
Good morning RGS families!
I wanted to clarify some guidelines regarding "household contacts" of SUSPECTED COVID (+) individuals. If there is a member of the household (living in the same house) that is experiencing COVID-like symptoms and/or awaiting COVID test results, then your student MUST quarantine at home until the household member's symptoms have resolved and/or the pending COVID test is negative. Your student does NOT have to exhibit symptoms themselves to be excused from school. Please contact the school and let us know that your student will be absent. Upon hearing the circumstances, I will be able to give you more guidance on how long your student may be out. When in doubt, always call. The guidelines vary (depending on the situation) and I understand that it can be confusing. Please let me know if you have any questions. As always, thank you for continuing to keep our school safe!
Nurse Inlow :)

Good Morning Raccoon families! Remember to please let Mrs. Johannes or I know if your student or household has been in contact with a COVID case or is symptomatic. We can't wait to see everyone tomorrow, but want to make sure that everyone is returning healthy! Thanks again for all of your continued efforts in keeping our community safe!
Nurse Inlow

We would like to wish everyone a happy and healthy Christmas break! While you are enjoying time away from school, please monitor COVID symptoms and contacts. If you become symptomatic, are a close contact or household member to a known positive case or test positive, please keep us updated. Contact Mrs. Inlow at kinlow@raccoonschool.org or 618-367-1219 or Mrs. Johannes at mjohannes@raccoonschool.org or 618-231-4050. If you are traveling, please be mindful of symptoms upon return. If you are traveling outside of the country, please contact Mrs. Johannes for verification of return to school. We want to do our best to provide the most healthy environment that we can when the students return on January 4th. It will take us all working together!
Thank you and have a blessed holiday!

Reminder to parents/guardians:
If your student has been absent due to COVID, COVID symptoms, or sent home from school for symptoms please call to verify that your student may return to school PRIOR to sending them. If you have any questions call me at school or email me at kinlow@raccoonschool.org.
Thanks for your cooperation in keeping our school healthy, Nurse Inlow

This is a message for those who ride Mary and Rick's bus routes. Mary will be picking up kids on her route ten minutes earlier on Monday morning. Mary will then start Rick's route around 7:35, so please watch for the bus as times will not be as usual. We are sorry for this inconvenience, but we are short a bus driver.
Thank you,
Mrs. Johannes

Raccoon Families -
During our Thanksgiving break and when we return to school, we want to make sure everyone stays healthy. If your student(s) begins having COVID-like symptoms or is a close contact to a known or probable COVID positive individual, please communicate with me. My email address is kinlow@raccoonschool.org. I will be checking it periodically and will get back with you as soon as I can. Let's keep our school a safe and healthy place!
Thanks, Nurse Inlow

Jr. High Students - Please check your Math Google Classroom stream for an important message from Mrs. Alli regarding remote learning.
6th Grade - Please check your GC page for Homeroom, as Mrs. Alli has attached a Google Doc that includes a very detailed explanation of your schedule.

10/3/20
Raccoon Families and Staff:
A second positive case in one classroom has been confirmed. Since we have two confirmed cases in one classroom, the school has been directed by the Marion County Health Department that we will have to go remote, starting Monday October 5th. The students will be able to return to school on October 19th. Students should have taken everything home that they needed on Friday, in case this was to happen. Meals will be delivered to all homes on Monday by noon. If you would like to continue receiving meals during this remote learning time, please call the office on Monday at 532-7329 to be placed on the list.
Staff will be at school during this remote learning time and will be conducting classes remotely from their classrooms. We now have Wi-Fi access in our parking lot. QNS will be here Monday morning to make sure everything is working properly. Students will be able to access it using their student accounts.
We will continue to follow the advice of and cooperate with the Marion County Health Department as information comes to us. Please call the office if you have any additional questions.
Sincerely,
M. Johannes

Dear Parents & Guardians,
I wanted to let you know that at this time, we are continuing in-person learning. As you are aware, we only have to close school for two weeks if there are two positive cases in one classroom. At this time, we do not meet that criteria. We are waiting on test results from an individual and as a precaution, teachers sent home school items today. I will update you if there are any changes. Again, at this time, we will be in school on Monday.
Thank you!
Mrs. Johannes
Superintendent

