The Rams Report
The Pulse of Yorkville Elementary
A Message from the Principal
- Attendance matters. In fact, school attendance is often a baseline factor in determining student success. Ensure your child is at school, on time, every day possible. Because learning begins rights away, it is important that students are here on time. All students should be in their classrooms and ready to learn by 8:35 a.m.
- Establish homework routines. Homework encourages students to practice and improve their skills and increase their understanding of concepts. Establish a time for homework, provide a quiet work space, encourage your child to do his/her best work and ask your child to share what he/she is learning.
- Communication is key. Research shows that communication between home and school positively impacts student learning. Do not be afraid to call or email to inquire about assignments, behaviors or other questions you may have. Not only does an email or call help you to become more informed, but ultimately lets your child know that school and home work together.
Thank you for your continued support!
Mrs. Amy Foszpanczyk
The Reading Corner
Parents Can Make A Difference!
According to the National Center for Family Literacy, “parents reading with children improves children’s language skills and heightens their interest in books.” As a parent, provide the opportunity to read each day with your children and make your home reader friendly. This can be accomplished by providing a variety of reading material for your children. There are a number of ways that parents can help foster children’s love of learning. Make reading enjoyable by setting up a mini-library in your child’s bedroom, use interactive books so that they can hear a story being read to them, expose them to books from a variety of genres, or use drama to have them act out and try out different roles from a book that you read together. By reading or being read to, children are able to improve their language and develop good reading habits.
"Children are made readers on the laps of their parents." — Emilie Buchwald
January Highlights
Our 4K students completed a unit of study focusing on penguins. They also had the opportunity to explore what band and music has to offer.
Kindergarten students have started to learn about how-to writing. The first step involved the experience of following step-by-step directions to make pizza.
The first graders in Mrs. Torres' class just completed a unit on the ocean and ocean animals. A highlight of the unit was making ocean dioramas.The dioramas included real sand, seashells and starfish.
Third graders have enjoyed learning about magnets. Students had fun participating in the magnet centers in science!
Junior high buddies have been working with third grade students to practice and reinforce math facts.
Students recently completed their winter MAP assessments. Classrooms throughout the school celebrated their growth and progress. Mrs. Cates and her fifth grade class celebrated with cinnamon rolls and juice as the class met their MAPS goals for both reading and math.
Students in 4K, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 7th grades are taking part in hearing and/or vision screenings. If there are any concerns a letter will be sent home to inform parents. The students have done a great job and the younger grades look cool doing the screenings!
Students have been busy during recess. What little snow we had was transformed into a snow family!
Yorkville is in the news! Our 8th grade students created a book that includes the stories of local veterans. You can read the news article by clicking here.
Upcoming Events
- Boys' Basketball @ Salem - February 7th @ 4:00 & 5:00
- 100th Day of School - February 8th
- Scherrer Cares Buddy Bench Ceremony - February 9th @ 2:30 (Large Gym)
- Boys' Basketball Conference Tournament - February 9th
- PTO Date Night Drop-Off - February 10th from 6:00 - 9:00
- Family P.E. Night - February 13th @ 6:00 (Large Gym)
- 1st - 3rd Grade Roller Skating Trip to Traxside - February 14th
- 3rd Grade Field Trip to Golden Rondelle - February 15th
- 2nd Grade Field Trip to Golden Rondelle - February 15th
- Board Meeting - February 15th @ 5:00 (Room 112)
- Referendum Listening Session - February 15th @ 7:00 (Cafeteria)
- Advanced Band Admiral's Game Performance - February 17th @ 5:00
- 4th and 5th Grade Mid-Winter Concert - February 21st @ 9:45 a.m. & 7:00 p.m.
- PTO Meeting - February 22nd @ 6:30 (Library)
- End of 2nd Trimester - February 23rd
- Dress Rehearsal for Choral Festival - February 23rd @ 9:00
- UGHS Choral Festival - February 23rd at 7:00 (@ UGHS)
- No School - Friday, February 24th
PTO Update
Thank you for all of the Box Tops donations. A total of $767 was raised. Congratulations to Mrs. Borchardt's class and Mrs. Maydak's class. Because these students brought in the most Box Tops, they enjoyed donuts as a morning treat!
Our next event is the PTO Date Night Drop Off. Students are welcome to join in on the fun from 6:00 - 9:00 on Friday, February 10th. There will be pizza, games and crafts.
The PTO is taking part in the Home Team Advantage Program sponsored by Buffalo Wild Wings. Visit Buffalo Wild Wings between February 27th and April 2nd and show your teammate card. Buffalo Wild Wings will then donate 10% of your total bill to Yorkville Elementary. Get your teammate card by clicking here.
The next PTO meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 22nd at 6:30 in the school library. All are welcome. Hope to see you there!
Yorkville Student Working To Earn Silver Award
Marissa Polzin, an 8th grade student and the student council president, is working to earn the Girl Scout Silver Award. The Silver Award is the highest award a Girl Scout Cadette can earn. Recipients of the award must use their knowledge and leadership skills to improve their community and make a difference in the world. Please read Marissa's letter below for additional information about her project and find out how you can help.
Greetings Yorkville Rams! My name is Marissa Polzin, and I am an 8th Grade student. I am striving to get my Silver Award, and I am collecting food donations for “Donate Food and Spread the Love”. I am asking for donations to donate to a homeless shelter in Racine (Bethany’s Apartments). All donations will go to victims of domestic violence and homelessness. “Donate Food and Spread the Love” will be collected from Monday, February 6th to Tuesday, February 14th. I am asking for non-perishable healthy food items, Piggly Wiggly gift cards ($5 or $10), measuring cups, measuring spoons, or non-branded reusable grocery bags. There will be an information sheet coming home soon with more details about what types of food I will need. For a list of food items that are needed, please click here.
Thank you for your support,
Marissa Polzin