Friday Focus
October 14, 2022
In This Issue...
- A Message from Marcie
- Fire Prevention Week
- Halloween is Coming
- SEL Survey (K-2)
- Holiday Card Contest
- Learn More about South Park Singers
- McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
- Other Important Info
Don't miss the PTO Spotlight...
- Book Fair-online access
- Book Drive
- Moms Night Out Nov 3rd
- Pumpkin Decorating
- Feed My Starving Children
- and much more...
A Message from Marcie
Thanks for a great week, South Park!
We welcomed the Deerfield Fire Department to South Park to review this year's Fire Prevention Week message, "Fire won't Wait, Plan your Escape!" Please ask your child what they learned from the firefighters who visited our school yesterday. Earlier in the week, our students also participated in their second fire drill of the school year. Our students did a terrific job staying quiet and listening to their teachers while our whole school exited the building.
I want to thank our incredible PTO for such a successful Book Fair. While families stopped by to shop for new books, we enjoyed watching our students participate in Family Reading Night as well. Thank you to Mrs. Kelly Jahng and our Library Squad for their hard work behind the scenes to make last night possible.
Next Friday, October 21st, Officer Lauren Maldonado will be conducting grade-level assemblies to kick off Red Ribbon Week at South park. Red Ribbon Week is the last week in October and focuses on living a drug-free life. This year's theme is: Celebrate Life - Live Drug Free.
The Red Ribbon Week assemblies at school are specially designed for our elementary-age students. Instead of talking about drug prevention, we talk about ways kids can make their communities better places and choose to be drug free. For more information about contests, activities, and art projects that students can do from home, visit https://www.redribbon.org.
Have a wonderful weekend!
-Marcie
Fire Prevention Week
A visit from the Fire Department
Lining up for a Fire Drill
Open House at the DBFD on 10.15.22
Halloween is Coming!
We want to remind families to be cautious when helping your child select a costume for Halloween. Using another's culture as a Halloween costume can be viewed as insensitive or offensive. In addition, we encourage students to be as inclusive as possible when dressing in group costumes so that students do not feel excluded during the Halloween festivities.
Below are some additional reminders about wearing costumes at school.
- Please do not send students with accessories (e.g witches broom).
- Toy weapons are strictly prohibited.
- Students should either wear costumes to school all day or have the ability to change into costumes in the classroom. Students will not be permitted to change clothes in the bathrooms.
- Masks that cover the face as a costume accessory can be worn during the parade and party, not during class time as it may be a distraction during learning.
If you need assistance in providing your child with a Halloween costume, please reach out to Dr. Faust.
Families who are not comfortable sending their child in costume, please reach out to your child's teacher so that we can be sensitive to you or your child's feelings about dressing up for Halloween. We want everyone at South Park to feel comfortable.
Additional details will be shared in the coming weeks.
SEL Survey for K-2
Holiday Card Contest
Students have an opportunity to submit a winter-themed piece of art for a holiday card contest being run by Hyatt Regency Deerfield. Ms. Bergmann will be sharing more information with students over the next week or so when they have art class. You can also see more information here. Feel free to reach out to Ms. Bergmann with questions at abergmann@dps109.org"
Learn More about the South Park Singers!
Who: Any 4th and 5th Grade students at South Park
What: Join our choir
Where: Music Room
When: Thursday during Recess starting October 17th
Why: For the Love of music
Learn About the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
Other Important Information ⚠️
- All visitors to South Park School MUST bring a valid driver's license or state ID card to the main office before entering into the building. Beginning this year, we will collect IDs during your visit and return it to you as you leave.
- If your child is going to be absent from school, you need to call or email us by 9:00 that morning. ** Call 847-945-5895, ext. 2103 and leave a message OR ** Email Nurse Nora Moskos.
- When parking in our Birchwood parking lot, please remember that our preschoolers are dropped off and picked up by the west end (closest to the school). Sometimes, their parents' cars can block a parked car from exiting for a few minutes. To avoid that, we suggest that you park closer to Birchwood Avenue.
- Please follow our morning procedures, and drop your children off at their regular grade level doors. If you choose to drive through the front circle at arrival, kindly stay in your car when you drop off to help us reduce morning congestion.
- Drop-off is between 8:35-8:45 a.m. Students who arrive after 8:45 a.m. will need to enter through the front door of the school, as all other doors will be locked.
- Dismissal for all Kindy and 1st-grade walkers and car riders will take place at their grade level door. Parents who park in the front circle should wait until 3:10 p.m. to do so.
- Dismissal is at 3:25 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. We dismiss at 2:25 on Wednesdays.
Important Dates 📅
Monday, October 31
- Halloween Parade - 2:00-2:30 (Outdoor parade, weather permitting, all are welcome to view)
- Halloween Parties - 2:30-3:15 (Volunteers coordinated by the PTO)
- End of 1st Trimester
- Report Cards posted to Family Access at 3:00
Music Concerts:
- 5th Grade - Wednesday, January 25 @ 6:30
- 4th Grade - Wednesday, February 15th @ 6:30
- 3rd Grade - Wednesday, March 8th @ 6:30
- 2nd Grade - Wednesday, February 15th @ 5:30
- 1st Grade - Wednesday, March 8th @ 5:30
- Kindergarten - Wednesday, April 26 @ 6:30
UPCOMING COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
PPS 109 EVENT ON 10/25
We are excited this school year to return to offering in-person parent/guardian networking and educational opportunities for our community in collaboration with PPS109.
PPS109 is a partnership of DPS 109 administrators, teachers and parents/guardians who provide education and support to families of children with a wide range of needs. Our first event of the ‘22-’23 school year will be An Overview of District 109 Student Services. This event will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 25 at 6 pm at the District Office.
We are also asking for your help! Please click here to help us prioritize the next community event that will be offered during this school year. There is also an option on the form to let us know if you are interested in participating in PPS109 parent/guardian networking opportunities.