With the weather getting colder, please send a jacket/hoodie with your child daily. Thanks, Nurse Inlow

Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade midterms will be sent home today. Please sign and return to their teacher. Kindergarten does not need to return).
Tomorrow on 9/24 3rd-8th grade midterms will be posted online on Teacherease. Parents need to view their child's midterm and then respond to their teacher that you have seen it by way of email by Monday, September 28th. If you don't have email, please send a note to confirm that you saw the midterm. Thank You

Tomorrow (Wednesday 9/16 ) is picture day. Everyone will be photographed for the yearbook even if a student is not personally purchasing pictures. PLEASE SEND PICTURE ORDER FORMS TODAY!
All students that have already turned their order in or bring it today and give it to their teacher will receive a special treat. It is a very busy day & can be very hectic if students have to call their parents because they forgot their order form. Also you can order online as well. Have a great day! Checks are made to Inter-State Studio.
Thanks for helping us avoid the chaos tomorrow! Have a great day!

Good morning Raccoon parents/guardians. I wanted to let all of you know of a change in our guidelines regarding symptomatic students and their siblings. From here on out, if a student is sent home with COVID-19 symptoms, their siblings/household contacts will be sent home as well. All students from that household may return with one of the following: a Drs note (with an alternative diagnosis), a negative COVID test, or after 10 days from the date they are sent home. If you have any questions, please call the school and speak to me. Thanks - Nurse Kristin

Hi Raccoon families - I wanted to let you all know that we have 2 confirmed cases of strep throat. These students are being treated. Please talk to your students about the importance of hand washing. We will continue our efforts with extra cleaning and social distancing. As always we are doing our best to keep all of our Raccoon Families safe and healthy. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks - Nurse Inlow

Parents/guardians: Please have conversations with your students regarding symptoms and the importance of being honest. While we do not want to send students home, if they complain of symptoms, we must follow the guidelines. Please review the COVID guidelines attached. If you have any questions feel free to call me at school. Thanks - Nurse Inlow

If your son/daughter plans on participating in softball, baseball, or cross country, please make sure he/she has a current sports physical done before try-outs. Right now we are looking at try-outs to be anytime after July 22. We are still waiting on a decision from SIJHSAA to go forward with Fall Sports.

If you have not picked up your child’s belongings from school please come before 2:00 today. Thanks.

Reminder, there will be no school work for students on April 6th-10th. Teachers will be planning for upcoming weeks of remote learning. We will still deliver lunches as normal.

Illinois has extended the stay at home order until at least April 30th. There are many “unknowns” for schools moving forward from that date. We will share information as we get it. What that means for us at Raccoon is this:
We will continue with remote learning through the end of the week (Friday, April 3rd). Students will have next week off. Teachers will be using next week as Remote Learning Planning Days. We will expect students to back to learning on Monday, April 13th. This a a day earlier than previously announced.
Students need to continue to check in with teachers regularly. If you have not been in contact with your child’s teacher you should do so very soon.
Work students have completed during Remote Learnkng Days will be credited to the students. It is important that all students attempt to complete work.
We will update parents weekly regarding change and new State guidance. We are now seeing COVID-19 move into our area so please take precautions over the next several months. If you avoid public contact it is better for everyone.
Mr. Renaud

Good morning! We will be leaving the school at 10:30 with the parade of cars. We will be following the bus routes and delivering lunches, some chrome books, and curriculum. If your child is in 1st, 3rd or 4th grade you will have multiple books delivered so please be watching. If you are not home we will leave work in mailboxes.
Please keep children from running up to the cars as we want to keep them as safe and healthy as possible. As a reminder, if you live on a dead end road or long driveway, you may choose to come up to the main road to wave to teachers and pick up packets. Hope to see lots of our little friends out!
Mr. Renaud

Good morning! The Raccoon staff wants to bring a little sunshine to the students tomorrow (Tuesday, March 31st) so be looking for the parade of cars passing by your house in the morning between 10:30 and 11:15. We hope to see many of our little faces we miss here at school.

