Greetings Margaret Mead Community,

As we pause to give thanks this month, I want to say thanks to all of you on behalf of the Mead staff.  We are fortunate to have such a supportive parent community; you are critical to the continued success of our Mustangs.  Please read below for more information about our goals to raise student achievement and create a positive culture at Mead.

High Student Achievement

Illinois Report Card:  The Illinois State Board of Education annually releases school report cards that show how each school, each district and the state is performing on a wide range of educational goals. The 2019 report card information posted on the state’s website at illinoisreportcard.com and on the District 54 website at sd54.org/schoolreportcards.  The illinoisreportcard.com website contains results from the Illinois Assessment of Readiness, as well as information about student and teacher demographics, enrollment and financial information. The report card also includes results from the 5Essentials survey, which was given to students in grades 6 through 8, certified staff and parents last year. If you do not have access to the Internet or prefer to receive a hard copy, you may call the school at 847-357-6000.

Report cards:  Reminder that District 54 releases their report card through your child’s portal.  Everyone who has a parent portal account will be able to see their children’s report cards online.  All parents and guardians who have not previously created a portal account, then please contact our front office who can assist you with sign up. If you are unable to access the parent portal and require a paper copy of your student’s report card, please contact our office.

Winter MAP test begins after Thanksgiving Break.  The students will be taking their tests in their mathematics and language arts classrooms.  Please see the testing schedule below.  We are excited to monitor the progress of the goals our students set for themselves at the beginning of the school year.  During our February student goal-setting conferences, we will share the results with you.

• Reading: All students will test in their language arts class Wednesday, 12/4 through Friday, 12/6.
• Mathematics: All students will test in their mathematics class Monday, 12/9 through Wednesday, 12/11.

Eighth Grade High School Transition: Please view the Class of 2024 Junior High Presentation High School Transition video in English and Spanish.  The videos will be posted to Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Fremd, and Conant High School’s incoming freshman webpages located here: Class of 2024 Incoming Freshman Information

5Essentials Survey:  Once again, we are reaching out to our families and asking you to participate in the annual Illinois 5Essentials Survey to provide us with your perspective and help guide our school improvement efforts. The parent survey will be available online through Feb. 14, 2020, at https://survey.5-essentials.org/Illinois.  For more information, click here to read the letter from Superintendent Andy DuRoss.

Positive School Culture

PTA:  A BIG thank you to our PTA volunteers who gave up their lunch hour to come and serve our students pizza and hot lunches the past couple of weeks: Cynthia Malinski, Rita Parayno, Joanna Martin, Beata Szkobodzinski, Julie Wolf, Christine Szarzynski, Rachel Janssen, Kevin Christifidis, Rosanna Elder, Renee Yars, Patty Sobcock, Rachel Johnson, and Jessica!  ALL volunteers please stop by the office when you are here to get your complimentary “Mead Parent Volunteer” t-shirt—it is our little gift to you for donating your time to Mead!  We are in need of more volunteers for Pizza Tuesday—if you would like to volunteer, please contact Rita Parayno at 224-592-0082 or meadpizzatuesday@nullgmail.com  Our next PTA meeting is on Tuesday, December 10 at 5:00 pm in the Mead lounge.  Please visit our Mead PTA for important information on our wonderful PTA including joining the PTA!      

Windy City Bulls District 54 Takeover Night:  The Windy City Bulls will host a District 54 takeover night on Friday, January 10 at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates, and a portion of the proceeds from each ticket purchased will be donated back to the District 54 Education Foundation.  Click here for more information or to purchase tickets!  The District 54 take-over night will feature District 54 students participating in performances and other on-court experiences before and throughout the game, and a District 54 Special Olympics basketball match at halftime.

Student Pick Up/Drop off:  With the snow and cold arriving, please remember that the parking lot is for buses closed for car drop off during arrival 7:15-7:35 and for car pick-up during dismissal 2:00-2:30 pm.  The following are other procedures that have been established to ensure our students’ safety:

• There is no adult supervision prior to the 7:30 a.m. bell.  Therefore, students should arrive at school no earlier than 7:25 a.m. (unless coming early with an authorized morning pass provided by a teacher).
• Students being dropped off by car on Biesterfield or walking to school will assemble by the main entrance, door 1, until the 7:30 a.m. bell.  Please be careful where you park and drop off your children.  Parking too close to a crosswalk can restrict pedestrian visibility and result in a ticket.  All students should exit cars from the passenger side of the car only.  All students should cross the street only at the crosswalk.
• On dangerously cold winter days, students who arrive before the 7:30 a.m. bell will be let into the school immediately upon arrival before the 7:30 a.m. bell.  In case of extreme snow, students will need to be dropped off at the crosswalk in order to safely enter the building.  Cars cannot block the driveway to let students off.
• Students taking a bus will be kept on their bus until the 7:30 a.m. bell after which they are to come directly into the school either through door 2, door 5, or door 17.
• State law requires bus drivers to use their stop signs when children are entering and leaving the bus.  Driving through the stop sign can result in a ticket.  This also holds true when students are exiting buses in the Mead parking lot.  No cars should be moving when the buses are loading and unloading students in the Mead parking lot.

Student safety is our top concern.  By following all posted signs and driving regulations, we can keep our children safe and help you avoid unnecessary tickets.  The police do patrol our area and they do issue tickets.  The entire Mead staff appreciates your patience and cooperation as we strive to provide a safe environment for our students.

Schaumburg Parent University (SPU) is designed to involve more parents in the life of the school, to strengthen family relationships, and to improve parenting skills that will ultimately result in improved student success academically, socially and emotionally. There is one upcoming evening program scheduled for November. Please note that childcare is always available.

• ABCs of Family Fitness – November 21:  Most of us think about ABCs in terms of reading and writing. This class, guided by Melt Pilates and Yoga owner, personal trainer and yoga instructor Shannon Tampa, will focus on Abs, Biceps and Core. Support your child’s social emotional success by ensuring they stay healthy, challenged and engaged during this quality family time! This class will take place from 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21 at the District 54 Professional Learning Center, 522 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg (enter through Door C1). ABCs of Fitness flyer

To register please visit the SPU Online Form or for more information, contact Meg Kwak at 847-357-6586 or spu@nullsd54.org. Leave your name, contact information, the number of children needing childcare (free) and your child’s school.

Performers needed for Multicultural Event 2020:  Each year the District 54 Department of Language and Culture, along with the Schaumburg Park District, presents a Multicultural Event showcasing the diversity represented by students in District 54.  They are looking for groups and individuals who are interested in performing at this year’s event on Saturday, March 7.  Applications for performances will be accepted from November 14-26.  An informational meeting will be held at 3:30 on Tuesday, November 12 at the Rafferty Administration Center, 524 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg, for those who would like to apply early. Click here to access the application. You can also apply by visiting the District 54 website or by requesting a form from our building secretaries.

Social Emotional Learning:  At Mead during Advocacy, we have been talking about Empathy and Bullying and would like to share ways to continue the learning at home. Talking with your children will reinforce the social emotional life skills needed. Enjoy the valuable discussions as a family.

• Within our family, how can we promote empathy, kindness, and self-awareness?

• Explain how empathy can be the antidote for bullying.

• One of the Happiness Advantage tactics is Conscious Acts of Kindness. How can we demonstrate this at home and in our community?

2019 Mead Family Giving Tree Project:  Our community has so much to be thankful for this holiday season; we believe there are Mead families who would like to share with those in the community who are less fortunate.  A Mead Family Giving Tree will be placed in our main office beginning Monday, November 18.  Ornaments on the tree will list “a need” and “a want” gift request for family members in the Giving Tree Project. The ornaments will have the age of the child along with a gift suggestion for the child.  We ask that all gift requests taken be wrapped with the ornament securely taped on the gift.  All gifts are due to the office by Wednesday, December 11, so gifts may be delivered to the families the week before Mead’s Winter Break.  If you would like more information about Mead’s Family Giving Tree, you can contact Beth Knief at 847-357-6034 or Kailee Falvo at 847-357-6028.

Boys Basketball, Cheer, and Poms continue their seasons on 11/18 vs. Lincoln Prairie, 11/19 vs. Frost, 11/21 vs. Ike, 11/25 vs. Keller, 12/3 vs. Addams, 12/5 @ Sundling, and 12/6, 9, and 10 @ D54 Tournament.

District 54 Cold Weather Response Plan:  In order to help you better prepare for the severe cold weather and snow we often get during winters in our community, I wanted to share with you the District 54 Cold Weather Response Plan. Though District 54 makes every effort to keep our schools open and operational, circumstances beyond our control oftentimes dictate school closings.

