Pirate's Cove
August 13th through August 20th
Traduzca este boletín al Español
Principal's Message
Pirate Families!
The family here at Plank are so excited to welcome everyone back to in-person learning for the 2021-2022 school year! Please read the information in The Pirate's Cove in it's entirety. This is our weekly communication to bring you up to speed on all important information.
Please continue to check www.sd308.org for updates on start of the year.
One question that I received numerous times during our orientation surrounded mask usage. Students, teachers, and any in-building visitors must have a mask on as part of the Governor's mandate. This is not optional. All schools in Oswego 308 are also complying with this order. This is a mitigation measure that is in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, and keep our students, staff, and families safe.
Our first day of student attendance is August 18th. We are excited to welcome ALL of our students back into Plank. We are going to have a great school year! We are extremely excited to welcome back all of our new and returning Pirates! See you all soon!
The staff at Plank Junior High is committed to serving the students and parents of the surrounding community. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me, and we can work together to find solutions. I can be reached at 630-551-9400 and thaymond@sd308.org. We look forward to partnering with you and your child throughout the year.
Always in partnership,
Tyler Haymond
Principal
Plank Junior High School
Important upcoming dates
8/18 - First day of student attendance
8/31 - Curriculum Night
9/1 - Student Picture Day
9/6 - NO STUDENT ATTENDANCE - Labor Day
9/7 - NO STUDENT ATTENDANCE - Teacher Institute Day
10/22 - Picture Retake Day
Information for the start of the school year
Please view the What to Expect at Plank 2021-2022 Presentation for additional information for the upcoming year!
Lea la presentación en español aquí Qué esperar en Plank - Estudiantes y padres Español 2021-2022
PE Uniforms/Lockers: Students will receive their locks and assigned a locker in PE during the first week of school. Information about this will come through PE.
Lunch: We will serve lunch during the school day this year. We have made some adjustments to our cafeteria seating to allow for social distancing seating for all students. If we need to use additional spaces in the building for lunch, we will accommodate the best we can and keep you informed.
Lockers: Students are using lockers this year (locker and combination located on the schedule email that was sent out earlier this week). We will encourage students to limit their locker usage to only a few times a day. We encourage students to take a look at their schedule and make a plan as to when the most appropriate time to go to their locker would be. (Example: before school/after school and before/after lunch, or, before school to pack for the first part of the day and then once in the middle of the day, and then at the end of the school day).
Backpacks: Students will be able to carry backpacks during the school day. Students are encouraged to ONLY bring the most important items they will need to participate in class and leave other non-essential items in their lockers.
Cell Phones: Just a reminder...a change in policy occurred last year regarding cell phones. Cell phones must be off and out of sight during the school day, from 8:10 to 3:10. If students need to contact home, they are able to use a school phone, with permission from a Plank staff member.
Buses: To find bus routes, click here for the transportation page on the district website. From there, click on Bus Routes on the left side of the page, then find Plank under the Junior High Arrival section. From there, look for your subdivision/area you live and find the closest stop to your home, which will also include your pick-up time. Please be at your bus stop 5 minutes prior to your pick-up time. Under the Junior High-Dismissal section for Plank, you will find the bus routes with the drop-off location and time.
Chromebooks: Any incoming 6th grader, or new or returning student to Plank who has not received their Chromebook, will receive it during the first couple weeks of school.
Student Immunizations Requirements and First Day Exclusions
The Illinois School Code has specific immunization and examinations that are required to attend school, these must be provided at the following times: Pre-K/EC, Kindergarten, 2nd grade, 6th grade, 9th grade,12th grade and upon first entry to an Illinois school (see link below for requirements by grade level).
http://www.sd308.org/healthrequirements
Failure to provide documentation of the physical and vaccine requirements will result in first-day exclusion from school. Documentation of future medical appointments will not be accepted.
All health forms and medical documentation can be brought to the Plank main office during regular office hours.
Please contact Jenny Pienkos, Health Services Coordinator at (630) 608-5026 or jpienkos@sd308.org with any questions or concerns.
Regular Day Bell Schedule
Crew time - 8:10-8:29
1st Period - 8:29-9:10
2nd Period - 9:14-9:55
3rd Period - 9:59-10:40
4th Period - 10:44-11:25
5th Period - 11:29-12:10
6th Period - 12:14-12:557th Period - 12:59-1:40
8th Period - 1:44-2:25
9th Period - 2:29-3:10
ATTENTION ALL 6TH GRADE STUDENTS
Students entering 6th grade had their passwords reset over the summer. To reset your password, you would log into your Chromebook using your email and one of the following password options: 1) your locker combination (no dashes), 1) your birthday (6 digits, no dashes), or 3) 123456. From there, open a new window and go to mypassword.sd308.org. Enter your ID number as your username and the default password you used to log onto your computer. From there, you should be brought to a screen to complete security questions to reset your password.
