MUSTANG MINUTE
2024-2025-May
Save the Date.....May 13 from 6 PM-7:30 PM for our District-Wide Leader in Me Leadership Event!!
Join Us for Our First-Ever District-Wide Leadership Event!
Tuesday, May 13 | 6:00–7:30 PM
Location: Palombi Middle School
We are excited to invite you to our inaugural District-Wide Leadership Event—a celebration of student voice, leadership, and family connection!
The evening will kick off at 6:00 PM in the Palombi Middle School Gymnasium with a special presentation by student leaders from across the district. They’ll share how leadership principles and the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People have impacted their schools and personal growth.
Following the presentation, families are invited to participate in a variety of interactive, family-friendly activities designed to highlight the 7 Habits and how these habits can be practiced at home. Activities will be suitable for all ages, and PTO will be offering snacks and drinks for concessions.
Come be inspired, have fun, and learn how the 7 Habits can help strengthen leadership skills and family bonds!
Measurable-Results Assessment (MRA) Survey Open until Monday, June 2, 2025!!
As part of our Leader in Me implementation process and drive for continuous improvement, our school will conduct surveys to learn more about key areas of strength and needed growth.
The survey is completely voluntary, but we do hope to get feedback from one member of every household. If you participate, you will be asked to complete a survey located here!
The parent/guardian survey takes about 12 minutes to complete and will ask questions about your child and their experience in our school. If you have more than one child attending the school, you will be asked to think about the oldest child's experiences as you answer questions related to their growth. If you attend the District-wide Leadership Event on May 13th, there will be QR codes available with the link for you to complete the brief survey then. Thank you in advance!!
Olive C. Martin Alumni Spotlight
Do you know of Martin School Alum to be featured in our monthly newsletter? Complete the link here for us to give them a shoutout!!
NEW VOLUNTEER INFORMATION AT OLIVE C. MARTIN
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. We understand that volunteers have not yet been determined for field day.
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!
Cracking the Code: Understanding Standards-Based Grading!
Lake Villa District #41 will transition to a fully standards-based report card beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. This new system enhances communication about student progress by focusing on mastery of learning standards rather than traditional letter grades. The goal is to provide parents and teachers with a clearer understanding of student growth and achievement. More details and resources will be shared as we approach implementation.
Let's Stay Connected!!
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Olive C. Martin School Website
Olive C. Martin Facebook Page
Join Our Parent Advisory Committee: Your Voice Matters!
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. An initial, core group with various stakeholders will be developed this spring.
Thank you for being a vital part of our school community!
April Students of the Month
An incredible Student of the Month ceremony this morning honoring students exhibiting Habit #8-Find Your Voice and Inspire Others to Find Theirs!
Current Mustangs in the News!!
Know of any current Martin Mustangs who have competed or participated in anything special? Let's give them a shout out!! Let us know how they have been a leader and successful in our local community!!!
E-Learning Information 2024-2025
Remote Learning, or e-Learning, enables schools to provide continuous educational opportunities for students that are specifically designed for those times when students and educators are not able to physically be onsite. e-Learning may be used for extreme weather (ex. Snow Day) or to preserve the continuity of learning when an emergency could otherwise result in school closing.. e-Learning is delivered remotely and online through a Chromebook.
The purpose of e-Learning is to provide all students with access to learning during school closures using a combination of technology-based instruction, as well as face-to-face interaction. Access to learning, with an emphasis on technology-delivered instruction, will also include other instructional delivery models as needed by our students. These may include related projects, research, and other small group assignments.
The following are new details regarding e-Learning. The scheduled time for e-Learning will be from 9:00 AM - 2:40 PM for K-8 students. Early Childhood AM and Early Childhood PM classrooms will have activities sent home for their learning time. Teachers will have any asynchronous instruction posted by 9:00 AM for K-8 students.
Students will be expected to be fully available during these hours to participate in learning activities. Students may need to complete any assignments after the designated school time as necessary, although teachers will be providing time during the school day to work on assignments during the school hours.
Lake Villa District #41 E-Learning Plan 2024-2025
Launch of the Lake Villa SD 41 CARES Program
Header: Expanding Mental Health Access for Students and Families
We’re excited to launch the Lake Villa SD 41 CARES Program, a partnership with ReferralGPS that connects students and families to critical mental health resources (including individual therapy and/or psychiatric medication management).
With 8 initial visits free of charge and the potential for continued care based on funding and need, this program eliminates long waitlists and financial barriers, ensuring timely, equitable support.
