March 2019 Banner Tracks
Banner. You belong here.
School Improvement Day
Spring Break!
Social media warning for parents - Momo
You may have seen stories in the news and social media about the dangers of something called the Momo Challenge. The link to an article below has some information about what this challenge is about, why it is appealing to the kids, and the dangers of the challenge with tips for parents on what they can do to educate and protect their children.
Snow/Cold Days
Winter Weather
In addition, please make sure you clearly label your child's coat, hat, and gloves. Our lost and found tends to get fairly large this time of year. Thank you and enjoy the snow!
Spring Pictures
2019-2020 Registration
*If your student will not be returning to Banner next year, please notify the school office.
Jump Rope for Heart
5th Grade Assessments
- Illinois Science Assessment - this is one test completed online
- 5th Grade Algebra aptitude test - this test helps determine enrichment classes for 6th grade math
State Testing 3rd - 5th Grades
Our students take federally required assessments every spring. These assessments help us understand how our students are growing academically, compared to their peers across the state. The state uses this information to provide more support and resources to the schools in the greatest need. This year, the English language arts and math assessment for grades 3-5 is called the Illinois Assessment of Readiness.
The Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) is almost exactly the same this year as the assessment that students took last year, only slightly shorter. The Illinois Assessment of Readiness measures the same Illinois Learning Standards and includes the same high-quality test questions that teachers and students have become familiar with over the past four years.
Our students should feel confident showing what they know and can do on the Illinois Assessment of Readiness, even with the new test name and new look.
The Illinois Assessment of Readiness will change over the next few years, as the state works to make it more useful to schools and families. Next year, we will have the results back from the test much more quickly. The year after that, the test will adapt to each student, so we gain a better understanding of where each individual student is in their learning. We will continue to be able to measure students’ growth from year to year throughout these improvements.
The tests will be administered beginning the first week of April. Students will be tested in both ELA (English Language arts) and Math. The test will be completed online as it has been the previous three years. Our teachers are providing students with opportunities to become familiar with the look and layout of the test.
We encourage parents to insure their students are getting a good breakfast and good night's rest these couple of weeks to give them the best opportunity to be successful on the assessments.
Erin's Law
Erin's Law is a state mandated personal body safety program that is being introduced to students by Mrs. Centers, our counselor and Ms Mills, our counselor intern the first week of May. Opt out sheets are available in the office, or you can email Mrs. Centers at jcenters@dunlapcusd.net.
Volunteer Opportunities
PTO Updates
Carnival
The annual Carnival is Saturday, March 16. Traditionally, there have been games, prizes, food, raffles/auctions, balloon art, henna tattoos, and face painting! It's a grand event that requires volunteer coordinators to pull it all off! Sadly, many of the experienced volunteers have students graduating this year, so we are in transition and would love to mentor a few new people. Please contact mishi.palinkas@gmail.com if you like to help plan parties or can make time to help in a great school event. Volunteers are needed in all areas: Publicity/Marketing (fliers and postings), Food, Ticket Sales, Raffles/Auctions/Sponsorships, Games, Decorations, Carni Helpers/Volunteers.
Planning needs to start now and we need your help to make it work! Jump in and we'll help answer your questions and guide you to success!
Carnival is also an important fundraiser for our school. Some families have already generously contributed to the Direct Donation Campaign that we introduced in the Fall of 2018 and we thank them! Carnival is another opportunity for families and businesses to support the school's programs funded by PTO - look for the Carnival sponsorship donor letter next week on how you may be able to help.
PTO Meetings
Mar. 18th
Apr. 15th
May 20th
Book Fair coming in May!
Dunlap Middle School PTO opportunities
We are looking for volunteers to help with several committees and/or officer positions due to several parents with graduating 8th graders. Middle School PTO is not nearly the commitment as elementary school PTO. Please consider volunteering for next year! Below is a description of each position/committee.
PRESIDENT/CO-PRESIDENTS: *order 6th grade shirts *run monthly meetings (Sept-Nov, Jan-May) *renew yearly concession stand license through public health dept *renew yearly membership in Parent Booster USA *organize concessions for XC Invitational *purchase/order items for indoor concession stand as needed *monitor inventory in concession stand if a sports lead is not available *set yearly budget in conjunction with the treasurer *present teacher fund request forms to the board
VICE-PRESIDENT: *organize volunteers for annual magazine sales collections (early Sept) *organize and purchase items for Honors Ice Cream Sundae Party Celebration *obtain small gift for Honors Students in conjunction with sundae party *assist the president as needed SECRETARY: *attend monthly meetings and record and publish minutes
TREASURER: *complete monthly financial statements *complete tax form 990 yearly *submit materials to district office for yearly audit *provide cash bags for concession stand events and make deposits as needed *write reimbursement checks as needed
CONCESSION COORDINATOR FOR A SPECIFIC SPORT: (options include girls basketball, boys basketball, volleyball, track) *create concession schedule (slots will be assigned to families by Asst. Principal) *monitor inventory and report to President list of items that need to be purchased *ensure concession stand is cleaned and maintained throughout the particular sports season
NEWSLETTER: *publish a newsletter 4-6 times per year for school wide distribution RECOGNITION: *keep up to date on any student that deserves special recognition for their outstanding accomplishments and provide with a concessions voucher DINE-OUT COORDINATOR: *organize/plan at least one dine-out fundraiser per semester STAFF APPRECIATION: (1 more) *recognize all faculty and staff celebrating their birthdays with gift cards *help organize staff luncheons quarterly, snacks for teacher conferences, and events for Teacher Appreciation Week *help coordinate the gift wrapping event for staff in December
What's for lunch?
Upcoming events to get on your calendar
- 1st Grade Hult Field Trip - Tuesday, March 5
- K-Conlee Hult Field Trip - Wednesday, March 6
- Spring Pictures - Thursday, March 7
- School Improvement Day (11:15 AM Dismissal) - Friday, March 8
- End of Third Nine Weeks - Friday, March 8
- 5th grade Illinois Science Assessment and Algebra Aptitude test - Week of March 11
- Life Skills Field Trip to March Madness - Tuesday, March 12
- Registration for 19-20 school year - Online beginning on Thursday, March 14
- Report Cards issued - Friday, March 15
- 5th grade Jet Toy Derby - Friday, March 15
- PTO meeting - Monday, March 18 at 6:00 PM
- Board of Education Meeting - Wednesday, March 20 at 6:00 PM at DHS
- 4th grade Famous People assembly - Wednesday, March 20 at 1:00 PM
- Spring Break - March 25 - 29 - No School
- IAR State Testing - begins the week of April 1
Banner Bobcats
Kindergarten: Lunch - 10:50 - 11:10; Recess - 11:10 - 11:30
1st grade: Lunch - 11:00 - 11:20; Recess - 11:20 - 11:40
2nd grade: Lunch - 11:30 - 11:50; Recess - 11:50 - 12:10
3rd grade: Lunch - 11:40 - 12:00; Recess - 12:00 - 12:20
4th grade: Lunch - 12:05 - 12:25; Recess - 12:25 - 12:45
5th grade: Lunch - 12:15 - 12:35; Recess - 12:35 - 12:55
Email: gfairchild@dunlapcusd.net
Website: www.dunlapcusd.net/banner
Location: 12610 North Allen Road, Dunlap, IL, United States
Phone: 309-243-7774
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BannerElementary
Twitter: @BESBobcats323