IG PARENT NEWSLETTER
October 2019
Indian Grove Elementary School
Assistant Principal: Mrs. Amy Veytsman
Email: mcannata@rtsd26.org
Website: http://ig.rtsd26.org/Home
Location: 1340 North Burning Bush Lane, Mount Prospect, IL, USA
Phone: (847) 298-1976
Facebook: www.facebook.com/IndianGroveSchool
Twitter: @IndianGroveEdu
Message from the Principal
Happy Autumn!
Some October highlights this month include the opening of our Grover Store, field trips to the theatre and the zoo, visits from Officer Friendly, Fuel Up to Play 60 Kick-Off, PTC Pizza Night, Fire Prevention Week, the Pumpkin Patch and the continuation of many clubs and activities. All of these are in addition to the engaging curriculum that students are taught day in and day out. So far, the students seem to be very excited about all the new things they are learning and sharing with others in the classrooms.
One of the big events of this month is Halloween. There will be a packet of information coming home about how the school handles Halloween. There will be room parties, a parade, and our annual Pumpkin Patch contest in front of the school during Halloween Week.
Next month we have our first Parent/Teacher conferences. This face-to-face meeting time is an excellent opportunity for you to learn what and how your child has been doing these first months of school. Parents/guardians sign up for conferences through a link that is sent via email. The link is called Sign Up Genius and is a very convenient way to secure this time with your child's teacher.
So much of our communication from home to school depends on parents/guardians checking backpacks, checking emails and talking with your IG student. Communication is a two-way street so we encourage you to contact the school if you have concerns. This can be done by phone, email or handwritten note.
Thank you for all you do to support your child and our school!
Respectfully yours,
Mrs. L. Fisher
Principal
OCTOBER EVENTS
Tuesday - Oct 1 - IG Dancers - 3:30PM - 4:15PM in RM 53
- Birding Club - 3:30PM - 4:15PM in RM 39
- Board Meeting 6:30PM at Indian Grove
Wednesday - Oct 2 - IG Singers - 7:50 am in RM 53
- 3rd Grade Boys After School Sports - 3:30PM - 4:15PM in the Gym
- 2nd Grade Yoga Club - 3:30PM - 4:15PM in the LRC
- 4th Grade Art Club - 3:30PM - 4:15PM in RM 21
- Green Garden Club - 3:30PM - 4:15PM in RM 41
Thursday - Oct 3 - Late Arrival: 9:20 AM
- 5th Grade Boys After School Sports - 3:30PM - 4:15PM in the Gym
Monday - Oct 7 - 5th Grade Girls After School Sports - 3:30PM - 4:15PM in the Gym
Tuesday - Oct 8 - 3rd Grade Field Trip to Brookfield Zoo
- 1st-grade field trip to Goebbert's. Morning only.
- Rhythm Ensemble - 3:30 PM - 4:15PM in RM 53
- Birding Club - 3:30PM - 4:15PM in RM 39
Wednesday - Oct 9 - NON-Attendance Day (all buildings closed)
Thursday - Oct 10 - Late Arrival: 9:20 AM
- 4th Grade Boys After School Sports - 3:30PM - 4:15PM in the Gym
- 2nd Grade Grover Night - 6:30PM
Friday - Oct 11 - IG Singers - 7:50 am in RM 53
Monday - Oct 14 - No School - Holiday - Columbus Day
Tuesday - Oct 15 - IG Dancers - 3:30PM - 4:15PM in RM 53
- Birding Club 0 3:30PM - 4:15PM in RM 39
- Board Meeting 7:00 PM at the Administration Center
-All Kindergarten Physicals and Vision Exams Due
Wednesday - Oct 16 - Picture Re-take Day
- 4th Grade Girls After School Sports -3:30PM - 4:15 PM in the Gym
- 2nd Grade Yoga Club - 3:30PM - 4:15 PM in the LRC
- Green Garden Club - 3:30PM - 4:15PM in RM 41
- PTC Meeting 7 PM
Thursday - Oct 17 - Late Arrival: 9:20 AM
- Walk to School Day!
