Norton Creek Elementary
E-News- January 23, 2026
Arrival/Dismissal Procedures
ARRIVAL:
Entering Norton Creek parking lot and drop off/pick up line:
Do not enter through the exit side of the parking lot. That is for exiting the lot only. It is unsafe.
The turn lane is the only way to enter coming east on Smith Road. DO NOT use the right lane next to the turn lane to go around cars to enter the parking lot. This is dangerous and against the law.
Parking Lot
Utilized for Teachers and our RISE families during drop off and pick up. If you are dropping off your students, you should be using the drop off lane or West Chicago Park District. The Norton Creek parking lot is not meant for drop off. This will be strictly enforced.
Drop Off Lane
Parents DO NOT exit the car. If this needs to happen, they should be utilizing the park district drop off and will be asked to do so.
Students should only exit on the curbside only. It’s safer and prevents them from stepping into traffic lanes.
Have your child ready before you enter the drop-off lane. Backpack zipped, coat on, water bottle in hand—no last-minute gathering. This keeps the line moving.
Say your goodbyes early. Hugs, pep talks, and kisses happen at home or while waiting in line, not once the car stops at the curb.
Pull all the way forward. This creates space for multiple cars to unload at once and prevents bottlenecks.
Keep the line moving—no stopping to watch them walk inside. Even a few extra seconds per car slows the entire line.
Follow staff directions immediately. They’re trying to keep everyone safe and efficient.
Be patient and kind. A calm drop-off builds a better start for all students (and staff!).
DO NOT go around the line. Do not go around the line and try to fit in a space because you do not want to wait. Please be patient!
DISMISSAL:
Entering Norton Creek parking lot and drop off/pick up line
Do not enter through the exit side of the parking lot. That is for exiting the lot only. It is unsafe.
The turn lane is the only way to enter coming east on Smith Road. DO NOT use the right lane next to the turn lane to go around cars to enter the parking lot. This is dangerous and against the law.
Pick Up Lane
Have a sign with your student’s name in the right window so we can call out names and have students ready to make it go faster.
Pull all the way forward as directed. This allows multiple cars to load at one time and keeps the line flowing.
Parents DO NOT exit the car. If this needs to happen, they should be utilizing the park district drop off and will be asked to do so.
Keep the line moving—no stopping to chat, check backpacks, or reorganize seats.
Students should enter on the curbside only. It prevents them from stepping into the traffic lane.
Thank you for helping us create a safe and efficient drop-off and pick-up process for all students!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Elementary School Year start time 9:05am until 3:25
January-
1/26/2026- Business Services Meeting 5:30pm
1/27/2026- Education Facilities Committee Meeting 6pm
1/28/2026- Early Release Day-Dismissal at 2:35pm
February-
2/09/2026- School Board Meeting 6pm
2/10/2026- Education Facilities Committee Meeting 6pm
2/11/2026- SEPAC Meeting 5:30pm
2/16/2026- President's Day/ No School
2/17/2026- School Improvement Day/No students In Attendance
2/19/2026- Learning and Teaching Meeting 5:30pm
2/20/2026- End of 2nd Semester Elementary
2/23/2026- Business Services Meeting 5:30pm
2/25/2026- Early Release Day-Dismissal at 2:35pm
2/26/2026- Early Dismissal at 12 Noon/Parent Teacher Conferences
2/27/2026- Institute Day/No Students
March-
3/09/2026- School Board Meeting 6pm
3/10/2026- Education Facilities Committee Meeting 6pm
3/16/2026- Learning and Teaching Meeting 5:30pm
3/23/2026- Business Services Meeting 5:30pm
3/24/2026- Education Facilities Committee Meeting 6pm
3/25/2026- Early Release-Dismissal at 2:35pm
3/30/2026-4/03/2026- Spring Break-No School
All district meetings have moved to the
Professional Learning Center
at Lincoln School (211 S. 6Th Ave)
SCHOOL DAILY SCHEDULES
Kindergarten thru 5th Grade-
9:05am-3:25pm
Students can be dropped off at 8:50am for the school day. If you arrive before that time please keep your child with you until 8:50 as there is no supervision outside until then.
The School Day ends at 3:25pm on all days except early release days which ends at 2:35pm. If you pick your children up by car please plan to be here prior to 3:25pm daily and prior to 2:35pm on those early release dates.
