CIS September Newsletter
Keeping you informed about what's happening at CIS.
A Message from Mr. Hoelscher
Welcome Back! It has been wonderful seeing all of the staff, parents and students back at CIS. We have had a fantastic start and things are humming right along. With all of the construction going on it will be an interesting year, but we are ready to do whatever it takes to make this year a successful and memorable one!
The goal for this and every other year is frequent, consistent, and relevant two-way communication between the school and the parents and community as a whole. We hope this newsletter will provide you with information you want and need from us to stay up to date on your students’ time here at CIS. We want to be as transparent as possible and We at CIS want to hear from you! We will be pushing out surveys to you from time to time to get specific information, but please feel free to contact me directly at 309-444-3943 or bhoelscher@central51.net to share concerns, ideas, and possible solutions to problems. We are all important stakeholders in this organization and we need to work together to continue to keep us moving forward.
Have a great school year!
Brian Hoelscher, Principal
Central Intermediate
August Update from PTO President, Stephanie Redlingshafer
The PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) would like to welcome everyone back to school! We are already busy planning activities for the school year! In the second week of school, the PTO gave a gift bag to each staff member, filled with candy, a Central pen, and Trojan post-it notes. In the next few weeks, room coordinators will be chosen for parties, Yankee Candle information will come home for our big fundraiser, and we will have our first meeting of the year! All are invited on Thursday, September 5 at 7pm in the CIS library to learn more about the PTO and how we provide support for our students and staff.
1:1 Chromebook Initiative Update
If you have not yet signed the online Chromebook forms, please do so as soon as possible via Skyward Family Access. The form available on Skyward Family Access is exclusively for parent/guardian signatures. It is important that we have preferences and signatures in order for students to use technology at home and at school.
Please follow these instructions for signing the online form:
Parent/Guardian Online Signature Instructions
- Log into Skwyard Family Access
- The Chomebook Use (Parent) form can be accessed on the main page of Family Access or by clicking "Online Forms" on the menu located on the left side of the page.
- Click on "Fill Out Form."
- Click Step 1 under "District Message" on the right side of the screen.
- Click "Link" to read the Chromebook Handbook.
- Read the Chromebook Handbook.
- Click Step 2 under "District Message" on the right side of the screen.
- Read through the Parent/Guardian Chromebook Agreement.
- Check the boxes at the end of the agreement page to agree to the information.
- Sign and date the agreement page electronically.
- Click Step 3 under "District Message" on the right side of the screen.
- Click "Submit Code of Chromebook Agreement (Parent)."
- Check email for a confirmation of the signature.
Internet Safety Update
Go Guardian
Go Guardian, our Chromebook Management Software, continues to monitor student Chromebook use.
Below are reminders of how Go Guardian keeps our students safe online:
Safer Searching
Administrators, teachers, and technology personnel can easily prevent students from searching for (or seeing) inappropriate material.
Activity Flagging
Helps our school detect potentially dangerous activity, such as self-harm or bullying.
YouTube Filtering
Allows teachers and administrators greater control over which videos students see.
Online monitoring
Schools have the option to protect and oversee student web activity both on and off campus.
Online monitoring doesn’t just stop with the Chromebook. As long as students are logged in using their Central #51 Google account, Internet activity is tracked from any device.
Theft Recovery
Helps authorized school administrators find and recover stolen Chromebooks.
Notes from our Nurses
Please remember to hand in your student’s medical forms AS SOON AS POSSIBLE:
Kindergartener: Child Health Exam, Up-to-Date Immunization Record, Eye Exam, Dental Exam
2nd Grade: Dental Exam
5th-8th Grade: Sport physicals are needed every year for those going out for sports
6th Grade: Child Health Exam, Up-to-Date Immunization Record, Dental Exam
Medication Policy
In order for Central Staff to give ANY medication (other-the-counter or prescription) to your student, a completed Medication Authorization Form (signed by a parent/guardian AND a doctor) must be on file. Medications must be provided to the school in the original container. Prescription medications must have a prescription label with correct information (the pharmacy can provide an extra bottle/label). Do NOT send medication on the bus. This is a safety concern as our younger students may find lost medication and think it is candy. The only exceptions are epipens and inhalers as these are emergency medications.
