AFC Elementary Monthly Memo

Dear Families,

It’s hard to believe we are already in November! This time of year brings a sense of reflection and gratitude, and we have so much to be thankful for. We are grateful for our enthusiastic learners, dedicated staff, and supportive families who work together to make our school community so special.

In October, our students engaged in a variety of exciting projects and activities and showed incredible growth in their learning journeys. As we move into November, we are looking forward to continuing this momentum with even more enriching activities and opportunities for our students.

Important November Dates:

• Veterans Day Assembly: November 11th @ 1:30 PM – We are honored to recognize and celebrate the service of our veterans with a special assembly. Families and community members are welcome to join us as we pay tribute to those who have served. Doors will not open until 1:15 PM.
• Fall Break: November 27th - December 1st – School will be closed for our Fall Break to allow students, staff, and families to enjoy some rest and relaxation. We hope you take this time to recharge and create special memories together.

A Few Reminders

• Dress for the Weather: With temperatures dropping, please remember to send your child to school with a warm coat, hat, and gloves. We will continue to go outside for recess as much as possible, weather permitting.
• Lost and Found: Our lost and found is overflowing! Please remind your child to check for any missing items before the fall break. Unclaimed items will be donated during Christmas Break.

As always, thank you for your continued partnership and support. Together, we create a learning environment where every student can grow, succeed, and feel valued. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. We look forward to a wonderful November together!

With Gratitude,

Jenah Burkitt, Principal

AFC Elementary School

NOVEMBER

1 - Breakfast with a Buddy 7:30 AM

3 - Daylight Savings

4 - Law Enforcement Drill

5 - Election Day - NO SCHOOL

6 - 1:30 Early Dismissal

7 - 6 BKB @ Polo 4:00 PM

8 - Family and School Connection Committee Event - BINGO Night 5:00 - 6:00 PM

11 - Bullying Prevention Week Begins, Veteran's Day Assembly 1:30 (Doors open at 1:15)

12 - 6 BKB Oregon 4:00 PM, PTC Meeting 6:00 PM

13 - Fire Drill, 1:30 Early Dismissal, 6 BKB @ Dixon 4:00 PM

14 - 6 BKB Winnebago 4:00 PM

18 - Board of Education Meeting 7:00 PM

19 - 6 BKB @ Meridian 4:00 PM

20 - 1:30 Early Dismissal

21 - 6 BKB @ Byron 4:00 PM

26 - November Awards Assembly 1:45 PM, 2:30 Early Dismissal

27 - Thanksgiving Break - NO SCHOOL

28 - Happy Thanksgiving - NO SCHOOL

29 - Thanksgiving Break - NO SCHOOL

December

2 - School Resumes

Arbor Management has recently been acquired by Whitson's Culinary Group. Part of the transition to Whitsons Culinary Group is the change of the current myschoolmenus digital menu platform that we have been using to the new FD Meal Planner digital menu platform. This program has all the same features that myschoolmenus has with the additional option to use a mobile app.

You can click on the button below, and you will be taken to the new online platform where you can choose the school location you would like to see the menu for.

5th Grade Band students begin Early Bird Band this week! All early bird students should arrive to the Elementary School Lobby at 7:50 AM, however students can arrive as early as 7:35 AM (dropped off at Door 1).

Early Bird Schedule

• Monday - 6th Grade Band
• Tuesday - 5/6 Grade Choir
• Wednesday - 5th Grade Band
• Thursday - 5/6 Grade Choir
• Friday - 5/6 Grade Band

Upcoming Performances

• Veterans Day Assembly (11/11/2024)- 5/6 Choir (patriotic attire preferred)
• Winter Concert (12/10/2024) - 5/6 Band and Choir

October was a whirlwind in the gym and outside whenever the weather permitted! The highlight of the month was our joint effort with the Ashton and Franklin Center fire and ambulance services for fire safety week. Volunteers from both towns and departments spent the day sharing their knowledge and experience with the students to prepare them what to do if they were ever faced with a house fire or in an emergency situation. Over half the elementary students went home and checked their smoke detectors and practiced a plan with their family of how to get out of their home safely in the event of a fire.

On a daily basis the older students wrapped up their volleyball unit and did their first quarter round of fitness testing. The fitness testing involves running as many laps as they can and completing as many sit ups and push ups as possible. The students strive to fall into the healthy fitness zone and work to reach their next goal as the year continues. We even threw in a little country line dancing to work on rhythm and beat and have a little fun! The younger students have been playing various games practicing their catching and throwing as well as working on some soccer skills as the weather allowed. The kids constantly strive to learn good sportsmanship whether they win or lose!

Arrival

8:15 - Students Enter Building (First Bell)

• K/1 - Door 11
• 2nd - Door 9
• 3rd - Door 8
• 4/5/6th - Door 7

8:30 - Classes Begin (Tardy Bell)

Please note, there will not be adult supervision on the playground prior to 8:00 AM.

Dismissal

3:15 - Bus Students Dismissed (First Bell)

3:17 - Pick-Up/Walkers Dismissed (Second Bell)

• K/1 - Door 10
• 2nd - Door 9
• 3rd - Door 8
• 4/5/6th - Door 7

Please note, there will not be adult supervision on the playground after 3:25 PM. Students who have not been picked up by 3:25 will be brought to the main office.

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.

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/