The Fernway Flash
April 1, 2024
Hello Fernway Families,
I hope you had an enjoyable and restful spring break! I simply cannot believe that we have entered the month of April. This school year is going so, so fast! We have much to look forward to in the last few. months of school.
The third quarter ends on Friday, April 5th., Grades will be released on Friday, April 12th via Infinite Campus.
Students in third, fourth, and fifth grades will be involved in IAR testing this month. Our window for testing is April 8th through 19th.
This month our PTO is sponsoring a Family Night at the Chicago Bulls, Muffins with My Miss., and a Family Dance. Details will be coming home soon.
These are just a few of our April Happenings. Read further to learn more about what is going on at Fernway.
Respectfully,
Mrs. Hutchinson
Principal
Important Dates in April
4/2 - Registration for the 2024-2025 School Year Opens
4/5 - Spirit Day - Relax and Don't Sweat The Test - Wear sweats to school
4/5 - End of Third Quarter
4/8 - District IAR Testing Window Opens
4/9 - PTO's Family Night at The Chicago Bulls Game
4/10 - No School
4/12 - Report Cards Released via Infinite Campus
4/17 - PTO's Muffins with My Miss. @ 7:00 am (details coming soon)
4/18 - Board of Education Meeting 7:00 @ District Administration Center
4/19 - District IAR Testing Window Closes
4/19 - PTO Family Dance (details coming soon)
4/24 - Beginning Band Spring Concert
4/29 - Fifth Grade Step Up Day at Prairie View
4/29- PTO Meeting 6:00 @ Fernway
IAR Testing
Students will complete one section of either the Math test or English Language Arts test each day. Please make sure your student comes to school on time and with a fully charged iPad. We will also have days designated for make-up testing during the testing window.
We will have a school wide spirit day on Friday, April 5th to send us into State Testing on a positive note. On Friday, our theme will be Relax and Don't Sweat The Test. Students are encouraged to wear sweats to school that day.
Online Registration Opens Tuesday, April 2 in Infinite Campus
Early Childhood/Preschool (EC/P), Kindergarten, and returning student registration for the 2024-25 school year opens online on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. Families who register their students and pay their fees or set up a payment plan through the Business Office (708-342-5513) by Tuesday, April 30, 2024, will receive an early registration discount. Please visit ksd140.org/registration for detailed information, including fees, health forms, busing, residency verification, and step-by-step directions for registering your student.
Hot Lunch and Treat Days Coming Up
4/3 Lucky Dog Lunch
4/5 Ice Cream Treat Day
4/12 Cookie Treat Day
4/17 Panda Express Lunch
4/24 Culver's Lunch Day
4/26 Donut Treat Day
Morning Student Drop Off Reminders
Mornings are hectic for everyone as we try to get the kids to school, get to work, and start our day. I want to remind parents dropping off students in the morning that our procedures are in place with the safety of all students in mind.
Nothing has changed with the procedures. However, here are a few reminders to help ensure all are safe.
- Pull all the way forward in the arrival lanes.
- Follow the Stop and Drop system. Have your child get ready so they can exit the car quickly. Give your hugs at home and put any last-minute items in the backpack before you arrive at the school.
- This is very IMPORTANT: Please do not park and allow your children to walk through the line of cars unsupervised. Walking through the cars is so dangerous and it is difficult for drivers to see our little ones if they walk out between two parked cars. I do not want anything happening to our kids.
- FRONT DOOR Arrival - Kindergarten through 5th grade parents/guardians should only use Lane 1 (not the bus lane). The bus lane is reserved for busses and patrol students arriving before 7:45. (Patrol parents if you arrive after 7:45, you will need to get in the regular lane of traffic. Also please drive slowly and be alert if you are in the bus lane before 7:45). Preschool - You use rows 3 and 4 and will be escorted to the door by staff members.
- For the safety of all, please stay in your lane until it moves forward. Do not pull out of line to go around the cars in front of you.An additional reminder: Although we love our dogs, they should not be brought up to school during arrival and dismissal unless they are in the car. I would hate to have a accidental bite or scratch occur.
Once again, thank you for your cooperation. We want all of our students to arrive at school safely.
Social Emotional Wellness
Times may be uncertain, but rest assured, we are here for you and your family. As we forge ahead together, please know we have resources to help. Do not hesitate to reach out to your Social/Emotional leaders at Fernway:
School Counselor
Lindy Darovic
School Social Workers
Michelle Roeder
Melissa Peterson
Crisis & Support Hotlines:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
24/7 free & confidential support & crisis resources
Crisis Textline: text CONNECT to 741741
24/7 text message support for those in crisis.
Between Friends: 1-800-603-HELP (1-800-603-4357)
24/7 domestic violence crisis line
Call 4 Calm: Text “TALK” or “HABLAR” to 552-020
Free Emotional Support Text Line
Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline: 1-888-293-2080
24/7 Chicago rape hotline for survivors of sexual violence & their significant others
Illinois Warm Line: 1-866-359-7953
Peer & Family mental health support by phone, weekdays M-F 9 AM-5 PM
NAMI Chicago local resources & referral helpline: 312-563-0445
Compassionate support & personalized referrals M-F 9 AM-5 PM, Sat 9-1
If you or someone you love is experiencing an immediate, life-threatening mental health crisis, call 911, clearly state that the individual is experiencing a mental health emergency, and ask that a Critical Incident Team officer responds to the situation. A Critical Incident Team officer is trained in handling psychiatric emergencies.