November 9th, 2012

Please visit the PTO Newsletter and click on the link above! 

November is here and we are steamrolling toward our Thanksgiving Break.  Things at school are going well and I am very proud of the students and staff for all of their hard work up to this point of the school year.  My fantasy football teams are a disaster, but things could be worse.

Sign up for your conference time this week!  Remember that conferences are coming up on Monday, November 19^th from 5-7p.m and Tuesday, November 20^th from 2-7p.m.  It is very important that you get your sign up time early so that you can get information about your student and their performance to date.  If you are not able to attend conferences, you can request a phone conference this year.  In years past because we ran into a very difficult situation after conferences where parents wanted to meet with teachers and a lot of time planning/meeting time was lost.  Please note the wording in our current handbook.

Per the D96 handbook:

"The intent of scheduled conference days is to provide an opportunity for parents and teachers to come together to share information in a brief conference–not to replace the opportunity for these same people to come together whenever needed. Should you be unable to schedule a conference during the conference times identified on the school calendar, a parent may request a brief phone conference with the student's teacher and individual team members when appropriate. It is not the expectation of the District that teams re-create the conference experience outside the dates/times identified on the calendar."

Click here to read the Standards-Based Report Card Field Test Podcast from our meeting on the evening of October 18^th, at Twin Groves Middle School.  This podcast gives you another level of understanding as we move toward Standards Based Report Cards.  I hope that everyone takes the time to listen to this podcast, it is very informative and worth your time. 

Here is a cool opportunity for parents…

On Tues., Nov. 13, 9:30 – 11 a.m., you are invited to the Ivy Hall School Mat Room to participate in the facilitated discussion of the book we've been reading as a district: Building Resilience in Children and Teens: Giving Kids Roots and Wings. Parents who have not yet read the book, which addresses social/emotional learning (SEL) for our children, are welcome and encouraged to attend, as well. The interactive discussion will be facilitated by Student Services Director Kimberly Dahlem and Asst. Student Services Director Kim Lechner and is presented in collaboration with our District 96 Parent-to-Parent (P2P) Network. Though walk-ins are welcome, your RSVP is appreciated.

Special Directions for entering Ivy Hall School for the Nov. 13 program: 

Ivy Hall School is located at 1072 Ivy Hall Lane, Buffalo Grove. At the intersection of Arlington Heights and Route 83 (McHenry Rd.), take Arlington Heights Rd. south to Alden Lane (first street on left). Turn left onto Alden Lane and follow to the Ivy Hall School parking lot. Park in available lot spaces or curbside on the streets surrounding the school. 

Enter the Ivy Hall School through the double doors facing Clohesey Lane, near the playground area. Please do not enter through the main office. Staff will be in place throughout the program to monitor hallways and direct attendees to the Mat Room.

Questions? Call the public info coordinator at 847.459.4260, ext. 7722, or send email to bfresen@kcsd96.org

I hope that everyone hast a great week and remember to sign up for your conferences!!!!

Greg Grana