Pleasant Hill Weekly Newsletter

March 10, 2023

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Hello PH Community!


I hope that everyone had a wonderful week! This week we were treated to our 5th/6th grade chorus in their Black Light Concert! Great job to our students for an awesome performance!


We are also wrapping up our state IAR testing this week and next for our 3rd through 6th grade students. Thank you to all the teachers and parents for making sure students were in school to take the test.


The next big family event our PTA has planned is our annual Cougar Carnival! Please make sure to read the section below to find out more information as we get closer to the fun!



Thank you as always for your support!


Have a wonderful weekend!


Warm Regards,

Dr. Morris


GO COUGARS!

Pleasant Hill Chorus Brings Back The Black Light Concert!

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The Cougar Carnival is one week away!

If you didn't order your tickets in the online presale, don't worry! They will be available at the door that night.


Doors will open at 6:00PM at Door 7. Please refer to this FRQ sheet for information on the sale of punch cards and food items at the door, as well as parking information.


For those of you that purchased items online in our presale, please keep the email confirmation sent to you as proof of purchase in order to receive your punch cards and food tickets once you arrive.


The prize room will open at 7:00PM and close promptly at 8:00PM, with limited capacity, so please plan accordingly.


We look forward to seeing you on Friday, March 17, from 6:00 - 8:00PM!

Important Internet Safety Night For Parents! March 20th at PH!


March 20th we are kicking off our Be Internet Awesome week. Students will explore how to achieve good digital citizenship and learn how to navigate their digital world safely.


On March 20th at 6:30pm a parent presentation will be provided with breakout games.


Please use the SignUp to RSVP. Childcare will be provided as long as children are over three and toilet trained.


This is a parent and caregiver workshop; children will not be joining the adults until the session is over. If you would like to see why it is important to attend this event, please watch this short video about the amazing program our community at Pleasant Hill will get to experience.


Your attendance is key in supporting your Pleasant Hill student through their Be Internet Awesome week.

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One-five Foundation - 50/50 Raffle

The 2023 50/50 raffle is already over $10,000. Get your ticket today for a chance to win up to $30,000! Raffle sales run through March 17, 2023! One winner takes 50% of the sales! Each raffle ticket costs $100.


The drawing will be held on March 17, 2023. Only 600 raffle tickets will be sold! The more sold, the bigger the pot!

Floor Hockey Unit Begins In PE!

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5 Essentials Survey is Here! We Need 20% Minimum Participation From Our PH Community

The annual 5 essentails state survey for parents is here. 5Essentials is an evidence-based system designed to drive improvement in schools nationwide—it reliably measures changes in a school organization through the 5Essentials Survey and provides individualized, actionable Reports for each school. Please take a moment to fill out the survey as this helps us as a school improve to meet the needs of our students and community.


http://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/survey/parent/

Author Coming To Visit First through Third Grade Classrooms!

Author Ryan T. Higgins is coming to Pleasant Hill! The library is happy to announce that we will be hosting an author visit on Tuesday, April 4 for 1-3 graders. You might recognize his stories: "Mother Bruce," "We Don't Eat Our Classmates," "Norman Didn't Do It," and many more!

He will be speaking on his latest story, "We Don't Eat Our Class Goldfish" which comes out on March 28. Pre-orders are available for purchase and a flyer will be sent home with your child next week if you are interested in completing an order with the school. All purchased books will be signed by Mr. Higgins on the day of his arrival.

We are so excited to have him!

Donations For Library STEM Activites Needed!

We are looking forward to implementing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) into our elementary library lessons. We are excited to bring these hands-on learning experiences to PH and all of D15 schools.


Throughout these activities, students will develop their social skills while also developing skills in problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, curiosity, decision making, leadership, and more.


We are needing some help collecting materials for some of the STEM tasks. Here are some of the things we could use. These items are donations and will not be returned. Students can place items in a STEM collection box that are located near the front office in the foyer.


Used or Recycled Materials


  • Empty Cereal Boxes

  • Empty Paper Towel Rolls

  • Empty Toilet Paper Rolls

  • Empty Wrapping Paper Rolls

  • Empty Cardboard Egg Cartons

  • Puzzles (48-100 Pieces), **Please no wooden or missing pieces Please tape puzzle boxes closed.

6th Grade 2Ball Winners Recognized At The School Board Meeting!

Medication at School Guidelines

Parents, please remember that students are not allowed to have prescribed or over the counter medications in school without an authorization form.