From the School Nurse: It is that time of the year, the exact timing and duration of flu seasons can vary, but influenza activity often begins to increase in October.  CDC recommends three actions to fight the flu:

• The first and most important step is to get a flu vaccine each year
• If you get sick with the flu, your doctor may prescribed antiviral drugs. Early treatment is especially important in the elderly, the very young, people with certain chronic health conditions, and pregnant women. If your child is sick talk to your doctor early, get plenty of rest and drink fluids.
• Take preventative actions that may slow the spread of germs that cause respiratory (nose, throat, and lungs) illnesses like the flu.

Flu viruses spread mainly from person to person through droplets made when a person with the flu, coughs, sneezes or talks. People infected with the flu may be able to infect others beginning day 1 before symptoms develop and up to 5-7 days after becoming sick.  Flu Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headache, chills, feeling tired and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.  Preventative Actions:

• If your child gets sick with flu-like symptoms, CDC recommends that the child stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone except to get medical care for other necessities. The fever should be gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine.
• When sick limit contact with others as much as possible.
• Cover nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, wash hands with soap or water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol based hand rub.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
• Clean and disinfect surface and objects that may be contaminated with germs.
• Routinely clean frequently touched objects and surfaces like doorknobs, keyboards, and phones.
• Contact your school nurse with questions.
• Visit www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/children.htm  for more information.

Please encourage your child to get involved in these upcoming Mead Club offerings: Battle of the Books, Crafting Club, National Fluid Power Challenge, CHAT Room, We Club, Newspaper Club, Choir Leadership Team, and Mead TV.  Please visit our Mead Clubs and Intramurals page for more information about these clubs!

Important upcoming dates:

• November 27-29:  Thanksgiving break
• Monday, December 2:  Winter Band and Orchestra Concert @ 7:00 pm
• Tuesday, December 3:  Winter Choir Concert @ 7:00 pm
• Wednesday, December 4:  Winter MAP begins
• Tuesday, December 10:  PTA meeting @ 5:00 pm
• Wednesday, December 11:  Sixth Grade Parent and Student Night @ 6:00 pm
• Friday, December 20:  Winter Pep Rally
• December 21-January 5:  Winter break
• January 6:  School resumes
• January 29:  Half-day of school
• February 13-14:  Winter Student Goal-Setting Conferences

Please visit our Mead JHS Website for the building calendar.  Don’t forget to “Like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay updated with the latest news and information about the great things happening at Mead.  As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.  Thank you for your continued support and commitment to ensuring your child’s educational success.

Have a great week,

Scott

From the School Nurse;

It is that time of the year, the exact timing and duration of flu seasons can vary, but influenza activity often begins to increase in October.

CDC recommends three actions to fight the flu:

1. The first and most important step is to get a flu vaccine each year
2. If you get sick with the flu, your doctor may prescribed antiviral drugs. Early treatment is especially important in the elderly, the very young, people with certain chronic health conditions, and pregnant women. If your child is sick talk to your doctor early, get plenty of rest and drink fluids.
3. Take preventative actions that may slow the spread of germs that cause respiratory (nose, throat, and lungs) illnesses like the flu.

Spread: Flu viruses spread mainly from person to person through droplets made when a person with the flu, coughs, sneezes or talks. People infected with the flu may be able to infect others beginning day 1 before symptoms develop and up to 5-7 days after becoming sick.

Flu Symptoms include: fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headache, chills, feeling tired, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.

Preventative Actions:

1. If your child gets sick with flu-like symptoms, CDC recommends that the child stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone except to get medical care for other necessities. The fever should be gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine.
2. When sick limit contact with others as much as possible.
3. Cover nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, wash hands with soap or water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol based hand rub.
4. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
5. Clean and disinfect surface and objects that may be contaminated with germs.
6. Routinely clean frequently touched objects and surfaces like doorknobs, keyboards, and phones.
7. Contact your school nurse with questions.

Visit www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/children.htm  for more information.

Flu for newsletter-2019-Spanish

Greetings Margaret Mead Community,

This coming Thursday, November 14, Mead will be hosting a fundraiser benefiting the District 54 Food Pantry and Greater Chicago Food Depository called. “Hoops for Hope”.  Please see attached Hoops for Hope Flyer for more information.  The event is open to the entire Mead community and will be held in the Mead gymnasium from 5:00-6:30 pm.  It will feature Mead staff playing basketball games against Mead students to raise awareness and money for our District 54 Food Pantry.  Please join us in what is sure to be a fun evening for our community!