Asthma inhalers do NOT require a doctor’s signature IF the parents/guardians can provide a prescription label. The Medication Authorization Form must still be signed by a parent/guardian.
Food Allergy Emergency Action Plans must be completed EVERY YEAR. They are to be completed and signed by a doctor. A parent/guardian must also sign the form. Epipens must be provided to Central 51. Benadryl and/or an inhaler may also be ordered by the doctor- check your student’s form. Don’t forget to check the expiration dates on your student’s medications.
Note: All forms are available at www.central51.net - Parents & Students - Information - Information/Forms
Fire and Shelter-in-Place Drills
As construction continues, we will continue to revisit our safety plans to find the safest and most efficient ways for students to be safe.
Active Intruder Drill
Last school year, teachers, staff, and administrators received ALICE Training. ALICE strategies are options-based allowing students several options for survival.
The following explains the ALICE acronym:
Alert – Get the word out! Use clear, concise language to convey the type and location of the event.
Lockdown (Enhanced) – Barricade and secure doors.
Inform – Communication keeps the intruder off balance and allows for good decision-making.
Counter – Apply age-appropriate skills to distract, confuse, and gain control.
Evacuate – As soon as it is safe to do so, evacuating.
Please consider discussing school safety and the ALICE Strategies with your child at home. Their knowledge may surprise you!
Meet our Central Intermediate Interventionists!
Mrs. Karcher and Mrs. Miller have the opportunity to spend time in classrooms across grade levels, so they are knowledgeable regarding academic expectations and student needs. Each month, Mrs. Karcher and Mrs. Miller will provide suggestions for ways parents/guardians can help at home.
Math in the Real World
Back to School Reading Routine
Happy Reading!
Social Emotional Learning with Mrs. Neal
Social Emotional Learning with Mrs. Freeman
Getting back into a school routine can be challenging after a summer filled with fun activities and vacations. However, kids do best with structure and routine both at home and school. It’s also true that kids resist and fight structure when it’s new. To build up the skills your child needs to follow a healthy daily routine, follow these 10 rules.
10 Ways to Build a Healthy Routine
1. Give specific instructions. “Put away the toys on your carpet on the shelf in the closet.” Be consistent — if the toys are stored on the shelf one night, they should be put there every night. Children need to know precisely what you expect.
2. Assign tasks that your child is capable of doing on his/her own. Success builds confidence. The goal is to teach your child to do things independently.
3. Involve your child in discussions about rules and routines. It will help your child to understand goals and teach him/her to accept responsibility.
4. Write down routines as sequences of tasks (two to five items only), and post where easily visible (refrigerator, bathroom mirror). Review lists regularly with your child.
5. Be realistic about time. Make sure you’ve set aside enough time for the child to complete his/her homework, clear the dishes, and get out the door in the morning. If the original time frame is leaving you five minutes shy, add five minutes.
6. Expect gradual improvement. It takes time to change old habits and form new ones.
7. Praise effort — not just results. If your child set the table but forgot napkins, acknowledge that she’s trying. Reward good behavior more often than you punish bad.
8. Allow for free time in daily routines. Kids — and adults — need downtime.
9. If your child isn’t taking to the routine, seek help from a school counselor, teacher, or school psychologist. A pro can help get you on track.
10. Stay focused on the long-term goals. Above all, don’t give up!
Social Emotional Learning Corner with Mrs. Arms
Like adults, sometimes students don’t want to talk about school or how they are feeling. However, parents can approach their child in a way that is inviting and allows for open communication. Whether you have a child who loves to open up about the school day, or one who keeps their thoughts to themselves, understood.org has some awesome tips for talking with your student(s)!
