McKenzie Monitor
January 26, 2024
Erin's Law K-4 Presentations
Dear McKenzie Families,
The State of Illinois has a law known as “Erin’s Law,” which requires all public school districts to implement a prevention-oriented child sexual abuse program. This program teaches students in grades Early Childhood-12th grade age appropriate techniques to recognize child sexual abuse and tell a trusted adult.
Erin’s Law is important because child sexual abuse happens every day across the country, across all populations, to children in all socioeconomic and education levels, across all racial and cultural groups, and in rural, suburban, and urban areas. 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually abused before age 18. 90% of child sexual abuse is committed by someone they know and trust.
District 39 will provide a classroom-based program using age-appropriate strategies, language, and materials. Information for Kindergarten and 1st grade will include information from No Trespassing - This is My Body. Information for grades 2-4 will include information from Health World’s, “Keeping Kids Safe: An Erin’s Law program” (http://www.healthworldeducation.org). LEEP Early Childhood will use materials from the Second Step Child Protection Unit (https://www.secondstep.org/child-protection.)
During February, 2024 our school social workers will conduct these presentations for the Personal Body Safety Program in our elementary schools in LEEP Early Childhood-4th grade.
These programs are designed to empower and educate the children. The presentations will cover a combination of the following concepts:
Safe vs. Unsafe touching
The Safety Rule about Touching (No one should touch your private parts except to keep you clean and healthy)
Safe vs. Unsafe Secrets
Uh-Oh feelings
Saying no/Stop
Identifying and learning to tell safe adults
You are the boss of your body
If someone breaks the safety rule, it is not the child’s fault
If you would like to opt your child out of the program or if you have any questions about the content of the programs, please feel free to contact me at nasiakod@wilmette39.org . Together we can make sure our children have the right to be safe, and know where to go for help from adults.
Sincerely Yours,
Dana Nasiakos, Principal
Nadine Ibrahim, LCSW, School Social Worker
Attention All Incoming 5th Graders!
Reminder! The first Highcrest webinar for incoming 5th Grade students and families is on January 31 at 7pm on Zoom. This webinar will review the transition and the World Language selection process.
Zoom Link for January 31 at 7pm: https://wilmette39.zoom.us/j/88963292091?pwd=am1tN0FNT3FaVXltZmRud0JvREE5dz09
Cold Weather Procedures
Car Line Arrival
With increased car line drop off during the winter, please help our morning supervisors by having your child(ren) as prepared as possible to exit the car quickly and safely on the passenger side of the vehicle.
Arrival
If the outside feels like temperature is less than 10 degrees, students will be permitted into the building at 8:25 am.
Recess
Students should plan to have outdoor recess unless the following occurs:
Feels like temperature is less than 5 degrees
Raining
Other potentially unsafe conditions
If your family is in need of support with acquiring winter gear, please reach out to Dana Nasiakos directly.
Lechner Early Education Program Registration
Exciting News! Registration is now open for the Lechner Early Education Program at Romona Elementary! Give your child a fantastic start with our affordable half-day preschool program. Experience great student-to-teacher ratios and access to a team of highly qualified staff dedicated to nurturing your child's early learning journey.
Secure your child's spot today! Contact Kristin Johnson at johnsonk@wilmette39.org or visit our website for more information. Don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity for your little one to thrive in a supportive and enriching environment!
Upcoming Dates
January 26, 2024
Early Release for Students @ 11:55 am
February 19 & 20, 2024
No School for Students
March 25-29, 2024
No School - Spring Break
Updates from D39
Calendar for the 2024-25 Academic Year
This past Monday, the Board of Education approved the school calendar for the 2024-25 academic year, with the school year set to start with an early release day on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024. The calendar is also available on the D39 website.
