Southwest Elementary Newsletter
November 2018
Message from Mr. Hofer
Welcome to November! I hope that your experiences with parent teacher conferences were positive and you were able to connect with your child's teacher. Working in partnership is the best way to help our children reach their potential! An especially big thank you to our PTA for the wonderful dinners provided on both nights for teachers!
Please take the Parent/Teacher conference survey by clicking the link below. We will use the data to plan future conferences. Thank you!
It appears that Fall has officially arrived and looks like there is no turning back! We will continue to go outside for recess during cold weather. Please make sure your student(s) are bringing warm clothing with them to school. It is a good idea to make sure that warm jackets, stocking hats, gloves/mittens are sent with your child(ren) and are labeled.
A reminder that we have an 11:30 dismissal on Friday November 2nd for teacher in-service training.
Sincerely,
Mr. Hofer
Winter Weather Reminders
All children will be outside when the "feels like" temperature reaches 10 degrees and above. Please dress accordingly. The children will be inside for recess on days that "feels like" temperature is under 10 degrees.
To determine this temperature we will utilize www.weather.com.
Nursing Notes
In the upcoming months, we usually start seeing more illnesses as children spend more time indoors. Below are a few reminders to consider:
- Students must be fever free (without medication) for 24 hours prior to returning to school.
- If your child has been vomiting or has diarrhea, please do not send your child to school until they are able to tolerate solid foods without vomiting or having loose stools.
- If your child needs to take medication during the day (either prescribed or over the counter), a parent or guardian needs to fill out a medical authorization form and turn into the nurse. Medication needs to be brought in by an adult.
Changes in Transportation
If your child has a change in their normal routine for transportation:
- Please send a written note to your child(ren)'s teacher informing them of the change.
- Indicate on the note the name of anyone other than yourself that may be picking up your child.
- If the change happens during the school day, a call needs to be made by 2:00 pm in order to ensure communication and changes get relayed on time.
- Do not email transportation changes to your child's teacher as they may not be able to check their email during the school day.
Child Mind Institute
When a child is struggling, the whole family is affected. The Child Mind Institute's goal is to help you make good decisions for your kids and navigate the challenges of parenting. They explore concerns and challenges they hear most from parents and provide expert guidance on how to respond in the most effective way. If you have a child who needs support, they offer resources that can help you get the best care for your child and the best outcome for your family.
MAP Testing
This fall all 1st through 5th grade students took a test in English Language Arts and Mathematics through an online testing program, Measuring Academic Progress (MAP). MAP is an interactive adaptive assessment that will help teachers evaluate the progress and instructional needs of their students throughout the school year. Your 1st through 5th grade student will take a Fall, Winter, and Spring MAP assessment during the 2018-19 school year. Kindergarten students will take the Winter and Spring assessments this year.
We will be sending home results after our Winter administration of MAP. This will allow students to have two data points to see both their attainment and growth gains.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to let Mr. Hofer know.
November Calendar
November 2- Early Dismissal at 11:35 am – School Improvement
Mrs. Fryrear’s Fall Party; 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
4th Grade Fall Parties; 10:30 – 11:25 a.m.
5th Grade Fall Parties; 10:30 – 11:15 a.m.
November 5 - November 9- PTA “Change for Change” Week – voting on the new playground equipment
November 5- Kindergarten 50’s Day!
November 7- Recess Running Club
November 9- Recess Running Club
Mrs. Everett’s Fall Party; 1:30 – 2:15 p.m.
Mrs. Ade’s Fall Party; 1:30 – 2:15 p.m.
November 14- Ag in the Classroom; K, 1, 2
Recess Running Club
November 16- School Store is Open; 7:30 – 8:00 a.m.
Recess Running Club (last one for this fall)
Mrs. Arnold’s Fall Party; 1:30 – 2:15 p.m.
Mrs. Gladfelter’s Fall Party; 2:00 – 2:45 p.m.
Mrs. Cruikshank’s Fall Party; 2:00 – 2:45 p.m.
Mr. Helling’s Fall Party; 2:00 - 2:45 p.m.
November 19-23- No School – Thanksgiving Break
November 30- PTA Scrip fundraiser begins (due back Dec. 7th)
Southwest Elementary School
Email: bhofer@geneseoschools.org
Website: https://geneseoschools.org/southwest/
Location: 715 South Center Street, Geneseo, IL, United States
Phone: (309) 945-0699
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Southwest-Elementary-School-Geneseo-IL-206219249417001/