Family Resource Newsletter: April

Family Resource Newsletter: April

Family involvement is essential to student success!

Cicero District 99 continues its efforts to engage families with their students' learning at home.


Through the Strategic Planning process, community feedback indicated that parents want support and resources to use at home with their children. The purpose of this newsletter is designed to do just that! Each month, the topics and suggestions will align with classroom instruction.


Working together, we can improve outcomes for all our students!

Most Common Myths About Bilingualism

Bilingual language development is a valuable and rewarding experience, but there are many myths and misunderstandings about the process. Some parents may have concerns or misconceptions about bilingualism, and Cicero District 99 would like to take this opportunity to clarify some of these misconceptions to ensure parents feel confident and informed. Understanding these truths will help parents support their child’s journey and celebrate the many benefits that come with being bilingual, biliterate and bicultural.

By clarifying these myths and providing accurate information, we hope to empower parents to embrace bilingualism with confidence. With the right support and knowledge, children can thrive in both languages, gaining cognitive, academic, and cultural advantages that will benefit them for a lifetime.

References

Barnett, W.S., Yarosz, D.J., Thomas, J., Jung, K. & Blanco, D. (2007). Two-Way and Monolingual English Immersion in Preschool Education: An Experimental Comparison. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 22(3), 277-293.


Bialystok, E. (2009). Bilingualism: The good, the bad, and the indifferent. Bilingualism: Language and Cognition, 12, 3-11.


Collier, V.P. & Thomas, W.P. (2009, November). Educating English Learners For a Transformed World. Albuquerque, NM: Fuente Press.


Guiberson, M. (2013). Bilingual myth-busters series language confusion in bilingual children. Perspectives on Communication Disorders and Sciences in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD) Populations, 20, 5–14.

Math Resources

Literacy Resources

District 99 adopted Amplify as its literacy curriculum during the '23-'24 school year. One of the resources available with this program is an overview of what students are learning in during each unit as well as suggestions for ways families to support at home. The caregiver letters provided below share an overview of what students are reading and discovering in each unit, along with suggestions for discussion questions.


Kindergarten



First Grade



Second Grade



Third Grade



Fourth Grade



Fifth Grade



Sixth Grade


Seventh Grade


Eighth Grade

SEL Resources

April is Stress Awareness Month — a reminder to prioritize mental well-being. With academic and daily demands, both students and staff should take intentional moments to reset, breathe and practice mindfulness.


Taking small breaks makes a big difference. Step outside, take deep breaths, or do a quick mindfulness exercise — your well-being matters!


Stress Management Tips for Families


  • Create a relaxing home environment: Consider keeping spaces organized, incorporating soft lighting or playing calming music to promote a peaceful atmosphere.

  • Prioritize family time: Set aside time for activities like game nights, walks, or cooking together to strengthen connections and reduce stress.

  • Encourage open conversations: Check in regularly with family members about their feelings and challenges, offering support and reassurance.

  • Set healthy boundaries with technology: Establish screen-free times, especially during meals and before bed, to encourage mindfulness and relaxation.

  • Model healthy coping strategies: Show your children positive ways to manage stress, such as exercising, journaling or practicing gratitude.


Stress Management Tips for Students


  • Take brain breaks: Step away from studying every 30–45 minutes to refresh your mind and improve focus.

  • Get moving: Physical activity, even a short walk or stretching, can help release tension and boost mood.

  • Practice deep breathing: Try inhaling for four counts, holding for four, and exhaling for four to reduce stress instantly.

  • Stay organized: Use a planner or to-do list to manage assignments and prevent last-minute panic.

  • Limit social media usage and screen time: Taking breaks from screens can help reduce anxiety and improve overall well-being.


If stress ever feels overwhelming, support is available 24/7/365:


📞 Care Solace: (888) 515-0595 (Multilingual support available)

💻 www.caresolace.com/cicd99



Care Solace Family Flyer - English

Care Solace Flyer - Spanish

Parent Workshops/Events

Each month, there are several opportunities for parents to join others to learn and grow together as a community! Below outlines the upcoming events for April:


  • Thursday, April 24 from 9 - 11 AM on Facebook Live: Sanando el Comportamiento de Mi Hijo Desde la Raíz with Ari Arbuto.
  • Tuesday, April 29 from 5 - 7PM at Unity: Preparing for Success in Elementary / High School with Dr. Hector Garcia


Also, join us for Unify Fridays from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Unity! Check out the flyer below for more information! The last event will be held on Friday, April 11, 2025.

The Teaching and Learning Department