CONTACT INFORMATION
Prairie Point Elementary 630-636-3600
3650 Grove Road
Oswego, IL 60543
F:
630-636-3612
www.oswego308.org/schools/
prairiepoint/
Attendance Line
630-636-3601
Principal
630-636-3610
Heidi Podjasek
[email protected]
Assistant Principal
630-636-3611
Jennifer Kern
[email protected]
School Nurse
630-636-3602
Melonie Mateja
[email protected]
Transportation
630-636-2999
Panther Press
Prairie Point Elementary Newsletter
A P R I L
2 0 1 5
From the Principal’s Desk...
Dear Prairie Point Parents:
Each year at this me, parents begin to have ques ons regarding the next school year and what it will look like for their child. At Prairie Point, we are commi ed to the academic and social growth of each student. The crea on of class lists is a though ul and involved process. With more than 500 students to place, this is a very large task. We spend a lot of me to ensure that every child is placed in a classroom where they can thrive. We consider many factors when placing students into classrooms, including instruc onal needs and talents, support services, behavioral needs, gender balance, interpersonal rela onships, and learning styles. Each list is evaluated and adjusted many mes before they are posted prior to the ﬁrst day of school. Our end goal is to have all students in a classroom where they can grow and thrive both academically and personally.
The following describes the process for parents to have input into their child’s placement. Please note, some things have changed in the process for this school year.
If your child has an instruc onal or social need that you would like to be considered when assigning classroom placements, please ﬁll out a Student Placement Input Form. This form is included on the next page, and is available for download at h p://goo.gl/aeL4iN
This form should be returned to the school oﬃce by May 28, 2015. Please return them in a sealed envelope addressed to Dr. Podjasek, or you may email it to [email protected]
Please, do not request a speciﬁc teacher on the form. Forms that do so will be returned for revision. If you would like to discuss your input with me directly, I’d be happy to talk or meet with you. Please contact me to set up an appointment.
Any special requests submi ed will be considered, but cannot be guaranteed. I am very proud of the teaching staﬀ here at Prairie Point and I have high conﬁdence in the ability of all of them to provide quality educa onal experiences for our students. Thank you for your con nued support of the staﬀ and students at Prairie Point Elementary School. Please contact me or Mrs. Kern at any me if you have ques ons or feedback for us. Happy Spring!
Sincerely,
Dr. Heidi Podjasek, Principal
STUDENT PLACEMENT INPUT FORM
2015-2016 School Year
!
Student Name: _____________________________________ Grade for 15-16:____________________
Parent Name:_______________________________________ Date:_____________________________
Please use this form to share any information regarding your child and his/her learning needs that you would
like us to know when placing your child in a classroom for next year. Please address only those areas that
you feel are relevant to your child.
Please note: Forms that request a specific teacher will be returned to you for revision.
Academic:
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________
Social/Emotional:
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________
Physical:
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________
Additional Comments:
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
!
THIS FORM IS DUE TO THE MAIN OFFICE BY MAY 28, 2015. PLEASE SEND IN A
SEALED ENVELOPE, ADDRESSED TO DR. PODJASEK OR EMAIL COMPLETED FORM TO
[email protected]
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2
April 2015 Calendar of Events
07
Students return from Spring Break
07 Chili’s Dinner Night
08
Health and Wellness Night 2nd & 3rd grade - 6:45-7:45pm
09
Home and School Mee ng - Community Room at 7pm
13
Spring Pictures 13 Board of Educa on Mee ng - OEHS at 7pm
14
Potbelly’s Night 16
Honor Choir Concert - OHS at 7pm
17
Home and School Lunch Ticket April 20 - May 15 Spring PARCC Tes ng
21
Market Day Pick-up at 6pm
24
Daddy Daughter Dance 6:30 - 8:30pm
27
Board of Educa on Mee ng - OEHS at 7pm
28
Culver’s Night
30 Third Grade Musical - 7pm
PE News
March was a lot of fun! We had a blast performing our dances during the dance unit. The ﬁ h grade made up their own dances, the fourth grade did some dances using jump bands, the third grade did some line dances and the ﬁrst and second grade did square dancing. Dancing is great exercise and it is something you can do anywhere. We then moved on to our volleyball unit. The fourth and ﬁ h grade had some very impressive games and really improved on their skills. The third grade did a serving and catching game which provided a lot of great teamwork. The ﬁrst and second grade used beach balls and were working hard on eye hand coordina on. We ended the month with the Shamrock Shuﬄe and bowling. The Shamrock Shuﬄe is a two mi-‐
nute relay that the students enjoy. It works on endurance and is ge ng us ready for ﬁtness tes ng. Please look in Thursday folders and there will be ﬁtness scores from fall along with the scores needed for passing, outstanding and excellent. I have talked to the students about improv-‐
ing their scores and se ng goals. Spring break is a great me to get some exercise!
