We Show Cougar Pride When We Give FIVE!

1. Follow directions

2. Use kind words

3. Keep my hands and feet to myself

4. Make safe choices

5. DO MY BEST!

Friday, March 8, 2013

Principal's Message 3/8/13


A Look Back... 


ISAT Testing is well underway and should wrap up on Monday, with the exception of makeup testing for children whom have been absent.  

Hoops for Heart/Jump Rope for Heart
Over 120 students participated in our Hoops for Heart (5th grade) and Jump Rope for Heart (2nd, 3rd and 4th grade) events. Not only did the children do a terrific job and get a lot of exercise, but they also had tons of fun as well. We are also thrilled to announce that as of this date, Kildeer school has raised over $8,000.00 for the American Heart Association to help provide the necessary funding for research to fight heart disease. We are so proud of everyone who joined us to help make this happen. Hooray for Kildeer!!! :)
~Mrs. Blair and Mr. Emde

Fourth-Grader Wins "Artist of the Week" on Artsonia- the Largest Kids' Art Museum
Long Grove, IL -- March 4th, 2013-- Francesca, a first grade artist in Miss Jones class loves to share her artwork with others and last week it really paid off!  Her recent "Snakes" picture (www.artsonia.com/Francesca329) received over 1400 online votes earning Francesca the honor of "Artist of the Week" on Artsonia, the largest kids' art museum.  A commemorative plaque from Artsonia, which features her artwork, is being presented to Francesca by her art teacher, Mrs. Norman.
The winning piece is from "Snakes - 4th Grade," a class project that was published on Artsonia by Mrs. Norman.  After first learning about Snakes in their homeroom, the students headed for the art room, where they discussed what snakes look like using colors, shapes and sizes. Francesca and her classmates then created their own Snakes masterpieces. The entire school art gallery is available for viewing at www.artsonia.com/schools/KildeerCountryside1. 

From artwork submitted the previous week, Artsonia selects twelve random art submissions from each of four different age groups (grades PreK-3, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12) to represent the finalists in that week's contest. Voting is open to the general public every Wednesday-Saturday, with the winners from each age group being awarded on Sunday.
More than 19 million pieces of artwork are viewable on Artsonia, and any teacher or parent can create an online art gallery for their child or school. Artsonia provides several online features such as fan clubs and personal guest-books, as a way for families to encourage the creativity and imaginations of their young artists. In addition, family members can purchase keepsakes imprinted with the child's artwork, with Artsonia donating 20 percent of their annual product revenue back to school art programs.
Headquartered in Gurnee, Ill., Artsonia was established in 2000 as an online kid's art museum providing free, educational resources for kids, families and schools to create art projects. Since its inception, Artsonia continues to integrate technology in the classroom, develop multi-cultural understanding through art and increase family involvement in children's education. To find out more, visit and see your child's artwork gallery, visit www.artsonia.com.
 A Look Ahead... 

Creating balanced class lists that meet the needs of all students is a tremendously difficult job that takes many hours of thoughtful dialogue between classroom teachers, administrators, and other staff members. We at Kildeer take it very seriously. The process for class list creation is as follows:
  • First, teachers think about the social and academic needs of each of their current students while recording pertinent information to assist in the decision making process.
  • Next, teachers meet together as grade level teams to form class lists that are balanced in terms of academic, social, and emotional needs as well as considering friendships and other areas. This is no easy task and often takes several meetings. Teachers consider each child’s personality, academic needs, friendship patterns, etc. as they make a match for each individual child. Specialists and the specials team collaborate with the teams as needed during this process as well, and I attend each of these meetings.
  • Each grade level team types a draft set of class lists that are then submitted to me. One at a time, I will consider each student and his/her placement. At this time, parent input is also considered. Any changes in the draft lists are reviewed by the classroom teachers to ensure balance. 
  • Final class lists are then created in August with summer changes for move ins/outs reflected.
This process happens at grades 1-4. Willow Grove creates the class lists for our incoming kindergartners enrolled there and I will add in students who attend private kindergartens. Our 5th grade team actively works with Woodlawn to provide data and input related to placement decisions as well.
We strongly believe that this detailed and collaborative process creates learning environments that benefit all students. It is a delicate balancing act which takes much consideration and thought by professionals who know and care about your children. Our goal is to create balanced class lists that promote the success of each child. Please know that your child is placed in a classroom for very specific reasons. The process benefits all students. Because of the input and thought given by teachers, parents, and administrators, we are very reluctant to make changes once this process occurs, as removing or moving one child can disrupt the balance of a class, impacting all students. 
 