-Fuel Up To Play 60 Kick-off! Assembly 9:40 am
- 3rd Grade Boys After School Sports -3:30PM - 4:15PM in the Gym
- GCSG Meeting - 3:30PM - 4:14PM
Friday- Oct 18 - Kindergarten Officer Friendly
- 1st Grade Purple Asparagus Program
- PTC Pizza Night 5PM
Monday - Oct 21 -- 5th Grade Boys After School Sports -3:30PM - 4:15PM in the Gym
Tuesday - Oct 22 - Rhythm Ensemble - 3:30PM - 4:15PM in RM 53
Wednesday - Oct 23 - IG Singers - 7:50 am in RM 53
- 4th Grade Field Trip to the Wolves Game
- 5th Grade Girls After School Sports - 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM in the Gym
- 2nd Grade Yoga Club - 3:30PM - 4:15PM in the LRC
- Green Garden Club - 3:30PM - 4:15PM in RM 41
- 5th Grade Grover Night 7 PM
Thursday - Oct 24 - Late Arrival: 9:20 AM
- 3rd Grade Girls After School Sports - 3:30 PM - 4:15PM in the Gym
- GCSG Meeting - 3:30PM - 4:14PM
Monday - Oct 28 - 4th Grade Girls After School Sports - 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM in the Gym
Tuesday - Oct 29 - IG Dancers - 3:30PM - 4:15PM in RM 53
Wednesday - Oct 30 - 4th Grade Boys After School Sports - 3:30 PM - 4:15PM in the Gym
- 5th Grade Art Club - 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM in Room 21
- Green Garden Club - 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM in RM 41
Thursday - Oct 31 - Late Arrival: 9:20 AM
Halloween Parade - 2:20 - 2:40 PM
Room Parties - 2:40 - 3:10 with clean up at 3:10 PM
Controlling the Weather (written by Michael Josephson)
Reprinted with permission from Michael Josephson and Character Counts!©
While teachers can have a lifelong effect on the way students think, psychologist Haim Ginott has focused on a more immediate aspect of impact: the creation of a positive or negative physical and emotional environment that can determine the quality of a child's life.
"I've come to a frightening conclusion," he said. "I am the decisive element in the classroom. My personal approach creates the climate. My daily mood makes the weather. As a teacher, I possess a tremendous power to make a child's life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. It is my response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated, and a child humanized or dehumanized."
Yet as profound as this observation is for professional educators, it's even more so for parents. A parent's power to create the daily climate and lasting environment in which a child grows is so awesome it must be used consciously and responsibly.
Since our daily moods make the weather, we should try to shield our children from the thunder and lightning of our frustrations and anger. Instead of the dark clouds of cynicism, fear and depression, we should discipline our own emotions, use self-control and give them the light and warmth of love, hope and good cheer. Conscious efforts to be positive, enthusiastic, and supportive can have a huge impact not only on the emotional well-being of our children, but on their ability to experience the joys and pains of childhood in healthy and constructive ways.
Grover Store
Our Grover Store will open for business on October 7th. What’s a Grover? A Grover is our token economy at Indian Grove. Students earn them for effort and achievement. Grovers are earned for going above and beyond our LIFE RULES. Students in Grades 1 - 5 will be able to save their Grovers to spend them throughout the year. Grovers have been an integral part of our school for the past 40 years.
FUEL UP AND PLAY 60!
Fuel Up to Play 60 is an in-school nutrition and physical activity program launched by National Dairy Council and NFL, in collaboration with the USDA, to help encourage today's youth to lead healthier lives.
Parents Play a Crucial Role
As a parent, you have a more direct connection with your children than anyone else in their lives. You can elevate the importance of healthy eating and physical activity, serve as a role model and integrate healthy school strategies into your daily lives — all of which can help kids succeed both in the classroom and throughout their lives. In their school, your child will work with their Fuel Up to Play 60 team to implement Plays that successfully help to not only make positive changes in the school environment but also to develop leadership skills that can last a lifetime.
Kick-Off Activity
On Thursday, October 17th, we will be hosting a Walk/Bike to School Day for all students. We will need volunteers to walk with groups of students. Students will be encouraged to walk or bike to school rather than come in a vehicle which is a less healthy way to get to school. Look for further information coming home before this big event. Participants will be recognized and rewarded for walking or biking to school. Parents/guardians can walk/ride too! Then we wil have a visit from STALEY, the Chicago Bear! He will talk about the importance of health and fitness.
