We have had an outstanding start to the school year! Our staff and students have been hard at work getting to know one another and learning how we will do great things together this school year. Classroom have been building community agreements that help define how we will treat each other and resolve conflict. These agreements were co-created and will be reinforced throughout the school year.

Already, students are setting and reaching for big goals. Around the corner is our first administration of STAR testing. These are assessments in reading and math that students take three times a year. The results help us inform instruction and provide important interventions and supports to any student who may need them.

Churchill's Supply Drop and Open House was Monday, August 21st. This was an opportunity to meet the teacher, drop supplies, and receive initial information and resources about the start of school. Our Family Side-by-Side Curriculum Night is scheduled for Thursday, October 12th from 5:30-6:30pm. This event will be a structured evening in which families and students will follow their daily schedule and engage in collaboration with the school team on our learning goals for the school year.

Our total school enrichment programming continues to expand as ALL students will have the opportunity to choose and participate in a preferred learning activity of their choice approximately once a month. Our first Bulldog Day is Wednesday, September 27th. Students will receive a survey in which they may choose their 1st, 2nd, or 3rd choice of activity. Activities include math puzzlers, recycled poetry and open mic, yoga and mindful coloring, book talk, terrific tie dye, cup stacking, board game fun, basketball, and much much more. Students will participate in the activity in small groups of 8-10 students. While students are engaging in these activities our staff members will also have the opportunity to engage in important collaboration around student learning.

Clubs are another avenue for enriching students' learning at Churchill.

• Most of the clubs offered for Churchill students will meet for a period of weeks during the school year, not for the entire school year.
  
• Clubs are scheduled during the week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
• Students may only sign up for one club per session and two clubs per year.
  
• Fourth and fifth grade students should also consider their potential participation in orchestra, band and choir, all of which are significant, year-long commitments as participation in a club.
• All transportation is the responsibility of the parent. Transportation home must be provided when sessions are over at 4:15pm. Bus transportation will not be available. It will be necessary to end a student’s participation if a parent is repeatedly late in picking up his/her child.

• The Sign-Up Genius link will be sent out to all families on Saturday, September 23rd at 1pm.
• Clubs will begin the week of October 2nd.

You can stay up-to-date on your child's progress and performance by logging into parent portal to view their assignments/assessments and feedback from teachers. Please review Churchill's grading handbook for more information about our philosophy and approach to grading.

Churchill offers breakfast in addition to its lunch program. Breakfast is a bagged “grab and go” service. Our school breakfast program is from 8:10-9:15am. Students may enter their designated entrances after 8:10am and then report directly to the cafeteria. Once they have picked-up their breakfast, they will eat their breakfast in their classroom.

SAFE2HELP Illinois

We encourage students (and adults) to "seek help before harm" and prevent suicide, bullying, school violence, and other threats to our students and schools. Please know that you and/or your child can speak to a teacher, administrator or other 153 staff member about any concerns at any time. But sometimes it's hard to have that conversation.

Safe2Help Illinois features a 24/7 helpline (1-844-4-SAFEIL), a free mobile app, and a dedicated website. In the absence of a trusted adult, students AND adults can use Safe2Help Illinois to share concerns about themselves or others in a confidential environment. Once vetted, the information is shared with us in District 153 and with mental health professionals, and/or local law enforcement if necessary. It is important to note that this program is not intended to punish, suspend, or expel students. The intent is to encourage students to "seek help before harm," with the goal of intervening and helping students before they harm themselves or others.

Sexual Abuse Response and Prevention Resource Guide

" Faith's Law" is a new Illinois statute. The goals of the law are to give parents/guardians notice about allegations of sexual misconduct that involve their student; equip schools across Illinois with better information about the employment history of an applicant; and protect students from acts of sexual misconduct by school employees, substitute employees, and employees of contractors.

The Illinois State Board of Education has created this resource guide to help students, parents/guardians and educators find help in the event sexual abuse is suspected, reported, and/or being investigated.

Code Yellow/Code Red

A Code Yellow means an incident has happened nearby but not inside the school. This could include a robbery of a local bank or an accident involving toxic substances. During a Code Yellow, all students are brought inside but the school day continues as normal. Until the police say it's okay, no one can enter or exit the building. During a Code Yellow, parents are not allowed to enter the building or pick up their child. In addition, it may mean late dismissal from school. Your understanding of our need to protect our students is greatly appreciated.

A Code Red means someone has entered the building who shouldn't. The police are called, and students and staff shelter behind locked doors. District 153 will communicate with you as soon as it's safe and possible to do so.

September 15th marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month. Please join us in learning about and celebrating Hispanic heritage in the upcoming weeks. Take a few moments to explore these resources with your child.

Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Latino

Lace up your gym shoes and bring your family to Foundation 153's annual 5K run/walk and 153 yard kids’ dash. Our USA Track & Field certified course takes you through our beautiful Homewood neighborhoods. Experience the challenge of a 5K race or if you prefer a slower pace, join other families and friends as they walk in support of our wonderful school district. After the 5K, make sure to stay for the highlight of the day, the 153 yard kids’ dash, and cheer for our youngest athletes as they see who can cross the finish line without losing a shoe. Kids can also participate in a variety of activities such as field games and face painting. Hope you can join us for this great community event.

Do you know a teacher who has innovative teaching techniques or has made unique contributions to the community? WGN-TV and Ankin Law are honoring their achievements by naming a Teacher of the Month. The winning teacher’s school will win a $1,000 donation from Ankin Law, and be featured on WGN Midday News and WGN News at Nine

Go to wgntv.com/teacher to nominate today!

Homewood PTA General Meeting will take place on Thursday, September 28th, 6-7pm in the James Hart Gym. Enter through Aberdeen and childcare will be provided, if needed.

Homewood Parent Teacher Association 🏫👨🏽‍🏫

https://homewoodpta.memberhub.com/

Homewood Parent Music Association 🎵

https://www.homewoodpma.org/

Foundation 153 👨‍👩‍👧‍👧

https://foundation153.org/

Churchill Principal's Advisory Committee ✨💙

https://forms.office.com/r/wa9PznQxqp

Dr. Sara Schnoor, Principal

Email: sara.schnoor@hsd153.org
Website: https://churchill.hsd153.org
Twitter: @Ch_PrincipalS