MUSTANG MINUTE

This month at Olive C. Martin School, we are focusing on Habit #2: Begin with the End in Mind-It's about having a plan! This habit is about identifying where we want to go and who we want to be. One of the best ways to incorporate Habit 2: Begin With the End in Mind into our lives is to develop a Mission Statement. It’s like writing our own personal constitution. It reaffirms who we are, puts our goals in focus, and moves our ideas into the real world. Developing a personal mission statement means living by design.

Check out these activities to make your very own Family Mission Statement!

Have a Plan

Family Mission Statements

Our Family's Mission Statement

We are excited to share a wonderful volunteer opportunity for our 3rd–5th grade students and families! Our school will be participating in a service project at Feed My Starving Children, in Libertyville, IL, where we will help pack meals that are sent to children in need around the world.

Details:
📍 Location: 742 East Park Ave. Libertyville, IL 60048
📅 Date: Monday, 10/27/25
⏰ Time: 5:00-6:30 PM

This experience will allow our 3rd–5th grade students to see firsthand the impact of service and the importance of helping others. It will also give them an opportunity to practice the Leader in Me habit of synergizing—working together to achieve more than we could alone.

Parent volunteers are welcome (and encouraged!) to join us in this meaningful project. Several staff members will be present as well.

If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up through the link right here.

Thank you for supporting our students in this valuable learning and service opportunity!

We are proud to continue our Student of the Month Ceremony, a special recognition event that highlights students who consistently demonstrate the 8 Habits of the Leader in Me. Each month, we will focus on one habit and recognize students who consistently model that leadership trait in their words and actions. From Being Proactive to Finding Their Voice, our students are learning how to lead themselves and others in positive ways. We look forward to celebrating their growth and leadership throughout the year! Check out September' Students of the Month below!!!

Have fun practicing the 7 Habits at home with our Leader in Me Bingo! Complete activities with your family, fill in your card, and bring it back to school for a chance to be entered into our prize drawing. Let’s grow our leadership skills together!

All practices will be held after school from 3:00pm- 4:30 pm. Parents are required to provide transportation home for your child. The sign/permission slips can be found here.

The 2nd Session:

Tuesday, Oct. 14, Wednesday, Oct. 15, Thursday, Oct. 16

Monday, Oct. 20, Tuesday, Oct. 21 & Wednesday, Oct. 22

If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Merges, mmerges@district41.org

Please be sure to review the handbook linked here!

Ryan Denton, a 2nd grade student here on the Mustang Ranch earned a 2nd place finish in a recent cheer competition! Congrats, Ryan, we're so proud of you!!

Check out these CONVERSATION starters to see how school has been going!!!

• What was the best thing that happened today?
• What made you laugh today?
• What made you feel proud today?
• Tell me about something challenging or confusing that you learned today!
• What was the hardest thing you had to do today?
• Who did you play with at recess?
• Who were you sitting near at lunch?
• Did anyone do anything nice for you today?
• Who in your class do you think you could be nicer to?
• What did you read or talk about in literacy today?
• What kinds of problems did you solve in math today?
• Did you raise your hand in school today? Were you called on?

We are so proud of our Martin students who participated in the Summer Reading Program! Their dedication to reading and growing their minds over the break is truly inspiring. Thank you, families, for supporting the joy of reading all summer long!

Congratulations to our Fabulous 59!!

Attendance in elementary school is essential for academic success, skill development, and socialization. Regular attendance ensures children do not miss critical lessons, helping them perform better academically and develop foundational skills in reading, writing, and math. It also fosters social skills and friendships, establishes routine and discipline, and provides access to necessary support systems. Consistent attendance also encourages parental involvement and sets the stage for long-term educational and career success. Your children need to be at Martin School all day, every day!

Dear Mustang Families,

We are so grateful for the continued support and involvement of our amazing parents and guardians! As we plan for upcoming events and activities, we welcome volunteers to help make these experiences meaningful and memorable for our students.

In order to volunteer at Martin School, we ask that ALL interested individuals complete a Volunteer Information Form and Waiver of Liability. These forms help us ensure a safe and organized environment for everyone.

Some of the wonderful ways you can volunteer include:

• Field Day
  
  

• Mystery Reader in the classroom
  
  

• Chaperoning Field Trips
  
  

• And many more opportunities throughout the year!
  
  

Please complete and return the attached form if you are going to be volunteering at Martin this school year!! Thank you for being a vital part of the Martin School community. We look forward to working together to create great memories for our students!

