Dear Collins Community,
We have had a fantastic start to the school year! It is so wonderful to hear and feel the energy and excitement in the hallways and classrooms that comes with starting a new school year. We loved hearing about everyone’s summer adventures and especially loved to hear that so many students felt ready to get back into the routine of the school day.
We are looking forward to welcoming our kindergarten students on their first day of school this coming Monday, August 26. All kindergarteners will line up on the North side of the building on black top with their teacher prior to entering the school on the first day only, see below for more information.
First day of School for Kindergarten Students – Monday, August 26th
Thank you for bringing your kindergartener in this week to meet some of our staff for screening. We are very excited to have them join us at school on Monday. Classroom teachers will greet the kindergarten students outside starting at 8:15 AM the first day of school only on the North side of the building (map attached titled “Collins Kindergarten First Day Line Up 2019”). Lining up outside will provide you the opportunity to see you child’s teacher, snap a photo and wish them a great day. Students will enter the building together with their teacher. We ask that you say good-bye to your child at the school doors. Only students will enter the building – even on the first day of school.

At the end of the day, if your kindergartener is a busser, the teachers and patrols will put them on their busses. If they are a walker the teachers will meet the parents/guardians in the back of the building outside doors 5 and 6.

Collins Kindergarten First Day Line Up 2019.pdf

Parking Lot Drop-Off Reminders

Our lot is closed to all moving traffic except buses from approximately 8:25-8:40 and 2:55-3:10.
The front loop of the parking lot will be open for car traffic/parent drop off from 8:15-8:25 each morning. At 8:25, or when the first bus arrives, barricades will go up at the entrance closing the lot to car traffic.
All traffic will use the lane closest to the school to drop off students. All other parking lot lanes will be closed from 8:15-8:40 to eliminate cars pulling in and out of parking spots during this time. Should parents park in the parking spot prior to 8:15, we ask that they remain parked there until 8:40 after all busses have unloaded and departed.
Doors (1, 2 and 8) will be open for students to stand in the foyer from 8:20-8:25 every morning. At the 8:25 bell, students will go to their classrooms.
We ask that all traffic pull as far up to the end of the front loop to drop off students. Staff members will be posted along the front lane to assist with drop off and keep traffic moving. (see attached map below) Please be mindful of their requests to pull up as far as possible before allowing students out of your vehicle. By pulling forward, we will decrease the back-up on Summit.
Parents should stay in the car and the student(s) must exit through the passenger side of the car only with all of their belongings. Please note, in order to successfully keep the traffic moving, students should be ready to hop out quickly.
All traffic exiting the parking lot during morning drop off will be asked to make a right turn only onto Summit between 8:15 and 8:40.
For the safety of our students and staff, all vehicular traffic in the drop off lane needs to be in single file. Cars should not attempt to go around any stopped daycare busses and/or cars.

MAP
We will begin MAP testing on Monday, August 26th. The information we gain from this assessment is extremely valuable to us. We use this information to determine the strengths of our students as well as the areas we need to focus on for the year. I have attached the testing schedule for your reference.
Collins Fall MAP Schedule.pdf
Curriculum Nights – Tuesday August 27th and Wednesday, August 28th
Our Curriculum Night(s) will be held on two separate evenings again this year. Parents of students in grades K, 2, 4, and 6 are invited to attend on Tuesday, August 27th. Parents of students in grades kindergarten, 1st, 3rd and 5th are invited to attend on Wednesday, August 28th.
Both evenings will begin in the Collins gym with a short presentation followed by classroom presentations. On Tuesday, August 27th there will also be a brief PTA meeting in the gym prior to the classroom presentations. Each teacher will give the exact same presentation two times throughout the evening. During the classroom sessions, our teachers will be sharing valuable information about your child’s curriculum, classroom procedures, and our school wide behavioral program.
There will be an Elementary Instructional Device Presentation held for all parents regarding Chromebooks and iPads in the gym. We will conduct the first presentation in the gym at 5:30 and repeat the exact same presentation during the second classroom session, which begins at 6:55 in the gym. Come to hear about acceptable usage, student responsibilities and insurance options. If you are unable to attend curriculum night and would like the information that was shared, please touch base with your child’s classroom teacher and they will be happy to provide you with the information.

