The Panda Post
Summer Bulletin 2019
Calendar
FROM THE PRINCIPAL...
Dear Westbrook Families:
It's hard to believe we are already thinking about and planning for our new school year! I hope you have been enjoying your summer break with your kids and family, and I can’t wait to welcome back our returning students and families to Westbrook for another great new school year! It's been a fantastic summer for the Sung Family, enjoying some simple quality time together! A special welcome goes out to all of our new students and families to Westbrook! We are so excited you are joining our Westbrook family!
Westbrook teachers and support staff are committed to making sure that every child receives the very best education possible. They continue to strive towards providing effective learning environment that challenges and promotes high academic achievement, while meeting the social, physical, and emotional needs of every student. This is so crucial to our young learners. We want students to feel safe and cared for, as they get excited about becoming life-long learners! As such, our teachers have spent parts of their summer on further developing their professional craft, preparing their classrooms and are eager to meet their new learners this fall!
We consider parents to be an essential part of the success of our overall school program. I strongly encourage you to regularly check on the progress of your child and maintain close communication with their teachers. I would also like to encourage you to consider joining our PTA and partner with Westbrook in learning! Research supports the fact that direct parental involvement does make a difference in student success. Please take a look at our PTA information provided in this newsletter. Together, we will continue to make a positive difference in the lives of our children!
I have no doubt this school year will provide every Westbrook student the opportunity to become the best they can be. It is my privilege to continue to serve as your principal this year.
Please take note of some important upcoming dates and information in this summer bulletin for your reference, as you prepare for the start of school.
- Thursday, August 15th - NEW Parents to Westbrook Orientation @ 6:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, August 20th – Meet & Greet and Supply Drop-off @ 2 p.m.
- Wednesday, August 21st – First Day of School – Grades 1 and 2 – Open House for Kindergarten (Please see detailed Kindergarten schedule in this newsletter.)
- Monday, August 26th – Early Childhood Open House
- Thursday, August 29th – K-2nd Grade Curriculum Night (parents only) @ 6:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, September 11th – Early Childhood Curriculum Night @ 5:30 p.m.
Please continue to visit our school website at https://wb.glenview34.org/ and follow us on Twitter/#WBPandas and Facebook to learn more about all the exciting things happening at Westbrook throughout the year!
We are delighted to have your child/children as part of our Westbrook community and look forward to a great school year. If you have any questions we can assist you with, please do not hesitate to ask.
Warm Regards,
Jeannie Sung, Ed.D.
Principal
MEET OUR TWO NEW ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS AT WB!
Maggie Wade
I feel truly honored and am excited to join the Westbrook team and to have the opportunity to work with your children.
This year will mark my 5th year serving as a special education administrator in District 34, and close to three decades working in the field of education.
I began my career as a pre-school teacher in Deerfield, Illinois, and from there went on to pursue a master’s degree in social work from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and then worked as a Spanish speaking bi-lingual school social worker for just over 10 years in Highland Park, Illinois. While in that role, I earned a master’s degree in education and supervision while attending school at Loyola University at night and on the weekends, and subsequently became a special education administrator for the Northern Suburban Special Education District also in Highland Park. I also served as a special education administrator in Deerfield and Arlington Heights prior to coming to Glenview. I completed my doctorate in educational leadership, also through Loyola a few years ago, while in my first year in District 34. As you can tell, I value education in all forms and am grateful for the opportunities I have had that help me to provide the best experiences I can for the families I serve.
I live in Evanston with my three children who are 16, 14, and 11 years old. Being their mother provides me with a constant drive and passion for making each and every child’s school experience wondrous, happy and enriching. When I’m not working I love running, cooking and enjoying time with my family.
Patrick Hoeft
Hello Westbrook Pandas,
My name is Patrick Hoeft and I am thrilled to be one of the new Assistant Principals for Student Services. While I am new to Westbrook, I have been with Glenview School District 34 since 2008 and have served in a variety of roles at different buildings. I am very excited to call Westbrook home!
I started my career in Glenview, as a physical education teacher at Hoffman Elementary. I received my first Master’s degree in Teacher Leadership from St. Xavier University and a few years later received my second Master’s degree in School Administration. I have served as the Acting Assistant Principal at Springman and as an Acting Building Administration at Pleasant Ridge. Most recently I served as the Summer School Principal for Glenview School District 34.
