Family Update
10/21/24-11/1/24
Upcoming Lockdown Drill
All District 101 schools will undergo the first of our annual required Lockdown Drills next week. This is done in conjunction with the Western Springs Police and Fire Departments. Our drill is scheduled for Thursday, October 24 at 9:30am.
As a reminder, please know that staff handles these drills in a very developmentally appropriate and reassuring way for students, as to not alarm or frighten them. Teachers overview the purpose (another way to keep ourselves safe, just like we practice fire drills and tornado drills) and practice, prior to the official drill with the local authorities.
Again, we certainly hope this is nothing we ever need to put into action, however will be prepared in the event it is ever necessary.
Fall Student Climate Survey Results
Thank you to everyone who had their child take the Fall Student Climate Survey at home. With our 4th and 5th grade students who took the survey at school, coupled with the 1st-3rd graders who took it with a grown-up at home, we had 177 respondents. Staff is in the process of following-up with students who indicated a concern, but we wanted to share the overall results with you. Our goal is for each and every student at Forest Hills to feel a sense of safety, connectedness and belonging at school
“I feel like I’m a part of my school community.”--100%
“I have friends at school.”--100%
“There is a grown-up at school I can talk to.”--98.8%
“I feel safe at school.”--99.7%
“Have you been bullied at school (since we’ve been back this year)?”-- 97.2% responded NO.
Review 360 Screener
As is our annual practice, students in grades 3-5 will complete the Review 360 social-emotional screener. It is a short questionnaire that is used to help identify students who may be at risk of internalizing social-emotional issues. This brief screener will be administered in their classrooms with their teachers. As also is our practice, we will follow-up with students and families as necessary.
CogAT: Grades 3 and 5
Students in grades 3 and 5 will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) the week of November 11.
The CogAT Test measures the level and pattern of cognitive development of a student compared to age mates and grade mates. These general reasoning abilities, which start developing at birth and continue through early adulthood, are influenced by experiences gained both in and out of school.
The CogAT measures three different cognitive abilities.
• The verbal section measures a child’s ability to remember and transform sequences of English words, to understand them and to make inferences and judgments about them.
• The quantitative section measures a child’s understanding of basic quantitative concepts and relationships.
• The non-verbal section measures reasoning using pictures and geometric shapes. This section reduces the impact of language on the student’s score.
• The composite score is a total score for all three batteries.
This is just one additional piece of information we utilize to ensure students are receiving the differentiated instruction they need to learn and grow. Parents will receive these assessment results as soon as they're available for distribution.
Halloween at Forest Hills
We're already looking forward to celebrating Halloween at Forest Hills. Here are the important details you'll need to know to participate in the celebrations:
- Students should wear regular clothes to school in the morning, and change into their costumes at lunchtime. We understand that many families opt to take their children home at lunch to change. Please make sure to communicate your child/ren's lunch attendance that day to their classroom teacher, should it differ from their usual plan.
- AM Kindergarten should wear their costumes to school and are welcome to return for the parade in the afternoon. (See more details from Mrs. Barritt.)
- Costumes should be appropriate for school. (No weapons, excessive gore or blood.)
- Classroom parties will take place from 2:15-3:00pm. (Kindergarten will vary a bit.)
- The Halloween Parade will begin promptly at 3:00pm and will follow the route below, starting at the YELLOW STAR (Kdg/1st Grade SE Doors).
- Spectators are welcome to attend.
- In the event of rain, the parade will be held indoors, for students only. (Due to safety protocols, we are unable to have all spectators inside the building.)
- Families can plan to pick up students at their usual dismissal locations.
Notes of Appreciation
Did you know that practicing gratitude can not only positively impact the recipient of your kind words, but also help YOU feel better and live longer?!?! It's true!
In that spirit, I encourage you to take the time to click HERE to share a short message of gratitude to a Forest Hills staff member (or members, if you're feeling really ambitious!). I have the great fortune of seeing how hard everyone works behind the scenes and the care and concern that everyone here shows for our kids everyday. Hopefully, your kiddos feel that love and support and you do too!
I'll also always have a link to the form in my email signature for ease of access and the opportunity to send a kind note whenever the mood strikes. Thanks in advance for taking the time to brighten someone's day!
Word From WSFEE
Do you have a Big Idea and just don't know where to start? WSFEE is here to help - contact grants@wsfee.org and we can help you through the grant writing process. Grants help support everything from school and classroom libraries to STEM supplies to buddy benches and lunch tables. Remember to visit wsfee.org or follow WSFEE on Facebook or Instagram (@wsfee_d101) to hear about events, donations and sponsorship opportunities throughout the year.
IMPORTANT: Updated D101 Elementary Handbook
This summer, the administrative team spent considerable time updating the Elementary School Handbook. Please do spend some time reviewing some of the important information regarding attendance, academics, behavior/discipline, technology, etc. The handbook can be found via the link above or as a PDF below.
2024-25 School Calendar
Environmental Club
Is your 3rd-5th grader interested in developing environmental awareness and mindfulness with nature? If so, encourage them to join Environmental Club! See the attached flyer for more information and complete THIS FORM to join!
Rachel Corrough
Email: rcorrough@d101.org
Website: www.d101.org
Location: 5020 Central Avenue, Western Springs, IL, USA
Phone: (708)485-5184
Twitter: @corrough