Please mark your calendar with the following events:
May 6th Wednesday: A.C.E.S. and Family Walk 6pm
May 14th Thursday: 5th grade Panthers on the run 9-11am (rain date May 19th)
May 21st Thursday: Field Day (rain date May 22nd)
Sue Warren PE Teacher Newsletter Submission Reminder
Please submit your ar cles for the Next Panther Press by APRIL 17th to [email protected]. PANTHER
PRESS
PAGE
From the H & S President...
Dear Parents and Prairie Point Staﬀ,
Spring is here! I hope all of you had a great February. It is almost me for us to come out of hiberna on away from this bi er cold. Apprecia on – Thank you, Tina, for organizing a teacher lunch on Friday of conferences. Also, thank you Steph for se ng up the items for lunch. The teachers always appreciate all that you do. Market Day – Thank you Karrie for taking on Market Day all by yourself this month. Orders were smaller this month but the parents s ll love just stopping by to pick up their orders!
Thank you, Darlene, for pu ng together our Tuesday Night Dinner extravaganza with CHILI’s. Three full weeks of ea ng out and Chili’s will donate a % of all sales in that three week period. If you are staying home for Spring Break take your kiddos and do not forget to men on Prairie Point.
Thank you, Jess, for working with our 5th graders in Robo cs Club. They are really enjoy-‐
ing Science and did a great job at the STEM+A Night at OHS!
Thank you Fathers Forum for another great year hos ng Mornings with Moms. The kids enjoyed me with their moms ea ng donut holes and comple ng a game sheet. A big thank you to all the volunteers that assisted in serving us moms and Laura Schraeder for pu ng together the awesome worksheet.
Skate Night was a success. Although it was our ﬁrst nice day outside we s ll had a great turnout. Thank you Kaisa for planning and organizing the event. Everything went oﬀ without a hitch. I hope you all have a wonderful and safe Spring Break and the kiddos return ready for their ﬁnal semester.
Jennifer Goehring
Prairie Point Home and School President
3
PAGE
Daddy Daughter Dance - Save the Date
Hosted by the Father’s Forum
Fourth Annual Daddy Daughter Dance
Please join us for an exci ng night of dancing, treats, and fun with our daughters!
Girls may bring any “father ﬁgure” who they want to share this special night with.
When:
Friday, April 24, 2015 From 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Where:
Prairie Point Elementary School - Gymnasium
Tuesday Night Dinners
Our 4 week long promo on at Chili's ends on the 7th. If you haven't had a chance to enjoy a lunch or dinner at Chili's this past month, please take the opportunity to do so. Thanks to all of you who came out to support this exci ng fundraiser. (Print the ﬂyer a ached.)
On April, 14th, we will have our Tuesday Night Dinner at Potbelly's. One of the great things about Potbelly's is that they donate 25% of ALL sales from 5-8 pm that evening back to our school. There is no ﬂyer needed, so make sure to tell your friends and neighbors and post it on your Facebook page. We will end the month with our last Culver's night of the school year. Not only will our second grade teachers be serving that night, but Tommy Weglarz, a fourth grader here at Prairie Point will be there as well to promote his recently published book, Copy Tails. All proceeds from the sale of his book will beneﬁt the Chicago French Dog Rescue. Please join us for one of our last few Tuesday Night Dinners.
Darlene Grosklaus
Tuesday Night Dinner Coordinator 4
Chili’s Give Back Program
Chili’s Give Back Program
Bring this voucher when you visit (Dine In or To
Go) the Chili’s location identified below and 15%
of your purchase (excluding taxes) will benefit:
Bring this voucher when you visit (Dine In or To
Go) the Chili’s location identified below and 15%
of your purchase (excluding taxes) will benefit:
PRAIRIE POINT HOME
& SCHOOL
PRAIRIE POINT HOME
& SCHOOL
Group/Charity
Group/Charity
3/10/15 – 4/7/15
Event/Exp. Date
3/10/15 – 4/7/15
Event/Exp. Date
One coupon per person, per visit at participating Chili’s restaurants only. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Offer ends per expiration date
above.
One coupon per person, per visit at participating Chili’s restaurants only. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Offer ends per expiration date
above.
