Conley Correspondence

Dear Conley Families,

The holiday season is a time for reflection, connection, and gratitude. Watching our students learn and grow has been one of the greatest gifts of all. From the first days of school until now, we have seen so many successes—big and small. Whether mastering new math concepts, improving reading skills, showcasing creativity in art and music, or building friendships, our children continue to amaze us with their talents and hard work.

As winter break begins, I hope this time brings your family rest, joy, and cherished moments together. Whether you are celebrating holidays, enjoying winter traditions, or simply slowing down to be with loved ones, may the season fill your hearts with warmth and peace.

We look forward to welcoming our students back to school on Tuesday, January 7th. There is so much to look forward to in the new year as we continue this journey of learning, growth, and success together.

On behalf of our entire staff, I wish you a safe, restful, and joy-filled winter break. Thank you for sharing your wonderful children with us—they are the heart of our school, and it is a privilege to be part of their lives.

Warmest wishes for a happy holiday season and a bright new year,

Katie Surjan

Principal

Thank you for getting your student here in 2024! Let's keep up the momentum in 2025!

Building YTD: 95.23%

Chronic Absence: 9.72% (under 10%- yay)

3rd Grade YTD: 95.56%

4th Grade YTD: 94.96%

5th Grade YTD: 95.18%

Lots of our students are still struggling with shoe tying at Conley Elementary. Below find two videos to help with this skill! The first video is 9 minutes but has many great tips to make shoe tying easier. The first tip however is having two different colors of shoe laces. Please don't get stuck on that step it is not necessary. You could also color each shoe lace string with a marker instead of purchasing different colored shoe laces. Another option is just to try it with the shoe laces you have already in the shoes. If your child does not have their own tie shoes, you can use a sibling's shoes or even mom's or dad's tie shoe. The best way to teach them is on the tabletop, not on their foot.

Here it it below with lots of great tips for shoe tying:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usVjEFGXE4A (9:32 minutes)

The second video is an alternative shoe-tying method that takes a little extra time to complete but seems to be easier for students who struggle with this skill:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohUhB_h3wl0 (1:18 minutes)

Thank you for making your student more independent!

The county is experiencing an uptick in Norovirus cases. Can you please include the following blurb in your next communication to staff and/or families.

The McHenry County Department of Health has made District 158 aware that there is an uptick in Norovirus around the county. Common symptoms of Norovirus infection include: vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramping. Less common symptoms can include low-grade fever or chills, headache, and muscle aches. Please keep in mind that students and staff may not return to school until they are without any episodes of vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours after the last episode and without the use of symptom-relieving medications. In addition, they must be a full 24 hours fever-free without the use of fever-reducing medication.

We will update you if additional information or concerns arise.

We are excited to announce the launch of Ukrainian Language Classes for students, made possible through a collaborative partnership between MPAC and Huntley School District 158. Classes will be held every Friday from January to May (excluding no-school days) at Mackeben Elementary School, from 5:00-7:30 PM. To register, please complete the Ukrainian Language Class Registration Form, or for more information, email uaschool158@gmail.com or call 773-332-3636 by December 25th.

If you have any puzzles to donate to our library, we would appreciate it! We are looking for puzzles 200 pieces or less for students to use.

January 10th: Conley Spirit Day

January 17th: Stuffed Animal Day

January 24th: Color Wars

• 3rd: Wear Red
• 4th: Wear Blue
• 5th: Wear Green

January 31st: Mismatch Day

The Huntley 158 Virtual Bulletin Board (VBB) is a way to connect Huntley 158 families with enrichment and educational events and programs in the community. This year, rather than receiving a separate email, families can find these opportunities on the district’s Virtual Bulletin Board webpage in our weekly newsletter. We encourage you to click the link and check out what’s happening for students and families in the community!

To submit a program or event for inclusion on the Huntley 158 VBB, organizations must be not-for-profit or a taxing body based in Huntley 158 boundaries or a surrounding community. Please email your event flyer in PNG or PDF format to kimoore@district158.org and include "VBB" in the subject line. To ensure accessibility for all, flyers must be accompanied by a brief description of your event that includes the name of your event, date, time, location, call to action/website link (if applicable) as well as contact information. Thank you!

3-5 Elementary School in Huntley Community School District 158

Address: Dr. John Burkey Dr formerly, 750 Academic Dr, Algonquin, IL 60102

Conley Main Office: 847-659-3700

Conley Absentee Line: 847-659-3711

Principal: Katie Surjan

Assistant Principal: Jeremy White

Principal's Administrative Assistant: Kathy Michel

Attendance Administrative Assistant: Lindsay Brunschon