Rose Update

Dear Rose Families,

Even though the week was short, we packed it full of fun—crazy hair, mixed-up outfits, and lots of school spirit! A huge thank you to our amazing PTO for the delicious BBQ dinner for our staff during conferences—we truly appreciate your generosity and support.

We are excited to focus on the character trait of Courage next month! One way to think about Courage is “choosing what is helpful, right, and kind—even when it is hard or scary.” It looks different for everyone, and we encourage our students to explore what it means to them.

As a family, take time over break to discuss and reflect on moments when you’ve shown Courage—big or small. Here are some reflection questions to consider over the break as we prepare to focus on Courage next month:

• When was a time you did something even though you were nervous or scared? How did it turn out?
• What does it mean to stand up for what is right, even when it’s hard?
• Who is someone you admire for their courage? What makes them courageous?
• How can we show courage in small ways every day?
• What is one courageous goal you have for yourself when we return from break?

We hope you all have a wonderful Spring Break filled with rest and fun. When we return, we’ll be getting ready for IAR state testing for students in 3rd-5th grade, so take this time to recharge and enjoy! Wishing you a fantastic break!

Best,

Dr. Ruesch

Soon we will begin working on placement for the upcoming school year. Our staff and teachers spend time together each spring determining the best placements for our students for the following school year. Throughout the placement process, a great deal of careful thought will be given by our educators regarding each individual students' learning strengths and peer relationships. We do our best to ensure that each classroom has a positive, well-balanced learning environment for our students.

As we start the process, we understand that parents and caregivers are part of our important educational partnership. If you have information you would like us to consider as it pertains to your child's learning style, strengths, and/or abilities, please complete the below form by April 11. Please do not email your child's teacher or any other staff member with your placement input as only forms submitted by the April 11 deadline will be reviewed. Please note that this is information for us to consider, and we are not making any guarantees related to the information provided.

As you are completing the form, please also note, requesting a specific classroom teacher for your child is not appropriate and will not be considered.

We need your help! So far, 26% of our families have responded to the 5Essentials Survey.

This anonymous survey takes just 10-15 minutes and provides valuable insights into our school’s strengths and areas for growth. Your voice matters!

To participate, visit: http://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/survey/parent/
📍 Select "Barbara B Rose Elementary School" from the list
📍 Choose "Lake" as the county

Why Your Input is Important:

✅ Helps shape future decisions for our school
✅ Provides insight into school culture, learning conditions, and communication
✅ Ensures your voice is heard in making Rose even better!

The survey is open until March 28, 2025. Every response makes a difference!

Thank you for your time and support in making Rose a great place for all students to learn and grow. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.

The Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) is a required state assessment. It will be administered between April 1st and April 17th. Here is a link to a letter with more information.

The IAR measures individual student achievement relative to the Illinois Common Core State Standards. The United States Department of Education requires all eligible students to be assessed by the IAR in English Language Arts and Mathematics. Students who are eligible include all students in grades third through eighth grade.

The IAR is administered using a computer. Students will be testing on their own district-issued devices.

• Students should bring their devices to school fully charged.

• Students will need earphones (either earphones or earbuds) to take the test.

• Students at the elementary level will be provided with headsets.

• Students at the middle school level should bring their own earphones or earbuds for testing. Headsets do not have to be expensive but should be comfortable and plug into a standard device earplug port.

Do you have gently used pants? We are looking for donations, especially in sizes XS and S for both genders.

We would also appreciate donations of new underwear, especially sizes XS and S for both genders. New socks are appreciated, too!

Please send any donations to the Health Services Office.

Here is the breakfast and lunch menu for the month of April.

• This month the character trait is Courage. You can find this month's family letter here.
• You can also use this link to access the Family Character Strong website.

Here is the link to the weekly PTO newsletter.

Virtual Backpack is a place for Barrington 220 families to receive flyers and other information from the district and community organizations without the hassle of sorting through printed papers sent home with your child.