The Pritchett Post -- 8/23/24
Home of the Panthers!
What a Week!
I hope everyone is excited about the start of a new school year! It was wonderful to be back with children this week! We do not know who was more excited, the students or the teachers! As expected there were some glitches, and we are working through them. Please know the first two weeks of a new school year is a learning curve for all -- parents, students and teachers. Thank you for your enthusiasm, patience, and partnership as we begin this amazing school year!
Attached with this newsletter please find several "back-to-school" pictures taken this week. To enlarge the picture, simply click on it.
For your children,
Dr. Moreland, Principal
First-Third Grade Parent Only Open House
We want to share specific information with you regarding Tuesday's Parent Only Open House. This special evening will begin at 5:30 p.m. with an optional meeting with Dr. Moreland in the gymnasium. This is an important evening to hear from your child's classroom teacher. In addition to meeting with the classroom teacher, there will be breakout sessions so parents may meet, listen to, and ask questions of the other important staff members that will be working with their child this year.
Please see the attachment below for our evening's agenda, room numbers, and a map of the building.
Pritchett's After School Program
Welcome to the After School Program (ASP) at Pritchett School! Each trimester, Pritchett's ASP provides 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade students with a diverse range of classes which take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Our Fall 2024 session will run September 17th thru November 14th.
This is a fantastic opportunity for students to explore new interests outside of the classroom and enjoy fun activities with their Pritchett peers. Registration begins Tuesday, August 27th at 9:15 a.m. Please direct any questions to Julie Coon, After School Program Director.
First Week Back At School
UNDESIGNATED MEDICATION PROGRAM
Aptakisic-Tripp School District 102 is participating in the Undesignated Medication Program in collaboration with the Lake County Health Department (LCHD). In this program, the medical epidemiologist at LCHD has issued a standing order protocol for trained school personnel to administer epinephrine injection, asthma medication, and/or naloxone in the setting of medical emergencies wherein a student, visitor, or staff person is experiencing severe allergic/anaphylactic reaction, respiratory distress, and/or opioid overdose. The medications will be administered in appropriate circumstances.
All parents/guardians will receive a paper letter in your child's backpack, today, Friday, August 23, which will provide further explanation (also described in 105 ILCS 5/22-30). Per school code, we are required to provide the letter and have a signed acknowledgment statement for each child. Please return the letter with a signature by Friday, August 30.
If a parent or guardian does not want their student to receive an undesignated medication in emergencies, please submit a written request to the school that their student shall not be administered the drugs under any circumstances.
Student Attendance
As we prepare for the coming school year, I wanted to take a moment to emphasize the critical importance of regular school attendance for your child's academic success and overall development.
1. Academic Achievement: Regular attendance is closely linked to higher academic performance. When students attend school consistently, they are better able to keep up with daily lessons, complete assignments, and participate in classroom discussions. Each day of instruction builds upon the previous one, and frequent absences can disrupt this learning process.
2. Social Skills and Peer Relationships: School is not just about academics; it is also a place where children develop essential social skills and form friendships. Regular attendance allows students to engage with their peers, work in teams, and develop communication skills that are vital for their personal growth.
3. Responsibility and Work Ethic: Consistent attendance helps instill a sense of responsibility and a strong work ethic in students. By prioritizing school attendance, you are teaching your child the value of commitment and the importance of showing up, which are traits that will benefit them throughout their lives.
4. Reduced Risk of Falling Behind: Missing school means missing out on important lessons, activities, and assessments. This can make it challenging for students to catch up and can lead to a cycle of falling behind, which can be discouraging and affect their confidence and motivation.
5. Preparation for the Future: Regular attendance sets the foundation for future success. Whether it’s higher education or entering the workforce, consistent attendance is a habit that will serve your child well in any path they choose.
The state of Illinois defines chronic absenteeism as missing 10% of the school year. For us, this is equal to missing 15 or more days of school. As we reviewed last year's attendance, we had 52 students who were identified as chronically absent. Therefore, close to 9% of our student population was chronically absent.
How You Can Help:
- Set a Routine: Establish a regular bedtime and morning routine to ensure your child gets enough rest and is prepared for school each day.
- Stay Informed: Keep track of school events, important dates, and any changes in the schedule.
- Communicate: If your child is facing challenges that affect their attendance, please reach out to us. We are here to support you and your child in any way we can.