August 27 Curriculum Night 2019.pdf
August 28 Curriculum Night 2019.pdf
Fees Reminder
You can pay your students fees through your parent portal account. This includes your $50 consumable fee, optional instructional device insurance (grades 3-8 only), and milk.
If you believe your student will qualify for the Free Lunch Program and therefore will qualify for a fee waiver, do not pay the consumable material fee at this time. Applications for the Free Lunch Program are available online and in the school office.
The consumable fee will increase by $15 if payment is not received by November 15th, $25 if not received by February 1st, and $35 if not received by April 1st.
If you would like to purchase instructional device insurance but do not have the option to do so through your portal, please contact our school office for assistance. Instructional device insurance must be purchased by September 1st.

Lunch Information
Milk order forms were sent home in your child’s blue Collins folder. You can also order milk online through the parent portal. We will not be distributing milk to any student that has not ordered or been approved for milk. Please be sure to send a beverage with your student if you have not completed the milk order form yet.
11:15 – 11:35 3rd and 5th recess, 4th and 6th eat

11:35 – 12:00 4th and 6th recess, 3rd and 5th eat

12:00 – 12:20 1st and 2nd recess, kindergarteners eat

12:20 – 12:45 kindergarteners recess, 1st and 2nd eat​​​​​​​
Safety Drills
Your child’s safety and well-being is extremely important to District 54. It is essential for all students and staff members to be aware of the necessary procedures that need to be followed in the event of an emergency. The Illinois School Code directs that all schools participate in Fire, Severe Weather, Bus Evacuation, and Emergency Response Drills throughout the school year.
Periodically, the required drills are practiced by all students and staff members. We are confident, through practice and discussion, your child will be better prepared should a challenging situation arise.
Crisis Plan and Drill Parent Letter – English
Crisis Plan and Drill Parent Letter – Spanish

Support the Foundation at Septemberfest
The District 54 Education Foundation is raising funds for District 54 students over Labor Day weekend at Schaumburg’s Septemberfest. You can support the Foundation by parking your car for $5 at Collins School, 407 S. Summit Drive, Schaumburg, on Saturday and Sunday, August 31 and September 1. Summit is located between Roselle and Plum Grove roads. The Foundation is also participating in Not-for-Profit Day on Monday, Sept. 2, at Septemberfest. Purchase food from our partner, Riccardo’s Ristorante, and the profits will support District 54 students.
The Foundation is committed to ensuring that all District 54 students have the same opportunities by funding breakfast programs for students from financially struggling families to ensure that they begin their day ready to learn, and grants to students from financially struggling families so that they may participate in extracurricular activities.
For more about the Foundation, visit www.d54foundation.org.
Run to Read
District 54 is hosting its annual Run to Read, which will be held on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019 at Dirksen Elementary School in Schaumburg. The day includes school mascot races at 7:30 a.m., 100-yard and 400-yard dashes for children at 8 a.m., a 5K run at 9 a.m. and a 1-mile family walk at 9:15 a.m. Although you can register at any time, even the morning of the race, you will save $5 and be guaranteed a Tshirt in the size you requested if you register by Friday August 30. The Run to Read is an awesome opportunity to promote healthy living by encouraging your children to exercise, or even better, by joining them on the walk or run. The event also supports our goal of collecting 1,000 children’s books for every classroom in District 54. To register, visit sd54.org/runtoread.

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 childcare is always available and interpreters are available upon request.

Understanding College and How to Plan Early: 6-7:30 p.m. on Sept. 12

Learn how planning early can help you maximize your options for college. Harper College representatives will discuss the various types of colleges and degrees, how to make college affordable and what a college education will mean for your child. Presentation in English and Spanish. Adults only.

Fostering Healthy & Productive Parent-Child Communication: 5:30-7 p.m. on Sept. 30

This interactive seminar, led by Dr. Nirmeen Rajani, Clinical Psychologist at Psychology Center Schaumburg, will teach parents and children/adolescents effective parent-child communication strategies. Ages 10-17 and parents welcome.
These events will take place at the District 54 Professional Learning Center, 522 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. Please register by visiting https://goo.gl/TB49x7. For more information, contact Meg Kwak at 847-357-2154 or spu@nullsd54.org

La Universidad Schaumburg para Padres – Clases de septiembre

La idea de la Universidad para Padres está diseñada para involucrar más a los padres en 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 septiembre. El cuidado de niños está siempre disponible y los intérpretes están disponibles, pero deberá solicitarlo de antemano.

