The Panther Post
September 2020 Monthly Newsletter
We are Better Together
Welcome to the 2020-2021 school year at Pleasant Hill Elementary School. I hope you all had a restful, safe, and healthy summer. We have worked diligently to both prepare the school and make plans for the safe return of staff and students. Our first couple weeks of school went exceptionally well. We are so grateful to the staff and families for their cooperation in ensuring our new procedures were in place.
This year will no doubt look different than previous years as staff and students return to school. We may be wearing masks, washing hands more often, and practicing social distancing. However, the heart and soul of Pleasant Hill will remain the same. Staff will be here each and every day to support, encourage and teach your children. Students will walk into school with a newfound enthusiasm for being around their teachers and peers and participating in new learning activities.
Each and every year here at Pleasant Hill, a theme is chosen to motivate our staff and students. Our theme for the 2020-2021 school year will be “Better Together!” With the way the 2019-2020 school year ended so abruptly, this theme will allow us to focus on the importance of being in person within the school setting, fostering relationships and focusing on new learning experiences.
I hope that you will continue to regularly visit our school website at www.phill69.com, the Pleasant Hill Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/phillpanthers/, as well as the Pleasant Hill Twitter handle https://twitter.com/PHillPanthers. These social media platforms will not only allow you to follow our educational story, but also keep you updated on important reminders and give you access to documents, such as the parent/student handbook. We will continue to utilize the School Messenger broadcast system to send out text messages, emails, and phone calls regarding important events at the school. During the school year, students will bring home bi-weekly notices and families will have access to an electronic newsletter, which will share with you lunch menus and other information.
Once again, I want to welcome all of our families and students here at Pleasant Hill School. I
look forward to the journey we will be on together this year, even though it may look different. Thank you for your partnership.
Yours In Education,
Mrs. Lisa Weaver
Superintendent/Principal
Community Connection
One of our goals at Pleasant Hill is to build connections within our community. We have established and maintained a connection with the Peoria County sheriff's Office throughout the years. Recently, they hired a new deputy by the name of Vince Cogdal. He took an interest in Pleasant Hill Elementary School and has decided to adopt our school. This means he will be VOLUNTEERING his time a couple days a week. Deputy Cogdal wants to build a relationship with the staff and students so he can not only make an impact here at Pleasant Hill, but also within the community. We thank you for your dedication and look forward to working with you.
Here are a few fun facts about Deputy Cogdal!
I was born and raised in Peoria. After high school I joined the Navy, where I served for four years. After returning to Illinois I eventually obtained my Bachelors degree from Western Illinois University.
I have been married for 16 years and have two children. I’ve always wanted to be a cop. It has taken over 30 years for me to be able to answer the question, “why?” The answer is simple. I get to help people and that is what I enjoy doing. I have worked in many facets of law enforcement, the most recent being with the Peoria County Sheriff’s Office.
My nick name coined by my wife is HULK.
My favorite color is green.
A phrase I say all the time, to anyone:
“I love you”. You never know when they need to hear it!!
Please Help Us Welcome Our Newest Staff Members
Mrs. Lisa Davidson
My name is Lisa Davidson, and I am delighted to be teaching the Pleasant Hill 4th and 5th grade students math and science this year. I graduated from Limestone High School, before getting my teaching degree from Western Illinois University, and then my master’s degree from Bradley University, so you see, I’m a local girl. I began my teaching career at Pleasant Hill many years ago, and then taught at Trewyn Middle School and did administrative work at Harrison Primary, so most of my teaching has been on the south end of Peoria. I have also taught at ICC, and gifted summer school classes at Bradley University.
I left teaching to stay home to raise my children and came back to Pleasant Hill as a substitute teacher two years ago. Last semester, I was hired to be a full time substitute teacher, and worked closely with Mr. Harrmann before he retired to make the transition to being the fifth grade teacher here as smooth as possible for the children. I have often referred to Pleasant Hill as my “happy place,” because I love the staff, students and community here, and I’m looking forward to an excellent year!
Mrs. Deb Bash
A bit about me... I dreamed of becoming a teacher when I was only six years old. My dream came true a long time ago and now I’ve been teaching 29 years! Teaching is my passion and I could not imagine doing anything else.
I am married and we have two sons and one daughter- ages 18, 22, and 25 years. We have two dogs, a cat who believes she’s a dog, and lots of fish!
I’m looking forward to knowing all of you!
Ms. Sheri Hammitt
My name is Sheri Hammitt and I am very happy to be joining the staff at Pleasant Hill as the Special Education teacher. I have worked with children of all ages from infants to eighth grade over the last 20 years. I graduated from Western Illinois University with my Bachelors’ Degree in Elementary Education. I am currently attending WIU as a graduate student online pursuing my LBS1 Special Education Endorsement Certificate. I am looking forward to meeting
all the staff and collaborating with the teachers and students to have a very productive year.
Mr. Homer Montemayer
Hello! My name is Homer A Montemayer and I am a first generation college graduate. This will be my 12th year as an educator and I am so excited about the good work that is in front of us. Please know that I will always give my best to each and every single one of you.
Being raised in Chicago, sports have always been a big part of my life. I am a huge fan of Da Bears, White Sox, Blackhawks, and Bulls. (Sorry Cubs fans) Along with my wife and 2 little boys, Greyson (6) and Declan (5 months), we try to catch every game that we can. I enjoy being outside and love all genres of music. I received my undergraduate degree from Western Illinois University and obtained my Master’s degree in Educational Administration through Aurora University.
