MMXIX 2019-2020

DISTRICT #3 SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS

Mr. Todd Garner Mr. Jeffrey Sams Mr. Dave Brandon Mr. Jerry R. Birkey Mr. Nathan Brock Mr. John Flora Mrs. Kristi Niles Board Board Board Board Board Board Board President Vice President Secretary Member Member Member Member WELCOME TO THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR! Mt. Zion community are concern. Communication at all encouraged to visit the school(s) levels is of utmost importance. their child(ren) will be attending. Please remember to keep your Parents with questions regarding child’s school updated with current any aspect of the educational emergency contacts and correct programs or activities for the 2019- residency information. All of these 2020 school year are encouraged to efforts contribute to keeping our contact the building principals or children safe. central office administration.

Dr. Travis R. Roundcount, In regards to safety, the School Board and Administration views Superintendent of Schools School Start Times school security as a top priority. We would like to welcome We have been making changes to Grades 7-12……………7:45 a.m. everyone to the 2019-2020 school our crisis prevention, preparedness, Grades K-6….………….8:30 a.m. year! All faculty, staff, and and response. This summer we are administrators of the Mt. Zion building walls in our Junior High so School Dismissal Times School District will start the new there will no longer be an open Friday, August 16th, December school year with a teacher’s in- classroom concept. We have 20th, and the last day of school service on August 15 th . Each implemented a new Raptor system Grades 7-12…………….11:05 a.m. school principal has scheduled that helps ensure all visitors are safe Grades K-3………………11:35 a.m. department/grade level meetings, to be around kids. A few months building meetings and other ago we posted a reporting system on Grades 4-6…………..….11:40 a.m. our website that can be used by organizational meetings for the Monday, August 19th & each faculty throughout the day. Students parents or students to report a will return to the classroom on variety of safety concerns. We will regular school day thereafter Friday, August 16 th with an early continue to keep the lines of Grades 7-12……………..2:30 p.m. dismissal for the half day. Regular communication open with our Grades K-3…………….…3:00 p.m. bus transportation will be available parents, and we encourage you to Grades 4-6……………….3:05 p.m. on August 16 th. Families new to the reach out to us anytime you have a MISSION STATEMENT MT. ZION COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT: “A GREAT PLACE TO LEARN” . . . WORKING WITH FAMILIES TO FULLY DEVELOP EVERY CHILD’S ABILITY TO BE A LIFE-LONG LEARNER AND CONTRIBUTING MEMBER OF SOCIETY. 2019-2020 The Schoolhouse Page 2 New teachers will be introduced purchasing various items in all grade by the buildings. Our new levels including: Interactive flat panel Maintenance Director, Mr. Steve TVs, Ipads, Digital streaming Blickensderfer, has been on our equipment, google expedition kits, maintenance staff for 12 years and classroom speakers, science he is taking over as director after the materials, books, as well as materials retirement of Mr. Jeff Bagley. We are needed to support the freshman fortunate to have such quality orientation, drama and robotics employees to move into director programs. ADM has also graciously positions and we have confidence that provided additional funds to purchase Mr. Blickensderfer will take care of STEM programming materials and Mr. Brian Rhoades, our facility needs. We have fund classroom field trips. Associate Superintendent reassigned Ms. Paula Cawthon from During the past 26 years, the Mt. Welcome to the 2019-2020 Intermediate School Secretary to be Zion Foundation for Quality school year! For those of you that are our payroll clerk in our District Education has provided over 1.6 new to the district, welcome to Mt. office after the retirement of Mrs. million dollars for projects including Zion. We look forward to meeting Mary English. Mrs. Michelle Adkins the purchase of items such as: you and helping your child be is now the Superintendent’s  Chromebooks successful in our schools. For those Assistant after Ms. Donna Hord’s  Video equipment that are returning, we are glad to have retirement. Mrs. Shannon Lanier has  Band instruments you back. Together, let’s make 2019- been hired as Fiscal Service  Mimios 2020 the best school year yet. Assistant to fill Michelle’s positions.  Kindles and E-books Much continues to be said in Therefore, you may see some new  Science equipment Springfield about education and faces if you visit our offices, but we  Television/Broadcast system funding. Like many other districts are very happy to have such quality  Reading software and books throughout the area and state, the people to continue the great work  Portable sound systems state’s economic woes continue to be provided by those retiring.  Portable laptop computer labs a burden on our local education We are fortunate to have the Mt.  IPADs budget. The new Evidence Based Zion Foundation to assist our schools Funding model provides a pathway  Document cameras with items that fall outside the school for the state to better fund our Mt. Zion is fortunate to have the budget. The Mt. Zion Foundation for educational system, but in order to following individuals as Foundation Quality Education is a non-profit, tax- provide districts with a stable revenue for Quality Education Trustees exempt organization governed by a source that is dependable, the state for the 2019-2020 school year: Kelli volunteer Board of Trustees whose must fix its economic issues. While McInerney-Chairman, Tami members are parent volunteers, maintaining fiscal responsibility in Romano-Vice Chairman, Steve business leaders, and professional these economic times, our goal is to Grohne-Treasurer, Michelle people from the community with a continue to provide an exceptional Shumaker-Secretary, Katy Doolin, commitment to education. The learning experience for your child and Lisa Flora, Kevin Fritzsche, Heather Foundation operates as an continue to offer many opportunities Mason, Shane Mendenhall, Kristi independent entity, established to for them to be successful while being Niles, Dr. Travis Roundcount, Betsy enrich programs throughout the Mt. fiscally responsible with your tax Tanner, and Dr. Audra Trump. Zion Schools. In 2019 the Foundation dollars. You can be sure that our To continue our success, our extended their support by allowing decisions are based on providing what schools are staffed with dedicated teachers to submit mini grants for is best and necessary for our students men and women who are committed various items they want for their to become productive and successful to providing our children with an students. These items would be citizens. excellent education in a safe and valued under $100, and the I want to let you know that I am secure environment. Parental Foundation covers the cost. To make involvement also contributes always open to suggestions, a donation please follow this link. If immeasurably to the success of our questions, or comments about our you would like to provide the schools. We encourage our parents to school, and my office and phone are Foundation an extra hand please join us and be involved in the many email [email protected]. always available to anyone. We will active parent organizations in the We will have excitement this year look to build on all of the successes of District. This combined effort as a result of the Foundation’s the past and continue to look for ways makes Mt. Zion Schools “a great contribution towards the cost of to improve all of our schools. I look place to learn.” forward to working with all of you

