Over the past several weeks, you have likely seen communication from your school regarding safety drills. Maintaining a safe environment in our buildings requires regular practice and teamwork. It is an area of focus the district constantly examines and refines. We know that being safe and feeling safe at school is central to a child’s well-being and education. Children learn more and perform at higher levels when they feel emotionally safe.

Establishing relationships and developing trust among all stakeholders is, collectively, one of our best preventative measures. As a district, we have prioritized trusting relationships and continuously work toward nurturing school climates. We know that fostering relationships between students and adults, between and among students, and between parents and their children, is complex, challenging work. Children who trust adults and are encouraged to share information are more likely to alert teachers, administrators and parents/guardians when they have concerns. The “see/hear something, say something” message is powerful because it is not just a slogan, it is a mindset. We all play a role in the safety of our community.

Our close relationship with the Mount Prospect Police Department is also essential. This summer, I met with recently-promoted Chief of Police Michael Eterno to ensure we are all on the same page. I was pleased to hear how much emphasis he and the department place on school safety. That is why you may notice a more regular police presence around our buildings throughout the year.

Our top priority is to provide a learning environment that is safe and welcoming. You can read more about our protocol -- which includes thorough assessment, action plans, planning and evaluation -- by visiting our website.

Thank you for being an important part of keeping our students, staff and community safe.

9/20: Board of Education Meeting

9/26: Non-Attendance Day (All schools)

10/4: Picture Retakes (All schools)

10/5: Non-Attendance Day (All schools)

10/14: Exclusion Day (More information in Health and Safety section below)

More events can be found on your school's online calendar:

• Euclid
• Indian Grove
• Prairie Trails
• River Trails Middle School

Exclusion Day is Friday, October 14.

What does that mean? All students must be up to date on their health requirements in order to continue attending school. For more information about these requirements, you can visit www.rtsd26.org/health or contact your school's office.

Please continue to be aware of COVID-19 symptoms and utilize testing (at-home tests are acceptable) if any symptoms are present.

• Fever of 100.4 degrees or higher
• New onset of moderate to severe headache
• Shortness of breath

• New cough
• Sore throat
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• New loss of sense of taste or smell
• Fatigue from an unknown cause
• Muscle or body aches from an unknown cause

Please contact your school if your student has a positive test result. The five-day isolation period begins on the first day of symptoms or, if asymptomatic, the day of the positive test result.

• October 7: River Trails Middle School
• November 4: Prairie Trails
• November 11: Indian Grove

Check out our Community Wall for local programs and events that might be of interest to your student or family.

This week, an email was sent home regarding some changes to the menus as a result of supply chain issues. You can review the email on our website. These changes have been reflected on our posted menus.

• Check out this year's breakfast and lunch menu
• Learn how to add funds to your MyMealTime account

Don't forget about breakfast! Each of our schools serves breakfast during arrival.

Math Pilot Program

Assessments

We have completed our fall assessments. Assessment reports will be sent home by the end of the month. We will also be sending home assessment reports for IAR and ACCESS tests that were given last spring. If you have any questions regarding these assessments, please reach out to your teacher, school administrator, or Kristy Seifert at the district office (kseifert@rtsd26.org).

Technology use in education has greatly increased, and so has the importance of educating students about appropriate and responsible behavior when using technology. Are you interested in attending a parent night focused on Digital Citizenship and Internet Safety? Please complete this one-question survey to share your thoughts.

Need technology support? Fill out a support form and someone from our technology department will be in touch.

Our district is looking for substitutes, custodians, teacher assistants, lunchroom supervisors, and more. Come join our family!