We are super excited to be one week away from welcoming staff and students to the 2022-2023 school year! Mrs. Fitzgerald and I look forward to begin meeting students and families during our Chargers Welcome Sneak Peek days next week!

Below you will find reminders regarding our school day and from the student handbook. If you need anything or have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!

~Ms. Nicasio, Principal

nicasim@unit5.org

Students are invited to decorate the inside of their locker following the below guidance:

• All pictures must be school appropriate.
• Reminder that no tape or hot glue is allowed.
• Magnets only to adhere anything to the inside of your locker.

Please click here for more information and to sign up!

• Bus behavior has the same expectations as the school/classroom.
• Students should be waiting at their bus stop on time.
• Enter and exit the bus only when the bus is fully stopped.
• Choose a seat and sit in it immediately upon entering the bus. Do not stand in the entrance or in the aisle.
• Do not move from one seat to another while on the bus.
• While on the bus and while the bus is in motion, students must stay in their seats with arms and legs out of the aisle.
• Please keep voice level low to minimize distractions to the bus driver.
• Reminder the cell phone use should be appropriate. There should be no taking pictures, movies, or recordings while on the bus.

Reminder that bus riding is a privilege that may be revoked. Frequent or severe reports may result in an immediate bus suspension and referral to the Board of Education for possible suspension from the bus for the remainder of the school year.

• Student dress (including accessories) may not advertise, promote, or picture alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, violent behavior, or other inappropriate images.
• Coat and sunglasses may not be worn in the building during the school day.
• No head coverings are allowed that obscure the view of the student's face.
• Clothing that fails to adequately cover the body will not be permitted.
• Appropriate foot wear must be worn at all times. Slippers and shoes with wheels are prohibited.

If students have any questions regarding acceptability of a particular item of clothing, please see the Associate Principal, Mrs. Fitzgerald, before wearing the items to school.

Please note that a student whose dress causes a substantial disruption to the school environment will be asked to correct the violation before returning to class. Refusal to do so will be subject to discipline. Consequences may be assigned for flagrant first offenses or any subsequent offenses.

Silent and Away During the School Day!

This will be the common message that all students will be hearing this year. Cell phones are to be on silent and not visible. Students will not be permitted to have them at lunch or passing periods. Please reiterate this message to your students.

If you need to give a message to your child, please contact the school office and we will gladly deliver it.

When possible, students are encouraged to come back to school after medical visits to avoid missing learning.

No student shall possess or consume any prescription or non-prescription on school grounds or at a school related function without implementation of this procedure.

Any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our school nurse, Ms. Andrea Powell, at (309)

309-557-4405.

Welcome Back Chiddix Families! We are all so excited for a great school year. School success comes from strong partnerships between school staff, students, community and caring and engaged adults at home!! Big THANK YOU to you caring adults who do so much to support your students!! You are appreciated and valued!! We hope your students are ready to start because as Lizzo says, "It's about that time"! :)

Here are some pro tips from your family coordinator for the start of the school year:

• The USDA will no longer be providing free meals to all students. However, free and reduced meals are still available to families that qualify and apply. The application can be found here https://www.unit5.org/Page/13196
• Unit 5 is again partnering with District 87 and The Back to School Alliance to provide backpacks full of school supplies to eligible students entering PreK-8th grade. In order to receive this you must first complete all registration requirements and fill out the free and reduced application. The backpack event will take place on Thursday, August 11 from noon-6pm at State Farm Corporate South. This will be a drive through event. Bus transportation will be available throughout the community. Invitations will be mailed the first week in August to those who have already completed registration.
• Follow Mclean County U5 on Facebook for all the most up to date district wide events and information!
• Email Kelly Winter at winterk@unit5.org with any questions or you need resources!

Hey Charger Families!

The Chiddix PTO Board was primarily made up of 8th grade parents whose children have moved on to high school. As such, we will be seeking individuals to fill these positions (President, Secretary, and 2 people for Hospitality). If you have any interest in serving on the Chiddix PTO Board, please contact the CJHS PTO previous president, Ryan Clouse, or the current treasurer, JoAnn Cavanaugh, at chiddixpto@gmail.com.

Please spread the word! If you know families who have 5th graders who will be starting at Chiddix, please share our information with them.

You can also visit our school website for additional information. Please be patient as changes are being made to the website to ensure the most updated information is provided.