Friday Focus
October 7, 2022
In This Issue...
- A Message from Marcie
- Halloween is Coming
- Learn More about South Park Singers
- McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
- Picture Day Retakes (10/13)
- Other Important Info
Don't miss the PTO Spotlight...
- Book Fair Oct 13th
- Book Drive
- Moms Night Out Nov 3rd
- Pumpkin Decorating
- Feed My Starving Children
- and much more...
A Message from Marcie
Thanks for a great week, South Park!
Next week, we begin Fire Prevention Week by running our second fire drill of the year and welcoming the Fire Department for an all-school visit.
Next Thursday, we will hold Picture Retakes in the morning. Later that day, we look forward to Family Reading Night from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on the Rosewood Blacktop. We'll have our Scholastic Book Fair, games, reading to dogs, and more! We look forward to seeing many of you there!
A reminder that Monday is a non-attendance day for students. Have a wonderful long weekend!
-Marcie
Halloween in Coming!
- Please do not send students with accessories (e.g witches broom).
- Toy weapons are strictly prohibited.
- Students should either wear costumes to school all day or have the ability to change into costumes in the classroom. Students will not be permitted to change clothes in the bathrooms.
- Masks that cover the face as a costume accessory can be worn during the parade and party, not during class time as it may be a distraction during learning.
- Please consider avoiding group costumes that exclude other students from participating.
If you need assistance in providing your child with a Halloween costume, please reach out to Dr. Faust.
Families who are not comfortable sending their child in costume, please reach out to your child's teacher so that we can be sensitive to you or your child's feelings about dressing up for Halloween. We want everyone at South Park to feel comfortable.
Additional details will be shared in the coming weeks.
Thanks to our Kindergarten Parents for Organizing Kindy Play this Afternoon!
Shopping at Trader Joe's
Dining at the Café
Coffee at Starbucks
Learn More about the South Park Singers!
Who: Any 4th and 5th Grade students at South Park
What: Join our choir
Where: Music Room
When: Thursday during Recess starting October 17th
Why: For the Love of music
Learn About the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
Picture Day Retakes - Thursday, October 13th
It is important to note that whether or not you decide to order photos, families must select the photo they would like represented in the yearbook of their child. Using the link provided by Stuart Rodgers that was sent via email, families will be able to select their child's photo for the yearbook.
If your child is having their picture taken, please wait to make the yearbook picture selection until you have received the new photos.
Other Important Information ⚠️
- All visitors to South Park School MUST bring a valid driver's license or state ID card to the main office before entering into the building. Beginning this year, we will collect IDs during your visit and return it to you as you leave.
- If your child is going to be absent from school, you need to call or email us by 9:00 that morning. ** Call 847-945-5895, ext. 2103 and leave a message OR ** Email Nurse Nora Moskos.
- When parking in our Birchwood parking lot, please remember that our preschoolers are dropped off and picked up by the west end (closest to the school). Sometimes, their parents' cars can block a parked car from exiting for a few minutes. To avoid that, we suggest that you park closer to Birchwood Avenue.
- Please follow our morning procedures, and drop your children off at their regular grade level doors. If you choose to drive through the front circle at arrival, kindly stay in your car when you drop off to help us reduce morning congestion.
- Drop-off is between 8:35-8:45 a.m. Students who arrive after 8:45 a.m. will need to enter through the front door of the school, as all other doors will be locked.
- Dismissal for all Kindy and 1st-grade walkers and car riders will take place at their grade level door. Parents who park in the front circle should wait until 3:10 p.m. to do so.
- Dismissal is at 3:25 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. We dismiss at 2:25 on Wednesdays.
Important Dates 📅
Monday, October 10
- Students not in attendance
- Picture Retakes
- Halloween Parade - 2:00-2:30 (Outdoor parade, weather permitting, all are welcome to view)
- Halloween Parties - 2:30-3:15 (Volunteers coordinated by the PTO)
- End of 1st Trimester
- Report Cards posted to Family Access at 3:00
Music Concerts:
- 5th Grade - Wednesday, January 25 @ 6:30
- 4th Grade - Wednesday, February 15th @ 6:30
- 3rd Grade - Wednesday, March 8th @ 6:30
- 2nd Grade - Wednesday, February 15th @ 5:30
- 1st Grade - Wednesday, March 8th @ 5:30
- Kindergarten - Wednesday, April 26 @ 6:30
UPCOMING COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
TrueNorth Survey - Lend Your Voice!
Our school district is a member of the TrueNorth Educational Cooperative 804. TrueNorth provides a wide variety of services, from professional consultation for our staff to alternative school placements for our students. TrueNorth is developing a new strategic plan; as part of the process, they are looking for input from many groups. You are an important TrueNorth stakeholder and your opinions and experiences are valuable. This information will assist our district and TrueNorth in better meeting the needs of your children. Please participate in the TrueNorth strategic planning process by completing this survey: https://hyasurvey.com/TrueNorth. The survey is open through Sunday.
The survey data is an important component of the strategic planning process and will be used, along with other data components, to develop the plan.
PPS 109 EVENT ON 10/25
We are excited this school year to return to offering in-person parent/guardian networking and educational opportunities for our community in collaboration with PPS109.
PPS109 is a partnership of DPS 109 administrators, teachers and parents/guardians who provide education and support to families of children with a wide range of needs. Our first event of the ‘22-’23 school year will be An Overview of District 109 Student Services. This event will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 25 at 6 pm at the District Office.
We are also asking for your help! Please click here to help us prioritize the next community event that will be offered during this school year. There is also an option on the form to let us know if you are interested in participating in PPS109 parent/guardian networking opportunities.