Cougar Clips

Happy Friday Kipling Families,

What a wild second week of school it has been. First and foremost, I hope everyone is safe and healthy after that storm on Tuesday night. Thank you for your partnership and your flexibility as we had to close school on Wednesday to repair our campuses and restore our utilities. We will let you know soon how the district intends to make up for the lost school day.

Thank you to the PTO for hosting the first-annual Foam party last Friday night! Great fun was had by all and they are already planning the event for next year. Thank you to all who attended as we slipped and slid into the first weekend of the school year. While Sweets and Treats had to be canceled on Wednesday, it is being rescheduled for Thursday, September 12th - please mark your calendars.

All my best to you and your families over the long Labor-day weekend!

Respectfully,

Mr. Matthew O. Lombardo, NBCT

Principal

Kipling Elementary School

Some families who read the book, The Anxious Generation, have asked about their primary-age child walking to/home from school without a parent escort. If you are comfortable with your child walking to or from school without an adult, we ask that you communicate this information to your child's teacher so that they are aware and can support your child.

If you have been wondering about ways to encourage your child's independence, consider talking to neighbors to see if walking to school without an adult is something your children can do together.

Over the summer, I read the book, The Anxious Generation, which explores the significant increase in anxiety among today's youth, examining the underlying causes and societal factors contributing to this trend. The book provides practical strategies and insights for parents, educators, and mental health professionals to help young people manage anxiety and build resilience.

I would like to invite parents and guardians to join me in person on Thursday, September 26th from 6:00-7:30 in the Kipling gym to discuss some of the topics introduced in the book. DPS109 School Resource Officer, Officer Maldonado, will also join us to present her information about keeping our children safe online.

You do not have to read the full book to join the conversation! Since many of you are short on time, the links below will provide you with enough information to participate in this event.

Video Interview with the author (21 minutes)

Video Summary (9 minutes)

Written Summary (4 minutes)

Please RSVP below by Friday, 9/20.

All kindergarten and first grade students receive an iPad at school, which we store overnight for charging. The district continues to discuss the future of devices going home with our students. At this time, 2nd-5th graders will receive a chromebook, charger and case that is to be brought to and from school each day. Charging the device takes place at home.

If a parent chooses to provide their child with a cell phone, this personal device is expected to be silenced and out-of-sight during the regular school day. (Exceptions are made for students who use a device as part of their IEP, 504 Plan, or Health Plan). While smart watches are still permitted in school, they should also be silenced at all times and not be used for texting while students are in school. Any personal devices that become a distraction to the learning environment will be brought to the office by an administrator and families will be notified to pick the device up from the school.

If a parent needs to send a message to their child, we respectfully ask that you refrain from texting your child directly. Please call our front office and a member of our team will get the message to your child. We appreciate your cooperation!

Each week I will be sharing a resource from Common Sense Media. The PTO will also be including resources in many of their weekly PTO newsletters. The resources provide a wide variety of information including the impact of social media and technology on mental health, relationships, and student well being. We are hoping that these resources will spark conversations with your children, help you to set healthy boundaries in your home, allow you and your children to make more informed decisions about technology use at home, and contribute to developing children’s ability to safely and responsibly navigate the digital world.

This week:Kids and Tech: How Much is Too Much?

The Deerfield High School Athletic Booster Club would like to share information with you about the Future Warrior Fast Pass membership. This membership is for middle and elementary school students ONLY. For only $10, it provides FREE Admission to ALL HOME Football games and ALL HOME Basketball games (girls & boys; IHSA events, playoffs and tournaments not included). Register at www.d113boosters.org and include your student’s name. The Digital Download fast pass will be emailed. Below are some upcoming HOME Varsity Football Games:

Friday, September 6 @7pm vs Highland Park

Friday, September 20 @ 7pm vs Fremd

Friday, September 27 @7pm vs Glenbrook North

Friday October 4 @7pm vs Glenbrook South

Friday, October 25 @7pm vs New Trier

All games/times are subject to change. Go to Athletic Schedules for more information: https://www.dist113.org/domain/85

To learn more about DHS Athletic Booster Club go to www.d113boosters.org. DHS swag is also available to order!

Attendance:

Please see this linked document regarding our district’s policy on chronic absenteeism and truism. Being on-time and in attendance each school day is vitally important to your child’s success. If getting to school on time each day becomes a challenge for your family, please reach out to us. We are here to partner with you and support you as best we can!

Help train Scout, our new AI chatbot:

Have you checked out our new AI chatbot, Scout? Visit dps109.org, and Scout will appear on the bottom left-hand corner of your screen. Scout is on a two-month trial from now until the end of September. The more you help train him (ask him questions), the faster he learns and "scouts" our website to help find the answers to your questions! Please use the feedback button and star rating system to help us decide if Scout is here to stay.

Upcoming SEL Survey

Building students’ social-emotional learning (SEL) skills is important in District 109. As a part of the learning process, we ask students in grades K-8 to reflect on skills related to social-emotional learning and the school environment. The fall survey will be administered to all students between September 3rd and September 20th and it should take no more than 20 minutes to complete. Per policy, if you would like your child to opt out of taking the survey, please contact your school principal no later than Tuesday, September 3.

Park District Before and After Care

The Deerfield Park District runs all of our before and after school care programs. Please contact the Park District, 847-945-0650, if you have questions.

Park District After School Enrichment Information

To see a brochure of programs and get more information, visit https://www.deerfieldparks.org/programs/youths-teens/.

If you have any questions, please contact the park district directly as they run the programs.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR KIPLING ENRICHMENT BROCHURE.