Helpful Password Changing Hint: If you are also setting up your TylerSIS account, it may be wise to make both passwords the same.
Here are some directions on how to complete the password change.
Schedules and Electives
We do our best to honor first requests for electives whenever possible, but not all electives are offered every period. Counselors do their best to give kids all they want. This year, the schedule presented some unique challenges that may prohibit all students from receiving their first elective choice. As always, we encourage all of our students to enroll in our elective classes.
Electives offer students a great opportunity for new experiences. If you have questions once you see the schedules, feel free to reach out to your child's counselor.
Mrs. Gannon: A - L
Mrs. Modaff and Mrs. Hlavacs: M - Z
Please note that requests for specific classes, class periods, and/or teachers are unable to be accommodated. Schedule changes can be accommodated for the following reasons:
- If there is a specific issue with the schedule/Schedule error (example: missing periods, double classes, wrong level, electives taken previously, should be in band/choir)
- Changing 7th/8th grade electives (only if seats are available)- This is only accommodated for the first week of school. No further elective changes will be granted after 08/25
Athletics and Activities
Athletics, Clubs, and Activities are BACK! Although some clubs and activities haven't been finalized yet for the upcoming year, we will be sure to keep everyone informed through The Pirate's Cove Newsletter and through announcements.
In addition to clubs and activities, athletics are back! Intramurals will take place throughout the year and we will share information as they roll out. Below is a list of the interscholastic sports offered in each season.
A few Athletic Reminders:
- If you're interested in athletics, please be sure to register through 8-18 and pay the athletic fee on Pushcoin
- Sports physicals need to be turned in prior to tryouts, otherwise, students will not be able to try out (we will continue to take physicals the first week of school!)
- Reminder: masks MUST be worn on the bus to away games/meets
Competitive Sports:
Fall: Cross Country, Boys Soccer, and Girls Volleyball
Winter I: Boys Basketball, Cheerleading, Poms, and Wrestling
Winter II: Girls Basketball
Spring: Girls Soccer, Track and Field, and Boys Volleyball
Intramural Sports:
Students should watch the Plank announcements at Lunch time for details every quarter
Yearbook Distribution
Unfortunately, the shipment of 20-21 Yearbooks has been delayed and wasn't available for pickup during orientations as planned. We are sorry for this and we will inform everyone as soon as another pickup can be arranged. Please know we are very sorry for the inconvenience and disappointment this creates for everyone.
You are now able to order yearbooks for the 21-22 school year. Scan the QR code below to get the link to order today!
* * * * * Your Input Matters to Us * * * * * *
Please take the opportunity to share your comments about our firsts week of school. We'd love to hear from you! Click here to tell us.
Helpful Online Safety Information for Parents
Technology has changed the way we live, work, play, learn, and interact. It is hard to keep up with all the new apps, online trends, etc. our students and children are using. Below are helpful resources for parents to learn helpful tips about online safety, how to talk to your children about online safety, and information on current apps our students and children are using.
Online Safety Information for Parents:
Stay Safe Online - National Cyber Security Alliance
Guide to Potentially Dangerous Apps for Kids
Social Media Red Flags Parents Should Know About
What Parents Should Know About Social Media and Anxiety
Social Media Guide - Cyber Security and Infrastructure Security Agency
Parent Resources
Follow the links to access the parent resources that we have available.
- A Parent's Guide to Google Classroom - A step-by-step guide to help parents that are unfamiliar with accessing Google Classroom.
- Google Classroom Cheat Sheet for students - Shake Up Learning
- Google Suite Tutorials - A collection of Google tutorials that students will be using with their teachers during remote learning. There are dozens of resources here that cover almost anything you need to know about using Google Suite.
- Parent's Guide to Student Portal - Tyler 360 document that outlines Student Portal access and features.
- Parent's Guide to Google Suite Applications - From Google Docs to Google Meets, this is a guide for parents to use as a reference for all of the available Google Suite Applications.
Supporting Students and Families
The Student Services team at Plank has compiled a list of valuable resources for families to use. These resources are available to all of our families. There are two forms that can be completed to provide assistance if needed during the summer. We miss you, Pirates!.
This form is a short survey for families. Fill out the family form here.
To visit our Student Services resources Page, please click here.
