CIS October Newsletter
Keeping you informed about what's happening at CIS.
A Message from Mr. Hoelscher
We have more bike riders and walkers than ever before, and we love it! It is great to see so many kids practicing a healthy lifestyle! As a school, it was important for us to make sure everyone is able to get back and forth to school in a safe way. I have had discussions about crosswalk and traffic issues with concerned parents, with students and other staff and, through the input and suggestions, we have placed crossing guards out in areas of concern, and this has been working very well. I would like to thank our fantastic paraprofessionals for donning the orange vests and grabbing the STOP signs each morning and afternoon to keep kids and their parents safe as they cross busy streets. This is a great example of the entire Central family coming together to solve a problem. Thank you for your continued support and input to keep CIS improving!
Brian Hoelscher, Principal
Central Intermediate
August Update from PTO President, Stephanie Redlingshafer
September has flown by, and the PTO is in full swing!
- Room Coordinators have been chosen and will be getting busy very quickly organizing Halloween parties!
- Grandparent's Day activities took place at CPS with many PTO volunteers!
- AR Prize Patrol volunteers have been in both schools getting prizes ready and organized for your eager readers!
- The 2nd Annual Craft/Vendor Fair will be taking place on October 25th, 5-8 pm at CPS!
- Plans are underway for the first ROCK (Rewarding Outstanding Central Kids) which will take place in November for CIS students.
- The next PTO meeting will take place October 3 at 7 pm in the CIS library! Please feel free to join us to learn more about what the PTO does for your children and their teachers!
Custodial Appreciation Day
This year, our custodial staff has worked together to be extra flexible with all of the construction we are experiencing. A big thanks to all of our custodians for the work you do to support our Central students!
Health and Safety Updates
Active Intruder Drill
We took the opportunity to debrief with the law enforcement officers who were present and shared their feedback with school staff. In addition, teachers completed a form in which they had the opportunity to share their feedback on the drill.
We will continue to discuss all aspects of school safety at the building and district level.
The following explains the ALICE acronym:
Alert – Get the word out! Use clear, concise language to convey the type and location of the event.
Lockdown (Enhanced) – Barricade and secure doors.
Inform – Communication keeps the intruder off balance and allows for good decision-making.
Counter – Apply age-appropriate skills to distract, confuse, and gain control.
Evacuate – As soon as it is safe to do so, evacuating.
Please consider discussing school safety and the ALICE Strategies with your child at home. Their knowledge may surprise you!
Notes from our Nurses
Kim Martin RN- Central Intermediate School
Carrie Bright RN- Central Primary School
Please remember to hand in your student’s medical forms, DUE OCTOBER 15th (Dental Forms are due May 15, 2020):
Kindergartener: Child Health Exam, Up-to-Date Immunization Record, Eye Exam, Dental Exam
2nd Grade: Dental Exam
5th-8th Grade: Sport physicals are needed every year for those going out for sports
6th Grade: Child Health Exam, Up-to-Date Immunization Record, Dental Exam
Sick Day Reminders
School is in full swing and so are GERMS! Please keep your student home for the following:
Fever (temperature 100.4 or greater)
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Have been diagnosed with Strep throat or other contagious illness (must be on antibiotics for 24 hours and fever-free WITHOUT the use of fever-reducing medications such as Tylenol or ibuprofen)
When should your student return to school? Use the “24 hour” rule. When your student has been free of the above illnesses for 24 hours AND your student is able to participate in all school activities, your student is ready to come back to school. For fevers: Must be fever-free WITHOUT the use of fever-reducing medication such as Tylenol or ibuprofen. These medications mask a symptom (fever); they do not cure the underlying cause (virus, bacteria, etc).
If you have taken your student to the doctor to be evaluated, bring in a doctor’s note or after visit summary for the ladies in the front office for attendance purposes.