My wife Lauren and I have a three year old son, Brandon and most recently welcomed our daughter, Kendall to our family in November of 2018. This summer our family had a fun-filled time vacationing in Disney World.
I am looking forward to a successful school year with all the Westbrook students and families!
2019-2020 CLASS LIST ASSIGNMENTS AND BUS ROUTES
The District Office will be e-mailing class list assignments and bus routes to you on August 9th.
If you have not completed registration and or verified residency, your student will not be placed in a classroom.
- Registration for new and returning students should have been completed online.
- Residency verification applies to students new to District 34, students whose families have moved within the District, those entering the REACH Program and kindergarten, families with a lease that expired during the previous school year, and other families determined by the District.
The District Office is available if you need help Monday through Thursday, August 5th - 21st. from 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
The Westbrook office staff will be available beginning August 6th from 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
MEET & GREET / SUPPLY DROP-OFF
YOU'RE INVITED!
Parents and students are invited to come and say hi to your new teachers and drop-off your school supplies!
Who: EC, Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd Grade Students and Families
When: Tuesday, August 20th, 2pm-3pm
Where: Westbrook Classrooms
(Please note this is not a conference time with your teachers. This is a quick visit to say hi, see where your classrooms are, and to drop-off supplies.)
STARTING DATES
The first day of school for first and second graders is Wednesday, August 21, 2019. Starting time is 8:55 a.m. and dismissal time is 3:30 p.m. Kindergarten students enrolled in the morning session attend school from 8:55 to 11:25 a.m. Kindergarten students enrolled in the afternoon session attend school from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. To support their transition to Westbrook, kindergartners follow a different schedule the first week of school.
KINDERGARTEN SCHEDULE
Wednesday, August 21 Kindergarten Open House for parents and students according to the following schedule:
- 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. All a.m. students and parents with last names A through L.
- 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. All a.m. students and parents with last names M through Z.
- 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. All p.m. students and parents with last names A through L.
- 2:15 – 3:15 p.m. All p.m. students and parents with last names M through Z.
A.M. Thursday, August 22 Only students with the last names A through L will attend
the regular kindergarten schedule. Buses will run as usual.
P.M. Thursday, August 22 Only students with the last names A through L will attend
the regular kindergarten schedule. Buses will run as usual.
A.M. Friday, August 23 Only students with the last names M through Z will attend
the regular kindergarten schedule. Buses will run as usual.
P.M. Friday, August 23 Only students with the last names M through Z will attend
the regular kindergarten schedule. Buses will run as usual.
Monday, August 26 All kindergarten students begin their regular schedule.
All incoming kindergarten and new students must have a current physical on file by the first day of school, providing proof of appropriate immunizations.
FIRST AND SECOND GRADE SCHEDULE
All first and second grade students will meet their teachers on the east side of the building. Students will be escorted to their classrooms at 8:50 a.m. School begins at 8:55 a.m. and dismissal is at 3:30 p.m.
DISTRICT EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM
The EC Program begins on August 26th with an Open House for parents and students. Morning classes are held from 8:45-11:15 a.m., and afternoon classes are held from 12:45-3:15 p.m. Please call the office @ 847-657-2493 if you have any questions.
SCHOOL PROCEDURES / AM DROP-OFF PROCEDURES
- The front drive (west entrance) is where all children arriving and leaving in cars are dropped off and picked up. In the morning, please be sure you are in the correct lane for either EC or K-2 students. Please see the map attached and follow the directions of the Westbrook staff and drive slowly and attentively. This will ensure safety for all. Our traffic director will be in front of the school entrance to direct you.
- Please do not drop your child off on the north side of the building, as this area is for buses only. This creates a hazardous situation for the children.
- Please do not leave your car unattended in the drop-off lane for any reason.
- Supervision begins for children at school at 8:40 a.m., and school begins promptly at 8:55 a.m. Children should arrive during this window.
- It is illegal to talk on your hand-held cell phone in a school zone. Please use a hands-free device or refrain from using your phone while the car line is moving.
PICK-UP PROCEDURES at 3:30
- Please pull up to the pick-up sign so we can get as many students as possible in cars at once, following directions of WB staff. Parents are not allowed to park and walk their children through the parking lot to a vehicle during pick up.
- Stay in your car in the car line. We will help students get into cars at the curb door; it is very helpful for any car seats to be on the passenger side.
- Parents will not be allowed to park their car and wait outside the front door or in the office for their child at the end of the day, and must remain in their vehicle.
