Happy Friday to all John Muir Families! Our students worked diligently this week to complete their MAP testing. Students used their testing time wisely and worked extremely hard to answer all of their grade level questions. It was exciting to see how proud our students were reflecting on their own individual success. A special thank you our parents and to the staff of John Muir School for the daily hard work and effort you share with each and every John Muir student. Success is contagious and our students really displayed this successful attitude with each other, their parents and teachers. Kudos to the John Muir Literacy Academy!
Please take a few minutes to explore all of the important information shared in this week’s Falcons Messenger:

Incoming 6th Grade Parent Night

This informational night is a great opportunity to find out some useful tips for a smooth transition into Eisenhower Junior High. This event will take place on Wednesday, December 12th from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. Our partnership with Eisenhower is important for the success of your child. Eisenhower looks forward to meeting you and answering any questions you may have about Eisenhower and about the transition to junior high. Student selection sheets will be distributed to Muir sixth graders on December 10th. Their selection sheets will be due back to their sixth grade teacher on Friday, December 14th.

John Muir PTA Holiday Shop
The PTA Holiday Shop will held Wednesday, December 19th in the Muir gym. Students may bring money to school on that day to purchase holidays gifts for the siblings, parents, guardians and/or friends. Detailed information will be coming home shortly with your students. Please note that students are not obligated to make purchases here at Muir, but to use this opportunity to find gifts that are priced reasonably for student purchases.

District 54 Education Foundation
The Windy City Bulls will host a District 54 takeover night on Friday, December 14 at the Sears Center 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! https://groupmatics.events/event/D54Night. 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. The Windy City Bulls will host an assembly at the school that sells the most tickets.

Schaumburg Parent University – December
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 evening program scheduled for December. Please note that child care is always available.

Get Your Game On – December 4: Monopoly your game choice? Maybe Pictionary? They got nothing on this night! Come to our Family Game Night and not only will you learn new games, you are will make them from scratch! In this session families will create and play their own games; an hour of uninterrupted, no electronic, family together time. The best part is you get to take your game home with you so that the fun can continue! Parents and students in kindergarten and older are welcome. This event will take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on December 4, 2018, at the District 54 Professional Learning Center, 522 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. Get You Game On Flyer
To register 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.

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 Severe Cold Weather Response Plan. Though District 54 makes every effort to keep our schools open and operational, circumstances beyond our control oftentimes dictate school close.

El Plan del Distrito 54 para Responder a las Inclemencias del Tiempo Frio
Con el fin de ayudarles a prepararse para las inclemencias del tiempo frío y la nieve que a menudo recibimos durante el invierno en nuestra comunidad, quisiera compartir con ustedes el Plan del Distrito 54 para responder a las inclemencias del tiempo frio. Aunque el Distrito 54 hace todos los esfuerzos para mantener las escuelas abiertas y funcionando, a veces circunstancias fuera de nuestro control dictan la cancelación de clases.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.

NOTE: The National Weather Service (NWS) will be the source we use to declare a wind chill warning or wind chill advisory. http://www.weather.gov.

Dear Muir community,

It is my pleasure to be back in District 54, serving as the Muir interim principal while Mrs. Allar is on maternity leave.

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 2018 report card information is posted on the state’s website at www.illinoisreportcard.com. District 54 will also make it available on our website at http://sd54.org/schoolreportcards.

The illinoisreportcard.com website contains results from the PARCC assessment, as well as information about student and teacher demographics, enrollment, district-level financial information. The report card also includes results from the 5Essentials survey, which was given to students in grades 4 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) 357-6444. If you want copies of the report cards from more than one of District 54’s schools, please call the District 54 Community Relations Department at (847) 357-5027.

Schaumburg Parent University – November classes
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 child care is always available.

• Secret Service Internet Safety Class – November 5 The U.S. Secret Service will educate parents on how they can keep their children safe online. Topics will include inappropriate content, privacy, sexting, cyberbullying and digital citizenship. This event will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on November 5 2018, at the District 54 Professional Learning Center, 522 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. Secret Service Internet Safety Class Flyer
• Mindful Meditation – November 14 As part of our ongoing focus on student wellness, we invite parents and their children to join us in learning how to use the power of something super simple – your breath – to improve concentration, reduce stress, improve quality of sleep and help you handle your response (both emotional and physical) to outside circumstances and situations. Please bring your own yoga mat or a towel to sit on during meditation. This event will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on November 14, 2018, at the District 54 Professional Learning Center, 522 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. Mindful Meditation Flyer

To register 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.

