Happy Friday!

 

It's been a busy week at school! Congratulations to all of the students that participated in this year's Science Fair. Thank you to the PTA coordinator, Krystle Porter, and all volunteers for such a successful event! It was wonderful to see so many amazing science projects, models and displays. This week we had our 2nd quarter raffle celebration. Although the weather didn't cooperate in allowing us to go sledding, we did enjoy a beautiful morning outside playing with our friends! 3rd-5th graders who had redeemed 100 tickets for Principal's Club spent some time with Mrs. Kempski on Thursday doing one of her favorite things to do at home with her family and friends - play board games!

 

Please be sure to read on for important information regarding upcoming dates and events here at school!

 

Have a great weekend!

-Mrs. Kempski

Monday, February 5th

• ACCESS Testing

 

Tuesday, February 6th

• 7:50 - Chorus Rehearsal
• ACCESS Testing
• 7:00 - PTA Meeting in LMC

 

Wednesday, February 7th - Late Start (school starts at 9:15)

• ACCESS Testing

 

Thursday, February 8th

• ACCESS Testing
• 3:35-4:30 - Beginner Rubik's Cube Club (for registered 4th and 5th graders)

 

Friday, February 9th

ACCESS Testing

We will celebrate friendships and kindness during the month of February. On Wednesday, February 14th, PTA will host our classroom parties from 2:30-3:15. Students are encouraged to bring in a Valentine for each of their classmates. However, no food or candy can be distributed with the Valentines. Classroom teachers will share specifics for the classroom Valentine exchange. The PTA will be providing a chocolate chip cookie and juice box for snack during the party. If your child needs an alternate snack, please notify the teacher and Nurse Angie at angela_johnson@ipsd.org by Friday, February 9th.

 

If you would like for your child to participate in an alternate activity during the classroom party time, please email Mrs. Kempski and katie_kempski@ipsd.org by Friday, February 9th so alternate plans can be made.

This week, an important window of opportunity opened for every school across the state. It’s the opening of our annual Illinois 5Essentials Survey – the tool that provides a voice for all teachers, parents, and fourth- through 12th-grade students to tell administrators what’s working and what needs improvement. This year, the survey is open Jan. 30-March 29.

 

 

Developed by experts at the University of Chicago Consortium on School Research and administered by UChicago Impact, the survey uses an evidence-based framework that measures indicators that lead to better attendance and test score gains. Those indicators are:

• Effective Leaders

• Collaborative Teachers

• Involved Families

• Supportive Environment

• Ambitious Instruction

 

 

Research has shown that schools strong on three or more of the 5Essentials are 10 times more likely to improve student learning gains than schools weak on three or more of the Essentials. The results also factor into each school’s Summative Designation and Equity Journey Continuum, both of which are displayed on the Illinois Report Card.

 

 

The parent piece of this survey is profoundly important. Please set aside a few minutes to complete the survey linked below as soon as possible.

 

-Mrs. Kempski

 

 

Take a few minutes to learn more about our SEL lessons and strategies from our Second Step and Zones of Regulation resources at school. In addition, find some at-home fitness, SEL and STEAM challenges to explore together as a family!

We strive to ensure students are able to go outside for recess unless the conditions of the playground/blacktop are unsafe or inclement weather. Students will be going outside provided the temperature/wind chill is above 5 degrees. Decisions are made based on the information provided by the local weather service. It is important that students come prepared to go outside for recess each day. Appropriate clothing items are needed and are expected. Please be sure your child has a coat and warm winter gear (hat, gloves, snow pants, boots) with them at school, especially if they want to play in the snow. If we can be of any assistance in helping ensure your child is prepared with winter gear, please let Mrs. Brandt or Mrs. Kempski know. If wearing boots to/from school, please also be sure they have a pair of gym shoes to change into for PE and to wear throughout the day.

We encourage all May Watts students, staff and community members to show their school spirit on Fridays! Consider wearing our school colors (blue and gray) or spirit wear to school on Fridays!