Registration for 2024-25 Academic Year
Registration for the 2024-25 academic year is now open. ALL students, including those already attending D39 schools, must register via PowerSchool for the 2024-25 academic year. For returning students, visit the PowerSchool Parent Portal, click on the registration link, and follow the instructions. For students who will be new to D39, visit wilmette39.org/enroll for instructions on the new student registration process. We encourage parents with new kindergarten students to enroll as soon as possible. D39 is also offering its optional KEEP39 afternoon enrichment program for kindergarten students. You can register your child for KEEP39 at the same time that you register for kindergarten. Additionally, you can also register your child(ren) in our Lechner Early Education Program (LEEP) for three- and four-year-old students at this time.
Board of Education Meeting
The Board of Education conducted its regular business meeting this past Monday. The Board approved a fee of $3,230 for 2024-25 for KEEP39, the District’s optional afternoon enrichment program for kindergarten students. The Board also approved the school calendar for the 2024-25 academic year and conducted first reading of several important Board policies. Agendas and materials for all Board of Education meetings are posted online the Friday prior to the meeting.
D39 Summer Enrichment Program
Looking for a fun and educational summer experience for your child(ren)? Learn more about our District 39 Summer Enrichment Program! This program runs from July 2-31 and provides a variety of both academic and hobby-based courses for students currently in grades K-7. Please visit our D39 Summer Enrichment Program website for more details. The list of offered courses will be available online this coming Monday (Jan. 29).
Join the Fun for the District 39 Educational Foundation Bingo Night!
Get your tickets now for the D39 Educational Foundation’s Annual Bingo Night on Friday, Feb. 8 from 6-8 pm at the Highcrest cafeteria! Excitement is in the air as the cards are covered and everyone is on the edge of their seats ready to yell “Bingo!” Winners select prizes from a table-full of games, toys, gift cards, etc. This fundraiser is fun for the whole family. Visit the D39 Ed Foundation website for more information and to purchase your tickets.
Parent Education Event
Please make plans to join us for our next Parent Ed event, “To Rainbow Infinity and Beyond: Cultivating and Celebrating a Positive Neurodivergent Identity,” scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 7 at 11 am. You may join us in-person at Harper for this event or participate virtually via Zoom. Please register online to reserve your spot and visit our Parent Education page for our full schedule of events, registration links, and archived recordings.
Additionally, the North Shore Coalition for Drug Free Communities is sponsoring a screening of the latest documentary in the “Screenagers” trilogy titled “Screenagers Under the Influence: Addressing Vaping, Drugs, and Alcohol in the Digital Age.” This event will be held on Thursday, Feb. 1 at 6 pm at Youth Services of Glenview/Northbrook (3080 West Lake Ave., Glenview) and also features a Q&A session after the screening. Online registration is now open for this event.
Village of Wilmette’s Black History Month Contest
The Village of Wilmette’s Human Relations Commission is sponsoring its annual Black History Month contest. This year’s Black History Month theme, “African Americans the Arts,” encompasses the impact that African American artists have had on cultural movements and more. Students are invited to submit posters, essays, poetry, and/or art/multimedia/music entries for this contest. Entries are being accepted now until Feb. 15 and can be sent or delivered to Wilmette Village Hall (attn: Human Relations Commission, Village Manager’s Office), 1200 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette. Visit the Village of Wilmette website or click the link above for more information.District SEL News
Happy 2024! The new year is a great time to practice goal setting with your child at home. While we often set academic and even social-emotional goals at school with students, this process can be practiced at home as well. THINK: “My goal is to have my room clean by each Friday during the month of January” or “I would like to be able to pack my lunch by myself.”
When children set goals in their school or home life, it helps to foster self-awareness (knowing what they are good at doing and identifying areas they want to improve) and self-management (setting plans to reach their goals). It can help build intrinsic motivation as they reach their goals, and offers opportunities to celebrate the many little “wins” along the way.
Here are a couple of great articles that offer tips on goal setting with your child:
PTA News and Information
PTA Monthly Meeting
Please join us for our monthly PTA meeting on Thursday 2/8 starting at 8:45am in the school cafeteria. Please bring ID and check in at the front desk. Hope to see you there!
