Early Learners Highlights!
September 23, 2022
Dear Early Learners Families,
We have lift off!!! Our Early Learners have begun their journey of space exploration and their curiosity to learn has been an exceptional experience to watch. Please keep reading to see what exciting things happened in our classrooms this week.
Just a reminder, there is no school on Monday. Thank you for your partnership and we hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely,
Marcia Klita
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN EARLY LEARNERS?
This week in Early Learners we kicked off our solar system unit! Students have been learning about all different topics from the planets to what it takes to become an astronaut and everything in between. Students have been learning the difference between non-fiction and fiction books and listening to a variety of texts. Students have been exploring space themed sensory tables, creating their own coffee filter planets as well as paper mache planets, creating their own rocket ships, and even going on virtual field trips to learn how to become an astronaut. In math students have been working on subitizing up to 5 and creating and recognizing attributes of 2 dimensional shapes.
Speech with Ms. Nathanson
SHIELD Testing To Be Discontinued
Due to limited participation in the program, DPS 109 will be discontinuing SHIELD testing at the end of September.
There are a variety of COVID tests available over-the-counter at your local pharmacy and through your doctor. You can visit www.covid.gov/tests for more information about free testing in our area. If you have any questions or concerns about your ability to access home tests during the school year please reach out to Joanna Ford at jford@dps109.org.
Q: What should I do if my child is exhibiting COVID symptoms?
A: Families are required to report any potential COVID symptoms to their building nurse and await guidance prior to sending their child to school.
Q: How do I submit at-home testing results?
A: Use this form provided by the district.
Q: Where can I find the latest IDPH guidance?
A: https://www.isbe.net/Pages/covid19.aspx
If you have any additional questions, please contact communications@dps109.org.
A Message From Nurse Nora Moskos
We would like to remind you that families are still required to report any potential COVID symptoms to their building nurse and await guidance prior to sending your child to school. If your child is presenting with COVID symptoms, we will be continuing to accept home test results via our website.
Here is the link to submit your child’s home test results (please select your child’s school from the drop down menu). If you have any questions or concerns about your ability to access home tests during the school year please reach out to Joanna Ford at jford@dps109.org.
Below is the list of COVID symptoms:
- fever
- moderate to severe persistent headache
- shortness of breath
- cough
- sore throat
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- loss of taste
- loss of smell
Even if your child is negative for COVID they need to be diarrhea, fever, and vomit-free for 24 hours without medication prior to their return to school.
Feel free to contact Nurse Nora Moskos if you have any questions at nmoskos@dps109.org.
PPS 109
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 are dedicated to providing 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.
PTO Spotlight!
In this week’s Spotlight…
- Book Fair - 10/13
- Gift Wrap Sale
- Feed My Starving Children Volunteer Opportunity - 10/15
- Winter Coat Drive
- D113 Caucus
- And much more…!
SCHOOL HOURS
1/2 Day PM: 12:30 - 3:00 Monday through Friday
Full Day: 9:00 - 3:00 Monday through Friday
**Reminder - Early Childhood does not have Early Release on Wednesdays!
You can download our Early Learners calendar with program specific events HERE.
Upcoming Events
September 26th- NO SCHOOL
October 5th- NO SCHOOL
October 10th - NO SCHOOL
October 13th- Picture Retakes
Picture Retake Day for students will be held on Thursday, October 13 from 9:00 am- 11:00 am. The photographer will only be is here in the morning. If your child attends an afternoon Early Learners session and you want a picture retake, please bring them to school anywhere between 9:00-11:00 am.
**Reminder - Early Childhood does not have Early Release on Wednesdays!
KEEP IN TOUCH
Assistant Principal
South Park Elementary School
Early Learners Program Coordinator
Phone: 847-945-5895 x2105