All library books are due back by Friday, May 23rd. Please ask your child if their materials have been returned. There are still a handful of items checked out. The library inventory begins after Memorial Day.

Making the Most
Our remaining three weeks are packed with instruction, learning, creativity, and fun. It is essential that students be on time for and in school each day ready to participate. Please help us at home by making sure students:
• get adequate sleep
• do homework and study
• bring required items to school
• come dressed appropriately for activities
• are ready to learn
• know you as parents expect appropriate behavior at school every day

Safety Drill
This week we conducted our final safety drill for the year. It occurred during 3rd grade lunch. Students knew what to do and reacted well. These drills help us to be prepared in case of an emergency. Thank you to Officer Martin, Officer Brines, Officer Cahill, and Deputy Chief Lewandowski for their assistance.

For Mom

She was there at the beginning
When the world was new to you.
She is there during the happy times -
And when you are hurt or blue.

She is there to listen to your thoughts
And when you ask, to give advice -
She is there to tell you, "Those don't match!"
Or, "Hon, you sure look nice."

She is there with you at nighttime
To help you say your prayers.
She is there to tell you, "It's alright."
When you have a dream that scares.

She is there at morning time
To get you up and out of bed.
She is there when you don't feel good -
To say, "You'd best stay home, instead."

She is there when you are hungry
And when you have those dirty clothes.
She is there when you need her -
A wonder how she knows.

ALL SCHOOL MEETING

Our May All School Meeting was held Friday. Our theme is "Endurance". This month we had a presenter on bike safety. Given the weather and the number of students riding their bikes, we felt this would be a great help. Our presenter helped us all realize that we need to be very safe when riding and we MUST WEAR A HELMET!! Please make sure your student has and wears a bike helmet at all times.

Principal awards were given. Congratulations to the following students for their hard work and effort:

3rd Grade- Michelle G., Zunair M., Hanna S., Kosta H., Rachel H., Andrew I., Shameer R., Krysten I., Kristeen B., Farheen K., Jasmin S., Josh T., Bridganae T., Sliwa Y., Giovanni P., Johny P., and Bruce B.

SUMMER SCHOOL 2008

CLOSED CLASSES:

Archery (Coed) - 6th-8th grade
Master Jedi Sci-Fi Club - 4th-8th grade

June 16 - July 11

This year the Literacy Committee studied and reviewed reading for grades 6-8 and language arts for grades K-8. Vocabulary development and writing were our main areas of focus. The following materials will be recommended for adoption by the Board of Education on Tuesday,
May 6, 2008:

• Prentice Hall Literacy, grades 6-8
• Write Source, grades K-8
• (under consideration) Text Talk Vocabulary Program, grades K-2

These materials are on display starting today through May 6th at the District Administration Office. You are welcome to stop by and review these materials and give input prior to formal adoption on May 6th.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call Dr. Susan Brandt, Assistant Superintendent, at 847-675-8234.

Staff Appreciation Week
The week of May 5 is designated as Staff Appreciation Week. This is a great time to show a special teacher how much they have meant. Consider doing something special during this week. Here are some suggestions:
• Take a picture of the class and frame it.
• Donate an item to the classroom like a puzzle, a dictionary, or a game.
• Nominate the teacher for an award - go to this website - TeachersCount.
• Get a clipboard and personalize it for the teacher.

Homework

This important information is for all Parents/Guardians of a 6th, 7th and 8th grade student for the 2008-2009 school term

Every Middle School student that intends to participate in any School District extracurricular sport (including intramurals) is required to have a yearly sports physical examination [including a: (1) 12-lead electrocardiogram (EKG) or (2) an echocardiogram prior to the start of that sport's tryouts.]

Echocardiogram screening will be performed at District 74, during the schedule below, at a very reduced rate of $45. Packets will be sent to your home on May 7, 2008 - please watch your mailbox for this important information.

 

Below are pictures of some of our Student Activities Council members and students after they helped to clean up our playgrounds on Tuesday, Earth Day!

Ruhi Q., Samina K., Abrar K., and Alex R. are not pictured.

 

Learning Lunchbox
Check out this program offered by the non-profit Foundation To Advance Childhood Education, and developed in association with the National Association of Elementary School Principals and The American Association of School Administrators. The Learning Lunchbox program helps parents become more involved with their child's education and enjoy the process at the same time. It consists of a two-hour video and a Family Guide with over 600 enjoyable activities. You can help your children become better students, enjoy their education more and be better prepared for life in general.

The Learning Lunchbox does not involve your participation in your student's school subjects, projects or homework. Rather, it provides recommendations and activities that will help you help your students succeed by being better prepared to learn.