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Friday Focus
December 15, 2023
In This Issue...
- A Message from Marcie
- Winter-Themed Spirit Week
- Holiday Card Contest Winner
- 2024-25 School Calendar Approved
- Cell Phone and Smartwatch Use at South Park (2nd Posting)
- Important Dates
Don't miss the PTO Spotlight:
- Portillo's Fundraiser-12/19
- Save the date- Bingo Night-1/28
- After School Enrichment Open
- Deerfield Toy Drive
- And much more...
A Message from Marcie
Thanks for a great week, South Park!
Congratulations to our 5th grade class for their performance of Finding Nemo Kids this past Wednesday. Our students designed their own set and costumes, sourced their own props, and even ran the sound. We are so proud of how hard they worked to put their show together!
The excitement of the holiday season is palpable at South Park! As we prepare for Winter Break, students are invited to participate in our winter-themed spirit week next week. See below for the spirit day line-up.
There will not be a Friday Focus newsletter sent out next week. Please be reminded that Winter Break will commence after our early release on Wednesday, December 20th with student dismissal at 2:25 PM. There is no school on Thursday, December 21st, or Friday, December 22nd. We wish you and your family a joyful holiday season and look forward to seeing our students back at school after Winter Break on Tuesday, January 9th, 2024!
Have a wonderful weekend, and restful break, and a healthy start to the new year!
-Marcie
Holiday Card Contest Winner
Congratulations to 3rd grader, Logan, who won the holiday card contest through the Hyatt Regency of Deerfield. Logan's work of art will be featured along with the winners from the three other 109 elementary schools on the Hyatt's annual holiday greeting card.
Way to go, Logan!
Cell Phone and Smartwatch Use at South Park (2nd Posting)
As you likely know from the DPS109 Student and Parent/Guardian Handbook, all electronic devices must be kept silenced and out-of-sight during the regular school day. We wanted to inform you about a new policy at our building specifically regarding the use of cell phones. In addition, we would like to take this opportunity to send a reminder about smartwatch use during school hours.
Beginning this week, our 4th and 5th graders were informed that if they are found using their phone during the school day, they will receive one verbal warning. We believe in providing students with an opportunity to correct their behavior and learn from their mistakes.
Following this warning, if a student continues to use their cell phone during the school day, the phone will be temporarily confiscated and taken to the school office. In such cases, we will contact a parent/guardian to inform them about the situation, and we kindly request that the child's phone be picked up from the office at their earliest convenience.
We have also noticed an increase in distractions caused by students sending and receiving texts on their smartwatches during class time. While we understand the convenience and safety features of these devices, we kindly request that you refrain from initiating or responding to texts sent by your child's smartwatch during school hours. This will help create a focused and conducive learning atmosphere for all students.
Thank you for your continued support and understanding!
Other Important Information ⚠️
- All visitors to South Park School MUST bring a valid driver's license or state ID card to the main office before entering into the building. Beginning this year, we will collect IDs during your visit and return it to you as you leave.
- If your child is going to be absent from school, you need to call or email us by 9:00 that morning. ** Call 847-945-5895, ext. 2103 and leave a message OR ** Email Nurse Nora Moskos.
- Please follow our morning procedures, and drop your children off at their regular grade level doors. If you choose to drive through the front circle at arrival, kindly stay in your car when you drop off to help us reduce morning congestion.
- K-5 drop-off is between 8:35-8:45 a.m. Students who arrive after 8:45 a.m. will need to enter through the front door of the school, as all other doors will be locked.
- Dismissal for all Kindy and 1st-grade walkers and car riders will take place at their grade level door.
- Early Learners drop-off/pick-up info can be found here.
- When parking in our Birchwood parking lot, please remember that our preschoolers are dropped off and picked up by the west end (closest to the school). Sometimes, their parents' cars can block a parked car from exiting for a few minutes. To avoid that, we suggest that you park closer to Birchwood Avenue.
Important Dates 📅
Thursday, December 21-Monday, January 8
- Winter Break
Tuesday, January 9
- School Resumes
Monday, January 15
- No School - MLK Day
- South Park Booktacular 5:30-7:00
- No School - Teacher Institute Day
- No School - Presidents Day
- No School - Casimir Pulaski Day
- Early Release at 11:40 a.m.
- Parent-Teacher Conferences - 1:00-4:00 p.m. and 5:00-8:00 p.m.
- Non-Attendance Day for Students
- Parent Teacher Conferences from 8:30-11:30 a.m.
- Spring Break
- School Resumes
Fine Arts Night:
Thursday, April 18th - 4:00-5:30
Upcoming Music Concert Dates:
- 4th Grade - Thursday, February 8th @ 6:00
- 3rd Grade - Thursday, January 25th @ 6:00
- 2nd Grade - Thursday, February 8th @ 5:00
- 1st Grade - Thursday, January 25th @ 5:00
- Kindergarten - Wednesday, April 10 @ 6:00
- Early Learners - Wednesday, April 10 @ 5:00