- Students walking home or riding their bikes must meet their parent or other childcare provider at the rear gym doors in the walker line. Students will not be dismissed to a waiting parent at the front of the school for safety reasons.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Children are expected to follow a consistent manner of going home each day (bus, walking, car). If for any reason a child needs to take an alternate way home, parents must send a note to inform us of this change. For student safety, no child will be allowed to take an alternate way home without a note. A child who rides the bus will not be allowed to ride a different bus for any reason.
BUS INFORMATION
All Town Bus Service, Inc. will provide service to our district again this year up. If you have any questions you may contact Rob Conner, District 34’s Transportation Coordinator @ 847-998-5064.
At the beginning of the school year, please be patient as bus routes may run longer during the first week of school.
Please help us in maintaining a safe bus ride for all our students by reviewing the following rules with your children prior to the first day of school:
- Stay in your seat at all times. Once you have found a seat, do not move to a different one.
- Use an ‘indoor voice’ on the bus. Loud voices distract the drivers from the road.
- Please keep your hands and feet to yourself. Bus seats are designed to keep children safe when their back is against the back of the seat.
- Always listen to and follow the bus driver’s instructions.
- If you need help on the bus, tell the driver as soon as it is safe to do so.
FROM THE HEALTH OFFICE
Absences
Please phone all absences in between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. The Health Office number is 847-657-2494. All children must be kept home from school until they are fever free for 24 hours.
Physicals and Immunizations
The District asks that all school immunizations and physicals be completed and returned prior to the first day of school. Remember, polio and DPT booster shots must have been given after the 4th birthday and the measles vaccine after 15 months of age. Children must have 2 doses of the measles vaccine before the start of school. State law also mandates that incoming kindergartners must have immunization for chicken pox.
Medication
If your child requires medication at school, it must be in its labeled pharmacy container.
A medication form must be completed with a doctor’s signature. Forms can be found on the district website under the “Parent” drop down menu. Scroll down to “Frequently Used Forms” and “Authorization and Permission for Administration of Medication”.
Additional Information
As always, we welcome donations of extra clothing such as shorts, sweatpants, t-shirts, and socks to the health office.
FOOD GUIDELINES FOR DISTRICT 34
Glenview School District is continuing to promote healthy living and lifestyle choices for its students. The Wellness Policy was adopted to educate students about healthy food choices and help reduce childhood obesity.
NO FOOD ITEMS AT BIRTHDAY PARTIES
District 34 does not allow food or beverages at birthday parties at school. Instead, there are several suggestions below for parents and children who still want to celebrate a birthday without food, including:
- Special time/special recognition during class. Examples include the student reading to the class, sharing a personal story with the class or selecting a fun activity from a list provided by the teacher.
- Purchase a book for the classroom library. This might include the students name in the front of the book indicating it was donated by the student in celebration of a birthday.
- Donate an indoor recess game to the classroom.
- Bring in a non-food item/party favor (i.e. - pencils, erasers, stickers). Please, no disruptive items. If you need help deciding, please contact the teacher for guidance.
Please know all celebratory activities should be cleared with the classroom teacher
in advance but that no food or beverages will be allowed as part of these celebrations.
FOOD GUIDELINES FOR NON-BIRTHDAY CLASSROOM CELEBRATIONS
Food and beverage can be a part of non-birthday classroom celebrations like Halloween and holiday parties. However, those food and drink items will be chosen from a list of menu options developed by the Food Service Department.
These food/drink items can be purchased through the Food Service Department by ordering 30 days prior to the event on a first-come, first-served limited basis. If the PTA decides to purchase the food directly, the menu must be followed. This will guarantee that the food/drink provided will be nutritious, balanced and offer choices for everyone. As always, any food brought in for these celebrations must be purchased through the Food Service Department or store bought and in the original packaging.
No homemade foods are allowed.
HELLO FROM DISTRICT 34 FOOD SERVICE!
We've spent the summer preparing for a great 19-20 school year, and look forward to welcoming your children back to school. With new families joining us and increased student interest, this letter is meant to clarify our mission and procedures.
