The Central Scoop
February 2, 2018
From the Principal's Desk...
Dear Parents,
Teachers are busy preparing report cards for all of our students. Report cards will be accessible to parents online starting Wednesday, February 7th at 9:00 am. To access report cards, navigate to https://ps.wilmette39.org and sign in. If you do not remember your user credentials, use the "Forgot Username" or "Password?" link. If that doesn’t resolve your issue, please contact Sallie or Cathy in the front office. If you have not accessed report cards before, an email will be sent to you on Monday, February 5th to explain the process and help you create an account. As a reminder, the format of the report is new this year. To assist with the change, I'm attaching two pdf documents (How to Read the Revised Report Card and Behaviors that Promote Learning) for your reference when reviewing your child's report.
As a highlight from this week, I'm sharing a few pictures below of Ms. Rose’s first grade student "experts" as they prepared a special lesson for their fourth grade buddies in Mrs. Meneese’s class. The first graders read a non-fiction text to their buddies, while also teaching them a key word they had prepared.
We are looking forward to celebrating Valentine's Day on Wednesday, February 14th. We encourage children to share valentines with each member of the class. However, please do not attach candy to the valentines. This is a safety precaution for students with food allergies and other health needs. You may attach fun trinkets such as stickers, pencils, tattoos, erasers, etc. Thank you for helping us keep our students safe!
As a reminder, today is a half day for the students. Morning kindergarten classes attend 8:35 am-10:00 am (no afternoon kindergarten classes today). Grades 1-4 attend 8:35 am - 11:55 am.
Have a wonderful weekend,
- Becky
Rebecca Littmann
Principal
Central Elementary School
School & District Announcements and Reminders...
Chess Winners!
We are excited to announce that Central Elementary won 2nd PLACE TEAM amongst all the Non-Ratedplayers on January 28th, 2018, 109th Kumbaya Chess Tournament at Niles North High School. This tournament is an officially recognized tournament by the United States Chess Federation, the governing body of chess in the U. S. Congratulations to the participating players and the entire Central School chess team!
Friday Early Dismissal Update
We have all had time to adjust to the Friday early dismissal for grades 1-4. Managing the logistics has been challenging across the District, and at Central too. So, we are initiating a change for next school year. We know this may mean some additional planning for a handful of parents, so we wanted to give you plenty of notice.
With the start of the 2018-2019 school year, 2:15pm-3:15pm supervision for our Friday Early Dismissal will be offered only to families who meet one of following criteria:
Your child attends the Park District After School Recreation Program and takes the 3:15pm bus from Central School to the Wilmette Park District Recreation Center.
You have a child in grades 1-4 who has a sibling in PM kindergarten.
Your child participates in a Friday After School Park District 3:15pm club at your home school (Central).
As we did last year, we will send out material in the summer for you to sign up your child, if eligible, for the Friday supervision.
Kindergarten Registration Going on NOW!
Registration is taking place NOW at each elementary school. The necessary forms are posted online and can be completed in advance. Parents need to come in to school to register their child(ren), bringing along an original copy of their child’s birth certificate and two documents that provide proof of residency (details online). Please go to this link to learn more information and to download the necessary enrollment forms:
http://www.wilmette39.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=360930&pageId=7232367
New Trier Township Innovation & Tech Expo
We’re reaching out to let you know of an event being planned called the New Trier Innovation & Tech Expo. This free event is an opportunity for parents to attend and hear about how technology is being used throughout the township. All New Trier Township schools will be participating in this joint mini-conference taking place Saturday, April 28, 2018. It will be held at New Trier Winnetka Campus, 385 Winnetka Avenue, Winnetka, IL, from 8:30am to 12pm.
In addition to saving the date, if you have something of interest to present, parents are welcome to submit proposals to the committee. Click here to submit your proposal by February 9, 2018.
New First Graders for 2018-19 - Important Enrollment Information
If you have an incoming 1st grader for next year, who is currently at a private school for kindergarten, please let our office know. We are watching 1st grade enrollment carefully because it will impact class sections, class sizes, and staffing for next year.
Summer School Enrichment Program
- Summer School begins Wednesday, June 20th and runs through Tuesday, July 24th.
- The brochure will be available online starting January 16th for viewing only
- Registration begins February 5th @ 9:30 am.
Call Central School "Safe Phone" For Absences: 847-512-6150
Please call the "SAFE" (absence) phone to report absences even if you let the classroom teacher knows, because some teachers don't see the email/voicemail until later in the day. Teachers assume you are calling the office. It's important that the school nurse is directly aware of any absences otherwise, your son/daughter may be considered "missing." The school nurse keeps track of all school absences in the building. For safety reasons, we want to make sure all of our students are accounted for and safe.
Central School is on Twitter!
- We have TWO Twitter accounts. Please "follow" us at Twitter.com! Explore Central 39 (with our actual "handle" as @explorecentral). With this account, we mostly share student activities that are completed in the Learning Commons (but other activities are often included as well). We are also providing this Twitter feed on our Central School homepage.
- There is also a principal page @BeckyLittmann where you can follow a variety of school happenings including professional development, student activities, parent involvement, and school goals.
PTA Announcements and Reminders...
* The PTA sends out their own newsletter on Sundays - here are just a few highlights
J.P. McCarthy's Night to Benefit Central Elementary, Next Thursday, February 1st
Mention Central School when you eat J.P. McCarthy's next Thursday, 2/1 and 20% of all sales will benefit Central. Order take-out, have it delivered, or eat there. With delicious pizzas, salads, pastas, and more, your can take the night off from cooking all in the name of supporting your child's school. Please put next Thursday, February 1st in your calendar and check out the menu or use this link to order online:
https://www.jpspizza.com/order-online
PARENT PADDLE TENNIS PARTY
Come get your game on at the paddle tennis courts in Wilmette! Join us for a parent party from 6:30-10PM for fun paddle action on the courts with beer, snacks & pizza in the party hut. You can BYO wine/beer as well. New to paddle? No worries - paddle pro Chris Maglocci will be on court teaching newcomers & giving tips. Proceeds benefit Central School. Spots are limited so sign up HERE today.
Link for the SUG: https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/4090e4daeab28a2fa7-paddle
Community Announcements...
Little Legends Soccer Academy offers soccer training for boys & girls ages 2-8.
- Wilmette Historical Museum celebrates African American History Month February 11th 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Family Action Network (FAN)
Click HERE for information about FAN and upcoming speakers.
Additional information on community events can be found here http://www.wilmette39.org/news/community_events
Upcoming Events...
- 2/2 - Half Day of School - Morning kindergarten classes attend 8:35 am-10:00 am, No afternoon kindergarten classes, Grades 1-4 attend 8:35 am - 11:55 am
- 2/7 - Parent's Can Access Report Cards Online
- 2/7 - PTA Meeting @ 9:00am (presentation by Central Staff on differentiation)
- 2/19 - No School, President's Day