Boleta de Calificaciones de Illinois
La Junta de Educación del Estado de Illinois publica anualmente los informes escolares que muestran cómo cada escuela, cada distrito y el estado se están desempeñando en una amplia gama de objetivos educativos. Se espera que la información de la boleta de calificaciones de 2018 se publique el miércoles 31 de octubre en el sitio web del estado en www.illinoisreportcard.com. El Distrito 54 también lo pondrá a disposición en nuestro sitio web en http://sd54.org/schoolreportcards.

El sitio web  illinoisreportcard.com  contiene los resultados de la evaluación PARCC, así como información sobredatos demográficos de estudiantes y maestros, inscripciones e información financiera a nivel de distrito. La boleta de calificaciones también incluye los resultados de la encuesta 5Essentials, que se entregó a los estudiantes de los grados 4to a 8vo, el personal certificado y a los padres el año pasado.

Si usted no tiene acceso a Internet o prefiere recibir una copia impresa, puede llamar a la escuela al (847) 357-6444. Si desea copias de las boletas de calificaciones de más de una de las escuelas del Distrito 54, llame al Departamento de Relaciones Comunitarias del Distrito 54 al (847) 357-5027.

La Universidad Schaumburg para Padres – Clases de noviembre
La idea de la Universidad para Padres es envolver más a los padres in la vida escolar, para fortalecer las relaciones familiares, y mejorar los conocimientos de crianza que finalmente resultarán en un mejor éxito académico, social y emocional del estudiante. Hay dos programas nocturnos para noviembre. El cuidado de niños está siempre disponible.

• Clase de seguridad de internet del Servicio Secreto de los Estados Unidos – 5 de noviembre El Servicio Secreto de EE. UU. educará a los padres sobre cómo pueden mantener seguros a sus hijos en línea. Los temas incluirán contenido inapropiado, privacidad, sexting, cyberbullying y ciudadanía digital. Sólo para adultos. Este evento tendrá lugar a las 6 p.m. el 5 de noviembre en el Centro de Aprendizaje Profesional del Distrito 54, 522 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg, IL 60194. Clase de seguridad de internet del Servicio Secreto de los Estados Unidos
• Meditación de Plenitud Mental – 14 de noviembre Como parte de nuestro enfoque continuo en el bienestar de los estudiantes, invitamos a los padres y sus hijos a unirse a nosotros para aprender a usar el poder de algo súper simple: su respiración – para mejorar la concentración, reducir el estrés, mejorar la calidad del sueño y ayudarlo a manejar su respuesta (tanto emocional como física) a circunstancias y situaciones externas. Por favor traiga su propia estera de yoga o una toalla para sentarse durante la meditación.  Este evento tendrá lugar de 6:30 a 7:30 p.m. el 14 de noviembre de 2018, en el Centro de Aprendizaje Profesional del Distrito 54, 522 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. Meditación de Plenitud Mental 

Regístrese con Barb Velez al 847-357-5074 o spu@nullsd54.org. Por favor, dejar su nombre, información de contacto, número de participantes, número de niños necesitando cuidado de niños (gratis) y la escuela de su hijo/a. Los intérpretes están disponibles por solicitud.

Sincerely,

Interim Principal Pamela C. Samson

Thank you to the PTA for sponsoring such a fun event last evening. Our families enjoyed decorating pumpkins, playing bingo and dancing with Ms. Aguayo. Please read below for important information coming up in the Muir Community!

Leave

As many of you are probably aware, I am expecting baby #2. Today was my last day with students as we prepare for the arrival of our new son. While I am gone, Pam Samson, former District 54 Principal, will be coming in to support the building. In addition, Mrs. Garza will be coming back in to support on a part-time basis. If you have any concerns or questions regarding your child, please reach out to Ms. Burke or Mrs. Samson. I will miss everyone while I am gone and look forward to seeing you when I return.

Twitter

We use Twitter to share and celebrate the wonderful things happening at Muir. The following staff members have new Twitter pages. Please follow me @carolyn_allar and our Muir page @WeAreMuir54.

Mrs. Michelini-Paraprofessional (6^th grade)-@MicheliniTara

Halloween

Halloween is next week!. We will be celebrating with a parade for Kindergarten-3^rd grade beginning at 1:15 and classroom parties will follow. As a reminder, Halloween is on a Wednesday and we dismiss at 2:30. Our office will close at 3:00.

Spirit Days

Below are the Spirit Days for the entire year. We encourage all students to participate to show are unity! We Are Muir!

Wednesday, October 31-Halloween

Monday, November 12-Red, White and Blue Day

Wednesday, December 19-Favorite Day (wear your favorite outfit, color, sports team, etc)

Wednesday, January 30-Hat Day

Wednesday, February 27-Dress to Impress Day

Wednesday, March 20-Orange Day

Wednesday, April 24-Sports Day

Wednesday, May 29-Mix and Match Day

District 54 Education Foundation – Upcoming Support Opportunity

The Windy City Bulls will host a District 54 takeover night on Friday, December 14 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. The Windy City Bulls will host an assembly at the school that sells the most tickets.

