BG eNews
September 22, 2023
Notes from Mrs. Klueppel
SEPTEMBER
9/22 - Pick-A-Time opened today!
9/22 - BG Student Town Hall
9/27 - 2:10 Early Dismissal
9/28 - BG Shopping Day for Grades K, 2, 4
9/29 - Student Council Spirt Day - Wear PJs !
OCTOBER
10/2 - Pick-A-Time Closes at 11:59 pm
10/5 - No School (Parent/Teacher Conferences)
10/6 - No School (Parent/Teacher Conferences)
10/9 - No School (Columbus Day)
10/10 - Picture Retake Day
10/20- No School (School Improvement Day)
10/25 - 2:10 Early Dismissal
10/26 - BG Shopping Day for Grades 1, 3, 5
2nd/3rd Grade Lunch/Recess Time Update - Starts Monday, 9/25
- 2nd Grade will continue eating lunch at 12:15 PM and going to recess after
- 3rd Grade will now go to recess first and then eat lunch at 12:35 PM
Arrival Time
Students are in attendance from 8am-3pm. Doors open at 7:45am. Students may not exit their cars until 7:45 am or until morning supervisors are visible.
Please be respectful of classroom instruction
We appreciate our volunteers and value your time. When you are in the building for any reason, please be respectful of classroom instruction and do not make unexpected visits to your child's classroom. Thank you for helping us minimize classroom disruptions.
Lost & Found
Is your child missing a jacket or water bottle? Please remind them to check our lost & found. We encourage students to check the lost & found for missing items, but please remind them at home as well. Lost & Found is currently located in the café so every student has an opportunity to check it DAILY. It is very helpful to label your child's belongings so that they can be returned to them when misplaced.
Recess Zones
This year we instituted BG Recess Zones. The launch of our recess zones didn’t go as expected. The painting of the games was delayed, then we had multiple hot weather days when we couldn’t be outside, and the lack of clear communication to families only magnified the problems. In an effort to provide the missing details related to our recess zones, we’d like to take a moment to more clearly explain the why behind our zones and what the zones really look like for students.
Our top priority is always safety. Bell-Graham is fortunate to be one of the only buildings that is fully staffed with their lunchroom/recess personnel. Fully staffed this year means six supervisors each day. The advantage we have is that each recess zone has one supervisor assigned to the zone. This allows for a lower ratio of student to adult supervision. The two additional supervisors are able to to float between the zones, again adding more active supervision to all the zones.
In addition, we have two grade levels eating lunch together and having recess at the same time. As this allows for better supervision and support in the lunchroom, it also means more students on the playground. In previous years when we had one grade level outside at a time, we had to split our lunchroom supervisors so that some were supervising lunch and some were supervising recess. With this model, we eliminated the need to have less supervision in any area. We increased our supervision and support in both areas.
This model comes in response to observations Dr. Dieckman and I have shared over the past few years; for some students, recess can be can be a primary stressor in their day; some students have not experienced “free play” and therefore aren’t skilled at initiating play; some students have been creating very imaginative games that are not appropriate for school; the need for more direct supervision at certain activities such as the climbing equipment; more supervision at our gross motor sports such as soccer and football. With these needs, there are also the social and behavioral struggles that we address on a daily basis. Creating structured games and activities provides students with predictable routines that help them feel more confident and secure.
We acknowledge that for some students recess is the highlight of their very structured day. A time for free play or a time to play their favorite sport. Our objective is not to limit those students, nor is it to take away their only free choice time of the day, but rather to ensure all students are enjoying that 20 minute time in a safe environment.
We have included a map below of the zones along with the various activities students can play within each zone. Free play is always a choice in every zone. Students are assigned zones every other day. For example: 5th grade will be in zones 1 & 2 on Monday, while 4th grade will be in zones 3 & 4 on Monday. On Tuesday, the grade levels swap. This alternating pattern continues each day.
In short, this is meant to be a preventative model. Preventing injuries, preventing negative social interactions, preventing inappropriate behaviors, and preventing isolation of students. Growing pains can be expected with anything new. Please know that Dr. Dieckman and I continue to monitor the success of the zones. Our next steps will be to conduct Student Focus Groups with students from different grade levels to hear their perspectives as well.
