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News and Announcements

Principal's Letter Archives

11/1/2020

 
11/16 

​Good Afternoon. 

It really feels like fall in Chicago these days!  Amidst the windy and rainy days ahead, and maybe even snow, we are keeping up with the tradition of Family-Teacher Conferences (Report Card Pick-up) this Wednesday, 11/18.  If you haven't yet signed up for an appointment time, please contact your child's teacher to do so.  
 
In addition, here are more school updates for the coming weeks:
 
Celebrations: Join us in recognizing our students who exemplify the Habits of heart, mind, and work.  Please be sure to watch our quarter 1 Habits Awards Celebration:  http://budlong.cps.edu/  Congratulations to all our recipients!
 
School Phone Numbers: Need to call us? Our number has changed during remote learning.  Please call 312-854-9453 for attendance related matters, including absences and enrollment needs.  Please call 312-625-3558 for other school matters.  We will continue to check voicemail daily at 773-534-2591.  
 
Parent Meetings: Numerous meetings are scheduled for 11/18 and 11/19.  Please click on the link for details: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1r1dIN19BITbRm_m0RkIX3OUTuYezO8w7FMY5EOjBFeI/edit?usp=sharing  We'll see you there!
 
Local School Council (LSC) Elections: New protocols have been put in place to ensure our safety, while still allowing the election to take place.  Budlong parents/guardians will have the choice to vote in-person on 11/18 between 7am - 7pm in our multi-person room or to mail in a ballot in order to cast their votes.  Please find more details in the attachment to this email.      
 
Family-Teacher Conferences (Report Card Pick-up): We are hosting individual virtual meetings for our families.  These conferences will take place on 11/18, from 10 - 4pm, and therefore, is a non-attendance day for students.  Please sign up for appointment times using Sign up genius; translation services are available.  Also on that day, I will also be delivering the annual Budlong State of the School Address at 9:30 a.m.  Ms. Chmiel, our counselor, will be presenting "How to Improve our Students' Mental Health during COVID" at 5 p.m.  Please click on this link for more information: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1r1dIN19BITbRm_m0RkIX3OUTuYezO8w7FMY5EOjBFeI/edit?usp=sharing
 
Remote Learning Survey: Thank you to the 140 people who responded to our most recent survey.  We are using the results to improve remote instruction and increase learning opportunities for all Budlong students.  In short, the feedback was that students want more time with their teachers, more learning in small groups, and more time to talk with their classmates each day.  Communication with our families is strong, but the amount of screentime is high.  We will be working to reflect these results in future instruction. 
 
Gratitude: Much love to our Friends of Budlong (FOB) for the staff appreciation gifts!  Our staff love the coffee and masks.  FOB continues to raise funds for Budlong, and this month they're kicking off The Seeds for the Season fundraiser: https://www.facebook.com/seedsoftheseason/  Also, Carbon Arc is the restaurant of the month: https://www.friendsofbudlong.org/restaurant-of-the-month    Be sure to say you are #withbudlong when you order :)  More information will be shared at the next FOB meeting on 11/19 at 8pm. http://meet.google.com/idj-ngfe-bmx  
 
November and December Calendar: So our families can plan, here are a reminder of the non-attendance days for students this month and next: 
11/18 - No Classes for Students (Parent-Teacher Conferences, LSC Elections)
11/25, 26, 27 - No Classes for Students (Thanksgiving Holiday)
12/21 to 1/1/21 - No Classes for Students (Winter Break)
 
Please take care.

[10/22]


Naomi Nakayama, Principal
Good Evening, Budlong Families.  Please see the attached statement for information on voting for our Local School Council.  In short, Budlong parents/guardians will have the choice to vote in-person or to mail in a ballot in order to cast their votes. 

LSC Voting Information 

​Please contact me with any questions.   

​
[10/20]

Dear Families,
* Quarter 2 In-person Instruction: CPS has announced plans to return to in-person instruction for Pre-k students for quarter 2.  PK families will be sent a CPS email survey asking for them to choose in-person or remote instruction for quarter 2.  Please plan to join our PK Team and me on Friday, 10/23, at 9 am OR 6pm for a virtual town hall style meeting (previous communication stated Wednesday; it is now Friday).  The presentation will be shared thereafter as well.

9am: meet.google.com/xyq-wrjp-izv
Phone Numbers: (‪US‬)‪+1 984-212-3070‬     
PIN: ‪458 841 426#‬


6pm: meet.google.com/wsg-ghhj-cjr
Phone Numbers: (‪US‬)‪+1 252-777-0693‬    
PIN: ‪322 879 349#‬


*High School Applications: Budlong is partnering with Test Prep Chicago to help prepare our 8th graders for the Admission Exam for Selective Enrollment. They are offering Budlong students a series of 8 online sessions. Week 1 and week 8 would be the student assessment.  Weeks 2 - 7 will be 2 hour long sessions, starting on Nov. 7th and run through Dec. 12th.  The cost per student is $400, but we are offering a $350 scholarship to our first 10 families who sign up. The cost to these 10 families would only be $50.  Please let our counselor, Ms. Chmiel, know if you are interested in participating at mchmiel@cps.edu.  
 
* FOB Business Directory: Friends of Budlong wants to spread the love for our Budlong family by promoting businesses that are owned by Budlong family members. Now more than ever, we want to support everything #budlongbeautiful!  As part of our work this year to support our school and families, Friends of Budlong plans to create a Budlong business directory on our web site and feature your business on our Friends of Budlong social media account throughout the school year. This is completely free to you!
Let us know who you are by providing t
he following information and
sending it to contact@friendsofbudlong.org.

