PRINCIPAL'S CORNER
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Please review our school newsletter for important information for February. We look forward to seeing everyone tonight at our Open House. The cultural dance schedule has been updated, so please see the chart below for the dancing times in each gym.
Have a wonderful day!
Dr. Dwyer, Principal
February 2nd-Open House/ International Night (see schedule below)
February 6th-10th- CogAT testing 2nd grade
February 10th- 3rd-5th Intermediate Dance
February 19th- PTO Chicago Wolves Game
February 20th- President's Day--Holiday-- No School
March 7th- Registration begins for ALL D64 students
March 10th- Records/ planning day (no student attendance)
March 10th-PTO Science Fair at 6pm
March 27- March 31--Spring Recess
District 64 Young Authors Guidelines:
Are you an aspiring young author ready to share your work with others? The Young Authors Contest is an independent, voluntary at-home project for students interested in writing and publishing their work for others to read.
Maximum of two authors/illustrators per manuscript (must be in same grade & school). Students can only collaborate on one manuscript.
Written piece must be an original fiction short story—maximum 20 pages, no poetry, no graphic novels, no nonfiction/informational text.
Illustrations may be used to enhance the story.
Content must be appropriate for peer audience.
Students must complete their manuscripts without teacher input.
Cover Page must include: Title, author’s name, grade level, school, homeroom number and teacher name, optional: illustration.
K-2 students can submit a handwritten story. Dictated books may be typed or handwritten by an adult, but the story must remain in the student’s own language. 3rd - 8th grade students must submit a typewritten manuscript.
2023 PUBLICATION OPTIONS
GOOGLE Document or Google Slides: share with thandlon@d64.org
Create and format the document or slides to write your story
May include illustrations and images to enhance your story
ONLY SHARE COMPLETED STORIES
DROP OFF a physical copy (with cover) to Mrs. Handlon.
Important Dates for 2023
Friday, February 24—All manuscripts collected at the buildings.
Friday, March 10—Winning building manuscripts (1 per grade level) delivered to district level coordinator.
Friday, April 5—District winners are announced and invited to School Board meeting
Thursday Board Meeting, April or May—D64 School Board Student Recognition.
Young Authors Scoring Guidelines:
Keep the following guidelines in mind as you write your piece and revise before submission. You will be evaluated on the following:
Ideas
(It is clear what this piece is about; writing fully communicates ideas and shows sustained thought)
Strong Opening/Closing
Stays on track
Story makes sense
Voice
(Writing shows individual expression and/or creativity)
Strong Sensory Details
Ideas fully communicated
Shows Expression/Voice
Organization
(One idea flows logically into the next)
Strong characters
Descriptive setting
Clear problem
Logical plot events
Clear resolution
Length is appropriate to the piece (not too long, not too short)—maximum 20 pages
Conventions
(Writing incorporates taught skills; spelling is developmentally correct)
Strong Sentence Construction
No Spelling Errors
Correct Capitals/Punctuation
Errors should not interfere with understanding
Sentence Fluency
(Sentences are fluent when read aloud)
Logical Sequence
Appropriate Structure
Strong Transitions
Word Choice
(There is varied and descriptive vocabulary)
Uses Sentence Variety
Varied Vocabulary
Presentation
(overall presentation of story; neatness)
Substantial Cover with all pages securely attached
Cover Includes:
Title
Name, School, Grade, Home Room #
Illustration (optional)
OPTIONAL Illustrations:
Artistically designed
Appealing
Thoughtfully Placed
Enhance the Text
Please contact Mrs. Handlon (thandlon@d64.org ) with any questions.
Label! Label! Label!
We are delighted to reward students for great behavior. The new book vending machine is part of this incentive program. Just a reminder we expect students to be respectful, responsible and safe in all settings. Teachers and Administrators value the parent partnership and if a situation occurs we will work together to resolve the matter. For your reference the updated behavior form is attached here to view.
Cell phones and other electronic devices are to be powered off and kept in the student’s locker during the school day. Any digital communications device (e.g., “smart” watch, GPS tracker, etc.) must be kept in the student’s locker during the school day.
Click the photo to the left for the direct link to the D64 Parent Handbook device policy (p. 68).
Be a Safe Driver!
· Park legally – don’t block crosswalks or double park
· Respect school neighbors –please do not park in or block their driveways.
· Parents and children should not use the Staff parking lot
· Do not make U-turns or turn around in driveways.
· “Attended” parkers must stay in their vehicles at all times.
· Obey “kiss ’n go” zones on Prospect Avenue
If your student/students need to change their regular daily routine please take the following steps:
1. Email the homeroom teacher with the details
2. Email the office Mrs Flint sflint@d64.org or Mrs Ellsworth kellsworth@d64.org
no need to send separate emails
