The Simon School Days Newsletter
March 6, 2015
Dear Parents and Families of Simon Elementary:
Well, it’s spring ahead this weekend. Let’s hope that means spring is really on its way.
With the snow days this winter (let's hope we do not have anymore), the last day of school for K-2 will be June 1. This will be an early dismissal day at 12:40. PreK and Coop EC last day will be May 29 at regular times.
Reminder about Remind
Get important messages via text messaging. By doing the following:
1. Scan the QR Code (next to this article) with your smartphone
2. Enter this number (815) 401-9303 with this message @simon1415
3. Click here for additional directions
By joining the group on Remind, you’re choosing to receive class messages via push notifications, SMS, or email. Don’t worry, your phone number will not be shared with the teacher or anyone else in the group.
2015-2016 Countdown to Kindergarten
Will you have a child that turns five years old on or before September 1, 2015? If the answer is yes, then they will be able to attend kindergarten starting next school year. Here are some things to think about as the next school year approaches.
What immunizations will my child need?
- Before children can start kindergarten in Illinois, they need a physical examination by a doctor or other health care provider. They also need to have all immunizations up-to-date. Be sure to start early so they’re ready for that first day. If you’re not sure what immunizations your children need, talk to their doctor, your local health department, or call the Illinois Public Health Department at 217-782-4977.
Will my child need to have a certified birth certificate?
- Yes, all children need to have a copy of their certified birth certificate on file at school prior to the first day of attendance.
What will the teacher expect my child to be able to do?
- A child entering kindergarten is usually able to walk, run, and climb.
- She should be able to hold and use a pencil, crayons, and scissors.
- She should talk well enough for others to understand what she is saying and know that words can be written as well as spoken. Help her see and hear how objects and sounds may be alike or different.
What group skills does my child need?
- Does your child get along with other children and adults?
- In kindergarten he’ll need to be able to work alone and with others.
- He can be an “old hand” at these skills if you work with him on listening to a story in a group;following rules; and carrying out two or three directions; taking turns, respecting others’ property, and sharing; taking care of his own things, such as his coat; going to the toilet and washing his hands; and finishing his work.
What kinds of knowledge and experience help prepare my child?
- Help her learn about the world around her. Take her on interesting trips—to the library or grocery store, on a bus ride, or to a museum or park—and talk with her about what she sees. Encourage her curiosity, and help her find answers to her questions.
- Teach her the names of colors and shapes.
- Make sure she knows her full name and how to get to school and back.
Kindergarten Pre-enrollment can be done online now!
2015-2016 Preschool Screening
Winnebago CUSD #323 will conduct preschool screenings for the 2015-16 school year on March 11-12. These children may be eligible to attend the Winnebago School District Preschool for the 2015-16 school year.
The preschool screening is to determine eligibility for our preschool program and for you to have a better understanding of your child's strengths and areas for improvement. We encourage everyone with preschool aged children (ages 3-5) to participate in screening regardless of your interest in the preschool program.
The screening will assess your child’s developmental skills in the following areas: academic concepts, gross and fine motor skills, speech and language, social, behavior, self-help skills, and vision and hearing.
Screening appointments take approximately one hour. Children have to be three years old at the time of the screening on March 11-12.
The screenings will be held at Dorothy Simon Elementary 309 S. Benton St. Winnebago, IL 61088. Please call 815.335.2318 to make an appointment.
Changes of Phone Numbers, Addresses, and Unpaid Registration Fees
Parents please make sure you have updated the school office if you have changed your home or cell phone numbers since the beginning of the school year. Also, if you have changed addresses during the school year, please make sure you have given your proof of residency to the district office or your child will not receive a registration packet for the 2015-16 school year. Finally, if you have any outstanding registration fees from this school year, your child will not receive a 2015-16 registration packet.
If you have any questions please call 815.335.2318.
Outstanding Milk and Lunch Balances
It is VERY important to keep your child’s lunch and milk accounts up to date. We will not allow students to charge milk or lunches. If you have questions about your account balance, please call Beth Swigart at Simon 335-2318 between 7:15 –3PM.
Also, the last day that Simon will serve breakfast and milk at snack break will be Thursday, May 28.
Last Chance to Complete the 5 Essential Survey!
This is a reminder to participate in the parent survey of the Illinois 5Essentials Survey. We guarantee that survey responses will never be connected to the identity of you or your child. School reports will only present aggregated information of how parents and students responded as a whole.
A parent survey report will be generated if at least 20 percent of parents respond to the survey. While the parent data will not be made public, the parent report will be made available to Mr. Mandera, Principal and Mr. Bloomquist, Superintendent and will enable them to make considerations based on the responses given by Dorothy Simon Elementary parents. Your participation in the parent survey will help us understand the conditions at your child’s school and guide improvement. Again, your identity and individual survey responses will be kept completely confidential and will never be connected to you or your child.
Teachers and 6th through 12th graders throughout Illinois are taking the teacher and student 5Essentials Survey. School-level 5Essentials Reports will be generated if teachers and/or students meet their 50 percent response-rate thresholds. These research-based reports will be sent to schools and districts in May and will also be included in the State School Report Card, released statewide in the fall.
Please visit https://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois-pilot to take the parent survey at home. The survey window closes on March 20, 2015.
Lost and Found Items
Please put names on all coats, sweaters, hats, boots, etc., so items found can be quickly and easily returned to their owners. Students who find lost articles are asked to bring them to the lost and found areas at Simon. Students who have lost articles may check the lost and found on the lower level before and after school, or at other times with teacher permission. Any articles not claimed at the end of the school year will be given to a charitable organization
PTO Meeting - Monday, March 9
Carrie Lynn Center is scheduled to speak at the PTO meeting at 6:30 on Monday, March 9 to discuss sexual abuse and prevention. This will be followed up with a Q & A session for parents.
The regular PTO meeting will start at 6pm at McNair Library.
Mark Your Calendars - Kids Club 2015-16 Registration Night
Jump Rope for Heart Forms Due March 19
March Calendar Events
If you do have any specific questions about events or functions, please call the school office at 815.335.2318.
- March Calendar