2820 ROUTE 34, OSWEGO
630-554-1536
2820 ROUTE 34, OSWEGO
630-554-1536
Chili’s Locations
Chili’s Locations
#99999000005440
#99999000005440
Chili’s Give Back Program
Chili’s Give Back Program
Bring this voucher when you visit (Dine In or To
Go) the Chili’s location identified below and 15%
of your purchase (excluding taxes) will benefit:
Bring this voucher when you visit (Dine In or To
Go) the Chili’s location identified below and 15%
of your purchase (excluding taxes) will benefit:
PRAIRIE POINT HOME
& SCHOOL
PRAIRIE POINT HOME
& SCHOOL
Group/Charity
Group/Charity
3/10/15 – 4/7/15
Event/Exp. Date
3/10/15 – 4/7/15
Event/Exp. Date
One coupon per person, per visit at participating Chili’s restaurants only. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Offer ends per expiration date
above.
One coupon per person, per visit at participating Chili’s restaurants only. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Offer ends per expiration date
above.
2820 ROUTE 34, OSWEGO
630-554-1536
2820 ROUTE 34, OSWEGO
630-554-1536
Chili’s Locations
Chili’s Locations
#99999000005440
#99999000005440
PAGE
Super Hero Field Day - May 21st
Super Hero Field Day: Thursday, May 21, 2015
Rain Date: Friday, May 22, 2015
As we began the 14-15 school year, we were reminded that there is a hero in each of us and that even our students can be a SUPER HERO in their everyday lives. Join us for a Super Hero themed ﬁeld day as the students celebrate another year. Ac vi es will be based on ﬁc onal super heroes we have all grown up knowing and as a special treat, there will be a photo booth sta on where the kiddos can dress up and harness the super powers of these characters.
Prairie Point Field Day is a day of outdoor fun that wouldn’t be possible without the help of our volunteers. Our students will play coopera vely with their classmates and enjoy the beneﬁts of a healthy lifestyle. The ﬁeld day format consists of two sessions which allows for half the school to be out in the ﬁeld at a me. Please indicate which session(s) you can volunteer for. We will do our best to accommodate you so that you are in the ﬁeld when your child(ren) are.
Morning 9:00-10:45
Classes: Struve, Paluch, All 4th grade, All 5th grade
A ernoon1:15-3:00
Classes: Dhuse, Kulovitz, All 1st grade, All 2nd grade
***Kindergarten will have diﬀerent volunteer form sent home***
********All volunteers should be prepared to show a picture ID ********
We have created an online sign up at: h p://goo.gl/forms/vnM56m1ag0
PLEASE RESPOND BY: MAY 8, 2015
If you do not have access to the internet or have any Field Day ques ons, please contact Amy Walters at [email protected] or Lisa Eloe at [email protected]
- Save the Date...
Health and Wellness Commi ee Invites
2nd & 3rd graders and their families to join us Wednesday, April 8th
6:45 – 7:45 p.m.
Enter Door 10
Ac vi es may include: parachute, games, basketball, volleyball, dodge ball, ﬂoor hockey, soccer, football and more…
Come out and play with your friends, family and neighbors.
*All children must be accompanied by an adult
Any ques ons, please contact Caroline Griﬃn at cgriﬃ[email protected]
Caroline Griﬃn
Health and Wellness Commi ee Chair
5
PAGE
Box Tops/Campbells/Tyson
Please remember to check the expira on dates on your Box Tops before sending them to school. Unfortunately we can not submit expired Box Tops.
The next and last collec on for the school year will be Friday, May, 1st. I am so excited to announce that the class with the most collected for the year will earn a Bounce Town Night!
Lastly, if anyone is interested in volunteering for this commi ee or co-chairing next school year, please let me know either via email at [email protected] or text me at 630-399-7834. Please consider joining this amazing commi ee. I currently have one maybe two ladies to take it over next year. It's super easy and fun. We only collect 3 mes a year. We need more help.
Thanks,
Renee' Hanna
Jan Stack
Diane Auten
Cindy Maquet
Vickie Nass
"Keep on Clippin"
Thank you! Thank you!
A HUGE Round Of Applause and THANKS…
To the spectacular Variety Show par cipants and volunteers who helped make our 10th Annual Prairie Point Variety Show a roaring success! We showed our school spirit and variety of talents to all who came!
Prairie Point’s GOT Talent! Stephanie Hornik
Variety Show Chair
6
PAGE
5th Grade Sweet Send-off
ATTN: 5th graders and Parents:
The 5th grade Sweet Send oﬀ is Saturday, April 25th and we hope you can make it. The following ﬂyer is informa on regarding the event. Your child also received an invita on in Thursday folders on March 19th. Please complete the RSVP before April 10 and return it to school with the waiver and payment of $25.00 so that your child can a end this awesome farewell party with their classmates. We would like to thank the following sponsors for contribu ng to the send oﬀ. Thanks to their gracious dona ons, the kids can enjoy the event with food, drinks, gi s, and more. 7
Prairie Point Elementary School
Sweet Send-off
Join your fifth grade classmates for a fun-filled,
healthy celebration! The kids voted on the night’s
activites which will include swimming, climbing
wall and more! Snacks are included as well as
trained Rush Copley Staff & parent chaperones.
