Hawks Herald

It has been a great first few weeks at Hollis! Our students have been busy learning new routines and schedules, connecting with old friends, and making new ones. We are looking forward to a great year ahead!

If you attended the Back to School Open House, you may have noticed some ocean themed bulletin boards and displays. Students will be exploring the topic of OCEANS this year through our schoolwide thematic unit. Thematic units were once a staple at Hollis. Each year, students and staff would explore different themes and incorporate this newfound knowledge into cross curricular projects and lessons. Some of you who were Hollis alums might recall painting murals or end of the year culminating activities centered around the chosen theme. Schoolwide thematic units provide an opportunity for all of our students to learn content together and build core knowledge on a specific topic.

Staff and students have been busy reviewing the Hollis Student Handbook. This handbook provides an overview of policies and procedures that help keep our school running smoothly. The handbook can be accessed here or by navigating through the Hollis webpage. Students and parents should sign and return the Handbook Verification Form that was sent home in last week's Friday Folder. If you need an additional copy of the form or would like a paper copy of the handbook, please let us know.

Along with other area Peoria County schools, Hollis is adopting the Standard Response Protocol. The Standard Response Protocol (SRP) is a set of research based actions designed for use in emergency situations. The SRP focuses on five actions that can be applied to any situation in the building. Those five actions include HOLD, SECURE, LOCKDOWN, EVACUATE, and SHELTER. When used, each action is followed by a directive such as "HOLD in your classroom. Clear the halls" or "LOCKDOWN. Locks, lights, out of sight." Each action and directive comes with a clear set of steps for students and staff. These action steps do not completely replace any existing safety practices or plans, but instead support and clarify what we are already doing. The SRP creates a common, easy to understand language for all involved. The SRP will create a common language, not only among our students and staff, but also among the Peoria County Sheriff's Department, the Timber Hollis Fire Department, the IEMA, and other emergency service providers.

Mark your calendars for school picture day! Pictures will be taken on Wednesday, September 25. Please watch your child's Friday Folder for more information including how to order pictures.

Girls basketball is getting ready to begin in September. Interested 5-8 grade girls must have a current sports physical on file in the office. Questions can be directed to Phil Quine, athletic director, at pquine@holli328.net.

Our Hollis Parent Club is ready to kick off their annual all school fundraiser. Like last year, Hollis students will be asked to participate in the Raise Craze fundraiser. This fundraiser focuses on raising money while promoting acts of kindness. Their platform is "Spend time serving, not selling." Please watch Friday Folders for more information on how you can support this year's fundraiser.

The Hollis Board of Education will be hosting a town hall style meeting on Monday, September 16, at 7:00 PM in the auditorium. The purpose of the meeting is to share information regarding different options for the current pool room space. There will be time at the end of the presentation for feedback and questions. We hope to see you all there!

Students in grades 6-8 have the opportunity to purchase an extra entree each day. The extra entree includes just the main portion of the school lunch, not the sides. Extra entrees are $2.20 and are NOT covered under the free or reduced lunch program. If your child is receiving the benefit of free or reduced lunches, please know you will be charged the full $2.20 for the extra entree if your child orders it.

If you believe your family may qualify for free or reduced lunches, please complete an application which can be found here. Paper copies were sent home the first day of school. Additional copies will be sent home upon request. Please contact aschoedel@hollis328.net to request an additional paper application.

Lunch money can be sent to school as either cash or check. Please send all money in a clearly labeled envelope. Lunch money can also be added to accounts using TeacherEase.

Parents can also use TeacherEase to view student lunch balances.

Please make sure to check out the September lunch menu for your weekly meal planning.

The September lunch menu is attached below.

We are excited to have Margie Finn and Paulinda Filyaw back hosting Lego Club! This after school club provides a fun opportunity for kids to explore building and grow their creative thinking skills with Legos. This semester, Lego Club will be open to students in grades 2-5 and will be held on the second Tuesday of every month from 3:15 - 4:15. Students will meet in the Hollis Library. Parents should pick students up in the front circle drive at 4:15 sharp.

In the event of an absence, parents and guardians should call (309) 697-1325 or email the school office by 9:00 am. Students should make every effort to be in school each day. Unfortunately, there are instances when illness prevents this.

• When a fever is present, students may only return to school once they have been fever-free for 24 hours without medication.
• If vomiting occurs, students may return to school once they have not vomited for 24 hours.
• If strep throat or pink eye are present, students should be on antibiotics for 24 hours before returning to school.

Peoria County Preschool Screenings provide free developmental screenings for all pre-school children (ages birth through five years of age, not enrolled in kindergarten) living in Peoria County. The screening checks areas of development that include vision and hearing, speech and language, behavior and social development, small and large muscle coordination, thinking and reasoning skills, and other readiness skills. The purpose of this screening is to aid parents in answering questions regarding their child's progress and also to identify those children who may qualify for a free preschool education in the public schools. An appointment is necessary and can be made by calling the Special Education Association of Peoria County offices at 309-697-0880, ext. 206.

Below is a link to the 2024-25 school calendar. Additional dates for sporting events and other school sponsored activities can be found on the school website by using the "CALENDAR" tab. Practices, games, and concerts will be updated as they become available.

Adults in organizations around the world know and love the 7 Habits. Here at Hollis, we believe that the same proven concepts can be taught to students using language and examples appropriate to their developmental stage. Hollis first began exploring the 7 Habits in 2010, and in 2017, we were officially named a Leader in Me Lighthouse School for our commitment to the leadership model. At Hollis, we believe everyone has the potential to be a leader. Teaching and modeling the 7 Habits helps us tap into that leadership potential.

Using the metaphor of a healthy tree, Habits 1–3 focus on developing a strong “personal root system,” building character and becoming more independent. Habits 4–6 teach skills of working well with others, and becoming more interdependent. Habit 7 is about taking care of oneself in order to ensure great leadership can continue into the future. Each month's newsletter will spotlight a different Habit and include practical examples of what that Habit looks like here at school and in the daily lives of our students.

Box Tops are an easy way to make money for Hollis Grade School just by buying the groceries and products you already buy from the stores you already visit. Scanning your receipt is fast and easy. Here is a link to show you how to do it.

https://youtu.be/v-bNcykyK5Y?si=jPxwJOzuDjB5rnEx

Superintendent - Mr. Byron Sondgeroth

Principal - Mrs. Alisha Schoedel

#hawkpride328

Email: aschoedel@hollis328.net

Website: hollis328.net
Location: 5613 West Tuscarora Road, Peoria, IL, USA

Phone: 309-697-1325

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hollisgradeschool/