Your name and relationship to Budlong
Name of your business
Business address
Phone number
Web site
Social media accounts for your business
Photo of your business/you
Photo of your business logo
 
In Arabic (Thank you, Mr. Eltanbouli!):

لعائلة مدرسة بادلونج من خلال الترويج للأعمال التجارية المملوكة لأفراد الأسرة في مدرسة بادلونج. الآن أكثر من أي وقت مضى ، نريد دعم كل شيء
#BudlongBeautiful!


كجزء من عملنا هذا العام لدعم مدرستنا وعائلاتنا ،
يخطط أصدقاء بادلونج لإنشاء دليل أعمال (مشاريع) بادلونج على موقعنا
موقع الويب و الترويج للأعمال المختلفة على صفحة أصدقاء بادلونج الاجتماعية علىالسوشيال ميديا طوال مدة العام الدراسي. هذا مجاني تمامًا لكم أنتم، عائلة مدرسةبادلونج. 


أخبرنا بهويتك من خلال توفير المعلومات التالية و
إرسالها إلى contact@friendsofbudlong.org


اسمك وعلاقتك بادلونج
اسم عملك
عنوان العمل
رقم الهاتف
موقع الكتروني
حسابات وسائل التواصل الاجتماعي لعملك
صورة لعملك / أنت
صورة لشعار عملك


نحن نتطلع الى الاستماع منك!


أصدقاء بادلونج هي مجموعة متطوعين من الآباء هدفهم الرئيسي
هو العمل بشكل تعاوني مع مدرسة بادلونج لجمع التبرعات لتعزيز تجربة الدعم. نحن نسعى جاهدين
لجعل مدرسة بادلونج الابتدائية وأصدقاء بادلونج مصدر دعم
لكل طفل وأسرة في مجتمعنا. نحن فخورون بأن نكون جزء من بادلونج الجميلة: Budlong Beautiful. 
يمكنكم الانضمام إلى قائمتنا البريدية من خلال
contact@friendsofbudlong.org ومعرفة المزيد عنا على

In Spanish (Thank you, Dr. Daly!):¡Hola familias de Budlong! Friends of Budlong quiere difundir el amor por
nuestra familia Budlong mediante la promoción de negocios que son propiedades de familias de Budlong. Ahora más que nunca queremos apoyar a todos.
#BudlongBeautiful!
Como parte de nuestro trabajo este año para apoyar a nuestra escuela y familias,
Friends of Budlong planea crear un directorio de empresas Budlong en nuestro sitio web y presentar su negocio en nuestras redes sociales Friends of Budlong durante todo el año escolar. ¡Esto es completamente gratis para Ud.!
Necesitamos la siguiente información y envíela a:  contact@friendsofbudlong.org
Su nombre y parentesco con Budlong
Nombre de su negocio
Dirección de Negocio
Número de teléfono
Sitio web
Cuentas de redes sociales para su negocio
Foto de su negocio / Ud.
Foto del logotipo de su empresa
¡Esperamos con interés escuchar de usted!
Friends of Budlong es un grupo voluntario de padres cuyo propósito principal es trabajar de manera colaborativa y respetuosa con la Escuela Budlong para recaudar fondos para mejorar la experiencia en Budlong. Nos estamos esforzando para hacer de Budlong Elementary School y Friends of Budlong un increíble recurso para cada niño y familia en nuestra comunidad. Estamos orgullosos de Ser Budlong Beautiful. Puede unirse a nuestra lista de correo a través de contact@friendsofbudlong.org y obtenga más información sobre nosotros en friendsofbudlong.org
#conbudlong
#bebudlongbeautiful
¡Gracias!

[10/10]

Good Afternoon.  A few updates for the coming week:
​
* No School on Monday: In observance of Indigenous Peoples' Day, 10/12, all Chicago Public Schools will be closed and classes are cancelled.
* Food Distribution: The Budlong Nutrition Team has been passing out an average of 50-60 meal kits per day; each kit contains three breakfasts, three lunches, and milk.
* Progress Reports: The District will be mailing out these reports for all first through eighth graders beginning the week of 10/12.  
* Parent Portal: You can always check on your student's grades and attendance here by registering for Parent Portal:- https://www.cps.edu/services-and-supports/parent-and-student-portal/parent-portal/
Be well, and stay #budlongbeautiful
-----------------------------------------
Naomi Nakayama, Principal
Budlong Elementary School

​

[Oct 3]

Good Afternoon.  We have completed week four, and the BEST part of my day remains visiting classrooms.  Even remotely, watching our students discuss, problem solve in small groups, and practice mindful yoga is powerful!  The start to the school year has not been without bumps and glitches along the way, but we are making many improvements and experiencing successes.  Thank you to our families for supporting our students, and our staff, as we all continue to make remote learning more engaging for our students. 
 
Local School Council Candidate Forum: Chicago Public Schools are rescheduling spring forums for this week, specifically between 10/6 - 10/8.  Please join us for Budlong's Virtual Candidate Forum on Thursday morning at 7:45am via Google Meets at meet.google.com/xew-kipx-sma  
 
The list of candidates is here: 
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HtcOvAJs3u9l13RhBPXgCeXDQNDfCxyn/view?usp=sharing
 
Please see the attachment for more details on Thursday's forum.  
 