Halloween at Indian Grove School
Halloween is an exciting time for most children in our community. While some traditions are celebrated outside of school hours, we do welcome in this fall holiday with a few traditions of our own. A separate packet about Halloween will be sent home in about a week or so. The three events that take place are the Pumpkin Patch event, a costume parade around the school and the PTC hosts parties in the homerooms on Halloween. Student participation is the Pumpkin Patch and the Parade is optional. Please keep an eye out for this important packet which explains in more detail these three events. For now, just remember the dates/times listed below. Students are in school for a full (regular) day this year on Halloween.
Pumpkin Patch display - Will be the morning of Monday, October 28th - Students and families decorate uncarved pumpkins and display them in front of our school.
Costume Parade - Thursday, October 31 2:20 - 2:40 p.m.
Halloween Homeroom parties - Thursday,, October 31. 2:40 - 3:10 p.m. Parties will have fun activities and crafts for the students to do with their friends! River Trails School District implemented a “no food” policy for room parties this school year.
Halloween Homeroom party CLEAN UP (students, teachers and volunteers): Thursday, October 31 from 3:10 - 3:30 p.m.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM THE NURSE'S OFFICE
It's COMING! 10/16/2019 is the date of exclusion.
If your kindergarten, (or any new child to our State) has not met the State of Illinois requirements. We MUST have a Certificate of Child Health Examination Form completed by a health care provider, up to date vaccines, parent health history and a vision exam. Please call the health office for any questions or concerns.
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Say Boo to the Flu!!
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends all children 6 months and older should receive the flu vaccine. The AAP recommends families talk with their healthcare provider, if they have any questions.
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DONATIONS
The nurse's office is in need of girl's size 5-7 tops and pants if you have any to donate.
Thank You!
Please Label Your Belongings
and balls brought to school for recess. Thanks for all of your help!!
Dismissal Procedures
Children who walk or are picked up by parents on foot will leave by way of the north playground by door #14. Bus riders will leave by way of the main door (#1) by our office. Children who are being picked up in a vehicle will leave by the south door #6 by the kindergarten classrooms.
Indian Grove’s south parking lot has four visitor parking spaces. These are the spaces to the left when entering the lot. There are signs clearly marking the area. THESE SPACES ARE NOT TO BE USED FOR DROPPING OFF OR PICKING UP STUDENTS before and after school. These spaces are for visitors who are coming into the school for an appointment, sick child, meeting, volunteer time, etc. The rest of the spaces are reserved for staff. THERE IS NO FOOT TRAFFIC ALLOWED IN THE PARKING LOT BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL.
Visor Sign for Pick Up Vehicles
PICKING UP STUDENTS AT 4:15
Entrance to the School
Visitors must STOP IN THE OFFICE TO SIGN IN BETWEEN 7:50 AM & 4:15 PM. All doors into the school will be locked at all times including the main entrance. Visitors can be allowed in by buzzing the office outside of Door #1. This policy is not intended to discourage parents from visiting Indian Grove School, but it is simply intended to provide an additional measure of safety and security for our children. Please do not drop children off before 8:20 a.m. There is no adult supervision until 8:20 a.m. Also, if you need to drop off anything to your child after 8:40 AM, bring it to the office for delivery. Please DO NOT bring it to the room yourself. The front door will be locked by 4:30 PM each day. If you or your child needs to pick up a forgotten item, please do so before 4:30 PM.
Late Arrival Every Thursday
There is a block of time each week designed to be used for professional development for staff members. By allowing for a consistent amount of time set aside for training, we are making certain that our teachers remain highly trained in educational best practices and ensure that our students receive the very best education possible.
Only the start times for the student day are affected, the dismissal times remain unchanged. This means that students still receive the same amount of instructional time each week.
Indian Grove Student Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Friday - 8:35 AM - 3:30 PM (late bell rings at 8:40 AM). Students may be dropped off between 8:20 – 8:35 AM.
Thursday - 9:25 AM - 3:30 PM (late bell will ring at 9:30 AM). Students may be dropped off between 9:10 – 9:25 AM.School Absences
Remember to call the office when your child is absent from school. Calls can be made 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to our attendance line. Just dial 874.298.1976 and press 1. By doing this before the school day starts, it saves our staff time in trying to find out if a child is present that day. Excused absences are given for illness, doctor visits and family emergencies. All other absences are considered unexcused.
Playground Safety
Many students exit each day at 3:30 p.m. onto the north playground. Students should have an adult waiting to meet them once school is dismissed. If you wait on Barb’s Playground at 3:30, PLEASE watch your children if they are going to stay and play on the equipment. We have many students running down into the ravine (west of the equipment) and this is UNSAFE. Parents and other adults are responsible for supervising their children on school grounds once they pick them up after school.
