November News

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As we welcome November, we have some exciting updates and information to share with you. We hope this newsletter finds you in good health and high spirits as we embark on the autumn season.

Academic Highlights: We are thrilled to report that our students continue to excel in their studies. Our dedicated teachers have been working diligently to provide a nurturing and engaging environment for your children. With the holiday season approaching, we have a variety of fun and educational activities planned, so stay tuned for details on our upcoming events and celebrations.

Upcoming Events: Mark your calendars for the annual Grand Prairie Elementary Veteran's Assembly which will take place on November10th.

Also, don't forget about Parent-Teacher Conferences on November 2nd and 3rd – an excellent opportunity to discuss your child's progress with their teacher.

Weather Patterns in November: As the leaves continue to fall, the weather in Illinois undergoes a significant change in November. Temperatures can range from cool to chilly, with daytime highs averaging in the 40s and 50s Fahrenheit (4-15°C). Nighttime lows can dip into the 20s and 30s (around -6 to 4°C). It's essential to ensure your children are dressed warmly in layers as they come to school, so they can be comfortable during recess and outdoor activities.

November in Illinois often brings cloudy skies, occasional rain showers, and even the first snowfall of the season. Please remember to check our school website or listen to local news for any weather-related school updates or closures. Safety is our top priority.

Thank you for your continued support in making Grand Prairie Elementary a nurturing and thriving community for our students. We look forward to the many opportunities November will bring for our school and your children's growth. Have a wonderful and safe month ahead!

Veterans Day, observed on November 11th in the United States, honors and pays tribute to the men and women who have served in the country's armed forces. Originally known as Armistice Day, it commemorates the end of World War I and serves as a day to recognize and express gratitude to the brave veterans who have selflessly defended the nation's freedom and security.

Veterans Day is a solemn occasion to acknowledge and honor the selfless sacrifice of our military veterans. It is a time to express our deepest gratitude to those who have served our country, often risking their lives to protect our freedoms and ensure our safety. To all the veterans, we say a heartfelt thank you for your service, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the principles that make our nation strong and free. Your bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

We have invited Veterans to attend our assembly on Friday, November 10th at 9:15am. We will be celebrating in our gym with some songs and following the assembly, veterans are encouraged to take a picture with their student in front of our photo backdrop. Papers were sent home so that we can collect RSVP's and be prepared with enough seating. We are only able to host the veterans and no additional family members.

Thank you

Students worked hard making their art. Orders are due November 16th

https://shop.square1art.com/shop/artwork/search

The Mexican Ofrenda, often referred to as an "altar of offerings," is a significant and beautiful tradition that plays a central role in Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, a Mexican holiday celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. The Ofrenda is a vibrant and colorful altar built by families to honor and remember their deceased loved ones. It typically includes a variety of symbolic elements, such as marigold flowers (cempasúchil), candles, incense, sugar skulls (calaveritas de azúcar), and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed. These items are carefully arranged on the Ofrenda to create a welcoming space for the spirits to return and enjoy the offerings. It is a heartfelt and spiritual tribute that serves as a way to keep the memories of the departed alive, ensuring that they are not forgotten and that their souls are warmly received when they return for this special occasion. The Ofrenda embodies the Mexican belief that death is a natural part of life and an opportunity for a joyful and respectful celebration of the deceased's existence.

Grand Prairie is proud to display our Ofrenda in our entry area.

Time spent outside is an important part of the school day. Children should be exposed to fresh air and exercise. Time spent outside allows students to engage in activities that allow them to relax from the structure of the classroom. There are times when it is not safe for students to be outside. Grand Prairie Elementary utilizes the following guidelines for school recess, outdoor activities or physical education classes. The decision-making process may vary from grade to grade. Conditions that are to be considered:

• Temperature

• Humidity

• Local weather reports/Heat Index

• Age of students

• Length of time outside

• Is the area being used shaded

• Adequacy of the clothing being worn (for heat or cold)

Cold Weather Guidelines

Above 32 °F with or without wind chill-Outdoors
15 F to 32 °F with or without wind chill-Principal Discretion
Below 15 °F with or without wind chill-Indoors

Precautionary Measures:

Schools should exercise the following precautionary measures if holding recess outdoors:

Precipitation: snow and icy conditions should be evaluated for student safety and attire

Student preparedness: Parents/guardians and principals should ensure that students are properly dressed for outdoor recess during all seasons. During the winter months, students should be reminded to wear coats, gloves (without strings), hats, and boots.

Playground safety: the playground equipment and surface (i.e., icy conditions) should be evaluated to determine whether students can safely play outdoors

***"With or without wind chill" means how cold it feels, whether it is caused by wind chill or not. For example, if the straight temperature reading is 10 degrees or if it's 20 degrees with a wind chill of 10 degrees, recess should be held indoors.

If our school district or school has an emergency day with students engaging in E-Learning, we will utilize the following E-Learning Day Schedule for our school: E-Learning Day Schedule.

For an E-Learning Day, students log into their Google Classroom and Google Meets at 9:05 a.m. to meet their classroom teacher. Classroom teachers will take student attendance. Following student attendance, the student will follow his/her grade level schedule for the morning. There may be a combination of direct instruction from the classroom teacher and independent work time during the E-Learning Day. All synchronous learning concludes at 12:45 p.m. A classroom teacher may choose to assign asynchronous work (independent work) for the afternoon.

If you have any questions regarding the E-Learning Day Schedule, please contact the Grand Prairie Office at 815-436-7000.