Huntley 158 Seal

Hello Huntley 158 Families, 

We hope this email finds you well. We would like to make you aware that the fall window for the Behavioral and Emotional Screening System (BESS) will be held September 26 through October 14, 2022. As a reminder, the BESS is a district-wide, universal screener which was initially implemented during the 2021-22 school year. The purpose of this screener is to gain better insight into our students’ social-emotional and behavioral needs as a means of better supporting them. Similar to academic universal screening, the BESS will be completed for all students across the district Pre-K through 12th grade. The term “screener” means that this is a preliminary step for identifying, from all students, those who may be at risk of future difficulty in school.  

It is important to reiterate from previous communications that the BESS serves as a single data point referenced when considering a student’s social-emotional and behavioral needs.  When reviewing the BESS data, building level teams also take into consideration other factors including a student’s attendance, academic data, and information shared by teacher(s) and parent(s).  Using the BESS assists us in better understanding all our students’ needs on a universal level. 

Helpful Links for Parents:

  • For more information about the BESS universal screener and your student(s)’ screening information, please visit our website here
  • If you would like to Opt OUT of the BESS universal screener for your child, please complete this electronic Opt Out form for EACH student by Monday, September 19.
    •  If you opt your child(ren) out for the Fall screening window, they will automatically be opted-out for the Spring screening period as well.  
  • For more resources to support your students’ overall social emotional well being, please visit Huntley 158’s Virtual Wellness and Calming Room here.

If you have any questions about the BESS, we encourage you to reach out to staff or administrators at your student(s)’ school. Our buildings will have a more in-depth knowledge of each individual student and their needs. Thank you for your continued partnership and collaboration. We look forward to using this information to serve All Students Always in Huntley 158.

Sincerely, 

Special Services Department

Huntley Community School District 158

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