Franklin Falcon Flyer
Franklin News and Updates - March 2017
Class Placements for the 2017-18 School Year
Dear Parents:
Shortly the staff and I will begin the process of student sectioning for the 2017-2018 school year. Students will be assigned to heterogeneous classroom groups. Our sectioning process includes input from classroom teachers, the support services team, special area teachers, and administration.
The classroom teachers have worked with the children throughout the year and understand each child’s educational needs. They are included in the sectioning process but I will have the final word on placement so please direct all of your questions/concerns to me. Collectively as a team, we consider and balance many factors including but not limited to:
Individual’s learning style Teacher’s teaching style
Student combinations Pupil services needs
Support service needs Class size
Social/Emotional needs Academic characteristics
Gender balance
Our placement process is a team effort that is completed with great care and consideration. We want all of our children to be successful, and we take this process very seriously. Factoring in the above multiple variables can often be a delicate balancing act for each classroom at each grade level. You may want to share information or specific needs that may help us in the sectioning process. This should be put in writing with reasons outlined and related to the balance factors listed above. Please submit your letter to the principal’s office by Monday, April 3, 2017. Do not send an email to the principal. A hard copy letter must be turned in to our office.
We ask that you do not make requests for placement into a specific classroom to be with friends or request a specific teacher for your child. Such requests will not be considered, as this opportunity cannot be made available to all children. Each child has unique characteristics and needs as a learner and as a developing child. The perfect match for your older child may not be such a good fit for your next one. We trust that you will rely on our professional judgment as we group the children with the idea of creating the best learning environment for everyone.
Best,
Dr. Claire Kowalczyk
Kindergarten Registration is Now OPEN for the 2017-18 School Year
International Week
Franklin Students Take Third Place in Battle of the Books
The Franklin Battle team competed against eight other local schools in the Battle of the Books and took third place! The team reads from a list of 60 books selected by the Park Ridge Public Library starting in the late spring, read through the summer, and begin practicing as a team in the Fall. There are 6 "battles" starting in January and ending in February where four teams compete answering questions about the books and points are given for correct book titles and authors. The cumulative scores for all the meets are tallied and the three teams with the highest scores win.
We are very proud of our Franklin Team:
Bishop P - 5th
Eliza B. - 5th
Oliver D.- 5th
James F. - 4th
Miranda P. - 4th
Julia B. - 4th
The best place to start your child’s District 64 education is right here in District 64.
Jefferson School is currently accepting registration for 3 and 4 year olds for the 2017-18 school year. The District 64 preschool program welcomes children of all abilities, as the classrooms are designed to educate children with a variety of abilities, interests, and needs within a play based preschool environment. The teachers are highly qualified and certified through the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) in early childhood, special education and teaching English Language Learners. In addition to the preschool teachers, the classrooms are supported by a speech pathologist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, and social worker. Therefore, a low student to teacher ratio (1:5) is maintained with class sizes as low as 15 students.
The curriculum, Creative Curriculum, is a research-based and developmentally appropriate curriculum that is aligned to the Illinois Early Learning and Development (IELDS) and Common Core Standards. The program focuses on the four domain areas of development: cognitive, language, physical, and social/emotional so students are well prepared for kindergarten in District 64. For additional information about the program visit the Jefferson website. If you would like a tour of the program contact the Jefferson principal, Lisa Halverson, at 847-318-4249.
Click here to complete the preschool application for the 2017-18 school year. On the District website go to Step 1 to complete the pre-enrollment form. After your residency documents are reviewed for accuracy and completeness you will be notified if your child has a spot or will be on the waitlist.
Important Message from School Health Services
District 64 school health offices are always busy, but we tend to see an increase in illness-related visits at this time of year. Please review these important updates about what we are experiencing:
- Temperature guideline: To ensure that students recuperate adequately at home, and to minimize the spread of infection to others, students with an oral temperature of 100 degrees or above will be sent home, and will not be allowed to return to school until they have been fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication. In addition, students who feel ill but who do not have a fever may be sent home from the health office, based on presenting symptoms. In these cases, students should remain home until it is determined by the parents and students that they have sufficiently recovered to return to school.
- Influenza, or the “flu,” is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses. Illness can range from mild to severe, infecting the nose, throat, and lungs. Winter is generally the time for influenza, with activity peaking in January or later, but outbreaks can occur as early as October or as late as May. General signs and symptoms of the flu include fever or feeling feverish, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue. The flu can be spread to others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop to 5-7 days after becoming sick. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting an influenza vaccine each season. Vaccines don’t completely guarantee against getting sick, but those who have been vaccinated and get the flu will have milder symptoms. Please consult with your primary care provider regarding whether the vaccines are appropriate for you and your family members. For more information on seasonal influenza visit: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/index.htm
- We typically also notice an increase in other illnesses such as upper respiratory infections (“common cold”) and strep throat. To learn more about the differences between the flu and colds, click here. For information about strep throat and sore throats, visit the Kidshealth website.
GOOD HEALTH HABITS offer other ways to help prevent illness:
- Wash hands often with soap and water, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers
- Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth
- Cover mouth and nose with tissue while coughing or sneezing, or cough/sneeze into inner elbow
- Avoid close contact with those who are ill; avoid sharing cups, utensils
- Stay home when sick
- Get plenty of rest, manage stress, drink plenty of fluids, eat nutritious foods, and remain physically active
Chess Club Registration Closes Soon
REGISTER at www.franklinschoolchess.eventbee.com
The positive and enriching program at Franklin School will include basic chess instruction for the beginning student and builds with opening game theory, middle game planning, end game combinations, plus tactics and strategies for the continuing and competitive student. Each student will move to a new level of expertise. Through professional instruction provided by Chess-Ed, students will develop analytical and critical thinking skills, improve decision making, learn how to concentrate and focus to achieve successful results, master good sportsmanship, and much more.
SPRING 2017 Session Dates: 3/1, 3/8, 3/15, (no class 3/22-Spring Break), 3/29, 4/5, 4/12, 4/19, 4/26, 5/3 and 5/10/2017.
Discounted Program Fee for 10 classes is $120.00 due by February 27, 2017.
Final Program Fee is $140 beginning February 28, 2017.
************************************************************
REGISTER online at www.franklinschoolchess.eventbee.com. Or please complete and return this bottom portion to the school office – and include your check for $120 payable to CHESS-ED – no later than Monday, February 27, 2017 please. (FINAL REGISTRATION FEE $140 AFTER 2/27/2016.)
Franklin will host the Board of Education Meeting on April 3
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES
MON March 6 Records Day - Students do NOT attend school
THURS March 2 Night of the Stars Rehearsal
FRI March 10 Night of the Stars in Franklin Auditorium
March 20-March 24 SPRING BREAK school is closed
Contact Us
Website: http://www.d64.org/fra/
Location: 2401 Manor Lane, Park Ridge, IL, United States
Phone: (847) 318-4390
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Franklin-Elementary-School-Park-Ridge-Niles-414168118713916/
Twitter: @FranklinD64