The Simon School Days Newsletter
April 3, 2015
Dear Parents and Families of Simon Elementary:
The last trimester of the school year is upon us. I can hardly believe it. It seems like we just started unpacking all those new crayons, pencils, and packs of paper. The last school day for PREK/EC students will be May 29. The last day for all other students will be June 1 until 12:40, lunch will be served this day.
At Simon, the teachers and Mr. Mandera have already been pre-planning for next year. Just a reminder…
We will not take parental requests for your child’s teacher for next year nor can we honor requests to make sure certain students are not placed in the same classroom with your child. These requests will only be taken as “parental advisement” by the teacher and principal and will not be guaranteed.
All (K-5) classroom placements will be finalized by Mr. Mandera (EC/PREK- grade 2) and Mr. Monahan (grade 3-5). Class lists will be posted on Friday, August 21 at each elementary school.
2015-16 Registration Packets will be sent home on May 1.
Reminder about Remind
Get important messages via text messaging. By doing the following:
1. Scan the QR Code (next to this article) with your smartphone
2. Enter this number (815) 401-9303 with this message @simon1415
3. Click here for additional directions
By joining the group on Remind, you’re choosing to receive class messages via push notifications, SMS, or email. Don’t worry, your phone number will not be shared with the teacher or anyone else in the group.
2015-2016 Countdown to Kindergarten
Will you have a child that turns five years old on or before September 1, 2015? If the answer is yes, then they will be able to attend kindergarten starting next school year. Here are some things to think about as the next school year approaches.
What immunizations will my child need?
- 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.
Will my child need to have a certified birth certificate?
- Yes, all children need to have a copy of their certified birth certificate on file at school prior to the first day of attendance.
What will the teacher expect my child to be able to do?
- A child entering kindergarten is usually able to walk, run, and climb.
- She should be able to hold and use a pencil, crayons, and scissors.
- She should talk well enough for others to understand what she is saying and know that words can be written as well as spoken. Help her see and hear how objects and sounds may be alike or different.
What group skills does my child need?
- Does your child get along with other children and adults?
- In kindergarten he’ll need to be able to work alone and with others.
- He can be an “old hand” at these skills if you work with him on listening to a story in a group;following rules; and carrying out two or three directions; taking turns, respecting others’ property, and sharing; taking care of his own things, such as his coat; going to the toilet and washing his hands; and finishing his work.
What kinds of knowledge and experience help prepare my child?
- 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. Encourage her curiosity, and help her find answers to her questions.
- Teach her the names of colors and shapes.
- Make sure she knows her full name and how to get to school and back.
Kindergarten Pre-enrollment can be done online now!
2014-15 Instructional Fees and Change of Address
Several notices have been sent home and these fees should be paid promptly. If the registration fee is still not paid by the end of April, your child will NOT receive the registration packet for the next school year.
Also, if you have changed addresses during the school year, please make sure you have given your proof of residency to the district office or your child will not receive a registration packet for the 2015-16 school year. Please feel free to call the office if you have any questions regarding this matter at 815 335-2318. Thank you.
Outstanding Milk and Lunch Balances
It is VERY important to keep your child’s lunch and milk accounts up to date. We will not allow students to charge milk or lunches. If you have questions about your account balance, please call Beth Swigart at Simon 335-2318 between 7:15 –3PM.
Also, the last day that Simon will serve breakfast and milk at snack break will be Thursday, May 28.
Simon Awards Day - Thursday, May 28
Simon Elementary will be holding its annual Awards Day on Thursday, May 28. Grades 1-2 participate at our awards assembly in the Simon cafeteria. Awards presentations are approx 45 minutes.
Schedule for awards distribution:
8:30-9:15 1st grade
9:15-10:00 2nd grade
Kindergarten recognition ceremony at Simon Elementary will be on May 29 starting at approx 1:30 in the Simon Gym.
PE News – Field Day is Coming!
Field Day has been scheduled for first and second grade students on Wednesday, May 20 at Dorothy Simon Grade School / Monday, May 18 will be for Kindergarten, PREK, and Early Childhood. The children will participate in groups, by grade levels, and in a number of events.
Lunch will be provided as usual with some modifications according to scheduling. All students must wear tennis shoes, long pants/slacks, or shorts, T-shirts, shirts, or blouses, and have a sweater or jacket. Please dress appropriately for the days events and weather.
VOLUNTEER PARENTS ARE NEEDED TO ASSIST WITH EVENTS on May 18 and May 20. If you are interested, please call 815.335.2318 and leave your name and telephone number. Volunteer parents are not to bring pre-school children with them. Any help that parents, grandparents, etc. can provide is greatly appreciated.
Volunteers are to meet at 8:45 a.m. in the gym at Dorothy Simon Grade School on Wednesday, May 20.
Illinois Parents Website
The Illinois Parents website at http://illinoisparents.crc.uiuc.edu/index.html highlights educational resources, local programs, organizations, and events that provide parenting information and services for Illinois families. Service organizations and libraries can be searched by county. The IEL staff are available to answer your questions about service organizations and other resources for parents through their website at https://illinois.edu/fb/sec/5688052 or toll-free number at (877) 275-3227.
Mark Your Calendars - Kids Club 2015-16 Registration Night
PTO Meeting - Monday, April 13
The regular PTO meeting will start at 6pm at McNair Library.
April Calendar Events
If you do have any specific questions about events or functions, please call the school office at 815.335.2318.
- April Calendar