This includes cough drops, Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Advil and all others. Thank you for your cooperation.


If you want your child to have access to medication while here at school, please reach out to the school nurse Mrs. Martin to discuss how that is possible. If you have any questions, please see pages 57-58 in the Parent/Student Handbook.


Thank You For Your Support For Jump Rope For Heart!

Thank you to all the families who participated in this year's Kids Heart Challenge at Pleasant Hill. Pleasant Hill raised over $4,000 which will go to the American Heart Association. The window to collect donations closed on March 1st. If your child is to receive larger prizes they will be distributed at school and those prizes should arrive at school mid to late April. Again, thanks for your support!

PBIS AT PLEASANT HILL!! Majors and MInors

Has your student received a minor? Have they received a major? These forms of behavior management are used for various offenses that can occur during the school day. Below is a guide to help you as the parent better understand what they are to help you support your student at home. If for any reason you are unsure or have any questions, please contact your child's teacher or Dr. Morris and Mr. Fabrikant.


What is a minor?

  • Students have been taught what is expected at school in various settings. They are reviewed periodically throughout the year. We have visual reminders of our expectations displayed around school and Boosters three times a year as a school.

  • A minor is a record of a behavior that is in violation of the Three B’s. It is a warning.

  • A student will receive a minor after he/she has been re-taught the appropriate behavior but continues the inappropriate behavior .

  • If a student receives 3 minors within a month period, a Major will be issued.


What is a major?

  • Major behaviors demonstrate a purposeful or serious disregard for expectations at Pleasant Hill. Some examples but not limited to are behaviors that can lead to injury, the safety of others and extreme disrespect towards students or staff.

  • For a major offense students will be seen by administration.

  • Consequences will be determined and given by administration.

  • Parents will be notified by a school administrator when a major offense has been issued.

  • Three minors equals one major. Staying in from lunch/recess is a consequence that is issued unless administration determines otherwise.

Illustrative Math March Unit Task

Thank you to the families who submitted their unit Illustrative Math family tasks during the month of February! We enjoyed seeing your child use math outside of the classroom.


Illustrative Math provides students and families with an opportunity to take their learning from the classroom and apply it to an authentic situation. Below you will find a unit task for the month of February as well as a companion support video that explains what each grade level is learning in class. Click here to learn more about problem-based learning.


Follow the steps below to complete the optional unit task for the month of March.


1. Find your child’s grade level below and click the link to access your unit task.

2. Read through the “Try It At Home” section and complete the task.

3. Send your family’s math work to your child’s teacher in the form of a written paper, photo story, or a video of your child demonstrating and explaining their thinking.


Kindergarten

Unit Task Support Video


1st Grade

Unit Task Support Video


2nd Grade

Unit Task Support Video


3rd Grade

Unit Task Support Video


4th Grade

Unit Task Support Video


5th Grade

Unit Task Support Video


6th Grade

Unit Task


Accelerated 7th/Pre Algebra

Unit Task

PTA NEWS AND EVENT REMINDERS ***PLEASE READ BELOW***

Message From Our PTA Presidents!

Good afternoon, Pleasant Hill community! We are excited to share the plans for our digital

citizenship week.


Students will experience lessons promoting digital safety and good citizenship

in the classroom. While they circulate through the resource center with their buddy class, they

will play a game that highlights the themes of Be Smart, Be Alert, Be Kind, Be Brave, Be

Awesome! We will kick off the week with an assembly on March 20th.


In the evening at the Be Internet Awesome parent workshop, parents and caregivers will see what was presented for the students in addition to some specific material for adults on how to raise children in a digital world. We will also have breakout games and prizes. At the parent night, we will announce a special project Pleasant Hill students can partake in order to enter a contest reflecting on what was learned during our Be Internet Awesome week.


If you want to get involved on helping us run Be Internet Awesome, please contact us directly at phpat15@gmail.com. We are really excited that Cougar Carnival is coming up! If you had a chance to order online, keep your eyes open for quick entry at the event just outside door 7. If you did not pre-order, you can still purchase tickets at the door the day of the event on March 17 th.


Talent show submissions ended this week and we are expecting a great turnout and a

wonderful show this Spring.


Spring Book Fair is coming up and there are still opportunities to join the Book Fair committee.

As a result of our wonderful sales, we were able to book an author visit in April. Students in

grades 1-3 will get to attend an assembly with author Ryan T. Higgins. We are thankful for

everything the Book Fair committee brings.


Make-a-Difference week is also coming up and if you have not had a chance to place an order

or send in items to donate for this cause, please make sure to check that out. Any contribution

is welcome.


