MUST
2014 -15
New Family Welcome Booklet
Spencer Loomis Elementary School

On behalf of the entire Spencer Loomis
Elementary School PTO, we are so happy you are now a part of our school community! The
SL PTO is proud of our school and strives to connect, enrich, and support our students and their teachers.We are thrilled that your children and your family are here!
If you have questions not answered in the pages of this booklet, please feel free to contact me. I would be happy to help you find answers to any and all questions you have about our school and community. We hope that you will join us to help our school f lourish and achieve excellence as a wellrounded, learning community.
Sincerely,
Amy Kappelman
New Family Welcome Chair, 2014-15 amy@whatweb.com
224-677-5009

Important Contact Info .........................................................1
Other Key Resources.............................................................2
School Day.............................................................................3
Drop-off/Pick-up....................................................................3
Important Dates ....................................................................4
Inclement Weather Policy......................................................4
Protocols and (unsaid) Rules of Engagement ....................5-6
Lunch Program ......................................................................7
Celebrations ..........................................................................7
Information Specific to Grades ..........................................8-9
Ways to Get Involved ............................................................9
General District Info.......................................................10-11
Public Library.......................................................................12
Tutoring ...............................................................................12
Preschools ......................................................................12-13
Daycare...........................................................................13-14
Sports and Dance ................................................................15
Fun Stuff .........................................................................16-17
Zoos .....................................................................................17
Local Park Districts.........................................................17-18
Local Playgrounds ..........................................................18-19
Museums .............................................................................19
Medical Professionals..........................................................20
For the Adults......................................................................21
Restaurants..........................................................................21
Change of Dismissal Form ..................................last page

School Office: (847) 719-3300
Attendance: (847) 719-3366
Transportation: (847) 438-2834
2014-15 Spencer Loomis PTO Executive Board
Kerry Pollard, President slptopresident@gmail.com
(847) 726-9363
Hilary Winiarz, Vice President slptovicepresident@gmail.com
(847) 612-8833
Tina Stoval, Secretary slptocommunications@gmail.com
(847) 275-5297
Megan McDowell, Treasurer meganemcdowell@yahoo.com
(847) 749-6040
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Parent-Student Handbook
Distributed electronically at the start of each school year, this resource provides important information on everything from school bell schedules to disciplinary procedures to protocol for resolving questions that may arise regarding your child's educational experience. To review or download a PDF, visit www.lz95.org, click on “Parents” and select the
“Parent-Student Handbook.”
School Improvement Plans (SIP)
Every school in District 95 has a SIP plan which outlines the ways in which the leadership and staff of each building are working together to improve the performance of the school and the educational experience of the students enrolled and learning there. This plan is posted on the school’s website (Principal’s corner).
School Report Cards
Once a year around November, the Illinois State Board of
Education (ISBE) releases detailed analysis of the performance of public schools and school districts in accordance with state and federal law. You may find this information posted on the
District 95 website but you may also search for Spencer
Loomis at www.Illinoisreportcard.com.

Full Day: School is officially in session from 8:35am to 2:50pm
Early Release: School is in session from 8:35 am to 12:50 pm
(there is a lunch break on these days)
Kindergarten AM: 8:35 am to 11:10 am
Kindergarten AM Half Day: 8:35 am to 10:15 am
Kindergarten PM: 12:15 pm to 2:50 pm
Kindergarten PM Half Day: 11:15 pm to 12:50 pm
Parents may drop children off at the front entrance as early as 8:15 a.m. (no earlier unless you are signed up for before-care with the YMCA). There will be an adult there to take your child into the school - you do not need to get out of the car to sign them in.
Bus service
Bus information is located on the bus route sheet that comes in the registration packet at the end of the summer.
Once you know your bus number, look for it on the 9”x11” sheet in the window of the bus. It is NOT the number painted on the bus.
Change of Dismissal Form
Fill this out when your child is going home with a friend, has an appointmentt, etc. Your child should give the form to their teacher. Available on the last page of this booklet, and on the school website on the PTO page (click on “PTO” in the left sidebar on the Spencer Loomis page of www.lz95.org).
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A list of all PTO events will be posted online as well as sent to all parents the third week of school.
Mustang Pride Picnic: Friday, August 22nd: 4pm - 6:30pm
First Day of School: Monday, August 25th
Mustang Monster Mash-up: October 17
Thanksgiving Break: November 26-28
Christmas Break: December 22 - January 2
Spring Break: March 23-27
Last day of school (if no inclement weather days) : June 5
Snow days will be texted, emailed and voicemailed to you, so be sure to give the school district your best contact info.