Good morning. I have been waiting to give an update to you this week in hopes that we would have new guidance from the State Board of Education regarding additional closure days and how school work will look moving forward after spring break. Unfortunately, we do not have new information, but we are moving forward with a plan to serve our students with the best information available. Please understand, this is subject to change. Here’s what you need to know:
1. We will continue working on the original packets sent home by your child’s teacher through the end of the day on April 3rd. Remember, this work was designed to be review and will not hurt your child’s grades.
2. We will observe Spring Break from April 6-13. No work is expected, but you may be getting updates from your child’s teachers. We will continue to serve breakfast and lunch during the Spring Break.
3. We are planning for Governor Pritzker to close schools for additional weeks after Spring Break. The State Board has told us to begin to work with parents and students to introduce new curriculum. This is going to pose a challenge, but we will be working to get this done. In order to do this, students will need access to WiFi. Most homes have access. The Raccoon Board of Education is working to secure hot spots to provide WiFi for students who do not have access at home. A signed waiver will be required to obtain one from the school. Students without a device will be provided one by the school. Most students have a school email address. Please be checking this email address frequently for updates. You can also expect contact from your child’s teachers via other methods. You may be asked to learn how to use Google Classroom. We anticipate that the days following Spring Break will require students/parents to log into Teacher Ease to verify attendance. We also anticipate that school work will count toward a grade. More guidance on all of the above will be forthcoming. Any needed devices or curriculum will be delivered to homes on Tuesday’s or Friday’s using our regular bus routes.
4. We know that these weeks have been trying and stressful for parents. We are working to move more of the work load back to student-teacher interaction. If you will spend the necessary time helping your child get set up and organized it will pay off in the long term for you at home by making them less dependent on your help.
5. Finally, thank you for your continued efforts and patience. We appreciate our Raccoon Community and miss all of our kids.
M. Renaud

AR -
After talking with many parents and Mr. Renaud, I have lifted the time restrictions for taking an AR test. RGS students will be able to test whenever it is convenient for their families. Thanks for all you are doing to help keep learning happening! Mrs. Register

Parents: I have learned of some feee internet opportunities from AT&T, Spectrum, and Comcast. You can learn more by visiting: www.isbe.net/keeplearning

Accelerated Reading - Beginning today students will be able to take AR tests from home between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM. They will need to use the following link to access Renaissance. (Home Connect will not work.) Open M-F only. https://hosted227.renlearn.com/187568

Miles of Smiles was supposed to be back March 25th for restorative care (x-rays, fillings, extractions, etc.). Due to the circumstances, we had to reschedule. They will now be back April 22. If your child received a yellow packet and you would like for them to have their dental work done at school, please return the packet to me when we resume school. Thanks, Nurse Inlow

If your student takes medication at school and you will need some of the school's inventory to get through the next two weeks at home, please pick up their medication today. Thanks - Nurse Inlow

Raccoon School will dismiss at 11:30 on Monday, March 16th.

Raccoon Students will be bringing home a VERY IMPORTANT letter today that all parents need to read in regards to the Coronavirus.

We have 2 confirmed cases of chickenpox, one in 4th grade and one in Pre-K. Please do not panic!
Frequently Asked Questions:
If my child has been vaccinated can they still get chickenpox? Yes, but less likely and usually a more mild case.
What are the signs and symptoms? Itchy rash of blisters, fever, headache, feeling tired.
Can chickenpox be serious? Not usually, but can be for babies, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.
How does chickenpox spread? The virus is spread by the infected person breathing, coughing, sneezing or touching another individual who is susceptible to the infection.
What should I do if I suspect my child has chickenpox? KEEP THEM HOME and call your pediatrician.
Please call me at the school with any questions or concerns. Thanks, Nurse Inlow

With permission from the parent, I want to let everyone know that we have a suspected case of chicken pox in the 4th grade. Please take care to monitor your child. If you suspect that your child could have chickenpox, keep them home and notify your pediatrician. I have attached a newsletter with additional information. Please contact me at school with any questions. Again, this is just a POSSIBLE case. I just wanted to keep everyone in the loop. Thanks! Nurse Inlow

Come out and support your Lady Devils tonight for 8th grade night in their volleyball match up vs Trinity. C team starts at 4pm.

