TJ's April Newsletter
Together We Have the Power To Do This! WE are TJ STRONG
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Welcome Back to In-Person Learning, Students!
On April 12th, we will welcome back some of our students to in-person instruction. We look forward to seeing those students who have chosen to return to in-person learning on Monday.
This start date applies to those families who were previously virtual and were approved to return to in-person learning.
Those that have committed to Virtual Learning will continue as usual from home until the end of the school year.
The TJ staff continue to work hard to make sure our school is clean and safe for your children. We have worked closely with CCSD15 Administration, our Health Services Coordinators, and our Facilities and Operations teams to make sure Thomas Jefferson is following all safety protocols.
Sincerely,
Dr. Sasso
Guidelines for Social Distancing in Schools Have Changed
I do want to let everyone know that even though the recommendations have changed, TJ will continue to maintain the 6 feet distance whenever possible. Recommendations during lunch have not changed and students will continue to eat in socially distanced environments while their masks are off.
Some classrooms may have an additional student or two, which means we added an additional student desk to the classroom. Other classrooms will not have any new students and as a result, their classroom set up will stay the same.
In the event of a reported positive COVID case within the school, we will continue to use the 6 feet guidelines for contact tracing purposes.
If you have any questions about these guidelines or any of our safety precautions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Additional Safety Precuations In Place This School Year
- The classrooms will be disinfected each night. Wipes, sanitizer and spray bottles will be in each classroom for use throughout the day. There will be periodic disinfecting throughout the day of high touch points by our custodial staff.
- Movement around the building will be very limited. Students are taught how to use "Airplane Arms" to visually understand social distancing on the playground, in the classroom, and in the hallways.
- If a student does need to leave the classroom, an escort will be provided.
- Handwashing protocols and handwashing schedules will be followed throughout the day.
- Students will eat in the classroom, MPR or Gym and will be 6 feet apart and supervised closely. Hands are washed before lunch. Students sit on one side of a cafeteria table and all face the same direction. In classrooms, students sit at their desks all facing forward. Placemats are provided. Strict cleaning protocols are in place. Tables/desks are cleaned by staff members. Students sanitize their hands after lunch.
- Students will be in zoned areas for recess with just their classmates. Masks outside are required, and students will be socially distanced.
- Please do not send any playground toys or balls to school with students. Each grade level has equipment they can use in certain zones, and they are sprayed down each night. Sanitizing machines are at each door for students to use as they come back into the building.
Reregistration for CURRENT Families
If you have a child who will be going into 4th grade or 7th grade, you will also need to show Proof of Residency. You can click on this link for more information. The District has set it up so you can scan and upload your documents directly to our website.
Do not hesitate to contact the school office with questions.
Kindergarten Registration Is Now Open!
As a reminder, although I try as best as I can, I will not be able to honor morning or afternoon kindergarten requests from families. There are several daycare options available near our school including the C.A.R.E Program, which is offered through the Hoffman Estates Park District. If you are interested in learning more about the C.A.R.E. Program. more information will be coming soon at this LINK.
Attention ALL Virtual Students in Grades 2-6!
The District is requiring all virtual students in grades 2-6 to come into school to take the Measures of Academic Performance (MAP) test this spring.
Please click on this link for more information about the in-person MAP testing.
If your child is eligible for bus service and requires transportation to and/or from school, bus transportation will be provided. If your child will need bus transportation, please complete THIS FORM. You may also use this form to indicate that you are not able to send your child to school for in person MAP testing. The form will accept responses until April 8.
All virtual students in grades 2-6 will come to TJ on April 28th and 29th for MAP testing. Our virtual students will only have to come into the school one time to take the MAP tests. We will send out more specific information about times and date, but plan on having your child(ren) come to TJ for approximately 2 hours on one of these two days.
Reminder: TJ is a Polling Place
Tomorrow, April 6, Thomas Jefferson will be a polling place for the local elections. Voting will take place in our school gymnasium and voters will enter the school through the exterior gym doors and will not have any contact with students or teachers. Because there will be voters parking in the back of the school, the beginning and end of the school day will look different as well.
If your child takes the bus, all buses will come in through the front parking lot and enter the school using different doors than they normally use (your child’s teacher will explain which door they will use that day).
If you usually drive and/or pick up your child, we will need you to park on the neighborhood streets and have your child cross Winston Drive where the crossing guard is located. I know this will be inconvenient, but please do not drive into the front parking lot on that day. If another caregiver helps with transportation, please let him or her know of the change as well.
Remember to Sign the Certification Card Each Morning
Chromebook/Tech Support
PTA News
Stay informed about the great things our PTA does for all the students at TJ by clicking on the links below.
Find us on Facebook @ Thomas Jefferson Elementary PTA
To see what Committees we still have open, or sign up for one CLICK HERE
To read what each committee is and does, CLICK HERE.
Upcoming Events
Tuesday, 4/6: TJ used for polling place for local elections
Tuesday, 4/13: April PTA Meeting 7:15pm
Wednesday, 4/14: Board of Education Meeting 7:00pm
Week of 4/19: IAR testing for in-person students
4/21 and 4/22: MAP testing for in-person 2nd grade students
Wednesday, 4/21: Special Board Meeting regarding School Facilities 6:30pm
4/28 and 4/29: Virtual students in grades 2-6 come into TJ for MAP testing