Greetings, South Park Families!

We had a really great week at South Park, even though it was a short one. MAP testing is officially underway in all of our grade levels, and we are very proud of our students for doing their best while testing. The testing window will remain open for another two weeks to accommodate students who are absent during testing. Results will be mailed home in early October.

This afternoon, we took advantage of the beautiful weather and welcomed the Deerfield Fire Department to help us run our first fire drill of the year. Our students did a fantastic job following the Penguin Principles while they were outside during the drill. As you know, safety is a priority in all District 109 schools, and safety drills help our students feel prepared if we are ever faced with an emergency situation that would require us to evacuate our school in an orderly fashion.

With safety in mind, I would also like to remind all families that we keep our school grounds clear during school hours. Once the second bell rings at 8:45 a.m., we ask that all families please leave our school grounds to help us keep our school safe and distraction-free. Thank you for your cooperation!

I look forward to seeing many of you at the PTO-sponsored Bike Rally tomorrow morning! Have a great start to your weekend!

-Marcie

We are looking to honor some veterans at South Park during a Veteran's Day Celebration! If you know a veteran or are a veteran and are available the morning of November 11 to visit South Park, please let us know using the form below. We will use this information to share more details as the date approaches!

Veteran's Day Honorees Interest Form

There will be a Zoom meeting on Tuesday, 9/13, at 6:30 PM for parents with 4th and 5th grade students interested in participating in Destination Imagination this year. D.I. is a project-based STEAM learning program where students work in teams to complete both long-range and fast-paced challenges. Join us at this link for the meeting. A recording will be available. Contact Kelly Jahng kjahng@dps109.org with any questions.

South Park will be hosting a Family Math Night for families of kindergarten and first grade students on Wednesday, September 28 from 6:00 - 7:00 PM. Please RSVP by 9/14 using this form. We are asking that no siblings join for this event.

At this event, families will learn about the importance of substantial and engaging math games to support number fluency and will engage in several math games and activities.

Please reach out to Sarah Hogan (shogan@dps109.org), Stephanie Mackey (smackey@dps109.org), or Samantha Johnson (sjohnson@dps109.org) with any questions.

• All visitors to South Park School MUST bring a valid driver's license or state ID card to the main office before entering into the building. Beginning this year, we will collect IDs during your visit and return it to you as you leave.
• If your child is going to be absent from school, you need to call or email us by 9:00 that morning. ** Call 847-945-5895, ext. 2103 and leave a message OR ** Email Nurse Nora Moskos.
• When parking in our Birchwood parking lot, please remember that our preschoolers are dropped off and picked up by the west end (closest to the school). Sometimes, their parents' cars can block a parked car from exiting for a few minutes. To avoid that, we suggest that you park closer to Birchwood Avenue.
• Please follow our morning procedures, and drop your children off at their regular grade level doors. If you choose to drive through the front circle at arrival, kindly stay in your car when you drop off to help us reduce morning congestion.
• Drop-off is between 8:35-8:45 a.m. Students who arrive after 8:45 a.m. will need to enter through the front door of the school, as all other doors will be locked.
• Dismissal for all Kindy and 1st-grade walkers and car riders will take place at their grade level door. Parents who park in the front circle should wait until 3:10 p.m. to do so.
• Dismissal is at 3:25 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. We dismiss at 2:25 on Wednesdays.

Saturday, September 10

• PTO Sponsored Bike Ralley 9:30-10:30

Monday, September 26

• Students not in attendance

Wednesday, September 28

• K/1 Math Night 6:00-7:00

Wednesday, October 5

• Students not in attendance

Monday, October 10

• Students not in attendance

Thursday, October 13

• Picture Retakes

Music Concerts:

• 5th Grade - Wednesday, January 25 @ 6:30
• 4th Grade - Wednesday, February 15th @ 6:30
• 3rd Grade - Wednesday, March 8th @ 6:30
• 2nd Grade - Wednesday, February 15th @ 5:30
• 1st Grade - Wednesday, March 8th @ 5:30
• Kindergarten - Wednesday, April 26 @ 6:30

The Deerfield Parent Network is an all-volunteer organization that provides community-wide and single-issue programming on timely topics of concern among our parent communities. Their first event, “The Tween Social Scene” (geared towards families with 6th & 7th graders) will be held on Tuesday, September 13th at Shepard Middle School at 7:30 p.m.. Visit their website for more information.

We are excited this school year to return to offering in-person parent/guardian networking and educational opportunities for our community in collaboration with PPS109.

PPS109 is a partnership of DPS 109 administrators, teachers and parents/guardians who provide education and support to families of children with a wide range of needs. Our first event of the ‘22-’23 school year will be An Overview of District 109 Student Services. This event will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 25 at 6 pm at the District Office.

We are also asking for your help! Please click here to help us prioritize the next community event that will be offered during this school year. There is also an option on the form to let us know if you are interested in participating in PPS109 parent/guardian networking opportunities.