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Pleasant Hill Weekly Newsletter
September 29, 2023
Please Check Out the School Calendar To Plan Ahead
Hello PH Community!
A big THANK YOU to all of our PTA parent volunteers and committee chairs for two awesome mornings of Donuts and Grownups!! It was so nice to see everyone who made it to the morning event. It was also great to see families connecting and students enjoying having their grownup with them! THANK YOU to the commitee!!
Next week we have the book fair all week and Family Reading Night on Wednesday! Please see below for more details. Another amazing PTA event you do not want to miss!
Wishing everyone a relaxing weekend!
Thank you as always for your support!
Warm Regards,
Dr. Morris
GO COUGARS!
Donuts with grownup was amazing!! Thank you to all that were able to attend!
Family Reading Night October 4th!
Book Fair Next Week!
The Literati Book Fair is coming! Do you have what it takes to Crack the Case?
Come get clued in to the best new books from October 2nd to October 6th.
Every purchase benefits our school!
Monday, October 2 - Friday, October 6
Monday: 9:00 am- 3:00 pm (Preview only)
Tuesday: 9:00 am- 3:00 pm (Preview only)
Wednesday: 9:00 am- 3:00 pm (Shopping)
Wednesday: 6:00-8:00 pm (Shopping during Family Reading Night)
Thursday: 9:00 am- 3:00 pm (Shopping)
Friday: 9:00 am- 11:00 am (Shopping)
Students will get to preview the book fair on Monday and Tuesday during school! Shopping will begin on Wednesday.
Family Reading Night – October 4th Book Fair Open From 6-8pm – All families that purchase books during Family Reading night will be entered into a raffle for a coupon to use at the Spring Book Fair! There will also be a pencil pull with fun prizes as well!
Please know that we are now required to charge tax on every purchase, so please send your
children enough money to cover tax as well as their book costs.
We accept cash, credit/debit cards, check, or Apple Pay.
Can’t make the fair? No worries! Shop for exciting new books online at efairs.literati.com, and
create student wish lists to share with friends and family. When you search for our school,
double-check that you have the right city and state.
Our Walls are Alive!
Halloween Is Around the corner! Please Read!
Our first priority at Pleasant Hill is to create a safe and orderly learning environment for our students and staff. It is with this in mind that I am sending out this important reminder and information.
We hope to create a safe and fun environment for our students that choose to celebrate Halloween on October 31st.
Students are permitted to wear costumes on Halloween as long as their attire complies with the student appearance policy in District 15’s parent/student handbook and the following set of expectations:
Costumes involving fake blood are not allowed.
Actual weapons or look-alikes weapons are not allowed.
Masks that cover the face and head are not allowed.
Costume make-up is allowed provided it does not cover the student’s entire face. Staff members must be able to identify students.
Costumes that could be offensive or perpetuate a stereotype about someone’s culture, gender, heritage or religion are not allowed.
We will be having an all school parade outdoors as we have in the past. Our parade will start at 9:00am that morning. The following is the route we will be taking.
We will be walking north on Bennet, then east on Pleasant Hill Blvd and then making our way back to school heading south on Cedar St.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me directly.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter,
Dr. Morris
2 more days to order your PH spirit wear!
https://waistupstores.com/pleasant_hill_elementary_school/shop/home
Every Friday is Cougar Pride day!
Please Sign Up To Join Our PTA!
This is only possible because of our school community!! Please take a moment to continue to make Pleasant Hill an excellent school by joining our PTA.
The PTA provides our community with numerous family events, resources for the school and students and a connection between the school and home like no other! Just click on the link below. Thank you Pleasant Hill families and staff!
Unleash the artist within YOU!! Reflections 2023 is back!
Reflections is the National PTA arts program that asks children to get creative! Students of all grades and abilities are invited to create works of art in any of the six different art categories, reflecting upon this year’s theme. The six art categories are dance choreography, film production, literature, music compositions, photography and visual arts. Students can create as many projects as they like, in as many art categories as they like. Projects can only be submitted at the school level. Students must complete their projects outside of school.
This year’s theme is “I am Hopeful Because…”
The deadline to turn in projects is 10/27/23. Please submit all your projects along with a filled in student entry form to the school front office.
You can find more general information about Reflections at https://www.pta.org/home/programs/reflections.
Take a look at our own winners from previous years - https://youtu.be/tZ_IsvGUm0M?si=K0jKKFF1f2DxlE5U
For any additional queries please Email Sandy Rhee or Yamuna Palasamudram at phptareflection@gmail.com
PRO TIP - The artist statement is very important- make sure your son or daughter writes in their own words to explain how the project they created connects to the theme (I am Hopeful Because…)
Author Visit To Pleasant HIll
He will be giving two presentations to both lower and upper elementary! Some of his most popular picture books are available for purchase. A flyer was sent home with your child for grades K-3, however, anyone is welcome to purchase! If you are interested in purchasing, please reach out to your child's teacher for an order form if you did not receive one. All purchased books will be signed by Mr. Reynolds on the day of his arrival.
We are so excited to have him!
Another Great Week At PH!
Student Council School Store Dates!