- Zone 1: Hopscotch, basketball hot shot, sensory path, 4-square, ABCD Circle, free play
- Zone 2: Playground, free play
- Zone 3: 4-square, mirror me, number grid, target toss, walking path, twister, free play
- Zone 4: Football field, soccer field, free play
Volunteer Process
Volunteers Needed for BG Best Shop
Student Handbook & Electronic Devices in School
2023-24 Elementary School Handbook
Electronic Devices in School
Phones/Smart Watches
Students are extended the privilege of possessing phones/smartwatches on school grounds; however, their use is limited to after-school dismissal and non-school days. These devices must be in the off position, or not used once the student arrives on campus until the end of the school day
Pick-A-Time for Parent Teacher Conferences
Parent directions for accessing Pick-A-Time and selecting in-person/virtual meetings.
If you would like to schedule a conference with one or more of the Special Area Teachers, (PE, Art, Music, Empower,) please contact that teacher directly to set up a time to meet. BG Staff Directory
Free Riverview Child and Family Therapy Event
Be sure to RSVP Below
We have partnered with Riverview Child and Family Therapy to provide a free parent evening on Thursday, October 12. The session will be approximately 1 hour long and be presented in the Bell Graham school Cafeteria by a licensed clinical professional counselor.
THIS IS AN ADULT ONLY EVENT, NO CHILDREN ALLOWED. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Date: Thursday, October 12, 2023
Time: 6:00-7:00
Tips for a Successful School Year Start out on the right foot this year with strategies to help decrease homework battles and improve your child's independence as a student.
Kick A Thon 2023 Fundraiser
The annual St. Charles Community Kick-A-Thon is a collaborative fundraising event between the Dance Teams from St. Charles East and St. Charles North High Schools that unites our community and promotes wellness, camaraderie, and charitable giving.
Picture Retake Sign-Up for 10/10
1) If your child missed picture day on 8/28
OR
2) you would like your child to have their picture retaken
Click here to sign your child up for picture retake day!
The prepay website closed at midnight on 8/28. If you missed prepaying you will have a chance to order pictures with your child's Ticket Code. When placing an order after Picture Day with a Ticket Code a shipping fee will be added on and picture packages will be shipped directly to the home.
Ticket Codes will be delivered with the bulk picture package order approximately three weeks post Picture Day. Link to order with ticket code. (you can't place and order until the individual student ticket codes are delivered to the school)
Please email Color Portraits directly with any ordering questions.
Upcoming Early Release
Car Tags
For car riders, we use a Visor Tag System. Each family should have received a car tag that has the family last name and the class codes of students in the family. The use of this visor tag expedites our car rider line tremendously as staff members are able to get students ready for their cars as the cars pull up! Please display the tag on your passenger side visor, or passenger side window, so that it is visible to the BG staff as you pull through the pick-up line.
If you need additional visor tags, please email Mrs. Kirincich.
Bell-Graham Attendance Line
Call 331-228-2100
- Absences should be called in by 7:45 AM
- You can leave a message 24 hours a day
- State your child’s name, their teacher's name and the reason why your child is out.
- If they are ill, please list their symptoms.
You are also welcome to email absence information to Kristin Cloy in the main office.
Prearranged Absence Form:
Prearranged absence forms are to be used for absences known in advance such as a planned vacation.
Leaving Early
PICKING UP YOUR CHILD EARLY?
Please call the office when you are 5 minutes away and we will have your child ready and waiting for you at the office. You will have to press the buzzer to come inside the vestibule to sign them out on our iPad. 331-228-2100
Health Office
Health Office
REMINDER!
Please turn in your required health forms to the Health Office! If you are missing any health records you will be contacted in the next week.
Kindergarten and Students new to Illinois- Physical, Vision, Dental, Health survey Students who are new to Illinois need to have these on Illinois
2nd Grade- Dental
3rd Grade- Updated Health Survey
All of the forms are linked here for your convenience or you can go to the District Website and find them in the parent section under Forms. We will be sending home letters to the students who have missing medical records after Labor Day weekend.
Please reach out if you have any questions. Feel free to send any communication, including health forms, to bel-nurses@d303.org to ensure that all of our Bell Graham nurses receive this important information pertaining to your student(s)The health office direct line is 331-228-2104.
Thank you!
Kerisa Martini Espinosa, RN
LeeAnna Anzaldi,MSN, RN, PEL-ILSN
BG PTO
RESTAURANT FUNDRAISER - 9/27
Our next restaurant fundraiser will be hosted by Chipotle on Wednesday, September 27th. 33% of the proceeds will benefit BG! The online ordering code is: 8PBQGWZ. If you go in person, just present the flyer.
SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR-9/27-10/5 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The beloved annual Book Fair is back! The book fair will officially begin on Monday, October 2nd and run through Wednesday, October 4th for students with preview days for their classes on September 27th-29th. We will also be hosting PARENT shopping events in the evening on Monday, October 2nd and during Parent Teacher Conferences on October 5th.
