Lester Living
Friday, December 9, 2022
As we approach the holidays, we are experiencing an increase in respiratory illnesses such as RSV, Influenza and COVID 19 in our communities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the timing of flu activity has varied more than usual. It is unclear how COVID-19 activity will affect the timing and duration of flu activity in the future. (CDC Guidance).
As the health office and school secretaries track the various illnesses in our school community, it would be helpful to have the following information when you call 630-719-5855 (or email Bebe Steele (bsteele@dg58.org), Angie Cushing (acushing@dg58.org) your child into the attendance line. The more information we receive will eliminate the need for us to call you for more details.
your child’s first and last name;
the child’s grade and teacher;
the reason for the absence, including all symptoms such as fever, cough, achiness, sore throat, loss of taste or smell and/or headache;
please state if your child is absent due to vacation or a non-illness;
please include any testing that was done with the results such as,
home COVID tests that were negative or positive Influenza A.
Please complete a home COVID test if your child has ANY one of the following symptoms: fever of 100.4 or greater, new cough, sore throat, bad headache, shortness of breath, vomiting OR diarrhea, or loss of taste or smell.
An additional reminder, when packing lunches, please make sure you pack forks and spoons as we do not have any to supply for students. Thank you for your help with this!
If you have information to update with the school, email secretaries at (Bebe jsteele@dg58.org) & (Angie acushing@dg58.org). This includes phone numbers, email addresses, and residency addresses.
We are excited to bring back the "Winter Wiggle"! Next Friday, all classes will have an opportunity to head to the gym for some extra physical education time where they will get to do some organized dancing with students from other grades. We are excited about this opportunity for our students. We will definitely share photos! Your child will be bringing home his/her report card today!
Enjoy your weekend :)
Katie Novosel
Principal
Lauri Smith
Assistant Principal
Lost & Found: Please check for your items (Items will be donated after next Friday)
Thank you to all of you who have already donated! We are accepting donations through Dec 15!
GRATEFUL FORM
Would you like to thank a staff member? We have had some families reach out to ask best ways to show their appreciation for staff. We have created a form as an avenue for you! Please feel free to fill out this form and we will share your gratitude with them. I will include this form weekly as an opportunity for you throughout the year. We are grateful for you and all you do! :)
12 Days of December DRESS UP FUN!
Sneak Peak into Lester Life
Dates to Remember:
- Friday, December 16: Holiday parties (10:15 Kindergarten & 2:00 Grades 1-6) & Winter Wiggle
- Winter Break: Monday, December 19- Monday, January 2 (School resumes Tuesday, January 3)
- Wednesday, January 4 - Friday, January 20: MAP Winter Benchmark Testing
- Sunday, January 15: Ed Foundation Harlem Wizards Basketball Game at Downers Grove South
- Monday, January 16: NO SCHOOL
REPEATED INFORMATION BELOW:
Science Fair Registration is Open!!
Registration for the 41st Annual District 58 Science Fair is open now through Friday, December 16. The Science Fair will be held Saturday, January 21 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at O’Neill Middle School. The fair is open to all District 58 students in grades 1-6 who attend District 58 schools.
Use this link to register your child(ren) today
or visit the District 58 website to get project ideas and to learn more about the Science Fair.Fall is here and cold and flu season is upon us and we are seeing students with cold and flu symptoms. To prevent the spread of these common viruses in the close confines of the classroom, we are cleaning daily and encouraging handwashing in the class. To decide whether or not to send your child to school, please consider the following guidelines.
Consider keeping your child at home for an extra day of rest and observation if he or she has any of the following symptoms:
· Very stuffy or runny nose and/or a cough
· Mild sore throat (no fever, no known exposure to strep)
· Headache
Definitely keep your child at home and consider seeking medical attention if he or she has any of these symptoms:
· Fever (greater than 100 degrees by mouth. Your child may return to school only after his or her temperature has been consistently below 100 degrees, by mouth, for a minimum of 24 hours without medication)
· Vomiting (even once)
· Diarrhea
· Chills
· General malaise or feelings of fatigue, discomfort, weakness or muscle aches
· Frequent congested (wet) or croupy cough
· Shortness of breath
· Lots of nasal congestion with frequent blowing of nose
To help prevent the flu and other colds, encourage good hygiene habits:
· Wash hands frequently
· Do not touch eyes, nose or mouth
· Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, use a paper tissue, throw it away and then wash hands
· Avoid close contact with people who are sick
The flu shot is one of the best ways to prevent illness from the seasonal influenza virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adults and children receive the flu vaccine each year. Yearly flu vaccination is needed because immunity against the flu wears off over time. In addition, the flu virus strains often change, so the vaccine also changes from year-to-year in order to match the flu viruses expected to be circulating in the community.
Arrival/Dismissal
Students may arrive at Lester School beginning at 8:05 a.m. each day when adult supervision begins. In order to assist with a timely and safe arrival process, the school playground will be closed before school. Upon arrival, students should line up by their assigned door. Students lined up with their classes will be directed to enter the building at 8:15 am. Anyone arriving after 8:15 a.m. should enter through Door One for an office pass.
ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL INFORMATION
LARGER PDF VERSION LINKED BELOW
Phone/Wearable Technology Use
While a student can bring their electronic device (including cell phones and AirPods) to school, all non-district-issued technologies are to be silenced and out of sight throughout the school day. Students are allowed to wear smartwatches, but they are to be silenced during the school day. The district-provided technology will be utilized for students to participate in lessons and complete assignments. Please be sure to go over the expectations with your student as the policy was recently amended.
Fruit/Snack Break
Please make sure your child has a snack each day. Snack breaks should consist of nutritious food choices such as fruits, vegetables, and other portable snacks. This aligns with Policy 6:50. The health and safety of our students are our highest priorities. Therefore certain snacks or foods may be prohibited in your child’s classroom due to food allergies. A daily snack can be provided for students who qualify for free/ reduced lunch.
2022-2023 SCHOOL CALENDAR
2022-2023 CALENDAR DETAILS
The Board of Education approved the 2022-23 school year calendar. Calendar highlights include:
- Thanksgiving Break: Nov. 23-25, 2022
- Winter Break: Dec. 19, 2022 -Jan. 2, 2023
- Spring Break: March 27-31, 2023
- Last Day of School: Wednesday, June 7, 2023 (if no emergency days are used)