2019-2020 The Schoolhouse Page 3 and together we all can make Mt. Zion check from the bank. To utilize this Student Accident Insurance schools continue to be a “great place free electronic payment system: All students enrolled at Mt. to learn”. Zion CUSD #3 are covered under E-Funds and Electronic Payments 1. Go to your local bank’s on-line the District’s Supplemental Student bill pay system. Enter a school E-funds will once again be Accident Insurance. The Student building’s name and address from available for parents to make many Accident Policy provides coverage the list below, as the company you school payments. This system for eligible medical expenses as a wish to pay. For children in makes payments for school result of an accident while attending different buildings, please make expenses in real time. You must school or participating in school separate entries and the bank will create an account with e-funds using sponsored co-curricular activities. send separate checks. If you are the link provided in the family This policy is secondary coverage making a payment for Registration access food service page or the link and will pay a portion of eligible and Food Service to the same on the school web page. Once you expenses when no other health building we would again ask that create an account with e-funds, you insurance is available and/or fill you make separate entries and the can select your child’s name and gaps in current health insurance bank will send separate checks. make the appropriate payment by coverage. If the student and/or This will allow the District to better checking account transfer or credit parents have any questions track the payments being made by card. This payment will go directly regarding this insurance coverage, the bank on your behalf. into the proper account. A they may contact the Central Office convenience fee of $1 per at 864-2366. 2. On your bank’s on-line bill pay transaction for checking or $2.45 Residency Requirements system, enter the amount of the per $100 transaction for credit card In accordance with the Illinois payment you wish to make. will be charged by e-funds. School Code, permanent records must

3. On your bank’s on-line bill pay indicate that the parent/legal guardian The District will also accept resides within the boundaries of this electronic payments for student system, enter in the memo school district. Families who are new food service accounts, registration line/description line the reason for fees, and other payments made to the payment. Please be specific and to the District or families who are enrolling new students in the District the school district. This system provide as much information as must observe the residency usually takes up to a week to process possible (student’s name, student’s so it is not intended for lunch requirements found here. The ID#, reason for payment-food balances below $10.00 or other residency documents must be service, registration fee, etc.). payments that need to be made provided to school personnel in the immediately. Credit will not be building in which the student will applied to your child’s account until attend classes. the District has actually received the Required Addresses for the Electronic Payment Process MTZ HS- Food Service MTZ High School Office MTZ JH-Food Service 305 S. Henderson St 305 S. Henderson St. 315 S. Henderson St. Mt. Zion, IL 62549-1323 Mt. Zion, IL 62549-1323 Mt. Zion, IL 62549-1323

MTZ JH- School Office MTZ INT- Food Service MTZ INT- School Office 315 S. Henderson St. 310 S. Henderson St. 310 S. Henderson St. Mt. Zion, IL 62549-1323 Mt. Zion, IL 62549-1384 Mt. Zion, IL 62549-1384

