MUSTANG MINUTE
2023-2024-February
January Students of the Month Honored with a Ceremony!!
Many students were honored for their display of Habit #5-Seek First to Understand, then to be Understood on Friday, February 2nd before school! Let's get ready to honor students who exhibit Habit #6-Synergize later in February!
5 Essentials Parent Survey is OPEN.....and We Need 20%+ Parents to Complete to Get Results!
2023-24 Illinois Supplemental Parent Survey
Link to survey: http://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/survey/parent/
Socks for the Sole: Sock Drive
COLD WEATHER ON THE WAY……REALLY!
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).
We're Hiring!
Do you know anyone interested in working as a paraprofessional? We currently have openings at both Martin AND Thompson schools! Come work in an incredible atmosphere where you’ll have the opportunity to work with extraordinary students alongside amazing staff members who are dedicated and driven to creating great kids! Benefits include sick days, personal days, and an option for health, dental, and vision insurance! Please reach out to the respective building principal with any interest or questions at 847.245.3400! Check out our vacancies HERE!
Lost and Not Yet Found
Lost and Found Reminder: Have you misplaced something? Check our Lost and Found! Our school's Lost and Found is brimming with items looking for their rightful owners. From jackets and water bottles to notebooks and lunch boxes, there's a good chance your missing belongings might be waiting for you. Swing by Martin School to reclaim your lost items before they find new homes. Let's reunite lost treasures with their owners!
Stop by ANYTIME and Take a Book or Share a Book!!
We are facing a growing literacy crisis. Today in the United States, more than 30 million adults cannot read or write above a third-grade level. Studies have repeatedly shown that books in the hands of children have a meaningful impact on improving literacy. The more books in or near the home, the more likely a child will learn and love to read.
A HUGE thank you to Todd Patton at Fresh Look Painting for refurbishing our Little Library at the Ranch!!
Picking Up Early?
Notes from the Health Office
Kindergarten: Eye Exam and Dental Exam Due by May 15, 2024
2nd Grade: Dental Exam Due by May 15, 2024
New to Illinois students: Eye Exam and Dental Exam Due by May 15, 2024
5th Grade: Must have a physical, updated immunizations, and dental exam for 6th grade
The peak of the cold and flu season is upon us. To prevent widespread flu in the school, we recommend that your child stay home from school if experiencing flu or cold symptoms. To decide whether or not to send your child to school, please consider the following guidelines:
Consider keeping your child at home for an extra day of rest and observation if he or she has any of the following symptoms:
Very stuffy or runny nose and/or cough
Mild sore throat (no fever, no known exposure to strep)
Headache
Stomach ache
Definitely keep your child at home for treatment and observation if he or she has any of these symptoms:
Fever (greater than 100.4 degrees and your child may return to school only after his or her temperature has been consistently below 100.4 degrees, by mouth, for a minimum of 24 hours)
Vomiting (even once)
Diarrhea
Chills
General malaise or feelings of fatigue, discomfort, weakness or muscle aches
Frequent congested (wet) or croupy cough
To help prevent the flu and other colds, teach your children good hygiene habits:
Wash hands frequently
Do not touch eyes, nose or mouth
Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, use a paper tissue, throw it away and then wash hands
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Practice nose blowing
PTO News to Use
The PTO is here to support students, teachers, and families. We are looking for volunteers to help with events. ONLY 1 hour per month makes a HUGE difference for our students!!
Feb 5th Family Bingo night in the lunchroom from 6-7 PM at Martin!
Feb 16th Family Valentine's Dance. Formal wear is not required but encouraged from 6-730 PM
Feb 26th Family soccer night from 6-7 PM in the gym
Please contact Joe Prindle for more information at ocmartinpto@gmail.com
2023-2024 Music Concert Information
The students will perform at 7 PM; however, they need to arrive at 6:45 and enter through the front doors of the school. The doors will open no earlier than 6:45 PM. Upon entering the building, students will go directly to their classrooms. Parents and families will go directly into the Multi-purpose room to take their seats and await an incredible performance!
February 15, 2024-3rd Grade
March 14, 2024-2nd Grade
April 11th, 2024-1st Grade
May 9th, 2024-Kindergarten
Items of Note from the District Office
Cold Days - The National Weather Service predicts wind chills below -30 degrees.
Snow Days - Heavy snow or icy conditions overnight or that worsen during the day.
Other Considerations - 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 outages.
E-Learning Days -An E-Learning Day may be used as 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.
Parents - Please make sure your contact information is up to date. If schools are open, parents may keep a child home due to weather. They will be marked as excused, however remote learning is not an option under these circumstances.
If Schools are Closed - A district-wide alert will be sent out via phone and email as early as possible. (hopefully the night before). Parents can also check the district’s website at www.district41.org.
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. 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.
Calendar of Upcoming Events
February 6-Picture Day
February 12-Board of Education Meeting 7 PM Palombi Middle School
February 15-3rd Grade Music Concert 7 PM
February 16-Teacher Institute-No School
February 19-Presidents Day-No School
February-23 Student of the Month Ceremony 7:45 AM
March 1-Trimester 2 Report Cards Available