Big Hollow
Primary and Elementary Schools - September 20, 2019
Mrs. Lenayn Janusz, Principal
Mrs. Sunny Morley, Elementary Assistant Principal
Dr. Vinni Biancalana, Principal
Big Hollow School District #38 Vision and Mission Statements
Mission: Inspiring a diverse school community to be passionate and empathetic learners.
Health Examination and Immunizations
Attendance Week - September 9-13
Big Hollow Primary School had 95.63% average daily attendance
Big Hollow Elementary School had 96.65% average daily attendance
Classroom winners:
PreK extra recess winner: Mrs. Hatfield pm
Kindergarten extra recess winner: TIE - Mrs. Paz & Mrs. Ohm/Mrs. Rusciolelli
First grade extra recess winner: Ms. Robbin
Second grade popcorn party winner: TIE - Mrs. Smith’s Class, Mrs. Lancaster’s Class & Mrs. Axelsson’s Class
Third grade popcorn party winner: Mrs. Connolly’s Class
Fourth grade popcorn party winner: TIE - Mrs. Strickler’s Class & Mrs. Coletto-Scott’s Class
PTO Step It Up Fundraiser
Our friends at Step It Up drew the raffle winners!
Primary (ipad): Jaina C 1st Grade
Elementary (ipad): Addison I 4th grade
Wednesday mini fridge winners:
Primary: Jennifer P - 1st grade
Elementary: Joe S - 4th grade
Thursday mini fridge winners:
Primary: Giovanni T - kindergarten
Elementary: Zemira - 3rd grade
Friday mini fridge winners:
Primary: Yaharai - 1st grade
Elementary: Avery S - 2nd grade
2 more winners will be announced on Monday!
ALICE lessons continue next week
A.L.I.C.E INFORMATION
Over the past several years we have seen a dramatic increase in school violence and school shootings. As the experts analyze these horrific events it is apparent that we need to do more, not only taking steps in an attempt to prevent the event from occurring, but the training of students and staff on procedures that we all need to survive an active shooter in our schools.
Big Hollow School District has adopted a new procedure that we, as well as experts across the country, believe will increase the chance of survival during an active shooter incident. This new procedure will teach our staff and students the ALICE system. What does it mean?
A - Alert: Get the word out! Armed Intruder in the building rather than the use of any codes. Use clear, concise language to convey the type and specific location of the event.
L - Lockdown: Good starting point. We will continue to lockdown students in secure areas when that is the best option.
I - Inform: Continuation of the use of clear, concise language to convey the type and specific location of the event. Communication keeps the intruder off balance and allows for good decision-making by our staff.
C - Counter: Apply skills to distract, confuse, and gain control.
E - Evacuate: Reduce the number of potential targets for the intruder, and reduces the chance of victims resulting from friendly fire when help arrives.
The philosophy of ALICE is to use technology and information in a way so that staff and students can make informed decisions in a crisis, remove as many people as possible from the danger zone, and provide realistic training so that those involved have a better chance of surviving.
In short, using the ALICE method we will teach our students and staff:
1. Listen carefully to the location and type of event.
2. Get to and/or remain in a secure area until it is safe to evacuate.
3. Should an armed intruder invade their area, apply skills to distract, confuse, and gain control.
4. As soon as it is safe to do so, evacuate.
Please understand, in NO WAY are we asking or teaching our students or staff to make any attempt to subdue an armed intruder. However, we will provide them with the knowledge that if faced with a life or death situation there are methods that can be applied to greatly enhance their chance for survival. The methods that will be taught in the event that an armed intruder directly confronts them are:
Cause distractions to interfere with the ability to shoot accurately
Cause as much chaos in the room as possible to create sensory overload
Do not be a stationary target
How to control the intruder using body weight, not strength (not taught to younger children)
How to interact with responding Law Enforcement
Younger students need constant reminders of safe practices (much like you may already do for 'stranger danger'), in order for them to make good decisions related to their personal safety. Parents can prepare their child(ren) for the ALICE plan by helping them understand the following objectives at home:
There are people of all ages, color, and types that can be mean and may wish them harm.
Self-confidence comes from trying things that are hard and getting better each time.
There are many solutions and options when faced with a problem.
When your child is prepared for difficult situations they can make informed decisions and will have more self-control.
Your child is smart and capable when given the proper tools.
Help your child identify and assess possible crisis situations.
Have your child demonstrate the ability to get away from someone who has their hands on them. (Stranger Danger)
Have your child explain to you the different safety drills we practice at school and what they mean. (Fire, tornado, evacuation, lockdown, earthquake, ALICE)
Help your child name where they need to go in case of evacuation.
Discuss the importance of following the teacher's directions without hesitation.
Lessons taught will emphasize that the best way to survive an armed intruder is to evacuate. When that is not possible, being mentally prepared and having been given the authority and ability to act will save lives.
