Hello Lion Pride!
This week’s message will begin with a quote…
“The times we are living in are historic and stunning, forcing us all to take a deep look at who we are as a people and our place in the world,”- Mayor Lori Lightfoot
May 4-8 is National Teacher Appreciation Week and it is a great time to thank our teachers for all they are doing with Remote Learning. I am continually impressed with their selflessness, dedication, and commitment from our “SuperHeroes” teachers on a daily basis. Please take a few minutes to reach out to your child’s teachers to thank them for all their efforts.
Want to send a note to your teacher? Use this template and send one of your favorite teachers a note of gratitude! (*Must be signed in to a Google Account to receive a copy. Replace the text and then simply share with your teacher’s email). You can also download and print a copy HERE.
Important information:
Beginning May 1st, modifications to the stay-at-home order:
- For adults and kids over 2, mandatory face coverings are required in indoor spaces when social distancing is not an option.
- Garden centers and nurseries are now considered essential businesses and can be open to the public.
- Some Illinois State Parks will reopen in a phased timeline. See a full list.
- Golf courses may reopen as long as social distancing measures are followed.
- Some non-essential businesses may reopen for purchases by pick-up or delivery.
- Essential businesses will be required to provide face coverings for their employees that must work within 6 ft of others.
With the stay-at-home order extended longer than we anticipated, we all need to give and receive encouragement as we continue to shelter in place and practice social distancing. Please remember WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER!
Grading and Promotion for Elementary Students
On April 30, CPS rolled out the new grading policy for Quarter 4. Teachers and administrators received this information at the same time as parents. We are reviewing the guidelines to determine our school wide grading policy. It is important for students remain engaged in all classes. The new policy is effective from the beginning of the 4th quarter ( April 20th)
| Quarter 4 (Q4) Transcript Grade | Qualification |
| Letter Grade | Achieved a Q4 grade that met or exceeded student’s Q3 grade |
| Pass (P)GPA is not impacted. | Participated in digital instruction and earned a Q4 grade below Q3 gradeNo access to digital instruction but completed printed work packets |
| Incomplete (/)GPA is not impacted. Student is prioritized for Summer School if it is determined that Summer School can be held this year | No access to digital instruction and did not complete printed work packets or engage with teacherHad access to digital instruction and earned an F in Q4 |
This week’s wellness support comes from my colleague in New York that I met through the Cahn Leadership Program. Mindfully Remote (www.mindfullyremote.org) was co-created and co-launched by educators in NY who wanted to ensure that families were given an authentic tool to balance the academic with the SEL demands of remote learning.
At-home learning presents a unique set of challenges for both students, teachers and parents. ISBE has put together a list of free resources and tips to help parents support student learning while schools are closed. For advice on keeping students engaged in education, visit www.isbe.net/keeplearning.
Families of children with disabilities may need extra support during this time. The Illinois Autism Partnership and Easterseals have developed a School Closure Toolkit to support children with autism through school closures
It’s Story Time!
Do you know how many animals depend on rivers? Did you know that humans do too? Janelle has a special Story Time book, called “My River,” to share today! Click here to watch it.
Puddle investigations!
May flowers bring science fun! Next time it rains, try this puddle investigation activity with your young scientist. Click here for instructionsWondering how much water your family uses? Click here to download our Chicago Conservation Corps-produced water audit worksheet and see!
April and May rain season. Here are a few “water” focused resources.
Did you know that Lake Michigan is the largest public drinking water supply in the state of Illinois? Even though the lake is large, it’s not an unlimited supply. Here are a few activities focused on water you can do at home.
May flowers bring science fun! Next time it rains, try this puddle investigation activity with your young scientist. Click here for instructions
Wondering how much water your family uses? Click here to download our Chicago Conservation Corps-produced water audit worksheet and see!
Audible– if offering a collection of stories to listen to for free- for kids of all ages! Visit audible.com to explore the collection!
Favorite Memes of the Week:
South Loop Photoshare– Challenge # 9
Sincerely,
Principal Shelton
Access our RESOURCE PAGE here or directly on the homepage beneath our photo banner.
Still need internet? Find out how to get it HERE. You can also visit this site to find “Drive Up Hot Spots”
*As always, for the most reliable information and updates, please visit CPS FAQ PAGE, www.chicago.gov/coronavirus or www.cdc.gov/coronavirus. For school-specific updates, visit www.cps.edu/coronavirus. If you need help locating medical care, please reach out to the CPS Office of Student Health & Wellness at oshw@cps.edu or by calling the Healthy CPS Hotline 773-553-KIDS (5437).*