Friday Focus
March 3, 2023
In This Issue...
- A Message from Marcie
- Lunch/Recess Swap Reminder for 4th/5th Grade Families
- 5th Grade Parent Webinar - March 7th from 7-7:30 PM
- Tickets on Sale for Caruso's Production of Annie Jr.
- Other Important Info...
Don't miss the PTO Spotlight:
- Skate Night - This Sunday!
- Chuck - A - Puck Fundraiser for Boo Boo Bags
- 2022-23 Yearbooks on Sale
- Spring Enrichment Registration Information
- And much more...
A Message from Marcie 👩🏻💻
Thanks for a great week, South Park!
We want to remind everyone that there is no school this Monday, March 6th in honor of Casimir Pulaski Day. This morning, our students learned a little bit about Pulaski, a Revolutionary War cavalry officer born in Poland who helped the U.S. military in the American Revolution. We also practiced our word of the week, "enunciate" this morning when Mrs. Klita, a native Polish speaker, taught our students how to say good morning: dzien dobry (jane-doh-brih).
Last week's Friday Focus Newsletter erroneously stated that report cards would be made available on March 8th. Please note that report cards will be made available to you after school next Friday, March 10th which will provide an update about your child's progress.
We wish everyone a wonderful long weekend!
-Marcie
Lunch/Recess Swap Reminder for 4th/5th Grade Families
Beginning on Tuesday, March 7th, our 4th- and 5th-grade students will experience a lunch/recess swap trial. Students will go to recess first from 12:25-12:52 and then eat lunch from 12:52-1:20.
The potential benefits of students playing at recess before they go to lunch are below:
- Students may be calmer and ready to learn when they return to the classroom after their time eating lunch rather than coming from the playground.
- Small recess conflicts potentially work themselves out during the downtime of lunch and may disrupt less of the afternoon learning time.
- Students may be hungrier during lunch and actually eat more!
We would like to trial the lunch swap for the three weeks leading up to Spring Break to see if our students or staff notice any positive benefits. If this works well for students, we may consider extending the trial beyond Spring Break.
To aid in the transition of eating lunch 30 minutes later, students are encouraged to eat a substantial breakfast and bring additional snacks to eat during the first part of the school day.
To limit allergen exposure District-wide, and to increase the health of students, the District 109 Food Allergy Management Plan limits snacks in elementary classrooms to fruits, vegetables, cheese, and yogurt. Dried fruits and applesauce are also allowed. No additions, toppings, or mix-ins like dips/spreads, granola, or cookie crumbles are allowed.
Thank you for your cooperation!
5th Grade Parent Webinar - March 7th from 7-7:30 PM
You are invited to attend a Zoom meeting on March 7th from 7-7:30 PM so you can learn more about the course options. Following the meeting, all incoming 5th-grade parents will receive a link to the presentation along with a link to select their child's world language preference. World language preferences are due by April 6th.
Tickets on Sale for Caruso's Production of Annie Jr.
Other News
Other Important Information ⚠️
- All visitors to South Park School MUST bring a valid driver's license or state ID card to the main office before entering into the building. Beginning this year, we will collect IDs during your visit and return it to you as you leave.
- If your child is going to be absent from school, you need to call or email us by 9:00 that morning. ** Call 847-945-5895, ext. 2103 and leave a message OR ** Email Nurse Nora Moskos.
- When parking in our Birchwood parking lot, please remember that our preschoolers are dropped off and picked up by the west end (closest to the school). Sometimes, their parents' cars can block a parked car from exiting for a few minutes. To avoid that, we suggest that you park closer to Birchwood Avenue.
- Please follow our morning procedures, and drop your children off at their regular grade level doors. If you choose to drive through the front circle at arrival, kindly stay in your car when you drop off to help us reduce morning congestion.
- Drop-off is between 8:35-8:45 a.m. Students who arrive after 8:45 a.m. will need to enter through the front door of the school, as all other doors will be locked.
- Dismissal for all Kindy and 1st-grade walkers and car riders will take place at their grade level door. Parents who park in the front circle should wait until 3:10 p.m. to do so.
- Dismissal is at 3:25 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. We dismiss at 2:25 on Wednesdays.
- Our practice is to let kids go outside if the temperature/wind chill is 10 degrees or warmer and it is not raining or snowing too hard.
Important Dates 📅
Monday, March 6
- Legal Holiday - No School
- 5th Grade Illinois Science Assessment
- Spring Break - No School
- Illinois Assessment of Readiness - Grades 3-5
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Thursday, April 20- South Park Showcase 5:00-7:00
UPCOMING MUSIC CONCERTS:
- 3rd Grade - Wednesday, March 8th @ 6:30
- 1st Grade - Wednesday, March 8th @ 5:30
- Kindergarten - Wednesday, April 26 @ 6:30