Flu Season is Coming
Cases of flu are already being reported- YIKES! The flu is a RESPIRATORY (lung/breathing) illness caused by a virus. Here are some tips from the CDC to help keep your student and family healthy this flu season:
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/family/flu-guide-for-parents-2018.pdf
Student Learning
Helping your student with math homework with Khan Academy
Khan Academy is a free site and an amazing resource for helping students of all ages with any math concept! Simply go to the site and type the specific skill in the search box. Several videos should pop up for your student to view! The teacher in the video speaks slowly, clearly, and his methods are mathematically accurate. There are also “practice” sections for each topic so that your student can practice the skill and check to see if he/she is understanding. Khan Academy also offers videos and lessons for nearly all academic subjects! Be sure to check it out!
Fun English Language Arts (ELA) App
iTooch is a fun, free app students can download to practice reading and writing skills. For 4th grade skills, use the iTooch Elementary School. For 5th grade skills, use iTooch 5th grade, and for 6th-8th grade skills, use iTooch Middle School. The app is set up in a game format where students answer questions correctly to earn points. Students practice skills such as vocabulary, writing and composition, verbs, spelling, reading, research and reasoning, communication, etc. Download the app and give it a try!
Staff book picks of the month:
Mrs. Demmel - The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Mrs. Dearman - Behind Rebel Lines by Seymour Reit
Ms. Karpowicz - The Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
Mrs. Sharp - The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
Mrs. Karcher - Divergent Book Series by Veronica Roth
Mrs. A. Miller - The Running Dream by Wenelin Van Draanen
Mrs. Brent - Treasure Hunter Book Series by James Patterson
Ms. Davidshofer - Al Capone Book Series by Gennifer Choldenko
Important date: Quarter 1 AR goals due on Friday, October 11th.
Social Emotional Learning - Homework Tips!
Brain Breaks: Taking brain breaks can make homework less frustrating for kids with learning and attention issues.
- Brain breaks can include physical activities or relaxing, quiet activities.
- It’s important to pre-plan brain breaks and set ground rules with your child.
- The key is to take them before fatigue, distraction or lack of focus set in. For grade-schoolers, that’s typically after 10 to 15 minutes of work.
- Middle- and high-schoolers can work for longer—up to 20 to 30 minutes before a break
- The goal of brain breaks for kids is to help their brains shift focus. Sometimes that means getting up and moving, especially if your child has been sitting for a while. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which helps with focus and staying alert. It also reduces stress and anxiety, making it easier to focus on important tasks.
Use a Homework Timer: A timer can help keep homework on track and give your child a better sense of time. There are many types of timers to choose from. For instance, if your child is distracted by sounds, a ticking kitchen timer may not be the ideal choice. Instead, try an hourglass timer or one that vibrates. There are also homework timer apps you can program for each subject. (Don’t forget that your phone probably has a built-in timer, too.)
Switch the Order of Homework: Some kids rush because they don’t like doing repetitive work. For these kids, you may want to try mixing things up.
Homework Contract: Homework can be a hot-button issue for both you and your child. Setting up a homework contract is a good way to defuse some of that tension and avoid homework battles. It’s also a way to make sure you and your child both know your responsibilities. A homework contract is an agreement that outlines what you and your child will do to make sure homework gets done on time and well. Homework contracts can also outline rewards and consequences for kids when they follow or don’t follow their part of the contract.
Social Emotional Learning Tips - Organization
Organization is typically a strength or perhaps a challenge for all people. For kids in particular, it is a skill that we need to continue to shape and improve over time. Organization in general, has been linked to higher grade performance, higher self-esteem levels, lower frustration levels, and lower levels of truancy and discipline issues. Although challenging, this area needs to be a daily, if not weekly conversation point. In order to get you started, here are 7 ways to help your child improve his organization skills at home:)
Organize lists in a logical order
Teach how to divide and conquer
Have a front-door “go” box
Color-code tasks
Use a whiteboard
Set a weekly backpack cleaning day
Keep track of time
Be sure to check out this website for all the specifics involving these 7 tools for organizational improvement!!
1:1 Chromebook Initiative Update
If you have not yet signed the online Chromebook forms, please do so as soon as possible via Skyward Family Access. The form available on Skyward Family Access is exclusively for parent/guardian signatures. It is important that we have preferences and signatures in order for students to use technology at home and at school.
