
Sanborn Spotlight
December 15th, 2024

January 19, 2025
Dear Families,
Over the past two weeks, our school has been buzzing with activity! We started the new year by reviewing expectations through station rotations, helping students refocus on demonstrating positive behaviors and staying engaged as they transition between activities. This proactive approach ensures a smooth and productive learning environment for all.
We also had the pleasure of welcoming the Principal from Sundling Middle School, who visited to support our 5th graders as they prepare for their exciting transition to middle school. This visit was an incredible opportunity for our students to ask questions, learn about their next steps, and ease any uncertainties they might have. Additionally, fifth-grade students had the chance to select their elective preferences, sparking excitement as they begin to envision the next chapter of their academic journey.
In addition to these events, our Winter assessments have been in full swing. Students in Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grades participated in FastBridge testing, which helps us monitor their academic growth and tailor support to meet their needs. Our English learners also began ACCESS testing, measuring their growth in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English. It’s inspiring to see the determination and effort our students bring to their learning every day!
We hope you enjoy the long weekend and stay warm as temperatures are expected to drop in the coming days. Thank you, as always, for your ongoing partnership and support. Together, we are building an environment where our students feel empowered to learn, grow, and thrive.
.
So much learning and fun have already been packed into this month!
Severe Weather and Recess Guidelines
Now that we are in the swing of things with winter, it’s important to ensure that students are dressed appropriately for the weather each day. To play off the blacktop during recess, students must have boots and snow pants. If you are facing challenges in providing winter gear for your child, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the school. We have resources available to assist families in need.
Please know we will send students outside for recess whenever we are able to safely do so. We are very excited the temperatures have raised a bit and our students were able to be back outside at the end of the week. If you would like more information, you can review the guidelines we follow when making decisions about indoor vs. outdoor recess. Click the link below for more information.
Sanborn PTA is looking for help!
Did you know that the Sanborn PTA received an award from the Northwest Cook Region PTA for growing their membership this year? We are so fortunate to have many new families and members joining us! The PTA is seeking additional support from parents and/or family members who are interested in helping plan upcoming events that benefit our students and staff.
You can get involved by attending their monthly PTA meetings, either in person or virtually, or by volunteering to help with an upcoming event. If you’d like to learn more or get involved, please contact the PTA directly at ptasanborn@gmail.com. Your support makes a difference!
Kindergarten Dual Language Informational Meetings: Mark Your Calendars!
Dual Language Informational Meetings for Incoming Kindergarten will take place in February. Please join us to learn more about this innovative program.
The winter months are the time of year when illnesses tend to increase. This is something that is often out of everyone’s control, and we truly appreciate your efforts to prioritize your child’s health, well-being, and with the benefits of attendance.
Attendance Updates
We know that balancing health and attendance can be challenging, and we appreciate your continued efforts to ensure students are at school when they are well enough to attend.
Here’s how our school’s attendance so far this year compares to attendance last year: We’re proud of the effort our families have made to keep attendance strong, even during a challenging season. Let’s continue to work together to make this a successful school year for all students!
September
2023-2024: 92%
2024-2025: 94%
October
2023-2024: 90%
2024-2025: 94%
November
2023-2024: 91%
2024-2025: 89%
December
2023-2024: 89%
2024-2025: 91%
January
2023-2024: 88%
2024-2025: 90% (as of 1/19/25)
Tips to Promote Student Health
Encourage frequent hand washing: Regular hand washing includes using soap and warm water, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds, and drying hands thoroughly. Singing the "Happy Birthday" song twice is a great way for younger children to time themselves!
- Stay home when sick: Use our district guide to help determine if your child can attend school or should stay home. If your child is showing symptoms of illness, such as a fever or persistent cough, please keep them at home until they are symptom-free for 24 hours
- Healthy habits: Make sure your child gets enough sleep, eats nutritious meals, and stays hydrated.
Upcoming Dates
January 20 No School: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 21 No School: Institute Day
Scott Scafidi, Assistant Principal, scafidis@ccsd15.net
Margie Whiteley, Student Services Coordinator, whitelem@ccsd15.net