Previously, I have coached football, basketball, and volleyball. I have also served as a Student Council Advisor. Although different, each of these experiences have provided me invaluable lessons that I carry daily. I hope to have the opportunity to provide leadership and mentorship to you at Pleasant Hill.
As a social studies teacher, I find history to be both exciting and powerful. It is nothing more than a story, but a story that must be told. So get excited because we are about to embark on a sensational ride that includes legendary stories and powerful lessons. I can't wait to meet you!
Reminders
- Our school hours have changed this year. The doors will now open at 7:45 AM and students will be dismissed at 1:30 PM. Upon arrival, students will head directly to their homeroom class, where they will eat breakfast.
- First load bus riders will be dismissed at 1:25 PM daily to board buses. Walker/car riders will be dismissed at 1:30 after the first buses leave. Please remember if you are picking up your child that you must remain in your car, follow the line, and Ms. Phillips or Mrs. Griffin will bring your child out to you.
- Just a reminder that with the current COVID-19 pandemic, we will not be allowing any visitors in the building at this time in order to keep our students and staff safe and healthy. Thank you for your understanding.
- If there is a change in dismissal for your child, the school office must receive a note by 9:00 AM stating those changes (i.e. If your child is riding the bus home with a friend, you and the parent of the friend will need to write a note stating that change and have your child turn it into the office first thing in the morning). We work hard to keep dismissal procedures consistent for the safety of all students. Therefore, changes should be kept to a minimum. Daily changes to dismissal procedures will NOT be accepted through phone calls, only through hand-written notes.
- If your child is absent from school, it is very important that you call the school to report the absence. You will be directed to speak with our district nurse, Mrs. Naugle, in regards to your child's illness, due to the new COVID-19 procedures.
Notes from the Nurse
While things at school this year may look and feel different, what HAS stayed the same is that I am committed to doing my best to ensure the health and safety of your student (s)! Here are some highlights of my focus as we begin our year:
Physicals and Immunizations: Thank you to parents/guardians of our Pre-K, Kindergarten and 6th grade students for getting your student ready for school and turning their physicals and immunizations in. If you are new and just starting at Pleasant Hill, you have 30 days to get them in.
Dental Exams: All Kindergarten, 2nd and 6th grade students MUST have a dental exam. Please schedule these appointments as soon as possible and turn in the exam form when complete. Also, remember to have your students brush their teeth every morning and before bed every night!
Eye exams: All Kindergarten students MUST have a vision exam. Please schedule these appointments as soon as possible and turn in the exam form when complete. It is very important to get these exams done early so we know if your student is having any vision problems that can impact learning.
Lanyards and daily self-certification: Each student has received a lanyard with a list of COVID-19 symptoms with stickers that require you to ask your student each morning if they are having any of the listed symptoms and to take their temperature. If your student answers yes, they are not allowed to come to school. Please keep them home and call me. This is very important to keep everyone safe. If your students answers no to all of them and does not have a temp of 100.4 or higher, they may come to school. Be sure to put the DATE and your INITIALS on the sticker. We have had a lot of students without stickers the past few days. Learn more here: https://www.facebook.com/phillpanthers/videos/2702027520119535
Classroom education: I have visited each classroom and taught the students the 3 W's of COVID-19 prevention: Wear your mask properly, Wash your hands, and Watch your distance. They are doing a very good job for the most part. You can help by making sure your child has a clean, tight fitting mask that covers their mouth AND nose completely and reinforcing the 3 W's at home.
Students who are sick: Due to the IDPH (Illinois Dept of Public Health) guidelines, if your student is absent or gets sick at school with one or more of the COVID-19 symptoms listed above, they will be referred to the Dr and need a note to return to school. Please read the attached with more information, including COVID-19 testing sites. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wnJQ000w2ycaCcbm_9vQX2jpD21nQDsdKx37TcmJlDs/edit
Please feel free to call me at 637-6829 or email me at nurse@phill69.com.
~Kamee Naugle, BSN, RN, NCSN
District Nurse
Upcoming Events
- September 1-Girls Softball Game at Norwood VS. Edison 4:15
- September 2-Girls Softball Game at Norwood VS. Monroe 4:30
- September 3-Progress Reports Sent Home-Boys Baseball Game at Monroe 4:00
- September 4-Teacher Institute-NO SCHOOL
- September 7-Labor Day-NO SCHOOL
- September 8-Boys Baseball Game at LCHS VS. Midwest Central 4:15 (Arrive by 3:45)
- September 9-Girls Softball Game at Norwood VS. LW 4:00
- September 10-Girls Softball Game at Elmwood 4:15
- September 12-Boys Double Header Baseball Game at LCHS VS. Hollis 10:00
- September 15-Girls Softball Game at LW 4:00
- September 17-Boys Baseball Game at Georgetowne 4:30 (Bus leaves at 3:40)-Girls Softball Game at Norwood VS. St. Pat's 4:30
- September 21-Girls IESA Softball Regionals TBA
- September 22-Board of Education Meeting-FY21 Budget Hearing 6:00
Anything is Possible with Panther Pride
Email: lweaver@phill69.com
Website: www.phill69.com
Location: Pleasant Hill Elementary School, West Malone Street, Peoria, IL, United States
Phone: 309.637.6829
Facebook: facebook.com/PleasantHillElementarySchool
Twitter: @PHillPanthers