Proof of Residency
At least one parent/guardian from all District 95 families must prove residency each school year on specific dates at a specific location.
The “Proof of Residency” days allow the parent/guardian to:
• prove residency (one time, one place for the whole family)
• pick up teacher assignment/schedule
• pick up district calendar & student handbook
• pay fees
• can complete free/reduced lunch applications
• drop off health forms
• opt-in for PTO eBulletins
• see Spiritwear (our school spirit-themed clothing and accessories offerings)
• ask questions about registration, health forms, transportation, and more!
School Communication
Check out our school website on a regular basis for the latest important school news and information. Go to www.lz95.org and select “Spencer Loomis Elementary” under the “Our Schools” menu.
Flyers with PTO information, announcements from the principal and staff are no longer sent home with students.
Go to “Virtual Backpack” in the “Parents” tab on www.lz95.org to see all of the flyers posted.
Also check your email for PTO newsletters and school information. The only flyers that are sent home are ones with a registration and returned to school.
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School Supplies
An annual list of required school supplies are listed on the district’s website each spring. Parents have an opportunity to purchase a school supply pack which includes all the required supplies. The PTO sponsors the sale of the school supply packs. Look for order forms to come home after spring break. The school supply packs will be available for pickup during Meet the Principal Day.
If a family is not able to purchase school supplies, they may ask the school office to place their names on a list for assistance. The supplies will then be provided by the organization Joanie’s Closet. (see District 95 Info on page 11)
“Student Planner”
The “Student Planner” is listed on the supply list for every student, grades 2-5. It is an assignment notebook that you can not buy at a store. You must buy them from the teacher or secretary, if you didn’t buy one at the Meet the Principal
Day. Cost: $5
Teacher Gifts/Donations
Holiday and End-of-Year: Some people choose to gift around the holidays, others choose to gift around
Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week in May, and still others gift on multiple occasions. The PTO assembles a Teacher’s
Favorite Things Binder each fall to help guide your expressions of appreciation.

A daily hot lunch program is available to all full-day students. Go to mylunchmoney.com and set up an account to automatically fund and manage your child’s lunch card.
Free or reduced meal plans are available for qualifying students. See the front office for details.
If you want to have lunch with your child, find out what time your child’s lunch period is and then check in at the front office on the day you want to stay for lunch.
Birthdays
You can celebrate your child’s birthday by sending in nonedible treats for the class.
Another fun, lasting option is to purchase a birthday book in the Spencer Loomis Library and Media Center (LMC).
Simply send in $10 in with your child on their library day.
They will be able to select and purchase a book for the
SL-LMC, which will then be labeled as a gift from your child.
Their picture will be taken with their chosen book and posted on the bulletin board outside the library.
Holidays
Only Halloween and Valentine’s Day are celebrated in the classroom and organized by the Room Parents. There is a Costume Parade on Halloween, and parents are welcome to attend.
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Academics
Kindergartners have PE and library. Grades 1-5 have art and music in addition to PE and library.
The honors/advanced math program is called “replacement math.” Replacement math is based on test scores and begins in third grade. There is testing in fifth grade to determine eligibility for the High Ability Learner (HAL) program in the middle school.
Extracurriculars
Orchestra starts in 4th grade with instruments and sign-up choice in May of 3rd grade. Band starts in 5th grade with instrument choice and sign-up in May of 4th grade.
4th and 5th graders can join the choir. Watch for information at the beginning of the school year.
4th and 5th graders can run for classroom student council representatives.
Milestones
Kindergarten Graduation: In years past, there has been a short, simple ceremony to recognize our Kindergarteners at the completion of the year. In 2014, the ceremony was held on the last day of school. Parents were invited to the ceremony by Kindergarten teachers.
3rd Grade Wax Museum: For the past few years, all 3rd graders have participated in a special Wax Museum project in the spring. Each student researches an assigned historical figure and then prepares a short monologue as well as a costume, and depicts that historical figure during a Wax
Museum presentation for their fellow SL students and their families during spring Open House.