On March 14 th , our NW Cook Region Reflections Showcase and Recognition will be held at Living Hope Church in Schaumburg from 6-7:30pm. Please consider supporting our Pleasant Hill students who advanced to this level. Congratulations!


District 15 partnered with the League of Women Voters to host a candidate’s forum at Winston

Campus at 7pm on March 14th. You can witness a platform for all candidates for the upcoming Board of Education election. Attending will guarantee that you will be an informed voter this April.


Last but not least, yearbook sales will end next week, so if you did not have a chance to order

yet, be sure to place that order soon.


Our nominating committee is looking for candidates for Treasurer, Secretary, 2 nd VP

Membership and President-Elect. If you know anyone or would like to volunteer for one of

these roles, please contact us at phpta15@gmail.com


Have a great weekend and stay safe!


Julie Boldt and Rick France

PTA President and President Elect

phpta15@gmail.com

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Order your 2022-2023 Yearbook now through March 17th!

The cost is $18.00 per book.


To order your yearbook visit: www.inter-state.com/order and enter order code: 73619D


Yearbooks will be distributed during the last couple weeks of school.

PH Talent Show Is Coming!

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Spring Book Fair Is Coming!! We Need Your Help!

Our Spring Book Fair is coming up. We are looking for someone to take over for next year, if you have an interest in learning on how we run our Book Fairs please consider working with our current committee leads to show you how to organize a book fair. Email phpta15@gmail.com to let us know if you would like to join our Book Fair committee.

Looking For New Year Book Committe Members for 2023 School Year!!

The yearbook committee is looking for someone to lead the committee starting next school year. The previous lead will remain on the committee to co-lead and train.


Yearbook is a great way to connect with the students and see all the fun at the classroom parties and PTA events! If interested and would like to learn more, please email phyrbook@gmail.com.

PTA Sponsoring Coke Rewards!

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Schoolwide Information Below

Dental Examination Due Date

All Kindergarten, Second Grade, and Sixth Grade students are required to submit a complete dental examination form before May 1. If you are uncertain if you have already submitted this required form, please reach out to Mrs. Martin our school nurse. If your child still needs to provide it, please make an appointment at your dental office and bring this form (in Spanish) with you.


If you currently do not have a dentist, Orland Park Dental Services is scheduling services at D15 schools. For your child to receive this service, registration is required. An invitation will be sent home with your student at the end of February, or you may register them online with this link.

School Safety New Procedure! Please Read

Keeping our schools safe and secure is a top priority for District 15. We regularly review our procedures and protocols, and make improvements when necessary. To that end, we are writing to share an update from previous procedures. Effective immediately, when visitors ring the doorbell at a school, the office staff will ask the visitor their name and the purpose of their visit. If the visitor is a parent or guardian that is just dropping off a forgotten lunch or homework assignment, etc. they will be asked to leave it on the "drop off" table in the vestibule.


Please remember to label the items you drop off with your child’s name and grade level/teacher to ease the delivery of the items.


When parents/guardians or visitors are at the school for a meeting or to volunteer, they will be required to provide a driver's license or state ID which will be used to produce a visitor badge for the individual to wear on a red visitor lanyard while they are in the building. The office will keep the license/state ID and return it to the individual when the visitor badge is returned as they leave the building. This will ensure all staff can visually see that only individuals cleared through their office are in our schools.


When a parent/guardian comes in to pick up a student early from school, they will be asked to produce a state ID for verification.


We appreciate your support and understanding as we work together to keep our schools safe places for our staff, students, and visitors.


Your partner in safety,

Claire Kowalczyk
Deputy Superintendent

School Safety Playground Sign Is Now Installed

School safety remains a top priority in District 15. To ensure our schools are as safe as they can be, an additional safety protocol has been put in place this year. A sign has been installed to our playgrounds notifying the community that the playground will be closed to the public during school hours. This will allow classrooms to go outside for PE or to learn outdoors without concern for who else is on school grounds.

