New Field ES Weekly Updates

Dear New Field families,

Each month New Field focuses on a specific character trait, in addition to our Second Step learning program, as part of our socio-emotional learning instruction. This month our students engage in Bullying Prevention learning, with daily activities to enrich instruction. Our students will also engage in various read aloud and discussion opportunities to create a welcoming, inclusive environment and understand that peers may all have different learning needs. Some of our shared book titles include What If We Were All The Same!: A Children's Rhyming Book About Ethnic Diversity and Inclusion (Grade 1), Just Ask!: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You (Grade 2) and Included: A book for all children about inclusion, diversity, disability, equality and empathy (Grade 4).

Our classrooms will learn about the differences between peer conflict, teasing/taunting and will discuss the definition of bullying in age-appropriate ways. Bullying is defined an aggressive behavior and a form of abuse repeated over time and involving an imbalance of power. It can be physical, verbal, or emotional and can occur via e-mail or online (cyberbullying). You can help us in this work!

Here are some tips for bullying prevention at home (as informed by the American Psychological Association & article by Dr. Louise Hart, Ed.D):

• Limit and frequently monitor children's online activity
• Make a commitment to limit social media access and usage until children are 16+
• Boost your child's self-esteem, self-care, and self-regulation strategies. Explicitly talk about these and model these habits at home
• Teach children how to communicate more effectively and assertively
• Create a family culture where respect is modeled and mean words and behaviors are not tolerated.
  

If you have a concern that your child may be the target of bullying behavior, or may be engaging in bullying behavior, please reach out to our school counselor, Claire Kunkel cekunkel1@cps.edu, connect with your child's teacher or share your concerns with our administrative team.

We know that with explicit socio-emotional instruction, anti-bullying curriculum, access to strong, positive adult and peer relationships as well as targeted interventions, we can create a a school community that thrives and reduces the risk of bullying behavior.

Warmly,

Conrey Callahan

Principal, New Field ES

Important Dates in October:

• October 1-5: Hearing & Vision screening in school
• October 4: Coffee with the Principal
• October 4: LSC Parent Applications due
• October 8: LSC Meeting
• October 9: Student Picture Day!
• October 10: Health Student Market
• October 14: No School, Indigenous People's Day
• October 15: Deadline for submitting mandatory health compliance documents
• October 16: Medical exclusion begins for students who are not yet compliant for ISBE minimum health requirements
• October 17: PAC Meeting
• October 18: Family Income Forms Due (determines school funding!)
• October 23: BAC Meeting
• October 24: Healthy Student Market
• October 25: First Quarter Ends
• October 25: Fall Fest (more information forthcoming)
• November 1: First Quarter Awards Assembly

Staying up-to-date on your student’s immunizations and school physical examinations is a crucial step to keeping your family healthy. Review the District’s School Health Requirements and check in with your primary care physician at your medical home to ensure that your students are protected.

Please note that all students are required to provide proof of their annual physical and vaccinations by October 15, 2024.

Learn more about all the services that the CPS Office of Student Health and Wellness can offer at cps.edu/oshw or call the Healthy CPS Hotline at (773) 553-KIDS (5437).

New Field families that are NOT yet medical compliant will begin receiving reminder notices in Tuesday, October 1 - Friday, October 4.

The New Field Local School Council is a great way to get involved, learn more about our school initiatives and to represent families in schoolwide decisions. The Local School Council, (LSC), oversees critical functions such as:

• Approving the annual school budget and other expenditures
• Approving the three year school improvement plan (CIWP)
• Evaluating the school principal (and selecting a new principal should we experience leadership change)

The local school council holds one regularly scheduled meeting per month. In the spring, the LSC will meet with more frequency for budget and the annual principal evaluation.

Interested in applying to serve on our Local School Council? Pick up an application from our main office or click here to download all forms (see step 3 at bottom of page)

Applications are due by Friday, October 4 at 3:00 PM to our main office.

Our Bilingual Advisory Committee, (BAC), held their organizational meeting last week. We elected new officers and set our meeting calendar for the school year. Welcome to our new BAC officers- we look forward to the exciting work ahead of engaging and empowering our multilingual families!

2024-2025 BAC Officers:

President: Ms. Analuz Gonzalez

Vice-President: Ms. Cecilia Enriquez

Secretary: Ms. Dalila Plata

Representative: Ms. Ivana Tomic

Alternate Representative: Ms. Marina Ramirez

BAC Coordinator: Ms. Lauren Kim, lskim@cps.edu

2024-2025 BAC Meeting Dates:

All meetings held at 9:00 in the school cafeteria

10/23/24

1/8/25

2/19/25

4/23/25

Did you know that over 60% of New Field families speak English as a second language? Did you know that more than 45 home languages are represented in our community? Our BAC works to empower our multilingual families and uplift their home cultures and languages. Join us at our next BAC meeting to learn more!

Picture Day is Wednesday, October 9!

All PK-4th grade students will take individual photos on Wednesday, October 9. Pictures are a pre-paid event.

We strongly encourage you to order online with the following information:

• Go to: www.pictureswithclass.com
• Enter access code: 0111774IN
• Select your photo package

In order to submit a cash payment:

• Complete your order form (sent home via children's backpacks) - these are due the day of picture day, Wednesday, October 9
• Send exact change only
• New Field does not hand credit card or check payments

Classroom parties are scheduled by teachers and the administration. CPS policy requires that only purchased, commercially wrapped items may be served to students for such celebrations. In consideration for students with allergies, please check with the teacher and consult the CPS Healthy Snack Policy, before sending any items to school to be shared.

Families are welcome to bring in healthy snacks to celebrate a child’s birthday. Please be aware of the following guidelines:

• Birthday treats must adhere to the CPS Healthy Snack Policy. Click here to see approved snacks.

• Families should bring enough treats/goodie bags for the entire homeroom

• Families that wish to attend a party must be an approved, Level II Volunteer (see Volunteer section for more information)

• Classroom birthday celebrations are typically held at 3:00 in Grades PK-3 and at 2:00 for 4th Grade

• New Field Family Handbook
• New Field Community Google Calendar
• Healthy Celebration Snack Policy & Recommended Snacks
• ISBE Outdoor Activity Guidelines
• CPS Meal Viewer
• e-Absence & ASPEN Parent Portal