5th grade “Taft”: a spring trip to the Northern Illinois
University’s Lorado Taft Field Campus, near Oregon, Illinois, for 3 days and 2 nights of outdoor education experiences.
The trip is simply known as “Taft,” and is a wonderful milestone for all District 95 fifth graders. They also have a big picnic at the end of the school year. There is a day, also at the end of the school year, when they take a tour of the middle school.
There are many ways to be involved at school including helping out in the classroom, serving as a Room Parent or Copy Parent, contributing to PTO fundraisers, attending a PTO meeting or activity or volunteering for school events.
If you serve as a volunteer or attend an event at school during the school day, as a security measure, you will be asked to leave your car keys with the front office. On your first visit you will also be asked to leave a copy of your driver’s license. All volunteers must fill out a volunteer form.
You may obtain the form through the front office.
School Events (these can’t happen without your help!!)
• Mustang Pride Picnic (beginning of every year)
• Fall & Spring Book Fairs and Open Houses
• Mustang Monster Mashup (October)
• All-School Holiday Sing-a-long (December)
• Bingo Night (January)
• Variety Show (April)
• Teacher Appreciation (May)
• Author Visit (May)
• 5th Grade Picnic (May)
• Field Day (June)
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There is a district map in the “District 95” tab of the lz95.org website in “District Overview”.
In Illinois, there are counties and townships. You are considered to be in Ela Township, which is in Lake County.
District 95 Background
CUSD#95 is a community unit school district which serves students in grades Pre-K through 12 living in a 19.4 square mile area including the communities of Lake Zurich, Deer
Park, Hawthorn Woods, unincorporated Lake County, and
North Barrington. Enrollment for the 2013-14 school year was
5,779 students who attended five elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school. District 95 also operates a staff development center which houses IT, transportation, and maintenance services, and an administration center. The school district is governed by a group of seven elected community members, referred to as the Board of Education, who serve without compensation. The Board of Education holds monthly public meetings as part of their governance process. Find out more at www.lz95.org.
District 95 Educational Foundation
A not-for-profit organization working in partnership with businesses in the community and CUSD #95 to support activities that enhance, enrich and supplement instructional opportunities for CUSD #95 learners. The Foundation raises and disburses funds for district-wide programs such as the
Mobile Learning Initiative, Teacher Innovation grants,
Creative Spaces grants, eLibrary resources, Science Fair,
Film Festival and more. The Foundation also hosts an annual fundraising gala in late winter as well as a familyfriendly 5K/1K Run/Walk in the fall. Find out more at www.district95foundation.org.

Joanie’s Closet
This non-profit organization serves under-resourced
District 95 students and their families in collaboration with the community by providing basic needs to help students achieve their goals. Families who need assistance may contact their school nurse or social worker for discreet, anonymous help with needs such as school supplies, coats, boots, grocery gift cards, and more. Various opportunities exist to support Joanie’s Closet throughout the school year, including donation drives and an annual Valentine’s Dance to benefit the organization. For more information, visit www.district95foundation.org and click on
Initiatives/Joanie’s Closet.
Lake Zurich www.lakezurich.org
There are two beaches. Beach passes can be purchased for the summer season, as well as for the splash and spray park at Paulus Park (on Rand Road, across from Sonic and
Starbucks). Farmers Market takes place here on Fridays through the summer (3-7pm).
“Unincorporated” Lake Zurich
A five-digit address signifies you are “unincorporated”. The
Lake Zurich police department has no jurisdiction here.
Instead it is the Lake County Sheriff who does. You are able to burn yard waste, but should check with your HOA, first.
You are not considered a Lake Zurich resident, so you will need to pay non-resident fees at the beaches, etc.
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Ela Public Library
An award-winning library with cutting-edge services. It has free or reduced admission passes to many places. You check them out with your card.
www.eapl.org/
Mathnasium www.mathnasium.com/barrington
Kumon www.kumon.com
Sylvan Learning http://tutoring.sylvanlearning.com/centers/60047/staff.cfm
The Goddard School www.goddardschool.com/chicago/hawthorn-woodslandover-parkway-il
Little Leaders Preschool www.lz95.org/parents/little_leaders_preschool2.aspx
contacts:
Kathy O’Connor: 847-540-4972; kathy.oconnor@lz95.org
Jen Herman: 847-540-3445; jennifer.herman@lz95.org
administrative offices:
400 S. Old Rand Rd., Lake Zurich
Quentin Road www.qrcp.org/
St. Matthew Lutheran Preschool http://webst90.wix.com/stmatthewpreschool#

