Simon Elementary School Newsletter
December 2017
From the Principal
First trimester progress reports were sent home December 1st. Reports are based upon standards that students are learning during that time at each grade level. Reporting of student progress toward mastery of these standards utilizes our proficiency scale, which can be found by clicking this link. I talk a bit more about proficiency scales in the video below.
As I look ahead to the upcoming holidays and a time when gifts are exchanged, as a parent, I know one thing that I hope for my own kids is that they have a sense of appreciation and gratitude. This is something that I often wish would just happen inherently; however, I have to remind myself that it comes with a series of lessons over time. It's not something as simple as saying once, "You should be grateful." The link below shares some tips and strategies of things that can be done at home to help build these characteristics within kids.
https://www.todaysparent.com/kids/preschool/how-to-raise-an-appreciative-child/
This holiday season, I wish you well. In whatever traditions you participate, may you and your family find joy.
It's December...that means a break is coming
Our district-wide winter break will be from December 23rd through January 7th. Students return to school on January 8, 2018.
Friday, December 22nd is an Early Release Day. Simon is dismissed at 12:40. Lunch will be served this day. PM EC/PREK will not meet this day.
Kids Club will provide services on the 22nd, from school's end until 5:30pm. The cost is $16/child. There will be no Kids Club services over break, December 25th- Jan. 5th.
In January, parents with children attending Kids Club should sign-up for the Childcare Tax Form for the 2017 year. Those will be available to you by January 31st.
Break generally is a time with changes in schedules and routines, including sleep routines for kids. As we near closer to break's end, you can help your child have a smooth transition back into school by re-establishing bedtime and wake-up routines two to three days prior to January 8th.
A reminder about drop-off procedures
Simon Parent Drop Off in the Morning (7:35-8:05) - Car Riders
To ensure safety of our students and to help drop-off move as smoothly as possible for all, it is VERY important that everyone adheres to the morning drop-off procedures listed below, especially during icy and/or snow covered conditions.
1. Keep a single line of traffic when dropping your child off in the morning.
2. Have your child exit the car on the passenger side of the vehicle.
3. If you need to assist your child to exit out of the vehicle, please park and walk your child up to the building entrance.
We thank you for you help with this.
REMINDER: School starts at 8:05, and the west door locks at this time. If you arrive after that time, please come to the office and sign your child in for the day.
A note from PE - Mr. Flynn
When we return from Winter Break, K-2 PE classes will be participating in their Climbing/Obstacle Course Unit. If any parents are interested in assisting students navigate the obstacles, your help would be greatly appreciated. You may volunteer for multiple classes or just your child's class. The unit will last for approximately 3 weeks. If you can help, please email me at flynnj@winnebagoschools.org.
Thank you,
Mr. Flynn
Attendance matters!
Regular attendance in elementary school sets up a good pattern for your child’s entire educational career and beyond. Show him or her that school comes first by trying to keep days off for illnesses and family emergencies. Trying to schedule routine doctor and dentist appointments for after school hours or over school breaks not only improves attendance but also helps illustrate the importance of school. A strong connection exists between attendance and success in school.
If your child is ill, or if there are other circumstances for which he or she cannot attend, please call the office prior to 8:30 a.m.
Weather-related closings
Should weather or some other unexpected circumstance require the school to be closed or the students to be dismissed early, the district will be using the School Messenger system and information will be broadcast over radio station WROK (1440 AM) in Rockford or other local radio or television stations. Parents are asked to listen for early school closings during days of bad weather conditions.
When school is dismissed early for emergency reasons, (inclement weather, specific school building problems/situations, etc.) all after school activities at that building are cancelled, unless noted otherwise. Winnebago Kids Club is cancelled in the event of such emergency cancellations of school as well.
Keeping your information current
Changes in phone numbers, home addresses, and email addresses can happen, but sometimes it is easy forget to update the school. If you have any changes in your contact information, please call the school office or stop in to let us know. This helps us ensure that you receive anything that may be mailed home and that we are able to reach you in case of an emergency.
Preschool Screenings January 31st
Is your child missing items?
To Keep up on the Latest from Our School - Check Out These Resources
Calendar of Events
Holiday Bazaar
Saturday, Dec 2, 2017, 08:00 AM
McNair Elementary
2nd Grade Concert
Mrs. Hedlund's and Mrs. Waggoner's classes perform @ 7:00.