March Update

Toys, along with electronics, have not been allowed at Army Trail. This year we have been lenient on this policy. However, we have seen an increase in distractions over the last few months. Because of this, starting tomorrow, March 1, students will no longer be able to bring toys or electronics to school. This includes Pokémon cards, Beyblades, toy cars, portable electronic games, and other toys.

Please help us reach our 20% participation target. Your participation in the parent portion of the survey will help us understand your child’s school conditions and guide improvement. Your identity and survey responses will be kept completely confidential and will never be connected to you or your child.

The Illinois 5Essentials Survey for students and teachers will be conducted from February 3, 2021, through April 2, 2021. The Parent Survey Supplement will be conducted during that same timeframe. To take the survey, click the link below.

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At Addison School District #4, we believe it is important to focus on the well-being of all students. On January 24, 2013, Gov. Pat Quinn signed a new law extending sexual abuse education in Illinois schools. Like previous years, the Addison School District curriculum will include Erin’s Law, a state-mandated, age-appropriate sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention education program for all students in grades preschool through 12th. The law also requires any adult who works in a school-related capacity to take part in training classes that cover sexual abuse and how to recognize warning signs.

Each PreK-5th grade class at Army Trail will receive a 60-minute presentation in between the weeks of March 1-30th.

The following topics will be covered:

• Basic Body safety/ awareness
• Setting personal boundaries
• Seeking help from friends and adults we trust

To get more information on Erin’s Law, visit the website at http://www.erinslawillinois.org/.

All meetings are held in the Army Trail Library, parents wishing to attend can enter through Door 1.

• Wednesday, March 9 @ 4:00PM

• Wednesday, April 13 @ 4:00PM

• Wednesday, May 11 @ 4:00PM

Fundraising Opportunity on Saturday, March 12 & 13 at the five Below store at 346 Army Trail Rd, Bloomingdale. 10% of all purchases will be donated back to the Army Trail PTA.

After Spring Break early in April, Army Trail 3-5 graders will be participating in the Illinois Assessment of Readiness. Additionally, our 5th graders will be participating in the Illinois Science Assessment. Specific information regarding these tests will be shared later in March.

In March, our schoolwide theme is problem solving. In our morning announcements and school assembly we’ll be reminding students to use the Second Step Problem-Solving Steps:

• S: Say the problem
• T: Think of solutions
• E: Explore consequences
• P: Pick the best solution

As you can see, the first letter of each step spells the word ”step.” Remembering “step” helps students solve problems with each other in safe and respectful ways.

Second Step lessons specifically teach students to use each step and reinforce the message that solutions need to be safe and respectful. You will be receiving Home Links about the steps that describe why solving problems is important and including fun activities to do with your child to help him or her learn and practice the steps. We hope the steps will be helpful for you and your child when there are problems at home.

Please tell your child’s teacher if you would like more suggestions about how to use the Problem-Solving Steps at home.

Every month Army Trail celebrates students that have met or exceeded our expectations for behavior by being Safe, Respectful, and Responsible. On Wednesday, March 2, we will celebrate by having a all school dance party and making a St. Patrick's Day craft in each classroom. Students who have not met our expectations and received an office referral this month will attend an alternative activity. During this time, students will be re-educated on the Army Trail expectations.

SHIELD testing will continue on Wednesday mornings on 3/2, 3/9, 3/16, & 3/23 For those participating in our weekly COVID testing.

Army Trail has specific procedures in place to ensure that students, staff, and property all stay safe. We are asking that all parents follow the procedures outlined below (please click the buttons below for additional details). Please follow these additional guidelines.

• Only drop-off and pick-up students in the designated areas
• Please use the crosswalks
• Follow the correct direction of travel in the parking lot