Want to Work at IG?
Lunchroom- Playground Supervisor and Subs Needed!
If you are willing to work 3 hours a day as a lunchroom or playground supervisor or sub for this position, please contact the principal at lfisher@rtsd26.com. We have employees who do this job daily and there is still one position open. There are also times when they are ill and cannot work. There is very little training, you must be firm but friendly and you must love working with children. Values of respect and responsibility are also a must for this position.
Interested applicants must go through our district hiring procedures including securing a physical, a background check and online application. Feel free to apply online at www.rtsd26.org on Human Resources page in the District Office category within the District Info tab. It’s a great way to be involved with the school and get paid for doing it!
1st GRADE PROGRAM: PURPLE ASPARAGUS
Please mark your calendars for the monthly Purple Asparagus program. Once a month, the 1st graders will learn about nutrition and healthy eating. The dates and topics of each Purple Asparagus class during the year are:
· October 18 – Squash
· November 15 – Cranberries
· December 13 – Oranges
· January 10 - Chocolate
· February 14 – Beans
· March 13 – Roots
· April 17 – Herbs
· May 15 – Berries
2019 Fire Safety Poster Contest
Fire Prevention Week takes place October 6-12 this year. In an effort to educate students about fire safety, the Mount Prospect Fire Department annually sponsors a poster contest. The theme this year is: "Look. Listen. Learn. Be Aware. Fire can happen anywhere." Mount Prospect students are encouraged to design a poster using this year’s theme. Historically, we have many Indian Grove students who participate in this contest and many who earn 1st, 2nd or 3rd place in the Village! Please encourage your child to make a poster!
Entries are judged on originality, creativity and use of theme. All entries will receive a participation ribbon; however, a first, second and third place winner will be chosen from each grade level. All of the first place winners will then proceed to the Village-wide contest, with the final winners receiving an award from the Mayor at an upcoming Village Board meeting. Please see the flyer included in this newsletter
CONTEST RULES: Kindergarten through 5th grade students are invited to design a poster. All submittals must contain the following information (on the back of their submittal): 1. Student’s Full Name 2. Student’s Home Phone Number 3. Name of School 4. Grade Level 5. Teacher’s Name • All posters must be completed on poster board (maximum size of 16” x 20”). • Individual entries can be dropped off at the main office of the student’s school prior to the deadline. • The deadline for entries is October 9, 2019. • All entries will be returned to the students’ schools after the contest ends
Preschool Screenings Information
RTSD26 will offer preschool screenings to all District 3 and 4 year olds suspected of having a developmental delay. In addition, we will also be screening students to see if they are eligible for the ECDEC preschool program and our Bilingual Spanish Preschool program. To be eligible for these programs, families must meet specific criteria, such as speaking a second language in the home, income level, or other criteria that can be explained to you at the screening.
If you are concerned that your child has a delay in vision, hearing, motor, speech, language, cognition and/or social functioning, call 224- 612-7308 to set up a screening time. All screenings are done by appointment only and take place at Parkview. Screenings are held on Thursdays and are once a month through April.
If you are unsure if your child is developing appropriately, please consult with your child's preschool teacher or pediatrician for advice. The Center for Disease Control offers the following information: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html
Your child must be at least 3 years old at the time of screening. Screenings are staffed by educational professionals and therapists who will make recommendations for further action to parents. All screenings are at Indian Grove and by appointment only. Translation services are available. To make an appointment in Spanish, please call Mrs. Perez or Mrs. Santiago at 224-612-7402
SCREENINGS DATES: (2013/2020): 10/10, 11/14, 12/12, 1/16, 2/13, 3/12, 4/19 & 5/14
Board of Education
Your district’s Board of Education meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of every month at 7:00 PM. Meetings are held at one of the schools, mostly River Trails Middle School. At one of the semi-monthly meetings, an education report is presented. These reports highlight something special happening in the district.
You are cordially invited to attend, ask questions, and learn about the district. Copies of the Board’s agendas and minutes are posted on the district’s web site at http://www.rtsd26.org. Please contact the Superintendent’s office (847) 297-4120 x 7301 for information concerning Board meetings.
If you want a Board member to contact you, please call the Superintendent’s office and leave your name and telephone number. A Board member will return your call.