Sleepy Hollow Elementary School
Virtual Backpack: Week of
Attendance Matters
Dear SHES Parents & Guardians,
Can you believe we are halfway through September? We want to work with you to ensure that your child has the best possible chance to be successful in school. We urge you to take the following steps:
- Encourage your child to attend school regularly and arrive on time.
- Schedule appointments and other non-school activities outside of school hours whenever possible.
- Contact the school as soon as possible to inform us of any absences and provide documentation if necessary.
- Work with the school to develop a plan to improve your child's attendance.
It is the law in the state of Illinois for students between the ages of 6 and 17 to attend school on a regular basis. If you need additional support in helping your child is at school everyday, please reach out. We are here to help!
Sincerely,
Ms. Crystal Farkaschek
Assistant Principal
Start With Hello Week at SHES
Everyday on the announcements at school, we will announce something to celebrate “Start With Hello” week. Help your student prepare to make connections with their peers and teachers by practicing the following prompts at home:
Monday: Today you are superheroes of kindness! Do you ever question, “Who am I going to play with today?” When recess time is coming? All students ask themselves this question once in a while. We have the power at Sleepy Hollow Elementary to make others feel welcome and comfortable. The first step is Start With Saying Hello. Find at least two people you don’t know well to talk to today. Say hello. Tell them your name. Ask them theirs. Here is a question for you to talk about: “If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?”
Tuesday: Did you know that 8 out of 10 people are afraid to start a conversation? Did you know those 8 are happy they did start a conversation? The first step is to Start With Saying Hello. Find at least two people you don’t know well to talk to today. Say hello. Maybe try to teach them how to say hello in another language. Tell them your name. Ask them theirs. Give them a complement. Maybe tell them they are a good reader, a good listener or they are wearing something cool.
Wednesday: Find at least two people you don’t know well to talk to today. Say hello. Tell them your name. Ask them theirs. Maybe they want to play at recess? Here is a question for you to talk about: “If you could travel to any place in the world, where would you want to go any why?”
Thursday: Please continue to meet new people and get to know them a bit better. Find at least two people you don’t know well to talk to today. Say hello. Tell them your name. Ask them theirs. If they are wearing something sports related, ask them about it. What sport does it represent? What team? Do you know how to play the sport? If not, ask them how it is played. Maybe you have something in common. Maybe you will learn something new. To be kind today and everyday, hold the door for teachers and students if you are the first to open the door.
Friday: Find at least two people you don’t know well to talk to today. Say hello. Tell them your name. Ask them theirs. Give them a smile. Here is a question for you to talk about: “What is your favorite movie? Book? TV show? Type of music?” Maybe you have something in common. Maybe you will learn something new. Remember to include everyone at lunch and recess. If your teacher pairs you up with someone you don’t know, go in with a positive attitude that makes the other person feel welcome. Even though this is the last day of Start With Saying Hello, please continue to say hello to students you do not know. At Sleepy Hollow, we are a friendly environment and we include others.