MZG- Food Service MZG- School Office McG.- Food Service 725 W. Main St. 725 W. Main St. 1320 W. Main St. Mt. Zion, IL 62549-1335 Mt. Zion, IL 62549-1335 Mt. Zion, IL 62549-1348

McG- School Office MTZ- Central Office 1320 W. Main St. 1595 W Main Street Mt. Zion, IL 62549-1348 Mt. Zion, IL 62549-1314

Sample Notes And/Or Memo To Include On The Check Please post to Acct. # 123456- John Smith Lunch Acct. for John Smith Registration Fee for John Smith Athletic Fee for John Smith Pay Rider Fee for John Smith

2019-2020 The Schoolhouse Page 4 MT. ZION SCHOOLS AND STUDENT TRANSPORTATION SERVICES confuses the students, the staff, the mornings. Consider purchasing drivers, and especially the sub drivers. reflectors or Day-Glo strips for your One pick-up and one drop-off address child’s backpack. please. If you have changes, please 2. Stand Back | Students should stand contact the transportation office at 217- 864-5233. at least 10 feet away from the street and wait until the bus comes to a Parents, please call in before complete stop before proceeding to placing your student on a different bus. We will have several full buses. Parents the bus. Mr. Mark Hogan, must also contact the bus garage and 3. Walk | Don’t run to the bus. Transportation Director send a note before their child is allowed Accidents are more likely to Theresa Lane – Operations Manager to ride a different bus. happen if your child is running, Greetings from your transportation Remember to be out at the pick-up particularly on uneven pavement. office. With the start of a new school point at least five minutes prior to pick- 4. Leave It | Don’t bend down to pick year, we would like all parents to know up time; please do not wait inside your up something in the road. Drivers that your children are in good hands home as the driver cannot see you. each time they ride the bus. The safety are much more likely to not see Times will vary at the beginning of the of the children we transport is at the you if you are bent over. school year due to last minute changes forefront of all we do. Our buses are 5. Tour of Duty | Take turns with a that occur. Remember that every packed with state-of-the-art safety spouse or neighbor supervising the minute we wait on your child, another features to protect our riders. Each bus pick-up and drop-off of children at has a Child Check-Mate System, an child’s stop will be late. Traffic, trains, the bus stop. electronic reminder system that reminds and weather may also cause buses to run drivers to check for sleeping children late.one drop-off address. 6. Know the Rules | Be sure to go before leaving the bus. Each bus is also over the rules of the bus with your fitted with a digital camera. The Kindergarten Students child. Most rules are in place for National Highway Traffic Safety Kindergarten students will be given the safety and security of your Administration reports that riding a bus name tags that should be worn daily to child. is the safest way for children to get to help the teachers, principals, and the 7. Reporting | Parents should never and from school. Our drivers must meet drivers assure their efficient extensive safety and training confront a bus driver or student transportation. All-day Kindergarten requirements and we are fortunate directly. Please report any students will ride the regular bus route enough to have some of the best drivers concerns to the transportation schedule. Also, all Kindergarten in the business. office. students must sit in the front seats of the As we gear up for a new year, there bus. A guardian must be present to 8. Go Against Traffic | Your child are always some changes that take place should always use the sidewalk. If on each route. Some routes may be receive a Kindergarten student from the you can’t walk on a sidewalk, use changed this school year as we continue bus. If no one is present to receive the to balance the routes and save on fuel student, the student will be taken back the shoulder or the grass and walk consumption. We will continue using a to school. against the traffic. software program for the purpose of All Students 9. Drivers Beware | Motorists routing. This will afford us some approaching a school bus from efficiencies and there is a possibility Parents, we need your help to re- either direction are required to stop that pick up points could be enforce the District’s bus rules. The at least 10 feet back from buses consolidated. This system also aids us most important rule, for their safety, is displaying red flashing lights and in being aware of the number of that students need to stay seated and students on each bus as well as the an extended stop arm. forward in their assigned seat. The bus travel time each student will have on the 10. Be on Time / Have students at the is an extension of the classroom and bus. Please call in, for any route bus stop 5-10 minutes before their changes your student may have, ten those rules apply to the bus. Please go pick-up time. A student running days prior to the start of school. This over the following rules with your for the bus creates an opportunity includes a different pick-up or drop-off students prior to school starting. address for babysitters. The best way to for bad things to happen. 1. Lighten Up | Dressing your child in assure a safe and consistent ride home is to have one pick-up address and one light-colored clothing will help drop-off address. Multiple addresses drivers see your child on dark

