Friday Focus
February 23, 2024
In This Issue...
- A Message from Marcie
- Save the Date for VIP Day (May 2nd and 3rd)
- SEL Tools and Strategies for Families
- Bus Seating
- Traffic Reminder from the Deerfield Police
- 5Essentials Survey
- Skate night 2/25!
- Yearbooks on sale now!
- and much more...
A Message from Marcie
Thanks for a great week, South Park!
Our teachers are looking forward to sharing information with you about your child's progress at spring conferences in just a few weeks. With that in mind, we want to remind everyone that at 5:00 p.m. you will receive a separate email with an official sign up for spring conferences.
Spring conferences will be held on Thursday, March 21st from 1:00-8:00 p.m. and on Friday, March 22nd from 8:30-11:30 a.m. We will continue to offer in-person and virtual conferences on both days and hope that families who choose to travel during this time will take advantage of the virtual conference option.
Stay tuned for the official sign-up which will be sent in a separate email today (2/23) at 5:00 p.m.
Have a great weekend!
-Marcie
Save the Date for VIP Day!
More information will be coming soon, but please save the date for our first ever VIP Day! Each student will be able to invite a special guest (parent, grandparent, or other important person) to visit the classroom for thirty minutes to participate in a fun activity and see our school!
SEL Tools and Strategies for Families
At our recent SEL event for families, we shared a handout with tools and strategies for families to use at home with their children. We have a few hard copies left in the office for anyone who wants to stop by and pick one up. We are also including a digital version in the link below for families to screenshot on their phones in case you want to use these tools on the go! We hope you find them helpful!
Bus Seating
After careful consideration and in line with our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students, we have decided to implement assigned seating on the school bus. Students were given an opportunity to share the names of preferred peers to sit near on the bus and seat assignments were given to students last Thursday. This past week, we have been monitoring the seating arrangement and making changes as needed.
Assigned seating will help us maintain order and safety during transportation. In addition, the predictability of where to sit helps many students feel at ease when they board the school bus. By assigning seats, we can ensure that students are seated appropriately and arranged on the bus in a way that will create a more positive and safe bus riding experience for all of our students.
We understand that this change may be met with some questions or concerns, but please rest assured that it is in the best interest of our students' safety. We appreciate your cooperation and support as we implement this measure.
If you have any questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Traffic Reminder from the Deerfield Police
The Deerfield Police Department is asking for our help during arrival and dismissal time at South Park. We would appreciate if you would review the reminders listed below.
- Be sure not to block driveways
- Reduce your speed our school zone
- Stay off of phones
- Stay vigilant of your surroundings (students crossing roads, riding bikes, etc)
- Show patience during the 10-minute window from 8:35-8:45 a.m. and 3:25-3:35 p.m.
Kindergarten Registration Reminder
We have had great success in our kindergarten registration numbers! Remember, it’s not too late to register your child for kindergarten! Our online form is available on our registration page. Please reach out to our front office at southpark-office@dps109.org if you have any questions.
5 Essentials Survey
Dear Parents/Guardians of Deerfield 109 students,
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 Dr. Faust.
Other Important Information ⚠️
- All visitors to South Park School MUST bring a valid driver's license or state ID card to the main office before entering into the building. Beginning this year, we will collect IDs during your visit and return it to you as you leave.
- If your child is going to be absent from school, you need to call or email us by 9:00 that morning. ** Call 847-945-5895, ext. 2103 and leave a message OR ** Email Nurse Nora Moskos.
- Please follow our morning procedures, and drop your children off at their regular grade level doors. If you choose to drive through the front circle at arrival, kindly stay in your car when you drop off to help us reduce morning congestion.
- K-5 drop-off is between 8:35-8:45 a.m. Students who arrive after 8:45 a.m. will need to enter through the front door of the school, as all other doors will be locked.
- Dismissal for all Kindy and 1st-grade walkers and car riders will take place at their grade level door.
- Early Learners drop-off/pick-up info can be found here.
- When parking in our Birchwood parking lot, please remember that our preschoolers are dropped off and picked up by the west end (closest to the school). Sometimes, their parents' cars can block a parked car from exiting for a few minutes. To avoid that, we suggest that you park closer to Birchwood Avenue.
Important Dates 📅
Monday, March 4
- No School - Casimir Pulaski Day
- Early Release at 11:40 a.m.
- Parent-Teacher Conferences - 1:00-4:00 p.m. and 5:00-8:00 p.m.
- Non-Attendance Day for Students
- Parent Teacher Conferences from 8:30-11:30 a.m.
- Spring Break
- School Resumes
Thursday, May 2 and Friday, May 3
- VIP Day
Fine Arts Night:
Thursday, April 18th - 4:00-5:30
Upcoming Music Concert Dates:
- Kindergarten - Wednesday, April 10 @ 6:00
- Early Learners - Wednesday, April 10 @ 5:00