Caruso Middle School is an inclusive and vibrant community where Blue Jays

take ownership of their social-emotional and academic growth by supporting,

challenging, and celebrating self and others.

Good Evening Blue Jay Families:

As a reminder, we do not have school tomorrow in observance of Veterans Day. As we approach Veterans Day, it's important to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to the men and women who have served in the armed forces. Their dedication, sacrifice, and service to our nation have made it possible for us to enjoy the freedoms and opportunities we have today. Let us remember and honor our veterans not just on November 11th but every day.

We would like to remind families of our increase support to have students in school. Please expect our staff to reach out regarding both attendance and tardies. The goal is to help support students being in school and on time!

In this week's Caruso Connect, please make sure to read on regarding our PTO Meeting (11/14 9AM), Coffee w/ Caruso (11/16 8AM), DHS Spirit Wear and e-learning information.

Have a great weekend,

Tim, Alli, Marcia & the Caruso Staff

Tim Brodeur - Principal - tbrodeur@dps109.org

Alli Waller - Associate Principal - awaller@dps109.org

Marcia Klita - Coordinator of Student Support - mklita@dps109.org

(Communicated 8/5/23)

Join us for coffee w/ Caruso; a way for the adults in our students' lives to build stronger connections with us at Caruso. Space is limited to 25 people per event. Please RSVP by calling the Caruso Main Office at 847-945-8430. Thanks to the PTO for Sponsoring Coffee.

DPS 109 community,

As we march closer to winter, we wanted to remind everyone of how we approach the process of determining whether school will be open and how we will communicate any changes with you. If school cannot physically be open, we will shift to an e-learning day.

When would school not be in person?
On www.dps109.org/badweather, you can review the process the Superintendent and district leaders undergo to determine if school will physically be open. There are multiple factors at play, including the timing and amount of precipitation, the temperature, wind chill, and road conditions. As stated above, the district would transition to an e-learning day.

When will we receive an initial notification?
We will closely monitor the forecast and send home devices the day before an expected weather event. A “heads up” email will be sent to staff and families the day prior and every effort will be made to send out this “heads up” as early as possible in the day to allow teachers to prepare and devices to be charged.

When is a final decision made and how will we be notified?
Every effort will be made to make a decision by 5:30 a.m. Families & staff will receive a text and email immediately from the district, along with a follow-up robocall.

How will my student know what to do on an e-learning day?
Your building principal will send school-specific information via email on the day of. Students will meet with their teachers using Google Meet. Links to join will be made available in the principal email, Seesaw, and/or Google Classroom.

Please reach out to me or your child’s teacher if you have any questions.

Please join us on Tuesday, November 14th at 9AM on Zoom. This meeting allows the chance to learn about what's happening in the school; and also provides an opportunity to give your input/ask questions of Mr. Brodeur and the PTO Board. All Caruso parents/guardians are invited to attend. We hope to "see" you there!

See the below and feel free to visit our website to learn more about Warrior Wear and our Parent Organization. Deadline for Presale order is November 15th at midnight. www.d113boosters.org

(Communicated via e-mail 11/2/23)

At the Deerfield High School (DHS) Athletic Booster Club, we are always looking for increase engagement by our Parents. Currently, we have some immediate as well as upcoming openings for key positions for the 2024/2025 School year. For those of you are not familiar with our Booster Club Organization, please review the above attachment as well as the link https://www.d113boosters.org/.

I would welcome the opportunity to talk to any of you that might be interested in learning more about the DHS Athletic Booster Club.

Warm Regards,

Larry Letwat

President, DHS Athletic Booster Club

312 320-6029

(Communicated 10/27/23)

As part of the Physical Education/Health curriculum at Caruso, your child will take part in lessons designed to develop life-long health habits. Topics are aligned with the National Health Education Standards (NHES), which are designed to help establish, promote and support health-enhancing behaviors. Middle school units of instruction are as follows:

• Social and Emotional Health (6th Grade)

• Nutrition (6th Grade)

• Mental Health (7th Grade)

• Injury Prevention & Safety (7th Grade)

• Violence Prevention (8th Grade)

• Substance Abuse & Prevention (8th Grade)

Specific sexual health topics are addressed in partnership with outside agencies. In February, 8th grade classrooms partner with Candor Health for a live virtual session called Teen Sexual Health. Similar to the 5th grade session titled Puberty I, an on-demand parent webinar will be provided prior and an opt-out made available. In April, speakers from Childhood Victories, Inc. provide age-appropriate presentations focused on sexual-assault and abuse awareness (Erin’s Law). This program occurs for all grades and an opt-out is made available. While not a stand-alone unit, sexual health topics may be discussed in Health classrooms as a result of student questions or in connection to related topics. If parents/guardians have concerns, they should email their child’s PE teacher no later than November 10th.

Communicated 9/29/23)

Deerfield Parent Network, in partnership with Districts 113, 109 and 112, is pleased to announce Julie Lythcott-Haim’s presentation, “How to Raise Successful Kids” on November 30th at 7:30 pm at Deerfield High School’s Auditorium. Julie Lythcott-Haim is the New York Times best selling author of “How to Raise an Adult''. Drawing on research; conversations with admissions officers, educators, and employers; and on her own insights as a mother and as a student dean, Julie Lythcott-Haims highlights the ways in which over-parenting harms children, their stressed-out parents, and society at large. Mark your calendars - this is sure to be a great program!

RSVP LINK: RSVP HERE

(Communicated 8/25/23)

Our online yearbook offer is live and yearbooks can be purchased HERE or by phone at 1-877-767-5217.

Please encourage your students to dress up in our Spirit Days!