PRINCIPAL UPDATE
DECEMBER 16TH
IRVING RELATED: NEW
NWEA MAP BENCHMARK TESTING
The winter benchmark assessments will help us plan for instruction when we return from winter break. We will send a paper copy of scores home with students a week prior to the February conferences.
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL, PBIS, & SECOND STEP
SECOND STEP
During Second Step this week our kindergartners learned about caring and helping others when they have uncomfortable feelings. First graders practiced how to apologize when they do something by accident. They learned that saying, “I’m sorry” is only part of an apology. Checking in to see if the person is ok, asking how they can help, and showing care and concern are all components of a genuine apology. Second graders honed their skills to predict the feelings of others and how to find out if something is an accident or if it’s on purpose. Third graders focused upon making friends and practicing how to start a conversation. Fourth graders started a new unit all about emotions and our fifth graders learned how to calm down. Ask your fifth grader to sing “The Calm Down” song to you, it’s catchy! Home links are listed below:
Kindergarten- Caring and Helping
First Grade- No Home Link
Second Grade- No Home Link
Third Grade- No Home Link
Fourth Grade- Introducing Emotion Management
Fifth Grade- Calming Down
EAGLE'S NEST
Today during Eagle's Nest students participated in a lesson on personal space. Each nest listened to the story Personal Space Camp, discussed personal space across different spaces at school, and signed a personal space pledge.
IRVING RELATED: REMINDERS
NOTE FROM MS. NOONAN
Hello Irving families! The Irving Library has been busy this week with our Maker Month stations (grades K-4), and 5th grade just finished a 7 week unit using Lego Mindstorm robots (which have recently been discontinued). Kids have been using robots and STEM materials in group stations. I've had multiple students inquire about the materials because they want to put them on their holiday gift lists. If you are interested in any educational STEM activities, take a look at this list! Happy holidays, everyone.
Ms. Noonan
OUTDOOR RECESS DURING WINTER MONTHS
District 97 believes it is important for students to have opportunities for physical activity and play time during the day—even during the cold winter months. This winter, students will be permitted to go outside for recess when the wind chill or temperature is 15 degrees or higher. The district utilizes the Wind Chill Chart developed by the National Weather Service.
- It is important that students dress in warm layers when cold temperatures are expected. Students should remember to bring hats, gloves/mittens, scarves, coats, snow pants and boots. It is recommended that families label these items with their children’s names,
- Our staff will carefully monitor students while outside and take the necessary steps to ensure students are appropriately clothed/prepared for the cold weather, watching out for signs of frostbite and other cold-related issues.
PROCESS FOR REPORTING POSITIVE COVID-19 CASES TO D97 SCHOOLS
If a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19, they must complete the following steps:
2) Families must continue to report student absences via the school attendance line, and staff must enter their absences in Frontline.
To see the rules for isolation and quarantine, click here. Additional resources are linked below.
PTO RELATED
IRVING SPIRIT WEAR
IRVING WORLD LANGUAGE PROGRAM IS RETURNING
World Language is a program running during lunch or after school where your child can sign up to learn the basics of a new language. We have some great options so far but would LOVE a couple more offerings. (Spanish and ASL specifically would be great!)
Teaching these classes is a PAID position and we are flexible on the time of the classes. Interested? Comment below or email lvanderberg@gmail.com.
DISTRICT & COMMUNITY RELATED
D97 TO HOST VIRTUAL ERIN'S LAW SESSION FOR FAMILIES ON JAN. 10TH
"Erin's Law," or Illinois Public Act 097-1147, requires all public schools to implement a prevention-oriented program that teachers students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade age-appropriate techniques for recognizing sexual abuse and ways to tell a trusted adult.
The program also includes training for school personnel, and provides education and resources to parents and guardians.
The virtual parent session will be facilitated by the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center. Virtual meeting details will be available closer to the meeting date at www.op97.org.
UPCOMING DATES
Thursday, December 22nd-January 6th
School Closed for Winter Break & Teacher Institute Day
Tuesday, January 10th
Virtual Erin's Law Session, 6:30pm
Board Meeting, 7pm
Monday, January 16th
No School, MLK Day
Thursday, January 26th
DivInC PTO Event: Taste of Irving
Tuesday, January 24th
Board Meeting, 7pm