September 2020

 COMMUNICATION NOTES:

• Directory: We do not publish a hard copy of the directory.  You can find the contact information for staff and families by going to:  Family Portal>School Information>Directory> use the sort options available for families and staff.
• Homework: Go to Family Portal>Student Information>Homework.  You may also email teachers for homework.   All faculty emails are listed under Staff in the online Directory.
• Daily Announcements: We begin each day with announcements that are read to the student body in homeroom.  Announcements are also linked on the website:   illianachristian.org >My ICHS> Daily Bulletin.
• Newsletters: If you need to refer to a previous Newsletter from Illiana, you can find them at    org>Parents>FamilyNewsletter>Recent Posts.
• Sports Schedule Changes & Updates: Updates will be sent via emails from a coach or athletic director, and can be found by going to our website and following the link for schedules on the athletic page.  Changes are usually posted by 2:00 p.m.
• COVID REFERENCE CHART: Please use the attached flow chart for help in deciding when it is appropriate for a student to come to school after a COVID exposure or infection or displaying some of the symptoms.

CALENDAR NOTES

September 3:  Back to School Night 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

September 3:  Concert on the Lawn 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

September 7:  Labor Day – No School

September 21:  ICHS Golf Outing

September 21:  Virtual College Financial Aid Night 7:00 p.m.

October 9: Underclassmen Retakes

October 21 – 23:  No School

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

Back to School Open House:    Come and meet your child’s teachers.  We will have refreshments available provided by Parents in Education.  This opportunity is for parents and not students.  Since there is not a program, you may arrive and leave at any time during the hour and a half.  You will want to bring your child’s schedule (which you have on Renweb/FACTS).  Maps will be available to guide you through the building.  We ask that you wear a mask.  This event is for ALL Illiana families, both in-person and elearners.

Concert on the Lawn – September 3:  Come and enjoy an outdoor, live, music event to “kick off” Back to School Night.  The Bands, Choirs and Orchestra are planning to be in the large grassy area on the east side of the building (across from one of the ponds).  They will perform from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.  Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy some fine music as well as attend the open house.

Carpool Update!  There are Illiana families in Crete, Munster, South Holland, Lowell, Crown Point, and Cedar Lake that are looking to join a carpool.  Please email Marie Limback at mlimback@illianaweb.org with your name, phone number and town, and indicate if you need a ride or can offer a ride.

Moms in Prayer:  The Illiana Moms in Prayer group continues to meet on the 1^st, 3^rd and 5^th Mondays when school is in session.  Join us when you can after drop-off at 8:00 a.m. for an hour of prayer for our school, faculty, staff and students.  We are currently meeting off-campus near Illiana, please email ICHSmomsinprayer@gmail.com   or text 219-776-9629 for details.

Music Department Car Wash:  The Illiana Christian High School Music Department will be having a car wash at Munster CRC (on Ridge Road) on September 12 from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  Donations will go toward the music department for supplies.  We hope to see you there!

ICHS Golf Outing:  The Illiana Christian Golf Outing will be on Monday September 21, at Briar Ridge Country Club in Schererville, IN.  Please contact Darren DeBoer (219-558-7066 ext 14 or ddeboer@illianaweb.org) with questions or to sponsor the event.  Online registration is available on our website.

College Financial Aid Night:   Our counselors will send parents of juniors and seniors information about the virtual meeting which will be on September 21 at 7:00 p.m.  Important information will be given regarding the FAFSA form.

Yearbook:  The 2019-2020 yearbook, The Spire, will be available on October 2.  Sophomores and juniors who ordered yearbooks will be able to pick them up between 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.  Seniors and graduates (class of 2020) may pick them up between 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.  All students and graduates attending must wear a mask.

PSAT:  The PSAT test for juniors will be given at ICHS on October 14.  This is an optional test for junior students.  Coaching dates are September 22, 29, October 6, from 7:00-8:30 p.m.  Details will be sent by email to all juniors and their parents. The fee for the coaching is $45.  There is no fee to take the test itself.    Students may sign up to take the test and also for the coaching with Mrs. Jonkman, in the office beginning September 2.    Any questions should be directed to the counselors, Mrs. Melanie Benes and Mr. Neil Zandstra.

Fall Drama & Music Production:  There will be a Winter Carnival held outside at Illiana on December 11.  Stay tuned for more information!

75^th Anniversary:  The NEW DATES for Illiana’s 75^th Anniversary Celebration are Friday and Saturday, October 16 and 17.  Stay tuned for more details about our weekend celebration that will include community events, music, food, sporting events, and much more!

BUSINESS OFFICE NEWS

Foundation Fund Earnings:  Please complete and return the form to the school office no later than October 31.  Late forms will not be accepted.  If you choose not to claim this, your allocation will go to the Tuition Assistance Fund.

Tuition:  Payments must be made by noon on the 15^th of each month.  You are encouraged to participate in the Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for your payments.

PARENTS INVOLVED IN EDUCATION

• Lunch ordering for the month of October will be open from September 1 -10. A reminder email with instructions will be sent each month. No Late orders are accepted.
• Thank you to those who have volunteered in the hot lunch program! The link  is now open through December.  In The past we have had signups fill up quickly in the first semester leaving many openings for second semester.  If you are able, please vary your volunteering to ensure coverage through May.
• Volunteers: No experience is needed to volunteer!  Managers are scheduled each day to show you what to do.  Park in the front of school on the north side.  Stop in the office to sign in and get a visitor pass and temperature check before heading to the kitchen.

SPORTS NEWS

• Fall Cheer Tryouts: Tryouts are scheduled for September 22 from 7:15 – 8:45 p.m., September 23 from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m., and September 25 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
• Trainer Fee: The $50 trainer fee for fall sports will be added to your tuition account sometime this month.  This is a per-student/per-sport fee for all athletes.
• Admission prices for all indoor and outdoor athletic events (excluding tennis): Adults:  $5, Students (with ID):  $3, Seniors:  $3.00, and the Fall Family Pass: $25. The Family Pass covers Soccer and Volleyball.
• Save the date: The Illiana Christian Auction will be held on Saturday, November 21.  If you are interested in donating to the auction, please complete this form.