EDW BRAVE BULLETIN

Our Halloween classroom parties are coming up on Friday, October 30th, beginning at 3:00 PM! 🧡🖤 We’re excited for a fun afternoon of Halloween festivities with our students!

A few important reminders for anyone interested in volunteering:

🎃 Limited Volunteers: Each classroom is allowed a maximum of 2 guests/volunteers during the classroom party.

👻 Sign Up Quickly! If you would like to help with your child’s classroom party and haven’t reached out to your child’s teacher yet, please do so as soon as possible! Some classrooms have already filled both volunteer spots, while others still have spots available. Reaching out does not guarantee a spot, so please check with your child’s teacher.

🪪 Visitor Check-In Required: If you are selected to attend, you MUST check in at the front office and bring a valid photo ID. Anyone going beyond the front office desk is required to scan their ID to receive a visitor badge.

We appreciate all the families who volunteer their time to make these special moments memorable for our students! 🧡🎃 Let the Halloween fun begin! 🕸️🦇

Picture Retakes – October 28th

Please note: Only students who are on the retake list will have their picture taken on October 28th.

We’d like to remind families that pajamas should only be worn to school on our PTO-designated PJ/Hat Days, held on the first Thursday of each month. Students may participate for a $1 fee per month.

We understand this is a change from previous years, but we have noticed an increase in students wearing pajamas throughout the school week. Moving forward, please ensure your child comes to school dressed in regular school attire except on designated PJ/Hat Days.

Cute designs, fun styles, and a little something for everyone! Take a peek at the designs and find one (or a few 😉) you’ll love wearing!

🛍️ Ready to order? Click the Shirt Order Form link below to browse the designs and place your order.

✨ Made Just for You: Every shirt is made to order, we’ll get started once your order and payment have been received.

💰 Payment: Cash or Venmo accepted. Payment is required before your order can be processed.

📦 Pickup: Once your shirt is ready, it will be available for pickup at the EDW Front Office.

Go ahead… treat yourself to a new favorite! You deserve a little shirt shopping. 😉🧡🖤

The Spooky Express is coming to town! Join us on Sunday, October 25, 2026, beginning at 1:00 p.m. for an afternoon of Halloween fun!

The Spooky Express will make stops at the following designated locations. Each stop will be marked with a Spooky Express sign.

📍 Spooky Express Stops:

1. 575 River Falls Rd.
2. 6th & Trant St.
3. 531 S. 4th St. & Blake St.
4. 601 Beach St.
5. Steele Rd. & S. 101st Terrace
6. S. 102nd Terrace & Edgehill Dr.
7. 1605 S. 104th Terrace
8. S. 105th Terrace & Shelton Ave.
9. Edwardsville Christian Church Parking Lot
10. 2nd St. & Delaware St.
11. S. 1st St. & Mellott St.
12. Blake St. & S. 3rd St.

Please note: These are the only designated stops for the Spooky Express this year. They will not be making individual stops, and no sign-up is required.

The Spooky Express will be passing out candy only, so come ready for some Halloween fun! 🍭👻

Loud noises and sounds from the fire trucks and emergency vehicles may be overwhelming for some children. For children who may become overstimulated by the loud noise, families may request a Spooky Express treat bag to be delivered to their home instead.

To request a treat bag, please email jrupp@edwardsvilleks.org with your name, contact number, and the number and ages of children in your household.

Oct 26th - Nov 6th: Feed His Lambs Food Drive

Oct 28th: Picture Retakes, PTO Meeting @ 6pm

Oct 30th: Community Meeting @ 8:40am (North End) sign in will begin at 8:15am- anyone attending must bring their ID to check in- Halloween Parties @ 3pm- same process as previous years. Each teacher will have two volunteers to help and attend the parties. Please reach out to your child's teacher if you are interested in volunteering.

Nov 5th: Pj & Hat Day

Nov 11th: Veteran's Day Program 2:45pm

Nov 12th: 4th Grade Field Trip-JA Bizz Town

Nov 18th: Dental Clinic

Nov 19th: 2nd & 3rd Music Program 6pm

Nov 20th: Community Meeting 8:40am

Nov 23rd - 27th: Thanksgiving Break

This month, we are learning about agency—the understanding that we have the power to make choices, use our voice, and take action. Students will practice recognizing what is within their control and how their choices can positively impact themselves and others.

October is Bullying Prevention Month

October is also Bullying Prevention Month! We will be learning how to recognize bullying, respond in safe and respectful ways, and be an upstander when we see someone being treated unkindly. We’ll focus on using our agency to make choices that help create a school where everyone feels safe, seen, and supported.

Carry It Home

Try talking about agency at home with questions like:

• What is something you can control when you are having a hard day?

• When have you used your voice to help yourself or someone else?

• What could you do if you saw someone being left out?