PTA Nominating Committee
Interested in getting more involved at McKenzie and the PTA? Consider joining the Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee is comprised of McKenzie parents chosen to meet and help nominate the upcoming future leaders of the McKenzie PTA. It’s an amazing opportunity to become more involved at McKenzie and to meet other parents. Nominate yourself, a friend, or both! Email nominations to secretary@mckenziepta.com.
Open Gym Night
Ready to escape the cold and have the kids run off some energy? Come to an Open Gym Night this Wednesday January 31 from 5:00-7:00pm. All current McKenzie students are welcome to attend with a parent/guardian (this is not a drop off event) and play in the McKenzie gyms. Please provide your student(s) name, emergency contact information and the adult attending who will be responsible for your student. Sign-up HERE. Bring your water bottle and dry gym shoes!! Save the date for February 28.
Between the Lines
Using Kids Books to Talk About Big Topics on Friday, 2/2 from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm at Wilmette Public Library Auditorium! Children 4 and older can enjoy storytime and crafts while adults attend. More info at this link.
Variety Show Ads are DUE FEB 9th!
Graduating 4th Grade Shout-out's! Give your graduating 4th grader a shout-out as they head to Highcrest! Place your 4th Graders Variety Show ad today and let them know how proud you are of them and wish them the best as they head to 5th-Grade. Learn more HERE.
Blast your business in this year's Variety Show program! This is a great opportunity to reach a significant number of our community members. You could even consider including a coupon as part of your ad, or a QR Code to your site, the possibilities are endless. Learn more HERE.
D39 Family Bingo Night is BACK!
February 9, 2024 from 6-8pm at Highcrest. Tickets are available via d39foundation.org. Bring the entire family for a night of bingo! Enjoy pizza, snacks, and great family fun. Bingo winners pick from our prize table featuring exciting options for adults and children.
PASS39 January Events
Calling all families of students with IEP's, please join us on January 31st, 7-8:30p for the Parent Connect at Valley Lodge (1141 Central Avenue), adults only. Questions? Email Margie Swain at margie.swain12@gmail.com.
Skyline Theater – Additional Day Added!
Skyline has added an additional day to meet the demand at McKenzie for Beauty and the Beast Jr. If you didn't sign up, there is now a Friday cast that will meet at McKenzie after school 2:20-4:20pm.
Click the link below to register. Classes start February 2.
https://www.skylinechildrenstheater.com/service-page/mckenzie-friday-beauty-the-beast-jr
Cafeteria Volunteer Signup – January through June!
McKenzie welcomes volunteers to help in the cafeteria during their child's lunchtime. Please click HERE to sign up. Thanks to all the cafeteria helpers! Please contact cafeteria@mckenziepta.com with questions.
Birthday Books
Sponsor a new library book in honor of your child's birthday! They will pick from the librarian's selections, will be the first to check it out, and have a dedication sticker added. Summer birthdays are celebrated on half birthdays. Don't forget to both fill out the form and check out. https://www.mckenziepta.com/birthday-books
Library Volunteer Signup
Spend 30-60 minutes shelving returned books in the Learning Commons (and say "hi" to your child during their library/tech class). Please click HERE to sign up.
Trex Plastic Bag and Film Challenge
Through June 30th, you can recycle Plastic Bags at McKenzie through the Trex Plastic Film Recycling Challenge! The Green Committee is looking for parent volunteers to help with weekly recycling hauls. See our Sign Up Genius to learn more!
D39 Parent Education Events
Community News
Regular School Hours
Kindergarten
Academic Kindergarten AM: 8:35 - 11:55 am
KEEP39: 11:55 am - 3:15 pm *Friday: 11:55 am - 2:15 pm
Grades 1 - 4
Monday - Thursday: 8:35 am - 3:15 pm *Friday: 8:35 am - 2:15 pm
**First bell rings at 8:30 am.
About Us
Email: nasiakod@wilmette39.org
Website: mckenzie.wilmette39.org/
Location: 649 Prairie Avenue, Wilmette, IL, USA
Phone: 847-512-6300