Dear Ivy Hall Families,
What a wonderful first week of school! It was energizing walking into classrooms, the gym, and outside on the playground and seeing all the positive connections that have already been made between students and staff. We had our first PAWS drawing this afternoon and our students were so excited to be recognized for following the K triple R, (Kind, Respectful, Responsible, and Ready).
Thank you to all the families who attended Curriculum Night this past Wednesday. I hope you enjoyed hearing about the incredible teaching and learning that will happen this year! If you were unable to attend, please reach out to your child’s teacher to obtain a digital version of their presentation.
Next week we will have another full week of school and instruction before the long holiday weekend. Students will be taking MAP on Wednesday 8/28 and Thursday 8/29. A healthy breakfast, a good night’s sleep, and some positive words of encouragement will help make these two testing days successful. We look forward to another great week of learning.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Mike Senatore
REPEAT *Important August Dates*
- Monday, August 26th - Law Enforcement Safety Drill (see below)
- Tuesday, August 27th - Early Release at 2:05 p.m. at Country Meadows, Ivy Hall, Kildeer, & Prairie. Please see the Twin Groves, Woodlawn, and Willow Grove Principal’s Message for attendance times.
- Wednesday, August 28th and Thursday, August 29th - MAP Testing
- Thursday, August 29th Curriculum Night at Country Meadows
- 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. (Grades 1 and 2)
- 7:15 to 8 p.m. (Grades 3-5)
- Wednesday, August 30th - Picture Day
NEW *Law Enforcement Safety Drill*
On Monday, August 26th, Ivy Hall will be conducting a Law Enforcement Safety Drill.
In compliance with the Safety Drill Act, parents have the right to exempt their child from the Law Enforcement Drill.
If you do not wish your child to participate in the Law Enforcement Safety Drill, please contact Mike Senatore at [emailprotected]. The administration will arrange for an alternative review of safety procedures with your child.
If we do not hear from you, we will assume your child has permission to participate in the drill.
NEW *EARLY RELEASE*
Reminder, KCSD96 parents and guardians! Tuesday, August 27th is an Early Release Day. Kindergarten and Grades 1-5 dismiss at 2:05pm. Grades 6-8 dismiss at 1:30pm. Structured EC goes from 8:40am-2:05pm. ECSE/Blended AM goes from 8:40am-10:10am. Blended PM goes from 12:35pm-2:05pm.
NEW *NWEA MAP Assessment*
All students in grades K-8 will be participating in the NWEA MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) assessment on Wednesday, August 28th, and Thursday, August 29th. The MAP assessment is a normed-referenced, computerized adaptive test that helps teachers, parents, and administrators improve learning for all students and make informed decisions to promote a child's academic growth. Like in previous years, all students will be taking the MAP test in reading and math during the school day.
NEW *Erin’s Law*
An Illinois law known as Erin’s Law requires schools to implement an age-appropriate sexual assault and abuse awareness/prevention curriculum for Early Childhood through Grade 12.
Kildeer Countryside CCSD 96 researched and observed best practices and programs for delivering this instruction, selecting Be Seen & Heard ©. For more information about this presentation please go to www.victorpacini.com/peace-of-mind-2
This developmentally appropriate and interactive program focuses on teaching children skills to keep them safe from danger or abuse. Concepts discussed will include distinguishing safe from unsafe touches, safety rules at home and school, saying NO, safe/unsafe secrets, and telling a trusted adult, as well as reinforcing that an adult’s touching him or her is not the child’s fault.
Opt-Out Procedures
The presentation to Ivy Hall students will be during the school day on Friday, September 13th. If you prefer that your child does not attend this prevention education session, please submit your written request or your questions to [emailprotected]
NEW *Music Boosters Blog*
Please see the D96 Music Boosters’ Blog for important information related to our music (band and orchestra) program. Click here for the most recent blog post.
REPEAT *5th Grade Band Starting Next Week, still time to join!*
The band program is open to 5th grade students only. Students may learn one of 7 instruments during their 5th grade year in the beginning band: Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, and Percussion. (Percussion consists of drum pad or snare drum and mallets.) We will begin our lessons at Ivy Hall on Wednesday, August 21 and Prairie on Friday, August 23. Many students are already signed up for band but there have been new families that have moved into the area and some families that did not fully make their decision yet, but now want to sign their student up for band. If this is you, please follow this Beginning Band Registration link to sign up your student for band and get the necessary information so they can be ready to go on our first day of practice. If you have questions please email Mr. Nagle, [emailprotected]
REPEAT *Arrival and Dismissal Procedures for the ‘24-’25 School Year*
There are many rules and procedures regarding arrival and dismissal. These procedures have been developed with student safety as the most important consideration. These plans and procedures were developed in conjunction with our Facilities Director (Sam Miranda) and the Buffalo Grove Police Department. The Buffalo Grove police and District 96 appreciate your patience and understanding as we have established these routines in the interest of safety. The first few dismissals can be slow due to staff and students learning their routines. Please be patient. The picture below denotes all the forms of transportation that we have here at Ivy Hall. Please observe the picture and note areas where walkers, busers, and private transportation arrive and depart from here at Ivy Hall.
REPEAT *Simultaneous Student Pick-Up from Willow Grove & Elementary Schools*
Please know that we understand that some families may have concerns related to picking students up from Willow Grove and an elementary school building. Please know that all principals are aware of this concern, and no child will ever be left unattended. We know you may be going to more than one school with the same dismissal time. We appreciate your best effort in picking your children up in a timely manner, and we appreciate you adhering to our dismissal times. If when you arrive at a building your child is not waiting outside with an adult, please park and come to the front office. If you will be after 3:15 to a specific location, please call and inform the office of your ETA.