DaVinci Waldorf School http://davinciwaldorfschool.org/
Montessori Children’s House www.mchnb.net/
Montessori School of Long Grove http://montessorilonggrove.com/
This is a list of daycare providers in the Spencer Loomis attendance area. It is intended to provide information. It is not intended to be an endorsement or recommendation.
Foglia YMCA
1025 Old McHenry Road
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
847-438-5300
Goddard Day Care
50 Landover Parkway
Hawthorn Woods, IL 60047
847-438-8866
Kiddy Garden
1250 W. Old McHenry Court
Hawthorn Woods, IL
847-469-6988
Director: Pat Kusisto
They have a program for children that attend PM kindergarten. They prefer having students in the morning.
They feed the children lunch and then they bring the children to Spencer Loomis in their van and then pick them up after school and take them back to Kiddy Garden.
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Kindercare
695 S. Rt. 83
Mundelein, IL
(corner of Midlothian and Rt. 83 - near McDonalds)
847-970-9554
Director: Sarah
800 S. Route 83
Mundelein, IL
(corner of Midlothian & Rt. 85 – near Aldi)
847-970-7060
Director: Nicole
Both of these Kindercare Centers offer programs in the mornings for students who are in PM kindergarten. They feed the children lunch and then bus them to Spencer
Loomis for afternoon kindergarten and then pick them up after school and take them back to Kindercare.
Messiah Lutheran
25225 W. Ivanhoe Road
Wauconda, IL
847-526-7161
Quentin Road School
60 Quentin Road
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
847-438-4494
St. Matthews
24450 N. Old McHenry Rd
Hawthorn Woods, IL
847-438-6103
Principal: Grant Seaholm
They offer an all day kindergarten. Children are bused to and from school in a District 95 bus.

Kits Sports Center www.kitssportscenter.com
Ela Soccer Club www.elasoccer.com
Lake Zurich Lacrosse Club www.lzlacrosse.com
Main Street Sports www.mainstreetsportscenter.com
Play It Again Sports buy, sell and trade sports equipment www.playitagainsports.com
United States Gymnastics
405 Enterprise Place
Lake Zurich, IL
847-540-9900
Denise Sabala Dance Studio
560 W. Main Street
Lake Zurich, IL
847-438-5569
Trilogy Dance
490 E. Ill 22
Lake Zurich, IL
847-438-6524
Center for Ballroom and Dance
21540 W. Field Pkwy
Deer Park, IL
847-438-4500
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Clay Monet www.claymonet.com
The Treehouse www.thechicagotreehouse.com
The Jump Zone www.jumpzoneparty.com
Main Street Art Centre www.mainstreetartcenter.com
Volo Auto Museum www.volocars.com
Spray & Play
Buffalo Grove, ($3) www.bgparkdistrict.org
Orbit Roller Skating www.orbitskate.net
Legoland www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/chicago/
Coupons in Oakley Guide.
Pirates Cove Park www.elkgroveparks.org
Rides for little ones.
Elk Grove Pavilion Carousel Play Center
Elk Grove Village (next to Pirates Cove) www.elkgroveparks.org/Carousel
Pilot Pete’s www.pilot-petes.com
Schaumburg airport restaurant where you can watch planes take off and land.

Santa’s Village www.santasvillagedundee.com/
Jelly Belly Company www.jellybelly.com/Info/visitjellybelly/Wisconsin_Wareho use_Index
Great America www.sixflags.com/greatamerica
Brookfield Zoo www.brookfieldzoo.org
Pass at library - 2 for free.
Lincoln Park Zoo www.lpzoo.org
Cosley Zoo www.cosleyzoo.org
Milwaukee Zoo www.milwaukeezoo.org
Lambs Farm www.lambsfarm.org
Hawthorn Woods www.vhw.org/index.aspx?nid=92
Fun outdoor movies and concerts in the park.
Hawthorn Woods Aquatic Center www.vhw.org
Lake County Forest Preserve www.lcfpd.org
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Matthiessen State Park http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/PARKS/R1/mttindex.htm
Starved Rock State Park www.starvedrockstatepark.org
Cantigny Park www.cantigny.org
costs $5 parking per car (free admission), but you can reserve a ticket at the children’s desk at the library 7 days in advance (call and see when yours will be available next)
Wildlife Discovery Center www.cityoflakeforest.com/parks-and-recreation/wildlifediscovery-center
Independence Grove www.lcfpd.org/ig_visitors_center
The River Trail and Nature Center http://fpdcc.com/nature-centers/river-trail-nature-center/
The Grove www.glenviewparks.org/facilities-parks/the-grove
Botanic Gardens www.chicagobotanic.org
This is only a small sampling of local playgrounds -- there are plenty of playgrounds everywhere you go!
Hawthorn Community Park - Hawthorn Woods
Old Mill Grove Park - Lake Zurich
Buffalo Creek Park - Lake Zurich
Bristol Trails Park - Lake Zurich