At District 41, the safety, well-being, and positive learning environment of our students remain our top priorities. Over the spring and summer, we strengthened our culture, climate, discipline, and safety systems to ensure schools are welcoming, supportive, and prepared for any situation. Updates include revised behavior rubrics with parent input, student-friendly visuals and bullying definitions, “See Something, Say Something” lessons, and consistent staff discipline procedures. Staff received professional training in restorative practices, PBIS, ALICE, behavioral strategies, and the 7 Habits to reinforce positive school culture. Emergency operations and crisis plans were updated in partnership with local police and fire, with enhanced reunification and rapid entry protocols. Student- and parent-led initiatives, anti-bullying committees, and accessible reporting tools empower our community to support one another. These collective efforts reflect our commitment to prevention, preparedness, and a safe, respectful environment for every student.

Please see the following documents that were presented on curriculum night, and please contact me if you have any questions.

Report a Concern

Student Visual

Each month, students have the chance to be recognized on our Principal’s Pride bulletin board! This special spot highlights students who go above and beyond from anything ranging from leadership at school to incredible school work!! Be sure to check it out when you visit the school—we’re so proud to celebrate our amazing students!

At Olive C. Martin School, we believe that strong partnerships between parents, teachers, and school leaders create the best learning environment for our students. That’s why we’re excited to invite you to be part of our new Parent Advisory Committee (PAC)!

What is the Parent Advisory Committee?

The PAC is a group of parents and guardians who work closely with the school administration to provide input, share ideas, and collaborate on initiatives that benefit our students and school community. This committee serves as a bridge between families and the school, ensuring that parent voices are heard and valued.

Why Join the PAC?

• Have a Say – Share your thoughts on school practices, programs, and initiatives.

• Stay Informed – Get updates on school events, curriculum, and upcoming decisions.

• Build Community – Connect with other parents and school staff to support student success.

• Make a Difference – Help shape the future of our school and create a positive learning environment.

How Can You Get Involved?

Please contact Dr. Klene if you are interested in serving on the PAC.

Dates:

January 14th 3:15-4:15 PM

Thank you for being a vital part of our school community!

District 41 puts students and staff first. Our goal is always to have students at school, when we can do so safely. Therefore, the district considers several factors when determining whether to close schools due to extreme weather, including data provided by the National Weather Service, including the temperature, windchill, and warnings. Although we strive each and every time to make the best decision regarding in-person or remote learning, oftentimes, no perfect decision exists. If school is not canceled and a parent and/or guardian feels their child is safer at home, they may reserve the right to keep them home. Keeping a child home due to weather will be recorded as an excused absence on the student's record as long as the parent and/or guardian report the absence to the school. Additionally, parents/guardians may choose to drop off/pick up their child from school.

The following are some criteria that are used when making school closure decisions. Invariably, there will be situations that do not fit into these guidelines, in which case the administration will do its best to provide cancellation information to families as soon as possible.

COLD DAYS - The National Weather Service predicts wind chills below -30 degrees, with other conditions considered.

SNOW DAYS - Heavy snow or icy conditions overnight or that worsen during the day.

E-LEARNING DAYS - An E-Learning Day may be an alternative to being fully closed. These days do not need to be made up at the end of the year. Students and staff would be notified before the end of the preceding day to bring their Chromebooks home. The e-Learning Plan is available on the District website under ‘Parents and Guardians Resources.’

Other Considerations

Multiple conditions that may include blowing snow, winds greater than 20 mph, heavy snow accumulations during travel times, hazardous driving conditions, ice accumulation, the ability of buses to start due to extreme cold, and power or phone outages.

A district-wide alert will be sent out via phone and email as early as possible. Parents can also check the district’s website. If schools are open due to weather, parents may keep a child home. They will be marked as excused.

If schools are closed...

District 41 Administration will do its best to provide cancellation information to families as soon as possible. District 41 will notify parents by 1:00 PM the previous school day of an e-Learning Day due to extreme weather. Parents will be notified with a target by 5:30 AM if schools need to close entirely for the day. The district makes every effort to inform parents as soon as possible. If schools are closed for the day, all after-school activities in the district, including sports and evening events, will be canceled unless otherwise communicated.

If schools are not closed…

If school is not canceled and a parent and/or guardian feels their child is safer at home, they may reserve the right to keep them home. Keeping a child home due to weather will be recorded as an excused absence on the student's record as long as the parent and/or guardian report the absence to the school in a timely manner. If school is already in session and conditions begin to worsen, the district will decide by 1:00 PM whether after-school activities will be canceled for that afternoon.

How is the decision to cancel school made?

Superintendents from area districts start communicating with each other as soon as the weather reports start to look threatening. District 41 collaborates with the Millburn, Emmons, Grass Lake, Lakes High School, Woodland, Grayslake Elementary, Grayslake High School, Gavin, Big Hollow, Fox Lake, and Grant High School superintendents. The superintendents generally attempt to reach a consensus on school closures. When area school districts make various decisions, the full District 41 administrative team finalizes the decision.

