Meadow Glens Newsletter

Dear Meadow Glens Families,

Welcome back to the 2024-2025 school year at Meadow Glens Elementary School, home of the eagles! We hope you had a restful and enjoyable summer, filled with memorable moments and quality time with loved ones. As we embark on a new academic year, we are excited to reconnect with our returning families and extend a warm welcome to those joining us for the first time.

At Meadow Glens, we are committed to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment where every student can thrive. Our dedicated staff has been hard at work preparing engaging and enriching learning experiences that will inspire our students to soar to new heights. We believe in the potential of every child and are dedicated to supporting their academic, social, and emotional growth.

This year, we have several exciting initiatives and programs planned to enhance our students' learning journey. From innovative classroom activities to enriching extracurricular opportunities, we are focused on providing a well-rounded education that meets the needs and interests of all our students. We also encourage family involvement and look forward to partnering with you to create a strong and supportive community.

We understand that the transition back to school can bring a mix of emotions for both students and parents. Please know that our staff is here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher or our administrative team.

As we begin this new school year, let us embrace the spirit of the eagle—strong, resilient, and ready to take on new challenges. Together, we can make this a fantastic year filled with learning, growth, and success.

Welcome back, Meadow Glens Eagles! Let's make the 2024-2025 school year our best one yet.

Warm regards,

Katy Lynch
Principal, Meadow Glens Elementary School

kklynch@naperville203.org

As we prepare for the 2024-2025 academic journey, we are thrilled to share some exciting updates regarding our dedicated team of teachers and specialists.

We are delighted to announce that Ms. Amber Shaner, our talented Art teacher, will be back again this year to inspire creativity and share her artistic talent with all of our students. Ms. Villaron will return as our full-time Music teacher. Ms. Villaron's enthusiam for music is contagious and will soon be filling our halls with the sweet hum of children. Mr. Eckberg will become our permanent physical education teacher this year. He is already busy at work preparing the equipment and gymnasium for another fun-filled year. Additionally, Mr. Dethrow will continue teaching Band on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Friday afternoons, while Ms. Razzini will lead the Orchestra program on Mondays and Wednesdays.

The Student Services team has some exciting changes this year. With great excitement, I would like to welcome our new Learning Behavior Specialist (LBS)- Ms. Tatum Tilton and long-term substitute Ms. Gina Howley for Ms. Mei-Lin Schreiner's maternity leave. Ms. Tristin Vrchota will return as our veteran resource LBS teacher.

With several retirements last year and an increase in staffing at Meadow Glens, I am eager to share that Ms. Candace Tablerion will be our new full-time speech pathologist servicing our general education students and our returning full-time speech pathologist, Ms. Emily Schmidt, servicing our multi-needs students. In addition, Dr. DaShae Rodriguez-Harris will join Dr. Olivia Barber as a part-time school psychologist. We will also have two new social workers at Meadow Glens, Ms. Carly Murillo (full-time) and Ms. Kinga Cano (part-time).

Our returning Student Services Team members Mr. Todd Rzeszutko-Adapted PE, Ms. Katie DeAngelis-Occupational Therapist, Dr. Tiffanie Pontow-Physical Therapist, Ms. Maria Schaefer-Hearing Itinerant, Ms. Tracy Wilks-Vision Itinerant, Ms. Maura Guimon-Warren-Mobility and our Multi-Needs Learning Behavior Specialists, Ms. Aukers and Ms. Bentel will continue their outstanding support for our students this year.

We have two full-time English Language Teachers, Ms. Rosa McCormick and Ms. Traci Johnson-Welcker, supporting our growing number of students speaking a language other than English.

In terms of classroom teachers Ms. Gamboa and Mr. McCree will be teaching kindergarten, Ms. Alagaratnam, Ms. Berdiel, and Ms. Fuglsang at first grade; Mr. Castelluccio, Ms. Golden, and Ms. Kelly in second grade; Ms. Hedman, Ms. Kauper, Ms. Vitale and Ms. White will teach third-grade; Ms. Mason is returning to the classroom and will join Ms. Mitchler and Ms. Wenkel in fourth grade. Finally, Ms. Chidley, Ms. Dina, and Ms. Teeling will be holding down the fort in fifth grade.