Food Distribution at Budlong: We will begin distributing food on Monday from 8am - 1pm.  These cold meals are free and will be available from door 9, on the Foster Street side. Thank you for your patience as we wrap up construction in the building and prepare the kitchen for food distribution.
 
Progress Reports: Reports will be mailed out by CPS beginning the week of 10/12.  Please let us know if your address has changed since the spring so we can update our system with your new information.  We ask that you complete a new emergency contact form (if you did not do so as part of e-registration).  
 
Parent Portal: You can view your student's grades and attendance on Parent Portal. If you would like to set up an account, please click on this link - https://www.cps.edu/services-and-supports/parent-and-student-portal/parent-portal/
 
Registration Forms: Teachers will continue to notify our families who have not completed the required registration documents, beginning with the Family Income Form and Emergency Contact Form.  We will also soon share a video explaining how to complete registration online successfully. Starting Monday, you can also get hard copies at school of these forms.  Please check with your teacher for more details. Registration documents can be found here, and are ready for download: http://budlong.cps.edu/enrollment--registration.html 
 
Have a #budlongbeautiful weekend.

[9/30] 

Good Evening,  

Here are a few updates: 


Food Distribution at Budlong: We will begin food distribution from door 9 on the Foster Ave. side on Monday, 10/5, from 8-1pm. 
 
Library Cards and Programs:  There are quite a few activities and resources to take advantage of at Budlong Woods, and all Chicago Public Libraries:
Digital toolbox 

​Fall Children’s Programs

FOB Meeting: Be sure to mark your calendars for the first Friends of Budlong meeting of the school year.  It is tomorrow at 8pm.    
meet.google.com/idj-ngfe-bmx
 
BudlongTech Support: The correct email address to use is techbudlong@gmail.com.  I incorrectly included a cps gmail address in my last email.  Again, please continue to use techbudlong@gmail.com.

Student Supply Bags - We will continue to distribute supplies on Monday in the green space between our annex and the hospital.  If you are unable to come Monday, please contact the main office at 773-534-2591 to make an appointment. 

Administrator Office Hours - Starting this week, Principal Nakayama and Asst. Principal Bruno will host office hours every Wednesday morning from 8-9am. The link will be available in your teacher's classroom.

Have a #budlongbeautiful week!

[9/27]
Good Evening.  Here are a few updates as we begin week 4:
Food Distribution at Budlong - Unfortunately, the date is being pushed back due to the construction in the building and we will NOT be distributing food this week.  Once we have a date that is confirmed, I will send an update.  This link locates CPS distribution sites across the city: https://schoolinfo.cps.edu/mealdistributionsites/index.html?timePeriod=postspring  

Student Supply Bags - We will continue to distribute supplies on Monday in the green space between our annex and the hospital.  If you are unable to come Monday, please contact the main office at 773-534-2591 to make an appointment. 

Tech Support - For all tech-related matters, please use techbudlong@gmail.com  Do not go to the school for tech assistance as we do not always have staff there specifically for tech help.

Administrator Office Hours - Starting this week, Principal Nakayama and Asst. Principal Bruno will host office hours every Wednesday morning from 8-9am. The link will also be available in your teacher's classroom.
Friends of Budlong - The first meeting of the year is Thursday, 10/1, at 8pm, and all are welcome.  Be on the lookout for the Zoom invite.
Have a #budlongbeautiful week!

[9/22]

Good Evening, and happy first day of fall.  Thank you for your patience and continued communication around tech-related issues and other concerns the past two weeks.  All of us are working hard to connect with our students and build community in the classroom and throughout the school.  Your support is invaluable!  
Here are a few updates for week three:
* Construction in our building - We are wrapping up the work, and some staff are slowly moving back in :)  
* Student fees - We will not be collecting fees at this time.  Fees are half the amount as last year, but we will wait until we are back in person to collect fees. 
* Device distribution - The delivery is scheduled for this week, and our tech coordinator will be contacting families (who have competed a device request form) with appointment times beginning Thursday.  If the delivery date changes, this will move back our distribution dates.  Thank you for your patience during this process, and continue to work with your child's teacher to make any accommodations as needed.
* Student supplies, make up day: If you have not yet picked up your child's supply bags, don't worry!  We will be outside again this week, in between the hospital and our annex, on Winona, in the green space.  Wednesday and Thursday 9 - 4:30 and Friday 8 - 3pm.
* Earbuds: If your child still needs a pair, as some supply bags did not contain earbuds, you can pick up a pair Wednesday and Thursday 9 - 4:30, or Friday 8 - 3pm. in the same location as the supply pick up.
* Food distribution at Budlong: Our kitchen is scheduled to begin food distribution on Monday, 9/28, from 9 - 1pm.  You can go directly to door 9, on the Foster Street side.  If this date changes, I will update our families.
* Administrator office hours: Have a question or want to talk with Principal Nakayama or Asst. Principal Bruno?  Each week on Wednesday, feel free to "drop in" between 8 - 9am beginning 9/30.  As always, we can be reached through email, and may arrange individual meeting times as well.  The Google Meets link will be available in the teacher's Google Classroom.
Have a great week.

[9/10]
Good Morning. We are starting day three, ahhh, and each day gets smoother. Please continue to email techbudlong@gmail.com with tech related issues. Our building is still undergoing construction, but it should be concluded this month. Pictures of the updated and improved spaces to follow. 

