Haskin Happenings
Haskin Elementary School- April 2024 Edition
A Message from Ms. Venetucci
I hope this message finds each of you refreshed and rejuvenated after a well-deserved spring break. As we return to the bustling halls of Haskin Elementary, I want to take a moment to extend a warm welcome back to our students, parents, and staff. The break provided an opportunity for rest and relaxation, and now it's time to dive back into the excitement of learning and growth that defines our vibrant school community.
This month, Heart of Haskin core value revolves around Citizenship. It embodies empathy, responsibility, and active participation in making our school and the wider world a better place. Together, let's embrace the essence of Citizenship and continue to cultivate a community where kindness, compassion, and civic engagement flourish.
There are many important upcoming dates and information within this newsletter, so please read through it to ensure you have everything you need.
As always, don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything!
Ms. Venetucci
Important Upcoming Dates
April:
1st - School is in session (Back to school due to Snow Day)
3rd - Spring Pictures
11th - 2nd Grade Opera House
12th - Progress Reports
15th-19th - Spring Book Fair
18th - Grandparents Night 5:00-7:00
19th - 11:10 Dismissal/No Pre K Classes
19th - Preschool & Developmental Screenings
25th - Kindergarten Preparing to Launch (Screening)
29th - Pre K Boyer/Espino - Hoover
30th - Pre K Darnell/Mlot - Hoover
May:
3rd - 1st Grade Brookfield Zoo
6th-10th - Teacher Appreciation Week
7th - Multicultural Day
7th - Muffins with Mom & VIPs 7:00am-8:00am
9th - Kindergarten Blast Off (Orientation) 6:00-7:00
16th - Kane County Cougars Reading Night
17th - 2nd Grade Shedd Aquarium
20th - Field Day
23rd - Kindergarten Blackberry Farm
29th - Fun Fair Day K-3 Sponsored by H.O.P.
30th - PreK End of the Year Celebration
30th - Last Day of School, 11:10 Dismissal
Preschool & Developmental Screenings
Do you have a 3 to 5 year old that needs a preschool placement for the new school year?
Do you have a 0-3 year old at home?
Mark Friday, April 19th on your calendar!
Preschool Screening
Did you know 90% of brain growth occurs before a child turns the age of 5? Preschool provides an environment for children to explore, gain a sense of self, play with peers and build self-confidence. Children learn they can accomplish tasks & make decisions.
Through an amazing grant provided through the state, our free Preschool For All program has expanded from 80 to 140 enrollment slots. All you need to do is have your child signed up for screening and when an opening is available for those students that qualify, your child will be called up. There are many slots available for fall - so be sure to sign up for a screening today! See the advertisements below.
Developmental Screening
In addition to our Preschool screenings, we will have developmental screenings for all children birth to 3! Screenings are quick and easy. They reveal a child's strength's and areas for growth. No appointments are necessary. Look below for additional information.
DeKalb County Basics
The DeKalb County Basics organization supports the basics which are five evidence-based nurturing practices that encompass much of what experts find is important for children ages 0-3 to experience. You can also sign up for Basics Insights which is a free text messaging program for parents and caregivers of young children that provides science based tips to boost your child's development. Parents, grandparents, and any other caregivers can sign up for these free messages and receive them until your child turns 5.
Eclipse on Monday, April 8
Eclipse on Monday, April 8
On Monday, April 8, there will be a total eclipse visible in the United States. An eclipse occurs when the moon is aligned between the sun and the earth, and the moon temporarily blocks the rays of the sun.
At about 2:00 PM here in Sandwich, the moon will block out just over 90 percent of the sun’s rays, creating a twilight effect at the height of the eclipse. We know that this is an exciting phenomenon for students to witness. Therefore, students in Sandwich 430 will have the opportunity to view this extremely rare event in grades K-8.
This district has purchased solar eclipse glasses that meet ISO international standards so students can view the eclipse safely.
Teachers will also remind students of the following:
Looking directly at the sun on any day is dangerous. Please don’t look directly into the sun until it is time to do so.
We will take you out to view the eclipse when it is time (Around 2:00 PM).
You will only look at the eclipse when you have your eclipse glasses on.
Any family that doesn’t want their child to participate should contact their school office before Monday, April 8.
To learn more about the eclipse you can visit the links below:
Spring Concert - Wednesday, April 10th @ 6:00
Spring Concert is almost here!
It’s that exciting time of year again! The spring music program will take place on Wednesday, April 10th, at 6:00 p.m. at Sandwich High School. Please have your children find their classroom teacher in the SHS cafeteria at 5:45 p.m. There will be a designated table for each homeroom teacher. Teachers will not be there before 5:40 p.m., so students cannot be dropped off before this time. Once the concert is over, parents can pick up their child at the table where they were dropped off. Teachers will check with each parent at the given table in the cafeteria when picking up your child, so please do not retrieve your child before the concert is over. On the day of the concert, the children will be bussed over to the high school to practice the music by grade level. Mr. Anderson and classroom teachers will supervise the transportation and rehearsals.
The theme for the program The Best of Broadway. This includes songs from Broadway musicals new and old. If you choose to have your child dress to the theme of the concert, it would definitely add to the fun. There are so many characters, themes, and musical styles that fall into the genre of Broadway Musicals that it really opens up the doors of creativity as far as concert dress is concerned. There will be many photo opportunities throughout the evening. Please make sure that attire is appropriate for a school function.
Chad Anderson - Elementary Music Teacher
Registration for the 2024-2025 School Year - Please complete by Friday, April 19.