Cómo Entender y Planificar con Tiempo para a Universidad– 12 de septiembre 6–7:30 p.m.

Aprenda cómo planificar con suficiente tiempo para maximizar sus opciones sobre la universidad. Harper College discutirán los diversos tipos de universidades y programas para adquirir títulos, cómo planificar temprano, cómo hacer que la Universidad sea accesible y qué significa que su hijo tenga acceso a educación universitaria. Sólo para adultos.

Fomentando la comunicación saludable y productiva entre padres e hijos – 30 de septiembre 5:30–7 p.m.

Este seminario interactivo, dirigido por el Dr. Nirmeen Rajani, psicólogo clínico del Centro de Psicología de Schaumburg, enseñará a los padres y a los niños / adolescentes estrategias efectivas de comunicación entre padres e hijos. Están bienvenidos en edades 10-17 con sus padres.
Estos eventos se llevarán a cabo en el Centro de Aprendizaje Profesional del Distrito 54, ubicado en el 522 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. Regístrese visitando https://goo.gl/TB49x7. Para obtener más información, comuníquese con Barb Velez al 847-357-5074 o spu@nullsd54.org.

Important Dates
August 26th – First Day of School for Kindergarten
August 26th – Sept. 13th – MAP Assessment Window
August 27th – Curriculum Night (grades K,2,4,6) & General PTA meeting (see attached flyer for times)
August 28th – Curriculum Night (grades 1,3,5) (see attached flyer for times)
Sept. 2nd – No School Labor Day
Sept. 9th – Picture Day

Sincerely,

Nell Haack and Katie Kurtz

Principal Assistant Principal

Dear Collins community,

We are looking forward to seeing you and your families this coming Thursday, August 15^th,  for our Annual Back to School Picnic/Teacher Meet & Greet! We are all ready to welcome our students back from their summer adventures.  We wanted to send along important information regarding the first day line-up, arrival and dismissal procedures along with upcoming events.  Please read all the information below and the attached documents for more information.

New Collins Staff
Please help us welcome our new Collins staff members!  Sam Daly 3rd grade, Lily Phillips 5th grade, Jennifer Schiro 5th grade, Becca Weisz Art Itinerant, Kevin Hurt PE Itinerant, Laurey Benshish SLP, Sherry Magnuson long term sub for Ashley Winstead, Haneen Abbasi School Psychologist, Jennifer Gilligan Nurse, Jackie Romano EL Resource, and Christine Ruhl Paraprofessional, Jean LaPorte K-1 Acceleration teacher

Office Hours – Building Closed Thursday, August 15th  until 1:00 PM
Please remember our building will be closed from until 1:00 PM this coming Thursday, August 15th.  Our entire staff will be attending a District 54 back to school event together.  Our office will be open Thursday, August 15th from 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM, Friday August 16th 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM.  If you have any questions, please call our office at 847-357-6100.

Annual Collins Back to School Picnic/Teacher Meet & Greet – Thursday, August 15th
This is my absolute favorite evening of the school year! Please join us this Thursday for our Back to School Picnic/Teacher Meet & Greet.  The picnic will take place behind Collins school on the black top and in Apollo Park.  Classroom open house visits and supply drop off will take place between 4:30-6:00 PM. The picnic will be from 5:00-7:00 PM.  There will be food and beverages available for purchase from a variety of vendors for your convenience.  Food sales will take place between 5:00-7:00.  This is a wonderful opportunity for you to come meet the Collins staff, other Collins families, join PTA, and much more!

First Day of School for 1st-6th Grades – Monday, August 19^th  
Our first day is less than one week away!  As in years past, for the first day only, students will line up outside between 8:15 AM and 8:40 AM with their classmates and teachers.  We have attached the map for your reference.   Staff will be available to direct students that may be getting off a bus or unsure of where to go for the first day. We ask that you say good-bye to your child in line or at the school doors. Only students will enter the building, even on the first day of school. Several staff members will be on hand to assist any children that are unsure of where to go.  The school day begins at 8:40 AM and will dismiss at our regular time of 3:00 PM.

