Bobcat Bulletin
Welcometo the 23-24 School Year!
Week of April 1st
From the Desk of Principal Schmid
Hello Bobcat Families,
Happy Easter to those who celebrated yesterday and welcome back to our students today! We hope you all had an enjoyable spring break--whether you staycationed or vacationed, time with family/friends is always time well spent!
April 1st brings the start of our final quarter together for the 23-24 school year! We are looking forward to cherishing this time with our Bobcats, enjoying our learning journey together but continuing to always make the journey fun and memorable!
Speaking of Quarter 4--it is sure to bring the FUN! Be sure to check out our District Solar Eclipse Watch Party coming up on 4/8 (permission required!). Please submit a form for each student (below). Do you remember where you were when the last partial solar eclipse took place in 1994? Also, be sure to save the date for the "In Our Bobcat Era" Variety Show to watch the talents of our students come alive on the Brookdale stage! In Quarter 4, we also prepare our 5th grade Bobcats for thier transition to middle school with a visit to Hill and cherish our final months with our 5th Grade Bobcats as their elementary era comes to a close. We of course can't forget our Spring Fling that is sure to bring fun for the whole family!
So much excitement to come in our final months together, Bobcats! As always, thank you for your support and partnership and never hesitate to each out if we can support in any way.
Thank you,
Mrs. Keeley Schmid
Brookdale's Proud Principal
UPDATES
District Solar Eclipse Watch Party: 4/8
Dear Bobcat Families,
On Monday, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North and Central America creating a path of totality. During a total solar eclipse, the Moon completely blocks the Sun while it passes between the Sun and Earth. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk. For more information, please visit science.nasa.gov<https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/>.
District 204 is planning a viewing opportunity allowing students to experience this unique event. Because safety is a top priority, the district has purchased solar eclipse glasses for all students and staff participating in the viewing on April 8, 2024. It is not safe to look directly at the sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing (Eclipse safety<https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/safety/>). Additionally, our teachers and staff will be implementing all appropriate safety precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
We believe experiences like these are invaluable for our students' education and spark interest in the world around them and a love of lifelong learning. However, if you would prefer to not have your child participate in this outdoor viewing event, you can chose that option below. Students who do not participate in the outdoor viewing event will watch the live stream inside the school.
If you have more than one child, please complete a form for each child. Students who do not have a form submitted cannot participate in the outdoor viewing experience. The form will close on Friday, April 5th.
We look forward to sharing this peak learning moment with our students and appreciate your continued support and partnership in your child's education. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Respectfully,
Mrs. Keeley Schmid
Good Luck, 5th Grade: Last State Assessment for the Year!
Fifth grade will close out their final state testing this week with the Illinois Science Assessment (ISA)! They will complete two tests on Tuesday and one on Wednesday:
Tuesday, April 2nd
- 5th Grade Illlinois Science Assessment 1 @10:20-11:40am
- 5th Grade Illinois Science Assessment 2 @12:30-1:30pm
Wednesday, April 3rd
- 5th Grade Illlinois Science Assessment 3 @10:20-11:40am
Registration Opens 5/1!
204 Connect: Residency Verification Process
The district is again contracting with a third-party vendor to automatically verify student
address information. As was the case last year, we anticipate the overwhelming majority of our
families will be electronically verified.
If your residency is electronically verified, you will receive a letter of confirmation. If you
register prior to the first day of school, there will be no need to submit any additional
paperwork to certify that you live within the district’s boundaries. If you register after the first
day of school, you will need to provide additional information during online registration.
A letter will also be sent to families whose residency we are unable to verify electronically. The
letter will provide details on additional information you will need to provide during online
registration in order to register your child for the upcoming school year.
Verifying residency is an effort to protect taxpayers and district resources by identifying non-
residents attending District 204 schools. Illinois law mandates that parents demonstrate residency prior to enrollment in school and allows for periodic verification to validate
compliance with the law. Residency letters will be mailed home April 9th.
Please contact your school principal with any questions or concerns. If you have moved and will not be joining us for the 24-25 school year, please contact our main office at 630-428-6800. We thank you in advance as this helps us in our planning efforts (and will help your child's class get a head-start on the "Race to Registration" incentives this year!).
5Essentials--Thank You!
Thank you to all who provided their feedback on the Illinois 5Essentials Survey! Your input is invaluable as we partner together in your child's education. We look forward to reviewing the results and using the information for our School Improvement Planning for the 24-25 school year.
100% of our Certified Staff completed the survey
100% of our 4th and 5th grade students completed the survey
35% of our community completed the survey---Even though we didn't reach the 50% mark for our GLOW Lunch, this is still the highest particpation rate Brookale has ever had--thank you to those who took the time! Also, don't worry--students will still get chance to earn a GLOW Lunch with our PBIS incentives and more rewards to come with our Registration Incentives (Stay tuned for the fun!).
April Bobcat Trait: Flexibility
Each month we focus on one of District 204's Portrait of a Graduate Traits called our Bobcat Trait of the Month! Everyone focuses on the trait throughout the month and at least one student from each class is nominated and celebrated in the office for going above and beyond in working on the trait with a Positive Office Referral!
Our Dream Team Staff do an amazing job of talking about the Trait throughout the month through social emotional learning moments and incorporating it into their instruction. We appreciate you continuing to have conversations with your child about the trait at home, too!
