5Essentials is an evidence-based system designed to drive improvement in schools nationwide—it reliably measures changes in a school organization through the 5Essentials Survey and provides individualized, actionable reports for each school.

The survey provides an opportunity for students in grades four through eight, teachers, and parents/guardians to have a voice in improving their schools. Now through March 29, stakeholder groups are encouraged to take the 5Essentials Survey to help identify strengths and weaknesses in their school’s learning environment.

You can complete the parent survey here.

For more information about the 5Essentials survey, please go here.

Erin’s Law, House Bill 6193 was signed by Governor Pat Quinn on January 24, 2013. This law requires schools to implement an age-appropriate sexual assault and abuse awareness and prevention curriculum for grades pre-K through 12. It is recommended that four communications a year on Erin’s Law be made available to all students, often through social-emotional instruction and/or contact with the school social worker.

Victor Pacini, a survivor of sexual abuse, author, and motivational speaker, will be assisting our schools in implementing this mandate. Mr. Pacini’s program is developmentally appropriate, interactive, and aligned with learning standards. The focus of his presentation is to teach children basic skills to keep them safe from dangerous or abusive situations. The concepts that will be discussed are:

• Distinguishing safe from unsafe touches

• Safety rules at home and school

• Saying “NO”

• Safe/Unsafe Secrets

• It’s not the child’s fault if someone touches him or her

• Telling a trusted adult

Mr. Pacini and his colleague, Deanna Hynes, will be presenting at our schools on Friday, March 8. Each grade level will participate in an assembly for approximately 30 minutes. The content can be previewed here: https://www.victorpacini.com/peace-of-mind-2/

Requests to Opt-Out: If you prefer that your child opt-out of this prevention education session, please contact our AMS Social Worker, Grayson Breen, at gbreen@saltcreek48.org.

Feb 16 All Day

Half Day InserviceFeb 16

Feb 16 7:00 PM — 9:00 PM

FTC Enchanted Evening Dance @ AMSFeb 16

Feb 19 All Day

No School - Presidents' DayFeb 19

Feb 23 All Day

End of 2nd TrimesterFeb 23

Feb 29 All Day

Read-a-thon EndsFeb 29

Mar 1 All Day

No School - Institute Day

Hi Everyone!

My name is Angie Palafox, and I am a mom to an 8th-grade student at Albright. While watching him participate in Cross Country, I observed that there may be some kids/families that could benefit from assistance in acquiring athletic apparel/shoes in order for the kids to compete at their highest level.

I am collecting your/your children’s gently used and new athletic gear and will collaborate with Mrs. Tumilty (Albright teacher/amazing woman!) on the best way to present it to her students before Cross Country. Below are some of the items being requested for all children regardless of identified gender:

Sports Bras (medium to high support)

Athletic Shorts (running shorts, bike shorts (spandex), running leggings)

Athletic Tees and Tanks

Athletic Shoes (running shoes, preferred)

I am hoping to start collecting items ASAP so I can organize and store them for later distribution through Mrs. Tumilty. Please email or text me to let me know where I can pick up the items being donated. If you do not have any items at this time, or time to shop, we can discuss me doing the shopping for you, as well.

Thank you all, in advance, for your generosity and consideration in donating to this cause. All children should be able to compete at their highest level without having to worry about their athletic gear. Let’s kick it into “gear” and help support our kids!

You are all appreciated!

Angie Palafox

Mom to Milo & Max

630-669-6800 || palafoxangie@gmail.com

Nominating a Staff Member is an opportunity to celebrate and recognize thier outstanding achievements. It is a chance to shine a spotlight on individuals who have made significant contributions, displayed exceptional skills, or demonstrated outstanding dedication in their respective fields. When writing a nomination, consider the impact of the nominee's work and how it has positively influenced others or contributed to the success of a project or organization. Highlight specific examples, achievements, and qualities that set the nominee apart.

Safe Sitter class to be held at Elmhurst Hospital on 3/26/24 for ages 11-14 year olds ONLY.

Easter Egg Hunt. See details below.

Want to plant some trees for Earth Day?