If you are arriving after 9:05am we do ask for your student's safety and security that you walk your student into the main office and sign them in.
If your student will be absent/late or need to leave early please call the attendance line at which is available 24 hours a day at 331-228-2700.
Our school office is open from 8:30 until 4:00pm on school days.
Early Release Dates 2025/2026 School Year
Early Release Days for this school year are below. Elementary Schools will dismiss at 2:35pm on the following dates below. Please plan accordingly.
Elementary Early Release Dates:
January 28th, February 25th and
March 25th.
Click Below For Referral GPS
Lost and Found
The Lost and Found table is located in the Community Room. Students can check it regularly for lost items. At the end of each month all items will be donated. Please ensure that you have checked it prior to the last day of every month if your student is missing an item.
LUNCH SCHEDULES
LUNCH SCHEDULES:
Kindergarten- 12:00-12:20
1st Grade- 11:20-11:40
2nd Grade- 12:40-1:00
3rd Grade- 12:20-12:40
RISE- 11:40-12:00
4th Grade-11:40-12:00
5th grade- 1:00-1:20
If your student forgets their lunch please email the classroom teacher and drop off at the main office. Please label with the students full name.
Organic Life
Friendly Reminders from The Main Office-
A few reminders to keep the school year going..... Please see new information regarding contacting the nurse at Norton Creek
How do I contact the nurse?
Please email the nurse at nor-nurses@d303.org or call 331-228-2704.
How do I contact the office?
Please email the office at nor-office@d303.org
What time can my student arrive to school?
We open the doors at 8:50am for student arrival every morning. Students should not be dropped off before that time as there is no supervision for students. If you arrive before drop off time please keep your child in your car until the appropriate time.
Arriving Late To School-
If your child is arriving after 9:05am please walk them into the school and sign them in. Please also notify the attendance line if you plan to arrive to school after 9:05am.
How do I report an absence?.
Absences should be called in by 8:45am if your child will be absent for any portion of the day. The number is 331-228-2700 and has voicemail. You can call during the evening or overnight and leave a message as it is available 24hours a day. Please leave your child’s name and the reason why your child is out. If they are ill, please indicate their symptoms.
Even if you notify your child's teacher of an absence via email, we ask that you please still notify the office at 331-228-2700. Please note that if your child is sick, they should be fever free and have no vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours before returning to school. Of course, you can always email the teacher as well, but you need to formally notify the school of any student absence.
Is your child leaving school early?
Also, if you will be picking up your child early or taking your child out for an appointment, please let our front office know as early in the day as possible by calling the main number at 331-228-2700 and email your student's teacher. This can be very helpful should a pick-up time be when the child is in specials or at lunch. Kids can be indoors as well as outdoors depending on their schedule and it can take a few extra minutes to locate and get the child down to the office for an early pickup if they are not in their classroom.
What if my child has a change in dismissal/transportation?
Please let the school know as early as possible if there is a occasional change to your child dismissal calling office prior to 12 noon directly at 331-228-2700 and email your student's teacher. Dismissal time can be very hectic and to help ensure a smooth dismissal, getting any transportation changes for students early is very helpful. Simply call the school office at 331-228-2700 and let them know. We kindly ask that you notify the school and teacher by 12 noon if there are any changes. Please try to keep a consistent schedule for you student as much as possible to avoid confusion.
What if my child forgot an item at home?
If your child has forgotten an item at home and it is needed for that day please email the classroom teacher to notify them that you will be dropping an item off. Bring the item labeled with the name and teacher to the office and place the item in the bookcase by the front window.
What is my child lost/misplaced an item at school?
Please ask your child to check the lost and found table. You can also email the classroom teacher to let her know that your student is looking for an item. They will allow time for them to check the table in the Community Room.
Note: Save our school number in your contacts. Norton Creek Elementary: (331) 228-2700.
Volunteer Liability Form Below-
Families who wish to learn more about Free and Reduced-Price Meals or fee waivers can find information and application links on the District 303 website under Parents & Community.
• For Free and Reduced-Price Meals, visit: district.d303.org/foodservices
• For Fee Waivers, visit: district.d303.org/fee-waivers
Applications are available year-round for families whose household circumstances may have changed.
