Lester Living
Friday, October 21, 2022
We want to begin by thanking you all for joining us for conferences this week. Staff always enjoy the opportunity to talk with you and discuss the progress and growth of your children! Thank you for being such incredible partners in your child(ren)'s education. We appreciate you.
As the weather changes and more families are driving, please be sure that you're assisting with the flow of traffic at drop-off and pick-up. If you would like to park and walk to pick up your child, please be sure that you are not parking on Indianapolis or Lincoln Ave. Thank you so much for your help with this.
Students participated in the bus evacuation drill this week as well. Students did a nice job following all expectations. We also had our PTA meeting this week. Dr. Russell came and spoke about the referendum question that will be on the ballot in November. Please see the district website for more information.
As previously shared, we will be donating items that are still left on our lost and found table. Thank you to everyone for taking items that belong to your child(ren).
We hope you enjoy your three-day weekend and we look forward to seeing students on Monday!
Katie Novosel
Principal
Lauri Smith
Assistant Principal
PTA FUN LUNCH - NOV/DEC
Ordering is now open for November & December Fun Lunches! Please find ordering information below:
Fall is here and cold and flu season is upon us and we are seeing students with cold and flu symptoms. To prevent the spread of these common viruses in the close confines of the classroom, we are cleaning daily and encouraging handwashing in the class. To decide whether or not to send your child to school, please consider the following guidelines.
Consider keeping your child at home for an extra day of rest and observation if he or she has any of the following symptoms:
· Very stuffy or runny nose and/or a cough
· Mild sore throat (no fever, no known exposure to strep)
· Headache
Definitely keep your child at home and consider seeking medical attention if he or she has any of these symptoms:
· Fever (greater than 100 degrees by mouth. Your child may return to school only after his or her temperature has been consistently below 100 degrees, by mouth, for a minimum of 24 hours without medication)
· Vomiting (even once)
· Diarrhea
· Chills
· General malaise or feelings of fatigue, discomfort, weakness or muscle aches
· Frequent congested (wet) or croupy cough
· Shortness of breath
· Lots of nasal congestion with frequent blowing of nose
To help prevent the flu and other colds, encourage good hygiene habits:
· Wash hands frequently
· Do not touch eyes, nose or mouth
· Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, use a paper tissue, throw it away and then wash hands
· Avoid close contact with people who are sick
The flu shot is one of the best ways to prevent illness from the seasonal influenza virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adults and children receive the flu vaccine each year. Yearly flu vaccination is needed because immunity against the flu wears off over time. In addition, the flu virus strains often change, so the vaccine also changes from year-to-year in order to match the flu viruses expected to be circulating in the community.
GRATEFUL FORM
Would you like to thank a staff member? We have had some families reach out to ask best ways to show their appreciation for staff. We have created a form as an avenue for you! Please feel free to fill out this form and we will share your gratitude with them. I will include this form weekly as an opportunity for you throughout the year. We are grateful for you and all you do! :)
REFLECTIONS
Does your child enjoy art, music, and dance or have an interest in writing, producing films, and taking photos? Encourage them to participate in the Reflections Arts Program! This year’s theme is: Show Your Voice! Entries are due Friday, October 28, to the main office. Find all the submission information at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yKyYN87NERKLMWG45ZsjEugJhKNBRSWw/view?usp=sharing
LAST CALL TO ORDER:
Halloween Information
Each year, our PTA organizes Halloween parties for our students. In addition, we have a parade of costumes. Specific information regarding the parties, parades, and costumes are included below.
Kindergarten
Parade 9:45-10:15 am
Parties 10:15-11:15 am
Grades 1-6
Parade 12:30-1:00 pm
Parties 1:00-2:00 pm
*2:00 pm dismissal
Parade Routes below
THANK YOU, PTA, for the incredible spread for conferences!
Sneak Peak into Lester Life
Dates to Remember:
- Monday, October 24: 2:00 PM Early Dismissal &"Orange" you glad it's Monday-wear orange today to promote positivity
- Tuesday, October 25: Picture Retakes & BAM (for registered participants) 3:00-4:00
- Thursday, October 27: Language Labs (for registered participants) 3:00-4:00
- Friday, October 28: Lester Spirit Day- wear your gold & blue or Lester gear!
- Monday, October 31: Halloween parties & Parades (detailed information below)
- Friday, November 4: PTA Fun Lunch
- Friday, November 18: End of Trimester 1 & PTA Fun Lunch
- Wednesday, November 23- Friday, November 25: NO SCHOOL- Thanksgiving break
REPEATED INFORMATION BELOW:
Reading Games
Arrival/Dismissal
Students may arrive at Lester School beginning at 8:05 a.m. each day when adult supervision begins. In order to assist with a timely and safe arrival process, the school playground will be closed before school. Upon arrival, students should line up by their assigned door. Students lined up with their classes will be directed to enter the building at 8:15 am. Anyone arriving after 8:15 a.m. should enter through Door One for an office pass.
District 58 Referendum
District 58 will place a proposal on the Nov. 8, 2022 ballot to issue $179 million in bonds to improve District 58’s facilities. To learn more about the District 58 referendum, please visit www.dg58.org/referendum.
This website contains helpful information, including the District’s Master Facility Plan, frequently asked questions, ballot language, voter information, tax impact, facility presentation and videos and much more. If you have any questions about the referendum not answered on the website, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Please know, as a school district, we can provide factual information about a referendum, but we cannot advocate for or against it.
ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL INFORMATION
LARGER PDF VERSION LINKED BELOW
Phone/Wearable Technology Use
While a student can bring their electronic device (including cell phones and AirPods) to school, all non-district-issued technologies are to be silenced and out of sight throughout the school day. Students are allowed to wear smartwatches, but they are to be silenced during the school day. The district-provided technology will be utilized for students to participate in lessons and complete assignments. Please be sure to go over the expectations with your student as the policy was recently amended.
Fruit/Snack Break
Please make sure your child has a snack each day. Snack breaks should consist of nutritious food choices such as fruits, vegetables, and other portable snacks. This aligns with Policy 6:50. The health and safety of our students are our highest priorities. Therefore certain snacks or foods may be prohibited in your child’s classroom due to food allergies. A daily snack can be provided for students who qualify for free/ reduced lunch.
2022-2023 SCHOOL CALENDAR
2022-2023 CALENDAR DETAILS
The Board of Education approved the 2022-23 school year calendar. Calendar highlights include:
- Thanksgiving Break: Nov. 23-25, 2022
- Winter Break: Dec. 19, 2022 -Jan. 2, 2023
- Spring Break: March 27-31, 2023
- Last Day of School: Wednesday, June 7, 2023 (if no emergency days are used)