Registration for the 24-25 school year is now open. Returning families to the school district can complete the online application process in a few short minutes through their TeacherEase account. This will be a very similar process to last year. Please be sure that all information is entered correctly.
If you have an incoming kindergartener or a new student to the district you will follow a different process in which you verify your residency before registering on TeacherEase.
Student fees for the 24-25 school year are not due at this time. We ask that you complete the registration process by Friday, April 19. Please use the link below which will walk you through the process of registration.
Kindergarten
Preparing to Launch / Screenings: Week of April 24th from 3:30-7:00 pm
- April 23rd - Woodbury
- April 24th - Prairie View
- April 25th - Lynn G. Haskin
*Jody at Central Office will call and schedule this with families once they have completed registeration.
Blast Off / Orientation May 7th, 8th & 9th from 6:00-7:00 pm
- May 7th - Woodbury
- May 8th - Prairie View
- May 9th - Lynn G. Haskin
Amended 2023-2024 School Calendar
Spring Bookfair
Sandwich Education Foundation - Casino Night
Nurse Notes
Nurse Notes
April is Autism Acceptance Month - Click here to learn more about autism, how you can help raise awareness, and find autism resources.
END OF THE 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR INFORMATION
DENTAL EXAM REMINDER FOR 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR:
All K, 2nd and 6th grade students are required to have a completed dental exam form on file with the school by May 15, 2024.
If you are unable to fulfill the dental exam, please complete the Dental Exam Waiver Form.
MEDICATION:
Medication, other than emergency type medication, must be picked up by a parent or guardian, as students will NOT be allowed to take it home. The last day of school is May 30. Please be reminded that medication not picked up by the last day of school will be discarded. The required school medication forms for the 2024-2025 school year will be sent home with your child. Keep in mind medication, prescriptions or over the counter, cannot be given without a completed school medication permission form on file at the school. Also, health care plans (asthma, food allergy, etc) should also be updated for the 2024-2024school year. If you have questions, you may contact Mrs. Swanson, school nurse. Most medical forms can be found on the district website as well. The main office will be open 2 weeks prior to the start of school. We encourage families to drop off any health medical forms prior to the first day of school.
2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR INFORMATION
PHYSICAL/IMMUNIZATION/DENTAL/VISION REQUIREMENTS FOR 2024-2025:
All students entering Kindergarten, sixth and ninth grades are required to provide proof of a physical exam and up-to-date immunizations by the first day of school, August 14, 2024. Students will not be allowed to start school without a completed physical exam and up-to-date immunizations. Appointment cards will not be accepted.
All students enrolled in kindergarten, second and sixth grade are required to provide proof of a dental exam to the school by May 15 of the current school year. Students entering kindergarten are required to provide proof of a vision exam by October 15, 2024.
It’s not too early to schedule your child’s physical, dental or vision exam to beat the summer rush. Health forms have been sent to all current fifth and eighth grade students. Anyone needing a copy of the physical, dental or vision form can find them on the district website.
If you have already completed these requirements you can turn them into your student’s school. It will help the school nurses prepare for the 2024-2025 school year. The main office will be open 2 weeks prior to the start of school. We encourage families to drop off any health medical forms prior to the first day of school.
Social Work Corner
Notes from the Social Worker…
Happy April! It is starting to feel like spring around Haskin School with flowers blooming outside, butterflies on the ceiling, and as much outside recess as possible. I hope that all of you get the chance to enjoy some sunshine and nice weather after being cooped up all winter.
April is Autism Acceptance and Awareness month. This time allows us to shed light on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and to celebrate the unique talents and contributions of individuals on the spectrum. Autism is a spectrum condition, meaning it affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. It's essential to recognize and embrace this diversity within our school community. I do encourage you to engage in conversations with your child about autism, emphasizing the importance of kindness, inclusion, and understanding. By fostering a culture of acceptance, we can create a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. The Autism Society has wonderful resources and information if you would like to find out more information. If you or a family member has Autism and would like some more resources for help, the Autism Program of Illinois (TAP) is a clearinghouse of information and Illinois centered resources.
Our core value of the month is Citizenship. Citizenship goes beyond merely understanding the rights and responsibilities of being a member of a community; it encompasses empathy, compassion, and actively contributing to the well-being of others. This month, we'll be focusing on what it means to be a good citizen within our school, local, and global communities. I encourage you to work with your child to reinforce this at home by engaging in acts of kindness as a family, discussing events that highlight the importance of citizenship, and involving your child in community service activities as appropriate. Earth Day is a great day to do this!
As we embrace the spirit of Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month and delve into the core value of citizenship, let us remember the power of empathy, understanding, and acceptance in shaping a more inclusive and compassionate world.
I am available to chat with you if you have any questions or concerns or need any help. Please feel free to reach out. I am available at 815-786-8812 x (24007) or at rhaskins@sandwich430.org.
Have a great school year!
Sandwich Area Community Resources
Spring Pictures
Celebrate the Haskin Staff!
We are blessed with an amazingly dedicated staff here at Haskin. Each day, our staff arrives with a student-centered mindset and goes to great lengths to help students learn academically, socially, and emotionally. If you are feeling extra appreciative of any of our staff members at any time this year, please give them a shoutout! It truly makes their day to receive such validations and appreciation form our stakeholders. Click the button below to access our Haskin Staff Spotlight Google Form.
Registration Fees - Still Due
If you have not yet fulfilled payment for registration fees you have/will receive a note home from school with your remaining balance. If you have any questions regarding these fees, please reach out to our main office at 815-786-8812.
Lynn G. Haskin Elementary School
Email: sgaskin@sandwich430.org
Location: 720 Wells Street, Sandwich, IL, USA
Phone: 815-786-8812