Próxima oportunidad de apoyo  a la  Fundación educativa del Distrito 54

Los Windy City Bulls albergara una noche de compra de boletos dedicada al Distrito 54 el viernes 14 de diciembre en el Sears Center Arena de Hoffman Estates, y una parte de los ingresos de cada boleto comprado se donará a la Fundación Educativa del Distrito 54.

¡Haga clic aquí para obtener más información o para comprar boletos!

La noche de adquisición de boletos a beneficio del Distrito 54 contará con estudiantes del Distrito 54 que participaran en presentaciones y otras experiencias en la cancha antes y durante el juego, y un partido de baloncesto de entre los participantes del programa de Olimpiadas Especiales del Distrito 54 durante el medio tiempo.

Los Windy City Bulls participaran en una asamblea en la escuela que venda la mayor cantidad de boletos.

Important Dates

10/30-Picture re-takes

10/31-Halloween Parade-1:15-parties to follow

11/6-No School

11/12-Red, White and Blue Spirit Day

11/13-PTA Meeting-6:00 p.m.

Muir PTA’s annual Pumpkin Decorating Night will take place on Thursday, October 25 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.  Every Muir student that brings in a pumpkin will be given a free bag of decorating supplies.

There will be some free games, activities, art stations and prizes.  Nachos, hot dogs and drinks will be available for sale.

We hope to see you there.

Parent Teacher Conferences-1/2 Day-Dismissal @11:40 a.m on Thursday, October 4.  Student-led conferences take place on Friday, October 5, but otherwise there is no school.

The Scholastic Book Fair will also be held during conferences in the main hallway by the gym.

Hopefully all Muir students brought home a reminder today that tomorrow is Picture Day.   Muir students and staff will be taking their pictures on Wednesday morning.

We hope to see the brightest smiles on Wednesday.

We have had a great week at Muir. Our students have been goal-setting with their teachers after their MAP test and will share those goals with you at conferences. We will have our PBIS Celebration this Friday with an outdoor Scavenger Hunt! Please see below for important information in the Muir Community.

Twitter

We use Twitter to share and celebrate the wonderful things happening at Muir. The following staff members have new Twitter pages. Please follow me @carolyn_allar and our Muir page @WeAreMuir54.

Spirit Days

Below are the Spirit Days for the entire year. We encourage all students to participate to show are unity! We Are Muir!

Wednesday, October 31-Halloween

Monday, November 12-Red, White and Blue Day

Wednesday, December 19-Favorite Day (wear your favorite outfit, color, sports team, etc)

Wednesday, January 30-Hat Day

Wednesday, February 27-Dress to Impress Day

Wednesday, March 20-Orange Day

Wednesday, April 24-Sports Day

Wednesday, May 29-Mix and Match Day

PTA News

Our next PTA meeting is Tuesday, October 9^th at 6:00 p.m. in the teacher’s lounge. We would love to see you there! Below is a link to our PTA newsletter.

PTA Newsletter

Universal Screener

As a school, we strive to meet the needs of the whole child, including the social-emotional needs of every student.  Our teachers know your child by name and by need and we work hard to build relationships and understand all of our learners.  To better ensure we support every student, this year we will be using a universal screener to help us ensure we have identified every student who may need additional social-emotional support. 

The universal screener is a series of questions that staff members complete for the students they support. Students do not participate in the screener or receive direct feedback about the results. If your child has elevated risk factors identified through this screener, we would contact you directly to discuss how we can work together to intervene and support your student.  This is simply one additional way for our staff make sure we are helping every student be successful.  If you have any questions about the screener, please feel free to contact me. 

Important Dates

9/25-Title I Family Math Night @6:00 p.m.

9/26-Picture Day

10/4-Parent Teacher Conferences-1/2 Day-Dismissal @11:40 a.m.

10/5-Parent Teacher Conferences-No School

10/8-Columbus Day-No School

10/9-PTA Meeting @6:00 p.m.

Curriculum Night at Muir will be on September 5, 2018.  Students will be supervised in Art, Music, PE or LMC while their parents listen to presentations.

Mrs. Allar and Mrs. Burke will present in the gym from 6:00-6:30 followed by presentations in the classrooms.  We hope to see all of you here.