Scott

Greetings Margaret Mead Community,

At Mead, we talk a lot about being “Mead Made”.  “Mead Made” simply means being your best self in everything that you do.  These past two weeks, being “Mead Made” was on full display at Margaret Mead Junior High School.  On 10/22, our girls’ basketball teams finished their season as conference runners-up in both the regular and post-seasons.  10/22, our students participated in a “Mix It Up Lunch” where they sat at birthday month tables and then had discussions with their tablemates about similarities and differences by writing them on a “chain link” that has been connected and is on display in the cafeteria as a reminder of this day!  On 10/25, we held our first Pep Rally of the school year.  At the Pep Rally, we celebrated a successful first trimester at Mead where our Mustang Pep Band performed, several student groups were recognized, and a few of our teachers were given a “pie in the face” compliments of some of our students!

Back in August, we asked our Mustangs to display their “Mead Made” best self in three critical areas this school year: academics, character, and behavior.  As a staff, we are proud of how your children have answered the call and have exceeded expectations in these areas.  We have a fantastic group of students this school year who make it an absolute joy to educate on a daily basis. Thank you to our parents for working as partners with us to ensure your child’s success at Mead.  Together as students, staff, and parents, we can continue this “Mead Made” momentum moving forward for the rest of the year!  Please read below for more information about our goals to raise student achievement and create a positive culture at Mead.

High Student Achievement

Illinois Report Card:  The Illinois State Board of Education annually releases school report cards that show how each school, each district and the state is performing on a wide range of educational goals. The 2019 report card information posted on the state’s website at illinoisreportcard.com and on the District 54 website at sd54.org/schoolreportcards.  The illinoisreportcard.com website contains results from the Illinois Assessment of Readiness, as well as information about student and teacher demographics, enrollment and financial information. The report card also includes results from the 5Essentials survey, which was given to students in grades 6 through 8, certified staff and parents last year. If you do not have access to the Internet or prefer to receive a hard copy, you may call the school at 847-357-6000.

Report cards:  Our first trimester ends this Friday, November 8.  Reminder that District 54 releases their report card through your child’s portal.  Everyone who has a parent portal account will be able to see their children’s report cards online.  All parents and guardians who have not previously created a portal account, then please contact our front office who can assist you with sign up. If you are unable to access the parent portal and require a paper copy of your student’s report card, please contact our office.

Winter MAP test begins after Thanksgiving Break.  The students will be taking their tests in their mathematics and language arts classrooms.  Please see the testing schedule below.  We are excited to monitor the progress of the goals our students set for themselves at the beginning of the school year.  During our February student goal-setting conferences, we will share the results with you.

• Reading: All students will test in their language arts class Wednesday, 12/4 through Friday, 12/6.
• Mathematics: All students will test in their mathematics class Monday, 12/9 through Wednesday, 12/11.

Eighth Grade High School Transition: Please view the Class of 2024 Junior High Presentation High School Transition video in English and Spanish.  The videos will be posted to Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Fremd, and Conant High School’s incoming freshman webpages located here: Class of 2024 Incoming Freshman Information

5Essentials Survey:  Once again, we are reaching out to our families and asking you to participate in the annual Illinois 5Essentials Survey to provide us with your perspective and help guide our school improvement efforts. The parent survey will be available online through Feb. 14, 2020, at https://survey.5-essentials.org/Illinois.  For more information, click here to read the letter from Superintendent Andy DuRoss.

Positive School Culture

PTA:

• A BIG thank you to our PTA volunteers who gave up their lunch hour to come and serve our students pizza and hot lunches the past couple of weeks: Rita Parayno, Rosanna Elder, Beata Szkobodzinski, Julie Wolf, Joanna Martin, Christine Szarzynski, Rachel Janssen, and Lorie Simon!  ALL volunteers please stop by the office when you are here to get your complimentary “Mead Parent Volunteer” t-shirt—it is our little gift to you for donating your time to Mead!  We are in need of more volunteers for Pizza Tuesday—if you would like to volunteer, please contact Rita Parayno at 224-592-0082 or meadpizzatuesday@nullgmail.com.