2019-2020 The Schoolhouse Page 9 MT. ZION INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL “PREPARING STUDENTS TO BE WORLD READY”

enriching educational experience for all of the Intermediate School students. Finally, throughout the upcoming school year, we encourage parents Mr. Randy Thacker, to partner with our Mt. Zion Intermediate School faculty in HEALTH & PHYSICAL Principal maintaining frequent communication. EXAMINATIONS On behalf of the entire faculty and Please phone, email or schedule visits staff of the Intermediate School, I am to monitor your student’s progress. The School Code requires all Research shows that when parents are very excited to welcome all new and students entering 6th grade to submit a returning students and families to the active in their child’s educational physical exam, updated Immunizations 2019 - 2020 school year. experiences, the greatest achievements will occur. We encourage you to and a Dental Exam. Any student At Mt. Zion Intermediate School, review the school calendar for various entering an Illinois school for the first we have an inspiring team of educators scheduled visitation opportunities. time, regardless of grade level, is which bring a high quality academic required to submit a State of Illinois challenge along with the care and We are looking forward to another concern for each student. Our outstanding school year! Physical, Eye, and Dental exam and proof of Immunizations. Exams must collective goal is to effectively prepare REGISTRATION & our students to be ready for daily INSTRUCTIONAL FEE be submitted on the required State of learning, to be responsible for daily Illinois forms, available on the district Online registration is available for assignments and social interactions, website. Sports exams, required for and to display a positive respect toward all current Mt. Zion students beginning participation in athletics, are not their classmates and teachers. In July 8. Parents/guardians can access acceptable as a school physical. Health addition, the Intermediate School has a the online registration materials via the requirements are due on or before the tradition of strong parent and family Skyward Family Access system. Start support, which strengthens the first day of school, but no later than by going to the Mt. Zion School educational success of our student October 15th, with Dental exams due District website mtzschools.org and programs. In this rapidly changing May 15th. world, the Intermediate School click on the Skyward Family Access students are being guided to think Tab. State mandated hearing and vision globally, engage learning through screenings are conducted for all Walk-in registration will be held at technology, and fulfill the academic Special Education students, any the Intermediate School on Tuesday, rigor of their grade levels. student new to the district, and at the August 6, noon – 6:00 p.m. During this school year, we are request of a parent/teacher. Students excited to bring additional learning The Instructional Fee for 4th who fail the first screening will be opportunities through a variety of through 6th grade students is $85. rescreened in 10-14 days. If the programs such as: 1 to 1 Chromebook The instructional fee and other related student fails the second screen, a classroom learning activities, 5th and fees may be paid on-line or at the referral is sent home to the student’s 6th grade Honor Choirs, Jazz Band, Lego League, online Spanish class for school using e-Funds, by cash, or by parent or guardian. check made out to “Mt. Zion School all 6th graders, etc. These extra Medication of any kind during the opportunities, along with an enhanced District.” school day must be ordered/authorized classroom curriculum, help bring an by an MD, PAC, or Nurse Practitioner,