Many families seek help for depression, anxiety, ADHD, and stress management, and the CARES Program provides connection with independent community mental health providers to address these challenges.
Take the First Step: Visit District 41 CARES to learn more and get started today!
Together, we can create a healthier future for our community.
Personal Communication Devices
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.
5th Grade Parents/Guardians.....
Attention 5th grade families! The Illinois State School Code Health Law, Section 665, requires that a child have a complete physical examination including mandated immunizations, upon entrance into sixth grade. Any child entering 6th grade is required to show proof of updated vaccinations including one dose of Tdap vaccine and one dose of meningococcal vaccine. Please ensure your child receives both of these vaccines at their 11 year old check-up in order to be in compliance before the October 15, 2025 state deadline.
Notes from the Health Coordinator
Darlene Kuxhouse
847-245-3400 x 31001
Illinois State Health Requirements DENTAL AND EYE EXAMS Current ‘24/’25 students Eye exams and waivers due Oct 15, 2024: Kindergarten and new to Illinois students Dental exams and waivers due May 15, 2025: Kindergarten, 2nd grade, new to Illinois students Incoming 6th grade students ‘25/’26 Health Requirements: *Current physical exam and updated immunizations (Tdap Booster and MCV4) *Dental exam dated 11/15/2024 to current. Fran Taylor is the Palombi Nurse 847-356-2118 x51001 Incoming Kindergarten students ‘25/’26 Out of State Transfer Students any grade ‘25/’26 Health Requirements: *Current Physical exam and up to date immunizations *Dental exam dated 11/15/2024 to current *Current Eye Exam (from Optometrist or Ophthalmologist) OTHER HEALTH OFFICE INFORMATION CHANGE OF CLOTHING: Spills and accidents can happen at school. Students are more comfortable if they have their own clothes to change into. ALL students should keep spare clothing at school including pants,shirts, socks, and underwear. Tick Season is here: Be sure to check your student(s) for ticks after playing outside. Early detection and removal are key to preventing potential health issues. Health Absences: Students must be fever (100.4 or more), vomit, and diarrhea free for 24 hours without medication and should be feeling well enough to participate before returning to school after illness. Call the absence line 847-245-3400 option 1 to report absence.
2024-2025 Parent/Student Handbook
Please be sure to check out the handbook linked below and be sure you have reviewed the valuable information contained inside! Click here for a copy.
2025 MUSIC CONCERTS-6:30 PM START TIME
Be sure to mark your calendars for the 2024-2025 school music concerts!!! We will also be LIVE-STREAMING each concert for family and friends unable to attend at Martin School (see QR code to the right). ALL Martin Concerts will start at 6:30 PM!
See dates below.
May 8th-Kindergarten
The Importance of Healthy Eating
Healthy snacks are essential in schools for maintaining energy levels, improving concentration and academic performance, supporting physical health and growth, regulating behavior and mood, developing lifelong healthy eating habits, providing educational opportunities, and creating a health-focused school environment. With this being said, District #41 has updated the snack list to reflect additional items. Please click here to see our latest approved snack list.
District #41 PTO News to Use
What if you could be part of something amazing happening at the school? Your involvement as a volunteer can create lasting memories for your child and help shape their love of learning, creativity, and community.
Be a force for good at Martin School - the PTO is seeking dedicated individuals to help drive initiatives forward. With flexible opportunities to get involved, you can make a real difference from near or far.
For more information Email President Ashley Hammond at D41PTO@district41.org or VP Carolyn Schroeder at Carolynptomartin@gmail.com.
Items of Note from the District Office
School Lunch
A reminder that the District no longer provides free lunch for all students. Paid Lunch is $3.25. To apply for Free/Reduced Lunch visit our website under Food Service. Click here for information on how to create an account for lunch purchases.
Registration and Fees
School Registration Fees are now due. The fees will increase after August 31. Payments can be made electronically on the District's website, via regular mail, or in person at the school building.
Supplemental Insurance
The district offers Voluntary Supplemental Student Accident Insurance. To enroll, please see the information by clicking here. For more information on our accident insurance coverage, click here.
Calendar of Upcoming Events
May 5-Board of Education Meeting 7 PM @ District Office
May 8-Kindergarten Music Concert 6:30 PM
May 13-District-wide Leader in Me Family Event 6-7:30 @ Palombi Middle School
May 19-Board of Education Meeting 7 PM @ District Office
May 22-5th Grade Band Concert @ Palombi Middle School Gym 6:30 PM (enter through activity entrance doors)
May 26-No School-Memorial Day
May 27-Palombi Graduation @ Lakes High School