Grove Avenue Principal Blog

Morning Recess Change

Starting this Monday, April 4th we will be transitioning to having students play outside on our playgrounds during the morning arrival time. Students arriving by bus will exit their buses and go directly to the playgrounds where supervisors will be located to supervise students playing. Students in grades 3-5 will leave their backpacks on the intermediate blacktop and then play on that playground. Students in grades K-2 will drop off their backpacks in the gym and then play on the K-ground (primary playground). Students who walk to school or are dropped off will continue to be dropped off on the Grove Avenue side of the building. They will then walk around the building to the intermediate playground (grades 3-5) or walk through the building (grades K-2) to get to the K-ground. We will have staff in the hallway to supervise students going through the building. All students on the playground will be supervised by staff designated to each area. The bell will ring for students to line up and enter the building at 7:55 a.m., so students are in class by 8:00 a.m.

This information was shared with our students on the school announcements for students on Friday and we will have adults on hand to help direct students with this new process!!!

Illinois Assessment for Readiness (IAR)

This coming week, our 3rd – 5th grade students will be participating in the Illinois Assessment for Readiness (IAR). The IAR is the required standardized state testing.

Our students will take two English Language Arts Tests (one per day) this coming week on Tuesday and Friday, April 5th & 8th. The following week, students will complete three Math tests (one per day) on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, April 11th-13th. Make-up assessments will be conducted when possible throughout the assessment window and through the following week of school. It is extremely important that students are in attendance for these assessments and prepared to do their best, as the assessments are used to rate our school on the Illinois School Report Card.

Parents can help ensure that their children are prepared to do their best as well! Please be sure that your child:

Gets a good night sleep on the evenings before the tests
Eats a healthy breakfast on the morning of the assessments
Arrives to school on time, as some testing will begin immediately in the morning
Brings their iPad updated and fully charged
Brings their school issued headphones or earphones

Please be sure to read the official letter regarding IAR with additional suggestions as to how parents can support students with the testing and more details regarding the assessments. You may also contact me directly with any questions.

Grove Warrior Dash - April 22, 2022

Our Grove Warriors are off and running for our first ever GROVE WARRIOR DASH hosted by our Grove PTO on Friday, April 22nd!! The top 3 Classrooms who raise the most for our school will win an Ice Cream Truck event! As of this week, here are the top 5 Classrooms:

Mrs. Bosch's 1st Graders
Mrs. Blackowicz's 3rd Graders
Mrs. Breckan's 1st Graders
Mr. Sricharmorn's 5th Graders
Mrs. Chang's 4th Graders

Students can earn 5 raffle tickets just by creating their fundraising page (see attached)! Additionally, for every $10 raised, students will receive one raffle ticket they can distribute amongst many creatively themed prizes!

The awesome prize baskets will be displayed in our main office window this week, and here are the first 3 awesome prizes that students can win:

Artist's Palette: An artist’s dream come true! Enjoy a Birthday Party for 6 at Barrington’s very own Kaleidoscope School of Fine Art. Get creative at home with a variety of art supplies, including canvas, paint, brushes and more! Valued at $250
The Ultimate Gaming Experience: Level up and get comfortable with every gamer’s must-haves: a headset, fuzzy socks and a comfy blanket. You’ll score Fortnite, Roblox and Amazon gift cards for the Ultimate Gaming Experience! Valued at $250
School's Out for the Summer: It’s time for some fun in the sun! Grab your beach towels and your sunscreen, then head over to the Barrington Park District Pool for a day of free passes. Bring along your pool toys and don’t forget your giant inflatable! Valued at $250

Please be sure to check out the event guide below to learn more about how your child can be involved and how you can support our PTO's efforts to continue to provide amazing opportunities for our students!

Reminders