Simon Elementary School Newsletter
November 2017
From the Principal
November is a time when we often take time to reflect, and, if not express it, think about that for which we are thankful. It is also an extra busy time of year for many of us. With the hustle and bustle of various holidays approaching in the next couple of months, it is easy for stress levels to rise. Throw in colder days and fewer hours of daylight, and it becomes apparent why the span between the beginning of November and the end of December is often the most stressful time of the year for many people. Our kids are not immune to this, either; however, adults can play a part in helping to minimize the negative effects for kids. The following two articles share some tips in how to help accomplish this.
https://www.verywell.com/holiday-stress-and-anxiety-in-children-620516
https://childmind.org/article/how-to-take-the-stress-out-of-the-holidays/
I hope that everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving, and I hope that Simon Elementary is among that for which you are thankful. I am truly thankful for the outstanding staff here, the work they do with all children, and the kids themselves, who show a continual desire to learn and grow.
As the Weather Gets Colder...
Unless we have a winter like last year, we will likely see snow at some point. To help best equip your child for snowy conditions during school, please try to use slip on snow boots as opposed to those that tie. Coats that have multiple layers with multiple zippers can also be cumbersome or confusing to our students, especially since some are just learning the life skills of putting on and zipping coats.
If your child cannot go outside due to medical reasons, please provide a doctor's excuse for the child to remain inside.
Weather-related Closings
Should weather or some other unexpected circumstances require the school to be closed or the students to be dismissed early, the district will be using the School Messenger system and information will be broadcast over radio station WROK (1440 AM) in Rockford or other local radio or television stations. Parents are asked to listen for early school closings during days of bad weather conditions.
When school is dismissed early for emergency reasons, (inclement weather, specific school building problems/situations, etc.) all after school activities at that building are cancelled, unless noted otherwise. Winnebago Kids Club is cancelled in the event of such emergency cancellations of school as well.
Kids Club Update
If you or someone you know should need extra help for the holiday season (food or gifts), please contact Erin Freeman to discuss the Winnebago Adopt-a-Family program. 815-335-2318 or freemane@winnebagoschools.org
There are no Kids Club Services November 22nd-24th for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Illinois Report Card
State-level standardized testing begins in 3rd grade for students across the state. Due to this, you will not see any testing results for Simon; however, information for the other schools in district, as well as the district as a whole, will be available. Other school profile information will be available.
Report Cards
Yearbooks on Sale Now
Payment can only be made online with credit card at www.jostensyearbooks.com. Use the locator to find Dorothy Simon and insert the state of Illinois to find our school.
Preschool Screenings - January 31st
Winnebago CUSD #323 will conduct preschool screenings for the 2017-2018 school year on Wednesday, January 31st. These children may be eligible to attend the Winnebago School District Preschool for the 2017-2018 school year.
The preschool screening is to determine eligibility for our preschool program and for you to have a better understanding of your child's strengths and areas for improvement. We encourage everyone with preschool aged children (ages 3-5) to participate in screening regardless of your interest in the preschool program.
The screening will assess your child’s developmental skills in the following areas: academic concepts, gross and fine motor skills, speech and language, social, behavior, self-help skills, and vision and hearing.
Screening appointments take approximately one hour. Children have to be three years old at the time of the screening on January 31st.
The screenings will be held at Dorothy Simon Elementary 309 S. Benton St. Winnebago, IL 61088. Please call 815.335.2318 to make an appointment.