Friday Focus
March 8, 2024
In This Issue...
- A Message from Marcie
- DPS109 Instrumental Music Fundraiser!
- West Side Classic - March 13th from 4:00-5:00
- Kids Heart Challenge Wellness Week
- The Great American Eclipse of 2024
- VIP Day RSVP (May 2nd and 3rd)
- 5Essentials Survey
Don't miss the PTO Spotlight:
- Yearbooks on sale until March 22nd!
- West Side Classic 3/13
- and much more...
A Message from Marcie
Thanks for a great week, South Park!
By now, we hope that families have signed up for Parent-Teacher Conferences. If not, please click here to sign up on either Thursday, March 21st from 1:00-8:00 p.m. and on Friday, March 22nd from 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Don't forget to change your clocks tomorrow night. It's already time to spring ahead!
Have a great weekend!
-Marcie
DPS109 Instrumental Music Fundraiser!
Last night, we enjoyed performances from our band and orchestra students at the Potbelly's Fundraiser. Thank you for supporting our young musicians in DPS109, and bravo to all performers!
Join Us for the West Side Classic - Wed. 3/13 from 4:00-5:00 PM
Kids Heart Challenge Wellness Week
Kids Heart Challenge has officially kicked off! Our kids will feel good by doing good, knowing they made a difference for kids just like them!
- Start by downloading the Kids Heart Challenge APP or click this link [HERE] to sign up
- Complete Finn’s Missions: learn TWO lifesaving skills as a family TONIGHT!
- Become a Heart Hero: Send emails/e-cards on the website or texts via the app to invite friends and family asking for support.
Watch the official kick-off video Here to get to know our heart heroes!
PLUS, this Online Envelope will show you all the thank you gifts your student can earn.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
The Great American Eclipse of 2024
On Monday, April 8th, there will be a nearly total solar eclipse (~93% coverage) visible from Deerfield. The eclipse will begin at 12:51 PM and culminate at 2:07 PM before concluding at 3:22 PM. Being so close to the path of totality is rare, which makes this event a valuable opportunity. In fact, there won't be another total solar eclipse visible from North America until 2045, so this could be considered a generational opportunity.
To take advantage of this rare and impressive experience, the district has purchased eclipse glasses for all students and staff. As the event gets closer, please help us remind your child that regardless of when they view the eclipse and for how long, it is imperative that the solar eclipse only be viewed through the provided eclipse glasses, which have been manufactured according to ISO safety standards. Sunglasses do not count. At no time will it be safe to view this eclipse from Deerfield without eclipse glasses. Failure to wear approved eclipse glasses while observing a solar eclipse can result in permanent vision damage. As such, it is essential that this safety protocol be emphasized to students and enforced should the need arise. If a student refuses to wear eclipse glasses while attempting to view the eclipse, they will be directed indoors where they can be otherwise occupied during the eclipse viewing.
We look forward to enjoying this rare and wondrous display of nature with our school community on April 8th!
VIP Day Info
Dear South Park Families,
This morning we shared information via email about RSVPing for our very first VIP (Very Important Penguin) Day which will be held on Thursday, May 2, 2024 and Friday, May 3, 2024.
Each student will be able to invite one 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!
Please note that all VIPs should be at least 16-years-old so that they can be screened through our visitor management system.
VIP Day Details:
Please RSVP before Friday, April 19, 2024 to sign up for VIP Day. You can RSVP by completing the form in Dr. Faust's email (send this morning) or by clicking on the appropriate link below for your child's grade level.
You will need to fill out the RSVP form for each child who will have a VIP
VIPs MUST have a DRIVER’S LICENSE or STATE ID. We cannot let you in without it.
We recommend that VIPs stop by the South Park office prior to VIP Day
(Monday 4/29, Tuesday 4/30, or Wednesday 5/1) to have their IDs scanned through the school’s visitor management system. VIPs can have their IDs scanned the day of the event, but they will need to wait in line and they may risk the chance of being late.ONLY VIPs who have signed up in advance will be allowed to attend.
The VIP should arrive through the school's front center doors at least 10 minutes before the grade's specific time to sign in.
If your VIP cannot make the event or changes need to be made to who is coming as a VIP, please contact your child’s teacher prior to their assigned date so we know who to expect or we can make arrangements to ensure all students have a special person available!
RSVP LINKS FOR THURSDAY, MAY 2
RSVP LINKS FOR FRIDAY, MAY 3
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 📅
Thursday, March 21
- 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