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Lyle Elementary School

Lyle- October Newsletter 2025

Posted Date: 09/30/25 (01:00 PM)


Dragon

Lyle News

October 2025

A collection of pumpkins sits near a wooden wagon wheel and hay bales.

From the Principal

Dear Lyle Families,
The school year is flying by; we will close out the first learning quarter on October 22nd.
Thank you to those who supported our Book Fair and Walk-A-Thon. Both events were a huge success, and we are grateful for your continued involvement. The benefits of reading and family engagement are immeasurable!
As Halloween approaches, we know many students are excited to celebrate and join in the fun activities planned at school. While we enjoy seeing the creativity and enthusiasm this time of year brings, I would like to remind everyone of an important policy that ensures the safety and well-being of all students.
For health and safety reasons, families are asked not to send food, candy, or treats to school during Halloween celebrations. This helps us protect students with food allergies, dietary restrictions, and other health concerns. Even well-intentioned treats can pose risks for some children.
We will celebrate Halloween with fun, non-food activities, including games, crafts, and a costume parade. These alternatives enable every student to enjoy the day safely. I appreciate your cooperation in keeping our school a safe and inclusive environment.
More details about our Halloween plans are shared below.
In collaboration,
Ms. Nuray Kavustuk
Principal

 

Dates to Remember

9th- Early Dismissal (11:15)
13th- No School: Indigenous People/Columbus Day Observed
20th - CogAT Testing Begins (Grades 3-6)
22nd- End of the 1st Grading Period
24th- Picture Retake Day
29th- Report Cards Issued Online in PowerSchool and Fall Music Concert (Grades K-2)
31st- Halloween Parade @10 am and Early Dismissal Day (11:15 Dismissal)
 
A poster promoting Red Ribbon Week with the message 'Life is a puzzle, solve it drug free'.

Red Ribbon Week

We are excited to announce that our school will be celebrating Red Ribbon Week from October 27th to 31st! This year’s national theme, “Life Is A Puzzle, Solve It Drug Free. This powerful theme symbolizes how every choice we make fits into the bigger picture—just like a puzzle coming together. Living drug-free helps build a stronger, brighter future, one piece at a time.
Red Ribbon Week is a nationwide campaign that raises awareness about the dangers of drug use and encourages students to make positive, healthy choices that lead to brighter futures. Throughout the week, we will offer engaging activities, spirit days, and lessons that emphasize the importance of living a drug-free life, taking care of our mental and physical health, and developing strong character.
Lyle Dragons Spirit Week Schedule:
  • Monday – “Red-y to Be Drug Free!”
  • Wear red to kick off Red Ribbon Week and show your Dragon pride.
  • Tuesday – “Team Up Against Drugs!”
  • Wear your favorite team jersey, shirt, or Lyle spirit wear.
  • Wednesday – “Drugs Can’t Find Me in Camouflage!”
  • Wear camouflage or mix-and-match patterns.
  • Thursday – “Too Bright for Drugs!”
  • Wear neon, bright, or tie-dye colors to light up the halls.
  • Friday – “Say Boo to Drugs!”
  • Wear your Halloween costume (school-appropriate) or orange and black.
How Families Can Support Red Ribbon Week:
  • Talk to your child: Have open discussions about the importance of making healthy choices and avoiding harmful substances.
  • Participate in Spirit Days: Encourage your child to join in the fun and show their school pride.
  • Model healthy habits: Show your child the importance of self-care, stress management, and making positive choices by modeling these behaviors at home.
We look forward to a fun and educational week as we work together to support the well-being and success of all our students. Thank you for your continued partnership in making our school a safe, healthy, and positive environment where students can learn and grow.
A Red Ribbon Spirit Week flyer with daily themes for October 27-31.
 