- Encourage Attendance: Reinforce the importance of going to school every day and celebrate their efforts and accomplishments.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child’s education. Together, we can ensure that our students have the best opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed.
Panther Pride!
Mrs. Patel's Class
Mrs. Kottmeyer's Class
Mrs. Seller's Class
Transportation
Drop Off & Pick Up
If you are driving your child, please note that students will not be able to enter the building nor exit their vehicle prior to 8:50 a.m. Staff will be present out front in our car drop-off line each morning. Students are dismissed between 3:25 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Please Note:
Cars need to approach the school traveling south on Horatio Blvd.
Cars may only make a right-hand turn into the parking lot.
Cars may only make a right-hand turn to exit the parking lot.
Parents need to remain in their cars during drop-off and pick-up.
Cars need to pull all the way forward to the marked “Stop Here” sign.
Parents need to stay “in line.” Please follow the car ahead of you.
Illinois State law prohibits cell phone use in a school zone.
Cars may begin lining up to pick up their child no earlier than 3:10 p.m. If you plan on picking up your child at the end of the school day, please print the "Student Pick-Up Sign" below. Please display it on your dashboard, closest to the passenger side of the car. This particular sign lets the pick-up supervisors quickly identify your child, their grade level, and their teacher. Displaying this sign will add to the efficiency of our pick-up process. Thank you! (Please see the map below)
Change in Transportation
For example, if your child takes the bus every day and you are picking them up for a doctor's appointment at 2:30, please send a note that morning. In an 'emergency' situation you may send an email to Ms. Barraza via email at ibarraza@d102.org. Unfortunately, we will not be able to honor any emails/calls after 3 pm.
Panther Pride
Mrs. Grigolo's Class
Mrs. Eliopoulos' Class
Mrs. DiSalvo's Class
FIRSTact Bus Monitoring System
In an effort to curtail poor bus behavior, First Student has implemented a new bus monitoring system called FIRSTacts. This system quickly and efficiently captures inappropriate behavior and instantly shares it with Dr. Moreland and Mrs. Cummings. Students who are reported will receive communication through email regarding their child's misconduct. Various disciplinary measures will be issued including suspension from riding the school bus.
To ensure the safest transportation possible for all of our students, please take a moment to review the following bus etiquette with your child:
- Remain seated, facing forward
- K-3 students must sit in their assigned seat
- No eating or drinking on the bus
- Use inside voices
If you have specific questions about FIRSTActs please reach out to our Director of Transportation, Ms. Denise Koto (dkoto@d102.org) or First Student.
Nurse Notes
Welcome back to the new school year! A few health reminders:
- Any new student needs to submit a physical exam form and an eye exam form within 30 days of admission into school.
- Kindergarteners: Need to submit a physical and eye exam within 30 days of admission into school. Dental exams will be due 5/15/2025.
- Second graders: Need to submit a dental exam on or before 5/15/25.
Please call the health office if you have any questions or concerns.
Priscilla Lowe, RN
847.353.5708 - Phone
Panther Pride
Ms. Wozniczka's Class
Mrs. Glomp's Class
Mrs. DeRango's Class
Get Ready for the PTO's Back to School Bash!
Mark your calendars! The PTO is kicking off the school year with its Back to School Bash on Friday, September 6 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. Come with your family to enjoy food, music, games, and vendors.
August / September Calendar Events
August 27: 1st-3rd Parent Only Open House (5:30 pm to 7:25 pm)
August 28: Early Dismissal (2:00)
September 2: No School
September 6: Back to School Bash! (5:30 to 7:00) at Meridian
September 11: Early Dismissal (2:00)
September 16: Fire Drill Practice(A.M.)
September 19: School Picture Day
September 25: Early Dismissal (2:00)
September 26: Fire Drill Practice (P.M.)
Pritchett School Office Information
Office Phone Number: 847.353-5700
Fax Number: 847.215.3259
Office Hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Student Hours: 9:00am - 3:30pm
Health Office
Mrs. Priscilla Lowe, Nurse
Attendance Line: 847.353.5703
Dr. Matt K. Moreland, Principal
Email: mmoreland@d102.org
Website: https://www.d102.org/pritchett/
Phone: (847) 363-5700
Mrs. Julie Cummings, Assistant Principal
Email: jcummings@d102.org
Website: https://www.d102.org/pritchett/
Phone: (847) 353-5700