Great day of volleyball! 1st annual 7th grade Raccoon Tournament was a success. Thanks to all the teams who came out and participated! Selmaville came away with 1st place, Casey Middle School 2nd place and 3rd place went to Irvington/ North Walmac. Congrats Ladies. Also congrats to our All Tournament team and our MVP from Raccoon Averie Taylor.

For students who participated - Wednesday and Thursday Miles of Smile came and all students saw the dentist, but due to time constraints there were some who didn't get to have their teeth cleaned and/or sealants done. Miles of Smiles will be back Tuesday February 25th to finish those students. If your child received a yellow packet, please fill it out and return to me ASAP. Miles of Smiles will be back Wednesday March 25th to do fillings, x-rays, etc. If your child received a red sheet, that means they need to be seen by a Dentist ASAP to have work completed that is too extensive to be done at the school. If you need help finding a dentist, please contact me. Thanks! Have a GREAT weekend!

National wear red day for heart disease prevention! Everyone wore red, discused heart health and prevention, along with trying a few heart healthy foods! Yogurt, blueberries, hummus, green peppers, and roasted chickpeas were on the menu. What a great day! We will be continuing heart health through February.

Miles of Smiles tomorrow and Thursday!!

STATE Bound Tshirts will be an Online order only!! No paper order forms are available. Here is the link to order,
https://raccoonreg2020.itemorder.com/sale.
Wednesday is the deadline in order for them to be ready for Saturday!

Influenza A and B are still making its way around the community. If your student is running a fever, has any respiratory symptoms or is not feeling well, please keep them home. If symptoms continue, please take them to the clinic. If they test positive for influenza please call the school and alert the me as they will need to be out of school for a while - even after symptoms have stopped. Please call the school and ask for me if you have any questions. Thanks - Nurse Inlow

We have had many students with vomiting, fevers, sore throats, etc. If your student has been running a fever, thrown up, or does not feel well enough to attend school, please keep your student home. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you! - Nurse Inlow

PTO meeting tonight at 6pm!

Raccoon will be dismissing at noon today due to the increment weather that is in the forecast for our area today.

If you want your child to participate in Miles of Smiles, please have the form turned into me by Friday, as I will have to mail everything off to them soon. Please call the school if you need another form sent home or want to double check that your child is on my list. Thanks!

Doors will open at 6:00 this evening for the annual Christmas Program. Students should go to their classrooms no sooner than 6:15. Please be careful in the school parking lot, as there are still patches of ice. We hope to see you all here tonight!

Reminder for any 5th-8th grade girl who would like to play volleyball:
Open Gyms: Saturday 12/21 10am-noon
Friday 12/27 4-6pm
Saturday 12/28 10am-noon
Tryouts: Monday 1/6 4:30-6pm
Tuesday 1/7 3-4:30pm

Updates:
Annual Christmas program will now be held on Thursday, December 19th at 6:30.
December board meeting will be held on Thursday, December 19th at 5:00

Raccoon will not be in session tomorrow, December 17th due to inclement weather. The Christmas program will be rescheduled for later in the week. We will send another update regarding the date/time. Mr. Renaud

All BETA CLUB bell ringing for the Salvation Army is cancelled for this week.

There will be no school on Monday, December 16th due to hazardous road conditions.

Picture retakes and sports/activity pictures are tomorrow, Tuesday, Nov. 19th. Please have students bring all uniforms, sports equipment, instruments, and order forms.

Attention 7th & 8th graders! Tomorrow is the day we travel to the Salem Theater for the SCHS play! Don’t forget your permission slips and dress warm! We will be out of the building from 8:20 until 11:30ish.

