News from Sundling Junior High

January 31, 2023

Letter from the Principal

Hello Sundling Families,

Although the cold temperatures, blustery winds, and snow of the winter months are upon us, things remain warm inside the walls of Sundling Junior High. The students recently wrapped up the first half of the school year and are preparing to set goals and buckle down for a successful second half of learning. Our teachers took time to review both school and classroom expectations when we returned from Winter Break, helping to support a positive tone and set up a successful 2nd semester. We also spent valuable time revising and updating goals and reviewing social emotional learning lessons to support our work together. Thanks to the many teachers and students involved in creating activities, scripts and videos for their peers!

We have shared in many successes since the start of the school year, and have many things to be proud of and thankful for as we look back at the first five months of school. There is still much work ahead as we push toward June, and the end of the school year. No matter the conditions, season, or month of school, the staff and administration at Sundling are committed to providing a safe and comfortable learning environment that will challenge and motivate our students to reach their full potential. This environment is created to help support their academics, and also their social and emotional well-being.

I hope that you stay warm during these winter months. Please be sure to ask your child what he/she is learning each day, and don’t accept, “I don’t know” or “nothing” as an answer!! Our journey as “Partners in Learning” continues…

Thank you for the continued support of our school and staff.

As always, take care and stay well,

Jason Dietz

Principal

#stronger4ever #sundlingstrong

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8th Grade Graduation Pictures- 2/2/2023

8th Grade Graduation Pictures will be taken at Sundling JH on Thursday, February 2, 2022 during the morning hours. 8th grade students will be called down to take pictures alphabetically by last name during the morning hours. Students will take pictures in a provided graduation gown and in dress clothing.

A few weeks following picture day, proofs will be sent to the school, and then sent home with your child for review. Parents can review pictures and purchase photos on mylifetouch.com at that time.

If a student misses the February 3rd Picture Day, or parents are not happy with the original proofs, Picture Retakes will occur at Sundling JH on Friday, March 10th.

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D15 5Essentials Survey

Dear District 15 Families,

January 23rd through March 31, 2023, students and teachers in District 15 and across Illinois are asked to participate in the annual statewide Illinois 5Essentials Survey. This survey is designed to generate a detailed picture of the inner workings of your child’s school. As a parent/guardian, this opportunity will allow you to share your thoughts on the important elements of school effectiveness in a survey about your child’s school.

The Illinois 5Essentials Survey gathers data related to five indicators that can be targeted to improve important student outcomes, including attendance and state test score gains. The 5Essentials Survey asks questions about:

· Effective Leaders

· Collaborative Teachers

· Involved Families

· Supportive Environments

· Ambitious Instruction

All District 15 teachers and 4th through 8th grade students will be asked to take this survey. 5Essentials Reports will be generated for schools if at least 50 percent of the teachers and students complete the survey. We need at least 20 percent of our parents/guardians from your child’s school complete this survey, a parent supplement will also be generated for the school and is an important source of information from parents.

Your identity and survey responses are completely confidential. The school does not have access to individual survey responses and cannot connect any survey responses to you or your child.

In District 15, the Illinois 5Essentials Survey for students and teachers will be conducted in mid-February. You may take the survey between January 23rd through March 31, 2023 by visiting the 5Essentials Survey website and selecting the appropriate survey to begin.

For more information about the Illinois 5Essentials Survey, please visit the Illinois State Board of Education's website.

Sincerely,

Robyn Cook

Director of Curriculum & Instruction

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Drop Off & Pick Up Procedures- Reminder

Parents who transport their students to school are asked to enter the traffic circle on the south side of the school or use the parking spots located along Smith St. directly in front of the building. Please be sure to drop off your child at curbside, ensuring that they do not have to cross through moving cars. For safety reasons, the north lot in front of the school is reserved for bus loading and unloading, bike riders and parking for staff and visitors!

Students may not enter the building prior to the 7:20 AM bell unless they are participating in jazz band or choral rehearsals, working in the Learning Resource Center (LRC), attending breakfast, have a prior written pass from a teacher, or are directed to do so by a staff member due to inclement weather. Students may not wander or loiter the hallways prior to the beginning of the school day.

D15 Special Olympics Track and Field & Soccer

Track and Field and Soccer Special Olympics will be here before we know it! If your child has an Intellectual Disability and is over the age of 8 and interested in either sport or both, please fill out the registration links below. Soccer practices will be on Thursdays and Track and Field will be on Tuesday's from 5-6, locations TBD.

CCSD 15 Track and Field Registration Form 2023 https://forms.gle/42KnK9vuWugVQhYB6

CCSD 15 Soccer Registration Form 2023 https://forms.gle/K4HiK3hwXtGozPvV7

Once registered, you will receive an email with follow up information and forms that will need to be filled out by your child's doctor per Special Olympics. If you have any questions, please reach out to Crystal Miguel, Student Services Coordinator, miguelc@ccsd15.net.

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WRS Little Library

If you are looking for a good book to read, then stop by and check out our WRS Little Library (circle drive entrance) for some of the most popular books for adolescent readers. Please swing by anytime, grab a book and read, and then return it when you are finished! It's that simple, no check-out needed!

We want to continue to encourage our students to read while at home, and provide opportunities to get copies of today's top books and authors!

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Important Dates- February '23

February 1- District 15 Spelling Bee

February 2- 8th Grade Graduation Pictures

February 8- D15 Board of Education Meeting 7:00 PM

February 10- WRS Winter Wonderland Dance 6:00-8:00 PM

February 10- WRS Music Department Photos

February 15- WRS PTA Meeting 7:00 PM

February 17- Illinois Youth Survey (8th Grade Students)

February 20- No School- Presidents' Day

February 21- No School (students)- Teacher Plan Day

February 23- D15 Parent University at Sundling JH 6:00 PM

Message from our WRS PTA President

Hi everyone! The Sundling PTA is planning some great activities this spring to finish out the school year strong!

The Sundling PTA does need to fill vacancies on its board for next year to be able to continue providing great events for the students. We are hoping that there are 7th grade parents willing to help support our students next year in some capacity!! Currently, there are no candidates to transition into any of these positions for the 23-24 school year:

President

President-Elect

Treasurer

Secretary

1st VP Legislation

We need your help to continue the great work the Sundling PTA does for the kids. If you are interested in finding out more about ANY of these positions, please email me (Betsy) at sundlingpta@gmail.com.

Our next meeting is Wednesday, February 15, 7-8pm at Sundling in the BOE room. ALL are welcome to join us and you can learn more about any position you may be interested in.

Thank you so much!