Saturday, April 25
6-11pm Lock-In
ARRIVE @5:40pm
Rush-Copley Healthplex
$25/per student
10
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Ap LINE
D
DEA
• Kids need to dress for an active night and bring a bathing suit, towel, & water bottle.
• Upon receipt, you will receive a confirmation email & information regarding the
Sweet Send-off.
• We’d love to have every 5th grader there! Financial assistance and interpreters
available for the Sweet Send-off, contact Caroline Griffin.
• Any Questions? Contact Caroline Griffin at [email protected]
Please return registration form below and return with $25 payment and waiver by April 10
10
l
i
r
Ap LINE
D
A
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D
Prairie Point Elementary School
Sweet Send-off
Registration Form
Student Name ________________________________________________Teacher ______________________
Parent Name _________________________________________________ Email ________________________
Parent Home Number ____________________________Parent Mobile Number ________________________
Emergency Contact Name and Number ________________________________________________________
Any Allergies or Restrictions? _________________________________________________________________
T-Shirt Size (please circle)
AS
AM
AL
AXL
Please make $25 check payable to Prairie Point Home & School, Attn: Sweet Send-off, Julie Brummel
SEL CORNER!
By Dotty Mockenhaupt MSW/LCSW/School Social Worker/ 630-636-3605
The Wild, Wild West
I have recently heard Cyberspace referred to as a virtual Wild West, with the local sheriff unfortunately
several counties behind the bad guys. Would we let our 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders head out on the “Oregon
Trail” without us? I would assume we would not. Yet, when we hand our children a smart phone and do
not monitor how they are using it, we are possibly sending them in to as much danger. As a parent
myself, I often feel that by the time I am clued in to one social networking cite (Facebook, twitter,
Snapchat, etc., the kids have already moved on to something bigger and better, and perhaps more
dangerous. It is a very big job to keep track of how our children are using their electronics and who they
are communicating with.
So what are these dangers? Foremost, of course, is cyber-bullying which has grown rampantly in recent
years and is happening at a younger and younger age. Kids often do not report it until it has taken a
significant toll on their self-esteem, and, worst case scenario, cyber-bulling has been linked to suicide in
children as young as 12 years old. This statistic unfortunately keeps getting younger as well.
Perhaps the second danger is less talked about, but just as real. Kids in our schools are communicating
with strangers on-line. This may seem innocent, but predators can be very skilled at appearing as
something they are not. They can be very patient in building a relationship and, eventually, trust is
established, vital information can be leaked, or meetings are set up. It is very important to monitor your
child’s contacts/friends, and make sure they are not communicating to anyone they simply met on-line.
I have posted several links to articles about some of these dangers. The following are excerpts I’ve taken
from these articles.
9 Most Dangerous Apps For Kids
Whisper - This app allows you to post secrets anonymously and also allows you to chat with other users
in your geographic area.
• Why it’s Dangerous: Many children are drawn to communicating with strangers, feeling that their
secrets are safer with them than with their friends. This app is a perfect tool for ill-intentioned
strangers looking to connect with young people because it allows you to exchange messages with
people nearest to you (so anonymity can be easily lost).
YikYak - All Yik Yak users are anonymous. They don’t create a profile or account, but they can post
comments that are accessible to the nearest 500 people (within a 1-5 mile radius). A psychiatrist called
this the most dangerous app he’d ever seen because it “can turn a school into a virtual chat room where
everyone can post his or her comments, anonymously. Untruthful, mean, character-assassinating short
messages are immediately seen by all users in a specific geographic area.”
• Why it’s Dangerous: This app is causing problems in schools across the United States, with
students maliciously slandering teacher, staff, and other students. In fact, several schools have
now banned smart phones from campus because of this particular app.
Kik - A free app-based alternative texting service that allows texts/pictures to be sent without being logged
in the phone history. (Similar apps: Viber, WhatsApp, TextNow)
• Why it’s Dangerous – Makes it easier for your child to talk to strangers without your knowledge
since it bypasses the wireless providers’ short message services (SMS). Children also think they
can “sext” without parents finding out. In addition, strangers can send your child a “friend request.”
Snapchat – Allows you to capture an image or video and make it available to a recipient for a specific
time. After that time limit is up, the picture/video automatically disappears forever…or so Snapchat claims.
(Similar apps: Poke, Wire, and Wickr)
• Why It’s Dangerous – Kids can receive (or send) sexually inappropriate photos. This app also
makes kids feel like they can “sext” or send inappropriate pictures without consequences because
the image will self-destruct automatically. The truth is that nothing sent over the internet
disappears. There are always ways to retrieve and capture those images.
Vine – Allows users to watch and post six second videos.
