Principal's Blog

December 4, 2017

As the weather starts to turn this winter, please remind your child(ren) to dress appropriately.  Winter hats, coats, and gloves will ensure students stay warm while on the way to school, at recess, and on the return trip home.

 Also, if boots are worn to school, please have your children bring a pair of gym shoes in their backpack to change in to for Physical Education Class.  All students have PE 5 days per week.  Thank you! 

October 31, 2017

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Costumes may be worn to school today, but large accessories and/or weapons should remain at home.  Masks may be work during the parade and room party only. 

In accordance with the D142 wellness policy, no candy or other food should be brought to school to share with classmates.  

This year's costume parade will begin at 1:55pm.  Students will come out Door #9, walk past the front of the school and reenter Door #2.  We will commence with the parade unless it is raining.

Classroom parties start at 2:15pm and will conclude at 3:15.  Room parents and party helpers: please refrain from parking in the parking spots in front of the school.  This is out bus Zone and co-op buses begin arriving at 2:30pm.  

Thank you!   

October 5, 2017

There will be NO SCHOOL on Friday, October 5th (Teacher Institute) and Monday, October 9th (Columbus Day).  School will resume on Tuesday, October 10th.  Please make plans accordingly, and have a great long weekend!

- Mr. Kulik 

September 12, 2017

Kerkstra's Spiritwear Sale ends this Friday (9/15).  Please visit the following link to place your order, before it's too late!

https://kerkstra2017.itemorder.com/sale 

September 1, 2017

What a wonderful first week of school!  It was truly inspiring watching teachers and students eagerly anticipating the start of a new year.  There will be no school on Monday in observance of Labor Day.  I wish all Kerkstra families a safe and happy long weekend.

August 2, 2017 

Kerkstra staff hopes that everyone is having a happy and safe summer.  Soon, we'll hit the groud running with another fantastic school year.  A few reminders as the school year nears: 

- Open House - August 24th  6:30 - 7:45pm

- First Day of School - August 28th   (8:50am - 3:20pm) 

- There is no Packet Pickup this year.  All information in regards to your child's school year will be received electronically.  

- Follow Kerkstra on Twitter:  @KerkstraCougars 

March 20, 2017

Tomorrow, March 21st, is World Down Syndrome Day.  Kerkstra School will be participating in the #lotsofsocks campaign.  

Students and staff are encouraged to wear crazy socks to support Down Syndrome awareness.  The hope is that when someone asks why we're wearing crazy socks, we'll be provided with the platform to speak on the behalf of Down Syndrome Awareness.

A special thanks goes out to the Destiny Program for sharing this activity with the rest of Kerkstra School!

February 17, 2017

School WILL BE IN SESSION on Monday, February 20th.  Enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend, and we'll see all students back on Monday! 

 

February 6, 2017

For your calendars:
This Friday is a 1/2 day of school for students.  Dismissal will be at 12pm and lunch will not be served.  Please make plans accordingly.  

Next Monday, February 13th, studnets have NO SCHOOL in observence of Lincoln's birthday.

On Tuesday, February 14th, students will have Valentine's Day parties in their classrooms at 2pm.  Please remember, candy shouldn't be brought in to share with other students during classroom parties.  This includes Valentines that ARE candy.  Thank you for your support!  

 

January 19th, 2017

To those who have a Twitter handle, feel free to follow @KerkstraCougars to get a glimpse at what a day at Kerkstra Elementary School is really like!

 

 

December 6, 2016

From time to time, parents ask for free resources available online for help their child with reading fluency and comprehension.  The following information comes from our Reading Specialist, Mrs. Griffiths:  Log on to the Tinley Park Public Library Tumble Book Website  2) Enter your library card number  3) Access thousands of books.  Some are read to the child, others are not. Quizzes and other activities accompany many of the books.

Other grade-level specific educational resources may be found on our D142 website. 

 

November 7, 2016

* Tomorrow (11/8) is Teacher Institute and there will be NO SCHOOL for students.  Please make plans accordingly.  Classes will resume on Wednesday.

* Also, there is NO SCHOOL on Friday (11/11) in observance of Veteran's Day. 

* American Education Week is next week.  Today, students will be bringing home information about the week's events.  These events include Parent Visitation Day, Grandparent's Day, and Family Reading Night.  If you chose to attend any of these events, please send the necessary paperwork back to school by the due date on each page. We hope that your family is able to celebrate the week with us!

