Mustang Moments

We've had a wonderful start to the school year! As a school family we begin each day with "heart-checks" and our staff "check-in" with students to make sure they have a pleasant start to the school day. We really want our students to feel seen and celebrated.

Check out the wonderful way 4th grade started the year, they started the year with an "All About Me " Self-Portraits!

It's going to be an amazing school year!

Sima Thurman, Principal

NWEA MAP Growth is an online, adaptive assessment designed to evaluate individual student reading and mathematics achievement and growth. This assessment is administered three times per year to students in kindergarten through eighth grade and is aligned with the Illinois English Language Arts and Mathematics Learning Standards. Additional information may be found at https://www.nwea.org/map-growth/.

MAP Resources For Home

• MAP Growth 101: Everything families need to know (Assessment info)
• Family Toolkit (MAP Assessment info)

• 12 common questions parents ask about MAP Growth (Assessment info)

• That’s not how I learned it! 4 ways to help your child with “new math” (Math)

• Building strong foundations for early math skills at home (Math)

• Words, words, words: 8 ways to support kids of all ages in writing at home

• Parent strategies for improving their child’s reading and writing (Reading/Writing)

RESTORATIVE PRACTICES

Restorative Practices is a system of formal and informal processes that build and sustain a culture of kindness, respect, responsibility and justice. This is achieved through emphasizing the importance of trusting relationships as central to building community and repairing relationships when harm has occurred. The fundamental premise of restorative practices is that people are happier, more cooperative and productive, and more likely to make positive changes when those in positions of authority do things with them, rather than to them or for them. Restorative practices cultivate a culture in which everyone feels like they belong. They build a particular sense of community in which every member-- students, teacher, parent volunteers, aides--feel that they are seen, heard, and respected. Restorative practices promotes inclusiveness, relationship-building and problem solving, through such restorative methods as circles for teaching and conflict resolution to conferences that bring victims, offenders and their supporters together to address wrongdoing. Instead of punishment, students are encouraged to reflect on and take responsibility.

Check out these Restorative Practice resources below.

PARENT RESOURCES

• Parent Ed Night - Qualities of Person Who Guided You

• Restorative Practices Parent Handbook

• Restorative Practices for Parents

October is Bully Prevention Month, and we are dedicated to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all students. We encourage families to have conversations at home about treating others with respect and how to respond to bullying situations.

Bullying is intentional, repeated aggressive behavior that involves an imbalance of power, where one person or group targets someone who is perceived as weaker or vulnerable. Bullying can be physical, verbal, social, or online (cyberbullying), and it is done with the intent to harm, intimidate, or control the other person.

Unkind actions, on the other hand, may involve hurtful behavior but are usually isolated incidents and not part of a repeated pattern or power imbalance. While unkind actions can still cause emotional hurt, they do not typically include the intent to dominate or harm over time.

Understanding the difference helps students, teachers, and families address issues effectively and prevent ongoing harm. At this age, students are learning how to collaborate with others and solve problems as they encounter challenges. Our staff is committed to helping students make positive choices, identify trusted adults they can talk to when issues arise, and build the skills needed to interact effectively and respectfully with others.

As stated in our school handbook, "student use of cell phone or other electronic capable devices (watches, cell phones) are prohibited during school hours."

We are asking Parents to remind students that electronic watches and cell phones are for emergencies before or after school hours, and not while at school. During school hours, students have adults on hand at all times to support them and give them what they need. (ie. to call a parent, health needs, support in solving peer conflicts etc). Students who violate this policy will have their electronic devices confiscated until the end of the day.

Join us at our next General Home and School Meeting on Thursday, November 7th at 6:00 pm. Our special guest will be Lou Cammiso, the Naperville 203 Director of Safety and Security!

• The 2nd graders in Ms. Reich's class worked so hard and earned a special reward for their positive behavior and team work. They earned a "Pajama and Comfy clothes day"!.

• 3rd Graders are expecting a visit from the Dupage Children’s Museum coming to present MAGNETISM - Mystery of the Suspicious Substance.

• In the LC, we are excited to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by exploring a variety of books that highlight the rich culture, heritage, and contributions of the Hispanic community. Through reading these diverse stories, students are broadening their understanding of different backgrounds and perspectives, fostering an appreciation for the vibrant cultures that shape our world. It’s a wonderful opportunity for students to connect with stories that reflect the diversity of our community and beyond.

23 Crosstown Classic!

31 Fall/Halloween Parties

31 Diwali Holiday Diwali Facts For Kids

NOVEMBER

1 Dia de los Muertos Holiday

7 Home and School General Meeting

• W/Special guest speaker Naperville 203 Safety and Security Director , Lou Cammiso

8 Go Wild For Kindness Kick-off!

We are also asking families in need of food for the school breaks (Thanksgiving, Winter, and Spring) to request food using THIS link.