The Hawk
Holmes Elementary School - Week Ending 8/27/21
IMPORTANT DATES/THINGS TO REMEMBER
- Fire Drill - 8/31
- Virtual Curriculum Night - 9/2 - 6:00-7:30
- No School - Labor Day - 9/6
- 1st Trimester Benchmark Assessments Window - 9/7-10/1
- 1st Day of Hispanic Heritage Month - 9/15
- School Picture Day - 9/27
Principal Message
Virtual Curriculum Night
We will begin our evening with a school-wide presentation where you'll learn our school goals and priorities for this school year.
At 6:30 and again at 7:00 you can join a grade level presentation, check in with our specials teachers, related service, or office staff.
Below, please find the document with Zoom links.
We look forward to see you then!
Reminder: Stay Home When Sick!
Staying home when sick is essential to keep COVID-19 infections out of schools and prevent spread to others. Symptoms that should be monitored daily by District 97 staff, families and students are:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
2021-22 Frequently Asked Questions
District 97 has created a 2021-22 FAQ page based on the top questions we have received over the past few weeks. Topics include ventilation, remote learning, vaccination and travel.
Our back-to-school plan is linked below and can also be found, along with other COVID-19 resources and information, by going to https://www.op97.org/back-to-school.
District 97 Now Hiring!
Permanent Substitutes
District 97 has immediate openings for permanent substitute teachers. If you know anyone who is looking to work with children, earn competitive pay and give back to the community, please encourage them to apply today at: https://www.op97.org/hr/employment.
Lunch/Recess Supervisors
To support our students and staff during the school day, we are still seeking more parents and community members to serve as lunchroom/recess supervisors during the 2021-22 school year. It's easy to apply, and your time would have a direct impact on our schools. CLICK HERE to apply!
Emergency Practice Drills 2021/2022 School Year
Fire Drills
The school will conduct several fire drills during the school year. This is a Fire Code requirement as well as a requirement by the Oak Park D97 Elementary School District. Our first Fire Drill is Tuesday, August 31, 2021.
Severe Weather Drill
The school will conduct one severe weather drill. This drill will be completed within the first couple weeks of school. Students will be escorted by staff members into our severe weather location. Students will be asked to sit on the floor with their head between their knees and their neck protected.
Lockdown Drill
The school will conduct one lockdown drill over the course of the school year. This type of drill will secure the school building and safely shelter all students, staff and visitors inside the building. The purpose of this drill is to keep students safe from any danger outside or inside the building. In the event of an actual lockdown no one will be allowed to enter or leave the building until the authorities authorize such a release. Parents will be notified when this drill is scheduled and will have the option to opt their child out from participating in this drill. This drill is conducted in coordination with the Oak Park Police Department and typically occurs in November.
Due to COVID mitigations the severe weather and lockdown drill will be done differently than in years past. There will be 1 classroom at a time in the severe weather shelter area and students will remain in their seats during the lock down drill.
Food Allergies/Nut-Safe Schools
Please visit https://bit.ly/3j0KGTB to access information about the district’s food allergy management program, as well as tips and options for identifying food that is safe for snacks and field trips.
Nuts and nut products are not allowed in any District 97 schools during the 2021-22 school year. This includes products that are labeled “processed in a facility that shares equipment with nut products.” The shift to include lunch was necessary as many students may be eating their lunch in spaces other than the lunchroom due to COVID-19 protocols.
Free/Reduced Meal Application
Although students will receive free meals, parents/guardians will need to submit the 2021-22 Free and Reduced Meal Application and be approved in order to be considered for a school fee waiver and other state programs. We encourage all families who currently qualify to take a few minutes to complete the application as soon as possible. Please visit https://www.op97.org/business-office/food-service for more information.
Celebrate Holmes Staff
Families, have you noticed a Holmes teacher or staff member who deserves a compliment or a thank you? Has this person made a difference for your child? Please share the reason in a brief email to me (czelaya@op97.org) so that we may recognize and thank them!
Community Hawk Nest
Dr. Christine Zelaya
Email: czelaya@op97.org
Website: http://www.op97.org/holmes/
Location: 508 N Kenilworth Ave, Oak Park, IL, United States
Phone: 708-524-3100
Facebook: facebook.com/christine.zelaya.96
Twitter: @ChristineZelaya
Contact your PTO
Email: pto@holmespto.org
Website: https://www.holmespto.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HolmesPTO/
Twitter: @HolmesPTO