September 19, 2016

Parents,

When calling a child in sick, please call the main office prior to 9am.  Also, all homework requests should also be made at this time. This will ensure teachers have ample time to put the work together. Thank you! 

September 14, 2016

Tomorrow (9/15) there will be a 1/2 day for students due to Teacher Institute Meetings.  All Kerkstra students will be dismissed at 12:00pm, and lunch will not be served.  Please make arrangements accordingly!

Other Notes:

- There will be a PTA General Membership Meeting tomorrow (9/15) at 6pm at Ridge Early Childhood Center.  This meeting will end with a PTA sponsored board game night.  Those wishing to attend and participate in the game night should bring their own board games.  The PTA will, however, provide a limited number of games to play.  

- Kerkstra's Great American Opportunities Fundraiser will run through September 20th.  

- Friday (9/16) is our 2nd Kerkstra Sprirt Day.  Students are encouraged to wear their Kerkstra attire to school!  

August 30, 2016

Parents,

Our bus evacuation drill will be held tomorrow (8/31).  Please ensure your child wears comfortable shoes in the event that the children are evacuated out the back door of the bus.  

Also, our 1st fire drill will be held on Thursday morning (9/1).  This drill is weather permitting.  Encourage your child to ask any questions prior to the drill.  Comfortable shoes for this event would also be beneficial.

 

August 26, 2016

Parents,

It's not too late for your child to get his/her "Our Kids Read" yard sign!  Students may still turn in their reading logs to the main office.  If you have misplaced the log, simply write us a note stating that your child completed the requirements for the summer reading program.  It's great seeing these signs around the community!

Sincerely,
Mr. Kulik 

August 12, 2016

Good afternoon.  I hope that everyone has enjoyed their summer thus far and has found time to relax and unwind.  As we move closer to the start of the new school year, please take note of these important upcoming dates/events:

8/15 - Packet Pickup @ Hille  2-6pm

8/22 - Kerkstra Open House 6:30 - 7:45pm

8/24 - First Day of School (Full Day)

 

June 14, 2016

 "SENSORY STORYTIME"

Presented By.... 

The Midlothian Public Library
Friday, June 17th & Friday, July 8th
2:00-2:45 PM

Sensory Storytime is an inclusive program developed for children who are on the autism spectrum or differently abled. Those with sensory enhancement may find greater enjoyment in this modified environment of a closed room where lighting and music are lower, movement and conversation are encouraged, and there are multiple ways to engage through the senses. This program is presented at an early elementary level of development. 

June 2, 2016

We've made it to the end of yet another successful year at Kerkstra Elementary!  

Just a few friendly reminders:

- Today is a FULL day of school  (9:00 - 3:07)
- Kerkstra's Summer Kickoff will take place today - we encourage students to wear gym shoes, comfortable clothes, and sunscreen.
- There will be only 1 lunch choice today - hotdog and chips.  Please ensure you child has enough money on his/her lunch account if they'd like to purchase this lunch
- Kerkstra's summer office hours are 7:30am - 3:30pm.  We are closed during the month of July.


Thank you all for your dedication to your child's education this year.  We've seen tremendous growth in all of our students and look forward to building on all our successes next year.  

Have a great summer!

Sincerely,
Mr. Kulik

April 18, 2016

Weather: Now that the weather is finally changing, students will be getting outside more often for recess and P.E. classes.  While lunchtime temperatures may be getting into the 70's, A.M. P.E. classes might experience significantly cooler temperatures.  Please ensure that your child layers up to prepare for ever-changing weather conditions!

Traffic: The A.M. carpool arrival lane is a single file lane only.  Please remain patient and pull up as far as your can.  Parents shouldn't pass other stopped vehicles.  When traffic stops, you may drop off your child anywhere along the curb.  Thank you for keeping the flow and ensuring student safety during A.M. arrival!

1/2 Day: There will be a 1/2 day of school on Wednesday, April 20th.  Students will be dismissed at 12:00pm and lunch will not be served.  Please make plans accordingly.  Than you!

 

April 1, 2016

Next week, Kerkstra Elementary will be closed for Spring Break.  Students are off from Monday (4/4) through Friday (4/8).  The school will reopen and classes will resume on Monday, April 11th. 

