News from the Nest 8/21/26

What a great first full week at North! ❤️ Our Little Redbirds have been busy learning routines, building relationships, and settling into a new school year.

This week, students completed the i-Ready Math Inform Diagnostic and AIMSweb diagnostic assessments. These assessments give our teachers valuable information about where students are starting the year and help us plan instruction to meet their needs. Next week, students will complete the i-Ready Reading Inform Diagnostic.

Thank you, families, for helping us get the year off to a great start. We are excited for all that is ahead!
One School. One Family. One Redbird Nation.
Every Student. Every Day. Whatever It Takes.
— Lisa Harris, Principal

Upcoming Events

• August 24th - 28th - iReady Reading Diagnostic Testing
• August 25th - Orchestra Info Night at 6:00pm or 6:45pm at Alton High School Auditorium
• August 26th - Band Information Night at 6:00pm at Alton Middle School Annex Band Room
• September 7th  - No School - Labor Day
• September 14th-18th - Sock It to Cancer Campaign
• September 16th - Early Dismissal - Dismiss at 12:25pm
• September 23rd - Fredbird and Friends Assembly
• September 30th - L&C/North PTG Walk-A-Thon

Few Reminders
A few quick reminders to help keep arrival and dismissal safe and running smoothly:

• 🚗 Please do not line up for parent pick-up before 1:30 PM, as students are still outside at recess.
• 🪪 Have your car tag visible when picking up your child.
• ➡️ All vehicles must turn RIGHT onto Stamper Lane when exiting our parking lot.
• 🚫 Please do not drop students off on Stamper Lane or Godfrey Road.
• 🚶 If you are walking your child to or from the building for drop-off or pick-up, please use the designated crosswalk on Stamper Lane for everyone’s safety.
• 📞 Contact the North office by 10:00 AM to report an absence or make any transportation changes.

Thank you for helping us keep our Little Redbirds safe! ❤️

⭐ Student of the Week

Starting next week, we will begin celebrating our Students of the Week! Each week, two students from each grade level will be recognized for demonstrating strong character, showing kindness to others, and giving their very best each day.

Mrs. Bick -  Elena Herren
Mrs. Saenz - Averi Randolph
Mrs. Myette - Zaid Scott
Mrs. Kuhnline - Anthony Word
Mrs. Gable - Matthew Graham
Ms. Steed - Jaxon Sutton
Miss Greenberg - Analena Herrera
Mrs Forsting - Kassidy Shampine

💛 Yellow Bird Bucks

Our Redbirds are doing a great job earning Yellow Bird Bucks! We have lots of classes getting close to reaching the 1st goal of 25 yellow Birdbucks!. Keep showing those Redbird expectations—we can’t wait to celebrate our first class to reach 25! ❤️🐦

📚 Redbird Role Models

Our character focus for August and September is RESPECT—⭐ We caught two of our Redbirds showing what RESPECT looks like this week! Way to lead by example and show your Redbird pride!

• Aria Peipert
• Spencer Burke

Every Friday, our students complete a quick 3-question check-in survey to help us understand how they are feeling at school. We use this feedback to improve our school and classroom systems and identify students who may need additional support. Results are also shared with classroom teachers so they can make adjustments when needed.
Our goal is for 80% or more of our students to report that:
❤️ I feel safe at school.
🤝 I am treated kindly by my peers and staff.
⭐ I am recognized for the good things I do.

Student voice matters, and we want every Little Redbird to feel safe, valued, and like they belong at North!
Surveys will begin next Friday, August 21st
 

Area	On Track	Current Week	Q1  Average	Q2 Average	Q3 Average	Q4 Average
Treated Kindly	yes	94%
Acknowledged	yes	86%
Feel Safe	yes	93%

Every day at school matters! Throughout the year, we will have several fun celebrations recognizing students and classes with great attendance. Last year, our average daily attendance was 88%, and this year we are working together toward our goal of 95%!

We can’t wait to celebrate our Little Redbirds for showing up, being ready to learn, and helping us reach our goal! ❤️

Our Goal is 95% of students present everyday each week.

Week	% of Students Present Everyday This Week
Quarter 1 Average
August 24th-28th
August 31st - September 4th
September 7th-11th
September 14th - 18th
September 21st-25th
September 28th - October 2nd
October 5th-9th
October 12th-16th
October 19th-23rd

➗ i-Ready Math Diagnostic & MyPath

Our students completed the i-Ready Math Inform Diagnostic this week, and now it’s time to begin Math MyPath! 

MyPath provides each student with personalized lessons based on their individual strengths and areas for growth.
Our goal is for every student to pass at least two MyPath lessons each week. 🎯

🎉 MyPath Clubs: 
As students pass lessons throughout the year, they can join our 25, 50, 100, and 150 Clubs! When students reach each milestone, they will be recognized and celebrated with special prizes for their hard work and progress.

Please encourage your child to take their time and give their very best effort on the diagnostic. Accurate results help us make sure their MyPath is truly matched to what they need! ❤️

📖 This Week: i-Ready Reading Inform Diagnostic

This week, students will complete the i-Ready Reading Inform Diagnostic. This assessment helps us understand where each student is currently performing in reading so teachers can better support their individual learning needs.
Please encourage your child to take their time and give their best effort. Accurate results help us know exactly where to begin! ❤️

🎯 Tracking Academic Success

Another school-wide goal this year is to increase the number of 4th and 5th grade students passing all of their classes. Last year, 82% of our students met this goal, and this year we are aiming for 92%! We will track our progress each week so we can celebrate successes and provide support when needed.

For our 2nd and 3rd graders, we will also begin tracking the percentage of students earning a 3 in all basic skills each quarter. We would like to increase each quarter by 10%.

These goals help us keep a close eye on student progress and make sure every Little Redbird is growing and succeeding! ❤️

Week	% of 4th and 5th Graders Passing All Classes
Quarter 1 Average
August 24th-28th
August 31st-September 4th
September 7th-11th
September 14th-18th
September 21st-25th
September 28th-October 2nd
October 5th-9th
October 12th-16th
October 19th-23rd
Week	% of 2nd and 3rd Graders earning 3's in Basic Skills
Quarter 1 Average

     

If your child needs to take any medication during the school day, a medication form must be completed by a physician and turned in to the school office. This includes prescription medications as well as over-the-counter medications, such as Tylenol, and inhalers.

For student safety, all medications must be kept in the nurse’s office and should not be carried or kept with students during the school day. Please contact our nurse or the North office if you have any questions. ❤️

     

• Parent Square - All school communication is shared here. Please make sure you are connected.
• Phone Numbers  -
  • North Elementary - 618-463-2171
  • Bus Garage - 618-466-5400
• Facebook - Lewis and Clark & North Elementary Parent Teacher Group
• My Ride K-12 App: Stay connected to bus transportation using your child’s 6 digit “Other ID” from Skyward Family Access.

❤️ Thank you for being an important part of our North family. Together, we are creating a place where every Little Redbird can learn, grow, and belong.
One School. One Family. One Redbird Nation.