Raccoon will not be in session on Tuesday, November 12th due to hazardous road conditions.

Cardinal calendar forms and money are due on Friday, November 8th!! Please send them in!!

Girls Basketball fan wear is availble for online ordering only. Please see the link below. The deadline is Nov. 7th.
https://raccoon-lady-devils-fan-wear-2019.itemorder.com/

Please call the school office at 532-7329 if you have not scheduled your teacher/parent conference yet. On Monday 11/4 school will dismiss at 2:00 and conferences will begin at 3:00 - 8:00 There will be no school for students on Tuesday 11/5 conferences will be 8:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m.

RGS Bookfair is next week, November 4th through 8th. The Bookfair will be open during Parent Teacher Conferences on Monday night and on Tuesday morning. On Wed.,Thurs, & Fri., the kids will be able to shop during school hours with their class.It will be located in the library.

RGS PTO wants to give a huge thanks to Modern Woodmen and Carrie Huggins, mom of current student Carson Huggins and former students Julian, Presten, and Taylor Huggins for their very generous donations to our upcoming Fall Fest!! They donated chips, tea, cheese, paper products, and hamburger. This donation will help cut our costs and allow us to have more money for our students!! We appreciate it so!! ❤️

No School tomorrow Friday- October 25th Teacher Institute
On Monday, November 4th we will have a 2:00 dismissal and Teacher/Parent Conferences will begin at 3:00 and end at 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 5th No School for students. Teacher/Parent conf. 8:00 am - Noon
Please call the school office to make your appointment.

Don’t forget tonight is our annual trunk or treat at 5:00. This event is for our students and their siblings. Admission is one bag of candy per child.

There will be a second order for Raccoon Spirit Wear online only. Here is the online link to order.
https://raccoon-grade-school-spirit-wear-2019.itemorder.com/sale

Reminder we have a 2:00 dismissal today.

Cross Country STATE shirts.
Below you will find the link for the State shirts and sweatshirts.The date for pre-orders is October 13.
https://sijhsaasclassxc19.itemorder.com/sale

There will be a mandatory parent meeting tomorrow October 4th at 5:45 for girls and boys basketball. We will meet in the cafeteria. Please make sure there is a parent/guardian present for this meeting.

Raccoon Boys Basketball try-outs are on Thursday, September 26th and Friday, September 27th from 6-8. Must be present both days and have a current sports physical.

Raccoon Girls Basketball try-outs are on Friday, September 27th and Monday, September 30th from 4:30-6:00. Must be present both days and have a current sports physical.

Fall Fest CHANGES date from 10-4-19 to 11-1-19; 6:00-8:00pm.

Sports Booster Meeting will be at 6pm tomorrow night, September 17th. Everyone is welcome to come that wants to be involved.

Boys Basketball open gym will be on Monday, September 16th and Friday, September 20th from 6-7:30. This is for all boys who are interested in trying out for Jr. High Basketball. Your child must have a current sports physical in order to participate.

Reminder: today is an 11:30 dismissal day at Raccoon School. Have a great weekend!

2019-2020 Raccoon Cheer
Thursday, September 12th is the first practice for 5th-8th grade students who are interested in cheering. A mandatory parent meeting will be at 4:45. Practice will be from 4:45-6pm.

https://raccoon-grade-school-spirit-wear-2019.itemorder.com/
Spirit Wear is on sale now through Friday, September 13, 2019. Order online or using the order form being sent home with your student. Show your school P.R.I.D.E.

Raccoon Baseball T-shirt/Hoodie/Long-sleeve/Hats order form is due August 25th. For more information visit:
https://raccoonbaseball.itemorder.com or pick up an order form at the main office. Please make checks to Raccoon School.

RGS Open House is tonight from 6:00-6:45. Parents should go straight to classrooms. Early Childhood, K, 1st, and 2nd graders should bring their school supplies tonight. Welcome Back RGS!

Raccoon Cross Country practice will start on Monday, August 19th from 3:00 to 4:30. All 4th-8th grade students who are interested must have a current sports physical on file at school before Monday.