• Schaumburg Parent University – September classes
  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 September. Please note that child care is always available.
• Springboard for a Healthy Lifestyle – Do you want to embrace a healthy lifestyle? Are you interested in participating in the District 54 Run to Read with your child, but don’t know where to start? Come to this free educational seminar for adults only and get your new healthy life started on the right foot. Hear from experts from Dick Pond Athletics as they discuss many topics including how to get started, proper stretching and recovery, information on a free Walk2Run program and more. This event will take place at 7 p.m. on September 4, 2018, at the District 54 Professional Learning Center, 522 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg.
• The Happiness Advantage – Happiness is not something that happens to you but rather a choice you can make to lead a more fulfilling and enriching life. Research shows that choosing happiness has an advantage beyond simply feeling good. Come learn about the benefits of positive psychology and experience it firsthand through fun and interactive activities. Parents, guardians and students in third through eighth grade are welcome to attend. This event will take place at 6:30 p.m. on September 27, 2018, at the District 54 Professional Learning Center, 522 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg.
  To register or for more information, contact Meg Kwak at (847) 357-6586 or spu@nullsd54.org. Leave your name, contact information, the number of children requiring free childcare and the name of your child’s school.
• Universidad de padres de Schaumburg – Clases de septiembre
  La Universidad de padres de Schaumburg (SPU) está diseñada para involucrar a más padres en la vida de la escuela, para fortalecer las relaciones familiares y mejorar las habilidades de crianza que en última instancia se traduce en mejor éxito de los estudiantes académicamente, socialmente y emocionalmente. Hay dos noches programadas para el mes de septiembre. Habrá cuidado de niños.
• Una plataforma para un estilo de vida saludable – ¿Quiere abrazar un estilo de vida saludable? ¿Está interesado en participar en el día anual Corre para Leer “Run to Read” del Distrito 54 con tu hijo/a, pero no sabe dónde empezar? Vega a este seminario educativo gratuito solo para adultos y de comienzo su nueva vida saludable con el pie derecho. Escuche de expertos de Dick Pond Athletics mientras discuten muchos temas, incluyendo cómo comenzar una rutina, estiramiento adecuado y recuperación, información sobre el programa gratuito Caminar para Correr “Walk2Run” y mucho más. Este evento tendrá lugar a las 7 p.m. el 4 de septiembre en el Centro de Aprendizaje Profesional del Distrito 54, 522 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg.
• Ventaja de felicidad – La felicidad no es algo que te sucede, sino más bien una elección que puedes hacer para llevar una vida más satisfactoria y enriquecedora. Las investigaciones muestran que elegir la felicidad tiene una ventaja más allá de simplemente sentirse bien. Venga a conocer los beneficios de la psicología positiva y experimente de primera mano a través de actividades divertidas e interactivas. Los padres, tutores y estudiantes de tercer a octavo grado son bienvenidos. Este evento tendrá lugar a las 6:30 p.m. el 27 de septiembre en el Centro de Aprendizaje Profesional del Distrito 54, 522 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg.
• Regístrese con Barb Velez al 847-357-5074 o spu@nullsd54.org. Para más información sobre Universidad de padres de Schaumburg y registrarse, visite nuestro sitio web en https://sd54.org/spu-Spanish.

Important Dates
8/27-MAP Testing begins
9/3-Labor Day-No School
9/5-Curriculum Night-6:00-7:30
9/11-PTA Meeting @6:00 p.m.

Office Hours

The Muir office will be open beginning August 6th from 8:00AM-3:00PM. As a note, the office will be closed on Thursday, August 16th as all staff will be participating in a professional development opportunity to better serve our students. However, the office will reopen at 4:30 that evening for our Back to School Night event.

Registration

Please make sure you have registered your child for the 2018-2019 school year to ensure your child is placed in a classroom. Registration now requires all students to prove residency. Students who are not registered will not be assigned to a classroom. If you rent, please bring in current lease and two current utilities bills. If you own your home, please bring in current property tax bill or current mortgage statement along with two current utility bills. If you will be registering your child for kindergarten, the child’s birth certificate or passport will also be required.

Important Dates

Thursday, August 16th Class Rosters Posted (1-6 grade)

Class lists will be available just outside the main office by entering Muir through the main entrance during our Back to School Night from 4:30-6:30. Kindergarten class rosters will be finalized after kindergarten screening and will be available outside the main office on Friday, August 24th from 12:00-3:30.

Thursday, August 16th Back to School Night

From 4:30-6:30 we will have an open house at Muir where students can drop off their school supplies, meet their teacher and enjoy a light snack from our PTA. We will also be selling Muir spirit wear and you will have the opportunity to join our Muir PTA. We hope to see all of you there!

Monday, August 20th First Day of School 1-6

Students should arrive between 8:25-8:30 each day and lineup with their teachers. Just as a reminder, the parking lot closes at 8:20 and 2:55 each day for arrival and dismissal. Instruction begins at 8:40 so it is very important that students arrive on time.

Monday, August 27th First Day of School for Kindergarten

Monday, September 3rd-Labor Day-No School

Wednesday, September 5th-Curriculum Night-6:00-7:30