AFC Elementary Monthly Memo
Dear Families,
As we embrace the start of a new school year, I hope this message finds you and your family well.
September is a time of renewal and exciting beginnings, and I want to take this opportunity to emphasize the importance of regular attendance for our students.
Attendance is a cornerstone of academic success and personal growth. Each day your child is present in the classroom, they are engaged in learning experiences that build their knowledge, skills, and character. Consistent attendance helps students develop habits of responsibility and commitment, which are valuable throughout their education and beyond. No matter how hard our teachers try, it is impossible to recreate the learning experiences missed if your child is absent from school.
We understand that there are times when absences are unavoidable due to illness or family emergencies. However, making every effort to ensure that your child attends school regularly can significantly impact their academic progress and social development. Our teachers and staff are here to support your child every step of the way, and regular attendance allows us to provide the most effective and continuous support.
To help your child succeed this year, consider these tips for promoting good attendance:
- Establish a consistent daily routine, including a set bedtime and wake-up time.
- Encourage your child to express any concerns or issues they may have about school.
- Plan vacations and appointments outside of school hours whenever possible.
- Keep us informed of any circumstances that may affect your child’s attendance so we can provide appropriate support.
We are excited about the opportunities this school year holds and look forward to partnering with you to make it a successful and rewarding experience for your child. Together, let’s commit to making every school day count!
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to your child's education.
Warm Regards,
Jenah Burkitt, Principal
AFC Elementary School
2 - Labor Day (NO SCHOOL)
4 - 1:30 Early Dismissal, 6 VB @ Byron 4:00 PM
6 - 6/8 VB @ Faith Christian 5:00 PM
9 - Attendance Awareness Week Begins, PTC Meeting 7:00 PM
10 - Fire Drill #1
11 - 1:30 Early Dismissal
12 - School Picture Day, 6/8 VB Faith Christian 5:00 PM
13 - Family Connection Night - Movie on the Lawn 6:45 PM
14 - K-3 Land of Smiles Play (During PE), BoE Meeting 7:00 PM
17 - 6 VB South Beloit 5:00 PM
18 - 1:30 Early Dismissal, 6 VB @ Oregon (Nash) 4:00 PM
19 - 5th & 6th Band Instrument Rental 4:00 - 7:00 PM (appointments made through Ms. Daly)
23 - Perfect Pastry Sales Begin (Ends 10/4)
24 - 6 VB Dixon 4:00 PM
25 - 1:30 Early Dismissal, 6 VB Meridian 4:00 PM
26 - 6 VB Byron 4:00 PM
30 - 6 VB Jamboree@ Byron 4:00 PM
K-2 Parents! Please remember to provide a paint shirt for your young artist. Mrs. Coffman suggests a long-sleeved t-shirt that is simply a little big for your youngster. These have cuffed sleeves and are easy for kids to put on by themselves. Aprons and short sleeves do not cover their arms and plastic does not hold up well. Kids will start painting September 3rd. If they do not have a paint shirt - THEY STILL PAINT!
We are very excited to be bringing Accelerated Reader back this year. Over the summer, all books in the library were labeled with an AR sticker (see image to the right). ATOS is a measure of readability—in other words, a readability formula designed to guide students to appropriate-level books. ATOS takes into account the most important predictors of text complexity—average sentence length, average word length, and word difficulty level. The results are provided in a grade-level scale that is easy to use and understand.
Each student will be given a recommended independent reading level after fall benchmark testing. This is the level in which the student can comfortably read independently. Students will NOT be discouraged from checking out books above or below their level. However, we would recommend the student receive help at home if they bring a book home above their independent reading level.
As a friendly reminder, per our AFC Student Handbook:
Excessive tardies or absences may be referred to the Lee/Ogle/Whiteside Regional Office of Education’s Attendance Support Program for assistance. A student may be referred to the Attendance Support Program after four (4) unexcused and nine (9) excused absences during the previous 180 days of school attendance. If a student misses three (3) consecutive days, they must bring in a physician’s note for the absences to be considered excused. Also, after nine (9) absences per school year, to excuse each absence thereafter, a physician’s note will be required within 24 hours of the student’s return to school. While seeking a medical excuse, the student’s parent or guardian must still comply with absence notification procedures. Students are permitted to return to school while a physician’s note is being obtained, assuming the student has been fever, vomit, and diarrhea free for 24 hours (fever must be below 100.4 without fever-reducing medications).
We encourage attendance everyday as there is a strong link between attendance and academic achievement. Students must be present to learn. We trust parents and guardians will use their best judgement in deciding if their child(ren) are well enough to be present in school.
As a friendly reminder, per our AFC Student Handbook:
Ashton-Franklin Center CUSD #275 will exclude students based on typically qualifying symptoms such as: fever of 100.4 or higher (fever must be below 100.4 without fever-reducing medications), vomiting, and diarrhea. Students may return when the student is fever-free/symptom-free for 24 hours without medication.
Please refer to our Student Handbook (linked at the bottom of this memo) for additional information regarding school attendance.
Ashton-Franklin Center Elementary School
Jenah Burkitt, Principal
Email: jburkitt@afcschools.net
Address: 217 South Elm Street, Franklin Grove, IL, USA
Phone: (815) 456-2325
Website: https://www.afcschools.net/