Please contact Mrs. Bush at ebush@central51.net if you are having trouble.
Please follow these instructions for signing the online form:
Parent/Guardian Online Signature Instructions
- Log into Skwyard Family Access
- The Chomebook Use (Parent) form can be accessed on the main page of Family Access or by clicking "Online Forms" on the menu located on the left side of the page.
- Click on "Fill Out Form."
- Click Step 1 under "District Message" on the right side of the screen.
- Click "Link" to read the Chromebook Handbook.
- Read the Chromebook Handbook.
- Click Step 2 under "District Message" on the right side of the screen.
- Read through the Parent/Guardian Chromebook Agreement.
- Check the boxes at the end of the agreement page to agree to the information.
- Sign and date the agreement page electronically.
- Click Step 3 under "District Message" on the right side of the screen.
- Click "Submit Code of Chromebook Agreement (Parent)."
- Check email for a confirmation of the signature.
Student/Parent Handbook Highlights
Reporting Absences
In the event of any absence, the student’s parent/guardian is required to call the school at (309)444-3943 (Option #3) before 8:00 a.m. to explain the reason for the absence. If a call has not been made to the school by 10:00 a.m. on the day of a student’s absence, a school official will call the home to inquire why the student is not at school. If a parent/guardian cannot be reached to verify the child’s absence, the absence will be marked unexcused. Upon request of the parent/guardian, the reason for an absence will be kept confidential. By state law, school personnel will attempt to contact parents of an absent child if a call from the parents has not been received.
If contact is not made, the student will be required to bring a written note from a parent/guardian stating the reason and date of the absence. The student must present this note to the homeroom teacher.
The attendance line is available 24 hours per day to leave a message.
Tardies
In order to maximize your child’s educational experience, it is necessary for the student to be to each and every class on time and ready to learn. Students late for class will earn a tardy. After three UNEXCUSED tardies, disciplinary action will follow. Excessive tardies will be handled with families and administration on an individual basis.
Automated Absence Notifications
Automated Absence Notifications
The district's student management system automatically sends a letter home to parents/guardians after
5 absences (excused, unexcused)
10 absences (excused, unexcused)
Parents/guardians are also notified via automated email when a student is absent and contact is not made. These absences are coded as “Unexcused, Unverified” until contact has been made.
Central 51 Activities
Central 51 Speech
Four Washington High School students are also helping with speech this year! What a great way for our Central students to gain lots of feedback on their speeches!
Girls Basketball Tip Off Tournament
We are excited to host the Central 51 Girls Basketball Tip Off Tournament in October. All games will be played in Holford Gym, and the concession stand will sell dinner items for the event. Please see the schedule for games below:
Tuesday October 8th
Washington Central vs. Eureka- 4:15pm/5:15pm
St. Phils vs. Fieldcrest- 6:30pm/7:45pm
Wednesday October 9th
Fieldcrest vs. Eureka- 4:15pm/5:15pm
Washington Central vs. St. Phils- 6:30pm/7:45pm
Thursday October 10th
Washington Central vs. Fieldcrest 4:15pm/5:15pm
Eureka vs. St. Phils- 6:30pm/7:45pm
Holford Gym Expectations
Please review our Holford Gym Expectations:
Popcorn and water are the only food and drink items allowed in Holford Gym.
K-3 students must be accompanied by an adult at all times during events.
Please remain on the bleachers when the ball is in play.
Please be respectful of players, coaches, officials, and spectators at all times.
Code of Conduct
Students and parents/guardians of students participating in extracurricular activities must complete the Central 51 Extracurricular Code of Conduct. Please note that the online form must be signed by students and parents separately by logging into Skyward Student Access and Skyward Family Access.
Please see the directions below for signing the Code of Conduct:
Parent/Guardian Instructions
- Log into Skwyard Family Access
- The Code of Conduct (Parent) can be accessed on the main page of Family Access or by clicking "Online Forms" on the menu located on the left side of the page.
