There is still a lot of teaching and learning to be done in the next two and a half weeks of school. Attendance and focus is still needed as we have planned important classroom learning and some fun activities. Please help to keep a regular bedtime, homework routines and reading together as a priority. Summer will be here all too soon!

Best wishes to the students and their families who will go to middle school or a new school next year. Each year it is harder to say goodbye after spending six years together and knowing how special you have made our school. This group of students have worked hard and have matured so much in their final year at Algonquin Lakes. A special evening is planned for 5th grade students for June 5th at 6:30. The 5th grade band and orchestra will have their concert, followed by the 5th grade Recognition of Attendance and Academic Performance. It will conclude with the D.A.R.E. graduation.

This year we are also saying goodbye to a very special retiring teacher: Mrs. Annette May – 25 yrs in education in New York and Illinois!!!. We referred to her as our “energizer bunny” at her retirement party since she always made learning fun and was so busy working hard for all at Algonquin Lakes. Several parent letters were shared at her retirement party. Her dedication to students in her classroom followed many into their future years. She will be missed greatly and will always have a special place in our hearts! We look forward to her as a building substitute! Best wishes also to Mrs. Moskal and Ms. Fischer as they pursue other positions next school year. Congratulations also to Mr.Burley – 5th gr teacher, celebrating 20 years, Mrs. Sage- Social Worker and our custodian, Mrs. Gentile- Busch, both celebrating 10 years in education!

Special thanks for the many hours our volunteers have provided to support our staff in student improvements. Our building is a special place because you care enough to volunteer! Special thanks to the outgoing PTO Board Members – Bethany Muhvic, Margaret Mandile, Janet Marczyk, and Chris Buske. They have worked hard to be open to new ideas and to provide a healthy organization in good hands for continued success. Thank You!

Once again as I reflect on the excellent past year, I recognize how fortunate your children are to have the wonderful care, support and priority of education that you have instilled in your families. It really makes a difference in a child’s life to have positive role models for learning and coming to school prepared. Thank You! Continue to read during the summer. Be sure your child participates in my Summer Reading Club. A separate flyer describes it fully. If you have any comments or ideas to share, please use my e-mail address at ruthann.ryan@d300.org or call the main office. Best wishes for a relaxing and enjoyable summer with your children!

Sincerely,

Ruthann Ryan, Principal

Last Day of School - The Board of Education has approved Tuesday, June 17th as the last day of school. This is a regular full day of school.

Back to school for the 2008 – 2009 school year – Thursday, September 4, 2008

D300 Student Registration – Dundee Crown High School feeder schools: July 15th 12:00 – 3:30, 5 – 8PM, 16th 12:00 – 3:30 and 5 – 8PM, July 17th 7:30AM – 11:30 and 1 – 3:30. This will be the time to pay your registration fees and update any vital information. Free and Reduced lunch applications will also be available to complete for a whole family. As always, we ask that you continue to keep our student information updated on a regular basis. This especially includes phone numbers and emergency contacts.

Lunch Fees are due now! Starting June 5th Students will NOT be allowed to charge a lunch if money is not in their account. Students will not be allowed to charge for milk either. The amount owed the district has increased 100% in the last week at Algonquin Lakes. Please pay all delinquent lunch fees ASAP!! Many letters and reminders have already gone home. You can check your lunch fees on line or call the office. Students without money in their account will simply receive a package of cereal.

Notes from Mrs. Prom, School Nurse – Dental and Physical Exams: All students in 2008 – 2009 kindergarten, 2nd and 6th grade will be required to have dental examinations. Health Examinations continue to be required for entry into kindergarten and 6th grade. New this year – All Kindergarten students must also have a vision exam by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist. If you do not have a doctor in the area or immunizations are not covered by your insurance, please contact Mrs. Prom. She has a list of resources that may be of service to you. All required students MUST have their physicals and immunizations by the first day of school or they will not be allowed to enter! Please pick up all medicines by June 17th. Unused medicines will be tossed on June 18th.

State Pupil Transportation Reimbursement Claims

Please contact the office if you need a copy of the procedures to be followed for the Parent/Guardian State Pupil Transportation Reimbursement Claims for the 2007 – 2008 school year. Please note, this pertains specifically to instances where students must be transported to school by a parent due to a serious safety hazard approved by the Illinois Dept of Transportation.

Summer Newsletters: Summer communication will be provided by newsletters in July and August. In August, a short letter will give specific information for the coming year and the name of your child’s teacher for the coming year. Class lists will be posted at Back Pack Drop Off being planned for August 11th.

Summer Office Hours:

Our school office is open from 8 – 3 on a daily basis. On most days, someone should be there – please call ahead if you definitely need to talk directly with one of us due to vacation schedules. Teachers will not be checking their voice mail after June 17th. Our building will be used by the Dundee Township Park District during the summer months. Please use their phone number to contact them regarding specific programs.

Last Weeks of School:

June 5th – 6:30 5th grade Band/Orchestra Concert, 5th grade Recognition and DARE Graduation

June 6th – Student Assembly – Author – Janet Tricheckt

June 10th – Student Assembly – AMS Jazz Band

June 12th - Algonquin Lakes Yearbook Handout

June 12th – Kindergarten practice lunch in the cafeteria. AM- 10:30 and PM 1:30. Remember to send a light lunch to practice this activity.

June 13th - Field Day 9:00 – 2:00 This is a special all school field day with a picnic lunch for those purchasing their lunches that day! Sorry - There is no rain date.

June 16th – 5th Grade Picnic at the Algonquin Lakes Park

June 17th – Last Day of School – regular hours for all. Student Assembly at 1:20. Due to space in the gymnasium, only 5th grade parents will be invited to attend this last event for their children.

June 17th – Market Day

June 18th – Teacher Check out

Best Wishes to 5th grade students as they prepare to enter middle school!

A Message from the Media Center: During the last weeks of school it is still possible to check out books, though only paperbacks, as an inventory of all books is started. Please check at home for any lost or overdue books. We would rather receive the book back than the book fines. A last letter regarding book fines for lost books will be sent home