Frequently Asked Questions
How do I contact Mrs. Howell?
The fastest way to get in contact with me is via email. You can email me at khowell@dist50.net. I can check my email quickly throughout the day.
In addition, I will usually email back during the evening too if I am able.
You can also call me at 847-984-8871. I leave me phone on voicemail throughout the day, so I am only able to check it twice a day.
I will ALWAYS get back to you within 24 hours, so if I don't, that means I was not at school that day!
What are the important school phone numbers?
Our classroom number: 847-984-8871
Elementary East main number: 847-984-8800
Elementary East attendance number: 847-984-8801
Elementary East nurse: 847-984-8810
Arbor number (lunch issues): 847-856-3408
Who are my child's special area teachers?
Ms. Hunt (Art)- khunt@dist50.net
Ms. Cardella (Music)- tcardella@dist50.net
Ms. Curtis (P.E.)- pcurtis@dist50.net
Mrs. Bing (Library)- cbing@dist50.net
Mrs. Hulback (ESL)- bhulback@dist50.net
Mrs. Harm (Reading Recovery/Literacy Groups)- hharms@dist50.net
Mrs. Schwartz (Reading Recovery/Literacy Groups)- cschwartz@dist50.net
Mrs. Zemanak (Math Specialist)- jzemanak@dist50.net
Mrs. Donahue (Occupational Therapist)- bdonahue@dist50.net
Mrs. Harris (LDR teacher)- aharris@dist50.net
How do I report my child will be absent?
You need to call the attendance hotline at 847-984-8801. You can email or call me in addition, but you must call the office.
How do pick up my child from school?
If you need to pickup your child before the end of school:
- Please send a note or email to Mrs. Howell. You can also call the main office.
- Please indicate what time you will need to get your child and if he/she will be coming back to school
- You will sign your child out in the main office and he/she will meet you in the office
If your child will be picked up at the end of the day (2:10)
- Please email to Mrs. Howell. You can also call the main office.
- You will be need your CurbSmart number for your child to be picked up.
What should be coming home daily in my child's backpack?
Your child should have his/her binder and reading bag.
On Monday, your child should have a new log with all of the important information for the week.
What is my child's homework every night?
Your child should read for 20 minutes a night from their book bag or from books at home.
Also, your child should spend a few minutes practicing his/her word wall/spelling words.
The kids have a math facts sheet to practice each day. They should get faster each day.
How many students are in our classroom?
We have 21 students
Do you have parent volunteers?
I love having volunteers and usually start in October.
When does our class have library?
We have library on Day 1. There is a rotation schedule on the Woodland District website.
Your child should be responsible for keeping track of his/her library books and for bringing them back.
What room are you located in?
We are in room number is Room 49. We are located down the main hallway on the left side of the hall.
What are your favorite educational shows?
- Peg + Cat (math)
- WordWorld (words/reading)
- Wild Kratts (science/animals)
- Blaze and the Monster
Machines (physics)
- Odd Squad (math)
- Ready Jet Go! (space)
- Between the Lions (language and reading)
- Arthur (soical emotional)
- Wallykazam (word building)
- Word Girl (vocabulary)
- Magic School Bus (science)
What can I do for my child's birthday?
It is school policy that no treats of any kind will be allowed to be passed out for birthdays. Instead, please send in your child's favorite book for us to read. You are welcome to read the book to the class too! Please contact me to schedule a time to read.
Who do I contact about lunch concerns?
Arbor handles all of our lunch accounts. You can add money to your child's account online via the district website. If you have additional questions, you can call Arbor at 847-856-3408. A lunch menu comes home every month, but you can find additional copies on the district website.
How does my child get hot lunch?
You will add money to your child's debit lunch card, online via the district website. The students in the morning make a selection and then go through the lunch bays to get their lunch. Students receive milk with their lunch.
Does my child have snack?
Yes, we have a daily snack. Please send a small snack that he/she can eat in a few minutes. We use it as an energy booster for the morning.
Please send in healthy snacks, not candy! Anyone who doesn't have snack, can have a small handful of pretzels from me. If you are willing to donate pretzels, that would be greatly appreciated!
When does my child have recess and lunch?
We have recess from 11:25-11:55
We have lunch from 11:55-12:25
What is the outdoor recess policy?
The students go outside for recess unless it is raining outside or the real feel temperature is BELOW 10 degrees. It is IMPORTANT that all children come with a warm coat, snowpants, boots, gloves, and a hat during the winter months.
Can my child miss recess or PE if they are sick?
Usually, your child can miss one day with a parent note. Beyond that, your child will need to have a doctors note. If you have additional questions, you can contact the nurse at 847-984-8810
What are the school and office hours?
The school day is from 7:20-2:15. Buses start dropping off at 7:15 and parent pickup starts at 2:15.
Can my child receive breakfast at school?
Anyone who wants breakfast will go directly from the bus to the cafeteria. He/She needs their bus tag for their scan code to receive breakfast.