MUSTANG MINUTE

Leader In Me District-Wide Leadership Event!

Date: Thursday, February 19

The evening will begin at 6:00 PM in the Palombi Middle School Gymnasium with a student-led presentation featuring leaders from across the district.

Following the presentation, families are invited to enjoy a variety of interactive, family-friendly activities that highlight the 7 Habits and offer practical ways to apply them at home. Activities are designed for all ages, encouraging families to participate together. Each activity you complete as a family will earn you a square on your Bingo card. Once you get a Bingo, you’ll have the chance to enter drawings for a variety of raffle prizes!

We hope you’ll join us for an evening of inspiration, connection, and fun as we celebrate leadership and strengthen family bonds through the 7 Habits.

The Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) gives students in grades 3–5 an opportunity to demonstrate what they know and are able to do in English Language Arts and Mathematics. The assessment also provides important information about students’ readiness for future academic success.

The IAR assessment will be administered on the computer beginning the second week of March and will consist of four total tests (3 Math & 3 ELA). In English Language Arts, students will focus on reading and writing skills, including analyzing texts and writing effectively in response to what they read. In Mathematics, students will apply skills and concepts, solve multi-step problems, think abstractly, and model real-world situations using appropriate strategies and tools.

Across both subject areas, students will show their learning by answering selected-response and fill-in-the-blank questions that reflect the skills taught throughout the school year. Additional information will be coming home in the form of a letter to the parents of students in grades 3-5.

Leadership in Lake Villa District 41 isn’t just found in the front office; it is being practiced every day in the hallways and classrooms by students determined to make a difference.

This season, student-led initiatives across the district have successfully provided thousands of dollars in toys, hundreds of boxes of food, and vital supplies to local families and animal rescues.

Hooper Elementary: Leading by Giving

At Hooper Elementary, the Student Lighthouse Team established a clear, measurable goal for the academic year: giving back.

Under the guidance of staff facilitator Alyssa Kay, these young leaders took full ownership of a community donation drive. The team developed the concepts, designed promotional flyers, and spent their time before and after school organizing collections.

Their hard work culminated in a personal delivery of supplies to the Lake Villa Food Pantry, Premier Animal Hospital in Mundelein, and Animal Education & Rescue in Libertyville.

By witnessing the gratitude of these partners firsthand, students gained a profound sense of empathy and civic responsibility.

Martin Elementary: Stacking Up Kindness

Creativity met compassion at Martin Elementary, where students turned a cereal box drive into a lesson on the “domino effect” of kindness. Families and staff collaborated to collect hundreds of cereal boxes for the Lake Villa and Avon Township Food Pantries.

To celebrate, the school held a “Cereal Box Dominoes” event. Cheers erupted as the boxes — carefully stacked through the hallways — tumbled in a chain reaction, symbolizing how one small act of generosity can trigger a powerful movement.

“It helped students see how working together can make a real difference,” noted school staff.

Thompson Elementary: A Community of Care

The spirit of service continued at Thompson Elementary, where the Student Lighthouse Team focused on tackling local food insecurity. With the overwhelming support of Thompson families, students and staff filled 19 large paper boxes with nonperishable goods.

The Lake Villa Food Pantry expressed sincere gratitude for the donation, which was delivered directly to neighbors in need, reinforcing the school’s commitment to leadership and care.

Palombi Middle School NJHS: Spreading Cheer

Middle school leaders also stepped up to the plate, as members of the National Junior Honor Society conducted their annual toy drive. This year, the school community raised $1,567.

NJHS students personally used the funds to shop for toys, carefully selecting gifts for children of all ages to ensure a joyful holiday season for all. These gifts were delivered to Lake Villa Township for distribution to local families, continuing a proud tradition of dedication and compassion.

The hallways at Martin Elementary School turned into a powerful display of kindness as students lined up to celebrate their cereal box drive, showing how small acts add up to a big impact for the community.

Try THIS Habit #6 Family Activity titled, Together is Better!

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! Check out January's Students of the Month who were honored for Seeking First to Understand, then be Understood!

Have fun practicing the 7 Habits at home with our Leader in Me Bingo! Complete activities with your family, fill in your card, and bring it back to school for a chance to be entered into our prize drawing. Let’s grow our leadership skills together!

Our school is participating in the Illinois 5Essentials Survey, and we invite all parents and guardians to share their feedback. This short survey gives families an opportunity to provide input on important aspects of our school, including learning, leadership, and school climate. Your responses are confidential and help guide our continuous improvement efforts to better support our students. Thank you for partnering with us—your voice truly makes a difference!