While attendance is important, prioritizing health and well-being should always take precedence. When sick individuals stay home, they reduce the risk of spreading contagious illnesses to others. This helps maintain a healthier environment in schools. If you are not sick here are reasons why attendance and punctuality are critical in middle school for several reasons:

1. Academic Success: Regular attendance ensures that students have the opportunity to fully engage with the curriculum, participate in classroom activities, and receive instruction from teachers. Consistent attendance increases the likelihood of academic success by allowing students to stay up to date with lessons, assignments, and exams.

2. Minimizing Disruption: Tardiness can disrupt the learning environment by causing distractions and interruptions. When students arrive late, it can disrupt the flow of the lesson and detract from the learning experience for both the tardy student and their classmates. Consistent punctuality helps maintain a positive and productive classroom atmosphere.

3. Accountability and Responsibility: By attending school regularly and arriving on time, students learn important lessons about accountability and responsibility. They understand the importance of fulfilling their obligations and meeting expectations, both in school and in other aspects of their lives.

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.

Westway Coach Bus Co. 630-279-2720

Often there are times when our buses are running late. Westway Coach will notify us when there is a delay in time for buses so we can notify our parents of the bus that is running late. Sometimes a situation can happen when our office is closed and a parent tries to call us. If this is the case you may contact Westway Coach at 630-270-2720. Note that our School Office hours are 7:15 to 3:15 Monday thru Friday.

Half Days for Dist. # 48 2023.24

All our half days and full day institute days.

Dismissal for all schools are as follows :

Stella May Swartz -10:40AM

Salt Creek Primary -10:50AM

Albright Middle -10:53AM

1/2 Days Remaining

• FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2024
• TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2024
• FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2024
• FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2024 /LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

FULL-DAY INSTITUTE DAY-No School

• FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2024
• WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2024

It’s that time of year – cold and Flu season! Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by

influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting

a flu vaccine each year. If you suspect your child has the flu and/or has ongoing or worsening

symptoms, please reach out to your health care provider.

Flu can be spread through:

• Close personal contact when talking

• Tiny droplets when coughing and sneezing

• Touching objects and surfaces with germs on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes

(less often)

Flu symptoms typically come on suddenly and may include some or all these symptoms:

• Fever or feeling feverish/chills

• Cough

• Sore throat

• Funny or stuffy nose

• Muscle or body aches

• Headaches

• Fatigue (tiredness)

• Some people may experience vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children)

What to do if your child has flu-like symptoms:

• Stay home for 24 hours after fever is gone without the use of fever reducing medication

• Stay home for 24 hours after vomiting

• Consider reaching out to your child’s healthcare provider

Steps you can take to prevent flu from occurring/spreading:

• Avoid close contact with those who are sick

• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing with a tissue or your elbow

• Avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

• Clean surfaces with soap and water

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.

There is a free dental screening just announced by the Dupage Health Department. (See attached flyers) It's for March 1st. We do not have school on March 1st so this would be a great day to get a check up and make sure you are in compliance with your records!

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.

FTC is hosting a read-a-thon this February! Students should try to read 5 days per week with a daily goal of 15 minutes for Salt Creek, 20 minutes for Swartz, and 30 minutes for Albright through Thursday, February 29th. Please register your student(s) by clicking here:

http://www.99pledges.com/fund/48FTC2024. Money raised will go to support classroom libraries/supplies/tools/needs, enrichment programs, field trips, and more! There will be special prizes for various amounts raised that will go home before spring break. Please email Lisa Auriemme (lauriemme@saltcreek48ftc.org). Thank you for your support!

2/16 Enchanted Evening dance 7-9pm (Albright)

Come dance the night away with your favorite adult or the whole family!! This dance is open to all district families and offers a wonderful opportunity to get dressed up for a night out! The gym is transformed into a ballroom complete with a DJ, formal photo opportunities, a huge raffle, trinket sales, pizza and snacks!

FTC is in desperate need for parent concessions helpers for the upcoming Boys Volleyball season. Please see attached flyer for more information. If we do not get any helpers they will unfortunately not be able to offer any concessions. We would appreciate your help !!!

Did you know we have a new way to check out the breakfast and lunch Menus? You can find the link on our school website under the parents and community tab in each school. Once you click on the link all you have to do is pic the school you want and either breakfast or lunch! Its that easy!!

Click the link below to check it out!

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.

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