Our PI+ team remains the same with Ms. Dexl, Mr. Horner, Ms. Khan, Ms. LaFleur, and Ms. Todd, ensuring continued excellence in gifted instruction. Additionally, Ms. Noffke will move to be our new Honors Math and Project Idea teacher.

Ms. Marshall will support our teachers' growth as educators by assuming the learning support coach position. Ms. Christy Miller, Reading Specialist, and Ms. Nicole Stevens, Math Specialist, will continue to provide targeted reading and math instruction through a co-teaching model, small groups, and individual students.

As always, our goal is to provide a supportive and nurturing learning environment where every child can flourish academically and socially. We believe that with this exceptional team of educators and specialists, we are well-equipped to empower our students to reach new heights of success.

We look forward to seeing all of our wonderful students back in the classroom soon. Until then, have a fantastic rest of your summer!

Together We Soar!

Popsicles at the Park

Meadow Glens’ Home & School will be hosting a Popsicle get together for all new and returning students for the 2024-2025 school year on Monday, August 12, 2024 at 1pm. Home & School, parents, and students are invited to meet on the blacktop and playground area for a Popsicle treat. We hope that you will join us to reconnect or meet our Meadow Glens friends and families.

Meet and Greet

All students and parents are welcome to come meet their teachers on Monday, August 12, 2024 at 2pm-3pm. Doors will open at 2pm for all MG students and parents to meet their teachers, help with school supplies, and explore their classrooms. We hope that you can reserve this time to come with your child(ren) and begin building important relationships and connections. This is an informal gathering with more detailed information about classroom activities and curriculum during Parent Curriculum Night on Wednesday, August 21 (PI+, PI/HM, and 4th/5th grade) and Wednesday, August 28 (K-3rd grade and MN).

New Family Tours (new students and parents only)

All students who are new to Meadow Glens in Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and PI+ are invited to take a tour of Meadow Glens on Monday, August 12th at 1:15--2:00 pm. During this time parents will have an opportunity to connect with other parents and learn about Home & School. Please meet at the Main Entrance (door #1) between 1:15- 1:45 pm for a student guided tour.

Class Assignments

Classroom and teacher assignments for kindergarten through fifth grade will be posted through Infinite Campus on Wednesday, August 7, at 3:00pm. Parents will access their child’s classroom assignment via the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Visit the District 203 website and click on the Campus Portal link on the left side. Follow the prompts to create your parent account. If you have difficulty with your account, contact the help desk by email at campusportal@naperville203.org.

First Day of School

The first day of school for all students in kindergarten-fifth grades will be Thursday, August 15! Instruction for all grades begins promptly at 8:15am with students entering the building after 8:00am. Please make sure that your child is not dropped off prior to 8:00am for supervision by staff begins at 8:00am. Students arriving after 8:15am are considered tardy and must use the front door (Door 1) to enter the school and parents will need to sign them in at the front office. Dismissal for all students is at 2:30pm.

School Supplies

School supplies ordered online will be waiting for your child in his/her classroom during Meet and Greet on Monday, August 12th. Grade 1-3 families should pick up supplies during the Meet & Greet on Monday, August 12 to label supplies for their child before school starts. Any kindergarten families that bought their own school supplies should bring them to Meet and Greet. If you missed ordering school supplies, grade level supply lists are available on our website.

Arrival & Dismissal

Arrival and dismissal at Meadow Glens School are busy times of the day with over 500 students entering or exiting the building. It is very important that we work together to maintain a safe arrival and dismissal for all students. Please review the Meadow Glens arrival and dismissal procedures, traffic flow, and maps on our website. If a student needs to be picked up before dismissal, use the intercom at Door 1, present current identification to the office staff, and then the office team will connect with the classroom teacher.

Bus Transportation

All bus riders will be met by staff members at start of the school year to guide children to their grade level classrooms. While transportation information can be accessed in the Infinite Campus Portal starting on Wednesday, August 7th at 3:00pm, please check back frequently, including the day before school begins, as changes can occur in routes, pick-up times, and/or drop-off times. If you need assistance regarding transportation information, call the Transportation Department at 630-420-6464.