Set up a time to meet with the Plank Counselors!
Our Plank counseling team is using a new scheduling tool this year. It allows students and parents to directly book a meeting with us. Follow the links below to access the editable schedule to meet with one of our counselors. They also created and released the Counselors Corner Newsletter. If you have questions, reach out to our counseling team below!
Mrs. Gannon (students with last names A-L) cgannon-sd308.youcanbook.me/
Mrs. Hlavacs (students with last names M-Z) khlavacs-sd308.youcanbook.me/
Mrs. Modaff (students with last names M-Z) jmodaff-sd308.youcanbook.me/
21-22 School Yearbook
Don't Delay, Plank Pirates! It's time to order your YEARBOOK for the 21-22 school year. The online store will be open August 9. Order now, so you don't forget and get your $5 DISCOUNT. (From December 1st, cost increases to $30. Final order deadline is January 28, 2022.)
*Optional personalization for an extra fee.
If you have any yearbook questions, please email Ms. Thill at dthill@sd308.org.
21-22 Plank Yearbook QR Code
Try out for OE Wolfpack Basketball - Tryouts: 2021/2022 Season
Boys* - August 23rd & 24th, 7-9pm at OEHS – MUST Register at link below for Tryouts
*Please note that it is recommended that boys attend both tryout dates, but if you can only attend one tryout that is acceptable.
Player Eligibility: All players must be in grades 4th-8th and be enrolled in a school that feeds into Oswego East HS. If you are homeschooled (but still in OE territory) or are in 3rd grade, please contact us to discuss.
Season Starts: October
Season Ends: March
Practices: Teams will practice approximately 2-3 times per week (evenings and times vary weekly)
Games: 4th - 6th grade teams will play approximately 30-35 games during the season, including leagues and weekend tournaments
7th - 8th grade teams will play approximately 35-40 games during the season, including leagues and weekend tournaments
Cost: $450
The fee includes:
- All practice, league and tournament fees
- Reversible jersey, shorts and shooting shirt (Note: there is a $125 discount if you do not need a new uniform)
To register go to Oswego East Wolfpack Link:
Plank Attendance Guidelines
Call Asusana Montes-Mijares
630-551-9401
Please leave a message on the Attendance Line noting the reason for the absence. Include all symptoms or the reason for the absence if it is not illness related. Students need to be called in if they will miss a partial day. Please note the class/classes that will be missed in addition to the reason for the absences.
Teachers are keeping attendance through class period If you have questions, please reach out to the individual teachers about these procedures.
Important People to Know
Administration:
Principal
Tyler Haymond 630-551-9410 thaymond@sd308.org
Assistant Principal
Bailey Campbell 630-551-9412 bcampbell@sd308.org
Assistant Principal
Mrs. Katie Jones 630-551-9411 kjones@sd308.org
Student Support Lead Teachers
Lead Special Education Teacher
Carrie Quinn 630-551-9497 cquinn@sd308.org
EL Coordinator
Guadalupe Gallardo Escobedo 630-551-9466 ggallardoescobedo@sd308.org
Secretaries:
Principal Secretary
Laurie Williams 630-551-9409 lwilliams@sd308.org
Registrar/Discipline Secretary
Camille Simmons 630-551-9418 csimmons@sd308.org
Attendance Secretary
Asusana (Susie) Montes-Mijarez 630-551-9408 amontesmijarez@sd308.org
Student Services:
Counselors:
Caitlin Gannon 630-551-9414 cgannon@sd308.org
Students with last names A-L
Kelly Hlavacs and Jen Modaff 630-551-9415 khlavacs@sd308.org, jmodaff@sd308.org
Students with last names L-Z
Melanie Reicher 630-551-9483 mreicher@sd308.org
Restorative Practice Counselor
Social Workers:
Regena Alonzo 630-551-9405 ralonzo@sd308.org
Marguerite Slinger 630-551-9416 mslinger@sd308.org
Building Nurse:
Kristin Jenkins 630-551-9402 kjenkins@sd308.org
Important Resources
Transportation: 630-636-2999
Tyler Parent Portal login/access questions: tylerhelp@sd308.org
Waiver of Fee questions: Kaitlyn Dolenak 630-636-3662
Free/Reduced Lunch Application Status: Paola Lares Luna: 630-636-3663
Plank Junior High School
Email: thaymond@sd308.org
Website: https://www.sd308.org/plank
Location: Plank Jr. High, Secretariat Lane, Oswego, IL, USA
Phone: 6305519400
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/plank308/?scrlybrkr=2abf877d
Twitter: @Plank308