AFC Elementary Monthly Memo

I hope this memo finds you rested, rejuvenated, and ready for an exciting start to the new year! I trust that each of you had a wonderful time with loved ones, enjoying the festivities of the season and creating cherished memories.

As we gear up for the second half of the school year, I am filled with enthusiasm for the achievements and growth that lie ahead. There is much yet to learn and we remain dedicated to helping ALL students achieve academic success in a safe, supportive, and stimulating learning environment.

Thank you for your ongoing support. Your involvement plays a crucial role in our students' success, and we appreciate the partnership we share in their education. May this new year bring us closer as a community and lead us to even greater accomplishments.

Kind Regards,

Jenah Burkitt, Principal

1 - Winter Break

2 - Winter Break

3 - Winter Break

4 - Winter Break

5 - Winter Break

8 - School Resumes, 6th Grade Girls Basketball Practice Begins

10 - 1:30 Early Dismissal

12 - 2nd Quarter Report Cards Sent Home, Attendance Celebration

15 - MLK Jr. Day - NO SCHOOL

17 - 1:30 Early Dismissal

22 - Board of Education Meeting 7:00 PM

23 - PTC Meeting 6:00 PM

24 - 1:30 Early Dismissal, 6 GBKB @ Pecatonica 4:00 PM

25 - NO EARLY BIRD BAND/CHOIR, 6 GBKB @ South Beloit 4:00 PM

26 - NO EARLY BIRD BAND/CHOIR

29 - 6 GBKB Home vs. Oregon 4:00 PM

30 - 1:30 Early Dismissal, 6 GBKB @ Winnebago 4:00 PM

Arbor Management has launched a new interactive menu platform for January 2024 menus. The video below provides step-by-step instructions for navigating the platform. Additional information can be found on our district's website by clicking "Food Service" under the "Families" drop down tab. The link below will take you to the new digital platform.

AFC Elementary My School Menu

Step-By-Step Instructions Video

When weather permits, we get students outside (even when there is snow on the ground). Students love to play in the snow, however it is important they have the proper outerwear in order for students to be comfortable when they return to the learning environment. Please send your child to school with the appropriate winter gear. Students without proper gear will have restricted access to the playground in order to ensure they do not get too wet or cold.

If you need assistance getting winter gear for your child, please contact us. We have received many generous donations from local organizations for students in need.

As a friendly reminder, per our AFC Student Handbook:

Excessive tardies or absences may be referred to the Lee/Ogle/Whiteside Regional Office of Education’s Attendance Support Program for assistance. A student may be referred to the Attendance Support Program after four (4) unexcused and nine (9) excused absences during the previous 180 days of school attendance. If a student misses three (3) consecutive days, they must bring in a physician’s note for the absences to be considered excused. Also, after nine (9) absences per school year, to excuse each absence thereafter, a physician’s note will be required within 24 hours of the student’s return to school. While seeking a medical excuse, the student’s parent or guardian must still comply with absence notification procedures. Students are permitted to return to school while a physician’s note is being obtained, assuming the student has been fever, vomit, and diarrhea free for 24 hours (fever must be below 100.4 without fever-reducing medications).

We encourage attendance everyday as there is a strong link between attendance and academic achievement. Students must be present to learn. We trust parents and guardians will use their best judgement in deciding if their child(ren) are well enough to be present in school.

As a friendly reminder, per our AFC Student Handbook:

Ashton-Franklin Center CUSD #275 will exclude students based on typically qualifying symptoms such as: fever of 100.4 or higher (fever must be below 100.4 without fever-reducing medications), vomiting, and diarrhea. Students may return when the student is fever-free/symptom-free for 24 hours without medication.

Please refer to our Student Handbook (linked at the bottom of this memo) for additional information regarding school attendance.

Click the button below to view Mrs. Chapman's Keeping Connected Newsletter for the month of January.

Parents and guardians should continue to check their email for communication from Ms. Daly.

Students interested in joining choir will have the opportunity to visit choir class on 1/10/24 and 1/17/24. If your student wishes to join choir after visiting choir class, they must return the commitment form signed by a parent or guardian by 1/31/24.

There will be no Early Bird Rehearsal or Lessons on 1/25 and 1/26.

Early Bird Schedule

Monday - Brass

Tuesday - Choir

Wednesday - Percussion

Thursday - Choir

Friday - Woodwinds

Students can arrive as early as 7:30 AM, but no later than 7:50 AM. Students should be dropped off at the main entrance of the ES (Door 1) and push the button to be buzzed into the building.

As always, please contact Ms. Daly at mdaly@afcschools.net with any questions, comments, or concerns.

Arrival

8:00 - Student Arrival

8:15 - Students Enter Building/Classrooms (First Bell)

8:30 - Classes Begin (Second/Tardy Bell)

Please note, there will not be adult supervision on the playground prior to 8:00 AM.

Dismissal

3:15 - Bus Students Dismissed (First Bell)

3:17 - Pick-Up/Walkers Dismissed (Second Bell)

Please note, there will not be adult supervision on the playground after 3:25 PM. Students who have not been picked up by 3:25 will be brought to the main office.

Jenah Burkitt, Principal

Email: jburkitt@afcschools.net
Address: 217 South Elm Street, Franklin Grove, IL, USA
Phone: (815) 456-2325

Website: https://www.afcschools.net/