Half Day School
Repurposing Pumpkins
“This pumpkin counting activity is engaging and offers hands-on inquiry that integrates math, science, and English Language Arts curriculum,” explained Fourth-Grade Teacher Kelly Bichkoff.
First, students listen to a story about pumpkins. The story provides them with information about pumpkins and helps them to make good estimates in the next phase of the project, Mrs. Bichkoff explained. Students then are asked to estimate the height, circumference, weight, and number of seeds inside a pumpkin. After making their estimates, students practiced using measurement tools to confirm the height, circumference, and weight of a pumpkin, then they scooped out and counted all of the seeds.
For pictures of the activity, please visit the school's Google Doc folder.
Thanksgiving Break Activities
Are you looking for indoor ideas to keep your kids engaged over break? Check out these challenging and fun ideas from Mrs. Gagamov!
Spelling Bee Registration
Students in Grades 4-8 are invited to participate in the national spelling bee online testing platform. Register your student through the Scripps National Spelling Bee website by Thursday, Dec. 1. Once registered, a spelling bee coordinator will assign the appropriate test to your child. The test will only be available on December 5-8. Your child must complete the test before the given deadline. The qualifying test will be taken at home.
Math Contest Registration Closes Friday
Half Day students have the opportunity to participate in a statewide math contest sponsored by ICTM (Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics). The deadline to apply is Friday, Nov. 18. Our school will be competing against other Illinois schools. There are individual and team competitions. There are no off-site competitions for ICTM. Scores are submitted virtually after each contest.
- Contests will take place after school until 4:30 p.m. on select dates.
- Team competition promotes cooperation among students.
- Contest questions reflect what students learn in class through the Common Core State Standards.
- The fee is $25 and should be paid on the RevTrak Web Store.
- If you have any questions, please contact Jaime Gagamov jgagamov@d103.org or Jami Reed jamireed@d103.org.
Mensa Reading Challenge
Attention all readers, the Mensa Excellence in Reading Challenge is open to all District 103 students who love to get lost in a good book. Whether you are interested in completing the challenge or just looking for a list of great books, the Mensa Excellence in Reading Challenge is for you!
- Loom Video for families
- MENSA Reading Challenge PDF advertisement and book lists
- Join Annika Shukla, pictured here, who received her free T-shirt for completing a Mensa log.
Please contact Mrs. Gagamov, jgagamov@d103.org, if you have any questions.
Claim Lost & Found Items
Please watch this short video to see if we have any of your child's lost items. Unclaimed items will be donated Monday, Nov. 21. Please mark lunch boxes, water bottles, and outdoor items of clothing with your child's name to increase the potential for a swift return!
District News
Board Member Appreciation
Lincolnshire-Prairie View School District 103 joined communities throughout the state for Board Appreciation Day to say "thank you" to local school board members on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022.
District 103 publicly recognized the efforts of its Board members and showed appreciation for their dedicated service to its students and community at the regular board meeting this week.
Please join District 103 in thanking the Board of Education members:
Anne van Gerven, President, resides in Lincolnshire, serving since 2013.
Kate Harper, Vice President, resides in Lincolnshire, serving since 2013.
Marissa Grossenbach, Board Member, resides in Lincolnshire, serving since 2017.
Michael Odongo, Board Member, resides in Buffalo Grove, serving since 2017.
Rana Hashemi-Haeri, Board Member, resides in Lincolnshire, serving since 2018.
Maria Peterson, Board Member, resides in Lincolnshire, serving since 2021.
Michael Weaver, Board Member, resides in Lincolnshire, serving since 2021.
"Board of Education members are unpaid volunteers who serve for the benefit of our students, families and staff. Their dedication and support make District 103 a leader in education and a great school system for our students to thrive," said Dr. Scott Warren, District 103 Superintendent.
The Lincolnshire-Prairie View District 103 Board of Education has provided strong leadership to help create a positive learning environment for our students to learn and grow. We appreciate their hard work and dedication to our students, staff, families and community.
District Sells Used iPads
Families are invited to purchase used iPads through Secured Tech Solutions. Visit the Secured Tech Solutions website to view available devices. Devices are processed, warrantied and sold by Secured Tech Solutions, a D103 technology partner. D103 will receive a portion of the sales. Questions about the equipment should be directed to cbb@securedtechsolutions.com or (317) 482-1613.
School Schedule Changes
As we move into November please be aware of the following changes to the school calendar:
Monday, Nov. 21: Early Dismissal for students in Grades K-8 (Teacher Conferences in Afternoon & Evening) No School for early childhood students.
Tuesday, Nov. 22, through Friday, Nov. 25: No School (Thanksgiving break).
103 Club will offer child care at the time schools dismiss for the day.
Quest Food Services does not serve lunches on Early Dismissal Days.
Please visit the calendar changes e-notice for more information.
Partnerships
Donate While You Dine
Support the D103 PTO when you dine in, drive-through or carry out from Culver's of Lincolnshire on Monday, Nov. 21. Culver's will donate 25% of all group sales back to the PTO! Please mention "D103 PTO" when placing your order.
Volunteers Needed for Fun Fair
The D103 PTO is seeking volunteers for an upcoming Half Day Fun Fair from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27. There are a wide variety of opportunities to get everyone involved at every skill level. From setting up and running the games to helping with decorating or handing out snacks, we need your assistance. If you have a special skill or unique idea that you would like to contribute to the fun fair, please send an email to hd@d103pto.org. Please sign up on the PTO Membership Toolkit. With your help, students will enjoy over 30 different carnival games and activities along with snacks and prizes.
Due to space constraints, this event is for Half Day students and parent chaperones only. Please note that this is not a drop off and pick up event, all Half Day students in attendance must enter and leave with an adult chaperone. Carpooling is highly encouraged as parking around the school is limited.
Book Fair Closes Friday
The PTO annual book fair for students and families closes Friday. Students have created their book fair “wish lists”.
Managing the Overuse of Digital Tech in Our Kids
In partnership with the Vernon Area Library, the D103 Parent Education team is excited to bring to our community Dr. Cliff Sussman, a child and adolescent psychiatrist from the Washington D.C. area.
Dr. Sussman is a pioneer in recognizing and treating Internet & video game addiction. He has regularly given presentations to parent and professional communities on this topic. As a leading expert in this field, Dr. Sussman will help parents define what excessive screen use looks like and understand how it can impact the developing brains of their children. Furthermore, he will provide us with definitions of healthy screen time for children and how to balance screen activities with off screen activities. He will discuss strategies on how to use motivational interviewing to talk to our children about topics surrounding screen time and help parents recognize the factors that may be contributing to screen overuse and addiction in their homes.
Virtual Event
- 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 6
- Learn more and register your spot on eventbrite.com
Community Events
Lincolnshire Lights
Kick off the holiday season at Lincolnshire Lights! From lighting the 40-foot holiday tree and caroling performances to DIY crafts and pictures with Santa, Lincolnshire Lights is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season with your family. Join us at Village Green from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2. Enjoy performances by musical artists from Daniel Wright and Half Day.
Poster Design Contest
Stevenson High School’s Fine Arts Department needs your artwork! Submit a poster design for our Consortium Orchestra, Choir, Band, and Jazz Concerts Submissions are due: Thursday, Dec. 1. Please see the Poster Design Contest for details.
The Center for Gifted
The Center for Gifted Fall Wonders Program in Long Grove is open for registration for grades 1-5. There are weekend classes through December. There are class details, information, and application forms on The Center for Gifted website.
Half Day Information
- Principal Jill Mau
- Assistant Principal Laura Delagrange
- 847-634-1484
- Hd_attendance@d103.org