I hope everyone has a safe and happy spring break!

Sincerely,
Mr. Kulik

March 28, 2016

Please see the message below from our Librarian, Mrs. De Leon:

If you happen to get an email from noreply@libraryworld.com, please open it.  It's an overdue notice from the school library.  Foster, Kerkstra, Ridge and Hille libraries are using this system to keep in touch with parents about late books (and saving paper at the same time)  Please check your SPAM too, it might accidentally end up there. 

Thank you for your help to ensure all of our library books are returned in a timely fashion and all overdue fines are paid.  These two things are extremely important as we begin to wind down the school year. 

Sincerely
Mr. Kulik 

March 10, 2016

Good morning,

There will be a lunch change for Friday March 11th:

Fish Sticks w/Fresh Roll will replace the Cheese Pizza that was originally scheduled.

Thank you  

February 11, 2016

A "treat" for special needs families: Josi's Frozen Yogurt

January 5, 2016

At Kerkstra Elementary School, we are fortunate to be able to provide our students with quality options for breakfast and lunch.  It is important to us that we keep you informed of the balances on your child’s meal account so that he/she is able to purchase meals.  Each day, balance reminders are sent home when a meal account is approaching $0 balance or when the account dips into the negative. Students are not allowed to purchase breakfast or lunch items if their account is in the negative. If a student signs up for lunch, but has insufficient funds, we will make a phone call home to alert parents.

Funds can be added to a student lunch account by sending cash or checks made payable to Forest Ridge School District 142.  There is also the convenience of adding to the balance online. All information, along with extra tips, can be found on our district website at www.d142.org. Just go to the parent resource tab and click on “Meal Time Online”.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the front office at (708) 687-2860.

January 4, 2015

  As we enter 2016, student safety remains a top priority at Kerkstra Elementary School.  To ensure that all students arrive and depart school safely, it is absolutely critical that all Kerkstra families follow the procedures that we have designated throughout the school year.  I’d like to take this opportunity to review a few of these with you now:

1) During morning arrival, please pull up as far as you can in our “L” driveway.  This will ensure that more students get dropped off in a timely fashion and it will also decrease traffic congestion on 149th street.  Kerkstra parents should not drop students off in the “Bus Zone” in the front of the school.

2) During dismissal, please remain with your vehicle at all times.  School personnel will alert parents when it’s safe to leave the parking lot, and vacant cars cause traffic not to be able to leave the lot.  Also, if you’re at the tail end of the car pool lane, please ensure that you’re not blocking the sidewalk parallel to 149th street.  This will allow for safe student passage to the crosswalk at 149th and Laramie.

3) If you utilize the Gene Leonard Park parking lot during arrival and/or dismissal, students are to cross at the corner of 149th and Laramie only.  This is a designated crosswalk and a crossing guard is stationed there.  Kerkstra students, parents, and families shall not cross at any other location. 

4) Orange cones are placed strategically in Kerkstra’s parking lots to prevent cars from entering and exiting in a manner that may pose a threat to student safety.  Please acknowledge these cones and the designated flow of traffic. Refrain from driving around or moving these cones. 

5) It is illegal for parents to utilize hand-held cell phones while in a school zone.

Should you have a question about the AM arrival or PM dismissal procedures, please feel free to contact me at (708) 687-2860 x102 or jkulk@d142.org.  

December 17, 2015

Tomorrow, 12/18, is a half day for students.  Dismissal will be at 12:00pm, and lunch will not be served. Please make any necessary arrangements accordingly.  I also would like to take the opportunity to wish everyone a happy holiday season and a safe and healthy 2016! 
 
(Students will resume classes on Monday, January 4) 

November 17, 2015

Tomorrow is Grandparents' Day at Kerkstra.  Festivities start at 12:55pm with a quick welcome in the gym. At 1:05pm, Bingo will begin in the gym, crafts and coffee will start in the cafeteria, and the Book Fair on the stage will open. 

Grandparents should begin to arrive at Kerkstra around 12:15pm.  The blacktop next to the gym will be open for additional handicapped parking for those that need it.   Grandparents may check in at either the main entrance, or at doors 17 or 18 by the gym.

