Friday Focus

• A Message from Marcie
• Conference Sign-Ups are LIVE
  
• CALENDAR ALERT: Day of school added on Monday, March 3, 2025 (2nd Posting)
• Learn about the Schooltime Setting on Apple Watch (2nd Posting)
  
• This Week in Pictures
• News from Early Learners
• News from the District

Check out the PTO Spotlight here:

• Dine and Donate, 9/30 at Jimmy Thai
• Save the date for Book Fair, 10/8-10/10
• Family Reading Night, 10/9
• Elsie Mae Pie Fundraiser, 9/27-10/31
• Buy tickets for the Chicago Wolves game, 11/17
• and so much more..

Thanks for a great week, South Park!

I want to send one final reminder that all Early Learners and K-5 parents are invited to join us for an in-person discussion about the topics introduced in the book, The Anxious Generation, on Tuesday, October 1st, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the library.

Click here to learn more and RSVP.

In addition, please remember that this Thursday is a non-attendance day.

Have a wonderful weekend!

-Marcie

Parent-Teacher Conference Sign-up is now open. Please click here to access the sign-up links.

Fall conferences will be held on Thursday, October 24th from 1:00-8:00 p.m. and on Friday, October 25th from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Families should indicate whether they plan to attend the conference in person or virtually in the comment section.

We hope that families who choose to travel during this time will take advantage of the virtual conference option and sign up for a time slot during our teachers' designated conference times.

It is our practice to host one conference per child, and we ask that children not be present during the conference.

Thank you!

Due to the unexpected cancellation of school following the recent storms on August 28, 2024, DPS 109 will have to make up that day of school on Monday, March 3rd, 2025. The Board of Education just approved the calendar change last night and it has been updated on our website today. Please plan accordingly.

Have you heard about Schooltime? This new setting limits Apple Watch features during school hours, allowing a family member to focus.

Here's How to Set up Schooltime:

1. Open the Apple Watch app on the iPhone used to manage the watch.

2. Tap My Watch, tap Family Watches, then tap a watch.

3. Tap Done, then tap Schooltime.

4. Turn on Schooltime, then tap Edit Schedule.

5. Choose the days and times you want Schooltime to be active on the watch.

Click here for more info about Schooltime for Apple Watch.

This week, we kicked off our exciting artist unit, diving into the works of renowned artists! Students explored Yayoi Kusama’s immersive “Obliteration Room,” created vibrant pieces inspired by Tyree Guyton’s “Heidelberg Project,” and recreated Jean-Michel Basquiat’s iconic “Pez Dispenser” painting. In our pre-K class, we focused on the letter “L,” practicing writing and making letter-sound connections. The 3-year-olds engaged in a colorful exploration, mixing different shades to discover new hues. Meanwhile, Grady’s Group delved into the Zones of Regulation, helping them understand and express their emotions. It’s been a week full of creativity and learning!

As a reminder, we would like to invite ALL Early Learners and South Park parents and guardians to join us on Tuesday, October 1st from 7:00-8:00 p.m. in the South Park library to take part in a conversation centered around the book The Anxious Generation. Please reference Dr. Faust's most recent communication for more information.

• All visitors to South Park School MUST bring a valid driver's license or state ID card to the main office before entering into the building. Beginning this year, we will collect IDs during your visit and return it to you as you leave.
• If your child is going to be absent from school, you need to call or email us by 9:00 that morning. ** Call 847-945-5895, ext. 2103 and leave a message OR ** Email Nurse Nora Moskos.
• Please follow our morning procedures, and drop your children off at their regular grade level doors. If you choose to drive through the front circle at arrival, kindly stay in your car when you drop off to help us reduce morning congestion.
• K-5 drop-off is between 8:35-8:45 a.m. Students who arrive after 8:45 a.m. will need to enter through the front door of the school, as all other doors will be locked.
• Dismissal for all Kindy and 1st-grade walkers and car riders will take place at their grade level door.
  
• Early Learners drop-off/pick-up info can be found here.
• When parking in our Birchwood parking lot, please remember that our preschoolers are dropped off and picked up by the west end (closest to the school). Sometimes, their parents' cars can block a parked car from exiting for a few minutes. To avoid that, we suggest that you park closer to Birchwood Avenue.

Tuesday, October 1

• The Anxious Generation Community Conversation 7:00-8:00 (RSVP Here)

Thursday, October 3

• No School - Rosh Hashanah

• Family Reading Night - 5:30-7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, October 8-Thursday, October 10

• PTO Sponsored Book Fair

• No School - Columbus Day

• K-5 Students Early Dismissal 11:40 a.m.
• Parent Teacher Conferences 1:00-8:00 p.m.
• Early Learners - Non-attendance Day, Tentative Family Event TBD

• Non-attendance Day for all students
• Parent Teacher Conferences 8:00-11:00 a.m.
  

• Halloween Parade 2:00 p.m. (Livestream available for working families)

2024-25 Music Concert Dates:

• 5th Grade - Wednesday, January 29th @ 6:00

• 4th Grade - Wednesday, February 12th @ 6:00

• 3rd Grade - Wednesday, March 19th @ 6:00

• 2nd Grade - Wednesday, February 12th @ 5:00

• 1st Grade - Wednesday, January 29th @ 5:00

• Kindergarten - Wednesday, March 19 @ 5:00

• Early Learners - Thursday, May 1 @ 5:00

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.

As last week's events have shown us, we need to be able to reach you in case of unexpected news! Some families still need to complete the quick process of verifying their information for this year. It's also an easy way to read and acknowledge our handbook and review district opt-out forms. Please head to Skyward to get started today!