The Simon School Days Newsletter
April 10, 2017
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.
Wednesday, May 3 is a School Improvement/Early Dismissal Day. K-2 dismissal will be at 12:40, lunch will be served this day. Also, there will only be AM sessions of PreK and Early Childhood classes this day.
Also, on May 3, the annual district art show and PTO basket raffle will be held at the WHS cafetorium from 5:00-7:30pm.
Wednesday, May 24 at 1:30 in the Simon gym, we will hold our annual Kindergarten Recognition and musical. This program will celebrate the students wonderful kindergarten year,
The last school day for PREK/EC students will be May 31. 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 the new Simon Principal (EC/PREK- grade 2) and Mr. Monahan (grade 3-5). Class lists will be posted on Friday, August 18 at each elementary school. ALL registration material must be on file with the school office by Wednesday, August 16 for your child's name to appear on a class list.
2017-18 Registration Packets will be sent home on May 1.
Reminder about Remind
This will be the last month to sign up for parents to sign up for Remind text messaging service.
Instead of placing tons of information into a newsletter, we use a different way to "get the word out". Remind is a free text messaging service that will be used to send daily and/or weekly announcements to you to be informed about what is going on at Simon Elementary. How do you sign up to receive these text messages?
1. Text the message @g242k to the number 81010. If you’re having trouble with 81010, try texting @g242k to (815) 401-9303.
2. Click here for additional directions
By joining your 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.
2017-2018 Countdown to Kindergarten
Will you have a child that turns five years old on or before September 1, 2017? 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!
2016-17 Instructional Fees and Change of Address
Parents please make sure you have updated the school office if you have changed your home or cell phone numbers since the beginning of the 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 2017-18 school year.
Finally, if you have any outstanding registration fees from this school year, your child will not receive a 2017-18 registration packet. Registration packets are tentatively set to be given out on May 1, 2017.
If you have any questions please call 815.335.2318.
Outstanding Lunch Balances
It is VERY important to keep your child’s lunch accounts up to date. We will not allow students to charge 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 will be Friday, May 26.
Erin's Law Presentation
Erin's Law
On April 12, a representative from Carrie Lynn Children’s Center will be at Simon to present a sexual abuse awareness program for all grade levels. This is in compliance with the Illinois state mandated Erin’s Law. “Erin’s Law” requires that all public schools in each state implement a prevention-oriented child sexual abuse program which teaches students in grades PreK – 12th grade, age-appropriate techniques to recognize child sexual abuse and tell a trusted adult. Please call Carrie Lynn Center with any questions at (815) 319-4150.
PE News - A New Field Day Format
Dear Parents of First through Fourth Grade Students,
Field Days is right around the corner for 1st – 4th grade students and we are excited to implement some new changes this year! We will be hosting 1st – 4th grade field days on Friday, May 26th on the main campus at McNair Elementary School.
We are combining both Simon and McNair field days into one day at McNair in hopes to get more volunteers involved since this will be a one day event for both schools. Our fifth grade students will be on a field trip that day to Wild West Town and Pre – K will enjoy a separate play day on Monday, May 22.
In order to make this day successful for your children, we will need lots of volunteers on May 26th. If you are interested in volunteering (parents, grandparents, or other adults over the age of 18) please call the McNair Elementary School office at (815) 335-1607 to sign up or send an email to Miss Miller at millert@winnebagoschools.org or Mr. Flynn at flynnj@winnebagoschools.org When leaving a message please include the following information: your name, your child’s name and grade level, and a phone number in case we need to contact you. If there is a certain event you would like to assist with or work with a specific volunteer, please give that information as well. All volunteers should report to the McNair playground at 8:15 a.m. for instructions of the day’s activities and event assignments.
All events will conclude approximately at 2:15 p.m. If you are volunteering, please bring a sack lunch, or you may choose to leave campus, as you’ll have approximately 50 minutes for lunch. This day is only successful if we have enough volunteers! Without you, the students would not be able to participate in a variety of events and they look forward to this day each year!
We would like to thank PTO for sponsoring this event by purchasing additional equipment so that we are able to implement some new and exciting events while still having some of our traditional stations! PTO has generously donated over $2800.00 for new equipment, as well as awards for all of our students. During field days, 2nd grade will also visit the 3rd grade classrooms, meet the teachers, and tour the building in order to make the transition to McNair smoother as they start the school year in the fall!
If you have any questions feel free to contact either of us at the above email addresses or by phone through the school offices at our respective buildings! We look forward to your help with this awesome event!
AR Challenge Day - March 24
On March 24, Simon Elementary students were completing against McNair Elementary to read and pass more AR quizzes than the year before. Unfortunately, McNair won the title this year. However, we did a great job with just over 3,500 AR quizzes passed on March 24. Mrs. Waggoner and Mrs. Edler classes were the the top 2 classes at Simon and were awarded a pizza party.
Mark Your Calendars - Kids Club 2017-18 Registration Night
PTO Meeting - Tuesday, April 11
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