One last reminder - Due to our Grandparents' Day festivities, there will only be one hot lunch choice tomorrow:  Club Wrap w/ carrots, apple slices, Rice Krispy Treat, and milk.

Thank you, and we look forward to having a great time making memories with our Grandparents. 

October 30, 2015

Band and Choir days were accidentally misprinted on Kerkstra's November calendar:

The sessions should be as follows:
8 AM Choir - Mondays (2nd, 9th, 16th, 30th)
3:10 PM Band - Tuesdays (3rd, 10th, 17th)

Updated calendars will be sent home on Monday, 11/2.

Happy Halloween!

Mr. Kulik

October 12, 2015

Good morning,

The City of Oak Forest will be honoring Kerkstra Elementary School with a proclamation of distinction at the Oak Forest City Council meeting on October 27th.  This meeting will be held at 8pm at City Hall.  All D142 community members and Kerkstra parents are invited to attend.  I would love to see you all there!
 
Sincerely,

Mr. Kulik 

September 23, 2015

PTA Family Bowling Night @ Oak Forest Bowl
Thursday, October 8, 2015     4pm - 6pm

Come on out for a fun Family event!
Kids, friends, parents, & grandparents!   Everyone is welcome!
Food available for purchase from Oak Forest Bowl
Prepay $10 per guest by Tuesday, October 6th  ($12 at the door) 

 

 

September 11, 2015

Have you ever wondered why students are being taught math in a way that's unfamilliar to you? Have you ever wondered how you can help them?  Dr. Shah helps explain the answers to these questions in this short, 8 minute video.  Enjoy!

 http://www.mathplusacademy.com/heres-why-math-is-taught-differently-now/

September 11, 2015

 Forest Ridge School District joins social media: You can "like" us at http://www.facebook.com/ForestRidge142 and follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/ForestRidge142.  We will be regularly posting and tweeting information about our school district, staff, and our fantastic students. 

 Also, our District 142 website, www.d142.org, has a host of information for parents, students, and the Oak Forest community.  Please take a look through those materials.  Finally, you can also follow Dr. McDermott's blog, "Today Matters" at http://www.d142.org/todaymatters 
 
Have a great weekend! 

September 11, 2015

Please check your child's hot lunch account balance regularly, and add funds when necessary. The Kerkstra Staff wants to ensure that all students who order hot lunch have a positive lunch balance each day.  If you have questions about adding funds to your child's lunch account, please contact the main office.

Thank you! 

September 8, 2015

The September and October 2015 editions of Nutrition Nuggets and Teen Food & Fitness are posted on the Parent Resources page on the District website.

Sincerely,
Mr. Kulik 

September 2, 2015

To help celebrate the newly constructed playground at Gene Leonard Park, there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony held on Thursday, September 3rd at 6pm.  District 142 Administration, Oak Forest Park District Officials, and City Officials will be on hand for the ceremony.  Students, parents, and community members are invited to join as well.

I hope to see you there! 

Sincerely,
Mr. Kulik 

August 28, 2015

Forest Ridge School District 142 has been notified by the Oak Forest Park District that the soccer field at Gene Leonard Park will be fertilized today, August 28th.  The fertilization of the field will take place in the afternoon after all recess times have concluded.  The OFPD will be applying Biosolids to the field.  Biosolids are a safe chemical fertilizer, but may have a slight musty or ammonia odor.  Should you have any questions, please contact the Oak Forest Park District.

Sincerely,
Jeff Kulik

 

August 24, 2015

WELCOME BACK!  All of the staff at Kerkstra are looking forward to a wonderful, productive school year!  Please keep in contact with your child's teacher on a regular basis as it's imperative we all work together to ensure student growth and success!

Reminder:  Wednesday, August 25th is picture day.  Send your child to school looking his/her absolute best!

June 18, 2015

Dear parents,

I hope the beginning of summer has been relaxing and rejuvenating.  To encourage continued summer reading, please see the Scholastic Summer Reading link below.  The Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge is a free program that allows students to log reading minutes, unlock stories, and earn rewards!


Sincerely,

Mr. Kulik

 

APRIL 28, 2015

Congratulations to all of our 2015 Spelling Bee finalists and champions.  You all did a wonderful job!  

3rd Grade Champion - Kiera C.

4th Grade Champion -  Michael B.

