From now through March 28, 2025, staff and families are encouraged to complete the survey, which usually takes about 10 minutes. Data from the 5Essentials Survey provides our school leaders with valuable insights that are used to develop effective school improvement plans.

Fourth through eighth-grade students are also encouraged to complete the survey and will be provided time in school to do so during the survey window. The survey gathers data related to the five indicators below that can affect and predict school success:

• Effective Leaders

• Collaborative Teachers

• Involved Families

• Supportive Environments

• Ambitious Instruction

Your identity and survey responses will be kept completely confidential and will never be connected to you. School reports will be available to the public in June and Illinois State Report Card in the fall.

We are aiming for at least 40% response rate from our community - your honest feedback helps us continue to grow as a school. Our school leadership team uses the data from the results to help plan and work on areas of growth.

Link to survey: http://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/survey/parent/

At this time of year, staff begin considering classroom placements for the upcoming school year. This is a thoughtful and intricate process, taking many factors into account to create the most supportive learning environment for each child. These factors include:

• Gender balance
• Academic strengths and areas for growth
• Learning styles
• Social dynamics
• Identified special needs
• Student-teacher compatibility
• Class size

Placement decisions are made through a collaborative effort, with classroom teachers working closely with special area teachers to assess student needs and group dynamics. This process requires significant time, care, and teamwork.

If you would like to share any relevant information about your child to assist us in this process, you are welcome to do so through THIS survey. Since children grow and change each year—along with their social interactions—any information provided in previous years is not referenced during this year's placement process. You may wish to share insights related to your child’s learning style, social relationships, or academic strengths and challenges.

We kindly ask that you do not request a specific teacher for your child. Please refrain from making such requests to your child’s current teacher, as these cannot be accommodated. Staffing assignments may change before the new school year, and we strive to ensure a fair process for all students.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

We need your help! This April, our school is launching an exciting project that encourages creativity and sustainability, and we’re asking families to donate recyclable materials to support our students’ learning.

If you have clean, reusable items such as cardboard tubes, egg cartons, plastic containers, bottle caps, or other craft-friendly recyclables, please send them in with your child or drop them off in their classroom. Your contributions will help bring this project to life and inspire students to think creatively about reusing everyday materials.

If you can donate hot glue guns, packing tape, masking tape, etc. to help us put it all together, we would also appreciate that!

Thank you for your support—we can’t wait to see what our students create!

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We’ve noticed an increase in common illnesses among our students, and we need your help to keep everyone healthy! By following these simple guidelines, we can work together to prevent the spread of sickness and keep our school a safe and thriving place for all.

When to Keep Your Child Home

If your child is experiencing any of the following symptoms, please keep them home from school until they are feeling better:

✅ Fever (100.4°F or higher)
✅ Vomiting
✅ Diarrhea
✅ Chills or body aches
✅ Persistent cough

When It’s Safe to Return

Your child is ready to come back to school when:

✔️ They’ve been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.
✔️ Any rash with a fever has been checked by a healthcare provider, and the fever is gone.
✔️ It’s been at least 24 hours since the last episode of vomiting or diarrhea.
✔️ They’ve been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours, if prescribed.
✔️ Their symptoms are improving, and they feel well enough to participate in daily activities.

Healthy Habits to Prevent Illness

Encourage your child to practice these simple habits to stay healthy:

🧼 Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
🚫 Avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth.
🤧 Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow.
🗑 Throw tissues away immediately and wash hands afterward.
🥤 Avoid sharing personal items, food, or drinks.

By working together, we can help keep our students, teachers, and staff healthy. Thank you for your cooperation and support!

Stay well!

Crossing Guard at Ridge and Lincoln

I have received several reports from parents regarding the inconsistent presence of the crossing guard at the Ridge Avenue and Lincoln Street intersection. I have notified our Director of Transportation, Lou Gatta, and he is currently partnering with the CIty of Evanston to assign a permanent crossing guard to that post. My understanding is that the long serving crossing guard at that post retired in late Fall, and finding a replacement has been difficult. In the meantime, Ms. Gatta shared that the crossing guard supervisor will be at this intersection until the City of Evanston is able to fill the position with a permanent hire. I appreciate your partnership with supporting student safety to and from school each day. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns you have.

Please take a moment to review and update your child’s emergency contacts in PowerSchool. Keeping this information current ensures we can reach you quickly in case of an emergency.

To update, email registrationinfo@district65.net and provide them with the information that you need updated. More detailed instructions can be found HERE.

Thank you for helping us keep your child safe!

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

Scholarship Application is OPEN: Link is HERE

Check out this information!

Location: Kingsley Elementary School

Dates: 6/9/25-7/25/25

Full Day: 7AM-6PM

Part Day: 9AM-4PM

Half Day AM: 7AM-12:30PM

Half Day PM: 12:30-6

Grades: Incoming K-8th

No Camp Days: 6/19 & 7/4

Link to register: HERE

Use the promo code SUMMER10 and register by February 28th to save 10% on camp tuition.

The Read-A-Thon is Happening Now!

Don’t forget to register your student! It’s quick and easy!

4 Simple Steps to Register:

1. Visit GETMOVINFUNDHUB.COM and use the school code: 65c1486a1c492 to sign up.
2. Want to make a donation? Just click the red "Donate" button.
3. Share the fun with friends and family!
4. Start logging your child’s reading minutes! (Full class participation = Popcorn/Movie Party!)

Fun Prizes to Win!

• 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes for each grade!
• Students who read enough minutes will be entered into a raffle!

Reading Goals:

• K-1: 350+ minutes
• 2-3: 500+ minutes
• 4-5: 750+ minutes

A big thank you to the local businesses that generously donated prizes: Skyzone, Ultimate Ninja, Parlor, Chandler Newberger, and Kendra Scott!

Let’s get reading, Eagles!

Big Goal:

If we raise $10,000 and our students read 50,000 minutes, we’ll get a Bouncy House at Field Day! Let’s do this, Eagles!

Thank you so much for your incredible support of Orrington!

Want to know what's going on around the community? District 65 uses a "Digital Backpack" to share community information. Please click the button below to view upcoming community events and activities.