This is an busy time of year. We have taken time to get to know our students and setting expectations for the structured school day. In September, we completed many baseline assessments to help us know our learners coming back to the school year. For some of our students, they have not been in school for a very long time. We are finding the need to review expectations for our school day, for our bus and for how to respect ourselves, others, and our school space. Additionally, we are learning the expectations for the instructional parts of our day.

Parents can help us by establishing routines at home for kids to follow each day and night to develop these habits. Students can help to pack their backpacks and lunch each night. Students can choose their clothing and check the weather to make sure they are dressed appropriately. Students can fill their water bottles or charge Chromebooks in preparation for the next day. Students can set out their lanyards so parents can sign cards each night.

- Consider shoe tying

- Consider reviewing handwashing protocol

- Practice opening packaging to help lunchtime go faster

All of these practices help develop independence within our students. They are important so students feel ownership to the tasks of their day. We are grateful for any help that you can give.

This week we will be reviewing bus expectations and emergency procedures with our students.

Remember - adults must wear masks when entering the building. Thank you for your support.

Important Dates:

- October 5 - 7:00 PM - PTA Meeting Join using Zoom link from website

- October 6 - Walk to School Day

- October 11, 12 - Student Non-Attendance Days

- October 13 - Board of Education Meeting, 7:00 PM

- October 16 - Fall Fest Pumpkin Pick-up at Hunting Ridge

- October 25-29 - Spirit Week

- October 29 - Halloween parades and parties

Fondly,

Mrs. Ortlund

At the start of the year, students in kindergarten and sixth-grade are required to submit completed health forms to the office. Students that do not have completed forms or evidence from the doctor of a scheduled appointment will be excluded from school on October 15. If you have any questions, please call our school nurse, Mrs. Calderon at 847-963-5302.

Below are details of required forms.

Health, Immunization, Dental, and Eye Exams

For the purpose of safeguarding the health of children, District 15 enforces Illinois student health requirements. These requirements consist of health, dental, and eye exams and immunizations specific to grade and age.

HEALTH EXAMS are required for students entering preschool, kindergarten, sixth grade, and those who are new to the school. The Certificate of Child Health Examination form is available online and in the school office.

The Certificate of Child Health Examination form, completed and signed by a licensed healthcare provider, must be dated within one year prior to the first day of school and must include lead screening for children who are six years or younger and diabetes screening. A tuberculosis (TB) skin test is recommended.

According to Board of Education Policy 7:100 Health, Eye, and Dental Examinations, Immunizations, and Exclusion of Students and Illinois School Code, students who do not provide proof of receiving the required immunization and/or exam are excluded from school on October 15. Students new to Illinois schools, who register midterm, are allowed 30 days following registration to comply with the health requirements.

Required school immunizations are:

Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTP/DTaP)

Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten

• Have received 4 doses of DTP/DTaP at the recommended intervals with the last dose received on or after the fourth birthday.

Grades 6, 7, & 8

• Have received 1 booster Tdap.

Polio (IPV)

Pre-Kindergarten

• Have received 3 doses of IPV at the recommended intervals.

Kindergarten

• Have received 4 doses of IPV at the recommended intervals with the last dose received on or after the fourth birthday.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Pre-Kindergarten and Grades 6, 7, & 8

• Have received 3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccine at the recommended intervals.

Varicella (Chicken Pox)

Pre-Kindergarten

• Have received 1 dose of varicella vaccine after the first birthday.

Grades K-8

• Have received 2 doses of varicella vaccine with the first dose on or after the first birthday.

Measles (Rubeola) German Measles (Rubella, 3 Day) Mumps – (MMR)

Pre-Kindergarten

• Have received 1 dose of MMR vaccine after the first birthday.

Grades K-8

• Have received 2 doses of MMR vaccine with the first dose on or after the first birthday.

Meningococcal conjugate (MCV4)

Grades 6, 7, & 8

• Have received 1 dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) on or after 11th birthday.

Additional immunizations for students less than 5 years old (Pre-Kindergarten):

• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)—Have received the series of Hib vaccines.
• Pneumococcal—Have received the pneumococcal vaccine according to the PCV schedule.

Immunization data: 2020-21 Student Health Data—Immunization, as reported to the Illinois State Board of Education.

DENTAL EXAMS are required for students in kindergarten, second grade, and sixth grade. The dental examination must have taken place within 18 months prior to May 15 of the school year. A waiver form is available in the case of an undue burden or lack of access to a dentist. The IDPH Dental Examination form (English/Spanish) and the waiver form are available here and in the school office. If a student fails to present proof of a dental exam or a waiver form by May 15, the school may withhold the student's report card until the student presents proof: (1) of a completed dental exam, or (2) that a dental exam will take place within 60 days after May 15.

EYE EXAMS are required for students entering kindergarten and entering Illinois schools for the first time. A waiver form is available in the case of an undue burden or lack of access to an optometrist or to a physician who performs eye examinations. The State of Illinois Eye Examination Report and waiver form are available here and in the school office. If a student fails to present proof of a eye exam or waiver form by October 15, the school may withhold the student's report card until the student presents proof: (1) of a completed eye exam, or (2) that an eye exam will take place within 60 days after October 15.