Attendance: if your child will not be able to participate in remote learning one day, please let the teacher know, AND leave a message in the attendance voice mailbox. You can call 773-534-2591, x. 80682. Please clearly state your child's name, grade level, and reason for absence.

Food Distribution Site: Budlong will be a site once our construction is complete. We should be able to begin distribution this month. Please use this link to find locations currently open: https://schoolinfo.cps.edu/mealdistributionsites/

​Ss Item Distribution Schedule:  Please see the schedule below for pick-up date and times. All pick ups will be located in the small green space on the west side of the annex on Winona (in between hospital and annex). Please note, kinder - fifth graders will have two bags of items waiting for them...yay! Walk-up is easiest, but if you prefer to drive, there is street parking on Winona. Our small lot on Winona is blocked off, but you can park in the larger lot and walk over to get your bags.

Grade Level
Date and Time
PK: 9/14, 1 – 5 pm 
K: 9/14, 9 - noon

1: 9/15, 1 - 5pm
2: 9/15, 9 - noon
3: 9/16, 9 - noon
4: 9/16, 1- 5pm

5: 9/17, 9 - noon
6: 9/17, 1 - 5pm

7: 9/18, 9 - noon
8: 9/18, 1 - 5pm


Make-up day is Monday, 9/21, same location, 9 - 5pm

FOB Fundraiser: The restaurant of the month is Jerry's Sandwiches (4739 N. Lincoln).  Please say you are #withbudlong between 9/13 - 9/19 and a 20% of the proceeds will be donated to Budlong.  

Thank you, and have a great day.


[9/3]
-
Good Evening.  The first day of school is Tuesday, September 8.  In addition to the excitement and anticipation of going back to school, or going for the very first time, there are also many questions.  Below, please find information on hot topics and frequently asked questions:
Student CPS Email:
If you need to set up a CPS email account for the first time, please follow these instructions:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NjVA0MGMWshkC609IYjC_63htfRP7f06Hl5Fq7hfRdk/edit#.  All other students who have already used an email account and need a reset or support, please reach out to techbudlong@gmail.com

Parent Portal:
You can view your student's grades and attendance on Parent Portal, and here is more information: https://www.cps.edu/services-and-supports/parent-and-student-portal/parent-portal/

Chromebook Request:  
If you are in need of a device for remote learning, please complete this chromebook survey form Device Request.  Please note, completion of the survey will not guarantee you a device.  Due to a high demand of requests, devices will be distributed based on greatest need. If you need tech support, please email techbudlong@gmail.com. 

Technology Support and Questions:
Please email  techbudlong@gmail.com.  

Homeroom Teachers:
Teachers are calling the students in their homerooms this week.  They will be inviting families to a Zoom meeting this week as well.  Please note: some teachers are listed incorrectly as the homeroom teacher in Google Classroom.  We are working to correct this.  

Registration Process:
All documents for returning students can be found here: http://budlong.cps.edu/enrollment--registration.html  Please complete and submit via Dropbox.  Please contact the following people with registration questions:
PK - Tina Kritikos - tkritikos@cps.edu
Kinder - 2nd - nrwhite@cps.edu
3rd - 5th - eebelloso@cps.edu
6th - 8th - ameltanbouli@cps.edu


Thank you for your patience, and flexibility.  We can't wait for Tuesday!

[8/23]

Good Sunday Afternoon.  Thank you to everyone who joined our Friday Town Hall meetings.  We had about 50 participants at each session, and it was great to see so many smiling faces.  Click here to view the presentation: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1HHz_PY51P0EuGLT7NfV9ee_zZ6nctG5IWLTZ9Ie4GhE/edit?usp=sharing
 
Here are links to resources mentioned during the presentation: 
Google Support -
https://docs.google.com/document/d/15qWhZ4Ittg8TzQ8_ZyvY05DN7tYgsR0fw-Mo8SlA74w/edit?usp=sharing
 
Budlong Technology-
Please email all technology-related questions, including to request a device, to techbudlong@gmail.com.
 
Registration - for all returning Budlong students, including students who were in Budlong's Pre-k last year and are in Budlong's kindergarten.
Documents: 
Please click on each link, download, complete electronically, and then upload to Dropbox.
Family Income Form
Media Consent Form 
Messaging Consent Form
Emergency Form
Health Requirements (Kinder, 6th, 9th)
Child Health Form

Submitting registration documents:

Directions - Click here for step by step directions on submitting completed documents.  
Kinder - 2nd grade Registration
3rd - 5th grade Registration
6th - 8th grade Registration

We are working on collecting fees remotely as well, and will update this week.  Thank you for your patience.
 
Supplies:
Distribution - Budlong is providing remote learning supplies for students and distribution will be during the week of 8/31.  In order to keep everyone safe during this process, we will send out a schedule for pick up similar to the one used for students to retrieve their items in June.  Everyone is expected to comply with state requirements to reduce the possibility of transmission of COVID19.
 