Paulus Park - Lake Zurich
Heron Creek Forest Preserve - Lake Zurich
Warren Township Park - Gurnee (obviously this isn’t “local”, but it’s worth the drive!)
Lake County Discovery Museum www.lcfpd.org/discovery_museum
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum www.naturemuseum.org
Free for Illinois residents every Thursday.
Chicago Children’s Museum www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org
Kohl’s Children’s Museum www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org
Free for Illinois residents every Thursday.
The Art Institute of Chicago www.artic.edu
The Field Museum www.fieldmuseum.org
Museum of Science and Industry www.msichicago.org
Shedd Aquarium www.sheddaquarium.org
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This list is intended to provide a starting point for parents. Inclusion is not intended to be an endorsement or recommendation and exclusion does not mean a medical professional is not a great choice for your family.
Pediatricians and Family Practice
Lake Shore Pediatrics www.lakeshorepeds.com
Advocate Medical Group.
www.alpinefamily.net
Orthodontist
Foley Orthodontics www.foleyorthodontics.com
Lucas Orthodontics www.lucasortho.com
Optometry
Hawthorn Woods Family Eye Care www.hawthornwoodsfamilyeyecare.com
Lake Zurich Eyecare www.lakezuricheyecare.com
Family Dentists
Long Grove Dental Studio www.longgrovedentalstudio.com
Childrens Dentistry Group childrensdentistrygroup.com/wordpress
Allergist www.allergists-asthma.com

Alpine Runners
One of the largest and oldest running clubs in Chicagoland is right here in Lake Zurich. Every Saturday of the year, members of the club meet in the high school parking lot at
7am and run. Runners run with their own pace group and for whatever distance they are comfortable with. Gatorade and water are provided every couple/three miles or so, and for this service a small membership fee is requested.
Ravinia summer outdoor concerts www.ravinia.org
Beelow’s Steakhouse Lake Zurich www.beelows.com
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano Deer Park www.biaggis.com
Frank’s Karma Cafe Wauconda www.frankskarma.com
Lindy’s Landing Wauconda www.lindyslanding.net
Oregano’s Hawthorn Woods www.oreganoscornercafe.com
Slyce Wauconda www.slycecoalfiredpizza.com
Wildfire Lincolnshire www.wildfirerestaurant.com/
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ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Susan Lindner, who passed away in May 2014, spent the past 22 years working for Lake
Zurich Community Unit School District 95 as a secretary. She worked at May Whitney
Elementary School and then at Spencer
Loomis Elementary School. She was a proud recipient of the district’s 2014 Distinguished
Service Award.
Susan was known as the heart and soul of
Spencer Loomis. She had a deep love for the school, the children, the parents, and the staff.
She considered everyone at Spencer Loomis and her many friends throughout the district to be part of her family -- including all the new families who immediately felt welcome and loved as a new family member in the school.
She was an invaluable resource for those families and provided all the answers to the many questions about their new community.
This booklet was inspired by her desire to inform and welcome the new families to
Spencer Loomis.

Spencer Loomis Elementary School
Date______________________________________________________________
Student Name______________________________________________________
Teacher___________________________________________Grade___________
Check and complete one:
❑ will be late on ___________________________________________________ reason ___________________________________________________
❑ will be picked up at ___________ by ________________________________
❑ will be going home with__________________________________________
❑ will be staying after school for_____________________________________
❑ other___________________________________________________________
These instructions are for:
_____ Today Only ______ All Year { M T W T h F }
___________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature