THE INDIAN BEAT: August 2025

Regardless if you are brand new to SES or a returning family, we are thrilled you are here as we prepare for another exciting school year. Scott Elementary is a positive, welcoming, supportive, and fun school community. Our staff truly cares about kids, and we work hard every day to support our SES Vision Statement:

"We are committed to making Scott Elementary the school of choice for military-connected families."

Strong communication between home and school is key to student success. To keep you informed, you’ll receive a monthly school-wide newsletter, along with weekly updates from your child’s teacher. Important announcements will also be shared through email and phone messages throughout the year. If you ever have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher or contact the school office directly—we’re here to support you.

As summer comes to a close, we hope you're enjoying some rest and relaxation. We look forward to connecting with you soon at our New Family Night on August 7, Open House on August 12, or on the first day of school on August 14.

Please feel free to contact the office with any questions in the meantime.

Sincerely,

Kellen Kettwich

Principal

Use the links below to view the 2025-26 MSD19 School Calendar

2025-2026 School List Calendar

2025-2026 School Grid Calendar

August 4

* Your child's teacher will be posted in TeacherEase, if the Registration process is complete. If you cannot view your child's teacher, please call the school office immediately.

August 7

* New Family Night, 6:00-7:00 for all new students to SES. More information is listed below.

August 12

* Open House for all SES students (more information is listed below)

5:00-6:00: Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd Grade

6:00-7:00: 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade

August 13

* PTO Chalk the Walk Event, 5:00pm

August 14

* First Day of School (1/2 day student attendance, 8:35-11:30).

September 1

* Labor Day - No School

September 9

* SES Skate Night, 5:00-7:00 (More Information Below)

September 26

* Picture Day - More Information to Come!

All students must complete the registration process in order to attend Scott Elementary. For more information regarding student registration, please view the link below which can be found on our district webpage.

https://www.msd19.org/page/registration-information

Reminder MSD19 Families: School physicals and up-to-date immunization records are required for attendance on the first full day of school. Please visit our MSD19 Health Forms & Information page for further details about what grades need updated records on file.

Failure to have an updated physical and immunization record will result in the student's inability to attend school. If the student has these requirements completed, and you have not done so already, please turn in the proper documentation to the respective school office before the start of the upcoming school year.

Pre-K: (entering school for the first time)

• A completed physical examination on the State of Illinois Certificate of Child Health Examination Form dated within one year of the start of school year

• Up-to-date immunizations including at least one dose of pneumococcal vaccine

• Proof of Lead screening must be addressed on Illinois Certificate of Child Health Examination Form

Kindergarten:

• A completed physical examination on the State of Illinois Certificate of Child Health Examination Form dated within one year of the start of school

• Up-to-date immunizations including 2 doses varicella

• Proof of Lead screening must be addressed on Illinois Certificate of Child Health Examination Form

• Eye exam by an optometrist or ophthalmologist

• Dental exam on the Illinois state Proof of School Dental Examination form: due before May 15, 2026

Second Grade:

• Dental exam on the Illinois state Proof of School Dental Examination form: due before May 15, 2026

Please schedule your physical appointments now with your healthcare provider. If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact the school nurse at any of the Mascoutah District schools.

From 6:00-7:00pm on Thursday, August 7, we will have an open house for new students to SES. Doors open at 6:00. You are free to look around the building and meet Mr. Kettwich and our two assistant principals, Mrs. Grawe and Mrs. Battas. Teachers will not be present, but you will have the chance to see classroom locations, get a layout of the building, and receive answers to any questions you may have! We look forward to meeting our new students!

All three elementary schools in our district will have Open House on the same evening, Tuesday, August 12. We ask that you bring your school supplies (listed below) with you. Students will have an opportunity to meet their teacher and enter their classrooms. This is a very busy night. Please follow the times for your grade level and do not arrive more than a few minutes early. Teachers will only be available during their allotted time below:

5:00-6:00: Kindergarten, 1st, & 2nd Grade

6:00-7:00: 3rd, 4th, & 5th Grade

We have an amazing PTO at SES that plans a large number of fun activities throughout the school year.

If you would like to join the PTO, please fill out the membership form on the link below.

The PTO will have a table at the upcoming Open House on 12 Aug, come by and say hello and let us know if you have any questions!

Visit our website: https://sites.google.com/view/scott-elementary-pto/home

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ScottESPTO

With over 700 students entering and exiting our building each day, we ask for your cooperation when dropping off and picking up your child(ren) to ensure the safety of all students.

ARRIVAL PROCEDURES

* Students may begin entering the building at 8:15. School begins at 8:35. Any student arriving after 8:35 will need to be signed in as tardy by a parent or guardian in the main office.

* Students should be dropped off in the vehicle drop-off lane and enter the school through the front doors. If parents would like to park in the parking lot and escort their child to the front doors, they may do so.

* Please refrain from dropping children off or picking them up outside of the designated areas. Unattended children in the main parking lot present a safety hazard.

* No adult supervision is available for students prior to 8:00. If a child arrives prior to 8:00am unattended, a $5 fee per student will be charged.

* Absolutely no cell phones are allowed in the school parking lot. Please obey the one-way "Do Not Enter" signs, and do not drop off students in the bus lanes.

DISMISSAL PROCEDURES

Students will be dismissed at 3:30pm (2:30 dismissal every Wednesday).

Parents and guardians, please abide by the following procedures that apply:

* All bus riders and students going to the Scott Youth Center will be dismissed first.