The six instructional lessons for students on ALICE will be held throughout Big Hollow Primary and Elementary Schools September 16 through September 27. In the event that a teacher is absent, the lesson will be taught the next day the teacher is present. We will be reading a story that you can read to help you understand what the students will be discussing, I'm Not Scared . . .I'm Prepared, by Julia Cook.
More information can be found at www.alicetraining.com
Week One - September 16-20Lesson 1: ALICE - What is it? What does ALICE stand for? Introduce A (Alert) and I (Inform.) Importance of communication - Stop, Look, Listen. It is very important to listen to the teacher's directions and be silent when someone comes on the PA so that we can stay informed.
Lesson 2: Review ALICE acronym. Introduce L (Lockdown) and C (Counter). At the primary school level, Counter means to make noise and distract. It means doing something other than staying still and waiting.
Lesson 3: Review ALICE acronym. Introduce E (Evacuate) Students are taught that If it is safe to do so, we may choose to evacuate. Similar to a fire drill, students will be taught multiple ways to exit the building. Students will be taught to meet at a rally point outside of the school.
Week Two - September 23-27
Lesson 4: Review ALICE acronym. Review of lessons 1, 2, and 3.
Lesson 5: Review ALICE acronym. Students will practice a barricade/lockdown drill with their classroom teacher.
Lesson 6: Review ALICE acronym. Students will practice an evacuation drill with their classroom teacher.
Closure message: We all want to be safe at school. The ALICE method of responding will help us learn to do that and we'll be learning and practicing more this year. We will participate in an ALICE drill with the Lake County Sheriff's Office this year.
PBIS - Positive Behavior Supports and Intervention
Below is a chart to show you Second Step and Calm Classroom lessons for the week.
Online resources for family members and homelink (homework):
Go to SecondStep.org
Put in activation key:
Pre-K SSPE FAMI LY68
Kindergarten: SSPK FAMI LY70
1st grade: SSP1 FAMI LY71
2nd grade: SSP2 FAMI LY72
3rd grade: SSP3 FAMI LY73
4th grade: SSP4 FAMI LY74
Homelinks are simple, fun activities for you and your child to complete together. They are a great way for you to understand what your child is learning and for your child to show you what they know! PLUS, there are monthly raffle drawings per grade level to earn an extra recess for their entire class! It only takes one homelink assignment to win.
Please keep in mind, changes in weekly schedules may occur and could effect your child’s second step schedule:)
Reading Week
Monday 9/23 Book Hunt Day
Students will go on a book hunt with their class!
Tuesday 9/24 DEAR and bookmark day
Bring your favorite book from home for D.E.A.R. times. DEAR=Drop Everything and Read.
Wednesday 9/25 BINGO and Buddy-Up Day
Bingo will be played in the primary building at 2:50. Classes will buddy up to play bingo or read together.
Thursday 9/26 Mystery Reader and Reading T-Shirt Day
Wear your reading t-shirt, ocean themed shirt, any Big Hollow spirit wear or blue and white. Mystery readers are being scheduled to read in the primary and elementary buildings.
Friday 9/27 Special Persons Day (Grandparents, Aunts/Uncles, Friends)
Times: 4th grade and PreK am: 9-9:45 am
Kindergarten: 9:45-10:30 am
3rd grade: 12:15-1:00 pm
1st grade and PreK pm: 1:00-1:45 pm
2nd grade: 1:45-2:30 pm
Special Persons Day (Grandparents, Aunts/Uncles, Friends)
Come and share a special time at school!!! We will be planning a special activity for special persons during our annual celebration of reading week.
SAVE THE DATE - When: Friday, September 27th
Times: 4th grade and PreK am: 9-9:45 am
Kindergarten: 9:45-10:30 am
3rd grade: 12:15-1:00 pm
1st grade and PreK pm: 1:00-1:45 pm
2nd grade: 1:45-2:30 pm
ALL visitors must have a valid Driver’s License (or valid state issued ID) scanned by the Big Hollow office to enter a classroom! Even if you have had your license PREVIOUSLY scanned (before August 2019), it needs to be rescanned as we have a new system.
To avoid long lines, PLEASE have your Driver’s License scanned at BH in advance. Please stop in at any Big Hollow school office any Monday thru Friday, prior to September 27th between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. We realize that some specials persons travel a great distance to participate in the event and will need to have their license scanned on September 27th. If this is the case, please arrive early and be prepared to wait in line. If you need extra assistance or a place to sit when you’re waiting and/or visiting please let us know in advance so accommodations can be made.
Please complete and return the form below. This will allow us to have your visitor’s pass pre-printed upon your arrival if you’ve had your license scanned in advance.
Please complete and RETURN for Special Persons Day
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your Name(s) or Visitor Name (s):___________________________________________
Student:__________________________________________________
Grade and teacher:__________________________________________
PLEASE GIVE THIS INFORMATION TO THE Special Person(S) THAT ARE COMING TO VISIT
The student is_________________________________________
Their teacher is__________________________________________
They are in _____________________________________________ grade
They are in ______________________________________________ building
Principals' Reading Challenge
Student log forms are located in each classroom, the front hallways and at the following links:
Primary School Letter to Students and Reading Log Sheet
Elementary School Letter to Students and Reading Log Sheet
Happy Reading!!
