Parkside families,
The weather has finally started to turn! The sunshine and warmth are welcomed! An important task this month is our state IAR (Illinois Assessment of Readiness) Test, which will take place March 13th - 17th for all students in Grades 6-8. More information below on how you can support your student through preparation and testing.
We are looking forward to a fabulous 4th Quarter and ending to the school year - thanks for all your support this year!
As always, please reach out with any questions or concerns!
With Python Pride,
Karrah Jensen
Principal
jensenk@unit5.org
IAR State Testing
Each year, students throughout the state of Illinois participate in the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) state assessment. IAR assesses the progress of students in grades 3-8 in meeting the Illinois Learning Standards in the content areas of English, language arts and mathematics. You will receive information about your student’s individual performance on the state tests in the fall. These results assist us in action planning for our academic goals at each grade level. It should also be noted and emphasized that test results from this year's 7th grade students will assist in placement for their high school freshmen courses.
Please note the following information regarding these assessments.
TESTING SCHEDULE
We will be administering the IAR tests on the following dates: March 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th from 9:15 am - 11:00 am building wide.
What will your child need for IAR testing?
Their school laptop charged
Their school charger
Headphones (Bluetooth headphones will not work with the software.)
A good nights sleep
How can I help my student be successful?
Make sure students arrive on time
Refrain from calling a student out or picking up during the testing times (9:15am-11:00am)
Remind students to charge their laptops
Encourage your student to do their best on the test!
First Student
Now hiring school bus drivers for this year and next. No experience necessary. First Student will pay to train you for your CDL. Apply for the highest paid bus driver jobs in our area with $20.60 an hour starting pay and a $2,000 sign-on bonus. For more information call (309) 557- 4287 or apply online at workatfirst.com
-----Spring Break - March 27th - March 31st - No School-----
YEARBOOKS
Time is running out! Visit Jostens.com to order yours! There will be a small number available for sale at the end of the year for an additional cost.
SPRING FLING
Join us for a fun evening! On Friday, March 17th from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Parkside will host a Spring Fling. This event will feature music, dancing, concessions and an open gym. Tickets to enter are $2 and concessions will be on sale that evening. Tickets will be on sale during lunch hours from March 13th - 17th. This is also a 3rd quarter PBIS reward. Students have been made aware of the behavior expectations in order to attend.
Calling all 8th-Grade Families!
Your student's freshman course selections are now in Infinite Campus. You can view them in the Academic Plan on your Parent Portal. If you have any questions, please contact your student's counselor. Changes can be made through Friday, March 24th, 2023.
Registration for the 2023-2024 School Year
Registration for next School Year (23-24) including Kindergarten Registration is now open.
Infinite Campus Returning Student Registration Directions
Incoming Kindergarten student information can be found on the Kindergarten Registration page.
Unit 5 will host a Kindergarten Preview on March 1. This will allow parents and incoming students to meet the school administration, kindergarten teachers, and other school staff. Students will go with kindergarten teachers while information is shared with parents.
Current Unit 5 student information can be found at this link - Established Student Registration. This link is for families that had a student registered with Unit 5 for the 2022-2023 school year as well as some new High School students who may have already completed online registration and have an Infinite Campus Parent Portal account. Log in to Infinite Campus Parent Portal, go to "More" on the left-hand side of the page, and click on "Online Registration."
New students to the district registration information can be found with this link - New Student Registration
There are no fees due at this time for any students. Fees will be available to pay in July, and additional information will be made available closer to that time.
If you have questions, please contact your student's school. If necessary, please leave a message on the main phone line.
Athletics Update
Track is in full swing! We had a very large turn out this year, so there will be some changes. Please visit the following link for Athletic Updates to learn more.
MARCH
13-17 IAR testing 9:15 - 11:00 daily
17 - Spring Fling 5:30 - 7:00
27 - 31 Spring Break
APRIL
7 - Half student attendance day
10 - No school - Institute day
10 - 14 Illinois Science Assessment - 8th grade only