2019-2020 The Schoolhouse Page 10 as well as a parent/guardian. The motioning to students to cross through School District. For the 2019 - 20 district approved medication the traffic to a parked vehicle has school year, the Mt. Zion FQE has authorization form can be found on the caused a few “near misses.” Students provided significant funding to district website. have been directed to wait on the purchase and bring a variety of teacher sidewalk until their vehicle pulls up resources. Thank you to the leadership Please contact the School Nurse and parks before entering the vehicle. and supporters of the Foundation! with any questions or concerns Our goal is to provide a safe dismissal regarding your child’s health. and student pickup process. SCHOOL HOURS • RtI – Response to Intervention School hours for the Intermediate CAFETERIA PROGRAM continues to enhance student abilities School are from 8:30 a.m. – 3:05 p.m. School lunch prices for the 2019 - in reading and math. This important The first bell rings at 8:11 at which 20 school year are included in this educational program strengthens our time students go to their lockers and publication. Hot lunch menus are high level of academic standards and then to their classrooms. A second bell posted on-line at the District web site learning. The RtI process begins with rings at 8:25 at which time teachers during the school year. Additionally, high quality instruction and periodic read announcements and students breakfast is served every morning with universal screening of all students. broadcast daily news on channel milk and juice available. Students identified with academic WMTZ. Classes begin at 8:30 a.m. weaknesses are provided with SUPPORT PROGRAMS Supervision of children begins at 8:00 academic intervention to accelerate a.m. in the cafeteria and all-purpose • The Mt. Zion Community Club is their rate of learning in a small group room. Students should not arrive a parent/teacher organization for the environment. Additionally, students before 8:00 a.m. unless they are Mt. Zion Schools representing Pre-K identified academically above average attending band or chorus practice through 6th Grade. The Community receive enrichment learning activities. Club’s purpose is to provide each .SAFE STUDENT PICK-UP • Accelerated Reader (AR) and school with the volunteer base for In order to provide a safe events, projects and fundraising; assist Accelerated Math (AM) programs elevate additional student learning and environment for our students we would teachers and staff as needed and to achievement. Specifically, Accelerated appreciate your cooperation when make our children’s schools both an dropping-off or when picking-up enriching and fun environment. Past Reader motivates a strong reading student/s after school in our south support has included important practice with differentiated reading and practice goals. Students simply choose parking lot. For morning drop-off, we donations to support the educational books, read them and then take a short ask that vehicles pull up to the sign enrichment programs, Spring Fling area/cone of the sidewalk next to the student activities, Red Ribbon Week comprehension quiz. Accelerated Math helps ensure math proficiency as school. Please pull as far up as activities, Teacher Appreciation Week, students begin with a set of math possible, but do not leave your vehicle Play Day, etc. As a parent/guardian of or wait with student/s in the vehicle. a child at Mt. Zion Intermediate you objectives at their current level. Once Because of the volume of traffic before are a valued member of the Mt. Zion a set of objectives are mastered, a student moves to the next set of more and after school, we ask that all Schools Community Club. vehicles work together to create a safe Opportunities to volunteer will be challenging objectives. flow of traffic. For after school pick- shared during registration and Open As we look forward to a great up, please do not double park in the House. During the 2019 – 2020 school school year, please feel free to traffic lane. Also, please use the year, Mrs. Alexandria Smith will be the contact me if you have any questions. parking lot perimeter for circling the Intermediate Community Club Chair. You can reach me at the school lot to the student pick-up shelter. • The Mt. Zion Foundation for office, 864-2921, and/or at Additionally, please utilize the parking Quality Education has provided many [email protected] spaces for pick-up also, but remember years of outstanding educational to not waive a student over to you, as support for the students of the Mt. Zion

2019-2020 The Schoolhouse Page 14 SCHOOL HEALTH NEWS IMMUNIZATIONS/VACCINES Eye exams must be completed by  Pre-K, Kindergarten and all an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist on students new to the District must the appropriate State of Illinois Eye present proof of all required Exam form, available at the school or vaccines. the District website. If your student needs to take  All students entering 6th - 10th prescription or over-the-counter grade are required to show proof of medication during the school year, a having received one dose of the medication authorization form must be Meningococcal vaccine. All on file with the school nurse. A students entering grade 12 must medication authorization is only valid show proof of two doses of the for one school year, thus new Nurse Jeanne Luckenbill Meningococcal vaccine with one medication authorizations must be dose given on or after the 16th Nurse Pam Hilligos completed each year and for each birthday. If the first dose was medication to be taken at school. This Welcome back to the new school received on or after the 16th year! We hope that your summer was a form, available at the school and on the birthday, only one dose of the District website, must be completed by healthy one! The following information vaccine is required. is designed to assist students and the health care provider and must be parents regarding health and medication  Proof of one dose of Tdap is signed by the parent. Parents must needs during the coming school year. required for students entering furnish the medication at the time the grades 6-12. medication form is submitted. All Physical Examination requirements are prescription medication must be in the due on or before the first day of the  All students entering grade K- 12th pharmacy labeled container. All over- school year, but no later than October grade, must show proof of two the-counter medication must be in the 15th, 2019, for all students entering the doses of the Varicella vaccine, or original container. All medication, with following grades for the first time: proof of immunity. the possible exception of inhalers, will Pre-Kindergarten be kept in the school nurse's office.  All students grade K – 12th must Kindergarten show proof of two doses of MMR. 6th grade Parents of students with Diabetes are 9th grade  All Pre-K students must show required to submit the Diabetic Medical proof of the Invasive Management Plan. Parents of students Any student who is entering an Illinois Pneumococcal Disease vaccine. school for the first time, regardless of with Asthma, Severe Food Allergy, grade level, within 6 weeks of  Any student entering an Illinois Seizure Disorders, or other serious enrollment school for the first time, regardless medical conditions are asked to submit of grade level, must submit proof of an Emergency Action Plan to the The school physical must be immunization and physical exam school. This Emergency Action Plan documented on the Department of within 6 weeks of enrollment should be coordinated and signed by Human Services Certificate of Child your primary health care provider and Health Examination. This required  The approved medical or religious the parent/guardian. Copies of various form has been revised and is available exemption may be submitted in Emergency Action Plans are now at the school and for download from the lieu of immunizations and must be available on the District website. District website. Parents must on file with your child’s complete and sign the health history school. http://dph.illinois.gov/site When registering your student for portion of the physical (top half). s/default/files/forms/religious- school, it is important that you complete Without this information, the physical exemption-form-081815- the online Health History questionnaire. cannot be accepted. 040816.pdf The school nurse reviews this Sports physicals are required yearly. A Dental Examinations or Waiver are information so that the best possible school physical as required by grade required by May 15th 2020 for all care can be provided for your student level (K, 6th and 9th) cannot be students entering while at school. If you wish to discuss accepted if completed on a “sports Kindergarten any health issue regarding your child, exam” form. However, the required 2nd grade please do not hesitate to contact your grade level physical, completed on the school nurse. 6th grade appropriate Certificate of Child Health form, will be accepted as a sports Eye/Vision Examinations or We welcome the opportunity to assist physical, eliminating the need for the Waiver are required by October 15th, parents and students during the completion of two physicals. 2019 for students entering upcoming school year and look forward Kindergarten to seeing all of you soon!

