Ferson Creek eNews

Important Dates

Wednesday, March 23rd - Early Release - 2:10 PM Dismissal

Monday, March 28th - Friday, April 1st - Spring Break - No School for Students

Wednesday, April 6th - Thursday, April 14th - IAR testing for 3rd-5th Grade Students

Friday, April 15th - Institute Day - No School for Students

Wednesday, April 27th - Early Release - 2:10 PM Dismissal

Sunflower Seed Fundraiser

In partnership with the PTO, we are holding a sunflower seed fundraiser for Ukrainian refugees. Next week, students will be coloring and filling seed packets for you to purchase! Donations will be collected online through PushCoin starting Wednesday, March 16. The packets of sunflower seeds will be sold before school the week of March 21-25. The link will go live next week and be shared at that time.

Panorama SEL Survey for Grades 3-5

In the fall of this school year students in grades 3-12 completed a universal screening tool to assess their social and emotional learning skills. In the spring students in grades 3-12 will complete a follow up survey. The use of universal screening allows us to refine and strengthen our efforts to help all students achieve success by taking positive and preventative measures as early as possible. This also provides us with the opportunity to assist students who may need additional support with social and emotional learning.

The Panorama SEL Survey for students will be completed between March 14th to 25th. Please view this letter for additional details regarding the Panorama survey.

IAR & 5th Grade Science Assessment

During the week of March 14th, 5th grade students will take the Illinois Science Assessment. Classroom teachers will share the specifics regarding the testing schedule.

Additionally, students in grades 3-5 participate in the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) beginning the Wednesday week after spring break. Students will not take more than one test per day. Regular testing will be completed on Thursday, April 14th. Specific testing times will be shared by classroom teachers. Please find a letter from our assessment department regarding both state assessments here.

Daylight Savings Time

Daylight savings time is upon us! On Sunday, March 13th the clocks spring forward one hour. This can make waking up for school on Monday a little difficult. Here are some tips to help ease your way into the time change!

1. Start slow: On Friday (3/11), put your child to bed 20 minutes earlier than their usual bedtime. Wake up on Saturday (3/12) 20 minutes earlier than usual. On Saturday night, put them to bed 40 minutes earlier than their usual bedtime...that way on Sunday (after the time change) they are only 20 minutes off of their new schedule. This gives their bodies some time to adjust to the time change.

2. Stay Consistent: On Sunday night, put them to bed at the normal time ON THE CLOCK. Try not to let them stay up an extra hour just because the clocks moved forward.

3. Get some fresh air: Getting outside and moving their body around during the daytime this weekend can help your student rest easier as they transition to a time change.

4. Keep the Routine: Keep your bedtime routine the same! Do you have your child take a bath, brush their teeth, then read a bedtime story every night before bed? Keep it the same! Routine will help your child's brain know that it is time to wind down."

5th Grade Transition to Middle School Opportunities

Parents of 5th graders - there are multiple transition opportunities offered at both middle schools this spring and summer. Click here Thompson and here Wredling dates and information.

Both Thompson and Wredling are have opened their online spiritwear store for incoming 6th graders. 5th grade students are encouraged to wear their middle school shirts on the last day of school. If you are interested in ordering, t-shirts are delivered to Ferson in early May. Please click the links for ordering information. Both online stores are open until March 25th.

Thompson SpiritWear

Wredling SpiritWear