The Weekly: August 16

Day one was incredible! Your children arrived at school brimming with excitement and energy, though some understandably felt a mix of emotions. As I visited each classroom, it was heartwarming to witness students quickly forming connections with their classmates and teachers. The classrooms buzzed with energy as routines were established and introductions were made. Not a single tear was being shed, which is a wonderful testament to a smooth start. This positive atmosphere is an ideal foundation for a successful school year.

In the coming weeks, we’ll be focusing on building a strong foundation of school culture by teaching our Lions the expectations. At Elizabeth Ide Elementary, we expect all Lions to be Respectful, Responsible and Safe. While these expectations may vary slightly across different school areas, consistent language is essential for teaching and reinforcing positive behaviors. We encourage you to reinforce these expectations at home with your child.

On September 5th, you are invited to join us at Elizabeth Ide for our Teaching and Learning Night. This is an opportunity for parents and guardians to learn more about the specifics of the classroom. While the presentations will be scheduled for 30 minute blocks, we hope you find time to connect with our staff and other families at Teaching and Learning Night!

I'm excited about this school year and the opportunities ahead!

Respectfully,

Katie Johnson

Principal

Birthdays are announced during the morning announcements. Party invitations will not be passed out at school. Children may not distribute invitations for personal parties at school. Parents are encouraged to use the PTO Family Directory for addresses and for email addresses for classmates that they wish to invite to parties. Be sure to check that box in your parent forms stating that you would like to be included in the PTO directory. Health and nutrition guidelines are the basis for the following procedures regarding birthday treats. We would like to make your child’s birthday a special event at school. However, no parties for individual students will be held at school. Non-edible treats such as pencils, books, toys, etc, may be sent to the classroom to celebrate your student’s birthday. Food items are not allowed due to the number of students with allergies, as well as the Illinois health and wellness laws. It is the goal of the school and district to provide your child with the best and safest educational opportunities possible. If food items are brought in they will not be passed out and will be sent back home.

Page 50 of the Center Cass 66 Student Handbook

We're creating a special display at IDE to showcase the love of reading in our community. Can you help us capture this magic? If you see your child reading, snap a picture and email it to Meghan Aleo. Include the child's first and last name in the email.

Together, let's show the importance of getting lost in a good book!

Send in pictures ASAP!

Arrival and dismissal are a busy time at Elizabeth Ide Elementary School. Please partner with us to ensure our students, staff and community are safe.

Arrival

We begin our day with a soft start. Students may arrive at school starting at 7:30AM. Please do not arrive prior to this time. ALL students enter the building through our main entrance, Door #1.

Drop Off and Pick Up Lane

All cars will enter the drop off/pick up lane as indicated on the map below and create a single file lane. Please follow the directions of staff and signage.

• Students must enter and exit the right side of the car.
• Other people in the car MUST remain in the car at all times.
  
• Please load and unload in the "LOADING ZONE" as indicated by the yellow on the map below.
• Please pull all the way forward.

Dismissal: Our school day ends at 2:20PM.

• Students registered for our Before and After Child Care (BACC) program will be dismissed to the LRC where they will be dismissed and transported to Prairieview Elementary School.
• Car riders and Day Care Riders will be dismissed to the gym and will be called to the car rider lane in the order cars arrive. Please be sure to have your pick-up sign visibly displayed in your front window and remain in your car. The pick-up signs will be available at Meet the Teacher - be sure to take one.
• Walkers and bike riders will be dismissed to the gym and families can meet them outside of Door #2.
• Bus riders will be dismissed to the bus loading zone.

K-2 students will be given 20 minutes to eat lunch with their class in our multipurpose room. Students have the option to either bring a lunch and drink from home or purchase a hot lunch. Lunch is not served on School Improvement (SIP) days. Students have the option to either bring a lunch and drink from home or purchase a hot lunch. Lunch (including milk) costs $4.25, milk only costs $0.75. To fund your child’s lunch account & set up auto pay, visit your MySchoolBucks account or send cash/check payable to CCSD66 in an envelope. The lunch menu for August can be found HERE; please check back for updates as it is not finalized, YET.

In accordance with the state goal of promoting good nutrition, parents are discouraged from bringing “fast food” in for their child’s lunch. Parents who choose to bring in “fast food” for their children’s lunch may do so only for their own child. Please note, school staff will not accept delivery of food items for students from outside vendors or establishments.

Center Cass District 66 prioritizes the health and safety of all students. Sharing of food is not allowed. This policy is implemented to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for everyone, especially those with food allergies. Parents must inform the school if their child is subject to a serious allergic reaction from certain foods.

We will spend our first few weeks of school teaching our lunchroom expectations. In the upcoming weeks, we will send more information about volunteering in the lunchroom.

Individuals seeking to volunteer must complete and submit the Volunteer Information Form - Agreement and Release, at the time he/she first seeks to serve as a volunteer and at least annually thereafter.

By completing this form the individual agrees to:

• Comply with the provisions of District policy and all volunteer guidelines

• Authorize background checks, including fingerprinting - if necessary

All information regarding serving as a Volunteer can be found by clicking on the following link:

• Parent Volunteer Handbook & Guidelines - Volunteer Policy 6.250

Get ready to join BAMtheatre at Elizabeth Ide this fall, where we're bringing the magic of theatre to your after-school routine! This term, unleash your inner star in "We're All in This Together: Hits of High School Musical," featuring all your favorite songs from the iconic movie series. Save the date - classes kick off on Tuesdays starting September 17. BAM's comprehensive structure features a blend of captivating activities, games, and rehearsals, all culminating in a showcase on the final day for friends and family to enjoy.

Secure your spot pronto—availability is limited, and this class is known to fill up fast! #AfterSchoolTheatreMagic #highschoolmusical #afterschoolenrichment

August 12, 2024

August 16, 2024