Jefferson Jotter
November 2021
Letter from Principal
Dear Jefferson Parents,
As we head into the Thanksgiving season it is important to take time to step back from life's challenges and stressors and think about things for which we are grateful. With the ongoing COVID pandemic, we continue to endure challenges and stressors again this year. Therefore, I wanted to take this opportunity to share with you some of the things for which I am thankful:
- Students who are eager to come to school each day to see their friends and teachers.
- Parents who maintain open communication with their child's teacher.
- Teachers who take the time to build relationships with their students and families.
- Resilient students who have adjusted to the safety protocols of social distancing, mask wearing, and frequent hand washing.
- Conscientious parents who comply with district safety protocol to ensure that all students, families, and staff remain safe while at school.
- Dedicated teachers who work tirelessly to ensure that the children have a safe and engaging learning environment even though school looks different.
- Eager students who show interest in learning how the world works, take risks, and engage in problem solving.
- Committed parents who foster their child's "life work" by providing them opportunities to explore the world through play.
- Creative teachers who never forget their life's work of building each child's future.
- Compassionate students who lend a helping hand and/or offer comfort to a friend who is sad or hurt.
- Nurturing parents who provide their child with a safe and secure home.
- Compassionate teachers who understand the past few years have been hard for everyone.
While this list isn't exhaustive, I want to thank every Jefferson student, parent, and teacher for working together during these tumultuous times and for making the 2021 -22 school year successful. I hope you have a safe, relaxing, and Happy Thanksgiving!
Respectfully,
Lisa Halverson
Principal
Upcoming Events
November 22 - 26
- No School - Thanksgiving Break
Monday, November 29
- Weekly COVID Testing - 1:00 - 2:45 p.m.
Monday, December 6
- Weekly COVID Testing - 1:00 - 2:45 p.m.
Tuesday, December 7
- Preschool Screenings By Appointment
Monday, December 13
- Weekly COVID Testing - 1:00 - 2:45 p.m.
Thursday, December 16
- Board of Education Meeting - 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. - Lincoln Middle School
December 20 - 31 - No School for Students or Staff - Winter Break
Monday, January 3
- School Resumes
Inspire every child to discover, learn, achieve, and care
Jefferson School Information
In case of an accident or messy play, please send a change of clothes for your preschooler and/or kindergartener to keep at school. We continue to have a number of students needing a change of clothes, but they don't have anything to change into in their locker. While we have a few spare clothes in the office we don't have enough for each situation nor all of the necessary sizes. Also, remember to write your child's name on the clothing tags so that it can be returned to its rightful owner!
Preschool and EDK Tuition Payments
On the 15th of each month you will receive an invoice via email from the District’s electronic invoicing system, My School Bucks. Payment of fees is due by the 1st of each month and can be done through credit card through My School Bucks or by mailing a check to the District office. A $25.00 late fee will be assessed if payment isn’t received by the 3rd business day of the month. If payment isn’t received by the 20th day of the month an additional $25.00 will be assessed, totaling $50.00 late fee. If a family is late 2 times with their payments, their child(ren) may be dismissed from the program indefinitely. If your child is eligible for the preschool classroom because of special needs, you are not responsible for paying tuition.Developmental Screenings
On a monthly basis the Early Childhood Diagnostic Team conducts screenings of children ages three to five. The screenings are conducted by a team, consisting of an occupational therapist, speech language pathologist, psychologist, and social worker. The areas assessed include motor, communication, play skills, pre-academic and thinking skills. If you have concerns about your child's development in any of these areas please call 847-318-4290 to schedule an appointment for the screening. The next Preschool Screening is scheduled for December 7.
No School
Students and Staff will not have school the week of November 22 - 26. Please mark your calendars!
See What’s Going on in Our Community!
From the library to the park district, our communities of Park Ridge-Niles have lots to offer. For information on all the latest happenings, be sure to check the Community Info & Events webpage.preschool information
Thank you for taking time to meet with your child's teacher for the Fall Parent - Teacher Conferences. Hopefully, you found the conversation with your child's teacher informative as to how your child is doing in school, areas in which they have shown improvement since the start of the school year, and possibly areas in which they continue to need support or further opportunities to learn and grow. We are fortunate to have a team of teachers who work closely with the children and know how they are progressing in all areas of development. If you discussed some home strategies to support your child's development, please keep your child's teacher informed as to how that is going and whether or not you need further support. As you know, our teaching teams have a wealth of knowledge and experiences in early childhood and are great resources for you!
Recently Dr. Olson sent out information informing parents of the switch from SHIELD to Exam Corp for the weekly COVID testing. Therefore, starting the Monday after the Thanksgiving break Exam Corp will be completing the testing and will send you an email with your child's results.
The weekly COVID testing is only available for 4 year old preschoolers who attend in the afternoon. If you haven't signed up and would like your child to participate, there will be another opportunity the week before winter break to sign up through the Parent Portal. If you have questions please contact Ms. Halverson at 847-318-4249.
When picking up and/or dropping off your child, please remember to pull forward as far as possible so that we can get as many cars as possible into the designated parking areas. If there is an open spot in angled parking, please pull into the parking spot rather than leaving an open space.
extended day kindergarten (edk) information
Now that the weather is turning colder, it is important to send your child to school with appropriate outdoor clothing, including winter coat, hat/scarf, and gloves/mittens. Students will continue to go outside for recess on a daily basis unless the temperature drops below 30 degrees or it is snowing heavily.
When sending a lunch to school with your child, don't forget to pack a fork and/or spoon and a napkin, as the school does not provide eating utensils or napkins for the students. If you are interested in purchasing white or chocolate milk for your child you can do so through MyMealOrder. For instructions, click here.
When dropping off your child for morning EDK, please drive slowly and safely through the back parking lot, watch for children and parents as they navigate through the parking lot, and check each direction before pulling out of a parking spot. We want your child and every Jefferson student to be safe as they to school!
If your child will be absent from the EDK program, please call or email the Jefferson School nurse, Paula Coleman, at 847-318-5441 or pcoleman@d64.org. If your child attends the Beyond the Bell program please also notify the Park District.
Changes with EDK Enrollment
If you are planning to drop days and/or the EDK program in entirety the office must be notified by the 14th of the month or before an invoice is submitted. Otherwise, you will be expected to pay for the upcoming month even if your child doesn't attend all of the days covered on the invoice. If you have any billing questions contact Valerie Varhalla at 847-318-4322 or vvarhalla@d64.org.