Dear McCall Families,

Welcome to the 2011-2012 school year! There's much excitement in the air as the year brings new teachers to meet, new books to read, new friends to meet and new skills to master. I look forward to you sharing in these exciting times as we partner with you to provide the best educational experiences for students.

New to McCall this year are three staff members.  They are Mr. Sanzana, grade 5 Bilingual, Ms. Alvarez, psychologist, and Ms. Driver, our nurse.  We also welcome approximately 50 new students in grades 1 through 5, and of course all of our kindergarteners.

The new year brings many opportunities as well as challenges. One of the challenges we face is in making Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) as delineated by the state.  As you may have heard, McCall did not make AYP this year. As a result we will now be able to offer after school tutoring at McCall for a limited number of students (based on need).  The services are provided by outside vendors, are free to parents, and will be housed at McCall.  The providers are hosting a “SES Parent Fair” where you are able to view the details of the tutorial program and choose a good fit for your child. I encourage you to attend on September 14^th at Glenwood Elementary -gym - 6:30- 8:00 p.m.

The staff at McCall takes our scores seriously, and will continue to strategically take measures to improve our performance on the state test.  We also, however, look at our NWEA MAP scores.  Our findings show significant growth at all grade levels in Reading and Math on the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) tests. Parents will receive their child’s “Progress Report” for MAP during fall conferences this year, as well as in Spring. I assure you that the information gleaned from all assessments are used to tailor instruction based on individual student needs.

Open House this fall is scheduled for Thursday, September 15 from 5:30 to 6:15 for K-2 and 6:30 to 7:15 for grades 3-5.  Open House is a time to meet in the classrooms with teachers and learn about grade level curriculum, projects, and expectations.  McCall polo shirts and t-shirts will be on sale that evening as well as agenda books and yearbook orders.  It’s also the time to join our PTO.

As a reminder to our McCall families old and new, please help us to be good neighbors. Our drop-off time in the morning is between 8:55 and 9:05. The area for drop off and pick up is on Dover Street. Take McAree to Edgewood, turn right on Chatham, and right again on Dover. When you drop off your children, please make sure they exit the vehicle curbside, not street-side for safety reasons. Make sure to park legally; be aware of blocking driveways and please don’t speed by, as that could be deadly. Adjust your schedule to allow extra time as this area does get congested for 10 minutes in the morning. Speeding, and/or careless driving jeopardizes the safety of children. Also, the use of cell phones is prohibited in school zones.  It is a state law. I realize this drop off situation is frustrating for some parents; however our options are limited.  Safety is our utmost concern and drop off in the bus area is not an option. It takes a concerted effort by all to ensure the safety of our students.  We sincerely appreciate your consideration for all.   *We request that you not drop off on Blossom as it is dangerous for students to cross the street and there is no crossing guard.

If your child is going to be absent, please notify the school office, 847-360-5480 or 847-249-6490 by 9:00 a.m. Attendance at school is one factor that is critical for student achievement; however if your child is sick, by all means please keep him/her at home!

Meeting the educational needs of your children is a responsibility we welcome with open arms.  Together we can make a difference. I encourage you to fully embrace the moment and urge you to to take the time to become familiar with our school, as well as create a homework-friendly home environment that will allow your children to excel.

Thank you for your commitment to your child's education We appreciate your support as your child learns and grows through the year. We look forward to seeing you at Open House and other events throughout the year.

Sincerely,

Dr. Linda Meczyk

Principal

"A New Day...A New Way in Waukegan Public Schools...students first!"