5th Grade Champion - Ivan C. 

April 23, 2015

Dear D142 Music Families, 

Come see Jack Hille Middle School's production of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" this weekend! There will be just two performances of this magical show: Friday, April 24th and Saturday, April 25th. Don't miss out! The show will begin at 7:00 pm on both nights. Doors will be opened at6:15 pm and tickets will be sold at this time. Tickets prices are $12 for Main Floor seats, $8 for Bleacher seats, and $5 for D142 students only. 

See you there!

Mr. Grace, Ms. Kim, and Mr. Nendza 

April 1, 2015 

Dear Parents,

Please visit the link below to see Kerkstra's Blue Ribbon Nomination highlighted on the Chicago Tribune's Website.


We are all proud to be Kerkstra Cougars!!

Sincerely,

Mr. Kulik

March 17th, 2015

Kerkstra's Early Act Club made it into the Chicago Tribune for their efforts to help raise over $2,300.00 for the Leukemia and Lymphona Society.  Please see the following link:

 http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/orland-park-homer-glen/community/chi-ugc-article-district-142s-earlyact-student-club-at-kerks-2015-03-13-story.html

 Thank you to all Early Act members, Kersktra students, and Kersktra staff for supporting such a wonderful cause!

 

  

March 6, 2015

REMINDER #1: Don't forget to set your clocks ahead one hour on Saturday night before you go to bed.  

REMINDER #2: PARCC testing will take place on March 10th - 13th, and the 17th.  Encourage your child to his/her best on the test!   

 February 26, 2015

YOU'RE  INVITED!   SPECIAL NEEDS FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT

SPONSORED BY THE PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL

A SPECIAL NIGHT FOR OUR FAMILIES OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES.

FROZEN!

DATE:  FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2015

TIME:  DOORS OPEN AT 6:00 PM, MOVIE BEGINS AT 6:30 PM

LOCATION:  KERKSTRA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 

ADMISSION:  FREE!! Concession Stand Will be OPEN!

*ALL CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY THEIR PARENTS*

February 19, 2015 

THERE IS NO SCHOOL TODAY, FEBRUARY 19th, DUE TO EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS.  Please stay safe and warm! 

  

 

 February 11th, 2015

 
Forest Ridge PTA
FOUNDER’S DAY
Association Meeting
 
Featuring:
PBIS from Ridge - Pledge of Allegiance and PBIS Pawsitive Behavior Pledge - Mrs. Baniewicz
 
Hille - Percussion Ensemble - Mr. Nendza
 
Foster - Aerobics 4th and 5th grade - Mrs. Baytala
 
 
Thursday, February 19th at
Ridge Early Childhood Center
7:00 pm – PTA Meeting
7:15 pm – Program Begins
 
Come out and see some of the programs your PTA provides for the students of District 142.
During this meeting we will also recognize people who have dedicated their time and talents to our association. They will be honored by the Forest Ridge PTA.

February 10th, 2015

Please note the unique schedule for the remainder of the week:

Wednesday is a 1/2 day.  Student dismissal will be at 12:00pm  (No Lunch provided)
Thursday there is NO SCHOOL due to Lincoln's B-Day.
Friday is a normal day for students. Classroom Valentine's Day parties will be held at 2pm.

Thank you! 

January 30th, 2015

 

  • **PTA MOVE NIGHT REMINDER**
  • WHAT: Disney's "FROZEN"
  • WHERE: Kerkstra Elementary
  • WHEN: 1/30/2015  -   Doors @ 6:30pm   Movie @ 7:00pm 
  • As always, concessions will be available for a nominal fee.  
  • Two copies of the film will be given away to two lucky students!

 

January 30th, 2015

The following message comes from Forest Ridge School District #142's PPS Director, Dr. Lori Leppert:

Good Afternoon,

We will be holding a "Coffee with the Director" on Monday, February 2nd at Ridge Early Childhood Center (9:30 AM) in the Volunteer Room. We will be exploring the Special Education Weebly (http://d142-specialeducation.weebly.com/).  There have been quite a few additions to the site - please check it out when you have a moment.  We have added a Useful Links, Helpful Documents and Upcoming Events section.  Our mission is to create a site that provides support and timely information to parents and community members.

We will be hosting our first Special Needs Family Movie Night on February 27, 2015 at Kerkstra.  This special showing of "Frozen" is for our families with children who have special needs.  Doors open at 6:00 PM and the movie starts at 6:30 PM. 

If I can ever be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact me.  

January 15th, 2015

This is just a reminder that due to the two inclement weather days we had last week, report cards will go home on Tuesday, January 20th.  Thank you all for your patience.  As always, please review all grades with your child(ren) when the report card comes home.  I know that all Kerkstra students will continue to strive to do their absolute best as we transition into 3rd quarter.

Also, there will be no school on Monday, January 19th in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.  Please make plans accordingly!  Thank you.  

  

January 7th, 2015

All District 142 schools will be closed tomorrow, Thursday, January 8th. All after school activities and Ivy League care are also cancelled. 

 

January 7th, 2015

All District 142 schools are closed today, Wednesday, January 7th. All after school activities and Ivy League care are also cancelled. 

 

January 2nd, 2015 
 
In 2015, Kerkstra will be adding texting as an additional way to keep in contact with parents & guardians.  
If you're interested in receiving text information/reminders from your child's school, please choose one of the following ways to sign up:

1) Click on this link and follow the instructions:

 - or -

2) Text @kerkstra05 to 81010

(Some carries don’t recognize the “@” symbol.  If you are experiencing trouble, simply text join kerkstra05 to 81010)

*** Note that, by using this service, you may receive e-mail or text messages on your phone or mobile device, which may cause you to incur usage charges or other fees or costs in accordance with your wireless or data service plan. Any and all such charges, fees, or costs are your sole responsibility. You should consult with your wireless carrier to determine what rates, charges, fees, or costs may apply to your use of the Services.

December 4th, 2014 

The following message comes from Dr. Leppert.

Good Evening,

We will be holding a "Coffee with the Director" on Friday, December 19th at Hille Middle School (9:30 AM).  The meeting onJanuary 5th will be cancelled.

We will discuss Procedural Safeguards, the new Special Education Weebly (http://d142-specialeducation.weebly.com/) and explore other topics specific to what you may currently be experiencing.  

We are in the process of planning our first Special Education Family Movie Night for families with students with disabilities in January.  We will be showing Frozen!  Thank-you to Donna Brown for helping to coordinate this effort.

Also, a special thanks to Amanda McMahon for planning our Epilepsy Awareness Month activities in November!

Hope to see you on the 19th!  

November 25th, 2014

Our district has started the process of converting from the Meal Time Point of Sale program to the new web-based Meal Time mPower program.  As part of this process, the Meal Time online site will be under construction from 12:01am on Monday, November 24th through 12:01am Friday, November 28th.  We will begin using the new mPower program on Monday, December 1st. 

One important change with this new program is that student low-balance and negative statements (currently sent home on 1/4 sheets of paper) will no longer be sent home on a daily basis.  We HIGHLY encourage all parents to set up an account through Meal Time Online and sign up for low-balance e-mail reminders. This will be the only method to ensure that your child has adequate funds to purchase lunch and/or breakfast.

Credit card deposits to student accounts can be made online, or you may send a cash/check deposit to school with your child.  Please visit www.mymealtime.com to set up your account.  If you have questions, please call the school at (708) 687-2860.

Thank you!

November 24th, 2014

Good evening,

There will be a change in lunch options for tomorrow, November 25th.  Students will have 1 choice: Holiday Turkey Dinner (Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, & Roll)

Also, Wednesday is a 1/2 day for students.  Students will be dismissed at 12:00pm and lunch will not be provided.  Please make plans accordingly.  School will resume for students on Monday, December 1st. 

I hope everyone has a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!  

November 24th, 2014

Good morning, 

Please let the main office know if you have multiple children attending Kerkstra and are receiving more than one Power Announcement call.  We want to make sure that our system is efficient as possible. 

Thanks, and be safe in today's crazy weather!  

November 17th, 2014

American Education Week runs from Monday, November 17th, through Friday, November 21st.  The following is a reminder for all events being held this week:

Tuesday - Picture Retakes for students at Kerkstra, School Board Meeting at District Office - 7:30pm

Wednesday - Grandparents' Day - 12:45pm

Thursday - Parent Visitation Day - AM (9:30 - 11:30) and PM (1:30 - 2:30) sessions,  Family Reading Night 5:45 - 7:15pm.

