September: Strong Starts Make Strong Years

The first full week of September was a success for our Vikings! Strong attendance earned us a free dress day and the exciting dodgeball event hosted by Amistad. We are grateful for this opportunity to come together, share some laughter, and enjoy a little friendly competition.

Our softball season wrapped up this week. Thank you to Coach Vandemark and our Viking softball players for representing us with pride. Baseball’s regular season is nearing its close. While our Viking baseball players faced a couple of tough games, there are still more opportunities ahead—we wish them the very best.

In the House competition, Reveur continues to hold the lead, but the full moon has passed, and it’s time for another house to rise. Major point opportunities are coming with perfect attendance, honor roll, and recognition for living the Viking Way (no referrals). That’s 10,575 points up for grabs! This is truly anyone’s game. Which house will we be celebrating at the halfway mark in December?

Let’s set our sights on 93% or better attendance this week so we can earn more House Day Friday celebrations. We ended last week with 95% attendance on both Thursday and Friday—proof that we can do it again!

This week’s mindset focus is Passion First—encouraging our Vikings to explore their interests and discover the things that truly inspire them. When students connect their learning and activities to their passions, great things happen.

Passion First for Families

6th Grade Immunization Deadline - Oct. 15

Let's meet the deadline for our immunization requirements so we can avoid any medical exclusions. Right now, 75% of our 6th graders have met the requirements or have proof of an appointment in order to avoid medical exclusion. Please reach out to Nurse McKenzie at mckenzie.payton@psd150.org or 309-672-6561 for more information.

Free Tutoring is Available. Sign Up Now.

America Reads is a free tutoring program that pairs kids grades K-8 with a Bradley student to help them with reading comprehension, but if needed they can also help with homework. Starting September 22nd, these sessions are 45 minutes at 4:30, 5:30, and 6:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and kids can attend up to three sessions per week. These sessions take place on Bradley's campus. See the link on the flyer for the application to enroll your child today.

Reminders

We are enforcing no cell phones from 7:30 - 2:30 each day. Students have a Yondr pouch assigned to them. Each morning when students enter the building, they must either power down their phone or put it in airplane mode (to preserve the battery) and lock it in their pouch.

Clear backpacks are also required this year. We have two options for families. First, you can purchase a district clear backpack for $20 from the main office. Second, you can attend a school event to receive a clear Von Steuben backpack.

Softball Updates

Congratulations to our softball team for a great season! While the scores did not always result in a win, we increased the number of games won this year and demonstrated many Viking qualities such as diligence, courage, honor, and perseverance. We are so very proud of our players!