* After the buses have departed, students walking home or being picked up are dismissed.

* Parents wishing to pick up their child after school may walk on to the school property via the SAFB walking gate. (Please have your military IDs to pass in and out of the SAFB gate.)

* If using the car pick-up lane, please remain in your vehicle. Please pull all the way forward and follow directions from our staff. Please have car tag with your student(s) name visible on the dashboard so staff can call students as you pull forward.

* When your child has safely entered the car, you may pull away to exit the grounds following the flow of traffic.

* If we are having an inclement weather dismissal, please have your car tag with student(s) names visible for school staff to retrieve your child. Your car tag will also be used as your gate pass to re-enter SAFB on Patriots Drive. Your military ID may be requested by the gate guard, so please have it available.

We will always err on the side of caution in the school parking lot. While we understand that everyone is in a rush in the morning and afternoon, safety will always be our top priority. Thank you for your cooperation!

WELCOME BACK SES FAMILIES! The Cafe Crew would like to welcome everyone back for another fantastic school year! We have exciting new things happening in the cafeteria this year. All schools will be trying new entree items on our “Try It Tuesday”. Students will get to vote to let us know if they loved it, liked it, or not a fan. We will tally the votes and they decide if we add it to the regular menu rotations! We will also have fun coloring sheets with fun food and nutrition facts for students to grab. Lots of fun new stuff! We can’t wait to see you! Your SES Cafe Crew: Mrs. Michelle, Mrs. Amber, Mrs. Yvette, Mrs. Bo, Mrs. Natalie, Mrs. Breona, and Mrs. Sara.

Free and Reduced Lunch Application

Children need healthful meals to learn, which is why Mascoutah School District offers healthful meals every school day. Your child may qualify for free or for reduced-price meals. To apply for free or reduced-price meals, please complete the application below and send to Brandy Goodwin, Food Service Director, at goodwinb@msd19.org

How do I report my student's absence?

Call the office to let us know if your student will be late or not attending by 9:00am. You can absolutely let your student’s teacher know as well, but the office manages attendance for the whole school.

What is an excused absence vs. an unexcused absence?

An excused absence is one where the office knows why your student is not at school. If we do not receive notice from the parent, the absence is marked unexcused. After 3 unexcused absences, you will receive a truancy letter. After 6, you will need to meet with the district truancy board. After 9, documentation will be sent to the county truancy board.

What time does school start and end?

School begins at 8:35. Students arriving after 8:35 are marked tardy. The school day ends at 3:30 (2:30 on Wednesdays).

At Scott Elementary, we believe that creating a positive, predictable, and safe learning environment is essential for student success. That’s why we use a schoolwide PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) system to guide and support our students in making great choices every day. We’re excited to announce that our new PBIS theme for this year is SES STARS – Hollywood style! This theme will give us a fun and engaging way to recognize and celebrate positive behavior schoolwide. We’ll be using Hollywood inspired visuals to help students shine like the stars they are - on and off the red carpet!

Here is a closer look at how our program works:

🧭 SCHOOLWIDE BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

We use a Behavior Matrix to clearly define what being Safe, Respectful, and Responsible looks like in every part of the building—from classrooms and hallways to the cafeteria, playground, and bus. Expectations are taught, modeled, and reinforced by all staff.

⚖️ MAJORS VS. MINORS

At SES, we approach student discipline through a tiered system that distinguishes between warning/reteaching, minor behavior infractions, and major behavior infractions. All behavior infractions are addressed with potential consequences and restorative practices in order to help promote positive student growth. A breakdown of Minor/Major behavior infractions is below.

Minor Behaviors

* Teacher manages incident and assigns age-appropriate consequence.
* Result in time missed from Fun Friday as an opportunity to re-teach expected behavior.

* A notification will be sent home with the student that evening for parents to sign and return.

Major Behaviors
* Principal-manages incident ad assigns age-appropriate consequence.
* Refers to situations with immediate safety concerns, the learning environment is significantly impacted, or multiple minors have previously been issued.
* Result in a consequence assigned by the principal, which will be communicated to parents via phone calls.

💵 SCOTT BUCKS = POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT

Students can earn Scott Bucks for making great choices—like:
* Helping a classmate
* Turning in forms on time
* Getting their agenda signed
* Or just being awesome!

🛍️ Bucks can be spent at the Scott Store with their class!

🌟 STAR STUDENTS

Each month, teachers nominate a STAR Student who best displays our Character Word of the Month (like kindness, responsibility, or perseverance). Other students going above and beyond may also be recognized.

🏅 Honored at our school-wide assembly at the end of each month—families are invited!

🍽️ SUPERSTAR LUNCH

At each assembly, one STAR Student per grade is randomly selected to enjoy a free lunch with the principal at a local restaurant. It’s our way of celebrating outstanding character!

💜 FRIDAY SPIRIT DAYS

Every Friday, students are encouraged to “Purple Up!”
Wear as much purple, SES, or Mascoutah gear as possible!

🎟️ Students who participate are entered into a monthly prize drawing.

Thank you for supporting our program and encouraging your child to be their best self—at school, at home, and in the community!

Throughout the school year, our students, teachers, and administrators share out the amazing learning experiences and activities going on at Scott Elementary and in our school district. Click the link below to view our Facebook page!

Mascoutah School District 19 Facebook

4732 Patriots Drive

SAFB, IL 62225

Website: ses.msd19.org

Phone: 618-746-4738