MUSTANG MINUTE

We have transitioned from the traditional method of calling the office attendance line to a new and more efficient system. All daily attendance will need to be reported through a Google Form. This change is part of our ongoing efforts to streamline our processes and ensure accurate record-keeping.

Here is the link to the Google Form for reporting attendance: https://forms.gle/CjJhFizxTpHx6ndHA. Please bookmark this link for easy access. You will need to fill out the form for each child who will be absent or late on a given day.

The Google Form is straightforward and user-friendly. You will be asked to provide your child’s name, grade, the date of absence or tardiness, and the reason for the absence. This information will be securely stored and accessible only to authorized school personnel.

We kindly ask that you submit the Google Form by [ex., 8:30 AM] on the day of your child’s absence or tardiness. This will help us maintain accurate attendance records and ensure the safety of all students.

Should you have any questions or encounter any issues with the new system, please do not hesitate to reach out to the school office at 847-245-3400. We are here to assist you during this transition.

As we prepare for the winter months, please remember to dress your child(ren) appropriately, including hats, gloves…….as we will continue to go outside as much as possible. We will be outside for recess provided it is 11+ degrees (windchill included).

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

In this 8-week group children, adolescents, and their families will learn about how anxiety and worrying impact a child’s functioning and development, and how best to deal with it. Children and adolescents will be taught problem-solving skills, relaxation techniques, and cognitive restructuring. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in exposure tasks allowing them to practice the skills learned throughout the program. This group is ideal for children who struggle with excessive worry or mild anxiety that impacts their functioning. The participants must have the ability to participate in the activities and manage their behavior. This group is limited to 6 participants. Once registered, the family may be contacted for a brief phone or in-person pre-interview to ensure that the program is a good fit for the needs of the child.

In addition, parents will receive a psychoeducational recording during weeks 1 and 4 and will have the opportunity to meet with facilitators during the same weeks in a virtual group setting. Parent virtual sessions will be on Thursday (2/13 and 3/6 2025) from 12:00 -1:00 p.m.

The curriculum for this group will be based on materials from the evidence-based program Coping Cats, a Cognitive Behavioral guide for kids and adolescents, and other therapeutic modalities.

This group will be facilitated by Warren Township Youth and Family therapists, Ashley Camara, MSW, LSW, and Anna Marie Seminary, MSW, LSW.

Grades: 3-5 Day: W Dates: 02/12 - 04/09/2025* Time: 5:00 - 5:50 p.m.

Grades: 6-8 Day: W Dates: 02/12 - 04/09/2025* Time: 6:00 - 6:50 p.m.

Weeks: 8 Fee: $25 R**/ $70 NR (Non-Resident)

Location: Youth Services, 100 S. Greenleaf St, Gurnee, IL 60031

* No group the week of 03/24/2025.

** Need-based scholarships are available for township residents who need assistance.

Click HERE to register!!

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.

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.

As flu season begins, research shows that the best way to protect yourself is to get a flu shot. Please review important information regarding the Flu Vaccine in English/Spanish.

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.

Darlene Kuxhouse

847-245-3400 x 31001

Illinois State Health Requirements

DENTAL AND EYE EXAMS

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

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.

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.

Make sure to call the attendance line for absences 847-245-3400 option 1. If the absence is due to an illness please provide symptoms or diagnosis.

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, 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.

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.

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.

The Martin PTO is hosting a Valentine's Gram with a special heart fidget popper keychain

and a roll of smarties. Send as many as you want for $1 each to your friends, classmates, and

teachers. Fill out the grams here and return to school by Monday Feb. 10 in an envelope

labeled VDAY/PTO. More grams can be found in the office or email Carolynptomartin@gmail.com

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.

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.

February 14-No School-Teacher Institute Day

February 17-No School-Presidents' Day

February 17-Board of Education Meeting 7 PM @ District Office

February 21-Trimester II Ends

February 28-Trimester II Report Cards Available

March 3-7-Read Across America Week 2025

March 6-Parent/Teacher Conferences 2:25-7:45 PM (Early Release)

March 7-No School-Non Attendance Day

March 10-21-IAR Assessment Grades 3-5 (Mathematics & Reading)

March 24-30-Spring Break

March 31-School Resumes

April 7-Board of Education Meeting 7 PM @ District Office