To simplify your student’s shopping experience, you can create an ewallet for them to make purchases without any cash necessary. Cash is accepted, but please keep in mind to account for tax. Please use this link to setup your student’s ewallet https://www.scholastic.com/bf/bellgrahames
We couldn't offer the Book Fair without the support of parent volunteers. PLEASE SIGN UP for a time slot of this upcoming event on the sign up-genius link here.
FALL FEST - 10/13
Please join us on Friday the 13th from 3:30 to 7 p.m. at Windy Acres Farm located at 37W466 Fabyan Parkway, Geneva, IL 60134 for Bell Graham's Fall Fest! Kids are welcome to wear their Halloween costumes.
Beat the lines and purchase your wristbands now here! Wristbands are $15 per kid, $10 per adult, and children 2 and under are free. Presale ends October 11th. You will pickup your wristbands at checkin.
There is fun for all ages at Windy Acres including a train, jumping pillow, zip lines, petting zoo and more! Not to mention boozy treats for the parents. The much loved cake walk will also return in the BG tent along with the spooky nails and hair salon and more.
In order to make this event a success, we need your help and support. Please consider signing up to donate items needed for the Fall Fest as well as volunteer during the event here. We appreciate all of your help and support!
HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR!
The train is a bonus attraction that will run continuously all evening for free for all families to enjoy thanks to our generous sponsor Blondies Beef, owned by the Gonzalez family. We cannot thank this BG family enough! Please help us show them our gratitude by purchasing some yummy steaks. They offer specialty cut steaks mailed directly to you or your special person to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and holidays. They are offering a special discount to BG families as well! Use the code FALLFEST at checkout to save 10%. https://blondiesbeef.com/
CHESS CLUB - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The BG PTO would love for your student(s) to learn how to play chess or challenge their existing skills. No experience is necessary. Fall Chess Club runs from September 29th to December 8th. Classes are on Fridays from 3:00-4:00 p.m. (no class on 10/6, 10/20 and 11/24). Please use the below flyer for instructions on how to register through our vendor Chess Scholars. Use the link here. This one fills up quick, so be sure to jump on it!
We couldn't offer this program without the support of parent volunteers. PLEASE SIGN UP for a time slot of this upcoming session on the sign up-genius link here. The task is only signing kids in and out, so easy peasy! We will have to cancel a class if we do not have volunteers for the day.
STOCK THE STAFF SNACK CLOSET
It's time for our annual stocking of the staff snack closet! Please consider donating a box of goodies to be enjoyed by our amazing BG staff. Items can be dropped off at the school at anytime. Please use the signup here.
DIRECTORY SPOT
The BG School Directory is LIVE! If you find any of your information on your account is incorrect, or you would prefer it is removed, you may update it by logging into your account on a laptop or desktop computer at directoryspot.net. If you need to create an account, please use the email you use in pushcoin. If you still need access, please pay your PTO dues thru pushcoin and we will activate your account! You only need to pay the dues once per family annually.
WEBSITE
For additional information on the PTO please visit our website or our Bell Graham Elementary PTO Facebook page.
________________________________________________________________________________________
Any questions or comments? Please contact our PTO President Kate Bennett at kate.bennett82@yahoo.com or 630.461.7606.
Student Council Spirit Day - Wear PJs 9/29
Therapy Dogs
Morning Arrival Therapy Dogs
Please reach out to Dr. Dieckman or Julianna Harmon if you have any questions.
Walk & Roll to School Day 10/4
Bell-Graham Resources
Bell Graham Elementary School
Website: bellgraham.d303.org
Location: 4N505 Fox Mill Blvd St. Charles, IL 60175
Phone: 331-228-2100
Facebook: facebook.com/BellGrahamElementary
Twitter: @BellGrahamD303
CUSD 303 Information
Big Hearts of Fox Valley
For the 10th year in a row, D303 is again partnering with Big Hearts of Fox Valley, which supports families in need during the holiday season. Big Hearts of Fox Valley Holiday Giving Program's purpose is to provide holiday gifts for D303 students and their younger siblings whose families face significant financial hardship. Through Big Hearts, members of the D303 community anonymously shop for wish list items. D303 social workers will review applicants. If you are struggling and facing significant financial hardship and would like assistance providing holiday gifts to your children, click here. If you would like to help Big Hearts by "adopting" a child this Holiday season, click here. You can visit the Big Hearts of Fox Valley website for more information.