The survey window for school year 2025-2026 will be February 2, 2026, through March 10, 2026. Surveys will be sent to the family email we have on file.

Save the dates!! Check out our latest information from our BPAC (Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee)!

Have an update on your former Martin Mustang?!?!? We would love to highlight them and what they have been up to! Send an email to sklene@district41.org

Check out these CONVERSATION starters to see how school has been going!!!

• What was the best thing that happened today?
• What made you laugh today?
• What made you feel proud today?
• Tell me about something challenging or confusing that you learned today!
• What was the hardest thing you had to do today?
• Who did you play with at recess?
• Who were you sitting near at lunch?
• Did anyone do anything nice for you today?
• Who in your class do you think you could be nicer to?
• What did you read or talk about in literacy today?
• What kinds of problems did you solve in math today?
• Did you raise your hand in school today? Were you called on?

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!

At District 41, the safety, well-being, and positive learning environment of our students remain our top priorities. Over the spring and summer, we strengthened our culture, climate, discipline, and safety systems to ensure schools are welcoming, supportive, and prepared for any situation. Updates include revised behavior rubrics with parent input, student-friendly visuals and bullying definitions, “See Something, Say Something” lessons, and consistent staff discipline procedures. Staff received professional training in restorative practices, PBIS, ALICE, behavioral strategies, and the 7 Habits to reinforce positive school culture. Emergency operations and crisis plans were updated in partnership with local police and fire, with enhanced reunification and rapid entry protocols. Student- and parent-led initiatives, anti-bullying committees, and accessible reporting tools empower our community to support one another. These collective efforts reflect our commitment to prevention, preparedness, and a safe, respectful environment for every student.

Please see the following documents that were presented on curriculum night, and please contact me if you have any questions.

Report a Concern

Student Visual

Each month, students have the chance to be recognized on our Principal’s Pride bulletin board! This special spot highlights students who go above and beyond from anything ranging from leadership at school to incredible school work!! Be sure to check it out when you visit the school—we’re so proud to celebrate our amazing students!

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.

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.

Header: Expanding Mental Health Access for Students and Families

We’re excited to offer 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.

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 $3.65 and reduced lunch is $.40.
Paid breakfast is $2.00 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!

Kindergarten Family Support

First Grade Family Support

Second Grade Family Support

Third Grade Family Support

Fourth Grade Family Support

Fifth Grade Family Support

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

Darlene Kuxhouse

847-245-3400 x31001

darlene.kuxhouse@district41.org

Hearing and Vision Screenings:

During the school year, vision and/or hearing screenings are conducted for students.

Screenings will take place in November.

Martin School H_V Screening.pdf Spanish Martin School H_V Screening

As the seasons continue to change, please be sure your child(ren) have weather-appropriate clothing. Each student should have a change of clothes at school, as messes can occur during lunch, recess, or in class.

Lice Prevention

• Avoid head-to-head and hair-to-hair contact

• Don't share hats, scarves, hoodies, or other clothing

• Don't share hair ribbons, barrettes, combs, or brushes

• Check head and hair for lice or nits/eggs

• Common signs and symptoms of lice include :

• Intense itching on the scalp, body

• A tickling feeling from the movement of hair

• The presence of lice on your scalp, body, and clothing

• Lice eggs (nits) on hair shafts.

• Sores on the scalp, neck, and shoulders

Treatment

Recommended treatment includes using either a store-bought

or prescription lice-killing products. Follow the product directions carefully.

With certain products, a second treatment is recommended 7 to 10 days later.

lice policy

Students should eat a good breakfast, drink water, exercise, wash hands often, and get a good night's sleep daily! O.C. Martin has breakfast available. Please check the district website under food services for details and menus.

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.

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

February 9- Board of Education Meeting 7 PM @ Palombi Middle School

February 13- No School-Teacher Institute

February 16- No School-Presidents' Day

February 17- PTO Meeting 6:30 PM @ Lake Villa Public Library

February 19- District-Wide Leadership Event 6-7:30 PM @ Palombi Middle School

February 26- 3rd Grade Music Concert 6:30 PM

February 27- Trimester 2 Ends

March 6- Trimester 2 Report Cards Available

March 9- 27- Illinois Assessment of Readiness Testing (IAR) Grades 3-5

March 12- Parent/Teacher Conferences-School Early Release @ 1:55 PM

March 12- Parent/Teacher Conferences 2:25 PM-7:45 PM

March 13- No School-Non Attendance Day

March 16- Board of Education Meeting 7 PM @ Palombi Middle School

March 17- PTO Meeting 6:30 PM @ Lake Villa Public Library