• Mead Mixer: Our PTA is hosting our first “Mead Mixer” of the school year on Friday, November 8 for dads, grandfathers, and adult male role models.  The event begins at 7:00 am in the cafeteria with bagels, fruit, coffee, and milk being served.  We invite our dads, grandfathers, and important male role models to then stay for a portion of first period with your child!  Please see the flyer for more information.
• Our next PTA meeting on Tuesday, November 12 at 5:00 pm in the Mead lounge.  Please visit our Mead PTA for important information on our wonderful PTA including joining the PTA!      

Student Pick Up/Drop off:  The following are procedures that have been established to ensure our students’ safety:

• There is no adult supervision prior to the 7:30 a.m. bell.  Therefore, students should arrive at school no earlier than 7:25 a.m. (unless coming early with an authorized morning pass provided by a teacher).
• Students being dropped off by car on Biesterfield or walking to school will assemble by the main entrance, door 1, until the 7:30 a.m. bell.  Please be careful where you park and drop off your children.  Parking too close to a crosswalk can restrict pedestrian visibility and result in a ticket.  All students should exit cars from the passenger side of the car only.  All students should cross the street only at the crosswalk.
• On dangerously cold winter days, students who arrive before the 7:30 a.m. bell will be let into the school immediately upon arrival before the 7:30 a.m. bell.  In case of extreme snow, students will need to be dropped off at the crosswalk in order to safely enter the building.  Cars cannot block the driveway to let students off.
• Students taking a bus will be kept on their bus until the 7:30 a.m. bell after which they are to come directly into the school either through door 2, door 5, or door 17.
• State law requires bus drivers to use their stop signs when children are entering and leaving the bus.  Driving through the stop sign can result in a ticket.  This also holds true when students are exiting buses in the Mead parking lot.  No cars should be moving when the buses are loading and unloading students in the Mead parking lot.
• For safety reasons when busses are present, the Mead parking lot is CLOSED for car drop off during arrival 7:15-7:35 and for car pick up during dismissal 2:00-2:20 p.m.

Student safety is our top concern.  By following all posted signs and driving regulations, we can keep our children safe and help you avoid unnecessary tickets.  The police do patrol our area and they do issue tickets.  The entire Mead staff appreciates your patience and cooperation as we strive to provide a safe environment for our students.

Schaumburg Parent University (SPU) is designed to involve more parents in the life of the school, to strengthen family relationships, and to improve parenting skills that will ultimately result in improved student success academically, socially and emotionally. There are two evening programs scheduled for November. Please note that childcare is always available.

• Steps to Changing a Child’s Behavior – November 11:  Greta Nielsen, LCPC, NCC, Clinical Director and Psychotherapist at Clinical Care Consultants, will share tips, techniques and tools to build parenting skills and positive relationships with your children. Learn ways to encourage and empower your child to independently problem-solve and feel good about themselves. Minimize power struggles and tantrums, while improving communication. You will walk away with strategies for encouraging positive behaviors and stopping the negative ones by developing both natural and logical consequences. Be the effective parent you want to be by bringing calm, joy and respect to your home. This class will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11 at the District 54 Professional Learning Center, 522 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg (enter through Door C1). Adults only. Child Behavior Flyer
• ABCs of Family Fitness – November 21:  Most of us think about ABCs in terms of reading and writing. This class, guided by Melt Pilates and Yoga owner, personal trainer and yoga instructor Shannon Tampa, will focus on Abs, Biceps and Core. Support your child’s social emotional success by ensuring they stay healthy, challenged and engaged during this quality family time! This class will take place from 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21 at the District 54 Professional Learning Center, 522 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg (enter through Door C1). ABCs of Fitness flyer

To register please visit the SPU Online Form or for more information, contact Meg Kwak at 847-357-6586 or spu@nullsd54.org. Leave your name, contact information, the number of children needing childcare (free) and your child’s school.

Performers needed for Multicultural Event 2020:  Each year the District 54 Department of Language and Culture, along with the Schaumburg Park District, presents a Multicultural Event showcasing the diversity represented by students in District 54.  They are looking for groups and individuals who are interested in performing at this year’s event on Saturday, March 7.  Applications for performances will be accepted from November 14-26.  An informational meeting will be held at 3:30 on Tuesday, November 12 at the Rafferty Administration Center, 524 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg, for those who would like to apply early. Click here to access the application. You can also apply by visiting the District 54 website or by requesting a form from our building secretaries.

Social Emotional Learning:  At Mead during Advocacy, we have been talking about Responsibility and would like to share ways to continue the learning at home. Talking with your children will reinforce the social emotional life skills needed. Enjoy the valuable discussions as a family.

