Steele Family Newsletter

Whether this is your first year at Steele or you have been here for multiple years, we want to welcome you all to the 23-24 school year. We are the "STARS" and we shine bright!

Mission Statement: Diversity is who we are. Equity is what we strive to provide.Inclusion is how we achieve our goals. Together we inspire dreams, celebrate learning and embrace the future.

Vision Statement: Creating learners who make wise choices, embrace challenges, and own their future.

Thank you for filling out our survey on the family events offered during the 22-23 school year. The winner is....Shanetta Palmer!! Stop by the office to pick up your gift card.

If you have any questions please contact the CUSD #205 registrar, at 309-973-2109. Illinois School Physicals and up-to-date immunizations must be submitted prior to the first day of school. Click here for specific grade-level requirements.

Students who do not submit the required documentation will be excluded on the first day of school.

Classroom teacher assignments are available in SkywardQ. If you have not registered, a teacher assignment will not be given until registration is complete. Since our numbers grew at third grade, we added a section. Therefore, if you have a 3rd grade student, please look again at the homeroom teacher since some have changed. Parent requests for changes will not be honored this close to the school year.

We want to welcome our new staff members:

- Ms. Holt 1st grade

- Ms. Carter 1st grade

- Miss Ledbetter 2nd grade

Kiss-N-Go Car Riders: Students may be dropped off after 8:50 AM am using the single-file car lane next to the playground. Students should exit the vehicle on the passenger's side for their safety. This may only be used if the student can get in/out of the car on their own. Adults may not get out of the car to assist in any way.

Parent Park: If your child cannot enter/leave the car without your assistance, you must use the parent parking lot. When entering the lot, you MUST park your car in an open slot, exit your car and walk up to the cafe doors (side of the building) to drop off/meet your child.

Bus Riders: Busses use the front circular driveway to load and unload students. Parents are not to use the circular drive to load/unload students before/after school. If a student wishes to ride home with a friend on the bus, a note must be given to the office for the principal’ signature regarding this prior to dismissal. Bus information (bus stop locations, pick up and drop off times) will be in Skyward.

After the 3:45 p.m. bell, all students are dismissed from school to:

• the kiss-n-go car line through door 7 (K-2 graders) and door 8 (3-4 graders)
• the parent park through the cafeteria doors. Parents must park, exit the car and come up to the cafe doors to meet your child.
• PALS which is held in the cafeteria
• to buses in the front circle

Picture 500 students all getting home the correct way in about 10 minutes. It may seem overwhelming. It would be without a very structured process. This is where we need your help. We need you will indicate your child's primary way home here. If plans change, you MUST let the office know of the change so we can keep a master list of changes should there be an issue. Please do not rely on a message to the teacher since they may not have time to read the message before the end of the day.

Quarter 1: August 10 - October 12, 2023

Quarter 2: October 24 - December 20, 2023

Quarter 3: January 9 - March 14, 2024

Quarter 4: March 18 - May 23, 2024*

*May 30 - June 5 are emergency days if needed

How do we grade at the elementary level? We use a standards-based report card instead of a report card with letter grades. Elementary report cards are issued at the end of each grading period. They are intended to give an evaluation of the scholastic achievement and work habits of each child. Parents should examine all cards carefully since each child is rated not only on academic progress, but also progress in development of social attitudes and work habits.

We use a 4,3,2,1 system to assess a student's mastery of standards.

4 = Exceeding State and District Standards

3 = Meeting State and District Standards

2 = Approaching State and District Standards

1 = Not Meeting State and District Standards

Our district takes student attendance very seriously and we are committed to seeing that every child is at school unless there is an excused reason for absence or tardiness. “Helping Students Achieve Their Dreams” is our district’s mission. Studies have shown that when students are consistently at school they are more likely to achieve their dreams.

What Parents and Students Can Do:

• Ensure children arrive to school on time.

• When absent, be sure to make up missed work.

• Communicate with school and seek support when needed.

• Call when your child is absent from school or unavoidably late ASAP at 309-973-2016.

• Know attendance is required on early dismissal days.

• Return to school after appointments.

• Plan appointments outside of school day.

• Call within one hour of the start of school or send a note within 48 hours of the return to school.

• For minor health issues—come to school.

Contact the Steele School office to request your free student pass to district activities.

TBD, Dean of Students

Mrs. Knuth, Nurse

Mrs. Hickey, Family Engagement

Mrs. Mowen, Outreach

Mrs. Fones and Ms. Patch, Front Office Assistants

Email: kcoate@galesburg205.org
Website: https://steele.galesburg205.org/
Location: 1480 West Main Street, Galesburg, IL, USA
Phone: (309)973-2016
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steele205/
Twitter: @wearesteele