Lists - please click on the link to access 2020-21 supply lists by grade level, purchase, and have them delivered to your home.  50% of the proceeds go to Budlong!  https://www.yubbler.com/Yub/Details/18832#yubclasses
 
Friends of Budlong (FOB):
FOB is an Illinois not for profit 501c3 corporation. Our goal is to raise funds to support the staff and students of Budlong, and 100% of donations to FOB go directly to the school. We welcome involvement from the entire community.  You are automatically a member - no fee, nothing to fill out.  Everyone is welcome!
Please join the mailing list at friendsofbudlong@gmail.com, visit Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1775920769352865/?ref=br_rs 
and Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/friendsofbudlong/
 
Spiritwear - Get all your Budlong apparel and swag at https://friends-of-budlong.square.site/ 

Parent Portal: 
Use the Parent Portal to easily and conveniently check grades, attendance, and other information about your student's progress.  Your child's teacher will let you know how to register if you have not yet done so.  
 
Please expect a call from your child's homeroom teacher the week of 8/31, and a virtual meeting invitation thereafter.   
 
We are looking forward to first quarter and are eager to work with our families to ensure a strong, supportive, and creative learning experience for ALL our students.  
 
Thank you!



[8/16]
Dear Families,
I hope everyone is enjoying the last few weeks of summer, and the warm weather.  Budlong is hard at work creating a Remote Learning Plan that will provide support and enrichment to our students.  Our first day of remote instruction is September 8.  Here are a few updates as we gear up for the start of the 2020-21 school year:
* Homeroom Teacher Assignment - Teachers will be calling their students to introduce themselves and invite families to virtual meetings the week of August 31st.  
* Registration - Returning students register every year.  We will be conducting our registration beginning this coming week, electronically.  Please visit http://budlong.cps.edu/enrollment--registration.html to download the forms to complete electronically.  I will send an additional email with directions for submitting forms later in the week, and the website will be updated to reflect directions as well.  If you have questions, please contact Nicole Cesario at nrwhite@cps.edu (k-2nd); Edith Belloso-Aguirre at eebelloso@cps.edu (3rd-5th); Ahmed Eltanbouli at ameltanbouli@cps.edi (6th-8th).  
* Fees - Fees will be reduced to half the normal cost as a result of remote learning.  Directions for payment will also be updated on our site this week. 
* Device Requests - If your student needs a device for remote learning, please contact Sophie Crespo at sncrespo@cps.edu.  Please note we are prioritizing students with the greatest need, including those families with multiple school-aged children.  
* Supply Lists - Teachers are making small adjustments to the grade level supply lists to account for first quarter being remote.  Once the lists are finalized, the website link will be updated to reflect changes.  
I will be hosting virtual meetings on Friday 8/21 at 9am and 6pm to present Budlong's Remote Learning Plan.  Additional town hall meetings will also be scheduled in the coming weeks to review topics such as Special Education services and Pre-K.  The Zoom invitation will be sent to all families Thursday, so please be on the look out.  
As always, feel free to contact me with concerns and questions.  I look forward to "seeing" everyone Friday.

Take care,

​[8/3]

Good afternoon Budlong Families, 


On Friday, July 31, you should have received a text/email from CPS that included a survey to choose the learning model (hybrid OR learn at home) for your student(s) for the fall.  If you  did  not receive the survey, please contact one of the following staff members according to your child’s grade level with your learning preference.  All learning preferences must be submitted by Friday, August 7. 


Buenas tardes familias de Budlong,
 
El viernes 31 de julio, debería haber recibido un mensaje de texto / correo electrónico de CPS que incluía una encuesta para elegir el modelo de aprendizaje (híbrido o aprender en casa) para su(s) hijo(s) para el otoño. Si no recibió la encuesta, comuníquese con uno de los siguientes miembros del personal de acuerdo con el nivel de grado de su hijo con su preferencia de aprendizaje. Todas las preferencias de aprendizaje deben ser elegidas antes del viernes, 7 de agosto.


K-1 Leonor Cuevas at lmartin47@cps.edu
2-3 - Mallory Bruno at mbruno2@cps.edu
4-6 - Sophie Crespo at sncrespo@cps.edu
7-8 - Christine Szyska at cstanton2@cps.edu
 

[7/18]

Good Afternoon. 

Good Evening.  Yesterday, CPS announced its preliminary plan for the fall: https://cps.edu/coronavirus/Pages/covid19.aspx 


In short, this preliminary plan proposes a hybrid learning plan.  The student body would be divided into halves, referred to as Pod A and Pod B.  Pod A students would report to school for full days Mondays and Tuesdays.  Wednesday through Friday are home learning.  Pod B students report to school on Thursdays and Fridays, with Monday through Wednesday being home learning.  Please note, PK students would be in-person instruction Monday through Friday.

This plan outlines the in-person instruction safety guidelines that will be put in place, including:
* daily online attestations that students are symptom-free prior to entering the building
* daily temperature checks before entering the building 
* wearing of face coverings by all students and staff
* staggered entry and dismissal times
* additional cleaning 

Full remote learning is also an option for families.  Again, families will have the option to continue with remote learning in the fall.


CPS is asking for feedback on this plan.  Here's the link for the most recent survey:
https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/5727707/CPS-ReOpening-Feedback  

Our voices need to be represented, so please take the survey.

In addition to the surveys, CPS will be hosting town hall meetings over the next two weeks to gather additional feedback, and will be announcing the final plan the first week in August.

Please reach out with your questions and concerns.  I will continue to update our community as information is shared.

Thank you.​



[7/12]
Amidst continual news coverage of COVID19, new school-related information is coming from the WHO and CDC regularly, the federal government is making suggestions (and tying to funding), and other school districts' plans are being announced.  Once the CPS Plan is shared, I will be viewing it, too, through the lens of a mother AND a principal.  The safety of our students, staff, and families will be the guiding force in our implementation of the District's Plan at Budlong.   