• How does each family member live the key of Ownership?
• How do you provide support to others who are experiencing problems?
• How can you take ownership of your community by supporting/mentoring others?
• Part of taking ownership means resisting negative influences. How has this shown up in your life? How have others in your life helped you resist negative influences?

Please complete the Parent SEL Survey sent via email a few weeks ago.  Your continued input is greatly appreciated and beneficial to ensure whole child success at Mead!

2019 Mead Family Giving Tree Project:  Our community has so much to be thankful for this holiday season; we believe there are Mead families who would like to share with those in the community who are less fortunate.  A Mead Family Giving Tree will be placed in our main office beginning Monday, November 18.  Ornaments on the tree will list “a need” and “a want” gift request for family members in the Giving Tree Project. The ornaments will have the age of the child along with a gift suggestion for the child.  We ask that all gift requests taken be wrapped with the ornament securely taped on the gift.  All gifts are due to the office by Wednesday, December 11, so gifts may be delivered to the families the week before Mead’s Winter Break.  If you would like more information about Mead’s Family Giving Tree, you can contact Beth Knief at 847-357-6034 or Kailee Falvo at 847-357-6028.

Hoops for Hope:  On November 14, Mead will be hosting a fundraiser benefitting the District 54 Food Pantry and Greater Chicago Food Depository called. “Hoops for Hope”.  Please see attached flyer for more information.  The event is open to the entire Mead community and will be held in the Mead gymnasium from 5:00-7:00 pm.  It will feature Mead staff playing a basketball game against Mead students to raise awareness and money for our District 54 Food Pantry.  Please join us in what is sure to be a fun evening for our community!

Boys Basketball, Cheer, and Poms begin their season on 11/5 vs. South, 11/7 @ Frost, 11/11 @ Ike, 11/12 @ Keller, 11/14 @ Addams, 11/18 vs. Lincoln Prairie, 11/19 vs. Frost, 11/21 vs. Ike, 11/25 vs. Keller, 12/3 vs. Addams, 12/5 @ Sundling, and 12/6, 9, and 10 @ D54 Tournament.

Please encourage your child to get involved in these upcoming Mead Club offerings: Girls Who Code, National Fluid Power Challenge, Interact Club, Newspaper Club, We Club, Club Unify, Choir Leadership Team, and Mead TV.  Please visit our Mead Clubs and Intramurals page for more information about these clubs!

Pizza Friday: Beginning this Friday November 8, we will be selling Jet’s pizza during the lunch periods.  We are charging $3.00 a slice.

District 54 Cold Weather Response Plan:  In order to help you better prepare for the severe cold weather and snow we often get during winters in our community, I wanted to share with you the District 54 Cold Weather Response Plan. Though District 54 makes every effort to keep our schools open and operational, circumstances beyond our control oftentimes dictate school closings.

Important upcoming dates:

• Friday, November 8:  Mead Mixer @ 7:00 am
• Friday, November 8:  First trimester ends
• Saturday, November 9:  Mead Night at Windy City Bulls game
• Tuesday, November 12:  PTA meeting @ 5:00 pm
• Wednesday, November 13:  Partnership Breakfast
• Thursday, November 14:  Hoops for Hope @ 5:00 pm
• November 27-29:  Thanksgiving break
• Monday, December 2:  Winter MAP begins
• Monday, December 2:  Winter Band and Orchestra Concert @ 7:00 pm
• Tuesday, December 3:  Winter Choir Concert @ 7:00 pm
• Wednesday, December 4:  Sixth Grade Parent and Student Night @ 6:00 pm
• Tuesday, December 10:  PTA meeting @ 5:00 pm
• December 21-January 5:  Winter break

Please visit our Mead JHS Website for the building calendar.  Don’t forget to “Like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay updated with the latest news and information about the great things happening at Mead.  As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.  Thank you for your continued support and commitment to ensuring your child’s educational success.

Have a great week,

Scott

Dear District 54 Families,

In order to help parents better prepare for the severe cold weather and snow we often get during winters in our community, I wanted to share with you the District 54 Severe Weather Response Plan.

Wind Chill Warning

A wind chill warning indicates that life-threatening conditions and a risk to safety exist. Measures should be taken to safeguard life and property immediately. A wind chill warning is typically issued when the wind chill will be -30 degrees Fahrenheit or colder OR the actual air temperature is -15°F.

