August 9, 2019
Dear Families of Medinah Intermediate School Students,
I hope that you are enjoying summer and having time for family, fun and relaxation. We are busy preparing for the 2019-2020 school year. This letter contains important information for the beginning of the new school year.
WELCOME BACK EVENTS
- Cookie Social for all grades will be August 20th from 2:00–3:00 p.m. outside weather permitting. During the Cookie Social, each child will receive a welcome back letter with their teacher assignment and bus information. Class lists will not be posted. Teachers are excited to have the opportunity to meet their students for the 2019-20 school year.
If you are unable to attend Cookie Social, please call or stop by the office.
- 3rd Grade Welcome will take place immediately following the Cookie Social on Tuesday, August 20th from 3:00-4:00pm starting in the LMTC. During this time, the third grade students and families will have the chance to learn about our school, meet the third grade teachers and see their classrooms before the start of the school year.
REGISTRATION
Students should already be registered for the 2019-2020 school year. Early registration of students ensures that we will have enough teachers, supplies, and space for our students on the first day of school Thursday, August 22nd. You will receive a phone call from office personnel if you have not completed registration materials for your student(s). If you have new neighbors, please make sure that they have contacted the school to register any new students. Your help will be invaluable in making sure we are ready for the first day of school. Thank you in advance for your help.
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
Our first day of school will be Thursday, August 22nd.
- The starting time for students is 8:40 a.m.
- Students are not to arrive before 8:20 A.M. any time during the school year. We do not have supervision before that time.
- Students will be given their new supplies during the course of the first few days of school.
WHAT’S NEW?
We are looking forward to implementing a new Literacy Curriculum for all students. The new curriculum, Benchmark Advance includes a balanced literacy approach to instruction. Our teachers have been preparing all summer and are excited to teach using this new curriculum.
Medinah Intermediate School is moving into the second year of piloting a Standards-Based reporting system in a few classrooms. Standards-Based Reporting is a system of instruction, assessment, grading, and academic reporting that is based on students demonstrating understanding or mastery of the knowledge and skills they are expected to learn. This will provide clear communication to parents/guardians and students about progress towards meeting grade level learning targets. If your child will be in a classroom using this new reporting system, there will be information presented at Curriculum Nights.
MIS is very excited to move into the second year for each student in third through fifth grade to have access to a personal Chromebook at school and at home. Students will be provided a Chromebook to bring to and from school every day with the responsibility of charging the device at home. Students have been using Chromebooks in the classrooms to enhance learning and student engagement. We are so excited for students to have this opportunity. Please look for more information to be sent home in the first day packet your child will bring home on August 22nd.
There were many updates made at MIS this summer and we cannot wait for you to see the changes. The main office has been updated allowing for a more secured entrance. Our LMTC received a complete renovation for students to explore their love for reading. Classrooms have taken out teacher desks and updated their workstations to allow for more space for students to work collaboratively around the room. Third grade classrooms no longer have cubbies in the classrooms and lockers have been placed in the hallways, which has also created more learning space. MIS will have Curriculum Night on Thursday, August 29th for families to have the opportunity to view these new updates.
Finally, please be reminded, in order to promote healthy choices and support a culture of wellness at Medinah Intermediate School, along with our concern for food allergies and childhood obesity, treats for celebrations and special occasions in the form of food items will not be allowed. If a food item is brought in, they will not be served and will be sent home.
REMINDERS
- On Thursday, August 23rd, the district will host a Welcome Back Coffee where staff and community may come meet the new teachers and the Board of Education at 7:00p.m. during the Board of Education Meeting at Middle School.
- Save the Date –Medinah Intermediate School’s Curriculum Night is scheduled for Thursday, August 29th from 6:00-7:30p.m. More information will be sent home about this event.
- Save the Date –Parent/Teacher Conferences are set for the evening of Thursday, October 10th and the morning of Friday, October 11th.
- No medication can be dispensed to students without a written order from a physician. Please call the school office for more information if your child will require medication during the school day.
- Safety – Please follow parking lot drop-off and pick-up procedures as we start the school year to ensure the safety of our students. Supervisors will be outside directing and helping with any questions you may have. Any visitors need to check in with the office to enter the building. As always, we continue to keep safety as a top priority in Medinah School District 11 and we appreciate your support.
IN CLOSING
I am so proud to work with such an amazing community, staff and students! The staff at MIS is looking forward to another great school year.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you in advance for your support of our school. Teachers and personnel are working hard to provide a quality education for your children. Your support and effort is critical in order to connect your child’s learning to everyday life. I am strongly encouraging all parents to immediately become involved in your child’s learning this year. Please work with teachers and staff who can help you to provide your child with resources, encouragement, and support. School and home must work together on this educational journey to prepare our students in becoming college, career and community ready. If you are interested in serving on our School Advisory Committee (SAC) this year, please let me know.
I am truly looking forward to working together this year. Please feel free to contact me at school if you have comments, questions, or concerns.
Sincerely,
Natalie Czarnecki
Principal, Medinah Intermediate School