2019-2020 The Schoolhouse Page 15 MT. ZION SCHOOL DISTRICT TECHNOLOGY

levels with S.T.E.M. initiatives funded by the last 5 years. We now have wifi in every A.D.M., as well as The Mount Zion classroom and continue to expand access in Foundation for Quality Education. For high traffic areas. This additional example, over the last several months connectivity will allow us to meet the students in our lower grades have been increasing demand of our district’s programming and exploring S.T.E.M. expanding technological needs. We are also through the use of such devices as Ozobots, expanding our district Internet bandwidth of Sphero Balls, and Lego WeDo kits, while 300 mbps to 500 mbps to support the many students all across the district have continued growth of online educational enjoyed the experience of field trips to such learning across the district. locations as the Children’s Museum and the Mt. Zion Schools continues to look for Billy Rockey Challenger Learning Center. We were also ways to improve communication with able to continue our Lego/Robotics program parents. All parents have access to Skyward Director of Curriculum in grades 1-12 last year. In addition, funds Family Access. Logging into this program and Technology from A.D.M. provided our students with the will show you a wealth of information Hello, my name is Billy Rockey, and opportunity to explore the world and beyond including student grades, food service I am entering my sixth year in this through the use of the Google Expeditions information, discipline, report cards, and position. I have been with Mount Zion Kit. This virtual reality experience allows more. If you do not currently have this Schools for the last thirteen years as a teachers to take their students on virtual field access, you can fill out the Family Access teacher and more recently as the Director trips to locations all over the world so the Request Form found under the links section students can see first-hand the environments of Curriculum and Technology. I am of the district web page. We utilize the they have been learning about in class (for excited to continue serving the amazing Skylert broadcasting system to keep parents more information about Google informed of emergencies and general teachers, staff, and students of Mount Expeditions, click here.) Most recently, the information. Our website can be found by Zion Schools. As the parent of three Foundation has provided funds for going to http://www.mtzschools.org. All Mount Zion students, working with our classroom technology upgrades, specifically teachers have email and their addresses can teachers and staff on increasing student BenQ Interactive Flat Panels to replace our be found on the district web page. We’d also achievement through more effective use aging fleet of Smart Boards. We were able like to encourage parents to follow our of educational technology and curricular to purchase 15 of these devices last year and district Facebook and Twitter pages on best practices is my number one priority. look forward to increasing our number in the social media. future. The Foundation has also provided Mount Zion Schools continues to Julie McNamara, Technology active speaker systems, laboratory focus on helping our students be 21st Specialist, continues to play a vital role in equipment, and a variety of other century learners. Last year we expanded keeping our growing resources working educational supports that enrich the implementation of our district 1 to 1 efficiently. The assistance she provides to education of Mt. Zion students Google Chromebook initiative, with our staff, along with the behind-the-scenes students in grades 2 through 12 having Internet safety is a major concern for infrastructure maintenance she performs access to their own device, including 7-12 our district. We are proud of the safeguards enables our teachers to provide a high graders taking devices home with them. we have put in place to allow us to track quality, technology-rich environment for Achieving a ratio of 1 device per student student activity and filter the content as students. dictated by Children's Internet Protection would not have been possible without the I am happy to discuss the district’s Act. Google Chromebooks used at school continued support of the Mt. Zion curriculum and technology matters with and home are filtered using both the built-in Foundation for Quality Education. Mt. parents and community members. I can be Google content filter, as well as an Zion Schools will continue offering an reached at 217-864-2369 or by email at additional layer of filtering and reporting [email protected]. optional product protection plan for software called GoGuardian. Teachers at parents of 7-12 graders with a desire for school also utilize a program called Hapara, Visit your child’s school and see how peace of mind about the responsibility of which allows them to see a student’s technology is being used to enhance their student carrying this device day-to- Chromebook screen while they are at your child’s education! day. This program was very successful school, in addition to other features used last year. within the educational setting. We continue to increase We are proud of our achievements in opportunities for our students at all grade improving our network infrastructure over