• Why it’s Dangerous –While many of the videos are harmless, porn videos do pop up into the feed,
exposing your children to sexually explicit material. You can also easily search for/access porn
videos on this app. Predators utilize this app to search for teens and find their location. Then they
try to connect with them via other messaging apps.
ChatRoulette and Omegle– These apps allow you to video chat with strangers.
• Why It’s Dangerous – Not only are users chatting with strangers, they could be chatting with a fake
stranger. “Chat sites like Chatroulette and Omegle have done their best to produce systems that
warns users when the people they are chatting to are potentially using fake webcam software,
however developers still manage to slip under their radars with frequent updates.” So a fifty-yearold man could set up a fake webcam and use images from a 15-year-old boy that looks like a teen
celebrity to convince your child to send inappropriate pictures or get information about your child’s
location.
Tinder – Users post pictures and scroll through the images of other users. When they think someone is
attractive they can “flag” the image. If that person has also “flagged” them in return, the app allows you to
contact them.
• Why it’s Dangerous – This app, and similar apps such as Down, Skout, Pure, and Blendr, are
primarily used for hooking up.
Poof – Hides other apps on your phone. You select which apps you would like to hide and their icons will
no longer show up on your smartphone screen.
• Why it’s Dangerous – If children have apps that they want to keep hidden from their parents, all
they have to do is download this app and “poof,” their screen is clear of any questionable apps. So,
if you see the poof app on their phone, you may want to ask them what they are hiding.
What Now?
Remember, your child’s safety is more important than their privacy. As a parent, you aren’t being nosy by
checking their cell phone on a regular basis; you are being responsible. Perhaps your family could
establish family media rules, such as having to check with a parent before downloading a new app or
game. Having a common charging area so you can easily check phones could also be a good system for
your family. Also, take the time to explain to them (at an age-appropriate level) why you are asking them
questions and checking their phone and privacy settings. Many children do not realize just how much
information they are putting out there and how dangerous it can be.
If you have an older teen, and find some questionable apps on their phone, it may be a good opportunity
for a discussion. Here are a few conversation starter ideas:
• Conversation starter for YikYak– What kind of things would a person want to post anonymously?
How would you personally use this app? What would you post anonymously? Why?
• Conversation starter for SnapChat – Why do you want to send pictures that disappear? Would you
be okay with anyone seeing that pic?
• Conversation starter for Whisper – Why would you tell your secrets to strangers? If you are
struggling with something, will a stranger care or be able to help you? Do you think it would be safe
to accept their help/friendship?
• Conversation starter for any app – Are you being safe with that app? Are you encouraging others
or tearing them down? Are you being bullied? Are you putting out too much information about
yourself?
Internet safety is just like any other kind of safety. You don’t just teach your child how to cross the street
one time; you repeat “look both ways” to them for years! Similarly, we need to talk continually about
internet/app safety. How much information should you share? With whom should you communicate?
What should you post?
A wonderful tool to help guide you in the internet training process is available at Netsmartz.org. They have
many resources for internet safety available, including resources for different ages. And it’s all available
for free!
More Tips:
• Establish rules: Parents should establish pinpointed rules about computer activities including sites
the kids can visit and what is and isn’t appropriate behavior online, including the fact that online is
forever.
• Check in: Kids should be told to immediately report cyberbullying. whether they are witnessing it or
being a victim.
• Meet their “friends”: If it’s not possible to meet that person in person, then your child shouldn’t be
chatting with them online.
• Learn their technology: You should know more about the various devices that your kids use than
your kids do, not the other way around.
• Get their passwords: Parents should have full access to their kids’ devices and social media
accounts at all times; they need the passwords.
• Have security software on all their devices: Make sure all your kids’ devices and yours have
comprehensive security software, like McAfee LiveSafe™ service.
• Our tweens and teens overshare personal information – 50% posted their email address, 30% their
phone number and 14% (which is 14% too many) posted their home address, even though 77%
know that what is posted online can’t be deleted and 80% have had a conversation with their
parents on how to stay safe online
• Social media friends are not always friendly – 52% have gotten into a fight because of social
media, 50% have gotten into trouble at home or at school and 49% have regretted posted
something.
• Our kids are still hiding things from us – Although 90% believe their parents trust them to do what
is right online, 45% would change their online behavior if they knew their parents were watching,
53% close or minimize their web browsers when their parents walk into the room and 50% clear
the history of their online activity
Yet More Tips:
• As with any task, one should start with the fundamentals. Spend as much time as possible with
kids in their online world. Learn about the people with whom they interact, the places they visit, and
the information they encounter. Be prepared to respond appropriately, regardless of what sort of
content they find. Remember, this is family time.