Friday - PTA Movie Night - "The Lego Movie" 6:30pm, Kerkstra Spirit Day, Midterms sent home.

Have a great evening, and stay warm! 
 
 

November 14th, 2014

Just a Reminder:

Parents - Please make sure your child is dressed for the cold weather (coats, gloves, hats, scarves, etc...). Our temperature cut off for having outside recess is approximately 15 degrees Fahrenheit, wind chill included.  Also, if your child has gym class and wears boots to school, please send him/her with a pair of gym shoes to change in to. 

Thanks,

Mr. Kulik 

November 12th, 2014

The Great Amerian Opportunities Fundraiser items were delivered this morning and are ready for pickup today in the Kerkstra gym. Thank you for supporting our Fundraiser!

Today is the 2nd day of P/T conferences from 1pm - 8pm at Kerkstra.  Students will be out for Teacher Institute tomorrow, Thursday, Novemeber 13th.  Students will resume classes on Friday, November 14th.

Have a great afternoon, and stay warm!

  

November 3rd, 2014

Good evening, 

Don't forget that there is no school tomorrow, November 4th, due to a teacher institute day. School will resume on Wednesday, November 5th.  There will be Market Day pickup from 5:30 - 6:30, however.

Thank you! 

October 31, 2014 

Happy Halloween!

Students may wear costumes to school today. Please do not send any weapons or "weapon-like" objects to accompany the costumes.  Also, the weather looks quite iffy for this afternoon.  We will make a determination at 12:00pm whether the outside parade will commence.  Updates will be posted to the principal's blog and will be sent out via the parent email list.   Thank you!

*** We will commence with the outdoor parade at 1:40pm ***

October 21st, 2014

Good afternoon,

This is just a reminder that there's a board meeting tonight at District Office that starts at 7:30.  Also, tomorrow is a 1/2 day for students.  Dismissal time will be at 12:00pm and lunch will not be provided. Breakfast options for students will still be available, however.  Please make plans accordingly.

Thank you, and have a great evening! 

October 14th, 2014

Good morning,

As you may or may not know, the "2014-2015 School Calendar" that was distributed  during packet pick-up contained a few errors.  All errors have since been corrected, and accurate information can be easily found on our website: www.d142.org

Please note that this Friday, October 17th is a full day of school.  Next Wednesday, October 22nd is a 1/2 day of school.  Students will be dismissed at Noon. 

October 7th, 2014 

Good morning,

Market day pickup will be held today from 5:30 - 6:30 in the Kerkstra cafeteria.
Also, fire prevention assemblies are being held for all grade levels today during the school day. Students will get to meet and interact with Oak Forest Fire Department firemen and will also have the opportunity to get a tour of a fire engine and ambulance.  Ask you child about fire safety and what he/she learned at school today!
 
 

September 24, 2014 

Good afternoon,

Student safety during drop-off and dismissal time is our number one priority at Kerkstra.  Please do not drop off your child before 8:45 in the morning.  Staff supervision will begin at this time.  Also, please do not block any of the crosswalks at the intersection of 149th Street and Laramie with your vehicle.  Students need to utilize these crosswalks for safe passage to and from school.  Thank you for your attention to these procedures and for keeping Kerkstra's students safe!

  

September 18, 2014

Good morning,

This is just a reminder that today is picture day at Kerkstra!  Feel free to send your child(ren) to school looking their absolute best.  If he/she is scheduled to have gym today, you may want to consider sending in an extra pair of comfortable shoes.

Thank you, and have a great day. 

September 16, 2014

Good afternoon,

This is just a friendly reminder that students have a 1/2 day tomorrow, Wednesday, September 17th.  Students will be dismissed at 12:00pm and lunch will not be provided.  In addition, there will be no after school activities taking place.  Please make plans accordingly!  


Thanks, and have a great afternoon.
 
August 27, 2014 
 
Good afternoon,

This is just a friendly reminder that tomorrow we will hold our bus evacuation drill at Kerkstra.  Please make sure you child wears comfortable clothes and shoes in the event that students are exited off the back of the bus.

Thank you, and have a great evening.

August 14, 2014

Good evening,

Don't forget that Kerkstra's Open House runs tonight from 7:00-8:30.  I hope to see you there! 

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