Sick Day Guidelines

To help prevent the spread of illness, we would like to give you some guidelines to help with your decision on whether or not to send your child to school


We ask that you keep your child home if they:


  • Have a fever of 100.4F or higher
  • Have a sore throat with a fever
  • Have diarrhea (3 or more episodes in 24 hours)
  • Have abdominal cramps and/or vomiting
  • Have a rash or open and draining sores


If your child has recently been ill, please be aware of the following guidelines before having your child return:


  • Feel fit for at least 24 hours
  • Be fever free for 24 hours without medication
  • Be free of vomiting and/or diarrhea for at least 24 hours
  • For strep throat, they must be on appropriate medication for at least 24 hours
  • For conjunctivitis (pink eye), they must be on appropriate eye drops for at least 24 hours or cleared by physician
  • Rash illness should be assessed by a doctor


If chicken pox suspected, keep home for at least 5 days after the appearance of the rash or until the blisters have scabbed over


The single most important thing you can do to keep your child free of illness is to teach them the proper way to wash their hands. Also, be sure they are dressed weather appropriate. Please notify the nurse if your child has a communicable illness (strep throat, influenza, lice, COVID, etc.), or any health concerns that need to be monitored at school.


Mrs. Martin can be reached at 847-963-5902 or via email martins2@ccsd15.net

Student Entrances and Exits

Doors Will Open at 8:18 each morning.


Thank you for your support!


Grades 1&2 - Door #3 (located By The Bike Racks)


Grade 3/4- Door #10 (Back of the school, middle entrance)


Grade 5/6- Door #11 (Back of the school east entrance)


Kindergarten AM - Door #7 (Back of the school, top of the stairs)


Kindergarten PM - Front Entrance of The School


Students Riding The Bus Will Enter and Exit The Front Doors

PLEASE READ...STUDENT DROP OFF AND PICK-UP


-During the posted time on the sign by the back lot entrance. No left turn is allowed during drop-off heading north on Ceder.


-During the posted time on the sign located on the corner of Ceder and Michigan, no left turn is allowed heading south onto Cedar from Michigan.


-Drop off allows for one SINGLE file line in the circle drive in the morning. Please be patient as cars are stopping frequently to drop off students.


-Pick up allows for cars to park (not left unattended and running) along the curb. Double parking is not allowed.


-Students should not be crossing Cedar or Illinois to get to a vehicle without using he designated crosswalks. (A crossing guard is at Illinois and Birchwood, A crosswalk is at the corner of Michigan and Cedar)


-Students should ALWAYS exit a car on the passenger side while in the circle drive.


-If you are dropping off or picking up and decide to park in the parking lot, students must be escorted by an adult to the schools entrance. Students should not be going through the parking lot without an adult. This is extremely important.


It is important to remain patient and not be on any electronic devices to assure our students and your safety. Please think of the safety of all of our students and families during these times of the day.

Coming To The School During The School Day? Please Read

Throughout the school year, it is common to have parents, friends and visitors come to the school. Please know that the safety of our students is our number one priority. The following guidelines are in place for that reason. Please read...


* All visitors are requiered to produce a valid ID that will be scanned through our RAPTOR system. If you do not have a valid ID you will not be allowed in the building


*All visitors must enter through the front entrance of the school and check in at the front office and will recieve a colored lanyard that must be worn during the entire stay


*Meetings with teachers are by appointment only and must be scheduled with the teacher


*Only individuals who are listed in Infinite Campus under emergency contacts will be allowed to pick up a student. We will not release students to individuals who are not in our system as an emergency contact.


*Please do not park along the front of the school in the fire lane as this restricts access for emergency vehicles as well as school buses from entering properly.


*During drop off and dismissal in the front parking lot is not to be used. This is only for school buses.

Infinite Campus Parent Portal

Infinite Campus' Campus Parent is designed to provide parents real-time access to student information. The easy-to-use design displays what is currently happening in the classroom so you can understand, monitor, and participate in your child’s educational experience.


This portal also provides parents access to check for teacher placement and student schedules once their student is registered. District 15 has also used IC to gather parent survey responses. Make sure you have your account set up for the new school year! To learn how to set up your account, watch tutorials, or access a help center, please visit our website.

Mobile App

The District 15 mobile app is available on the App Store and Google Play! To download the free app, search for "CCSD15."

This communication tool allows parents and students to quick access to important school and district information, including Campus Parent, the D15 Bullying Tip Line, a quick link to MyStop (bus stop location and pick-up times), lunch menus, schedules, parent/student handbook, directory information, school news, and more.

  • To see integrated student information on the app, click the "student information" button and log-in using your email address and your Campus Parent password. If you are unsure of your password, please visit Infinite Campus and click "forgot password." If you are still having trouble, please contact your school's main office for assistance.

  • To make sure you aren’t missing any notices, make sure you turn notifications ON for the mobile app.

Dr. David Morris Ed.D

Pleasant Hill Elementary School Principal