• Here’s some tips to help you protect your kids:
• Narrow down devices: In the past, many of us set up our family computer in a high-traffic area, like
the family room, but this becomes less feasible as more children have their own laptops and
mobile phones. I recommend limiting time online and also limiting the number of devices your child
has.
• Teach then appropriate online behavior: Kids will be kids, but that doesn’t mean it’s okay to say
cruel things, send racy pictures, make rude requests, or suggest illegal behavior, just because they
are online. If it isn’t okay in the physical world, it isn’t okay on the Internet. Also discuss with your
kids what is and is not okay with regards to the kinds of websites they may visit and what type of
content is ok to share or not share. They should also be taught to not open attachments or click on
links from people they don’t know.
• Use parental controls: Consider investing in software with parental controls, which limit the sites
your kids can access, times they are allowed online and the amount of time they spend online
each day.
• Discuss stranger danger: Just like in the real-world, kids should be taught to never meet someone
they know only online in person and that they should not chat or friend people they do not know.
• The Internet is forever: You and your kids need to understand that once things are posted online,
they could live on forever. You no longer have control over that photo or video and it could come
back to haunt them. They should follow the rule of thumb that they should not post or share
anything they would not share with everyone.
• The key to good online parenting lies in the basics of good offline parenting. Talking to your kids
about the “rules of the road” for the Internet is just as important as talking to them to about things
like looking both ways before they cross the street.
Challenges: Another trend…
It wasn’t too long ago that our social media pages were filled with ice bucket challenges for charity. But
kids today are confronted with much more dangerous challenges, including:
The Fire challenge
Teens apply accelerants such as rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover to their bodies and set
themselves on fire. The fire is supposed to burn just long enough for someone to video the experience.
But they’re not always able to douse it before serious injury or death occurs. The video is then uploaded
to social media.
Planking
Planking is a helpful exercise that tightens core muscles. Kids are challenged to plank by lying face down,
then post a photo. Sounds harmless, doesn’t it? It is…unless the surface they’re lying on is an escalator
handrail, rooftop edge, or balcony railing. The more dangerous the location, the greater the accolades
from their peers.
Surfing
This surfing has nothing to do with catching a wave. Kids are challenged to “surf” on top of a car, train, or
other fast-moving vehicle. Prestige increases with the speed of the vehicle. It’s even better if a friend can
video the act for social media.
Other Chats to be aware of:
Ask.fm
Parents might think a visit to Ask.fm could help with schoolwork, but this app isn’t about being helpful. It is
about the destructive things people say concerning each other…comments that have driven some kids to
suicide.
True Confessions
Psst. Wanna hear a secret? Another online trend is a growing number of sites and apps offering users the
opportunity to post confessions, secrets, and regrets.
The guise of anonymity makes sharing secrets and confessions with strangers easier than becoming
vulnerable with those we know. As a result, online confessionals are now flourishing, including sites and
apps such as:
PostSecret
Participants use postcards to mail their secrets anonymously. The website publishes ten new secrets
each week. Secrets range from tender to obscene and users eagerly search the website to see if their
secret was deemed worthy of publication.
Whisper.sh
Users share their secrets by posting messages superimposed on images. Participants are assured of
anonymity, which the site claims eliminates the potential for cyber-bullying and ruined relationships.
But in order to participate, users must grant access to their smartphone’s camera as well as their contact
list. And participants can communicate via GPS, which compromises anonymity.
These trends and sites do not compose a comprehensive list. No such list exists. As parents become
aware of the existence of some trends, teens will gravitate to new and even more dangerous ones. The
problem is an ever-evolving, moving target that requires diligence and vigilance on the part of parents and
other adults who have the opportunity to influence kids today.
So what’s a parent to do?
1. Pray
It may not sound very practical, but the first thing we need to do is pray. Only when we realize this is a
spiritual battle can we hope to protect our kids.
2. Educate
Educate yourself. Learn what’s out there. Know what is entering your home through your kids’ cell
phones, tablets, and computers.
3. Talk
Don’t assume your children know the dangers, no matter how obvious they may seem to you. Talk to your
kids…and keep educating them. But don’t just talk…
4. Listen
If you don’t listen to your children, someone else will. So don’t just talk to your kids, listen to them, too.
What are they curious about? What concerns them? If they won’t talk to you, find a trusted adult they will
open up to. Drama aside, it really could be a matter of life and death. Besides, they will probably learn
about these and other questionable sites faster than you will!
5. Interact
Spend time with your kids. You’ll learn more about your child while sharing some fun than in trying to
force a conversation they might not be ready to have. But choose something they want to do, even if it’s
outside your comfort zone.
6. Don’t assume
You may think your child is safe because you’ve had these conversations and regularly check their
devices.
