Friday Focus
May 6, 2022
In this Issue:
- A Message from Marcie
- MAP Testing Continues
- Erin's Law - New Date 5/16/22
- Caruso Connect
- Movie Night (May 15) - Register Now
- Mom's Night Out (May 23) - Register Now
- Panera Fundraiser - May 24
- Helping Hands Day (5/27) - Volunteers Needed!
- Purchase School Supply Kits - On sale thru June 1
- K-1 Math Night (5/11) - Volunteers Needed
- Order a 2nd to last day of school lunch Ice Cream treat
- Join a PTO Committee for 2022-2023 school year
- Final PTO Zoom Meeting - Wednesday, May 25th @7pm
- Check out the "In Case You Missed It" section for prior info
A Message from Marcie
Happy Friday, South Park!
Hopefully, you saw the email sent from our superintendent, Mike Simeck, earlier today. If not, please take a moment to read his message below:
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DPS 109 families and staff,
We are experiencing an increase in the number of students and staff who test positive for COVID-19. You may continue to monitor these case counts and the weekly positivity rate on SHIELD on the 109 dashboard.
Given the recent increase in cases, we continue to encourage, but not require, mask wearing in 109 schools. The option for masking remains an incredibly effective mitigation against contracting COVID-19. Also, if your child is experiencing any COVID symptoms, please reach out directly to your building nurse. The health and safety of all individuals who enter DPS 109 facilities is our top priority. We will continue to monitor case counts in individual classrooms and/or grade levels; additional optional testing will be offered and increased mitigation measures will be implemented as necessary.
Substitute teacher shortages are also increasing at this time due to positive cases among our staff. We ask again for your assistance in referring qualified substitute teachers to our Human Resources Department. We can’t do this without each other and greatly appreciate your support as we navigate the remaining four weeks of the school year. Thank you for your partnership.
Sincerely,
Michael V. Simeck
Superintendent of Schools
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Thank you for taking the time to consider the request from Mr. Simeck. We want to do everything we can to keep our students learning with us in person for the last few weeks of the school year!
Have a wonderful Mother's Day weekend!
-Marcie
MAP Testing Continues Next Week
Erin's Law
Please note that our South Park date for the Erin's Law presentation has changed due to a scheduling conflict with our presenter. The new date for the presentation is Monday, May 16th.
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Dear Parents and Guardians of Elementary School Students,
Erin’s Law (House Bill 6193) was signed by Governor Pat Quinn on January 24, 2013. This law requires schools to implement an age-appropriate sexual assault and abuse awareness and prevention curriculum for grades Pre-K through 12. District 109 partners with Childhood Victories, Inc., an organization founded by Victor Pacini who is a motivational speaker and a survivor of sexual abuse. Speakers from Childhood Victories, Inc. provide programming for our students that teaches them basic skills to keep them safe from dangerous or abusive situations. The program, Be Seen and Heard 2.0, is developmentally appropriate, interactive, aligned with learning standards, and will cover the following topics:
Distinguishing safe from unsafe touches
Safety rules at home and school
Saying “NO”
Secrets
It’s not the child’s fault if someone touches them
Telling a trusted adult
The staff from Childhood Victories, Inc. will be presenting to our elementary students on the following dates:
Wilmot: Monday May 9th
South Park: Monday May 16th. -- NEW DATE
Walden: Wednesday May 11th
Kipling: Wednesday May 11th
Parents can view Victor Pacini’s parent video to preview the concepts of the Be Seen and Heard 2.0 program.
Requests to Opt-Out: If you prefer that your child opt-out of this prevention education session, please email your child’s school principal by Friday May 13. Please also feel free to reach out to me directly with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Joanna Ford
Assistant Superintendent for Student Services
847-945-1844 x7229
Caruso Connect
We are excited to have your students joining us at Caruso next year. We wanted to share information regarding our new Coffee w/ Caruso, an opportunity for you all to connect with us. There is an opportunity for incoming 6th-grade families to join.
Space is limited. A link to RSVP will be sent on Saturday, May 7th at 10:00 AM.
Important Dates
May 11 - Math Night 5:00-6:45
May 17 - Kindergarten Round Up
May 27 - Field Day
June 1 - 5th Grade Picnic
June 2 - 5th Grade Variety Show
LOOKING TO OPT OUT OF NEXT WEEK'S SHIELD TESTING?
This opt-out will be for testing on Thursday, May 5/12.
Fill out this Google Form prior to 7 AM on THURSDAY, 5/12.
*Please note that if you have consented but want to opt out of a week, you must fill out the form every week.