With Flexibility this month we focus on:
- Flexible Thinking
- Thinking of different ways to solve problems
- Adjusting to change
REMINDERS
Reminders from the Health Office
It is important to prioritize the health and well-being of your student and the entire school community. Therefore, your student should stay home from school when they are sick.The following information is to guide your decision in determining your student’s return to school.
When can my student return to school?
Fever: should remain home until they are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications
Vomiting or Diarrhea: should remain home until 24 hours after the last episode without the use of anti-emetic or anti-diarrheal medications
Illness requiring antibiotics: may return to school when the child has completed 24 hours of antibiotic therapy
Additional information can be found on the IPSD 204 website: Health Service
COVID-19 Update for 23-24 School Year: The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) strongly encourage to follow the current CDC Operational guidance to support a safe in-person learning environment. Please refer to the IDPH School Guidance and “Staying Home When Sick” of the CDC guidance.
Know of an Incoming Kindergartner? Send them this Newsletter or Presentation!
Let's Ensure We Reach All Class of 2037 Bobcats, Small Class Sizes Depend on It!
Let's Make Brookdale the Largest Team..AGAIN! Pop Up Challenge 1
The Indian Prairie Educational Foundation (IPEF) invites you to come run or walk with Team IPEF 2024! This is our eleventh year as a charity partner with the Endeavor Health Naperville Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K race, which takes place on Sunday, October 20. Join our team of community members, parents, teachers, staff, and students to proudly represent and raise funds for your school and the programs of IPEF. Visit our Team IPEF Information and Registration Page for more information.
**As of 3/21, Brookdale is in 2nd Place for the pop up challenge #1! Top 3 Teams to make it to 11 members earn $100 directly to their school!
Trophy High Tuesdays
We know our Bobcats are showing the Bobcat Way all throughout our community as they are busy in many extra-curricular activites. We would love to give our Bobcats shout-outs during Trophy High Tuesday on the annoucements! It could be for an individual or groups of students. Submit a trophy high in the link below. We look forward to celebrating all the great things our Bobcats are doing outside of the Bobcat Den!
STEM Summer Camp 2024
Student Hours: 8:30 - 11:30 AM
Location: Granger Middle School
Cost: $175 per student
Grades K - 2
Week 1: June 4 - 6 (No camp June 3)
Week 2: June 10 - 13
Grades 3 - 8
Week 1: June 17 - 20 (No camp June 19)
Week 2: June 24 - 27
Camp Invention and Invention Project are nationally recognized K-8 summer enrichment programs that have brought authentic invention education to children across the country for more than 30 years. Each year, a brand-new curriculum is developed and tested to deliver hands-on experiences that encourage divergent thinking and are designed to spark imaginations through open-ended engagement in creative problem solving.
Let's Hear Those Bobcats Roar: Nominate for the Inspire Award!
To recognize individuals and organizations that make a meaningful and lasting impact on the students of Indian Prairie School District, District 204 is once again taking nominations for the annual Inspire Awards.
There are four categories in which nominations may be submitted:
· Inspire Award - Nominees must have demonstrated exemplary service to District 204 over a sustained period time.
· Ignite Award - Nominees must be students who are leaders and demonstrate exemplary qualities within a District 204 student organization.
· Impact Award - Nominees must be a staff member who has made a significant difference in the lives of District 204 students.
· Illuminate Award - Nominees must be a community member/organization which is dedicated to supporting District 204 students and the community.
Nominations are welcome from students, staff, parents, alumni, and community members; must include a brief description of the positive impact the individual/organization has made on the Indian Prairie community; and will be shared with those you nominate. Submit an Inspire Award Nomination here.
BROOKDALE PTA
Attention 5th Grade Parents: Order Your Class of 2024 Yard Sign
Show off your Bobcat Pride for your Fifth Grader by ordering a "Class of 2024" yard sign! Signs are $25 per student, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the fifth-grade end-of-year class party. This is a great way to support your student and celebrate their big milestone! Signs will be distributed to students at school in May.
UPCOMING DATES
Upcoming Dates
Monday, April 1st
Quarter 4 Begins!
Brainfuse Club @3:35-4:50pm in 4S/4O
Tuesday, April 2nd
- Spring Chorus @8:15am
- 5th Grade Illlinois Science Assessment 1 @10:20-11:40am
- 5th Grade Illinois Science Assessment 2 @12:30-1:30pm
- APPLES Club @3:35-5:00pm
Wednesday, April 3rd
- 5th Grade Illinois Science Assessment 3 @10:20-11:40am
- Brainfuse Club @3:35-4:40pm in 4S/4O
- Young Rembrandts @3:35-4:30pm in Art Room
Thursday, April 4th
- Kindergarten Field Trip to WV Planetarium @11:40-1:00pm
Friday, April 5th
- Spirit Day: Who Will Win the Spirit Trophy for April?
- Leadership Club @8:00am
- Men of Brookdale
- Report Cards go Live in ParentVUE @4:00pm
Upcoming Dates:
4/8 District Solar Eclipse Watch Party: Permission Required!
4/12 Busy Bobcat Store
4/15 IPSD 204 School Board Meeting
4/16 PTA Meeting-Exec Board Election
4/17 Family Dinner Night/2nd Grade Musical Program @6:00pm
4/19 Men of Brookdale/Brookdale Variety Show @7:00pm
4/25 Team IPEF: Bubble Gum is BACK!
4/26 No School-Staff Institute Day