Half Day
Understanding Sound
The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) provide a framework for science education that emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and real-world applications. Designed to prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century, NGSS integrates core scientific concepts with engineering practices and cross-cutting themes, fostering a deep understanding of how the natural world works. In fourth-grade, students engage with NGSS by exploring the properties and behaviors of sound waves through experimentation and observation. By testing sound waves on different materials, they develop an understanding of how sound travels and interacts with various substances, leading to insights into concepts such as vibration, pitch, and the transmission of sound energy.
Through these experiments, fourth-graders not only learn about the physics of sound but also develop crucial scientific inquiry skills. They learn to formulate hypotheses, design experiments, collect and analyze data, and draw evidence-based conclusions. Additionally, they gain an appreciation for the interdisciplinary nature of science, as they explore how principles of physics intersect with concepts from other fields such as materials science and engineering. By engaging in hands-on activities that allow them to manipulate variables and observe cause-and-effect relationships, students develop a deeper understanding of the natural world and the scientific process.
“We put the tuning fork next to a tube of water. It’s cool hearing how sound changes,” said student Bomie Park.
Upcoming Events
- Illinois Assessment of Readiness: Testing dates are Wednesday, March 6, through Wednesday, March 13.
- Spring Clubs: After School Activities registration opens at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 13.
- Late Start: Thursday, March 14.
- Summer School: Registration closes at 11:59 a.m. Friday, March 22.
- Spring Break: Monday, March 25, through Friday, March 29.
We encourage you to subscribe to the Half Day calendar so meetings and events can automatically be added to your personal calendar. Copy the calendar. Right click the url to a new tab. Download the calendar to your personal calendar.
Your Opinion Matters
Help Us Reach Our Goal
Parents, please participate by giving feedback on school climate and learning conditions at Half Day through the state-administered, Illinois 5Essentials Survey.
This 10-minute survey is a great way for Half Day parents to provide input into the five indicators from the survey that affect and predict school success:
Effective Leaders
Collaborative Teachers
Involved Families
Supportive Environments
Ambitious Instruction
Spring Holidays
Spring is full of holidays honored by our families. The District 103 staff wishes all of its families a Happy Passover, Joyful Holi, Happy Easter, Ramadan Mubarak, Happy Orthodox Easter, and Eid Mubarak.
Ramadan begins the evening of Sunday, March 10
The first night of Holi is Sunday, March 24
Good Friday occurs on Friday, March 29
Easter is Sunday, March 31
The first night of Passover starts Monday, April 22
Orthodox Good Friday is Friday, May 3
Orthodox Easter is Sunday, May 5
Eid al-Adha begins the evening of Sunday, June 16
Following are some educational sites that explain the holidays to children.
National Geographic for Kids provides an overview of Ramadan.
National Geographic provides an overview of Holi.
History.com provides an explanation of Good Friday and Easter.
PBS Learning offers interactive material that explains Passover.
Parents Today provides an overview of Orthodox Good Friday and Easter.
PBS Kids offers an explanation of Eid al-Adha.
We are fortunate to have such great diversity of cultures in our community so we can celebrate with our friends and neighbors!
We understand students may not be attending classes on religious holidays of all faiths, and we know how important it is for us to support our students as they practice their faith. Please refer to our procedure, Homework Procedures and Religious Holidays, that District 103 uses to guide students during their absence.
Please try to notify your child's school in advance of a planned absence using the following methods:
Sprague: 847-945-6686 or Ls_attendance@d103.org
Half Day: 847-634-1484 or Hd_attendance@d103.org
Daniel Wright: 847-604-5280 or Dw_attendancce@d103.org
District 103 is committed to being flexible to ensure all of our students can practice their faith and feel supported. Thank you for partnering with us as we raise our Leaders in Learning
Chaperones Sought for Outdoor Ed Experience
Fourth-grade students will be attending the outdoor education program at the YMCA Camp MacLean in Burlington, Wis. on Thursday, May 23, and Friday, May 24. This will be our 35th year attending Camp MacLean!
We are seeking parents to chaperone this amazing outdoor experience! Chaperone responsibilities include riding the bus to and from camp, as well as general support and supervision during meals, classes, games, and overnight in the cabins. We are seeking four parents (two female and two male) per classroom. A lottery to select chaperones will be held in early April. All parents will be notified of selection by Friday, April 5. You may submit your name to the lottery by completing this 2024 4th Grade Outdoor Ed Parent Volunteer Form. All lottery submissions should be made no later than Sunday, March 31.
Please consider joining the fun!
Classroom Placement
Moving Ahead!
Classroom placement is an important process for our students. Our teachers and staff invest significant time and effort to ensure the creation of healthy learning groups and environments. It is important to develop balanced classrooms by considering students’ gender, academic, social, and emotional needs. We strive to create an optimal learning environment for students in each of our teacher’s classrooms.
If you wish to share more specific information about your child's placement, please indicate your thoughts on this Optional Parent Input Form by clicking on the link.
Please complete the form no later than midnight on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.
The input you provide will be reviewed and considered as we begin planning for your child for the 2024-2025 school year. While specific teacher requests cannot be accommodated, your insight is valued as we take many variables into consideration.
Please note, the input you share is not private between the Principal and parent and will be shared during the placement process. Please complete a form for each of your children, if desired.
We look forward to providing your child with continued learning excellence! Thank you for taking time to share your thoughts with our staff.
Shark Tank Applications Accepted
The Learning Fund Foundation proudly presents the return of Shark Tank! Following Spring Break, interested Half Day students will participate in an entrepreneurship program punctuated by a Final Pitch event. Groups of students will formulate an idea, build a prototype, create marketing material, and practice presentation skills. Apply online for the Shark Tank program. The application process will close at midnight on Sunday, March 17.
Partnership News
Volunteers Needed - 4th-Grade State Fair
Join us on Thursday, April 25, as Half Day School proudly hosts the fourth-grade Illinois State Fair! Students will embark on an exciting journey through Illinois' vibrant agricultural heritage, exploring its pivotal role in manufacturing and local governance. Our students will delight in encountering adorable baby chicks, igniting their curiosity about the fascinating world of farming. Through hands-on activities and interactive exhibits, they'll delve into the intricacies of agriculture, learn about manufacturing processes, and gain insight into the workings of government in our great state. We're on the lookout for passionate volunteers to help make this day a resounding success! Please join us in shaping young minds and creating lasting memories. Sign up now and be a part of something truly special! https://bit.ly/3P8tqeK
Please contact Marybeth Lockwood or Chandana Bellam with any questions about this event.
Register Now for Run for D103
Over 250 individuals are registered already for the Run for D103 5K Run/Walk. Cost is $30 per runner. Group rates and family sponsorships are also available. Learn more and register at runford103.org today for the Saturday, May 18, event!
Community News
Parks Improvement Survey
Center for Gifted Classes
The Center for Gifted is bringing their flagship program, Summer Wonders, back to District 103. Offering an exciting variety of challenging, hands-on courses, it comprises three one-week sessions for grades first through sixth in July. District 103 students receive a 10% tuition discount, using this code at checkout: TEN4D103.
Soccer Camp
Chicago Rush summer soccer camp is open for registration.
Music Camp & Classes
Chicago Summer Music Camp information is now available for ages 5-18.Chicago Summer Music Camp is accepting applications. Summer lessons are also offered at the American Music Institute.
Half Day Information
- Half Day Calendar
- Archived newsletters
- YouTube Principals
- Principal Jill Mau
- Assistant Principal Laura Delagrange
- 847-634-1484
- Hd_attendance@d103.org