Munhall Bulletin
February 5, 2021
Munhall Elementary School
Email: heather.miller@d303.org
Website: http://munhall.d303.org/
Location: 1400 South 13th Avenue
Phone: 331-228-2600
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Munhall-Elementary-1459358344296891/
Twitter: @MunhallD303
Principal Note
One Book, One Munhall—Companion Read Aloud on Sundays!!!
I hope all of you are enjoying our One Book, One Munhall novel, Charlotte’s Web. Mrs. Dainko and Mrs. Kaye, Munhall LRC Directors, are offering a wonderful opportunity for families to participate further in this school-wide event. Beginning this Sunday at 4:00 p.m., and every Sunday in February, Mrs. Dainko and Mrs. Kaye will read from the companion read aloud, Some Writer! Families are invited to join through Facebook Live at 4:00 this Sunday afternoon. Further information is linked in the Bulletin, but a direct link to tune in can be found here.
Human Growth Development—5th Grade Parents
Each year our 5th grade students engage in learning around human growth and development. Please see the note below from the D303 nurses, which shares information about the curriculum, helpful links for parents, as well as insight on how the content will be delivered in order to adhere to COVID safety guidelines:
Your child is scheduled to participate in the Fifth Grade Human Growth Development program entitled Always Changing® Fifth-Grade Puberty Education Program during the following dates February 16-19, 2021. This presentation will be completed virtually this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. This presentation includes a narrated slide presentation and a short video followed by an opportunity for students to submit their questions to the Elementary Certified School Nurses. The boys and girls’ programs are similar in content but presented separately. This virtual program is presented and facilitated by your building School Nurses.
The Always Changing® Program meets Illinois State Standards and is based on national research and consultation with school nurses, health educators, parents, fifth-grade students and medical professionals. It is designed to provide fifth-grade students with a broad overview of the beginning stages of puberty and will cover:
- The physical and emotional changes experienced during puberty with an emphasis on these changes as a normal part of growth and development
- The physiology of changing bodies and correct terminology for parts of the reproductive system
- Personal hygiene as each individual’s responsibility
- In addition, The Always Changing – Girls Program will highlight:
- The menstrual cycle and feminine hygiene products
- What to expect during a menstrual period
- How to manage your menstrual period while continuing with normal activities
We believe that students will leave with a positive understanding about the puberty experience. Upon completion of this program students should also be able to identify the major components of the reproductive system and explain ways they can take care of themselves to stay healthy during this important developmental stage.
Students often have questions about topics that are not included in the 5th grade Human Growth and Development program. These questions are acknowledged, but deferred to parents for further discussion and explanation. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to talk to your son or daughter about the changes that accompany puberty.
We invite you to preview this program by going to https://www.pgschoolprograms.com/Educators and selecting For Educator or For Parents in the drop down menu. The videos we will present are the updated versions (not the original versions) of Always Changing – Boys and Always Changing – Girls. There are many downloadable materials available on the PG School Programs website to help assist you in providing a better understanding for your child.
As a parent, you have the right to request that your child not participate in this presentation. If after previewing the information you would prefer your child not participate, please let your elementary principal know by Friday February 12, 2021. The following page contains a list of principal emails.
Sincerely,
St. Charles CUSD#303 Certified School Nurses
COVID Pre-Screener and Luggage Tag—Predicted Weather for Next Week
Next week’s temperatures are supposed to be frigid. This is my reminder to make sure you are completing the electronic COVID screener survey and signing the luggage tag each morning. The last thing I want is for students to have to wait outside as we go through the certification process, but we can not have students enter the building without proper screening.
A Note on Recess
A general rule is that we keep students in from recess when ‘real feel’ temperatures are below zero. However, teachers may opt to take five-minute mask breaks. Therefore, please continue to send students with appropriate winter attire: hats, gloves, coats, etc.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Jarrod Buxton, Principal
Band & Choir as Middle School Electives
Any and all current 5th-grade students are welcome to sign up for Band and Choir in middle school, even if they did not do band or choir this year as a 5th-grader. Students in middle school will be allowed to play band instruments and sing at school as long as the health situation continues to improve. Band instrument selection will take place prior to the start of the 6th-grade school year for those who are new to band, as well as for any band member that would like to switch to a wind instrument next year (oboe, flute, clarinet, saxophone, French horn, trumpet, trombone, baritone, tuba). More information will be communicated about the band instrument selection process this spring. If you have further questions, please contact the band teacher at jennifer.lydigsen@d303.org. Thank you.
District 303 Kindergarten Registration
The District 303 Kindergarten enrollment process for the 2021-2022 school year will be virtual! Between January 19 and March 12, families will be able to enroll their kindergarten-age children by visiting the Kindergarten Registration & Information page of the District 303 website. On the site you will find:
The New Student Intake Form (coming January 19, 2021)
The Kindergarten Step-by-Step Guide for registration
Health and Dental exams and immunization information
Contact information for all elementary schools
Information about Full Day and Half Day Kindergarten
Nurses Corner
Well it’s February in Illinois which means it is going to be very, cold especially this next week.
I have included a links for information on cold weather safety, frostbite and hypothermia below. Please remember to dress you children in layers next week. Please make sure to sign the luggage tag and complete the online self-certification form daily. We want to be able to get the children indoors quickly.
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Cold-Weather-Safety.aspx
https://www.cdc.gov/cpr/documents/hypothermia-frostbite_508.pdf
February Munhall PTO Meeting Feb 9, 2021 7:00 PM
Join Zoom Meeting
https://d303org.zoom.us/j/89499262394pwd=YUxWVmtMUE9wc1hMM3R3c1ZuU0VsQT09
Meeting ID: 894 9926 2394 Passcode: 871352
MIDDLE SCHOOL TRANSFERS - REQUEST PERIOD OPEN FROM FEB. 1 - FEB. 26
Families who wish to submit a Middle School Transfer request may do so beginning February 1, 2021. Families must complete a separate form for each student they want to be transferred. Requests are granted based on space available. This means that siblings are not guaranteed placement. A written decision will be communicated to families before spring break.
Once the request is approved, a student may remain at that middle school throughout his or her middle school career, as long as the student resides in District 303.
Families of students granted permission to attend a school outside of their assigned attendance area are responsible for their own transportation.
Students will return to their assigned attendance area high school regardless of the middle school attended.
The Middle School Transfer request window will close at 4:00pm on February 26, 2021.
If you have questions, please contact Tammy Marsan at: 331-228-2397.