• What is one choice you can make that helps others feel welcome?

• Who is a trusted adult you can talk to if something doesn't feel right?

Book Recommendation

One by Kathryn Otoshi

This simple, powerful story shows how one person can use their voice and choices to make a difference. It is a great way to talk with children about standing up for others, inclusion, courage, and using our agency to create positive change.

💭Family Challenge

Be an Upstander!
This month, look for one opportunity to use your voice, include someone, show kindness, or ask for help when something doesn't feel right. Small choices can make a big difference!

Janai Johnson, Ed.S.
School Counselor | Edwardsville Elementary

Contact Me: johnsonja@usd204.net

P: 913-422-4036

We’re excited to participate in the SchoolStore Program, an easy, online way for families and friends to support our school and our teachers!

Earlier this week, your child brought home a SchoolStore lanyard with information on how to sign up. When you register, you will receive a personalized code, write that on the card you received, send the card back to the school with your child. Once your child turns in their code, they will receive a BookBuddies slap bracelet just for participating! 🎉

So, what exactly is SchoolStore?

SchoolStore gives families an opportunity to help support our school without selling products, going door-to-door, or collecting money. One of the biggest ways families can help is by inviting family and friends to participate.

💙 Caring For Classrooms Gift Cards

🛒 Shop & Support

📱 It's Easy!

Every gift, purchase, and shared invitation can help provide our teachers with resources they can use right in their classrooms! Thank you for helping us make our classrooms even better for our students!

District 204 proudly patriciates in the federally funded Title I program, which provides additional academic support and resources to help students succeed. Through Title I, students may receive extra support in areas such as reading and math, while families are encouraged to be active partners in their child’s learning.

We invite you to learn more about our Title I program, how it supports student success, and ways you can be involved by clicking the Title I Parent Letter below.

Our morning car line doors will close promptly at 8:30 AM. If you arrive at or after 8:30 AM, you will need to continue around to the front of the building, where you will buzz in and bring your child inside. Your child will receive a tardy slip before heading to class, and a parent/guardian must come inside with the child.

When visiting our school, the check-in process is quick and simple:

• Bring a valid photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID)
• Report to the main office and proceed to the visitor kiosk
• Select the appropriate badge type on the screen
• Scan your ID using the optical scanner
• Have your photo taken
• Receive your visitor badge instantly
• Wear your badge at all times while in the building
• Upon leaving, check out by scanning your badge or selecting your name on the screen

The system performs an instant security screening, including a sexual offender registry check, to help ensure that all visitors in our buildings are authorized to be present. The process typically takes less than a minute and is designed to be efficient while enhancing campus security.

Important Reminders

• Please bring a valid photo ID each time you visit.
• All visitors, including parents, guardians, volunteers, contractors, and guests, are required to use this system.
• Visitor information is kept secure and confidential.
• Office staff are available to assist if you need help using the kiosk.

Our celebrations have always been special opportunities for students to enjoy time together and for families to be part of those moments. We are always looking for ways to perfect and ensure the safest and most positive environment for all children.

With this in mind, and to stay consistent with procedures already in place throughout the district, we will be moving to a new celebration model that focuses on student safety, staff support, and building-wide consistency.

Classroom celebrations will follow these guidelines:

• Each classroom may have two (2) adult volunteers at each celebration

• Teachers will select their volunteers using a method that best fits their classroom needs (interest surveys, rotation, etc.).

• Volunteer names will be shared with the office ahead of time to help with smooth check-in.

• Families who are not attending are still welcome to contribute by sending treats (following allergy guidelines), supplies, or activity ideas that support the celebration.

For the safety and accountability of each student, only legal guardians are authorized to sign out a student from school. We cannot release a student to a grandparent, sibling, boyfriend, girlfriend, other family members, or friends without prior phone approval from a legal guardian.

Please note that even if someone is listed as an emergency contact in Skyward, they are not considered a legal guardian. We still require a call from the legal guardian before releasing a student to an emergency contact.

Legal guardians include biological parents listed on the birth certificate, foster or adoptive parents, or individuals with court documentation stating they are guardians. This policy is in effect every day, including during parties, celebrations, and assemblies.

Thank you for helping us ensure the safety of all our students!

President: Amanda Burns

Secretary: Julie Thomas

Treasurer: Ashley Shepard

Volunteer/Event Coordinator: Tiffany Manglos & Heather Soliz-Higbee

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CONTACT INFORMATION:

edwpto204@gmail.com

COMMUNICATION:

www.facebook.com/edwpto

To help families know the best way to get answers quickly and effectively, our school follows a communication matrix flow. This matrix outlines who to reach out to first with different types of questions or concerns, whether it’s about classroom learning, attendance, technology, or school-wide events.

