Language is a powerful thing. The words people use allow them to share their ideas, thoughts, and feelings with others.

When your kids are small, they are still learning the true definitions of words. Consequently, they may try out different words to gauge adults’ responses and determine whether they have used them correctly. As they get older, they may even choose to use certain words—particularly swear words—to get a reaction or to fit in socially with their peers.

As adults, the key is not only teaching kids that words have power and meaning, but that certain words may not be appropriate to use, especially in certain social situations.

Therefore, in the weeks before spring break, Ferson Creek teachers will be devoting one CARE Meeting to “Using Good Language” (grades K-2) and “Understanding the Power of Words” (grades 3-5). K-2 will be discussing how good language causes good feelings and bad language can cause bad feelings while grades 3-5 will also learn that place, company and relationship play a part in what language is acceptable. Our hope is to start a conversation to strengthen students’ understanding that the impact of their language can make a big difference.

Illinois State law requires all Kindergarten and 2nd Grade students to have an oral health examination. If you have not completed this requirement, a licensed dentist must perform the dental exam and sign and date the exam form. This exam is due by May 15 of the school year.

The Illinois Department of Public Health has established a waiver for children who show undue burden or lack of access to a dentist. Parents or legal guardians who object to the dental examination on religious grounds shall present to the school a signed, detailed statement of objection.

The dental exam and waiver form can be found on our District 303 website under “Departments” , “Health Services” , “Health Documents and Forms” Most dental offices also have the dental exam form.

The forms can be emailed to Nurse Holloway at Donna.Holloway@d303.org

If you have any questions, please contact the Health Office at 331-228-2304.

Students in grades 3 through 8 will be taking state tests in English/Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics between April 3 and April 12. This is the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR). Information about this year’s test has been posted at: https://district.d303.org/departments/assessment

For sample questions please go to: https://il.digitalitemlibrary.com/home

Students in grades 5, 8, and 11 are taking the Illinois Science Assessment (ISA) between March 6 through the 24th. The Illinois Science Standards are based on the NGSS standards, and the ISA is designed to measure against those standards. For sample questions please go to: https://teach-isa.ileducates.org/practicetest.

Students in grades 3-12 will be completing the universal screening tool to assess their social and emotional learning skills. This information is used to help understand students' sense of belonging, a district commitment. For additional information about this screener please go to https://d303.org/feedbackandsurveys/home

Specifics regarding our testing dates will be shared in the near future. For additional information from D303 Assessment, please view this letter.

The Ferson Creek PTO is taking Board nominations!

The Ferson Creek PTO is comprised of 3-8 elected Board officers, dozens of non-elected committee chairs, and numerous volunteers. These positions are open to parents, guardians, and Ferson staff as well. Our Board officers work collaboratively, in place of titled positions. We work together as a team, sharing the responsibilities that come up and tackle the needs of the organization as a group. Board officers are volunteers and each person's availability may fluctuate day to day, as well as throughout the year; however, each Board officer is a valuable part of the team and participation is crucial to the success of the organization.

If you are interested in running for a position as a Board officer for the 2023-2024 school year, or know someone who would be a good fit, please complete the form below.

Members of the current Board will reach out to anyone who is nominated to share what it is like to be a Board officer and to answer questions.

For more information about the open positions, please contact Kristy McKnight, Principal, or any of our current PTO Officers: Kristi Bruns, Ashley Holdsworth, Melissa Kline, Abby Kupp, Clare Merritt, Elizabeth Pendexter, Shannon Puri, Mindy Stricker. You may also email the current PTO Board at FersonCreekPTO@gmail.com .

https://forms.gle/xD6ro2XE9mEXaCfP8

Are you going out of town? Taking a family vacation? Heading to a regional athletic competition? If yes, then you need to fill out a pre-arranged absence form. The Pre-arranged Absence Request Form should be turned in at least (2) school days prior to the requested absence to the main office. These forms need to be signed by both classroom teacher and the principal.

The building principal has the authority to grant up to (5) days of excused absence per year for the following types of absences:

 Participation in regional and/or national contests or awards

 Family vacation—qualified by the phrase “accompanied by parent”

 Special religious events

Please see below for the attached pre-arranged absence form.

Beginning March 6, District 303 students in grades 4-12 will be provided with the 5essentials survey, which is also available for teachers and parents to complete.

The 5essentials Parent Survey is open through March 31. All responses are confidential and will never be connected to you or your child. Please click here for information regarding the 5Essentials school and district survey, including the link to complete the parent survey.

We want to ensure you’re getting timely alerts on inclement weather operations and other important notifications. Please take a moment to do the following:

View Notification Preferences/Enable Text Messages
District 303 will send notifications to families through the ParentLink system by text message, phone call and email based on your settings. Parents/guardians can view and edit their contact settings through the Home Access Center.
To receive timely emergency communications, we strongly encourage families to enable text notifications. For most people, this is the fastest way to receive and view important messages. Here’s how:

• From the HAC main menu, select the “registration” tab to view your contact settings
• Select the “edit” button to change your contact settings
• To enable text message notifications, enter your cell phone number in the Cell/Text field
• Select the “save” button