Mighty Mascoutah November Edition
Events, Special Dates, Important Information
MES Families
Happy Fall! November will be busy yet Grateful month at MES. Please take some time to view the information below to stay connected!
Each October, the Illinois State Board of Education releases the "Illinois School Report Card" to provide official information about all public schools in the state of Illinois. Mascoutah Elementary School has received a designation of EXEMPLARY (the top possible rating) on the Illinois State Report Card, meaning our school has performed in the top 10% of schools statewide, with no underperforming student groups during the 2022-2023 school year. Congratulations to our students, teachers, staff, and families for this recognition!
Communication between home & school is vital for student success. Our teachers & staff have been working very hard to make every student feel welcome & supported while at school. We all at MES are dedicated to keeping in mind our vision statement: "We want to be a nationally recognized elementary school of choice whose staff goes above and beyond all students.
Please feel free to contact the MES office if you have any questions.
Educationally Yours,
The Dream Team
Admin Team
School Calendar & Upcoming Events
November 2-13: Scholastic Book Fair
November 6: School Wide Dance Party- (All impact aide forms turned in)
November 8: Family Book Fair Evening (5-8PM)
November 9: Veterans' Day Assembly
November 10: No School - Veterans' Day
November 16: Mother & Son Pillo Hockey (Doors open at 5:30)
November 16: Children's Grief Awareness Day-- (Everyone is invited to wear shades of Blue.)
November 17: 2nd Quarter Progress Report - (Parents: Check Skyward)
November 17: Spirit Day (Wear Purple or Mascoutah Gear)
November 21: School Board Meeting 7PM
November 22-26: No School Thanksgiving Break
November 28: Chick-Fil-A Night- Sponsored by the PTO
November 29: School Wide PBIS celebration
November 30: Individual PBIS celebration
PTO Information
We have an amazing PTO at MES that plans a large number of fun activities throughout the school year. If you are interested, please follow the "Mascoutah Elementary PTO" Facebook page for information and details or fill out our PTO Google Form. The next PTO event is scheduled for November 16 in the gym-- see the flyer attached. They are currently planning the return of Santa's Kottage to MES on December 11-15. Check out their website below!
It's Getting Cold
Scholastic Book Fair - Family Night
Wednesday, November 8th is Family Scholastic Book Fair Night.
The Library will be opened from 5 to 8 PM for families and children to visit the Book Fair. Please park in the back parking lot off of Poplar Street, and enter through the door between the 4th grade hallway and the library (Door 13).
From the Desk of Social Work
Deployment Group
Children's Grief Awareness Day
MES is participating in Children's Grief Awareness Day on Thursday November 16th. Children and adults together can show their support for children who have experienced grief by participating in Children's Grief Awareness Day. We are asking everyone at MES to wear blue in support of our students who have lost someone they love. Our social workers will also have some activities for our students who are grieving. If your child has experienced the loss of someone close, and you would like your child to participate in our activities that day, please contact social worker Mary DeLeonardis at deleonardism@msd19.org. Thank you for supporting our students!
Attendance Matters
Extended Absences
Families that will be missing three or more days from school will need to complete our "Extended Absence Request" form in order for the absence to be excused. The form can be found in the school office. Families are granted one extended absence per school year. Thank you for your cooperation!
Spirit Wear
We've got spirit, how about you!? The PTO has launched the Mascoutah Elementary spirit apparel store! Both adult and youth sizes are available with several different options of short sleeve, long sleeve, and/or hoodie. Purchases are available for shipping or in-store pickup. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds go back to the PTO and into funding future events that benefit and support our students and staff!
If you’re interested in buying apparel, the Mascoutah Store can be found here: Mascoutah Store
Extra Ways to Help Your Child at Home
Lexia is a paid program that we utilize in the Mascoutah School District. It boosts student learning for all students, but especially those behind their grade level peers. Lexia is not taken for a grade.
Your child has been worked very hard on reading at school. To keep the momentum going, please set aside some time for your child to practice at home. Every time your child reads, they will become better at reading. You can help your child become a stronger reader by making sure your child reads every day and reading to/with them. Think of your child’s reading skills as muscles. If they don’t use them, they lose their firmness. One way your child can work on building their reading muscles is by working in Lexia® Core5® Reading.
Set aside about 30 minutes per week to work in the program.
Please allow your child to work independently at their own pace.
Provide encouragement, but don’t give away the answers. In particular note whether the apple symbol at the bottom left hand side of the screen turns red. This indicates that your child is having difficulty with that particular skill.
If you are interested in this please reach out to your child's teacher for their login information.
Quarter 2 Progress Reports
2nd Quarter Progress Reports will be sent on November 17. You will only receive a notification from your child's teacher if they have a concern to address.
Drop Off & Pick Up Procedures
We need you help, patience, and support as we enter the winter months. Safety is our main concern when dropping off and picking up students. We have attached the protocol picture and written process for you to review and become familiar with, adherence to these procedures is vital to the flow of our traffic. If you ever have questions or concerns please let us know.
Thanks for your ongoing support.
Carpool– to drop off car riders in the morning, please proceed to the CARPOOL LANE (RIGHT SIDE) in the front circle drive. PLEASE PULL FORWARD in the yellow zone as far as you can. Staff members will be outside to direct you where to pull. Students will exit the car on the passenger side ONLY, away from traffic Parents are asked to remain in their cars and be prepared to move quickly when students exit the car. Depending on how far a parent is asked to pull up in the carpool lane, a student may enter the building near the 5th Grade hallway at Door #7 and walk through the building to their designated holding location or through the front door. Staff supervision will be provided in the carpool lane and throughout the building to help with the arrival process.
Students walked in by parents -if you would like to park, help your child from the car, hug them good-bye, etc. please pull to the left side of the front circle lane. Park in one of the many parking spots here. Students in this lane need to exit the car on the left side Only, away from traffic. Parents then must walk with the child on the sidewalk to the crosswalk located across from Door #7 or the Front door and deliver the child safely to the sidewalk in front of school. The parent then must again cross at the crosswalk, find their car and wait patiently to pull away using the middle exit lane.
Walkers and Bike Riders - K-2 students will use the bike rack near the annex and along with any walkers enter the back of the building through door 22. 3-5 students will use the bike rack near door 10 and along with any walkers enter the back of the building through door 10.
Bus Riders -buses will enter the bus lane from the south and pull to the north. Three buses at a time will unload students. The students will walk together into the building at a designated door. PreK buses will pull to the north side of the building and load and unload on Harnett.
MES Extended Time Opening
Follow Us on Facebook
Throughout the school year, our students, teachers, and administrators share out the amazing learning experiences and activities going on at Mascoutah Elementary and in our school district. Click the link below to view our Facebook page!
Admin Dream Team
Sandra Litteken
3rd, 4th, Peak
Michelle Cooley
5th, Mindfulness
Laura Yarber
K, 1st, 2nd