Library News     

I hope everyone did lots of reading over the summer - I know I did!

The library is now open for business and I am enjoying seeing all my old friends and making some new ones. All classes have been to the library for a story, and I hope to be able to let the kids check out books next week.

We are starting off the year with books about libraries and school, and will quickly be moving on to stories about Johnny Appleseed, autumn, and more.

Kindergartners will be able to check out one book each week, and older students may have two books each. I am doing something new this year to reward children for being responsible citizens: For each class, I will hold a weekly drawing for a prize from my "Treasure Chest." Only those students who remember to return both of their books will be eligible for the drawing. Plus, if an entire class brings back all their books, I will give them a 10 point Class Coupon. The classroom teachers save up these coupons and use them to "buy" things like pizza parties and extra recess.

 There are a few points regarding book checkout that you should keep in mind:

• Library books are checked out for a one week period. If a book is not returned on the correct day, your child will not be able to check out a new one. However, if a parent or guardian contacts me before the child’s library time, I can often make an exception. I may be reached at 815-838-0542, ext. 122 or ltumino@d91.net. Some teachers will send a child to the library on the following day if they bring a book in late, but this is dependent on whether classwork is completed and time allows. The best way to guarantee your child a new book is to help them remember to return books on the correct day!
• If a book is lost or damaged beyond repair, the student will not be allowed to check out another until it is paid for. Again, exceptions may be made if you contact me. It is very important that you or your child let me know if a book has been damaged, especially if it has gotten wet.
• Any book may be renewed if the student brings it in on library day to be run through the computer.

Birthday Books 

     The Milne Grove LRC has a Birthday Book Program that invites parents, friends or relatives to celebrate any MG student's special day by donating a book to the LRC. A bookplate added to the front of the book will contain the student's name and birth date. Your student's contribution will be published in the monthly newsletter. The honored birthday student has the opportunity to be the first to check out his or her "birthday book".

   Reading Promotions 

Joliet Jackhammers Book Buddies

       District 91 participates in the Joliet Jackhammers Book Buddies program every year. Your child may earn up to 7 free vouchers for lawn seats at Jackhammers Tuesday night games next summer just by keeping track of the books read in the spring.

Six Flags Read to Succeed

     We also take part in the Six Flags reading program each winter. A whopping 96 students earned a FREE ticket to Six Flags redeemable this summer. 

  Computer Lab News     All classes started out in the lab this year by going over our Cool Tools presentation. This is when we are reminded of the rules of the computer lab, and when we talk about the real names for the various parts of a computer.

 I have a page of links to the websites we use at school posted here on the MG LRC portion of the district website - just click on the globe at the top of the page. Please let me know if any of my existing links need to be corrected.

        Be sure to check out the rest of the district website, too! There is a wealth of information available, from teacher web pages and school board information to local weather, school calendar and closing info, and much, much more.

        Also, if you are interested in having your child use his or her own headphones in the lab, rather than the ones that are shared by other students, please feel to send a set in to school. Be sure to put them in a zip-style bag, and mark them with your child’s name. 

Volunteer Corner

            I am always looking for volunteers to help reshelve the books that the kids return each day. This is a task that is best suited to people who like to pay attention to small details. If you don't know what to do with yourself with the kids back in school, please keep the library in mind! We appreciate every bit of help we can get. I may be reached at 815-838-0542, ext. 122 or ltumino@d91.net.  

I specifically need a few kindergarten parents to help out during the kindergarten classes' first few visits to the library. Mrs. Lyttek's morning class comes in on Tuesdays from 9-9:30, and her afternoon class is here on Fridays from 1:30-2; Mrs. Preboy's class comes on Tuesdays from 10:30-11. Please let me know if you would like to help the kids choose books the week of the 15th or the 22nd.

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Note to District 91 Students, Staff & Community!
You may have noticed the Britannica Online School Edition logo on the front page of our web site.  What does that mean for students, staff and families of District 91?  District 91 provides this great reference service to assist students with research and information seeking - as well as providing assistance to staff and parents.  You can access this terrific service free of charge from home, too!  Contact Mrs. Tumino at ltumino@d91.net or 838-0542, ext. 122 if you need to know the unique username and password assigned to District 91 students and staff. 

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Does your child under age 8 sit in a booster seat in the car?

Did you know that the law says they should? Milne Grove will be  hosted a Car Seat / Booster Seat Safety Check on Saturday, April 14th. We inspected 33 car seats and booster seats. All five boosters were being used correctly, but NONE of the car seats was properly installed!!

I read a story and discussed booster seat use with the Early Learners, Kindergartners and First Graders and was happy to learn that most of the kids seem to be using boosters. Last spring I talked to all the Early Learners, Kindergarten and First Grade students about booster seats and safety and sent home a packet of information for the parents, and a coloring book for the kids. A follow-up survey indicated the parents' feelings on the subject:

 Comments:

“Helped clarify the law for me and justify my previous actions. It was good encouragement and made the kids feel good about what we were doing.” 

“I wasn’t sure if this was or was not mentioned at the program, but if not, some of the slightly older kids 9 or above should be told not to make fun of kids for sitting in a booster because it is for their own safety as well as the law.”

 “Thank you!”

 “Even though raising awareness is good, there are always going to be those that are not compliant. It is no different than those parents who refuse to obey the traffic & parking rules and laws around school!! It is always the same offenders... allowing the irresponsibility to continue. Many parents do not take an active role when it comes to safety. Why?”

 “Both of my children are in safety (booster) seats and will not allow me(!) to drive without first fastening my own seatbelt.”

 “This is a great/positive way to promote the children’s safety! Thank you!”

Here are some additional links to websites with more information on the law and safe transportation of children:

 http://www.seatcheck.net/boostillinois.html

 http://www.carseat.org/Boosters/0_boostersIP.htm

 http://www.carseat.org/media/Booster_Video_WMP.htm 

 http://www.boosterseat.gov/

 Below is the contact info for some local authorities on booster seats. They can also provide safety checks for you.

Lockport Police Department
1212 S. Farrell Road
Lockport, IL 60441
phone: 815-838-2132

Illinois State Police-Lockport
16648 S Broadway
Lockport, IL 60441
phone: 815-726-6377

Northwest Homer Fire Protection District
16152 W 143rd St
Lockport, IL 60441
phone: 815-838-0180 

  Be sure to check out the

Milne Grove's Favorite Websites and Parent-Teacher Links at the top of this page for links to

some of our favorite websites!

New links are added all the time!

Mrs. Laurie Tumino
Learning Resource Center
E-Mail: ltumino@d91.net