Thursday October 26th, 2023
Thursday November 16th, 2023
Thurdsday December 14th, 2023
Thursday January 18th, 2024
Thursday Febuary 15th, 2024
Thursday March 14th, 2024
Thursday April 18th, 2024
Thursday May 16th, 2024
PTA Multicultural Fest Call for Group Leaders!
Multicultural Fest Call for Group Leaders!
On October 2nd at 8pm - Join us for an online informational meeting to learn about becoming a group leader for Multicultural Fest.
Multicultural Fest, scheduled for January 19, 2024, is an event that educates Pleasant Hill families of the diversity in our community.
We have groups of all sizes, this can be done with a large team, small group or even one family. We need YOU to come forward if you have an interest in showcasing your culture.
Here are the details for our upcoming googlemeet:
Monday, October 2 · 8:00 – 9:00pm
Time zone: America/Chicago
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/omi-pcif-eyy
Thank you,
Julie Boldt and Amanda Peldiak
MCF Co-chairs
PTA President's Message
Dear Families,
A huge THANK YOU to Sara Siegall and the Donuts with Grownups committee to making that event a success. It’s one of our favorites and we love to see the attendance!
Autumn is nearly here, and our PTA is buzzing with activities to engage our students and community! Mark your calendars for these upcoming events:
Book Fair: Join us from October 2nd to 6th to explore an exciting collection of books. Encourage your child's love for reading while supporting our school. See the flyers sent out for more details.
Family Reading Night & Walk to School Day: On October 4th, we have a double treat for you! Start the day on a healthy note by walking your child to school and join us in the evening for a special family reading night. Bring your favorite book and share the joy of reading together.
Reflections Projects: This year's theme for the Reflections Program is "I am Hopeful." We can't wait to see how our students interpret this theme. Projects are due by October 27th. More information about submission guidelines are attached here!
PTA Meeting: We invite all parents to attend our next PTA meeting on October 10th at 7 p.m. The meeting will be held via Zoom. Link and details will be sent out prior to the meeting.
We are looking forward to seeing all of you participate in these events. Your involvement plays a critical role in creating a vibrant school community. Let's make October memorable!
Waiting for Sweater Weather!
Rick France and Amanda Burress
PTA President and President Elect
Drop-off and pick-up at the front of the school
Animals On School Property During The School Day
No animals are allowed on school grounds during times when children are present unless pre-authorized by the Principal of the school. (Trained service animals in use by a person with a disability are allowed on school grounds.)
Use Stopfinder To Track Your Students Bus!
Thank you all for your patience and understanding as we kicked off the 2023-2024 school year. We apologize for any confusion or frustration bus routes may have caused. Last year, we implemented Stopfinder (the new bus GPS system) as a resource to help families. Invitations were sent to families of bus riders.
Please note, the invitation will go to the PRIMARY email address listed in Infinite Campus (only one contact). Once activated, the primary contact can share the link to register with other caregivers. We have shared instructions for how to share the bus schedule below or it can be found on our website.
It is important to download the mobile app as StopFinder will have the most up-to-date information regarding your child’s transportation.
Water Bottles At School
PBIS AT PLEASANT HILL!! Majors and MInors
Has your student received a minor? Have they received a major? These forms of behavior management are used for various offenses that can occur during the school day. Below is a guide to help you as the parent better understand what they are to help you support your student at home. If for any reason you are unsure or have any questions, please contact your child's teacher or Dr. Morris and Mr. Fabrikant.
What is a minor?
Students have been taught what is expected at school in various settings. They are reviewed periodically throughout the year. We have visual reminders of our expectations displayed around school and Boosters three times a year as a school.
A minor is a record of a behavior that is in violation of the Three B’s. It is a warning.
Parents are notified either by email or by the teacher to help reteach the appropriate behavior at home.
A student will receive a minor after he/she has been re-taught the appropriate behavior but continues the inappropriate behavior .
If a student receives 3 minors within a month period, a Major will be issued.
What is a major?
Major behaviors demonstrate a purposeful or serious disregard for expectations at Pleasant Hill. Some examples but not limited to are behaviors that can lead to injury, the safety of others and extreme disrespect towards students or staff.
For a major offense students will be seen by administration.
Consequences will be determined and given by administration.
Parents will be notified by a school administrator when a major offense has been issued.
Three minors equals one major. Staying in from lunch/recess and being retaught the appropriate behavior is a consequence that is issued but not limited to unless administration determines otherwise.
Schoolwide Information Below
Student Entrances and Exits For 2023 - 2024 School Year! Door 7 Will No Longer Be In Use
Doors Will Open at 8:18 each morning. For students in grades K-2, parking at Birchwood to walk your students to their door is encouraged.
Thank you for your support!
