HERMAN E. DUMMER NEWSLETTER
December, 2021
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Three weeks. Only 3 weeks until winter break. My wish for this Christmas season is that that is what it actually will be….A BREAK! A break from stress, a break from busyness, a break from running, running, always running, a break of thinking we could do better or feeling the judgement of others, even a break from ourselves and our minds constantly worrying about things we cannot control. Give yourself the gift of “a break”, relax, and enjoy the gifts that seem to get lost in all of our everyday busyness. Relax and spend time with family and friends. Enjoy what you have and not envy what you do not. Spend time lifting others as that also lifts us, and enjoy the here and now letting go of all the negativity and pressure life always graciously shares, and laugh, knowing we have so much more to be thankful for than anything life can throw at us! Take that break. It is an essential gift for you, and for all those around you, to rejuvenate your spirit and to know just how special and needed each one of us is to each other even when the world says otherwise, for YOU are a true gift, just as you are, and everything and everyone needs to replenish. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year!
e-Learning Days – in lieu of “snow days”
DISTRICT #430 NEWS
Substitute Teacher, Paraprofessional (teaching assistant), Custodian, Bus Driver, Bus Aide
Want to be a sub teacher or paraprofessional in the district? If you have a Bachelor or Associates degree and would like to consider becoming a substitute in Sandwich CUSD 430, the DeKalb County Regional Office of Education (ROE) can answer all your questions and guide you through the necessary steps of becoming certified. Call the ROE at (815) 217-0460; or visit the ROE office at 2500 North Annie Glidden Road, Suite C, DeKalb, Illinois 60115
Substitute Custodian
If you are interested in becoming a substitute custodian, please contact a building principal:
SHS (815-786-2157) SMS (815-786-2138) HED (815-786-8498)
LGH (815-786-8812) PV (815-786-8811) WWW (815-786-6316)
Full Time or Substitute Bus Driver & Bus Aide
If you are interested in becoming a full time or substitute bus driver or bus aide, please call the transportation department at (815-786-8325).
NURSE NEWS
Healthy Sleep for the HOLIDAYZZZZ
Make the most of the season by staying well-rested with these science-based sleep tips:
Kids 12 and under need at least 9 hours of sleep each night.
Try to keep a consistent sleep schedule by having your family go to bed and get up at the same times every day, even on holiday breaks or when learning remotely.
Avoid caffeine and avoid large meals right before bed.
If you want to nap over the holiday break, aim for a 20-minute nap, which experts say is the best time length to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to go.
We sleep better when the room is between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit (65-70 degrees for babies and toddlers).
Make sure to stay active over the holidays, as physical activity during the day can facilitate better sleep at night.
Turn all screens off at least an hour before bedtime.
FRANKLIN MALL FOOD COLLECTION
THANK YOU DUMMER PARENT GROUP FOR OUR GHOST CANDY GRAM FUNDRAISER!
Jaidyn Frigon was the winner of our big prize drawing.
PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW TO READ THE RESULTS OF OUR CLIMATE SURVEYS
FANTASTIC 4TH GRADE
Can you believe we are almost to December? Where has the fall gone? Our students have been working so incredibly hard. We hope that you all enjoyed a restful, family-filled fall Thanksgiving break.
In Reading, we are in the second half of Unit 2 where the focus continues to be tall tales and traditions. We are finishing up our story called “The Longest Night” which is a story about a boy who takes part in an important cultural tradition in his Native American community. Next, we will be reading “Northwest Coast Peoples,” which is a nonfiction text about the people, cultures and societies of American Indian communities on the Northwest Coast. We are also really working at a deep understanding of our vocabulary words that we are encountering in our text and taking the time to dig deep and really understand the meaning, parts of speech and how to correctly use them.
Since we are reading this in depth story about Native American cultural traditions, we are incorporating that into our writing as well. We are working on reflective writing from the reading passages and using textual evidence to support our answers. This is a very important skill!
In Math, we just wrapped up our unit on long division….man oh man, it was a challenge but we worked super hard at it! We are now working on solving single and multi-step word problems and looking for the clue words in those problems that tell us which operation we should be using. Next up...we will be starting factors and multiples! Keep practicing those math facts!
In Social Studies, we are taking some time to learn all about our great state of Illinois! It has been really interesting to learn all about the things that make our state unique, the different geographical formations and so much about the history of our state!
In Science, each class is working on one of the Foss kits with their teacher. The three units are Soils, Rocks, & Landforms, Energy, and Environments.
FABULOUS 5TH GRADE
November flew by for our 5th graders. Before you know it, we will be enjoying winter break and celebrating the new year.
As we welcome the month of December with a smile, we will also welcome fractions in our math curriculum. Students will learn what equivalent fractions are and how to find them. The next step will be to add and subtract fractions and if we are ready, we will take a look at how to multiply fractions. In order to make this a smoother transition, please encourage your child to practice their basic multiplication and division skills. Trust us, it will make everyone's life so much happier.
In reading, we will be moving to Unit 2 Module B which shares the same theme: Finding Courage. The first story we will read is Real Life Superheroes followed by The Great Migration. Both of these trade books examine historical figures and describe what it takes to be a strong, powerful, and positive hero. In writing, students will use research skills to complete an informational piece on how Real Life Superheroes exhibit courage. Wow, so much to do before we begin our winter break.
From all of the 5th Grade Staff, we would like to take a moment to say thank you and let you know how much we appreciate your continued support at home. Have a wonderful December.
BAND & MUSIC NEWS
During our short month of November, new activities were introduced to fourth grade while fifth graders expanded upon them from last year. In addition, students learned about the history of the Star Spangled Banner and how the lyrics reflected the War of 1812. We also briefly played Tone Chimes; an instrument similar to a hand bell. Using teamwork, all classes practiced and played “America, My Country ‘Tis of Thee” in observance of Veteran’s Day. After Thanksgiving break, students will learn the melody and harmony parts on tone chimes to “Carol of the Bells,” “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies,” and a couple more holiday tunes. Band Lessons will resume after break following the current Tuesday-Friday schedule.
STUDENTS OF THE MONTH AND CHARACTER COUNTS
4TH GRADE STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
Front Row: Cole Semeraro, Dominik Burton, Lyndsey Hintz, Allison Sutcliff, Addison Harrison
5TH GRADE STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
Front Row: Clair Anderson, Riley Wolff, Jessica Rios, Chapel Weiss, Misael Hernandez
CHARACTER COUNTS
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
December 9th - Franklin Mall Donations Due
December 10th - 11:10 DismissalDecember 13th - Mrs. Hallman, Mrs. Hoag, and Mrs. Franklin's classes to Hoover
December 17th - 1:10 Dismissal
December 20th - January 3rd - Winter Break
January 4th - School Resumes
DECEMBER BREAKFAST & LUNCH MENUS
Herman E. Dummer School
Email: jkruswicki@sandwich430.org
Website: sandwich430.org
Location: 422 South Wells Street, Sandwich, IL, USA
Phone: 815-786-8498