This summer, we have formed a teacher team dedicated to strengthening our instruction for the fall.  More information about the work of this team is forthcoming.

If you have not yet done so, please take this survey from CPS regarding the fall.  It is critical that the voices of our families are heard.
https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/5671308/COVID-Household-Survey  

Remember that some schools continue to distribute food to families throughout the summer.  Budlong is not a distribution site.
https://schoolinfo.cps.edu/mealdistributionsites/index.html?timePeriod=postspring  


Please take care. 




[7/3]
* ChiMe: Spots are still available!
  The schedule is below.  Please sign up today.
The first concert is coming up this Monday, July 6 at 1:00pm for grades 3-8. It will be performed by rocker Eric Hutchinson, whose songs appeared in TV series and on national charts.
After experimenting with a series of genres like Americana/soul and jazz on his last few albums “Modern Happiness” and “Before and After Life,” the singer-songwriter Eric Hutchinson turned to the pop-punk altrock of his youth for the riff-heavy album “Class of 98,” taking inspiration from bands like Green Day, Oasis, and Weezer. “That music is in my guitar DNA,” says the singer. “I love 90’s music, and this type of sound was so formative for me.”


Kinder through 2nd grade
Friday, July 10, 10:00am – Sonia De Los Santos, a concert of fun and engaging Latin American family music
Monday, July 13, 10:00am – Dan and Claudia Zanes, a performance of modern-day-all-ages folk music
Monday, July 20, 10:00am – Ana Munteanu, a musical trip around the world with ChiME’s own singer/songwriter/teaching artist
Tuesday, July 28, 10:00am – Jazzy Ash, a fun exploration of the wonderful sounds and rhythms of New Orleans music
Friday, August 7, 10:00am – Kristen McManus, an engaging sing-along with ChiME’s own teaching artist and music therapist
Friday, August 14, 10:00am – Justin Roberts, a high-energy concert by a Grammy-nominated hip kids music artist
 
3rd through 5th grade
Monday, July 6, 1:00pm – Eric Hutchinson, a cool rock/power pop performance
Monday, July 13, 10:00am – Dan and Claudia Zanes, a performance of modern-day-all-ages folk music
Monday, July 20, 10:00am – Ana Munteanu, a musical trip around the world with ChiME’s own singer/songwriter/teaching artist
Tuesday, July 28, 10:00am – Jazzy Ash, a fun exploration of the wonderful sounds and rhythms of New Orleans music
Tuesday, August 4, 12:00pm – Luiz Ewerling and Luciano Antonio, a presentation of Brazilian sounds and rhythms on percussion and guitar
Thursday, August 13, 12:00pm – Brooke Annibale, a performance of original material by an independent folk-style singer/songwriter
 
6th through 8th grade
Monday, July 6, 1:00pm – Eric Hutchinson, a cool rock/power pop performance
Tuesday, July 14, 1:30-2:30pm – Grant Hales, an Online Music Production workshop in Soundtrap
Tuesday, July 21, 1:30-2:30pm – Grant Hales, an Online Music Production workshop in Soundtrap
Tuesday, July 28, 1:30-2:30pm – Grant Hales, an Online Music Production workshop in Soundtrap
Tuesday, August 4, 12:00pm – Luiz Ewerling and Luciano Antonio, a presentation of Brazilian sounds and rhythms on percussion and guitar
Thursday, August 13, 12:00pm – Brooke Annibale, a performance of original material by an independent folk-style singer/songwriter


* Free Internet: Last week, Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and Chicago Public Schools announced a groundbreaking new program created to narrow the digital divide for Chicago’s families. Chicago Connected will provide up to four years of free high speed internet to eligible CPS and charter school families. CPS is helping to provide students with free internet.  CPS will be contacting families who qualify for this program.


* Updating Student Emergency Contact Form: The survey is still open!  Please complete if you have not done so already.  Thank you.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe9HQZ1khWQRntPKr1tEIybfJoUEJy6B17r0bwqHC2hTAkMXQ/viewform

* New Budlong Tech Support email: If you need tech assistance, we have a new email: techbudlong@gmail.com
[6/22]
​
Wanted to quickly share an update.  Today, Governor JB Pritzker announced today that Illinois is on track to enter Phase 4.  What does this mean for us in the fall?

It means we can resume in-person instruction, but IT IS NOT a return to pre-pandemic schooling.  In her letter to school administrators this afternoon, Illinois State Superintendent of Education, Dr. Carmen Ayala, wrote:
"The minimum public health requirements that all public and nonpublic schools must meet as they create local reopening plans in Phase 4 are to:
  • Require use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including face coverings;
  • Prohibit more than 50 individuals from gathering in one space;
  • Require social distancing be observed as much as possible;
  • Require that schools conduct symptom screenings and temperature checks or require that individuals self-certify that they are free of symptoms before entering school buildings; and
  • Require an increase in schoolwide cleaning and disinfection.
These measures are proven and necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19."
Noticable changes in schools will be needed by fall in order to comply with these health requirements.  The District has not released plans for re-opening, so I do not have specifics for Budlong yet.  Please know though, as always, the health and safety of our students, families, and staff will continue to be my priority in all decisions.
​[6/18]
​
Greetings on this last day of school.  While the last three months were like nothing we could have imagined, and amidst so much change and even heartbreak, we find ourselves recognizing the importance of today, closing the 2019-20 school year.  I want to share some of the celebrations we created this year as our way of making sure that the bright spots overshadowed all else:


* The Budlong Beautiful Song, by Ms. Gosia Bagely, our ChiMe teaching artist:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cqwzvTy4rP1WPyzMa5zacW9OYMvuztGC/view

* ChiMe's Summer Music Series for Budlong: 
https://drive.google.com/file/d/155UfF9x_24hhFiGgysavfjeZ4tbov2vr/view?usp=sharing 

* 40th Ward Alderman Andre Vazquez's video: Thank you to Alderman Vazquez!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1502MFLwrMpRiMm3fuuQuHHUcJARH8uWf/view?usp=sharing


* Thank you to FOB for sponsoring these special cameos for our graduates!
* Grammy Winner Natasha Bedingfield: 
https://drive.google.com/file/d/14t6f6qdJD9UREAgMg8zVTJjIQiUfmO3P/view?usp=sharing

* Chicago Bear Roquan Smith:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/15-C97XO8ZHrcQablw8dp_jWZQLeazCnb/view?usp=sharing


* Construction Update: Because the building is nearly empty, work crews continue to move ahead of schedule...when does that ever happen in construction?!?!  These are just some of the upgrades being done:
  • New boilers
  • New carpet in library, auditorium, lab 116, and theater room
  • New tile and wider hallway outside art room
  • New thermostats in all classrooms

* Emergency Contact Form (Google Survey): In our efforts to effectively and efficiently plan for school in the fall, we are asking families to complete the survey by Tuesday.  We will make updates in our system to ensure accurate contact information.  We will still need the hard copy completed as part of the registration process for returning students:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe9HQZ1khWQRntPKr1tEIybfJoUEJy6B17r0bwqHC2hTAkMXQ/viewform?usp=sf_link


Thank you, take care, and be safe.  We still do not know what school will look like in the fall, but please know staff and faculty miss our students and families.  We are looking forward to school resuming in the fall, whatever the form.


[6/15]
​

Let's start this last week by honoring our kindergarten, first grade, and second grade Students of the Week.  

* Congratulations to kindergartner Abdul- Ahad Mohammad.  Here is why his teachers nominated him: Abdul- Ahad Mohammad has shown tremendous growth since the beginning of Kindergarten. During Remote Learning, he always has a big smile on his face. He comes prepared and is ready to learn for each session. Abdul loves to show his writing to the class. He points to the words as he reads them with a very clear and loud voice. Abdul is quick with our word problem of the day. He eagerly shows the answer on his fingers. I am so proud of his accomplishments this year. I know that he is going to excel in first grade!

* Congratulations to first grader, Taha Abu Melhim in first grade.  Taha was nominated because: During remote learning, Taha has exemplified the habits of heart, mind and work in many ways. He has demonstrated consistent involvement on all of our learning platforms, regularly participates during our Zoom lessons, makes sure to submit assignments on time, and is a model student to his classmates! Taha also makes it a point to sometimes include his younger siblings in our lessons, ensuring that they receive critical instruction as well! I am so proud of his ability to adapt to remote learning so well and I look forward to seeing his smiling face and positive attitude on Zoom over the next few weeks as we wrap up the year.

* Congratulations to second grader, Eliana Reyes.  The second grade team has chosen Eliana Reyes (homeroom 203) as the Student of the Week because Eliana exemplifies the Habits of Heart, Mind and Work. Eliana is a hard worker who does not give up and has improved so much this school year! She perseveres through difficult tasks. Even during Remote Learning, she has attended every class and completed every assignment. She asks questions when she does not understand something and advocates for herself.  Eliana participates in a small group and whole discussions. She is organized, responsible, creative, and makes great observations which she shares with the class. Eliana is a wonderful teacher helper and has a kind heart. Eliana is always willing to help teachers and students and shares with people around her. 

Item Pick-Up: 

​
Monday, 6/15 - 4th grade (car) 9 - 11am, (walking) 11-noon

Tuesday, 6/16 - PK (car/walking) 9 - 11am for Ms. Azose, Ms. Kritokos; noon - 2pm (car/walking) for Ms.Lubomski, Ms. Dimalante, Ms. Ostrander, and Ms. Saffran

Wednesday, 6/17 - Make-up day 


Safety Protocol for coming to school to pick up items:
  • Wear a mask.
  • Maintain social distancing.
  • Do not congregate. 


DO NOT come to school if you meet any of the criteria (we will make alternate arrangements):
  • You are ill.
  • You have been ill with COVID19 and your symptoms appeared less than ten days ago.
  • You have been ill with COVID19 and have had a fever or respiratory symptoms within the last 72 hours.
  • You are awaiting COVID19 test results.
  • You have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID19 within the last 14 days.
* Our eighth graders graduate tomorrow.  Eighth grade families will be sent the link to the virtual ceremony by their teachers at 9:30am. 

* ChiME is sponsoring a summer music series with Ms. Gosia Bagley for Budlong students; see attached.  Please take advantage of this opportunity and sign up today!

* Finally, CPS is drafting plans for school re-opening in the fall.  CPS CEO Dr. Jackson expressed the desire to return to in-person instruction by September 8, and adhering to CDC guidelines and implementing safety protocols to keep students and staff healthy.  In her most recent email, Dr. Jackson explained:


"Although our draft guidelines are still being developed, we know now based on the CDC’s guidance that a number of significant changes will need to occur to safely re-open our school buildings. 