1. Ask open-ended questions. If you ask a question that can be answered with one word—yes or no—that’s what you’ll get. A one-word answer.
- Example: “What was the best thing you did at school today?”
2. Start with a factual observation. Kids often have a hard time answering questions that seem to come out of the blue. Making an observation gives your child something to relate to.
- Example: “I know you have a lot more kids in your class this year. What’s that like?”
3. Share something about yourself. When someone tells you about themselves, it’s natural to want to do that in return. Share something with your child and see what you get back.
- Example: “We always played dodgeball at recess. What do you and your friends like to do?”
4. Avoid negative questions. If you think something isn’t going well, your questions may come out in a negative way, with emotion-packed words like sad or mean. Asking in a positive way lets your child express concerns.
- Example: “I heard that you sat with new people at lunch today. What did you talk about?”
Here are other examples of how to say things differently to get your child to open up.
Student/Parent Handbook Highlights
To view the 2019-2020 Student/Parent Handbook, please click here!
Pickup/Drop-Off at CIS
- During inclement weather, traffic will be backed up. Please plan to leave a little earlier on these days, and be courteous and patient with other drivers.
- Please drop your child off on the passenger side of the car.
- When in the school zone, please do not talk on your cell phones.
- It is unlawful to pass a bus with the stop arm out.
- For the safety of all students, please refrain from speeding and making U-turns while on school grounds.
- Remind your child to utilize the crosswalk in front of Holford Gym.
- Always follow the drop-off/pick-up rules for the safety of our students.
- Use extra caution during winter months as visibility may be limited.
If you have additional questions regarding drop-off and pickup, please call the CIS office.
Volunteers
Volunteer opportunities are available are available at Central. To volunteer, a teacher or PTO program coordinator will submit the names of individuals interested in volunteering to the school office. Volunteers are required to complete the online Volunteer Application. The volunteer application only needs to be completed every four years and covers volunteer opportunities in both buildings. Volunteers will be notified via email 30 days prior to the form’s expiration date.
School Dress Code and Student Appearance
Students are expected to wear clothing in a neat, clean, and well fitting manner while on school property and/or in attendance at school sponsored activities. Students are to use discretion in their dress and are not permitted to wear apparel that causes a substantial disruption in the school environment.
Student dress (including accessories) may not advertise, promote, or picture alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, violent behavior, or other inappropriate images.
Student dress (including accessories) may not display lewd, vulgar, obscene, or offensive language or symbols, including gang symbols.
Hats, coats, bandannas, sweat bands, and sunglasses may not be worn in the building during the school day.
Hair styles, dress, and accessories that pose a safety hazard are not permitted in the shop, laboratories, or during physical education.
Clothing with holes, rips, tears, and clothing that is otherwise poorly fitting, showing skin and/or undergarments may not be worn at school.
The length of shorts or skirts must be appropriate for the school environment.
Appropriate footwear must be worn at all times.
If there is any doubt about dress and appearance, the building principal/assistant principal will make the final decision.
Student whose dress causes a substantial disruption of the orderly process of school functions or endangers the health or safety of the student, other students, staff or others may be subject to discipline.
Central Intermediate's Leader in Me Website
Leader in Me is a whole-school improvement process based on the idea that everyone can be a leader. This evidence-based approach empowers students with the leadership and life-skills they need to thrive in the 21st century. By developing the WHOLE-child; socially, emotionally, academically and ethically, we will foster a school climate that promotes greatness!
What do Central kids say about Habit 1?
Activities
Students and parents/guardians of students participating in extracurricular activities must complete the Central 51 Extracurricular Code of Conduct. Please note that the online form must be signed by students and parents separately by logging into Skyward Student Access and Skyward Family Access.
Please see the directions below for signing the Code of Conduct:
Parent/Guardian Instructions
- Log into Skwyard Family Access
- The Code of Conduct (Parent) can be accessed on the main page of Family Access or by clicking "Online Forms" on the menu located on the left side of the page.
