peers, and conflict resolution.
Understanding how to balance play/group interaction opportunities with competing screen time interests can be challenging for families. Parents/guardians can learn more about the benefits of play and ways to create opportunities for these critical learning experiences HERE.
Students and Items Arriving to School
Please make sure to always drop off students or student items to the front office (instead of dropping a child or item off at recess). For safety and security, students need to be checked in at the front office or students will be called down to pick up items.
Thank you for your assistance!
February Student of the Month
Each month, District 95 asks every building to select a student who represents our District Values of collaboration, continuous improvement, equity, high expectations, integrity, perseverance, and respect. For the month of February, Spencer Loomis chose Fourth Grader, Yui I.
Yui is a fourth-grade student who consistently demonstrates academic excellence while maintaining a strong growth-oriented mindset. When faced with challenging tasks, she perseveres with resilience, viewing mistakes as opportunities to learn rather than setbacks. During collaborative activities, Yui works respectfully and productively with her peers, actively listening to others and ensuring everyone’s ideas are valued. She communicates her own thoughts clearly and thoughtfully, often helping her group stay focused and organized. Yui shows cultural competence by being inclusive and open-minded, treating classmates from all backgrounds with kindness and respect. She also displays strong self-accountability, taking responsibility for her learning and behavior without prompting. Through her dedication, collaboration, and positive attitude, Yui exemplifies the values and characteristics outlined in the District 95 Portrait of a Graduate.
March PTO Meeting
📢 PTO Meeting Rescheduled: Wednesday, March 11
Have you wanted to come to a PTO meeting in person but don’t have childcare? This meeting, LZHS students will be there to watch any school aged children so you can attend the meeting!
Join us on Wednesday March 11 at 6:30 in the Spencer Loomis Innovation Hub for our March PTO meeting!
PTO Board Positions Open
Attention Parents!
The Spencer Loomis PTO needs YOU!
Are you looking for a way to make a positive impact on your child's school experience? Want to connect with other parents, teachers, and the school community? Here’s your chance!
We’re seeking passionate, motivated individuals to join our Parent-Teacher Organization team. Open positions include:
President and Co-President: Lead the charge and guide the vision of our PTO.
Co-Vice President: Support the President and take charge of key initiatives.
Corresponding Secretary: Manage PTO communications and social media accounts.
Treasurer: Manage our budget and ensure funds are used effectively.
Why join the PTO?
✓Make a difference in your child’s school and their education.
✓Build lasting relationships with staff and families.
✓Gain leadership experience and have fun while giving back!
No prior experience is required—just a willingness to help and a heart for our school community.
Questions? Reach out to us at slptopresident@gmail.com
Yearbooks On Sale Now!
It's time to order your yearbook! This year's monster-themed yearbook features student artwork inside along with photos of school events, holiday parties, a special 5th grade spotlight, and more. Order by March 31st!
www.yearbookordercenter.com/job/25038
Please email spencerloomisyearbook@gmail.com with any questions.
Spirit Wear Store Open
The Spring Spencer Loomis Spirit Wear store is open! Items will be sent home in backpacks a few weeks after the store closes. More styles and colors are available online!
Store closes March 8th at 11:59 PM
Book Fair Time at Spencer Loomis Elementary!
Mark your calendars—our Spring Book Fair is coming March 10–12!
Come explore new books, spark your child’s love of reading, and support our school!
https://www.scholastic.com/bf/spencerloomiselemschool
Book Fair Dates:
March 10–12
Family Night:
March 10 | 6–8 PM
Bring the whole family for an evening of shopping, stories, and fun!
We can’t wait to see you there!
Pi Day - Stock the Lounge
Pi Day Stock the Lounge – Friday, March 13
This Pi Day, the PTO is delivering the ultimate equation:
Great Teachers + Pies & Pizza Pies = A Perfect Day!
On Friday, March 13, we’re celebrating with sweet pies and pizza pies to treat our incredible staff. We’re asking families to help “Stock the Lounge” by donating a pie or contributing funds to help cover the pizza pies.
Please check out the sign-up to donate. Together, we can serve up some well-deserved appreciation and make it a Pi Day to remember! 🍕🥧
Volunteering for SL PTO
Don’t have time to chair an event, but still want to volunteer when needed? Sign-up for our volunteer pool! Sign-up is on PTBoard.
Box Tops
Help the PTO with Box Tops for Education!
During the ups and downs of the past couple of school years, one thing is certain: teachers and students need more help than ever before. Box Tops is a fast and easy way for you to support Spencer Loomis Elementary School.
Our goal is to earn $1,000 through Box Tops this year. I know we can reach that goal together!
Box Tops are all digital, no more cutting out! Simply scan and you’re all set!
Learn more at https://www.boxtops4education.com/s/ or find the app in the app store.
Let’s give our teachers the support they need and give more kids the opportunity to dream. Little by little, we can help make a big difference.
-The Spencer Loomis PTO