2019-2020 The Schoolhouse Page 16 NUTRITION STANDARDS IN NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH

Mrs. Darcie Hayes, grades K-12 each day before school. A money for students in Kindergarten Food Service Director la carte items are available for purchase only. Payments will be posted to the during lunch each day for grades 4-12. The 2019-20 school year continues student’s debit account on the same day following the National School Lunch DEBIT ACCOUNT OVERVIEW if received before 10:00 a.m. The food Program requirements for hot lunch. Nutrition and Technology team-up service office maintains a record of Our school nutrition services will be in the Mt. Zion School District with an student payments. participating in the DOD program this automated meal purchasing system. GRADES 7-12 2019-2020 school year. The USDA This program provides a positive Payments will be accepted before annually allocates money for Illinois to identification process used to access a 10:00 a.m. each morning that school is in spend with the Department of Defense student debit account and record session. Locked drop boxes are available Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. Mt purchases of food service items. A debit in four locations in the Jr. & Sr. High Zion School District Food and Nutrition account will be established for each School buildings. This method of Services will also be upgrading several user and sharing of accounts will not be payment collection will insure posting of pieces of cooking equipment that will allowed. Students, parents, and staff deposits and that funds will be available allow us to prepare a great nutritious may deposit advance sums of money to in the student’s debit account before lunch meal. cover food service purchases. Advance serving time (10:10 a.m.). Payments The focus continues on offering deposits allow the user to draw from an made after 10:00 a.m. will be posted the healthier options for students in the Mt. individual debit account rather than following school day. Students will not be allowed to purchase a la carte items Zion Community Unit School District having to handle cash during the lunch until payments are posted. #3. The District monitors the Local serving time. Payments and purchases Wellness Policy and make appropriate are recorded daily. Parents will receive Payments by check or money order are preferred and must contain student changes to improve nutrition and health an email when the student’s account name and ID number to insure proper education in the classroom, PE classes, reaches $10.00. This is a reminder that posting. Payments of cash will be and class parties. We encourage healthy will be delivered via email until a accepted in a sealed envelope, available at choices in the breakfast and lunch deposit is made into the student’s account. If the student has a negative drop box locations. The envelope must be program in the District. The Wellness labeled with student name, ID number, balance, an automatic call, email, and committee includes: administrators, and amount of cash deposit. No change texted message through School teachers, PE staff, school nurse, food will be given to students. The school Messenger will be made to the parents service, parents and students. Mt. Zion cashier will maintain records of all cash as a reminder. Payments may be made School District will continue to monitor deposits and parents can view these using e-funds through Family Access. the policy’s implementation in the deposits in Family Access. Parents Once online payments are made the 2018-19 school year. Parents are may also call the Food Service Office money is automatically credited to encouraged to look at their student’s at 864-2114, by 10:00 a.m. and the student account. Online payments food service information on Family request a student transfer from one can be made anytime. Parents may Access. sibling to anther. also call the Food Service Office at Any school organization that FREE / REDUCED MEAL 864-2114, by 10:00 a.m. and request a requires the kitchen in any of the APPLICATIONS student transfer from one sibling to schools for the 2019-20 should contact Free and reduced lunch and another. Darcie Hayes four weeks prior to the breakfast applications, along with event at 864-2114. This allows for GRADES K-6 letters containing guidelines, are plenty of preparation in order to make Payments will be accepted each available online throughout the school the fund-raising event successful. morning school is in session and should year and in each school’s office. A FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM- equal at least one week of food service parent/guardian wishing to apply must DISTRICT #3 OVERVIEW purchases. Payments should be sent in complete and return the application to The food service program for an envelope with student’s name, their student’s school office. grades K-12 offers a daily meal student’s ID number, and teacher’s Verification of income, and a letter of consisting of a meat/meat alternative, name. Payments should include enough approval or denial will be sent by mail vegetable, fruit, bread, and milk. A lunch money for breakfast and lunch. to the parent/guardian. breakfast meal is offered to students in Payments should include break-milk

2019-2020 The Schoolhouse Page 17 Students with Free/Reduced MEAL PRICING Status may only purchase A la Carte Breakfast – K-12 items if his/her debit account has funds Full - $1.75 available to cover such items. Reduced - $.30 Kindergarten students with free/reduced status wishing to purchase Adult - $1.95 milk for break time should make Lunch – K-3 payment to cover such ($.45 per carton) Full - $2.45 on a weekly or monthly basis. Students Reduced - $0.40 with free/reduced status may only Adult - $3.15 receive one (1) free/reduced lunch and one (1) free/reduced breakfast per day. Lunch – 4 -12 Full - $2.65 Reduced - $0.40 Adult - $3.15 K-3 one week of lunch = $12.25 Second meal - $3.15 Second meals K-3 one week of breakfast = $8.75 are charged at full price; there is no 4-12 one week of lunch = $13.25 federal support for second meals. Menu 4-12 one week of breakfast = $8.75 items may be purchased A la Carte only in addition to a paid lunch.

BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES PROGRAM (BASAP) The Before and After School Activities Program for the 2019-20 school year will officially begin on August 16, 2019, the first day of school for students. All children registered in the program should bring a sack lunch on this day since this is an early dismissal day. Prior to this date, the BASAP staff will be hosting an orientation on Tuesday August 13, 2019 at McGaughey Elementary School from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. A complete overview of the program will be discussed at this meeting.

We look forward to another exciting school year. If you have any questions regarding BASAP, contact Lori Rutherford, BASAP Director, at 217-864-2814.

Mt. Zion Community Unit School District #3

MT. ZION INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL

2019-2020 School Year

4th Grade Supply List

1 3-ring binder (2” rings) 2* pkgs. Notebook paper, WIDE-lined, ruled, 3-hole, no spiral 2 pkgs. Big Tab Write on Subject dividers (no pockets) for 3-ring binder 24* #2 Pencils with erasers 2* Red Ballpoint pens (no gel pens) 1 Set of colored pencils (12 assorted) 1 Pair of student scissors (not plastic) 1* Bottle of Elmer’s glue (small) 3* Glue sticks 2* Boxes of facial tissue (large) 1 Container of disinfectant wipes 1 Box Crayons (24 count) 1 Spiral notebook 3 Pocket folders 1 Hi-Liter 1* Dry erase markers (4 pack) 1 Large Pink Eraser 1 Ruler 1 Student Calculator 1 Set of ear buds or headphones

1 Pocket folder and pencil for Chorus or 1 3 ring binder, (1” rings) and pencil for Band/Orchestra

*Several of these items will need to be replenished during the school year.

Student assignment notebooks are to be purchased during registration for $5.00

Mt. Zion Community Unit School District #3

MT. ZION INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL

2019-2020 School Year

5th Grade Supply List

1 3-ring binder (2” rings) – NO zipper style with accordion style dividers 2 pkgs. notebook paper, WIDE-lined, ruled, 3-hole, no spiral 2 pkgs. subject dividers (no pockets) for 3-ring binder 10* #2 Pencils with erasers (mechanical pencils preferred) 3* Ballpoint pens [1 blue, 1 black, and 1 red (no gel pens)] 1 pack of assorted Crayola markers 1* Dry erase markers (4 pack) 1 set of colored pencils (12 assorted) 1 pair of student scissors (not plastic) 2* Glue sticks 2* boxes of facial tissue (large) 1 pkg. of disinfectant wipes 2 Spiral notebooks 4 Pocket folders 1 Hi-Liter 1 set of Ear Buds or Headphones 1 Student Calculator

1 Pocket folder and pencil for Chorus or 1 3 ring binder (1” rings) and pencil for Band/Orchestra

* Several of these items will need to be replenished during the school year.

Student assignment notebooks are to be purchased during registration for $5.00

Mt. Zion Community Unit School District #3

MT. ZION INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL

2019-2020 School Year

6th Grade Supply List

1 3-ring binder (2” rings) 2 pkgs. Notebook paper, WIDE-lined, ruled, 3-hole, no spiral 2 pkgs. subject dividers (no pockets) for 3-ring binder 6* #2 Pencils with erasers (mechanical pencils preferred) 3* Ballpoint pens [1 blue, 1 black, and 1 red (no gel pens)] 1 set of colored pencils (12 assorted) 1* set of colored markers - Crayola (8-12 assorted) 1 pair of student scissors (not plastic) 1* bottle of Elmer’s white glue (small) 3* Glue sticks 2* boxes of facial tissue (large) 2 pkg. of disinfectant wipes 1 Hand Sanitizer or Germ X 3 Spiral notebooks 2 Pocket folders 1 Hi-Liter 1* Dry Erase markers (4 pack) 1 set of Ear Buds or Headphones 1 Student Calculator

1 Pocket folder and pencil for Chorus OR 1 3 ring binder (1” rings) and pencil for Band/Orchestra

* Several of these items will need to be replenished during the school year.

Student assignment notebooks are to be purchased during registration for $5.00