Header: Expanding Mental Health Access for Students and Families

We’re excited to offer the Lake Villa SD 41 CARES Program, a partnership with ReferralGPS that connects students and families to critical mental health resources (including individual therapy and/or psychiatric medication management).

With 8 initial visits free of charge and the potential for continued care based on funding and need, this program eliminates long waitlists and financial barriers, ensuring timely, equitable support.

Many families seek help for depression, anxiety, ADHD, and stress management, and the CARES Program provides connection with independent community mental health providers to address these challenges.

Take the First Step: Visit District 41 CARES to learn more and get started today!

Together, we can create a healthier future for our community.

Reminder that the District provides free and reduced meals for students who qualify.

To apply for Free/Reduced meals visit our website under Food Service.

Click here for information on how to create a meal account for food purchases.

Paid Lunch is $3.65 and reduced lunch is $.40.
Paid breakfast is $2.00 and reduced rate breakfast is $0.30.

As a reminder-

No personal communication devices, including but not limited to cell phones, are

allowed to be used during the school day. Smartwatches may be worn and used as

watches. However, they may not be used as communication devices. At the middle

school, communication devices should be off or disabled, and phones should be in

lockers. At the elementary school, communication devices should be off or disabled,

and phones should be in lockers or in backpacks. In addition, personal communication

devices should not be used until students are outside of the school building at the end

of the school day.

Imagine IM is a problem-based core curriculum designed to address content and practice standards to foster learning for all. Students learn by doing math, solving problems in mathematical and real-world contexts, and constructing arguments using precise language. Teachers can shift their instruction and facilitate student learning with high-leverage routines to guide learners to understand and make connections between concepts and procedures.

Accessing the Family Support Hub:

Visit ilclassroom.com to access the Family Support Hub without logging in. Click the “Explore Curricula” button at the bottom of the screen and navigate to your student’s subject and grade!

Kindergarten Family Support

First Grade Family Support

Second Grade Family Support

Third Grade Family Support

Fourth Grade Family Support

Fifth Grade Family Support

Please click this link to access the Illustrative Mathematics Parent Information.

The book fair is coming, the book fair is coming!!! Save the dates from November 3rd-November 7th!!

Family Night Tuesday, November 4th from 5-8 PM!!

Darlene Kuxhouse

847-245-3400 x31001

darlene.kuxhouse@district41.org

Hearing and Vision Screenings:

During the school year, vision and/or hearing screenings are conducted for students. Please see the student/parent handbook for further information. Screenings will take place September-November.

STATE HEALTH REQUIREMENTS:

• Kindergarten

• • Illinois Physical Exam with up-to-date immunizations (Exclusion if not received by October 15th)

  • Eye Exam Due by October 15th

  • Dental Exam Due by May 15, 2026

• 2nd Grade

  • Dental Exam Due by May 15, 2026

• OUT-OF-STATE TRANSFERS

• Illinois Physical Exam with up-to-date immunizations

• Dental Exam

• Eye Exam

Each student should have a change of clothes at school. Accidents can happen at lunch, recess, and in class.

As the seasons continue to change make sure your student has weather appropriate clothing.

We will be conducting vision and hearing screenings for some students during the first trimester.

Students should eat a good breakfast, drink water, exercise, wash hands often, and get a good night's sleep daily! O.C. Martin has breakfast available. Please check the district website under food services for details and menus.

Be sure to mark your calendars for the 2025-2026 school music concerts!!! ALL Martin Concerts will start at 6:30 PM!

See dates below:

5th Grade: Thursday, October 16th, 2025

4th Grade: Thursday, December 11th, 2025

2nd Grade: Thursday, January 15th, 2026

3rd Grade: Thursday, February 26th, 2026

1st Grade: Thursday, April 16th, 2026

Kindergarten: Thursday, May 14th, 2026

Healthy snacks are essential in schools for maintaining energy levels, improving concentration and academic performance, supporting physical health and growth, regulating behavior and mood, developing lifelong healthy eating habits, providing educational opportunities, and creating a health-focused school environment. With this being said, District #41 has updated the snack list to reflect additional items. Please click here to see our latest approved snack list.

At the beginning of each school year, school districts, charter schools, and non-public schools are required to notify parents and guardians of the availability of ISBE’s Resource Guide: https://www.isbe.net/Documents/Faiths-Law-Resource-Guide.pdf

October 6-Board of Education Meeting District Office 7:00 PM

October 10-Teacher Institute-No School

October 13-Columbus Day-No School

October 16-5th Grade Music Concert 6:30 PM

October 21-PTO Meeting 6:00-7:00 PM @ LVPL

October 23- Bilingual Fall Festival 6-7:30 PM @ Martin School

October 27-Board of Education Meeting District Office 7:00 PM

November 3-7-PTO Book Fair