The Principal's Perspective
Nov. 10-14
📣 Families! Here's What's Happening This Week:
I can hardly believe that we are in the midst of an upcoming winter snow storm! The weather has been so lovely and just like that we enter Chicago winter! Despite the upcoming chilly days, the snow to shovel, or the wood to put in the fireplace, one thing is for certain, the sun will eventually come out. We know for certain that the chilly weather is temporary and it is yet for an appointed time.
While the storms come, just like "storms" in our lives, we prepare and brace ourselves and do the best that we can to get through. There's a song I sing often and part of the lyrics are "That my storms came to only make me strong" and it's days like today, as we brace ourselves for the winter storm. I know that it will eventually pass and i'll be even stronger because of them and even more prepared for the next storm in life!
As adults we weather so many storms, at home, at work, with extended family, and out in the world all together, and it's easy to forget the strength that exists within. We were made to weather the storms, we were made to endure, and through our example of endurance and resilience, our scholars will gain that same spirit as well. So, as the snow falls, remember your own strength and know that no matter what, you can endure!
This is an urgent reminder regarding the district's policy that prohibits the use of cell phones and smartwatches by students during the school day. This policy is essential to maintaining focus, minimizing academic distraction, and ensuring safety.
We need you partnership in upholding this expectation:
Your Role in Supporting Our Protocol
Do Not Contact Your Child During the School Day: We need your help by not contacting your child via their cell phone or smartwatch between arrival and dismissal. When a student receives a text or call from home, it disrupts instruction and bypasses our established safety and support procedures.
Emergency Protocol: Should you need to reach your child in a genuine emergency, please contact the main office immediately. We will ensure your student is called down to have a private conversation with you in a secure location.
Our Support System for Students
We understand that students may experience unexpected needs or moments of stress. We have robust systems in place to address these concerns immediately:
Immediate Support: Students have access to multiple resources to seek help from an adult. They can speak directly to any adult in the building (teacher, paraprofessional, or administrator).
Counseling Access: We have QR codes posted throughout the building that students can use to discreetly and immediately request time with a counselor or social worker.
If your child contacts you during the school day, we ask that you immediately remind them to follow school protocol by speaking to an adult or using the QR code system.
We empower our students to utilize the main office to contact you after we have been given the opportunity to address their matter. Your prompt call to the main office after your child has texted you does not speed up the resolution; in fact, it can hinder the established process and slow down the multi-step system we have in place to efficiently resolve student needs.
Due to a significant rise in inappropriate cell use and smart watch use - we will have to be more diligent in making sure that those are either locked in lockers or confiscated when caught being used.
Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring the school day remains focused and secure.
Are you a family experiencing food insecurity at this time? Here you will find a list of restaurants providing food during this time of food insecurity due to halt of SNAP benefits to families and rising food costs.