Call In Attendance Procedures
It is the responsibility of the parents/guardians to ensure that their child is in school. If absence is due to any communicable disease, please notify the school.
Parent/guardians must call their child’s school to report their child absent by 8:45 a.m. for Primary and Elementary School students. The Primary School telephone number is 847-740-5320; the Elementary School number is 847-740-5321. There is a 24-hour voice mail system for your use in reporting absences. If you do not report your child’s absence, the school must make a reasonable attempt to contact the parent/guardian to confirm the child’s absence.
When a child is late for school, that student is considered tardy. The tardy student and parent must stop at the office, be signed in by the parent/guardian, and get a pass before going to class.
Morning Drop Off Procedures
ONLY Big Hollow school buses will use the drop off/fire lane in front (west side) of Big Hollow Primary and Elementary Schools.
Parents who wish to park and walk their child in should continue to park in FRONT (west side) of the school and must walk their child all the way to the front doors. Parents will need to exercise caution when walking between school buses and must only walk in the cross walks.
Parents who would like to drop their child off in the drop off lane will enter the parking lot at the entrance to Big Hollow Middle School ONLY. Please proceed to the drop off lane behind Big Hollow Primary and Elementary Schools which will be clearly marked with the large yellow drop off signs and cones. Please ONLY drop your child off in between the large yellow drop off signs. Do not drop your child off before the large yellow signs. Do not drop your child off after the large yellow signs. Children must exit vehicles on the curb side only. Parents must not exit the vehicle. Once your child has exited the vehicle, please pull forward as soon as it is safe to do so and exit the parking lot by continuing past the elementary playground and past the soccer field and exit at the entrance to Big Hollow Middle School. Please do not stop and wait for your child to enter the building.
Thank you for following these procedures so that we can ensure a safe arrival for all of our students and staff.
Drop Off and Pick Up Procedures
If you are picking up your child from school, you must notify the school office by 2:15 pm. You can call earlier in the day, or even, days ahead of time. It is also very helpful to send your child's teacher a note in the agenda or an email.
If you have an emergency situation occur after 2:15 pm, please notify the office and an exception will be made.
Questions?
Primary - (847) 740-5320
Lisa Muns lisamuns@bighollow.us -administrative assistant
Christy Niernberg christinaniernberg@bighollow.us - administrative assistant
Brooke Lee brookelee@bighollow.us - nurse
Elementary - (847)740-5321
Cathy Alonso cathyalonso@bighollow.us - administrative assistant
Jen Berg jenniferberg@bighollow.us - administrative assistant
Wanda Lumpkins wandalumpkins@bighollow.us - nurse
Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
Follow Big Hollow Primary on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BigHollowPri/
Instagram @BigHollowPri
Twitter @BigHollowPri
Follow Big Hollow Elementary School on Facebook
@ www.facebook.com/bighollowelem
Instagram @bighollowelementary
Twitter @bighollowelem
Important Dates
September 15- Start of National Hispanic Heritage Month (to October 15)
September 20 - Early Release 1:30 pm
September 24 - PTO No Cook Night - Antioch PIzza
September 27 - Grandparents and Special Friends Day
PTO news
Website/information
If you haven't already, we hope you will sign up at our website www.bighollowpto.com. By signing up you will receive newsletters, volunteer signups, etc! It's the easiest way to get information!
Cindy Haran - President - cindyharan@bighollowpto.com
Communicates openly with the parents, administration, teachers, and community to create a strong, supportive PTO for Big Hollow. Oversees spirit wear sales, sponsorship requests and event planning and execution.
VACANT- Vice President of Events -
Oversees the planning and execution of all events hosted by the Big Hollow PTO.These events include the Back to School Blast, the Children’s Resale, GLOW BINGO, FREE FAMILY FUN NIGHTS, Pizza Throwdown and Holiday Festival and so much more!
VP of Fundraising-Katie Hart katiehart@bighollowpto.com
Volunteer Coordinator-Jerilyn Leonard
Vacant - Secretary -
Creates agendas and takes minutes for all PTO meetings. Organizes all files, PTO calendars, and drives and maintains the website for the Big Hollow PTO. Oversees Big Hollow Book Fairs.
Sarah Johnsonbaugh - Treasurer - sarahjohnsonbaugh@bighollowpto.com
Updates expenditures and income of the Big Hollow PTO. Maintains the PTO’s status as a 501c3 charity. Handles all banking responsibilities of the Big Hollow PTO.
Katie Pfisterer - District Liaison -
Communicates between the teachers and the PTO to make sure the logistics of events coordinate with the plans of District 38.
We are looking forward to another amazing year!
Please reach out to us at info@bighollowpto.com at any time!
#onedistrictonecommunity
#BHWARRIORPRIDE