The goal is to connect you directly with the person who can best support your child and provide accurate information right away. By following the communication flow, families experience fewer delays, staff can respond more efficiently, and everyone stays on the same page.

Good attendance is essential for student success. Please call or email (edwsec@usd204.net) between 8:00 AM–3:00 PM on the day of an absence (or send a note within one day of returning) for it to be excused.

👉 Please note: Excused absences have changed — students now have 14 excused absences for the entire school year. They do not reset at semester like before. After 14, a doctor’s note will be required.

• Tardy: Arrivals between 8:30–9:00 AM or leaving after 3:15 PM = tardy (5 tardies = 1 unexcused absence).

• Truancy: 3 consecutive unexcused days, 5 in a semester, or 7 in a year.

For early release, a parent/guardian must come to the office to sign the student out — students may not wait outside.

Private dining is available in the Makerspace (right across from the office) for families who would like to have lunch with their child.

The Makerspace is also used for district employees who may need to hold special meetings with families or staff, so all private dining must be reserved in advance. If the room is not available on your requested day, we’ll be happy to help you choose another day, or you are welcome to sign your child out for lunch and return in time for their next class.

Once you have a reservation scheduled, you are still welcome to bring outside food if you choose.

For safety reasons, and to ensure we can properly monitor and accommodate food allergies and dietary restrictions, friends are not permitted to join for lunch. This policy helps us maintain a safe and controlled environment for all students.

At the conclusion of lunch (and lots of hugs), your child will return to class with their teacher, and you will depart from the Makerspace. Before leaving the building, please stop by the office to sign out so we can keep our visitor log accurate.

We love celebrating birthdays at school, and we’re excited to welcome parents back to join in the fun! To keep learning on track, all birthdays celebrations will take place at the very end of the day. Store bought treats should be brought in by 3:10 PM or later. This ensures celebrations do not disrupt the school day. As always, you are also welcome to just send the treats in with your child.

📞 Planning Ahead: Please communicate with your child’s teacher or the front office before bringing treats, so we can be ready for visitors and adjust the end-of-day routine as needed.

🎈 Birthday Invitations: If you’d like to distribute invitations at school, please provide one for every student in the class. Otherwise, invitations should be shared outside of school.

As we navigate the changing seasons, We want to remind everyone of our recess guidelines and the importance of ensuring students come to school dressed appropriately for the weather.

• Winter Guidelines:

  • If the outside temperature or wind chill is 25-31 degrees, outdoor recess will be limited to 5-10 minutes.
  • If the temperature or wind chill is 24 degrees or below, recess will be held indoors.
  • Recess will also be held indoors during falling precipitation (snow, sleet, rain, etc.).

• Summer Guidelines:

  • Outdoor recess may take place as long as there is no heat index warning in effect.

We appreciate your help in preparing your child with weather-appropriate clothing, such as coats, hats, gloves, or lighter attire as needed for the season. These measures ensure all students can enjoy recess comfortably and safely.

To stay connected, we’re continuing to use Rooms, our two-way communication tool with teachers and staff. The best way to access Rooms is through the USD 204 app, available in the App Store and Google Play. Just search USD 204. You can also access Rooms via a web browser at https://id.thrillshare.com.

• New to the district? You should have received an invitation by text or email to set up your account. If not, submit an account request HERE.

• Returning families: Your login hasn’t changed. Use your email or phone number, or reset your password with “Forgot my password.” If you’re unable to log in or see issues, submit a support request HERE.

• Already have the app? Be sure you’re on the latest version—open your app store, search USD 204, and update if needed.

• Don’t see a class yet? Please be patient—teachers are in the process of publishing their Rooms, and classes will appear as they are set up.

What’s new this year?

SMS Notifications: Receive a text whenever a new message or announcement is sent, with a direct link to view it in your browser or the app. Learn how to set your notification preferences HERE.

• Upgraded Messaging: A single inbox now shows all your messages across all children, with the ability to read, reply, or start new conversations. See additional details HERE.
  

Check out this overview of the new experience or watch this short video to learn more.

Thank you for your patience as we work through any issues together—we’re excited for another great school year!

Administration / Counselor

Andi Stipe, Principal: stipea@usd204.net

Cassity Wooten, Asst. Principal: wootenc@usd204.net

Janai Johnson, Counselor: johnsonja@usd204.net

Front Office Staff:

Attendance & Transportation Email: EDWSec@usd204.net

Kelli Wille, Registrar/Secretary: willek@usd204.net

Jenny VanWinkle, Bookkeeper/Secretary: vanwinklej@usd204.net

Cherie Coffman, Nurse: coffmanc@usd204.net

(doors open at 8:15am for arrival, tardy bell will ring promptly at 8:30am)

Office #- 913-422-4036

Fax#- 913-298-5190

Transportation #- 913-441-2493