Absence Reporting

If your child must be absent from school, please call the Attendance Line prior to the start of the school day at 630-420-3203 or report via the online system prior to 8:00am.

Important Dates for the Beginning of 2024-25

• H&S Popsicle in the Park – Monday, August 12th at 1:00pm-2:00pm
• Meet and Greet – Monday, August 12th at 2:00pm-3:00pm
• First Day of School K-5 - Thursday, August 15th from 8:15am-2:30pm
• Parent Curriculum Night - Wednesday, August 21st (PI+, PI/HM, and 4th/5th grade) and Wednesday, August 28th (K-3rd grade and Primary and Intermediate Multi-Needs)
• No School Labor Day September 2nd
• Fall Picture Day Friday, September 6th during the school day
• H&S Meeting Tuesday, September 10th at 7:00pm

I'D LIKE TO THANK YOU, IN ADVANCE, FOR YOUR COOPERATION IN HELPING TO PROVIDE A SAFE AND EFFICIENT ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL FOR OUR MEADOW GLENS’ SCHOOL COMMUNITY. PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO REVIEW THE LINKS BELOW THAT DESCRIBE OUR ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL PROCEDURES AND TRAFFIC FLOW.

*The arrival procedure:

Thursday only (first day of school), grade level teachers will meet their students by an assigned door:

• Mr. Castelluccio, Ms. Gamboa, and Ms. Kelly will meet by door 6
• Ms. Alagaratnam, Ms. Berdiel, Ms. Fuglsang, Mr. McCree will meet by door 8
• Ms. Golden, Ms. Hedman, Ms. Kauper, and Ms. Vitale will meet by door 5
• Ms. Mason, Ms. Mitchler, Ms Wenkel, and Ms. White will meet by door 4
• Ms. Chidley, Ms. Dina, and Ms. Teeling will meet by door 3
• All PI+ students and teachers will meet at door 1

** Parents can take this opportunity to get that "first day of school" photo

Friday and on, students will enter the building when they arrive and walk to their classrooms. Support staff will guide those who need assistance and the teachers will be in their classrooms to greet their students.

Drop off students, walkers, and bike riders will only be allowed to enter through doors 1 or 6

Bus students will enter the building through door 8

A SPECIAL THANKS TO THE VOLUNTEERS AND STAFF WHO HAVE OFFERED TO PROVIDE EXTRA HELP TO ASSIST OUR STUDENTS AND TO MONITOR TRAFFIC!

I would like to invite our MG parents and guardians to attend their grade level Curriculum Night. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet your children’s teachers and learn about the instructional program. I would like to remind you that this evening is intended for adults only. As you know we have many other events where children are included and very welcome. Also, I would ask you to refrain from trying to “conference” with a teacher about your child on this evening. If you have specific concerns about your child, please ask the teacher to call you. We are happy to communicate with parents when the time is appropriate.

The Parent/Student Handbook will be available for the youngest and only child in your family to pick up in their classroom or MPR on Curriculum Night. We ask that you please sign the form indicating that you received a handbook and that you will review the handbook with your child. You can leave the signed form in your child's classroom or the MPR with your child's classroom teacher.

We are very excited to welcome our families to Meadow Glens and we look forward to another great year!

Curriculum Night: Wednesday, August 21st (4th and 5th Grade, PI/HM, and PIP)

Project Idea (PI) 6:10-6:30 pm in Ms. Noffke classroom (A172)

Honors Math (HM) 6:35-6:55 pm in Ms. Noffke classroom (A172)

4th & 5th Grade 7:00-7:45 pm in classrooms

Project Idea Plus (PI+) 7:15-8:00 pm in classrooms

Curriculum Night: Wednesday, August 28th (MN, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd Grades)

Multi-Needs (MN) 5:30-6:00 pm in classrooms

Kindergarten 5:25-5:55 pm in MPR and 5:55-6:10 in classrooms

1st Grade 6:00-6:45 pm in the MPR

2nd Grade 6:50-7:35 pm in the MPR

3rd Grade 6:50-7:35 pm in classrooms