The Olive Branch 8.28.26

In this Branch:

Principal's Message
Health Office Information
LMC Sponsor a Book Update
Recess Footwear
Food Use in the Curriculum
Limited Internet Access
Cell phones/Wearables Reminder
Heritage Fest - Volunteers Needed
Lunch Menu
Save the Date

Principal's Message

Thank you to "Olive" our families who were able to join us for Curriculum Night this past Wednesday. Our staff appreciates having time to connect with you and share all of the great things your children do and learn each day.

Recess Temperatures Next Week:

With potential record high temps into the 90's next week, we will be monitoring the heat index to determine if outdoor recess is safe.

Health Office Information

We appreciate the families who have already submitted their child’s required health forms.

It is crucial that all necessary forms are provided to avoid any interruption in your child’s education as the State of Illinois REQUIRED EXCLUSION date of October 15th.

Our school nurses will be reaching out to families who need to submit updated information, so please be attentive to any communication via voicemail, email, or backpack mail. For any questions or further assistance, please visit our D25 Health Services page for the school nurse contact information.

Physical/Immunization Record:

Required for all kindergarten and new students
The physical must be completed within a year of school start, dated on or after August 20, 2025
Parents must complete and sign the health history section
Immunizations Requirements must be met or include a MD approved schedule of administration
Failure to submit the form and have it reviewed by the School Nurse prior to the OCTOBER 15th deadline will result in your child being EXCLUDED from school

Vision Exam Form:

Required for all kindergarten and students new to the state of Illinois
The exam must be completed by a licensed eye doctor and dated on or after August 21, 2025
The official State of Illinois Eye Examination form is required
Due date of October 15, 2026

Dental Exam Form:

Required for all kindergarten, second grade and six grade students
The exam must be completed by a licensed dentist and dated after November 15, 2025
The official State of Illinois Dental Examination form is required
This is due by May 15th, 2027

Recess Footwear

We kindly ask that students wear appropriate athletic footwear (gym shoes) during recess. This is the same expectation we have for P.E. class. Properly fitted sneakers provide the necessary traction and ankle support to prevent slips, trips, and falls on the play structure, blacktop, and in the field.

While sandals, slides, house slippers, and Crocs are stylish these days, they often lack the grip needed for fast-paced play. If your child chooses to wear unsupportive footwear, we will ask them not to engage in athletic activities (basketball, soccer, football, tag games, etc.).

Students are encouraged to keep a pair of gym shoes in their backpacks for recess if they want to wear other shoes while inside.

Food Use in the Curriculum

As part of our commitment to student health, wellness, and safety, District 25 is notifying families that some science lessons this school year may involve the use of food or food-related products as instructional tools. Please click on the letter below that corresponds with your child’s grade level for more information about the specific items that may be used.

Kindergarten
1st Grade
2nd Grade
3rd Grade
4th Grade
5th Grade

Limited Internet Access

A Quick Reminder for Families

Cell Phones & Electronic Devices

As we begin the new school year, we want to remind families of our expectations regarding cell phones and other electronic devices at school, including wearables. These expectations are designed to help students stay focused on learning, minimize distractions, and support a positive school environment.

Middle school students are expected to turn off electronics and store devices in their middle school locker during the school day.
Elementary students are expected to leave electronics in the “off” position and in their backpacks throughout the school day.
A supervising teacher may grant permission for them to be used or if needed during an emergency.
They may not be used in any manner that will cause disruption to the educational environment or will otherwise violate student conduct rules.

The District will provide access to students who do not own a mobile learning device in circumstances when its use is required for instructional purposes during the day. Electronic devices may be used during the school day if:

Use of the device is provided in the student’s IEP, or
Permission is received from the student’s teacher with administrator approval

We appreciate your partnership in helping our students be present, engaged, and ready to learn each day. Please take a moment to review the flyer to the right, along with the full policy in the Parent/Student Handbook.

Fun Fluency Classes

Register Now for FunFluency - Classes Begin Sept 16!

We are excited to share that Fun Fluency Spanish enrichment classes will once again be offered at all District 25 elementary schools during the 2026–2027 school year!

Classes will be offered before and after school right at your child’s school. Fun Fluency classes are designed to make language learning engaging, confidence-building, and interactive for students of all experience levels.

Registration for the 2026–2027 school year is still OPEN. Space is limited, and classes fill up very quickly. Tuition for a full year is $365. For more information or to register, visit https://funfluency.com/registration or click the flyer below:

OMS Fun Fluency

D25 Families: Heritage Fest Is Looking for Booth Hosts

Saturday, September 19 | 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Arlington Heights Historical Museum
110 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights

Heritage Fest is looking for families to host booths celebrating their culture, traditions, and heritage. If your family has participated in a D25 Multicultural Fair, this could be a great opportunity to share your culture with the broader Arlington Heights community.

Sign up to host a booth

Heritage Fest is presented by the Arlington Heights Park District, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, Arlington Heights Historical Museum, and Village of Arlington Heights.