I welcome any insight you wish to share about your child’s strengths, needs, and learning style. I will take into consideration pertinent information about your child’s learning style and needs, received on or before FRIDAY, APRIL 26th, 2013. While we welcome your input, specific teacher requests will not be honored. Please put your thoughts in writing and address them to me (Jenny Smith) either via hard copy letter or email (jsmith@kcsd96.org).  I cannot express enough how important it is that your thoughts are in writing. Verbal information is nearly impossible to track. Further, please direct all of this communication to me as ultimately I am responsible for reviewing final class lists in August when teachers are not working.  

Author Visit! ~ We are so excited to have Aaron Reynolds join us for a day of reading fun. He will be presenting to our students during the day on Monday, April 22. As a bonus treat, he will also do a different presentation in the evening for parents and families. Our book fair will be happening that evening too. Visit the Kildeer website (right on the homepage) for the order form- Aaron will even sign the books! Books will be on display in the office starting the week of March 4th, and Mrs. Schumer will introduce the books to all the kids. Creepy Carrots will be available the night of the presentation for purchase at the book fair. What a fun night! THANK YOU PTO!  Click here for access to our Learning Center website for more information on this and online resources you'll love!

Latest Edition of the Kildeer Gazette made by our student Newspaper Club! ~ click here.

2013-2014 District 96 School Year Calendar Approved ~ Please visit this link to view the school calendar for next year.


Attention Parents of Fifth-Graders ~ The D96 Parent-to-Parent (P2P) Network is partnering with Woodlawn and Twin Groves Middle School principals and staff to present a brand-new transition program for parents whose current fifth-grade students will be attending middle school in August 2013.

This don’t-miss program on Tues., Mar. 12, @ 7 p.m., Woodlawn Middle School Gym, for ALL District 96 parents of current fifth graders will feature a student panel for Q&A and practical transition tips, middle school staff, and Principals Heather Friziellie and Greg Grana.

Please note that this program replaces the school-based programs presented in previous years. One program/one date for ALL parents of current D96 fifth-grade students: Tues., Mar. 12, 7 p.m., Woodlawn Middle School gym, 6362 Gilmer Rd, Long Grove 60047.

Forms & Information
Click here for access to  archived forms, student opportunities, and information.

Calendar Highlights for Next Week
This is a brief look at what's ahead. Please be sure to follow D96 ENews and our Kildeer PTO Newsletter.
  • Friday, March 8 ~ PTO Family Skate @ 6:00-8:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, March 10 ~ Daylight Savings Time Begins - Spring Ahead 1 hr.
  • Monday, March 11 ~ ISAT Testing continues
  • Wednesday, March 13 ~ Progress Reports Issued
  • Wednesday, March 13 ~ Variety Show Walk-thru @ 3:00-5:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, March 14 ~ Boys Night Out - 5th grade boys
  • Friday, March 15 ~ PTO Special Lunch - McDonalds
  • Friday, March 15 ~ Foundation Dinner @ 6:00p.m. Arboretum Club
  • Friday, March 15 ~ Variety Show Walk-thru @ 3:00-5:00 p.m.
    PTO Highlight of the Week


    Great Skate TONIGHT at 7pm at Glacier Ice Arena!   Please come and support your PTO at this fun family event. 
    5th Grade Boys Night out on March 14th!   5th Grade Girls Night Out on March 21st!
    Don’t forget to order your School Supply Kits for next year.  Orders are due March 15th.

    Thanks to our PTO for all of your support!