Today, we know that a baseline of health and safety resources will need to be available in all schools:
  • Everyone will need to wear face coverings, and the district will provide a limited set to students and staff members at the start of the school year;
  • Hand sanitizer will need to be readily available throughout buildings
  • Stringent cleaning and disinfection protocols will be in place;
  • And students and staff will receive daily temperature checks.

Learning and social and emotional needs of our students will be greater than ever, and we will be prepared to support them."   Please see Dr. Jackson's 6/12/20 email for the explanation in its entirety.

Please watch for more end of year emails.  Thank you.
[6/8]
Student Weekly Announcement:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RZjeq55aKMeEIQY0ipAeGHIeWaGINYs9/view

Student of the Week: Congratulations to third grader, Ana Granciano.  Mr. Park nominated her because she adapted well to all the challenges that came with remote learning. She grew so much as a student and as a person throughout all this. I enjoy reading her writing and seeing her creative approach to our projects. She is kind to all her classmates. She is also the reigning academic trivia champion for her live lesson group. 

Item Retrieval:
Pick up starts tomorrow. We strongly encourage families to drive and use the Kiss N Go on Winona. Please write your child's name and the teacher's name on a sheet of paper and place in the car window. A staff member will bring your student's items to the car and place them in the trunk. It is the safest and most efficient way to pick up items from school.

6/9 - 1st grade (car) 9 - 11am, (walking) 11-noon; 5th grade (walking) 12 - 2pm
6/10 - 2nd grade (car) 9 -11am, (walking) 11-noon; 6th grade (walking) 12 - 2pm
6/11 - 3rd grade (car) 9 - 11am, (walking) 11-noon; 7th grade (walking) 12 - 2pm
6/12 - Kindergarten (car) 9 - 11am, (walking) 11-noon; 8th grade (walking) 12 - 2pm
6/15 - 4th grade (car) 9 - 11am, (walking) 11-noon
6/16 - PK (car/walking) 9 - 11am for Ms. Azose, Ms. Kritokos; noon - 2pm (car/walking) for Ms.Lubomski, Ms. Dimalante, Ms. Ostrander, and Ms. Saffran
6/17 - make-up day

Thank you.

[5/31]
Good Evening. 

​I'm sharing updates for the week ahead, and trying to keep the "normal" pace of things.  The reality is that I am struggling with what is happening in our city, surrounding areas, and country right now, in addition to the weight of a global health pandemic.  I've spoken with many school staff today and we are sad, frustrated, and scared, too.  Please know that our teachers will take time to listen and hear our students with an even more compassionate and sensitive ear in the weeks to come.  We will not always know the right thing to say, but we will be there to make sure our students know they are loved and respected and valued for who they are. 
​
Item Pick-up (sent in last week's update email as well): The plan was created in accordance with District and public health guidelines. Everyone's health and safety remains our priority, therefore, we are asking that everyone adhere to the safety measures and schedule. We are a school of 700 students, and in order for this process to be both efficient and safe, we need everyone to work together.


Safety Protocol for coming to school to pick up items:
  • Wear a mask.
  • Maintain social distancing.
  • Do not congregate. 
DO NOT come to school if you meet any of the criteria (we will make alternate arrangements):
  • You are ill.
  • You have been ill with COVID19 and your symptoms appeared less than ten days ago.
  • You have been ill with COVID19 and have had a fever or respiratory symptoms within the last 72 hours.
  • You are awaiting COVID19 test results.
  • You have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID19 within the last 14 days.
For PK - 4th grades, we are asking that families drive to school, enter the kiss n go parking lot on Wynona, stay in the car and wait in line while your student's items are brought to you. Student items will be bagged ahead of time and ready for distribution on the assigned date and time. Staff members will be waiting in the kiss n go area, asking for your student's last name, and then bring his/her bag to your vehicle (like Portillo's). If your child is on PK-4th, and you prefer to walk to school, please see the schedule for that time. Please arrange with your child's teacher if you have a schedule conflict. 

For 5th - 8th graders, students can walk to the school and pick up their items alone or with one guardian. Staff will be there to direct people. If you would prefer, you can also utilize the kiss n go option. Just let your child's teacher know.


* June 9 - 1st grade (by car) 9 - 11am, (walking) 11 - noon; 5th grade (walking) 12 - 2pm
* June 10 - 2nd grade (by car) 9 -11am, (walking) 11 - noon; 6th grade (walking) 12 - 2pm
* June 11 - 3rd grade (by car) 9 - 11am, (walking) 11 - noon; 7th grade (walking) 12 - 2pm
* June 12 - Kinder (by car) 9 - 11am, (walking) 11 - noon; 8th grade (walking) 12 - 2pm
* June 15 - 4th grade (by car) 9 - 11am, (walking) 11 - noon
* June 16 - PK (by car) 9 - noon, (walking) 12 - 2
* June 17 - make-up day


* Instruction will be cancelled one day this week so teachers can clean up their rooms.  Teachers will send out reminders with the date for their grade level.  Instruction will also be cancelled the following week on the day students are scheduled to come to school to pick up their items.  Again, teachers will remind families of the day off for their grade level.

* Be sure to check out the banner on Foster Ave. just for our graduates!

* Yearbooks are still for sale and can be purchased online at:
 commpe.pictavo.com       School Id: 89970

Please be safe, and take care.

    Author

    Principal Naomi Nakayama

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