Dear Students and Families of Algonquin Lakes Elementary School,
Welcome to the 2024-2025 School Year! I apologize in advance that much of this newsletter is repeated as I want to be sure all families were able to receive this information. I also apologize as I will be unable to be present at our supply drop off because fortunately I am getting married today. I can't wait to see everyone next week!
My name is Marilynn Smith and I am the proud principal at Algonquin Lakes Elementary School. I am extremely honored and excited to join the Algonquin Lakes Community and I can not wait to meet and collaborate with you and your family!
I am committed to maintaining a safe, orderly, and caring learning environment. I strive to achieve strong academic achievement and promote generating higher-level reasoning through problem-solving skills. I believe in connecting the learning process across the curriculum and providing creative opportunities for all students.
The staff at Algonquin Lakes Elementary is looking forward to opening our doors and welcoming students back on August 13th for our first day of school. Our mission is directly aligned with D300 to provide engaging and inclusive educational experiences that empower and equip all students to discover, innovate, and succeed now and in the future. We strive to help each and every child achieve success!
Our Lion Pride is strong at Algonquin Lakes! We have the highest of expectations for all of our students and staff and we live by our core beliefs: Respect Yourself, Respect Others, and Respect Your Environment. Algonquin Lakes Lions R-R-Roar! Our student-centered approach makes Algonquin Lakes a caring and supportive environment in which all students will learn at high levels.
Our positive school culture builds strong connections and relationships, supports students’ social emotional needs, and creates the best possible learning environment for our students. You can view our D300 Parent/Guardian Handbook and Algonquin Lakes Parent Handbook on our school website: https://www.d300.org/ales.
Communication is key to our collaboration! Please familiarize yourself with the website as well as like us and follow us on our social media:
Website: https://www.d300.org/ales.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aleslions/
Getting into the habit of positive daily attendance for students is more important than ever. It helps to reduce stress, make it easier to connect with friends and teachers, and supports learning. Starting in Kindergarten, too many absences can cause children to struggle to read and fall behind in school. Start building a healthy attendance habit right away so students learn that going to school on time, every day is important. Over time, positive attendance will be a skill that will help students succeed in high school and college.
Student attendance is from 8:00am to 2:15pm with morning supervision beginning at 7:45 am. Our office daily hours of operation are 7:00 am to 3:30 pm.
Health Requirements
- Parents and guardians of students entering preschool, kindergarten, sixth grade, ninth grade, and 12th grade must submit required health forms – or proof of an upcoming appointment – to their school nurse or to health.forms@d300.org by Thursday, August 1. *If your student is in any other grade and has up-to-date physical and immunization records, no additional forms are needed. Please make your child’s appointment now to avoid delays during the summer rush.
For all requirements and medical forms, please visit the D300 Health Services website: https://www.d300.org/domain/798
Calendar - Some Important Dates
August 9th – Back to School Night Supply Drop Off & Popsicles on the Playground
Kindergarten: 4-5 pm and Grades 1st – 5th grade: 5-6 pm
August 13th - First Day of School
August 27th - Back to School Open House
Annual Volunteer Form
All parents must complete a volunteer application online each school year for security purposes. The approved form is required to be on file for parents to: 1. be a classroom helper, 2. enter the school for events, 3. chaperone, and/or 4. help with the PTO. Instructions for completing this form are linked here-it will only take a few minutes to complete! Please bring your government issued ID with you the first time you come to Algonquin Lakes so we can get you registered in our security system. After that, you will be ready to join us in school for the entire year.
The Algonquin Lakes Elementary staff has been working very hard to prepare for an amazing school year! We are committed to providing the best possible educational experiences for your child. We look forward to your partnership and collaboration!
Gooooooo Lions!
Kindest Regards,
Marilynn Smith
(the future Mrs. Jankovich)
Algonquin Lakes Elementary School Principal
Welcome to the 2024-2025 Academic Year! My name is Rachel Buczkowske, and I am excited to be at Algonquin Lakes Elementary School as your Assistant Principal. After 11 years in the classroom with experience from Kindergarten to 5th Grade, I am eager to begin this leadership journey to support you and the Algonquin Lakes community!
I am devoted to ensuring a warm, welcoming environment that promotes success for all students. I believe in the power of collaboration, and I am looking forward to connecting with you throughout the year. One of my top priorities is promoting belonging within our school, and I hope you will join me in this effort.
There is no greater excitement than the first day of school for children, parents, teachers, and administrators alike. I am looking forward to welcoming students back on Tuesday, August 13th as we begin our learning journey! We are committed to providing an engaging and inclusive educational experience that empowers and equips all students to discover, innovate, and succeed now and in the future!
At Algonquin Lakes Elementary School, we find value in our Lion Pride! Our lions R-R-Roar with respect for oneself, respect for others, and respect for the environment! For more information on our school, you can view our handbook at www.d300.org/ales.
At Algonquin Lakes Elementary School, we are looking forward to a wonderful school year! We cannot wait to see you soon!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Rachel Buczkowske
District 300 would like to inform families who did not attend Chromebook Swap Day events about what their child should do with their current Chromebook and when they will receive a new one.
To ensure your child receives a new Chromebook, please follow these steps:
All returning students should bring their current Chromebook and charger with them on the first day of school Tuesday, August 13.
Returning students in 1st through 6th grade should also bring their current carrying case with them on the first day of school, Tuesday, August 13.
During the first two days of the school year:
All kindergarten through 12th grade students who did not participate in the Chromebook Swap Day events will receive a new Chromebook and charger. These will be distributed directly to your child at their school.
All kindergarten through 5th grade students will also receive a carrying case.
In the unlikely event your child has not received a new Chromebook (and accessories) by Friday, August 16, please email support@d300.org.
If you have any questions about Chromebooks or if you are experiencing any difficulties, please email support@d300.org at any time.
Our PTO provides vital support to our school, students, and staff. We are fortunate to have amazing parent volunteers who can be seen each and every day working to support our learning community!
Families, you're invited to join the PTO on Friday, August 9th from 4-6 PM for a sweet treat and some fun on the ALES playground during our Kindergarten Orientation and Back Pack Drop-Off! Enjoy popsicles, meet fellow parents, and let the kids play while we get ready for a fantastic school year. Parents will have an opportunity to learn about volunteer opportunities with the PTO and sign up to help during events this school year. We can't wait to see you there!