- Click on "Fill Out Form."
- Click Step 1 under "District Message" on the right side of the screen.
- Click "Link to Extracurricular Code of Conduct."
- Read the Extracurricular Code of Conduct.
- Click Step 2 under "District Message" on the right side of the screen.
- Read through the coach, player, and parent agreements.
- Check the three boxes at the end of the agreement page to agree to the information.
- Sign and date the agreement page electronically.
- Click Step 3 under "District Message" on the right side of the screen.
- Click "Submit Code of Conduct (Parent)."
- Check email for a confirmation of the signature.
Player/Participant Instructions
- Log into Skwyard Family Access
- The Code of Conduct (Student) can be accessed on the main page of Student Access or by clicking "Online Forms" on the menu located on the left side of the page.
- Click on "Fill Out Form."
- Click Step 1 under "District Message" on the right side of the screen.
- Click "Link to Extracurricular Code of Conduct."
- Read the Extracurricular Code of Conduct.
- Click Step 2 under "District Message" on the right side of the screen.
- Read through the coach, player, and parent agreements.
- Check the three boxes at the end of the agreement page to agree to the information.
- Sign and date the agreement page electronically.
- Click Step 3 under "District Message" on the right side of the screen.
- Click "Submit Code of Conduct (Student)."
- Check email for a confirmation of the signature.
Important Dates
Wednesday, October 2nd
- Custodial Appreciation Day!
Thursday, October 3rd
- Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) Meeting at 7 p.m. in the CIS library
- Girls Basketball Game @ Olympia at 5:00 p.m.
Friday, October 4th
- Cross Country Normal Kingsley Invite- 4:30 p.m.
- 7th and 8th Grade Dance
Monday, October 7th
- Fall Choir Concert @ Holford Gym - 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 8th
- Girls Basketball Tip Off Tourney @ Holford Gym- 4:15 p.m.
Wednesday, October 9th
- Girls Basketball Tip Off Tourney @ Holford Gym- 4:15 p.m.
Thursday, October 10th
- Girls Basketball Tip Off Tourney @ Holford Gym- 4:15 p.m.
- Board of Education Meeting @ CIS library - 7:00 p.m.
- 5th Grade Field Trip to Springfield
Saturday, October 12th
- Cross Country Sectional Meet
Monday, October 14th
- ILMEA Auditions
Wednesday, October 16th
- Girls Basketball Game @ Home vs. Metamora - 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 17th
- CIS Picture Day
- Girls Basketball Game @ Pekin Edison - 4:30 p.m.
Friday, October 18th
- 8th Grade Field Trip Illinois State University in Normal
Saturday, October 19th
- Cross Country State Meet
Monday, October 21st
- Boys Basketball Tryouts
- Girls Basketball Game @ Home vs. Eureka - 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 22nd
- Boys Basketball Tryouts
- Girls Basketball Game @ Home vs. Beverly Manor - 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 24th
- Parent Teacher Conferences -
- Scholastic Book Fair
- Yankee Candle Pickup @ CPS Gym
- PTO Craft Fair @ CPS Gym from 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Friday, October 25th
- Parent Teacher Conferences
- Scholastic Book Fair
- Yankee Candle Pickup @ CPS Gym
- PTO Craft Fair @ CPS Gym - 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Monday, October 28th
- Girls Basketball @ Germantown Hills - 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 29th
- Girls Basketball @ Dee-Mack - 4:30
Wednesday, October 30th
- Girls Basketball Game @ Home vs. Bloomington Jr. High - 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 31
- Halloween - Have fun and be safe!
A Message from Mrs. Bush
The opportunity to work with our Central students, staff, and families has been amazing. It's so wonderful to see all of the amazing learning opportunities happening at Central each day.
I am one lucky assistant principal! :)
Check us out on Social Media!
Email: bhoelscher@central51.net
Website: central51.net
Location: 1301 Eagle Avenue, Washington, IL, USA
Phone: (309)444-3943
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centralschooldistrict51/
Twitter: @central51