August 2024

Dear Bogota Hawks Students and Families:

Welcome back!! I am so excited to start my twenty-first year in education, my tenth year as an administrator in the district, and my second year as principal of Steen.   I feel honored and humbled to be part of the Bogota family and look forward to continuing to move our district in the right direction together. 

Going Green

We are VERY HAPPY to announce that STEEN  is officially GOING GREEN.  This means no more big bulky packets (only a small one), no more writing your student's name over and over again, and a lot less wasted time for you!!!  The high school officially went green in the 2019-2020 school year, with 100% of parents verifying their contact information.  But for this to work for our school, we need your help!! 

Going forward, ALL communication will be sent primarily through RealTime.  This includes announcements, contact information, grades, etc.  Please read the GO GREEN memo for more details and steps needed from you.  

Looking Back

As we begin a new school year, I want to express my deepest gratitude for the amazing support and collaboration I experienced throughout our first year at Steen School. It was a year filled with growth, learning, and building strong connections within our school community. I am confident that we will continue to move Bogota on an upward trajectory under the guidance of our Superintendent, Board of Education, administrators, and staff.   

As we look forward to the upcoming school year, I am excited and optimistic. Our focus will continue to be on fostering a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment where every student can thrive.

Citizenship Grade

This year, we will introduce a citizenship grade in all wellness classes in grades 3-5.  A citizenship grade is a way for teachers and administration to communicate a student's behavior, social skills, and overall contribution to the classroom and school community as a citizen. Unlike academic grades, which measure how well a student understands and applies knowledge to subjects like math, reading, and science, a citizenship grade focuses on the student's conduct and character.  This grade offers many positive benefits for students, teachers, and parents, including promoting/reinforcing positive behavior, developing social skills, encouraging responsibility, enhancing the school experience, supporting personal growth, facilitating communication, and encouraging a positive school culture.  More information to follow on this new program on RealTime. 

Back-to-School Night

To better prepare for the new school year, we invite you to attend our Back-to-School Night on Thursday, September 26th. This event will provide an opportunity to meet our dedicated staff, learn about the exciting plans for the year, and explore ways to get involved in our school community. More information to follow via email!

Social Media

As a staff, Bogota is committed to constant contact and teamwork with our parents and students. We regularly use our district and school Twitter k, @BogotaPublic, @LillianMSteen1, and Facebook to showcase our school's significant events and day-to-day activities.  Please follow us for all of the most updated information.  

Moving Forward into Our Future

For our 24-25 school year, the Hawks will make some changes within their teaching staff.  Ms. Jano will be moving back to Kindergarten as we add a THIRD kindergarten, Ms. Castillo will be taking over a 5th grade class (our THIRD fifth grade), Ms. Autore will be moving to special education, and Ms. Vinci will be moving to 2nd grade.

I am very proud of our school and look forward to working closely with the Superintendent, our Board Members, the Parents Teachers Organization (PTO), the community, students, teachers, and staff that have been so supportive and helpful in the past. I know the school only works with a strong family and community presence, and I am thankful daily for the support. We plan to raise the bar through improved instruction, student leadership, and increased expectations for ourselves, our staff, and our students. 

Additional Notes of Interest

As you are aware, there is a uniform dress code.  We are counting on your cooperation in this endeavor.  Information related to the authorized uniform provider is available on our district website.

COMMUNICATION: Our staff must have the most updated information about your student.  Please remember to log into your parent portal to verify ALL contact information (personal and emergency contacts). For your convenience, your parent username and password have been included with the attached GO GREEN letter.

Code of Conduct: Our Code of Conduct has been written to ensure that parents and students know the consequences of unacceptable behavior in school. It provides for parent participation in the discipline process. Repeated acts of defiance will be dealt with according to district policy. 

STUDENT RECOGNITION:

We are proud to recognize students’ academic excellence and creative achievements throughout the year. This is accomplished during awards programs, announcements, Hawk of the Month, and postings.  We are very proud of Bogota's students' hard work and diligence and love to show them off.

FREE AND REDUCED LUNCH APPLICATION:

You may now apply for free and reduced lunch via our website.  Please visit www.bogotaboe.com.  Click Our District>Lunch Resources and follow the instructions provided.  Application instructions have also been included for your convenience (in both English and Spanish). Online application results are effective immediately. 

REMINDER: TIME TO UPDATE YOUR PARENT PORTAL BEFORE THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY DONE SO!

Stay healthy and safe. We look forward to another successful year.

Sincerely,

Kelly Foley DeCongelio

Principal