Pierce Downer This Week
Week of January 24-January 28
Pierce Downer Families-
It is hard to believe we are already approaching the end of January and will begin February next week! This month our PD PROMISE focus has been on making good choices. I encourage you to talk with your students about the importance of making good choices and how their actions can impact others, both positively and negatively. Starting in February, we will shift our focus to keeping the promise of having Integrity. The students will hear a daily quote centered around integrity, which includes being trustworthy, expressing gratitude, and being responsible for our actions.
On January 31, student assessment data will be sent home. Depending on grade level, this could include NWEA MAP, Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR), and AIMSWeb data. If you have any questions regarding the data, please reach out to your child's classroom teacher or myself.
In this edition of Pierce Downer This Week, you will find information about Parent Teacher Conferences, the PTA-sponsored Sweetheart Dance, Watch DOGS sign up, and Kindergarten Roundup.
Please remember the doors open each morning at 8:10 and class begins at 8:15.
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns via email LWagner@DG58.org or call 630-719-5860.
We are PD!
L. Wagner, Principal
District 58 invites parents and guardians to sign up for winter 2022 parent-teacher conferences using the online PowerPTC conference. While PowerPTC is a new tool this school year, District 58 has used it in the past. It is also the same signup tool currently used by our high school district, District 99.
In the past, we have worked to ensure a family member for each student engaged in parent teacher conferences during both Fall and Winter Conferences. However, we have received feedback that as a result of strong communication that occurs on a more regular basis, a winter conference may not be necessary for all families. We also recognize that many families still find great value in the winter conference opportunity. If you would like to schedule a conference for your child, the online signup window is now open and it will close on Monday, Jan. 31 at 11 a.m.
Parent-teacher conferences will be held in person. However, families who require a remote option should schedule their conference in PowerPTC and then change the meeting type from “in person” to “video conference.”
Process to share vaccination status
District 58 invites families to voluntarily share an electronic image of their child’s vaccination card with their building’s health office. Providing proof of vaccination is not required. However, current CDC guidance excuses fully vaccinated individuals from having to quarantine unless symptomatic.
By sharing a copy of your child’s card, if your child is a close contact, having the vaccination card on hand will expedite the school’s investigation process. Copies of proof of vaccination will be kept in each student’s individual health file and treated in the same way as all health records. Please feel free to send a picture of your child's COVID vaccination card to your school nurse!
Don't forget your masks!
District 58 Inclement Weather Procedures
How does District 58 communicate emergency closure information?
When a decision is made to close school due to inclement weather, the District will send an automated voice and email message to all parents and staff via the SchoolMessenger notification system. The system will also send a text message to parents and staff who have registered to receive texts. Sign up to receive District 58 text messages by texting YES to 68453 using a phone number that is on file with District 58. Opt out at any time by texting STOP to the same number.
District 58 also posts school closure information on its website, Facebook page, Twitter page and on the District’s answering machine at 630-719-5800. The District notifies major news radio and network television stations about closures and posts closure information at www.emergencyclosings.com.
How does District 58 decide whether to cancel school?
District 58’s superintendent consults with a variety of resources — weather forecasts, neighboring superintendents, the bus company and the District’s buildings and grounds teams — to make an informed decision. The decision is based on many factors.
Building conditions: Do the buildings have power, light and heat?
Site conditions: Is the parking lot plowed? Can buses get in and turn around? Can parents drop off students? Are the exit doors free of snow?
Bus operations: Can the bus drivers get to the bus company? Do the buses start? Do the drivers feel comfortable driving?
Road conditions: Are the roads continually plowed and is traffic moving?
Air temperature: How cold is it? What is the wind chill? Can children safely walk to school? District 58 will likely close school during conditions when frostbite may occur after approximately 20 minutes of exposure. Please refer to the District’s Wind Chill Chart and the NOAA Wind Chill Chart.
If the answer is yes to the first four questions, and if the forecast temperature/wind speed is above the threshold in the wind chill chart, District 58 will most likely keep schools open.
Student safety is District 58’s top priority, but the District also understands that canceling school is inconvenient for students, teachers and parents. The superintendent will make the decision as soon as safely possible. Learn more about inclement weather closings here.
Parent Teacher Conferences
Tuesday, Feb. 1 from 4:45-8 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 3 from 4:45-8 p.m.
February 2
Student Council Spirit Day: Pajama Day
February 21
No School: Presidents' Day
Leland Wagner, Principal
Email: LWagner@dg58.org
Website: www.DG58.org
Location: 1436 Grant Street, Downers Grove, IL, USA
Phone: 630-719-5860
Twitter: @LWagnerDG58