- Click on "Fill Out Form."
- Click Step 1 under "District Message" on the right side of the screen.
- Click "Link to Extracurricular Code of Conduct."
- Read the Extracurricular Code of Conduct.
- Click Step 2 under "District Message" on the right side of the screen.
- Read through the coach, player, and parent agreements.
- Check the three boxes at the end of the agreement page to agree to the information.
- Sign and date the agreement page electronically.
- Click Step 3 under "District Message" on the right side of the screen.
- Click "Submit Code of Conduct (Parent)."
- Check email for a confirmation of the signature.
Player/Participant Instructions
- Log into Skwyard Family Access
- The Code of Conduct (Student) can be accessed on the main page of Student Access or by clicking "Online Forms" on the menu located on the left side of the page.
- Click on "Fill Out Form."
- Click Step 1 under "District Message" on the right side of the screen.
- Click "Link to Extracurricular Code of Conduct."
- Read the Extracurricular Code of Conduct.
- Click Step 2 under "District Message" on the right side of the screen.
- Read through the coach, player, and parent agreements.
- Check the three boxes at the end of the agreement page to agree to the information.
- Sign and date the agreement page electronically.
- Click Step 3 under "District Message" on the right side of the screen.
- Click "Submit Code of Conduct (Student)."
- Check email for a confirmation of the signature.
A Message from Mrs. Bush
Important Dates
- Students may take Chromebooks home!
- Baseball vs. East Peoria @ Central (4:15)
- Softball vs. Tremont @ Central (4:15)
- Cross Country Panther Invite @ Washington Park (4:15)
Wednesday, September 4th
- Baseball vs. Washington Middle @ Central (DH) (4:00)
- Softball vs. Washington Middle @ Central (4:15)
Thursday, September 5th
- Baseball vs. Metamora @ Central (4:15)
- Softball vs. Metamora @ Central (4:15)
- PTO Meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the CIS Small Gym
Friday, September 6th
- Baseball vs. Roanoke-Benson @ Central (4:15)
Saturday, September 7th
- Softball @ Dunlap Valley Middle School (10:00 a.m.)
Monday, September 9th
- Vision/Hearing Screening
- Softball @ Pekin Co-Op (4:00)
Tuesday, September 10th
- Vision/Hearing Screening
- Cross Country El Paso Gridley Invite @ Furrow Farm, El Paso (4:00)
- Baseball vs. Chillicothe @ Central (4:15)
Wednesday, September 11th
- Softball Regional TBA
Thursday, September 12th
- Baseball @ Dee Mack (4:15)
- Board of Education Meeting @ CIS Library (7:00 p.m.)
Saturday, September 14th
- 7th/8th Grade Marching Band @ Morton Pumpkin Festival
- Softball Regional TBA
- Baseball @ Germantown Hills (10:00 a.m.) (DH)
Monday, September 16th
- Softball Regional TBA
- Baseball vs. Pekin Broadmoor @ Central (4:15)
Tuesday, September 17th
- Baseball Regional TBA
- Girls Basketball Tryouts @ Holford Gym (3:00)
- Cross Country Warrior Invite @ Germantown Hills (4:00)
Saturday, September 21st
- Baseball Regional TBA
Monday, September 23rd
- Vision/Hearing Screening
- Baseball Regional TBA
Wednesday, September 25th
- Band/Choir Fannie Mae Fundraiser Kickoff
- Cross Country Tazwood Conference Meet (Location TBA) (4:00)
Thursday, September 26th
- Third and Fourth Grade Dr. Shu presentation@ Holford Gym (9:15)
Friday, September 27th
- Early Dismissal
- WCHS Homecoming Parade
Check us out on Social Media!
Email: bhoelscher@central51.net
Website: central51.net
Location: 1301 Eagle Avenue, Washington, IL, USA
Phone: (309)444-3943
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centralschooldistrict51/
Twitter: @central51