AVTV is back with Viking Update 23! The crew has been hard at work producing our first episode of the 2023-24 season. Check it out! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76j9RmFmXQ4

We have seen an increase of student absences this year and want to take a moment to remind families on the importance of regular school attendance. Did you know that by 6th grade, chronic absence becomes a leading indicator that. student will drop out of high school?

When your child is absent, they miss valuable teacher instructions, opportunities to work with peers, and important social learning.

Here are some suggestions for improving your child's attendance:

• Make sure your child is in bed by a certain time each night and the alarm clock is set.
• Don’t let children stay home unless they are truly sick. Keep in mind complaints of a stomachache or headache can be a sign of anxiety and not a reason to stay home.
• If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make him/her feel comfortable and excited about learning.
• If your child has a cold but no fever (less than 100 degrees), send him/her to school anyway. If you don’t have a thermometer, purchase or borrow one.
• Identify a relative, friend or neighbor who can take your child to school if you can’t or if he/she misses the bus.
• Avoid medical appointments and extended trips when school is in session.

The parent/guardian of a student who is enrolled must authorize all absences from school and notify the school in advance or at the time of the student’s absence. A valid cause for absence includes illness (including mental or behavioral health of the student), observance of a religious holiday, death in the immediate family, family emergency, other situations beyond the control of the student. Remember if you do not call your student in on the day they are absent with a reason, they will be considered an Unexcused absence.

Attendance Line (630)279-6160 ext. 5000 Or email kbeckwith@saltcreek48.org

Update Information

It is important that parents keep their information updated in Skyward. If there is an emergency we do not want to have the wrong information. Please contact the proper school your student attends and give them any new information that needs to be changed whether it be for yourself, your spouse, another parent from a different address (we can separate addresses when student's are split between households),update new or old emergency contacts and any phone numbers for anyone on your Skyward parent portal. It is your responsibility to keep us informed. Salt Creek 630-832-6122, Stella May Swartz 630-834-9256 and Albright 630-279-6160.

Have you signed the student handbook? It is located in skyward on the parent portal. If you do not see the box that means you have already signed it and you are good to go. If you have trouble signing or don't have access to a computer, call the office and we can help you with it.

Standard Response Protocol

Salt Creek District 48 has adopted a new emergency protocol response from the I Love U Guys Foundation. This is a program that has been adopted by many of the schools within DuPage County. Over the summer, the administrative team attended training on the protocol and is passing along the training to all staff. We also want to make families aware of the five different protocols so you can be familiar with the language you may hear your child or the school use.

If your student is participating in a sport don't forget to sign the Agreement to Participate which is now located in Skyward on the parent portal. Please see the picture for reference. It is loaded with great information about the concussion protocols, team policies, expectations, and players code of conduct.

You can sign that for each time your student is on a sports team. If you have any questions please email alewicki@saltcreek48.org or kbeckwith@saltcreek48.org

Sports Physicals

Students Participating in Sports (5th-8th grade) If your child will be trying out for any sport (including intramural), they must have an IHSA Pre-Participation Examination (“Sports Physical”) on file prior to tryouts. Sports physicals are valid for 1 year and must be current throughout the entire sports season that your child is planning to participate in. 6 th graders may use their Illinois Certificate of Child Health Examination in lieu of a sports physical, however a sports physical CANNOT be used in lieu of the Illinois Certificate of Child Health Examination requirement.

**Religious/Medical Exemptions: If your child does not receive immunizations for religious reasons, a parent and healthcare provider must complete the “Illinois Certificate of Religious Exemption to Required Immunizations and/or Examinations” form prior to the first day of school. This form may not be used for personal or philosophical reasons, as Illinois does not allow such exemptions.

Please make sure you are checking your child's lunch balances and paying them. If you owe more than $75 you will be receiving an email and call from the office next week. You can check skyward parent portal for balances and pay online. If you do not already have a RevTrak account please see the directions below.

1. Check - Made payable to Salt Creek 48
2. Cash- In the exact amount as we can not make change.
3. RevTrak- Credit card option please see directions below to create an account if you have not already done so.

Please don't forget to check your students lunch balance and pay either online or send them with cash or check (made payable to Albright Middle School) If you have any questions or trouble paying please notify the office.

Holiday Shoppe is next week at Swartz and Albright!! This is a wonderful opportunity that students love! They get the opportunity to shop for anyone on their holiday gifting list!! Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, siblings, aunts, uncles, teachers, friends and even pets!!!

Swartz students will get the opportunity to shop during school hours on Tues Dec 5th and Wed Dec 6th! Albright students will get the opportunity to shop during lunch and Viking Time on Friday Dec 8th!

We are introducing a pre-pay option this year for the first time! We are accepting cash, checks, credit cards and pre-pay payment options. Please see the attached flyer for additional information and watch your student's backpack for a payment envelope!!

Proceeds from the Holiday Shoppe will help fund field trips, teacher requests, end of year festivities, and curriculum enhancements. Thank you for your support!!!

Email: gaulisa@saltcreek48.org
Website: www.saltcreek48.org
Location: 1110 South Villa Avenue, Villa Park, IL, USA
Phone: 630-279-6160

Email: hhummel@saltcreek48.org
Website: www.saltcreek48.org
Location: 1110 South Villa Avenue, Villa Park, IL, USA
Phone: 630-279-6160

Email: kbeckwith@saltcreek48.org
Website: www.saltcreek48.org
Location: 1110 South Villa Avenue, Villa Park, IL, USA
Phone: 630-279-6160

Work Cell: 331-277-7887

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaltCreekD48

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltcreek48/

Twitter: @SaltCreekD48

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBmWgViFRkg1vrcLe0CecYw