










Picture Retakes are approaching. All students who were absent or anyone who would like a retake can be photographed on Monday, October 5th.

The UIS PTO is co-hosting Fall Festival on Friday, October 2nd at West Elementary. We are seeking donations of candy and cakes for the cake walk.



Fall Festival is coming soon! We are seeking donations of candy and cakes for the event.
A huge THANK YOU to everyone who donated to our calendar fundraiser! Your generosity and support mean so much to us and help make this fundraiser possible. We raised over $6000 to support our UIS students.
We’re incredibly grateful for everyone who purchased a calendar, shared our fundraiser, or contributed in any way. Thank you for being part of our community and supporting our cause!





The health and safety of our students and staff are our highest priorities. We have been made aware of two cases of staph infection in our Intermediate School. In alignment with guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we are reaching out to share important information regarding Staphylococcus aureus (Staph Infection), how it spreads, and the steps our school and families can take to prevent its transmission.
Essential Hygiene Practices for Families
According to IDPH recommendations, simple everyday precautions are the most effective way to prevent Staph Infection and other skin infections:
Frequent Hand Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 15–20 seconds, especially before eating and after using the bathroom. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective when hands are not visibly dirty.
Keep Wounds Covered: Clean all cuts, scrapes, and open sores, and keep them covered with clean, dry bandages until completely healed.
Avoid Sharing Personal Items: Teach children not to share personal items such as towels, washcloths, clothing, uniforms, or water bottles—especially during physical education classes or athletic sports.
Launder Regularly: Wash clothes, towels, and athletic uniforms after each use with regular detergent, and dry them on high heat to help kill bacteria.
School Protocols & Attendance Guidelines
Per IDPH and public health guidelines, our school maintains strict protocols to keep our environment clean and safe:
Routine Cleaning & Disinfection: We regularly clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces, restrooms, locker rooms, and shared athletic equipment using EPA-registered disinfectants proven effective against staph bacteria. (IDPH notes that closing a facility or mass "disinfecting" is generally unnecessary).
School Attendance Policy: Students diagnosed with or suspected of having staph infections can attend school, provided that:
The wound or sore can be completely covered and contained with a clean, dry bandage.
The student is able to maintain good personal hygiene throughout the day.
Note: Students with active, uncontained, or draining wounds that cannot be covered, or those participating in contact sports where skin-to-skin contact is likely, must remain home until the wound is healed or properly contained per a healthcare provider's evaluation.
What to Do If You Suspect an Infection
If you notice a suspicious skin lesion on your child, please:
Cover the area with a clean bandage.
Contact your healthcare provider for an evaluation and diagnosis.
Notify the school health office so we can assist with any necessary accommodations.
Thank you for your partnership in keeping our school community healthy, informed, and safe. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to our school nurse or administration.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Cole

