McKenzie Monitor
December 15, 2017
Principal's Note: Healthy Habits by Chris Sanchez
The health office is always busy, but we tend to see an increase in illness-related visits at this time of year. Please review these important updates about what we are experiencing:
- Temperature guideline: To ensure that students recuperate adequately at home, and to minimize the spread of infection to others, students with an oral temperature of 100 degrees or above will be sent home, and will not be allowed to return to school until they have been fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication. In addition, students who feel ill but who do not have a fever may be sent home from the health office, based on presenting symptoms. In these cases, students should remain home until it is determined by the parents and students that they have sufficiently recovered to return to school.
- Influenza, or the “flu,” is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses. Illness can range from mild to severe, infecting the nose, throat, and lungs. Winter is generally the time for influenza, with activity peaking in January or later, but outbreaks can occur as early as October or as late as May. General signs and symptoms of the flu include fever or feeling feverish, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue. The flu can be spread to others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop to 5-7 days after becoming sick. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting an influenza vaccine each season. Vaccines don’t completely guarantee against getting sick, but those who have been vaccinated and get the flu will have milder symptoms. Please consult with your primary care provider regarding whether the vaccines are appropriate for you and your family members. For more information on seasonal influenza visit: CDC Website
- We typically also notice an increase in other illnesses such as upper respiratory infections (“common cold”) , stomach viruses and strep throat.
GOOD HEALTH HABITS to help prevent illness:
- Wash hands often with soap and water, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Cover mouth and nose with tissue while coughing or sneezing, or cough/sneeze into inner elbow.
- Avoid close contact with those who are ill; avoid sharing cups, utensils.
- Stay home when sick.
- Get plenty of rest, manage stress, eat nutritious food and remain physically active
Thank you!
Winter is Here!
- Jacket
- Hat
- Gloves
- Snow pants
- Boots
Green Team Meeting - Thursday, December 21st @8am
Board of Education Meeting - Monday, December 18th @7:00pm MEC
The monthly Board of Education meeting is Monday, December 18th at 7:00 PM at the MEC. Below are a couple of topics that may be of interest. If you can’t make the meeting, you can view it live or later, either on the District website or on Channel 6. Highlights of the meeting will be emailed and posted online within a day or two.
- Public hearing on the 2017 Levy
- Five-year financial projections
- 2018-19 Draft School Calendar
- Student Fees
The 4C's: Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Communication, Creativity
Mrs. Bergmann's Class
Mrs. Torf's Class
Mrs. Reed's Class: Making Shapes
2nd Posting: Traffic Guidelines
If you drive to school, you must either use the drop-off/pick-up lane on Prairie Avenue or park your car legally and walk. Drop-off/pick up lane on Prairie Avenue:
- Enter the lane ONLY from the rear of the pick-up lane (the last slot of the lane is just south of the entrance to the north faculty parking lot). Do not cut in line.
- If the lane is full, circle around the block and try again. Do not double-park or park illegally.
- Use turn signals when entering or exiting the lane.
- Stay in your car and move forward as space opens up ahead of you.
- Your child should get in your car ONLY while you’re in the pick-up lane (not in the street, crosswalks, illegal parking spots, alleys, or parking lots).
- Tell your children to: Wait in front of the school until they see your car in the lane; remember that you might be circling the block; give you a chance to move your car forward in the lane before getting in.
- Prairie Avenue, north of the staff parking lot
- Central Avenue, east of Prairie
- Washington Avenue, west of Prairie
- 15th Street
- Highland Avenue
If you walk to school, please review the Preferred Walking Route and consider forming a “walking school bus” with your neighbors. Kids love to walk, and it is great exercise.
NO Dogs Allowed: The Village of Wilmette prohibits dogs (even leashed) on school property. Violators are subject to a fine.
Everyone Benefits! This system works if everyone cooperates. When drivers block traffic, cut in line, double-park, or don’t move up, children are endangered, traffics snarls and tempers fray. Thank you in advance for contributing to safe and smooth traffic flow!
Please share this information with anyone who picks up your children~ babysitters, grandparents, neighbors, and friends.
2nd Posting: In case you missed it...How Raise Resilient Children - Jackie Rhew
PTA News and Information
HELP WANTED
Parliamentarian:
Be an important advisor to the PTA! We are looking for someone who is interested in understanding the finer points of PTA bylaws and procedure, and advising the board when questions arise. Please email president@mckenziepta.com if interested.
OTHER HAPPENINGS
Holiday Light Recycling:
Drop off broken holiday lights (any color and length) in the McKenzie lobby (compliments of the Green Team!). You can also recycle lights at Wilmette Public Works Facility (711 Laramie Avenue). The recycling boxes are located in the visitor’s parking lot, (24-hours), until January 31st. Let’s keep those lights out of our landfills!
Community Events
MasterChef Junior is hosting open casting calls in Chicago on January 13th for children ages 8-13.
Wilmette Park District hosts after school clubs for students at Central, Harper, McKenzie January 9 - March 23. Registration begins November 28th.
Upcoming Dates
12/18/17
Board of Education Meeting @7pm
12/20/17
2nd Grade Music Show @2:30pm
12/25 - 1/5
Winter Break
1/12/18
Spirit Day: Wear Clothes Backwards
1/22/18
Board of Education Meeting @7pm
About Us!
Email: filippir@wilmette39.org
Website: http://mckenzie.wilmette39.org/
Location: 649 Prairie Avenue, Wilmette, IL, United States
Phone: 847-512-6300
Twitter: @McKCheetahs
School Hours
Kindergarten
Kindergarten AM 8:35am - 11:10am
Kindergarten PM 12:40pm - 3:15pm
Grades 1st - 4th
Monday - Thursday 8:35am - 3:15pm
Friday 8:35am - 2:15pm
Student drop off will begin at 8:20am, and the first bell will ring at 8:30am. Please refer to McKenzie's calendar for important dates/holidays.