The Wilmot Word: 02-18-2022
Guidance about Removal of Masks
Good afternoon, Wilmot families:
With the district’s announcement this morning about moving to a mask-recommended environment starting on Wednesday, February 23rd, we are asking each family to talk to their children about their mask expectations. Some students, families, and staff will choose to transition away from masks, while others will continue to wear the mask. The goal at Wilmot, and in all schools in District 109, is to maintain the focus on teaching and learning. We respectfully request that you not reach out to your child’s teacher with your masking preferences, as they will not be enforcing any individual expectations. Below is some additional information that may assist you in the conversation.
Addressing the Change:
Explain to children that rules about masks have changed and that whether to wear the mask or not is a family choice.
Respecting Everyone’s Choice:
School is an emotionally safe place for everyone, and it will remain that way.
All children should be encouraged to promote kindness no matter others’ choices. They should be reminded that families have different circumstances that may be impacting their decision to mask or not mask.
Children should not question or try to persuade another to change their decision. Any disrespectful comments/behaviors towards others based on their choice to mask or not mask is unacceptable and will be addressed immediately.
Physical Health & Safety
Schools will continue to have students practice good hygiene, including washing or sanitizing their hands regularly.
Distancing practices will be maintained in classrooms and at lunch.
If students do not feel well, they should stay home.
If a child tests positive for COVID, they still need to isolate.
Shield testing and testing for symptomatic individuals will continue to be offered.
If you have specific health and safety concerns about your child and believe they may meet the criteria for home/hospital instruction, contact Joanna Ford at jford@dps109.org
Social-Emotional Health & Safety Considerations:
If a child is having difficulty understanding, or if they are feeling nervous or anxious in any way, they should be provided space to individually talk about their feelings with a trusted adult. School staff will be ready to offer support. Some examples are as follows:
For children who are shy or have social anxiety, the mask may have offered another level of security.
Masks have been talked about synonymously with safety, so some children will need support to feel comfortable about the abandonment of masks.
Some children, particularly adolescents, have reported feeling less self-conscious about body image while wearing the mask.
Thank you for your ongoing flexibility and support.
Eileen Brett
Reminder- No School for Students on Monday, Feb. 21 and Tuesday, Feb. 22
This Week at Wilmot
We had another great week at Wilmot. We started off with Valentine's Day parties. Students enjoyed playing games. making projects and even completing Valentine's Day math projects. Thanks to our parent volunteers who helped out in our younger classrooms!
On Tuesday our second graders had their music concert, Upstanding Citizen. These students taught us about being responsible, staying positive, having courage, and the importance of a personal code! Ms. Georgas did an amazing job leading these students in several fun songs about being an Upstanding Citizen!
I also had a chance to stop by recess and I enjoyed watching students play outside. Students enjoyed playing on the equipment, engaging in exciting four square games, and playing basketball and other games. I saw so many acts of kindness as students shared balls, took turns on the swings, and helped friends join in activities with peers.
As a reminder, it is important that students are dressed for outside play each day with a warm coat, snow pants, and boots.
Have a nice weekend!
1st grade hearts!
5th grade Valentine's projects
Kindergarten heart math
Save the Date - 1st and 3rd Grade Music Concerts
- The 3rd-grade music concert will be held on Wednesday, March 9 at 9:00 am. Parents and guests will join us virtually, via Zoom and the concert will be recorded. The evening concert will be held at 6:30 pm. We are planning for an in-person evening show with a limited audience. More information will be shared soon.
- The 1st-grade music concert will be held on Monday, March 14 at 9:00 am. Parents and guests will join us virtually, via Zoom and the concert will be recorded. The evening concert will be held at 6:30 pm. We are planning for an in-person evening show with a limited audience. More information will be shared soon.
Registration for 2022-2023 Before and After School Clubs
Registration for Incoming Kindergarteners and New to Wilmot 1st-5th Graders - PLEASE SHARE WITH FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS
We will hold a drop-in kindergarten registration (and new 1st-5th graders) at the District Office (517 Deerfield Road) on:
- Wednesday, February 23 - 7:30 am - 2:30 pm
- Thursday, February 24 - 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
- Friday, February 25 - 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Online registration is available NOW. This is the first step in the registration process. Please complete the online registration form as soon as possible as staffing decisions are based on the number of fully registered students. Please share this information with friends and neighbors.
Click the button below for more information regarding registration and the necessary documents you will need for registration.
5ESSENTIALS PARENT SURVEY NOW OPEN - PLEASE SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK WITH US
Again this year, parents across Illinois have an opportunity to participate in the annual statewide Illinois 5Essentials Survey. This survey is designed to generate a detailed picture of the inner workings of your child’s school. As a parent, it allows you to share your thoughts on the important elements of school effectiveness. Your responses also help guide district improvement.
The Illinois 5Essentials Survey is administered online by UChicago Impact at the University of Chicago on behalf of the Illinois State Board of Education. The survey gathers data related to five indicators that can predict important student outcomes, including improved attendance and larger test score gains. These five indicators that affect and predict school success are:
· Effective Leaders
· Collaborative Teachers
· Involved Families
· Supportive Environments
· Ambitious Instruction
To take the Parent Survey, please visit https://survey.5-essentials.org/Illinois/ and select the appropriate survey to begin. Your identity and responses will be kept completely confidential and will not be connected to you or your child. The survey should take no more than 5 minutes to complete.
In addition to parents, 4th through 8th-grade students will also be responding to this survey. Per school board policy 7:15, you may opt your child out of any survey. If you would not like your child to participate in the 5Essentials Survey, please contact me and your child's classroom teacher.
SHIELD Testing
We have resumed our normal Shield Testing schedule will continue to test on Thursday mornings.
IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO FILL OUT THE SHIELD CONSENT FORM please
log in to Skyward/Family Access and it should appear as a green box next to your child’s name. Contact Kelly Mitchell (kmitchell@dps109.org) with any Family Access questions.
IF YOU WANT YOUR CHILD TO OPT OUT OF A WEEK OF TESTING…
- Click here to fill out the required Google Form by 8:00 am each Wednesday (the day prior to Thursday testing):
The Latest COVID Information-ongoing posting
The district has a landing page with constantly updated COVID protocol information. Be sure to visit www.dps109.org/fall2021 to check out the latest updates on:
What do I do if my child wakes up sick? (and what happens to siblings)
Our COVID case dashboard - updated in real time
Save the Date
Monday, February 21
No school due to Presidents' Day
Tuesday, February 22
No school for students due to teacher institute day
Wednesday, February 23
Kindergarten registration - 7:30 am - 2:30 pm
Thursday, February 24
Kindergarten registration - 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Friday, February 25
Kindergarten registration - 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Wednesday, March 9
3rd-grade music concerts (Morning Zoom at 9:00 am and evening in-person show at 6:30 pm)
Monday, March 14
1st-grade music concerts (Morning Zoom at 9:00 am and evening in-person show at 6:30 pm)
Monday, March 21-Friday, March 25
Spring break