• Classes will be cancelled.
• Extracurricular activities will be suspended.
• The announcement will be made by 6:30 a.m. at the latest. District 54 often waits until the morning to cancel school, because the weather in the Chicagoland area is constantly changing. We wait to make the decision with the hope that we can have children in school.

Wind Chill Advisory

A wind chill advisory is issued when conditions do not meet the wind chill warning criteria but still cause significant inconvenience. The weather during a wind chill advisory is not life-threatening but presents conditions that may result in inconveniences or pose moderate risk to safety. A wind chill advisory is typically issued when the wind chill is -20 degrees Fahrenheit or colder.

• Schools will be open. However, students will not be penalized should parents choose to keep their children home.
• Extracurricular activities may be suspended if conditions persist. Updates will be posted on school websites and parents will receive an email if after-school activities are cancelled.
• All field trips will be cancelled.
• All outside activities will be suspended, including recess and outdoor physical education.

The National Weather Service (NWS) will be the meteorological source District 54 uses to determine and declare a wind chill warning or wind chill advisory. www.weather.gov.

School Closing – Sources of Information

If District 54 were to close school, we will notify families and staff using a variety of communication methods. For more information on that, visit our School Cancellations website.

Parents are asked to please not call their local school or the District 54 administrative offices for information on school closings. Switchboards must remain open for emergency purposes.

I would like to remind all of you to consider now, what kind of alternative child care arrangements need to be made for your children should our school be closed for inclement weather or other related emergencies. Though District 54 makes every effort to keep our schools open and operational, circumstances beyond our control oftentimes dictate school closings. Who would supervise your children if school was closed for the day, or if school had to close early (due to broken water pipes, power failure, accumulating snowfall, etc.)?

Most importantly, remember that you, the parent or guardian, ultimately make the decision whether to send your child to school. If you do decide to keep your child home on a day in which the weather is extremely inclement, the absence will be considered excused and your child will be given every opportunity to make up missed work. Please call your children’s schools and let them know.

Again, I would urge you to initiate a plan of action now, so that you are not placed in a position of having no emergency child care arrangements made should the time arise. In addition, please be sure to discuss these arrangements with your children so that they are aware of your plan.

​​​​​​​Sincerely,

Superintendent Andrew DuRoss

If your student plans to try out for one of our athletic teams and/or participate in intramurals, an approved and current physical is required to be on file prior to try-outs or any participation in an inter-scholastic/intramural sport per Board Policy. All new students entering our district must present proof of immunizations and a health examination prior to the first day of attendance. Please note that physicals are good for one year from the date of the exam. If you have additional questions about your child’s physical, please contact our school nurse.

Interscholastic Sports Permission form

The following are procedures which have been established because student safety is our primary concern. We understand that some procedures may inconvenience you, but as stated above, safety is our primary concern.

• There is no adult supervision prior to the 7:30 a.m. bell. Therefore, students should arrive at school no earlier than 7:25 a.m. (unless coming early with an authorized morning pass provided by a teacher).
• Students being dropped off by car on Biesterfield or walking to school will assemble by the main entrance, door 1, until the 7:30 a.m. bell. Please be careful where you park and drop off your children. Parking too close to a crosswalk can restrict pedestrian visibility and result in a ticket. All students should exit cars from the passenger side of the car only. All students should cross the street only at the crosswalk.
• On dangerously cold winter days, students who arrive before the 7:30 a.m. bell will be let into the school immediately upon arrival before the 7:30 a.m. bell. In case of extreme snow, students will need to be dropped off at the crosswalk in order to safely enter the building. Cars cannot block the driveway to let students off.
• Students taking a bus will be kept on their bus until the 7:30 a.m. bell after which they are to come directly into the school either through main entrance door 1.
• State law requires bus drivers to use their stop signs when children are entering and leaving the bus. Driving through the stop sign can result in a ticket. This also holds true when students are exiting buses in the Mead parking lot. No cars should be moving when the buses are loading and unloading students in the Mead parking lot.
• For safety reasons when busses are present, the Mead parking lot is CLOSED for car drop off during arrival 7:15-7:35 and for car pick up during dismissal 2:00-2:20 p.m.

Student safety is our top concern. By following all posted signs and driving regulations we can keep our children safe and help you avoid unnecessary tickets. The police do patrol our area and they do issue tickets. The entire Mead staff appreciates your patience and cooperation as we strive to provide a safe environment for our students.