The Central Scoop
November 30, 2018
From the Principal's Desk...
Dear Parents,
Our fourth graders just returned from Oregon, IL. They had a wonderful three-day experience at Lorado Taft! This year it was a winter wonderland with several inches of soft snow on the ground. They did a great job working together in this unique, outdoor classroom setting. They learned about pioneering, instincts for survival, forest and water ecology, team building, and many other interesting areas of study. All children were well-mannered and eager to work! They actually enjoyed setting and clearing the tables for meals (so you can now expect this at home!). They also eagerly completed their journals each night. Thank you for sharing your children with us. This experience was positive for everyone involved. I'm including a sneak peek from the experience below with photos for all to see. The fourth grade teachers will be sharing more photos from the experience soon (once they get some much needed rest first!). For those of you with younger children, there is so much to look forward to in 4th grade!
Have a wonderful weekend,
~ Becky
Rebecca Littmann
Principal
Central Elementary School
Shelters
Photography
Pioneering
Candle Making
Tools for Survival
STEM Challenge
Lots of snow!
Team Building
Fun Challenges
Winter is Here!
Our first heavy snowfall came quickly this year! We have thoroughly reviewed recess expectations with all grade levels. It is our priority to keep our kids safe while they continue to have fun. Please remind your child(ren) to bring the following items if they would like to play in the snow during recess:
- Jacket
- Hat
- Gloves
- Snow pants
- Boots
Reminder...Our students are permitted to go outside for recess when the temperature is 5ºF including windchill or warmer. Morning line-up will be outside if the temperature is 10ºF including windchill or warmer.
The Hour of Code is Coming to Central!
Educational Foundation Grant
Get ready for The Qball! The District 39 Education Foundation approved a Gripp Grant that will bring five Qball microphones, with JBL flip 4 speakers, to our elementary schools. This microphone ball sends a student’s voice via bluetooth to a speaker that amplifies their comments for all to hear. It can be passed or tossed around a classroom as students share answers to questions, read aloud text, contribute to conversation, and uniquely engage with their peers and teachers. So when your student says “I threw a ball around math class today” or “I used a microphone to read my writing to the class” you will know they used the Qball!
4th Grade & All HMS/WJHS Student Survey
The Illinois 5Essentials Student Survey
The 5Essentials Survey from the state of Illinois provides school districts with detailed data on school culture and climate. Students in grades 4 - 8 will participate in the Illinois 5Essentials Survey during the week of December 10th, 2018. Students’ identities will be completely confidential. Please be aware that you have the right to review a copy of the student questions which can be found on the Illinois 5Essentials website. If you have questions or concerns, please contact 5Essentials Client Services at 1-866-440-1874. Please note - If for any reason you do not want your child to participate, please email your child’s classroom teacher.
Park District News - Winter Club Information - See PDF
PTA Announcements and Reminders...
* The PTA sends out their own newsletter on Sundays - here are just a few highlights
Eat Pizza + Give Pizza for Central
Together with Bake Homemade Pizza, we’re raising dough for Central School!
There are two chances to get your pizza, and also support our school:
1) Now thru December 6, click here to get Bake Homemade Pizza gift cards for you, plus as gifts for friends + family. 15% of each and every sale will go to Central.
2) Only on Thursday, December 6, Order delivery or carry out from Bake Homemade Pizza (Evanston location: 2122 Central Street, 847-424-1400). When ordering, be sure to mention Central Elementary and our school will receive 15% of each and every sale. Think easy pizza dinner for your family + Give the perfect present … a gift card for fresh pizza. Think babysitters, teachers, friends with a new baby, colleagues, our crossing guards and school staff … who doesn’t love a little pizza.
Gift of Giving Deadlines Approaching!
Our sleigh is about to depart for Metropolitan Family Services and LYDIA Home, but there is still time to be an elf! The sign-up deadline to contribute is Monday, Dec. 3. If you would still like to donate, but are running out of time to buy a gift card, we can be your helpers! Simply click below on the MFS link to access the list of families still in need of assistance this holiday season. If you want to make a cash donation and we buy the gift card for you, simply type "Donation" in the "Comments" line after you have signed-up. We will purchase the gift cards(s) and you can pay us the amount owed through Friday, Dec. 7. If you have already donated to MFS and LYDIA Home, thank you very, very much! Your contributions are helping many children and families this holiday season. Please be sure to drop off your donation to Central School's front office or one of the 4 drop-off homes listed on the PTA website by the evening of Friday, Dec. 7. Thank you Central School for your generosity this holiday season! Link for Metropolitan Family Services-https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080848A5A728AB9-mfsgift1
Amazon Smile - Sign-up, It's EASY!
Don’t forget to sign up for Amazon Smile! Your everyday purchases can help benefit our school.
AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know and love. Same product, same prices, same service - just a special link to help your shopping benefit our school. Please bookmark the link below to make sure your shopping is always contributing. Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases directly to Central School! Just in time for Halloween candy, costume, and fall shopping... Sign up today at https://smile.amazon.com/
From the Nurse's Office
Call Central School "Attendance Line" For Absences: 847-512-6150
Please call the Attendance Line to report absences even if you let the classroom teacher know, because some teachers don't see the email/voicemail until later in the day. Teachers assume you are calling the office. It's important that the school nurse is directly aware of any absences otherwise, your son/daughter may be considered "missing." The school nurse keeps track of all school absences in the building. For safety reasons, we want to make sure all of our students are accounted for and safe.
New Central Health Office Website!!
Here is your go-to site for all of your health related questions including PE/Recess Notes, Health Requirements, Dental Examinations, Allergy and Asthma, Medications, Snacks in Classrooms, Lice, Influenza...and more!
Community Announcements...
- Love to sing? Youth Choral Theatre of Chicago offers a free vocal training class with flyer. Classes available for children ages 4-18.
- Loyola Ramblerettes offer 3rd-8th grade girls the opportunity to learn a holiday dance and perform at halftime on December 11th.
- Trevian Girls Softball Association host tryouts for students born 2008 & 2009 on December 2nd, 2:00 - 3:00 pm
- Loyola Ramblerettes host Holiday Dance Session December 11th for 3rd-8th grade girls
- Wilmette Park District’s Saturday Basketball registration is open for boys & girls grades 4-8.
- Wilmette Park District is hosting a Holiday Hustle exercise challenge November 26-December 23. Also the Center Fitness Club schedule and various classes for children ages 3-14 are posted.
- Wilmette Food Pantry is open every Tuesday 10:30-11:30 am at Trinity United Methodist Church.
- Family Action Network (FAN): Click HERE for information about FAN and upcoming speakers.
Join us on Twitter!
Central School is on Twitter!
- We have TWO Twitter accounts. Please "follow" us at Twitter.com! Explore Central 39 (with our actual "handle" as @explorecentral). With this account, we mostly share student activities that are completed in the Learning Commons (but other activities are often included as well). We are also providing this Twitter feed on our Central School homepage.
- There is also a principal page @BeckyLittmann where you can follow a variety of school happenings including all-school events, classroom activities, PTA enrichment, and school goals.
Save the Dates...
12/17 - Board of Ed Meeting @ 7pm
12/21 - Last Day of Fall II After School Clubs
12/24-1/4 - Winter Break, No School