Grades 1&2 - Door #3 (located By The Bike Racks)
Grade 3/4- Door #10 (Back of the school, middle entrance)
Grade 5/6- Door #11 (Back of the school east entrance)
Kindergarten AM - Door #6 (West side of the school)
Kindergarten PM - Front Entrance of The School
Students Riding The Bus Will Enter and Exit The Front Doors
Coming To The School During The School Day? Please Read
* All visitors are requiered to produce a valid ID that will be scanned through our RAPTOR system. If you do not have a valid ID you will not be allowed in the building
*All visitors must enter through the front entrance of the school and check in at the front office and will recieve a colored lanyard that must be worn during the entire stay
*Meetings with teachers are by appointment only and must be scheduled with the teacher
*Only individuals who are listed in Infinite Campus under emergency contacts will be allowed to pick up a student. We will not release students to individuals who are not in our system as an emergency contact.
*Please do not park along the front of the school in the fire lane as this restricts access for emergency vehicles as well as school buses from entering properly.
*During drop off and dismissal in the front parking lot is not to be used. This is only for school buses.
Dropping Off Items For Your Student During The School Day Procedures
When visitors ring the doorbell at a school, the office staff will ask the visitor their name and the purpose of their visit. If the visitor is a parent or guardian that is just dropping off a forgotten lunch or homework assignment, etc. they will be asked to leave it on the "drop off" table in the vestibule.
Please remember to label the items you drop off with your child’s name and grade level/teacher to ease the delivery of the items.
We appreciate your support and understanding as we work together to keep our schools safe places for our staff, students, and visitors.
Please Remember Our School Playground Is Closed During The School Day To The Public
PLEASE FOLLOW THESE PROCEDURES
* Do not watch students from your vehicle while students are outside.
* Do not call students over to give them items when students are outside (please go to the main office if you wish to see your student).
* When picking up students after AM Kindergarten do not play on the playground while students are outside.
Sick Day Guidelines
To help prevent the spread of illness, we would like to give you some guidelines to help with your decision on whether or not to send your child to school
We ask that you keep your child home if they:
- Have a fever of 100.4F or higher
- Have a sore throat with a fever
- Have diarrhea (3 or more episodes in 24 hours)
- Have abdominal cramps and/or vomiting
- Have a rash or open and draining sores
If your child has recently been ill, please be aware of the following guidelines before having your child return:
- Feel fit for at least 24 hours
- Be fever free for 24 hours without medication
- Be free of vomiting and/or diarrhea for at least 24 hours
- For strep throat, they must be on appropriate medication for at least 24 hours
- For conjunctivitis (pink eye), they must be on appropriate eye drops for at least 24 hours or cleared by physician
- Rash illness should be assessed by a doctor
If chicken pox suspected, keep home for at least 5 days after the appearance of the rash or until the blisters have scabbed over
The single most important thing you can do to keep your child free of illness is to teach them the proper way to wash their hands. Also, be sure they are dressed weather appropriate. Please notify the nurse if your child has a communicable illness (strep throat, influenza, lice, COVID, etc.), or any health concerns that need to be monitored at school.
Mrs. Martin can be reached at 847-963-5902 or via email martins2@ccsd15.net
PLEASE READ...STUDENT DROP OFF AND PICK-UP
-During the posted time on the sign by the back lot entrance. No left turn is allowed during drop-off heading north on Ceder.
-During the posted time on the sign located on the corner of Ceder and Michigan, no left turn is allowed heading south onto Cedar from Michigan.
-Drop off allows for one SINGLE file line in the circle drive in the morning. Please be patient as cars are stopping frequently to drop off students.
-Pick up allows for cars to park (not left unattended and running) along the curb. Double parking is not allowed.
-Students should not be crossing Cedar or Illinois to get to a vehicle without using he designated crosswalks. (A crossing guard is at Illinois and Birchwood, A crosswalk is at the corner of Michigan and Cedar)
-Students should ALWAYS exit a car on the passenger side while in the circle drive.
-If you are dropping off or picking up and decide to park in the parking lot, students must be escorted by an adult to the schools entrance. Students should not be going through the parking lot without an adult. This is extremely important.
It is important to remain patient and not be on any electronic devices to assure our students and your safety. Please think of the safety of all of our students and families during these times of the day.
Infinite Campus Parent Portal
Infinite Campus' Campus Parent is designed to provide parents real-time access to student information. The easy-to-use design displays what is currently happening in the classroom so you can understand, monitor, and participate in your child’s educational experience.
This portal also provides parents access to check for teacher placement and student schedules once their student is registered. District 15 has also used IC to gather parent survey responses. Make sure you have your account set up for the new school year! To learn how to set up your account, watch tutorials, or access a help center, please visit our website.
Mobile App
The District 15 mobile app is available on the App Store and Google Play! To download the free app, search for "CCSD15."
This communication tool allows parents and students to quick access to important school and district information, including Campus Parent, the D15 Bullying Tip Line, a quick link to MyStop (bus stop location and pick-up times), lunch menus, schedules, parent/student handbook, directory information, school news, and more.
To see integrated student information on the app, click the "student information" button and log-in using your email address and your Campus Parent password. If you are unsure of your password, please visit Infinite Campus and click "forgot password." If you are still having trouble, please contact your school's main office for assistance.
To make sure you aren’t missing any notices, make sure you turn notifications ON for the mobile app.
Dr. David Morris Ed.D
Email: morrisd@ccsd15.net
Website: ccsd15.net/PH
Phone: 847-963-5900