Halloween Celebration Information

Friday, October 31st
We are excited to celebrate Halloween at Lyle! Please review the details below to help the day run smoothly and safely.
Parade
  • Our annual Halloween Parade will begin at 10:00 AM.
  • Students will exit through the front doors and walk around the perimeter of the school.
  • Families are welcome to attend and should watch from the grassy area.
  • If the weather does not allow, the parade will be canceled. Families will be notified that morning if there is a cancellation.
Classroom Parties
  • Classroom parties will follow the parade.
  • Only confirmed room parents are permitted to enter the building to assist with parties.
  • Younger siblings are not permitted at classroom parties.
  • All room parents must bring a valid driver’s license or government-issued photo ID.
  • IDs will be scanned through the Raptor security system before entry is allowed.
  • Anyone without a valid ID will not be permitted into the classroom.
  • If you are unsure whether you are a room parent, don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher.
Dismissal on October 31st
  • Early dismissal is scheduled district-wide.
  • All students will be released at 11:15 AM.
Food & Treats Policy
  • No food or candy is allowed for Halloween or classroom celebrations.
  • If food or candy is brought in, it will be sent back home.
  • Families are encouraged to send non-edible items (such as stickers, pencils, and erasers) instead.
Costume Guidelines
  • Students may come to school in costume since it is a half-day.
  • Costumes should be appropriate, promote positive attitudes, and reflect good taste.
  • The following are not permitted:
  • Props or accessories that resemble weapons (toy guns, knives, spears, bows/arrows, etc.).
  • Costumes that emphasize violence, guns, or weapons.
  • Masks that cover the eyes, mouth, or pose a safety hazard.
  • Please note: The Lyle administration reserves the right to determine the appropriateness of costumes.
We look forward to a fun, safe, and memorable Halloween celebration with our Lyle Dragons!

 

Picture Retake Day:Friday, October 24, 2025

REMINDER
Absentee & Retake Picture Day is on: 

ABSENTEE & NEW STUDENTS: 
Please visit our website at www.ordervgil.com and click on “before picture day.” Then, enter code 20041902 to place an order. 

RETAKE STUDENTS: 
If you purchased a picture package and are unhappy with your photo, please bring the package to the camera on retake day, and we will print the original order with the new image. Please be aware that the retake photo REPLACES the original image. 

Forget to Order the Original Photo? 
Please visit our website at www.ordervgil.com and click on After Picture Day. Enter your child’s Ticket Code. If you need assistance, please call the customer service number below. 

Van Gogh 
Always wear a smile! 
Van Gogh School Photographers, Inc. 
401 Cornell Ave. *BArirington *Illinois, 60010 
847-382-2282 Ext. 7 
 

K-2: Fall Music Concert

Greetings, Parents or Guardians,


This year, the Kindergarten, First, and Second-grade classes will showcase their singing voices at the Fall Music Concert! It is my pleasure to have the opportunity to teach such wonderful children the joys of singing songs and performing. There will be several exciting musical examples for you to enjoy.


Lyle Elementary School would like to request your child’s attendance on the concert night. The concert will take place on Wednesday, October 29th, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. The location will be at Wilkins Junior High School in the large cafeteria. Students must come dressed wearing black or blue pants/skirts and any red, green, white, blue, orange, or black shirt by 5:45 pm. This will give us enough time to ensure the concert starts promptly at 6:00 pm.

Thank you very much. We all look forward to sharing this special night of music and fun with you!


Your Partner in Education,

Mr. John Olsen
Music Teacher

 

CogAT Testing- Grade 3-6

Our 3rd–6th-grade students will be taking the CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) during the testing window that opened on October 20th. Teachers will notify families of the specific date your child will take the test.
The CogAT measures learned reasoning and problem-solving skills in three areas:
  • Verbal: Assesses reasoning skills, flexibility, and fluency.
  • Quantitative: Measures understanding of basic quantitative concepts and relationships essential for learning mathematics.
  • Nonverbal: Uses geometric shapes and figures to see how students identify patterns and relationships.
Each area is reported with a separate score, and a composite reasoning score is also provided. The CogAT reflects developed abilities and the strategies students use to learn and solve problems—it is not a test of innate intelligence. Reasoning abilities, as measured by the CogAT, strongly correlate with learning and problem-solving both in and out of school.
The test is multiple-choice, and more information about CogAT testing can be found by clicking the link below.
CogAT Testing
 

Second Step – October Focus: Emotion Management

This month, our students are learning essential skills to help them understand and manage their emotions. Lessons will focus on:
  • Naming Emotions – Learning how to recognize and put words to what we’re feeling.
  • Same & Different Feelings – Noticing that people can experience the same situation in different ways.
  • Purpose of Emotions – Understanding that emotions give us information and help us respond to the world around us.
  • Managing Emotions – Practicing healthy ways to calm down and make good choices when feelings get strong.
Families can support at home by:
  • Ask your child to name their feelings throughout the day (“How are you feeling right now?”).
  • Talking about times when your family members feel different emotions in the same situation.
  • Modeling strategies you use to calm down (deep breathing, taking a break, talking it out).
At Lyle, these skills connect directly to our Dragon of the Week recognition! Each week, we celebrate students who model positive choices and demonstrate the social-emotional skills we’re learning, like managing feelings in healthy ways. By practicing these strategies, students not only grow personally but also have the chance to be recognized as a Dragon of the Week.

 

October Menus

Breakfast Menu
Lunch Menu