Glenview District 34 offers breakfast and lunch at all eight schools. Our mission is to provide safe, nutritious, tasty meals to all students. Good nutrition fosters proper growth and development to prepare students to learn at their optimal level during the school day. We participate in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program and meet all of the nutritional requirements of these programs. We offer healthy entree options that meet the calorie, fat and sodium guidelines set forth by the USDA. We offer a variety of fresh fruit and vegetable options daily, including local produce and all grains offered are whole grain rich. Our entree options are age appropriate portion size; fruits and vegetables are offered in half-cup portions and eight ounces of skim milk is offered in plain and flavored varieties with no sugar added. All students are welcome to participate in our meal program.
Free and Reduced Priced Meals: Families may apply for assistance by completing a meal application for the current school year. FAMILIES MUST REAPPLY EVERY YEAR. Free and reduced price meals are provided to families that meet the established federal income guidelines. Students who qualify for free meals do not need to have money on their account unless they choose to purchase milk alone, or they choose to purchase ala carte items from the middle schools (Attea/Springman). Reduced price meals cost $0.30 for breakfast and $0.40 for lunch.
Lunch Balances: The lunch account (student id card) is set up as a debit system. Students must have money in their accounts to purchase meals and ala carte items. Lunch is an important component in academic achievement and we want to ensure your child can access the daily lunch offerings. Therefore, parents need to make sure that their child's lunch account has money available in it. An automated email sends low balance reminders when a student lunch accounts fall below $10.00. Delinquent accounts will be addressed by contacting the parent through email, letter, phone or text message.
Lunch Account Deposits: Funds can be added to a student lunch account by check or cash sent directly to the school, or by credit card (https://payments.efundsforschools.com/v3/districts/56335). All payments require the student's full name and student id number to ensure the deposit is applied to the proper account.
Lunch/Student ID Cards: At the primary and elementary schools, lunch/student id cards are provided to the teachers and kept at school. Students retain their cards just prior to their lunch time, and have the option of just purchasing milk or purchasing a complete meal which includes milk. Middle school students are provided one student id card on the first day of school, which is used for lunch, bus and the school library. Replacement id cards can be purchased for $5.00.
Special Dietary Needs: Please contact Kimberly Cleveland, the Director of Food Service, if your child has any special dietary needs that require accommodations (kcleveland@glenview34.orgor (847-486-7711).
LUNCH PROGRAM
You can also add to your child’s meal balance through the Internet.
It’s as easy as 1-2-3:
- Visit https://payments.efundsforschools.com/v3/districts/56335
- There is a $2.65 transaction fee for this service.
Parents will need to know their child’s lunch ID number to use the online system. If you need this number, please call the school office @ 847-657-2491 or Kimberly Cleveland, director of food service @ 847-486-7711.
You can also deposit money into your child’s account by using the deposit form below. Checks should be made payable to Glenview Public Schools.
FOOD SERVICE ACCOUNT DEPOSIT FORM
Fill out this form and place it in an envelope along with your payment.
Mark the outside of the envelope FOOD SERVICE and mail or deliver it
to Westbrook School.
STUDENT’S NAME: ___________________________________
GRADE: _____________ CHECK: CASH:
PAYMENT AMOUNT: __________
EARLY CHILDHOOD INFORMATION
The Early Childhood Program is housed at Westbrook School, but open to all 3 and 4 year old students within District 34 boundaries. If your child turns 3 during the school year, you may enroll them mid-year if spots are available. Tuition spots are now filled, but please call the school office at 847-657-2493 if you have any questions or to be put on a wait list.
WESTBROOK/GLEN GROVE PTA
The WB/GG Parent Teacher Association is a very active group of volunteers, whose service is essential to the success of our school. In addition to providing on going support to school improvement efforts, the PTA sponsors Cultural Arts Assemblies, Ice Cream Socials, Book Fairs, Family Night and many other events.
All parents are welcome to take an active role in this organization.
WELCOME TO OUR NEW PTA PRESIDENTS
Katie Ahmed and Jenny Jarosick
PTA MEETING DATES
WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAYS @ Glen Grove
September 10 @ 9:30 a.m.
October 8 @ 6:30 p.m.
November 12 @ 6:30 p.m.
December 10 @ 9:30 a.m.
January 14 @ 6:30 p.m.
February 11 @ 9:30 a.m.
March 10 @ 6:30 p.m.
April 14 @ 9:30 a.m.
May 12 @ 9:30 a.m.
Westbrook School
Mr. Patrick Hoeft, Assistant Principal
Dr. Maggie Wade, Assistant Principal
Website: https://wb.glenview34.org/
Location: 1333 Greenwood Road, Glenview, IL, USA
Phone: 847-657-2491