12/02/2022
Thank you to our amazing PTO and Ms. Stringham for bringing back the Book Fair and organizing our amazing Pajama Story Time in the library!!
Our teachers, in collaboration with central office staff, also participated in an instructional “Learning Walk” this week, where we visited each other’s classrooms and studied student engagement. Here are just a few of the comments made about our talented Hatch teachers!
“Every classroom I went in had high student engagement, and it is obvious the teachers are working hard to implement strategies to support that.”
“Hatch students are on task!”
“The classroom environments are so welcoming, and teachers have built really positive relationships with and among students.”
“The workshop practices were so natural and effective. Students know what they need to achieve and work hard to meet their goals!”
Winter Gear: Please help us have your child prepared for all outdoor time at school. Students must have snow pants & boots on to play in the snow, as we do not want children to sit in wet clothes after recess. Students who do not have the appropriate gear play on the blacktop only. We will go outside for recess as long as the temperature and windchill are above 15 degrees. Please send your child in clothing they can manage independently. Please practice independent zipping & bundling at home, so it becomes a smoother transition at school. If you need support accessing winter gear for your child, please let us know, and we can provide assistance!
Every day there is snow on the ground or in the forecast, please send the following:
- Gloves
- Hat
- Boots (if you don’t have them, send two pairs of shoes)
- Snow Pants
- Winter coat
Free Dental Exams at Hatch on Wednesday, December 14th & Thursday, December 15th!! We are excited to announce our partnership with The Children’s Clinic in Oak Park to bring free dental exams to our Hatch students! They will provide students with free dental exams and sealant placement through their in-school portable dental program. Their services extend to every child, pre-k to 12th grade, regardless of insurance status or eligibility. Children in kindergarten, second, sixth, and ninth grade are required to receive a dental exam – this program fulfills this requirement. If your student is a current 1st and 5th grader, due to the date of these exams, this will satisfy their 2023-24 school year’s required dental exams. Eligible children covered by Medicaid Insurance will also receive a dental cleaning and fluoride varnish if it has been six months or more since the last cleaning/fluoride. Students must be enrolled at Hatch to receive these services during school hours on 12/14 & 12/15.
Students interested in participating will need to return a completed consent form by FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2ND.
Please print and return the consent form. A printed copy is also being sent home with your student.
Lesson 9 for K and Lesson 8 for 2nd-5th
This week during our social-emotional learning (SEL) instruction, our kindergarteners learned that they could have the same or different feelings as their peers. They examined scenarios and situations involving roller coasters, mice, and vegetables and learned that feelings differ about these things. First graders learned about similarities and differences. Second graders learned about respecting different preferences, and third graders learned about accepting differences. Fourth graders were taught how to join in and play or talk with a group of people. And finally, our fifth graders used their empathy skills to learn how to respond to one another with compassion.
D97 Updates/Reminders:
Update: Outdoor Recess During Winter Months-District 97 believes it is important for students to have opportunities for physical activity and playtime during the day—even during the cold winter months. This winter, students will be permitted to go outside for recess when the wind chill or temperature is 15 degrees or higher. The district utilizes the Wind Chill Chart developed by the National Weather Service.
- It is important that students dress in warm layers when cold temperatures are expected. Students should remember to bring hats, gloves/mittens, scarves, coats, snow pants, and boots. It is recommended that families label these items with their children’s names.
- Our staff will carefully monitor students while outside and take the necessary steps to ensure students are appropriately clothed/prepared for the cold weather, watching out for signs of frostbite and other cold-related issues.
Be Safe and Healthy: Preparing for Winter in District 97
As we head into the winter months, we all must continue to work together to keep our schools safe and healthy for learning. Please take a moment to review the district’s Winter Preparedness 2022-23 deck or watch the presentation from the November 15th board of education meeting.
Winter Illnesses and Everyday Preventative Strategies
This year, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has noted an increase in individuals is getting sick from respiratory viruses, including the flu, RSV, and COVID-19. Health officials are urging individuals and families to take basic precautions to protect themselves this winter—stay home when you are sick, wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough, and stay up to date on your vaccines. CLICK HERE to watch a brief video of everyday strategies to keep our schools healthy this winter >>
Emergency Closings and E-Learning Days
District 97 always strives to have schools open. However, if heavy snow or extreme cold makes it dangerous to travel, we may need to close schools. The district’s emergency closing procedures are outlined at https://www.op97.org/communications/emergency-closings.
In July 2021, the District 97 Board of Education approved an E-Learning Plan for students to receive instruction electronically in lieu of traditional emergency days (or inclement weather days). This means that instead of canceling school, the superintendent can call it an “E-Learning Day” where students and staff learn and work virtually at home. This provides a continuation of learning and prevents the loss of critical instructional days, particularly in our first and second trimesters.
If the superintendent decides to close buildings and hold an E-Learning Day, the information is shared through multiple channels, including email, the district website, our Facebook and Twitter social media pages, and the Emergency Closings website. Staff and families are also encouraged to OPT into text messages from the district by texting YES to 87569.
Bravo will offer its “Junior Bravo Performance Workshop” for 2nd-5th graders again this January. This is a great opportunity for the Middle School Bravo performers who help run the camp and the Elementary School kids who get to sing, dance, and have a great time getting exposure to musical theatre!
Register Online: bravoperformingarts.org
Process for Reporting Positive COVID-19 Cases to D97 Schools
If a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19, they must complete the following steps:
1) To notify the school nurse and receive a return-to-school date, families/staff must complete the confidential COVID-19 Positive Case Notification Form as soon as possible following the positive test. Information provided will also be shared with the Oak Park Department of Public Health.
2) Families must continue to report student absences via the school attendance line, and staff must enter their absences in Frontline.
To see the rules for isolation and quarantine, click here. Additional resources are linked below.