The Golden Apple
September 2023

We have been so glad to have students back in school this month! We have had a great first few weeks and wanted to let you know of more events coming up as well as some important safety and school information.
Important Dates
Labor Day
- Monday, Sept. 4: No School
Pleviak
- Thursday, Sept. 7: Open House, 5:30 p.m.
Indian Hill
- Tuesday, Sept. 12: Open House, 5:30 p.m.
Homecoming
- Saturday, Sept. 23: Homecoming Parade, heading South on Cedar Lake Road near Fairview Park, 10 a.m.
- Friday, Sept. 29: Homecoming Football Game at Round Lake High School, 7 p.m.
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See Some of Our Favorite Back to School Photos
RLAS-116 Adopts New Standard Response Protocols
Over the summer, our school district implemented a variety of new safety measures. One of these changes includes the incorporation of Standard Response Protocols. I Love You Guys Foundation has developed comprehensive operational guidance for safety protocols in schools. Throughout the year, your child may discuss a variety of drills that they have participated in while in school. Below is a summary of what each type of protocol may be incorporated into our regular drills. These drills assist staff and students in responding to a variety of safety scenarios.
Hold
Hold is used when students and staff need to stay put within a designated area. Examples of when a school might initiate a Hold include an altercation in a hallway, a medical issue that needs attention, or an unfinished maintenance operation in a common area during class change.
Secure
The Secure Action is called when there is a threat or hazard outside of the school building. Examples of when a school might initiate a Secure Action may include, an unknown or unauthorized person on the grounds, dangerous animal on or near the grounds, or criminal activity in the areas. While students and staff may move about inside the building, there may be circumstances when staff and students may be asked to remain indoors and visitors may not be permitted inside the school.
Lockdown
A lockdown is called when there is a threat or hazard inside the school building. Lockdown uses classroom and school security actions to protect students and staff from the threat. Examples of when a school might initiate a Lockdown Action may include, a dangerous animal within a school building, an intruder, an angry or violent parent or student, a report of a weapon, or an active assailant. Visitors are not permitted to enter the building in this scenario.
Evacuate
Evacuate is called when there is a need to move people from one location to another. In the event of an Evacuate Action, parents would be provided with detailed information and instructions for how to reunite with their children.
Shelter
Shelter is called when specific protection actions are needed based on a threat or hazard. Examples of when a school might initiate a Shelter Action may include threats such as tornadoes, earthquakes, hazardous materials situations or other local threats.
It is important that parents/guardians ensure that accurate contact information is noted within the Infinite Campus Student Information System. The contact information within this system provides us with efficient communication via phone, email, and/or text.
If you have any questions about these new Standard Response Protocols, please contact your child’s school office.
2024-25 Partner School Planning Update
As a reminder, last Spring, our Board of Education voted to approve a new elementary school configuration model that will change the current grade level structure at our elementary schools beginning next fall; the 2024-25 school year.
As many of you are already aware, all Kindergarten students have been attending school at a location (Pleviak) outside of our school district boundaries for the last 10 years. The district’s lease of this property will expire at the end of this school year. Efforts have been made to move all Kindergarten students back inside of our school boundaries, into our existing elementary schools.
Starting in 2024-25 (next school year), we will move to a Partner School Model for students in grades K-5.
Partner School A: Beach Elementary School & Indian Hill Elementary School
Students living within the school boundaries of Beach and Indian Hill will attend school at the following locations, depending on their grade level.
Beach Elementary School: Grades K, 1 & 2
Indian Hill Elementary School: Grades 3, 4 & 5
Students in this partner school group will attend Round Lake Middle School and Round Lake High School for their secondary education experience.
Partner School B: Murphy Elementary School & Village Elementary School
Students living within the school boundaries of Murphy and Village will attend school at the following locations, depending on their grade level.
Murphy Elementary School: Grades K, 1 & 2
Village Elementary School: Grades 3, 4 & 5
Students in this partner school group will attend John T. Magee Middle School and Round Lake High School for their secondary education experience.
Partner School C: Ellis Elementary School
Students living within the school boundary of Ellis, will all attend school at Ellis. Given the large physical space of Ellis Elementary, we intend to split the school into two spaces; a K-2 section and a 3-5 section.
Students in this partner school group will split between John T. Magee Middle School and Round Lake Middle School for middle school and then Round Lake High School to complete their secondary education experience.
It is important to note that special programming may be located at specific buildings, requiring a school placement outside of their normal school boundary. Examples may include but are not limited to specific special education and/or newcomer programming.
Please know that we are continuing to work through a variety of planning phases this school year in preparation for a successful transition into the new Partner School configuration next fall. Some of these plans include school boundary studies, staff placements, academic programming, transportation, and family engagement opportunities. We will be communicating monthly regarding our progress throughout this school year.
We look forward to a continued partnership as we work together toward this new and exciting opportunity! Please direct any Partner School questions to Heather Bennett, Deputy Superintendent at hbennett@rlas-116.org.