Bulldog Paw Prints
10/12/2021 - 10/15/2021
Safety Drills
On Thursday, October 14, we will be conducting an active threat drill. This drill was formerly known as a "lockdown" drill and has since changed names as the procedures/practices have changed with the guidance of the Downers Grove Police Department. An active threat is initiated when there is an active threat inside the building, and teachers will continue to work with students on what to do in such a case. The Downers Grove Police Department will be present for this drill, and they will provide direct feedback to us. THIS TYPE OF DRILL WILL ALWAYS BE ANNOUNCED TO STUDENTS AND STAFF.
On Wednesday, October 20, we will be conducting our bus evacuation drill. This drill will be conducted in the same manner as last year. Prior to October 20, teachers will show a bus safety video and will work with students to understand their roles/responsibilities as passengers in order to remain safe. On October 20, teachers and bus staff will help students remain socially distanced, have students enter the front of the bus, and help them safely exit the bus through the back door.
Gr 3 learn not to burn has returned!
Gr 1 practicing fact families in math
Benchmark Assessment Reports
Bulldog Spotlight
Brent Borchelt -- Belle Aire Principal
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Morris, IL.
Where did you attend college?
I attended Eureka College for undergrad, and I attended Yale University, St. Xavier University and Concordia University for graduate studies.
What made you want to become an educator?
I got into education because children [of any age] deserve a safe place to learn, grow, and find support. The ability to interact with students on a daily basis, to learn what makes them tick, to see what inspires and motivates them, to better understand their struggles, and to celebrate their successes with them makes this one of the most interesting and rewarding professions there is. It's my ongoing desire that students understand empathy, that they find happiness in perseverance, and that they realize they can have a positive impact in this world.
What is your favorite book, movie or musician?
My favorite book is Frankenstein. I grew up believing what I had seen on TV about Frankenstein--that the monster had a name, that he couldn't do much more than walk with his arms out and moan, that his life's goal was to hurt and scare the people in the village, etc. I was blown away when I read this novel in one of my high school courses, and it's this novel that turned me onto reading.
What are a couple of things we would be surprised to know about you?
-I started my career in education as a high school British, Greek, and American literature teacher.
-I began dabbling with oil painting in 2005 and had my first gallery showing in 2014.
What is the best thing about working at Belle Aire?
I love working with the hard-working, dedicated and supportive staff. Their positive mindsets and helpful attitudes make this a great place for everyone. I also love working with our Belle Aire families. The amount of support you provide to your children and to the staff is amazing!
COVID-19 Testing Information (Repeat Item)
District 58 encourages families to consider signing up for free PCR COVID-19 testing for District 58 students. Registration for this optional testing program is open and our program is actively underway.
Families can select from any or all of three types of testing services including:
Weekly screening testing (routine testing)
Symptomatic testing (testing when a student or staff member develops symptoms at school)
Test-to-Stay (testing for situations in which a student has been identified as a close contact)
Test-to-Stay, an IDPH-endorsed process that allows a close contact to remain in school with regular antigen testing, will begin next week. Please see the district communication regarding the IDPH's guidance regarding when Test-to-Stay can be implemented in schools (Page 21: updated joint public health guidance).
The student sign up for our school can be found below.
Parent/Teacher Conferences (Repeat Item)
Our first round of conferences will be held on October 19, October 21, and October 22. In-person conferences will be offered at school, and parents may also opt for a virtual conference. In addition to registering for a time slot, use the notes section to indicate if you'd prefer a virtual conference.
10/18: Registration closes at 11:00 a.m.
10/19: Conferences -- 4:40 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
10/21: Conferences -- 4:40 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
10/22: Conferences -- 8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Halloween, 2021 (Repeat Item)
We are looking forward to hosting Halloween at Belle Aire School in a similar manner to our pre-pandemic years, and I have some very general and initial information to share today.
Similar to the pre-pandemic years (and currently planning to take place in some format):
-Students wearing costumes
-Parent-attended parade outside of the school
-Classroom parties
If they so choose, students will be able to bring a costume to school with them on October 29, and they will be provided time to change into that later in the day. It works really well if students can wear part of their costume (sweatpants, shorts, leggings, shirt, etc.) and then slip the remaining pieces of the costume over that. Any desired make-up, hair color, hair spray all needs to be applied at home prior to the start of the school day. Any accessory, play weapons (axe, arrows, swords, etc.) that go along with some really great costumes should stay at home.
The costume parade will be held outside of the school and really makes for some great photo opportunities. Because we will be outside, students, if they so choose, will be able to remove their masks for their smiles to be on full display.
Different:
As a district, we are sorting through the logistics of such an event to better understand what does/doesn't need to change in order to comply with COVID-19 guidance.
MORE INFORMATION TO COME IN NEXT WEEK'S PAW PRINTS
What's to Come?
Monday, 10/11: NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, 10/19: Conferences 4:40 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, 10/21: Conferences 4:40 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday, 10/22: Conferences 8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Friday, 10/22: NO STUDENT ATTENDANCE
About us
Email: bborchelt@dg58.org
Website: www.dg58.org/ba
Location: 3935 Belle Aire Lane, Downers Grove, IL, USA
Phone: 630.719.5820
Twitter: @BBorcheltDG58