Take Home Tuesday

Greetings Sward Families:

As we reach the season of inclement weather, please know that the orange traffic "no parking" cones will not always be out. However, please follow along with the drop off patterns as you would if the cones were out. Those lanes are still meant to provide a drop off type pattern of traffic in order to keep the flow of traffic moving. This will allow the children to enter the building in an efficient manner.

Additionally, as the sign leading into the staff parking lot states "staff parking only," please keep the staff parking lot open for the staff cars. We have staff members that travel to and from other schools in the district as well as lunchroom supervisors that are only here for a smaller portion of the day and staff that leave for their lunchtime. We do not have an abundance of extra spots in the lot and need them reserved for the Sward staff members. Even if you think that it is "only for just a minute," that might be the time that a teacher needs to get back to their classroom for their students.

Even with cold weather, we will try to get outside as much as possible. The fresh air and mask breaks are wonderful on the days we can go outside. Please ensure your child is always dressed for the weather. ...also, a quick reminder that while we know that dogs also enjoy the fresh air, they are not allowed on the school property at arrival or dismissal.

Your partner in education,

Mrs. Candy Kramer

Sward School Principal

The winter concert for our kinder and grade 1 students as well as chorus will be held on Monday, December 20 at 1:00 p.m. Due to the pandemic, we will be limiting the audience members to 2 tickets per each family that has performers in the concert so that we can space the seats into a socially distanced pattern. Tickets will be provided and are in today's THT folder. Masks will be required. Please do not attend if you are experiencing symptoms. We will be following Covid guidelines with all of our visitors.

Thank you to all of the families who came out to support the PTA Chipotle fundraiser last week. In total, we raised $243 for the Sward PTA. What a delicious way to raise some funds for our children!

Oak Lawn Community High School is offering a Polar Express themed Family Reading Night opportunity to the families of District 123. This will be held Thursday, December 9 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. and is free of charge. Please click HERE for more information and details.

As we approach winter break, the Sward Student Council has planned a variety of spirit days for us. Please click HERE in order to see the document they have created us.

The spirit wear order has been placed and they are working to fill it as you read this message. However, unfortunately some of the items are on backorder from the manufacturer. Those items will be filled as soon as they arrive to the spirit wear company. The backordered items include:

• Blue Crewneck Sweatshirt in sizes YS, YM, AL, AXL
• Gray Crewneck Sweatshirt in sizes YS, YM, YL, AS, AM, AL, AXL
• Full Zip Hoodie in all youth sizes

If any of these items were included in your order, they will arrive to you later than the rest of your order. Sorry for any inconvenience.

PTA news!

Join Remind to get up to the minute reminders about PTA events right to your phone!!!
https://www.remind.com/join/swardpta2

...just another friendly reminder that we have after school virtual homework help for the students who are currently in the quarantine protocol. If you would like your child to partake in this, please email ckramer@d123.org and ask for a link to that afternoon's Google Meet. The links change daily and the homework help is from 3:30-4:30.

If your child will be absent:

• Please call the Sward main office to report an absence (708)423-7820. There will be questions that must be asked during this time of pandemic protocol.
• Keep in close contact via email with your child's teacher. They will be able to inform you of the work your child will miss during the absence. They might provide links for your child to access on their device, a packet to pick up in the office, or a mix of both.
• Many days, there will be virtual homework help opportunity for the absent children from 3:30-4:30. Please email ckramer@d123.org for additional information or a meeting link.

We have begun the COVID-19 SHIELD testing at SWARD. This will only be for those that have already completed the OPT-IN form and signed their student up in Skyward Family Access.

The SHIELD Illinois program is a quick, simple, and non-invasive COVID-19 screening test. Students that have opted-in to the program will provide a small amount of saliva that is tested at a professional lab. Results of the test are then provided to families (if the results are positive) and our school district within the days following. The program offers students the opportunity to reduce or waive quarantine requirements in the event of close contact with a positive case or if the student demonstrates symptoms. You can opt-in to the program at any time by accessing Online Forms in Skyward Family Access. More information about the SHIELD Illinois program can be found at: d123.org/shield-illinois-testing-program

• Monday, December 13- Winter Festive Hat/Headband Day
• Tuesday, December 14- Winter Holiday Sock Day
• Wednesday, December 15- Favorite Sweater Day
• Thursday, December 16- Plaid/Flannel Day
• Friday, December 17- Dress like your favorite holiday character day, PTA Classroom Winter Parties from 2:00-3:10
  
• Monday, December 20- Dress to impress day, Winter Concert for Kindergarten, Grade 1, and Chorus at 1:00 p.m. (there will be 2 tickets per family of the performers issued)
• Tuesday, December 21- Grinch Day: Making Hearts Grow with Kindness Day
• Wednesday, December 22- Pajama Day
• Thursday, December 23- Wednesday, January 5- NO SCHOOL- Winter Break
• Thursday, January 6- School Resumes

Website: d123.org/sward
Location: 9830 Brandt Avenue, Oak Lawn, IL, USA
Phone: 708-423-7820
Twitter: @d123sward

Email: ckramer@d123.org
Website: d123.org/sward
Phone: 708-423-7820
Twitter: @MrsKramerD123