Simon Elementary School Newsletter
March 2018
From the Principal
Although there will be no school the last week of the month, you can help continue your child's learning and building skills by taking a few minutes to read at home each day. The article below provides some tips and information.
https://iowareadingresearch.org/blog/home-practicing-reading-writing
There will be a fun fair held at Winnebago Middle School on March 10th from 11:00 - 3:00. I encourage you to check it out. There will be free admission and a small price (25 cents in many cases) to play the games or participate in the activities that will be on site. All proceeds will be applied toward playground improvements at both Simon and McNair.
May everyone have a fun, safe, and enjoyable spring break!
Building Entrance Procedures
"Beginning Monday, March 5, all exterior doors at Simon will be locked during pickup and drop-off times. School staff will be present to greet students and let them into the building at the entrances in the front at in the back of the school. In the morning, both entrances will be staffed between 7:40 and 8:05. At the end of the day, the back entrance will be staffed from 2:55-3:10.
Parents and/or visitors, with the exception of those with PreK and Early childhood students who need assistance with mobility, will not be granted entrance at either of these points. If you wish to bring your child into school or come into the building for other reasons, you will need to enter through the main office.
I realize that this may create an inconvenience for some; however, safety and security take precedent over convenience. Thank you for your understanding and help providing the safest environment possible for our students. "
I want to note that there were no breaches of security that led to this change; this measure was taken to close a potential loophole in the security of the building.
2018-2019 Kindergarten Registration
Children turning five years old on or before September 1, 2018 will be able to attend kindergarten during the 2018-2019 school year. Kindergarten Pre-enrollment can be completed online starting Wednesday, February 1. After completing the pre-enrollment, you will receive more information about the next steps of the registration process.
To complete Pre-enrollment, please click here, visit www.winnebagoschools.org/schools/simonand follow the link on the page, or stop by the Simon office.
Here are some things to think about as the next school year approaches:
What requirements need to be met?
- Immunizations/physical: Before children can start kindergarten in Illinois, they need a physical examination by a doctor or other health care provider. They also need to have all immunizations up-to-date. Be sure to start early so they’re ready for that first day. If you’re not sure what immunizations your children need, talk to their doctor, your local health department, or call the Illinois Public Health Department at 217-782-4977.
- Eye exam: The State of Illinois requires all children, beginning kindergarten or first grade for the first time, or children who are transferring into Illinois from out of state, to have a comprehensive eye examination prior to starting school. The examination must be done by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. The results must be submitted to the school by the parents, on a form approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health, prior to October 15. The examination may be done within one year prior to beginning school.
- Birth certificate: All children need to have a copy of their certified birth certificate on file at school prior to the first day of attendance.
- Complete the registration process: Parents of all students must complete registration, including proof of residency and filling out all necessary documents.
What will the teacher expect my child to be able to do at the beginning of the year?
You may want to review this list and see if there is anything else you would like to teach your child before those first days of school. Keep in mind that this is just a guideline to help boost your child's success.
- Identify some letters of the alphabet particularly those in their name.
- Grip a pencil, crayon, or marker correctly (using a tripod grasp)
- Use scissors, glue, paint, and other art materials with relative ease
- Write his or her first name using upper- and lowercase letters, if possible
- Rote counts to 10 and counts objects to 10.
- Participate in social activities without conflict
- Classify objects according to their size, shape, and quantity
- Speak using complete sentences
- Able to recognize their first name
- Identify rhyming words or sing a Nursery Rhyme
- Play independently or focus on one activity with a friend for up to ten minutes
- Practices self help skills independently for example; toileting and dressing
- Follow one to two step directions
- Clean up after herself
- Listen to a story without interrupting
- Separate from parents easily
- Ability to work independently or with others
Don’t panic if your child hasn’t nailed everything on the list — she’ll learn a lot in kindergarten. What’s more important is to wean her from relying on you to do things she could do herself, such as zipping her jacket or tying her shoes. Give her the chance to show you what she can do — you might be in for a few surprises!
What kinds of knowledge and experiences can help prepare my child?
- In addition to practicing the above skills, help her learn about the world around her. Take her on interesting trips—to the library or grocery store, on a bus ride, or to a museum or park—and talk with her about what she sees. Provide other experiences such as trips to the library or play dates with other near-age peers. Encourage her curiosity, and help her find answers to her questions.
PTO is Seeking Officers for 2018-19
Updated Information and Registration
Kid's Club
If you register on this night, you will recieve $10 off the family registration fee. All accounts must be current to register for next year.
We will have services on the early release day, 3/7/18. Service fees are $16/child. You do not need to sign-up for this service day.
Kids Club will not have any services over the district Spring Break.
Looking for Opportunities to Help? Our Cafeteria Needs Volunteers!
The Simon cafeteria counts on daily volunteers to help serve lunch. We have set up a Signup Genius account to hopefully help streamline the process for volunteering. If you are willing to help out, please visit the link below. Once you have signed up, you will receive a confirmation notice as well as a reminder notification two days prior to the date. Thank you in advance for your help!
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/508044FA4AC2BAAF58-simon1
Calendar of Events
12:40 Dismissal
Wednesday, Mar 7, 2018, 12:45 PM
Simon
Fun Fair
Saturday, Mar 10, 2018, 11:00 AM
Winnebago Middle School
PTO Meeting
Monday, Mar 19, 2018, 03:30 PM
McNair
1st grade concert
Monday, Mar 19, 2018, 06:00 PM
Simon
Spring Pictures
Tuesday, Mar 20, 2018, 08:00 AM
Simon
Spring Break - No School
Monday, Mar 26, 2018, 08:00 AM
District-wide
Dorothy Simon Elementary School
Email: hickersonb@winnebagoschools.org
Website: www.winnebagoschools.org
Location: 309 South Benton Street, Winnebago, IL, USA
Phone: 815-335-2318
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Winnebago323/
Twitter: @simonelemschool