Friday Focus
November 9, 2023
In This Issue...
- A Message from Marcie
- Survey for 3rd-5th Grade Families
- Preparing for Winter Weather
- Deerfield Park District Enrichment Brochure
Save The Date: 109 Gives Back Food Drive Ends November 13th
- Important Dates
Don't miss the PTO Spotlight:
- PTO Meeting 11/15 at 9am
- Yearbook Cover Contest Details
- Deerfield's Toy Drive
- Yearbook Photographers
- And much more...
A Message from Marcie
Thanks for a great week, South Park!
As many of you already saw, the Deerfield Bannockburn Fire Department responded to South Park around 2:30 p.m. today for an unexpected fire alarm and determined that the building was safe. With three fire drills under our belts, our students did a terrific job exiting the building and waiting patiently for clearance to return to the building.
As we head into the long weekend, we want to take a moment to thank the veterans in our school community as we prepare for tomorrow's non-attendance day in honor of Veteran's Day. Last year, when school was held on Veteran's Day, we hosted a special assembly to honor relatives of South Park students who served in the military. Though we were unable to put together an assembly this year, we shared some video excerpts from last year's assembly on our Morning Announcements as a way to draw attention to this important holiday. Teachers also used this opportunity to talk with students about the importance of thanking and honoring ALL those who served honorably in the military.
Next week, we will finish up the Food and Supply Drive, so if you have a chance to purchase some items from the list at the bottom of this newsletter and bring them to South Park by Monday, we would be so grateful!
Have a wonderful long weekend!
-Marcie
Survey for 3rd-5th Grade Families
Preparing for Winter Weather
DPS 109 community,
As we march closer to winter, we wanted to remind everyone of how we approach the process of determining whether school will be open and how we will communicate any changes with you. If school cannot physically be open, we will shift to an e-learning day.
When would school not be in person?
On www.dps109.org/badweather, you can review the process the Superintendent and district leaders undergo to determine if school will physically be open. There are multiple factors at play, including the timing and amount of precipitation, the temperature, wind chill, and road conditions. As stated above, the district would transition to an e-learning day.
When will we receive an initial notification?
We will closely monitor the forecast and send home devices the day before an expected weather event. A “heads up” email will be sent to staff and families the day prior and every effort will be made to send out this “heads up” as early as possible in the day to allow teachers to prepare and devices to be charged.
When is a final decision made and how will we be notified?
Every effort will be made to make a decision by 5:30 a.m. Families & staff will receive a text and email immediately from the district, along with a follow-up robocall.
How will my student know what to do on an e-learning day?
Your building principal will send school-specific information via email on the day of. Students will meet with their teachers using Google Meet. Links to join will be made available in the principal email, Seesaw, and/or Google Classroom.
Please reach out to me or your child’s teacher if you have any questions.
Deerfield Park District Enrichment Brochure
The Deerfield Park District holds after-school enrichment programs in our school. The winter program brochure is now available. Resident registration begins on December 4th, while non-resident registration begins on December 6th. All questions should be directed to the park district (847-945-0650).
Food and Supply Drive - Now through November 13th!
Other Important Information ⚠️
- All visitors to South Park School MUST bring a valid driver's license or state ID card to the main office before entering into the building. Beginning this year, we will collect IDs during your visit and return it to you as you leave.
- If your child is going to be absent from school, you need to call or email us by 9:00 that morning. ** Call 847-945-5895, ext. 2103 and leave a message OR ** Email Nurse Nora Moskos.
- Please follow our morning procedures, and drop your children off at their regular grade level doors. If you choose to drive through the front circle at arrival, kindly stay in your car when you drop off to help us reduce morning congestion.
- K-5 drop-off is between 8:35-8:45 a.m. Students who arrive after 8:45 a.m. will need to enter through the front door of the school, as all other doors will be locked.
- Dismissal for all Kindy and 1st-grade walkers and car riders will take place at their grade level door.
- Early Learners drop-off/pick-up info can be found here.
- When parking in our Birchwood parking lot, please remember that our preschoolers are dropped off and picked up by the west end (closest to the school). Sometimes, their parents' cars can block a parked car from exiting for a few minutes. To avoid that, we suggest that you park closer to Birchwood Avenue.
Important Dates 📅
Friday, November 10
- Non-Attendance Day - Veteran's Day
- No School - Thanksgiving Break
Music Concert Dates:
- 5th Grade - Wednesday, December 13th @ 6:00
- 4th Grade - Thursday, February 8th @ 6:00
- 3rd Grade - Thursday, January 25th @ 6:00
- 2nd Grade - Thursday, February 8th @ 5:00
- 1st Grade - Thursday, January 25th @ 5:00
- Kindergarten - Wednesday, April 10 @ 6:00
- Early Learners - Wednesday, April 10 @ 5:00