Bulldog Paw Prints
Week Ending October 13, 2023
Today's Fire Drill
When the DGFD attends a drill like this, a few things may take place.
-They may simply observe.
-They may block an exit (and staff members then must direct students to their alternate exit).
-They may "pull" a student from the group as everyone is exiting (to ensure that we are able to quickly and accurately account for all students).
Today, the DGFD blocked an exit *and* pulled a student from the group as we were exiting. Thank you, Hunter, for hiding out with the firefighters while we ran the drill!
All students and staff exited the building in 47 seconds, and everyone was accounted for (including Hunter who was believed to still be inside the building) in 3 minutes and 46 seconds.
The fire department was impressed with our procedures and didn't have any suggestions or feedback to do things differently. They stated that the drill was organized, the students were quiet and listening to adult direction, the exit plan (even with a blocked exit) was efficient, communication between the adults outside was clear, and we were able to identify a student who was believed to still be inside the building. The staff was great, and the students were excellent!
Our Next Drill
Next up, we will hold the ALICE drill (Active Threat Drill) with the Downers Grove Police Department. This drill helps students understand what steps they would take if there was ever an active threat within our school. Students will learn how to recognize an active threat within the building, follow adult directions, and practice getting to safety.
Our district now practices the ALICE model. For more information on ALICE, you can visit: LINK HERE, and this was a topic that I heavily covered at our PTA meeting on September 26.
Reading Games Registration is Open!
The Reading Games is a fun reading competition for District 58 students in grades 3-8. Students read books from the book lists, then face other teams to answer questions about the books they've read. It is a great opportunity for kids to read new books and discuss them with friends. Teams are made up of 5-8 students, and may include students from different grades and schools. However, due to space limitations, participation in the Reading Games is limited only to DG58 students. Teams will read books and be asked questions from Book List 1 (3rd-4th grades) or Book List 2 (5th-8th grades).
Team Registration
Completing the team registration form below reserves your spot as a team to compete on Saturday, February 24, 2024. You do not need to identify the students that will be on your team for this registration, so there is time to finalize the team members. Before Winter Break, you will be asked to provide more information about your team, including team name. Each team should plan to have the following overall adult participation:
*1 Adult Team Volunteer - This person will fill a role separate from the team on the day of the event, as a moderator, scorekeeper or other needed role. (This can be the Team Contact or another parent)
*2 Adult Team Chaperones – These people will stay with the team on the day of the event to supervise the team. (The Team Contact can fill one of these roles, or both can be filled by other team parents. This is in addition to the separate Team Volunteer listed above and would not be the same person)
Click here for TEAM REGISTRATION
Individual Registration
If you have a child who would like to participate but does not have a team, you may request a spot using the individual registration form. Although we cannot guarantee a spot on a team, we will do our very best to match children to existing teams, or to assist you in creating a new team.
Halloween Party, Parade, and Costumes (repeat item)
Many of our students are already brainstorming costume ideas, and it's been fun hearing about so many options.
We are looking forward to hosting Halloween at Belle Aire School, and I have some very general and initial information to share today.
If they so choose, students will be able to wear a costume to school on Tuesday, October 31. The key to this is that the costumes need to allow the students to participate in classroom activities as they would on a typical day. While costume masks may be worn for the all-school parade, they won't be worn during the school day.
As an alternate option, students can wear part of their costume (sweatpants, shorts, leggings, shirt, etc.) and then slip the remaining pieces of the costume over that later in the day. There will be a very short amount of time to allow this to take place before our parade.
*I'm excited to see the final costumes that each student chooses, and I ask for your help in making sure that the choices remain free from references to violence, drugs, and alcohol.
*Any desired make-up, hair color, hair spray all need to be applied at home prior to the start of the school day.
*Any accessory or play weapons (axe, arrows, swords, etc.) that go along with some really great costumes need to stay at home.
The costume parade will be held outside of the school and really makes for some great photo opportunities. Classroom parties are scheduled to take place after the parade, and Mrs. Yoho (THANK YOU) has been looking to identify parents to facilitate a party in each classroom. Be on the lookout for information from her, and check the PTA website to volunteer!
As of now, we are planning the parade to start at 2:00 p.m. with classroom parties concluding at 2:45 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, we will have a modified, indoor parade for families to see.
District 58 has a rich and diverse population in our learning community. District 58 staff members recognize that many families have different beliefs; and because of religious, cultural, or personal reasons, some families may choose to not be involved in Halloween activities. If you would not like your child(ren) to participate in Halloween activities, please communicate this with your classroom teacher and with me. We will then find an alternative location and activity for your child during the Halloween activities.
District Calendar, 2023-2024
Mark Your Calendars
Monday, October 16: Gr. 2 Field Trip; 2:00 Dismissal for Students
Tuesday, October 17: Young Rembrandts (3:05-4:05 p.m. for those enrolled); Run/Walk Club (3:00 p.m. - 3:35 p.m for those registered.)
Wednesday, October 18: BAM Theater (after school for those enrolled); Parent/Teacher Conferences
Thursday, October 19: Chess Club (3:00 - 3:30 p.m. for those registered)
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Monday, October 30: Picture Re-take Day