However, the 2014 McAfee study noted that 80% of tweens and teens “have had a conversation with their
parents on how to stay safe online” and 77% admitted that what they post online can’t be deleted. Yet
most kids still share too much personal information. Fifty percent posted their email address, 30% posted
their phone number, and 14% posted their home address. These numbers add up to trouble.
Some apps even disguise themselves. KYMS is an app that hides behind a calculator icon. The app touts
the benefit of keeping photos and videos secret from prying eyes. But kids may use it to circumvent
parental controls.
http://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/5-things-your-kid-should-understand-before-she-gets-her-firstsmart-phone.html
http://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/teens/3-online-trends-parents-need-to-warn-their-kidsabout.html
http://fraudavengers.org/2014/06/teens-online-behavior-can-get-them-in-trouble/
http://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/kids/9-most-dangerous-apps-for-kids.html
Stay informed and stay involved. The information superhighway is a valuable tool. Still, when it resembles
the Wild West, kids need to be protected…especially from themselves.
As always, please let me know if there is anything I can do to keep our kids safe!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
School District 308
Elementary Summer School 2015
Summer School Dates and Hours:
Location:
Monday, June 8-Friday, June 26
8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Churchill Elementary School
520 Secretariat Lane
Oswego, IL 60543
Review and Reinforcement Classes:
Language Arts (2-Hour Course)
Language Arts Review and Reinforcement courses are designed for students who need
assistance and practice with writing and reading comprehension and strategies taught in the
2014-2015 school year. Students eligible to participate in these courses performed on or
below grade level in reading and/or writing. Courses are offered for students who were in
Kindergarten, First Grade, Second Grade, Third Grade, Fourth Grade and Fifth Grade in
the 2014-2015 school year.
Math (1-Hour Course)
Math Review and Reinforcement courses are designed for students who need assistance and
practice with math skills and concepts taught in the 2014-2015 school year. Students
eligible to participate in these courses performed on or below grade level in math. Courses
are offered for students who were in Kindergarten, First Grade, Second Grade, Third
Grade, Fourth Grade and Fifth Grade in the 2014-2015 school year.
Enrichment Classes:
Enrichment courses are designed for students who want to enhance skills and concepts
learned in the 2014-2015 school year. Content of these courses include the core academics
and the fine arts.
Check School District 308’s website at www.sd308.org
in April for more detailed class and registration information!
Young Rembrandts
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Grades K - 5th Welcome
at Prairie Pointe Elementary
A Different Kind of Learning. A Powerful Kind of Fun!
Young Rembrandts teaches drawing with a see-touch-do
method that all kids can succeed with, learn from and love!
Watch your child reach a brand new level of confidence and
potential with this engaging, award-winning drawing program.
Classes held once a week immediately afterschool on
T H U R S D AY S
New Session Begins: 4/23/15 through 5/14/15
Parents are responsible for transportation and prompt pick up.
YR dismisses students at: 4:40 pm
Our STAR Artists Can Expect
! A new exciting lesson every week
! Improved core art skills
! To have fun drawing
with their friends after school
Our Parents Can Expect
! “I CAN DO IT” attitude
! Increased attention to details
! Increased persistence
! Improved fine motor skills
Tuition includes all supplies
$36.00 for a 4 Week Session
Class sizes are limited to offer one-on-one attention!
Enroll early! Enroll today!
Payment Options
ENROLL ONLINE through our secure website
www.YoungRembrandts.com/WillKendallCounty-il
OR Call YR at (708) 323-7782
PARENTS … please remember to enroll early AND follow these three guidelines:
1) Call the YR office at (708) 323-7782 if your child has any special considerations or health concerns.
2) SEND A NOTE to your child’s teacher each week so your child is reminded to attend YR after school.
3)
Identify yourself to the YR instructor when picking up your child.
Personal absences are forfeited — no make up classes.
Have more than 3 children? Call us for a sibling discount!
Looking for free tuition? Become a Parent Volunteer! Call us for details.
We are looking forward to drawing with your budding artist soon!
Young Rembrandts is a proud partner of the Afterschool Alliance,
a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that all youth have access to quality
and affordable afterschool programming. Afterschool programs keep children safe,
help working families and inspire learning.
www.afterschoolalliance.org.
Prairie Point Home and School
March 5, 2015
General Meeting Minutes
Present at Meeting:
Jenn Goehring – President, Stephanie Hornik – Vice President, Jess Byrne – Treasurer, Lisa Weires –
Recording Secretary, Amanda Creighton – Corresponding Secretary, Various Prairie Point Parents
I. Welcome
•
Meeting was called to order by Jennifer Goehring at 7:01 PM.
II. President’s Message
III. Consent Agenda
• February 2015 Treasurer’s Report Reviewed. Motion to approve by Vicie Nass and Lisa Eloe.
