Cowlishaw News

Summer Update-8.7.2023

Back to School!

The Cowlishaw staff are super excited to kick off the 2023-2024 school year in a few short weeks ! We hope everyone is enjoying the last days of sun and fun with family and friends. We are looking forward to welcoming our students back to school on August 24th.

We will send regular communication throughout the school year via weekly newsletters. Please take a couple minutes to read the newsletter each week to stay updated on school events and information.

Important Dates

8/17/2023-Teacher Assignments Available in Parent Vue @ 4:00

8/21/2023-Teacher Meet and Greet

8/24/2023-1st Day of School for 1st-5th

8/25/2023 1st Day of School for Kindergarten

2023-2024 School Calendar

Teacher Assignment & Meet and Greet

Teacher assignments will be posted in ParentVUE Thursday, August, 17th after 4:00pm

Meet and Greet:

Monday August 21st from 2:00-3:00

2:00 -2:25 Last Names A - M
2:35 - 3:00 Last Names N - Z

Students are invited for a quick meet and greet with their teacher and drop off school supplies if they like.

PTA invites families outside following their meet and greet time for a popsicle. The PTA will be on the playground with popsicles from 2:30-3:30.

Stop by the library for a free book and information about Cowlishaw's Birthday Book Club!

Incoming Kindergarten Information

Kindergarten Orientation: Thursday, August 24, 2023. Kindergartners and their parents/guardians will attend a small 30 minute group session in their classroom.

Please enter the building with your student through the Main Office door #1 during the listed times below. *Please make child care arrangements for younger siblings.

9:30 – 10:15 Last Names beginning (A–I)

10:30 – 11:15 Last Names beginning (J-R)

11:30 – 12:15 Last Names beginning (S-Z)

First full day for Kindergarten: Friday, August 25, 2022.

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Elementary School Hours

Regular Hours:

Arrival: Doors open at 8:50. Bell rings at 9:05. Students should be in class and ready to learn at 9:05.

Dismissal: 3:35 Every Day

WEDNESDAY Hours

Arrival on Wednesdays ONLY-Doors open at 9:00 and bell rings at 9:15.

Dismissal: 3:35

Technology

Student Chromebook Passwords

Student passwords remain the same from last year.
We encourage students to log in prior to the first day of school.
If a student does not remember his or her password, please use these directions to reset the password at home using a Pin from ParentVUE.
New students to the district will receive a Chromebook and charger upon return to school.
If the Chromebook will not power on, please follow these directions.

PTA Updates

Welcome back Cowlishaw Koalas! Whether this is your first year at Cowlishaw or you’re returning for another great year, the PTA is excited to see you!

Popsicles on the Playground

Please join us for Popsicles on the Playground. This is a great opportunity to meet fellow classmates and play together on our beautiful new playground!

Please see below for the specific times for your child’s grade level.

All - Monday, August 21st 2:30 - 3:30 (after the Teacher Meet and Greet)

Incoming Kindergartners and 1st Graders- Monday, August 21st 5-6 PM

Incoming 2nd and 3rd Graders- Tuesday, August 22nd 5-6 PM

Incoming 4th and 5th Graders- Wednesday, August 23rd 5-6 PM

MEMBERSHIP: We can’t do what we do without your support, please sign up for the PTA here! https://cowlishaw.memberhub.com/store/items/16456 Membership

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Arrival and Dismissal and Transportation

Bus Route: Bus route information will be available in the ParentVUE Thursday, August 17th after 4:30pm. Please find the directions to access your student's bussing information here.

Car Riders & Walkers: Please review the car rider and walker information here. We appreciate your support with following the procedures to keep our students and staff safe during arrival and dismissal.

National School Lunch & School Breakfast Programs

Indian Prairie School District 204 is now taking applications for the 2023-2024 School Year free and reduced-priced breakfast and lunch. The District uses family income to qualify kids for free, reduced-price, or paid meals. Reduced price is $0.30 for breakfast and $0.40 for lunch. To apply for free or reduced-price meals, please visit the IPSD 204 Food Services website to download an application. We cannot approve an application that is not complete, so be sure to fill out all required information.

If you believe that you qualify for free or reduced-price meals, please return a completed application to: Indian Prairie District 204, Support Services, 780 Shoreline Dr., Aurora, IL 60504 or email to: carol_canada@ipsd.org

SNAP/TANF HOUSEHOLDS: If you receive a letter that stated your child(ren) is eligible for free meals via the direct certification process, you do not have to complete this application to receive free meal benefits. Households that currently receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) for their child(ren), only have to list the child(ren)’s name and at least one SNAP or TANF case number and sign the application. If at least one SNAP/TANF case number is provided for any household member, then all children listed on the application are categorically eligible for free meals. Applications listing LINK card numbers cannot be used for free or reduced-price meals.

Please see the Full Announcement for more details, including income eligibility guidelines and how to apply.

Application documents and all other information related to Indian Prairie D204 Food Service program, can be found on the Food Services Webpage.

Carol Canada
carol_canada@ipsd.org

Health Information

Health Examination and Immunization Requirements:

Students entering kindergarten and new students to the district, must present proof of the required state of Illinois physical examination and immunizations. The student history portion of the examination form must be completed and signed by the parent. If this is not completed, the student will be excluded from school on October 16, 2023.

All students entering kindergarten and second grade are required to present proof of an oral health examination completed by a licensed dentist. This will be due prior to May 15th of that academic year.
A vision examination is required of all students entering kindergarten or enrolling in an Illinois public school for the first time. Written proof of having been examined by a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches or a licensed optometrist will be required.

Dental Form

Eye Exam Form

Health Form