Collins First Day Line Up 2019.pdf

*Information for kindergarteners first day will be coming soon.

Arrival and Dismissal
We strive to provide a safe and efficient process for both arrival and dismissal.  We appreciate your cooperation and we thank you for helping out by doing your part in keeping our students safe on their way to and from school.  Please speak to your child(ren) prior to the start of the school day about how they are getting home each day to avoid any confusion.  Please read the attached letter for details.

Arrival_and_Dismissal_Procedures 2019.2020.pdf

Curriculum Nights – Tuesday August 27^th and Wednesday, August 28^th 
Save the date(s)!  Our Curriculum Night(s) will be held on two separate evenings again this year in an attempt to limit the traffic.  Kindergarten, 2nd, 4th and 6th grade teachers will be prepared to welcome parents and talk through their curriculum and expectations for the year on Tuesday, on August 27th.   Teachers in grades 1st, 3rd and 5th will be presenting on Wednesday, August 28th.

Both evenings will begin at 6:00 PM in the Collins gym with a short presentation followed by classroom presentations.  On Tuesday, August 28th there will also be a brief PTA meeting in the gym prior to the classroom presentations. During the classroom presentations, our teachers will be sharing valuable information about your child’s curriculum, classroom procedures, and our school wide behavioral program.

Specifics on the session times will be sent as the dates get closer.

Important Dates
August 15^th   – Annual Collins Back to School Picnic/Teacher Meet & Greet (4:30-6:00 classrooms 5:00-7:00 Picnic)
August 19^th   – First Day of School Grades 1-6
August 26^th   – First Day of School for Kindergarten
August 27^th  – Curriculum Night (Kindergarten, 2^nd, 4^th and 6^th)  & General PTA meeting 6:00 PM
August 28^th  – Curriculum Night (grades 1^st, 3^rd and 5^th)
Sept. 2^nd – No School Labor Day
Sept. 9^th  – Picture Day

Sincerely,

Nell Haack   and   Katie Kurtz

Principal                   Assistant Principal

In order to help parents better prepare for the severe cold weather and snow we often get during winters in our community, we 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.

Dear District 54 community,

Due to the dangerously cold wind chill, District 54 is cancelling all after-school and evening activities today, January 29. This does not include the after-school childcare programs at our schools run by the park districts and YMCA.

In addition, District 54 schools and the Rafferty Center will be closed on Wednesday, January 30 and Thursday, January 31. After-school and evening activities are also cancelled on January 30 and 31, including the Open Enrollment Fair. When schools are closed for a full day, the child care programs are also cancelled at our schools. People interested in open enrollment schools for their children, click here to view the list of school visitation dates and times.

District 54 makes every effort to keep our schools open, but circumstances beyond our control, such as extreme weather, sometimes dictate that we close. Our top concern is whether we believe the more than 15,000 students we serve and our employees can get to school safely whether they walk, take a bus or ride in a car. The National Weather Service has issued a wind chill warning until noon Thursday, which calls for wind chill values as low as -55.

Thank you for your understanding and support. For more information about our notification procedures and a link to our Severe Cold Weather Response Plan, you can visit https://sd54.org/schoolcancellations.

Childcare Options

• The Campanelli YMCA, 300 W. Wise Road, Schaumburg, will offer a drop-in childcare program for students in kindergarten through sixth grade on THURSDAY ONLY. The YMCA will be closed on Wednesday. For Thursday – the cost is $40 per child for YMCA members and $45 for nonmembers. Send your child with a lunch and a drink. Registration occurs at the Y front desk, limited on a first-come/first-served basis. R
• The Hoffman Estates Park District will offer childcare for children in kindergarten through sixth grade from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday. The cost is $50 per child. Registration is on a first-come/first-served basis. Register online at [heparks.org]heparks.org and use code 156415-AA for Wednesday or code 156415-AB for Thursday. You can also register at drop-off at the Triphahn Center front desk, 1685 W. Higgins Road.

Please see the attached form if you are interested in purchasing Student Accident Insurance for the 2018-2019 school year.

As always, the safety and health of our students is a top priority. At this time of year, we would like to remind families of the importance of using frequent hand washing, proper nose blowing and covering your cough techniques to prevent the transmissions of germs.  Please click on the following link to view a letter for more information on signs and symptoms of colds and flu .