•
February 2015 Meeting Minutes Reviewed. Motion to approve by Lisa Eloe and Tom Casey .
IV. Old Business
•
Variety Show: The show is tomorrow night, March 6th. There are currently 34 acts that will be
organized into 1 show with a 10 minute intermission. Pop and safe candy will be sold with the
money going to Mr. Hafenrichter for some needed music cables. Come out tomorrow night and
cheer on our talented students!!
•
Payton: Our new Panther Mascot (Payton’s Cousin) will be revealed in his new costume (a gift
from H&S to P.P.) during a pep assembly in April. Students will have a chance to enter a naming
contest as well. More details to come.
•
Health and Wellness: Grades 4-5 had Open Gym on Feb. 11th and a fun time was had by all.
Grades 2&3 will be coming up. Siblings are welcome!! Come out for a great night of exercise
with your classmates!
•
Lego Robotics: Our Lego Robotics Club has begun with eleven 5th Grade participants. During
the first two meetings, students built their robots and learned some simple movements. In the
next few meetings, they will work on sound, light and touch. Finally, they will create an
obstacle course for their robots that they will present at STEM night on March 20th.
V. New Business
•
STEM Night: STEM night will be held on March 20th at OHS from 6-8:30. Presenters from
Fermilab, SciTech, Caterpillar, etc. will be there with demonstrations/activities for kids. Dr.
Ruben’s Mini Medical School will be there teaching kids to tie surgical knots. Chik-Fil-A will also
be there with concessions. Come out for a night of science learning and fun!
•
Mornings with Mom: This event will be held Friday, March 13th. We will have donut holes,
coffee and juice. There will also be an activity sheet for kids to complete with their moms and
turn in for a chance at a raffle prize.
•
Spring Break will begin on March 27th. Enjoy some relaxing time with your family!!
VI. Grants
•
The paperwork for the grants has been given to our staff. $1900 will be given to each grade
level to spend as they choose (approved by Dr. Podjasek). Open Grants are open to any staff
member. An application will be filled out and then approved at the next H&S meeting. In
some cases, with larger requests, the staff member will come to the meeting to present their
idea and application.
VII. Committee Updates
•
Appreciation: March plans are in the works as well as plans for Teacher Appreciation Week.
The theme will be “If you give a Teacher a…” following the If You Give A Mouse A Cookie
series.
•
Art to Remember: The orders have been collected and are currently being processed.
•
Beautification: St. Pat’s and Easter decorations will be up this Spring.
•
Box Tops: The final collection will be May 3rd. The class that has collected the most by the
end of the year will receive a special prize, a Bounce Town Night. Keep on clipping!!!
•
Fall Fundraiser: no further update.
•
Family Fun Nights: Skate Night at the Aurora Skate Center will be held on March 15th from
5-7. Skating is FREE! Remember to bring a signed waiver with you.
•
Father’s Forum: no further update
•
Field Day: May 21st is the new date due to snow/cold days. A super hero theme is being
planned. Volunteer forms will come home soon.
•
Fun Fair: no current update
•
Great Art: no current update
•
Holiday Shop and Winter Wonderland: no current update
•
Market Day: There are 3 more months of Market Day – March, April and May. This committee
is looking for someone to take over as chair next year. It is a once/month commitment from
4:45-7 with some reminder calls the day before. If you are interested, please let H&S know.
We would love to get you helping for the 3 remaining months to see how things are run.
•
PAWS: no current update
•
Preview Night: no current update.
•
Room Parents: no further update.
•
Science: This committee is looking for a parent volunteer to take over as Chair for next year.
•
Spirit Wear: no further update
•
Tuesday Night Dinners: There will not be a Culver’s Night in March. Chilis is new to Tuesday
Night Dinners. They are going to allow us to raise money over a period of time (March 10thApril 6th). We are excited about this and will provide more information in the coming days.
•
Variety Show: no further update
•
Health and Wellness: no further update
•
Rewards: There will not be a Six Flags incentive program this year. Raging Waves has gone
home. Please do not turn in at the office. Use the instructions on the attached sheet.
•
5TH Grade Celebration: This event will be held on April 25th. Planning continues to create an
exciting event for our 5th graders. Look for a sign-up sheet coming home in Thursday Folders
soon.
VIII. Upcoming Events
•
The Lunch Ticket for this month’s meeting will take place on the 20th!! April’s lunch will be
held on April 17th.
IX. Principal’s Message
•
Dr. Podjasek unfortunately could not be with us due to unforeseen circumstances.
X. Open Forum/Questions
•
We will be updating our by-laws soon with new information found with our insurance.
XI. Thank you and Adjourn
•
Meeting was adjourned with motions made by Cheri Jirovec and Kaisa Norwood.