Monday Morning Memo

Sunday, February 16, 2025

Monday Morning Memo 2/17/25

The February Wellness Challenge is linked here!

CONGRATS to the January Challenge winners:

Alana Carlson

and

Niccole Culbertson

Let me know your favorite gift card spot!

Thanks to EVERYONE who participated!!!

February Focus--Mindfulness Routines

This Week's Wellness Invitation: IPractice Mindful Breathing

Try daily mindful breathing this week. Simply focus your attention on your breath as you inhale and exhale. For example, try to push your breath into your belly so that your stomach expand on the inhale. Pay attention to (and maybe even record) how you feel before and after you pause for a mindful breath.

Remember this guy...

Kudos to Fiona and Alana for your willingness in helping 2nd grade on Wednesday. We appreciate it so much!

-Natalie Udstuen--Assistant Principal at Lotus

A big thank you to our amazing bus aides! We truly appreciate everything you do to support us and our students. We’re so grateful to have you on our buses. A special thank you to all the aides and everyone at Lotus and Stanton for staying with us during the snowstorm!

--Love, D114 Bus Drivers

Thank you, Mrs. Brown, for checking on all the buses at dismissal to make sure every bus has an aide, unless of course you're already on a bus yourself. We truly appreciate you!

--Love, D114 Bus Drivers

KUDOS to Mike S. for troubleshooting my old Lexmark printer so it could keep printing for me!!!!

Thank you to ALL the staff at Lotus for being so flexible with our ACCESS testing schedule! We so appreciate it!!!

KUDOS to Abbey K. for finishing the ACCESS testing schedule while I was out having knee surgery! You are the best!

-Kim Leable--EL Paraprofessional at Lotus

Thank you Katy Gardner for fixing my glasses!

Thank you Fiona and Alana for doing the PD with me today and last weekend! I enjoy hanging out with you and talking about our sessions.

Thank you, Kelly Rolland, Molly Crow, Kaitlyn Goorsky, and Natasha Pfau, for getting everything together for GOTR. I can't wait for it to start!!!

-Karen Lobo-Speech/Language

Big Shout Out to Al Giandonato for helping us at Lotus with the Super Bowl luncheon, covering both kitchens and coming in for Teacher institute Day in a really short notice. We appreciate all you do, from covering custodians, kitchens, doing concessions and helping with social events!!

THANK YOU!!

Kudos to To Tracy Giandonato for covering the kitchen at Lotus!! We appreciate your hard work!!!

Thank you to the Food Service Teams for going above and beyond serving our kids and staff and making wonderful catering for our Staff.

I appreciate you so much!!

Thank you to Natalie Molidor and the great Team of Social Squad for bringing the Spirit UP at Stanton.

Thank you Sherry Tietjen for all you do to coordinate collections for our staff.

Thank you Sue Pinkawa for coordinating the Meals Train for Kent!

-Georgette Franco--Food Service Coordinator

Thanks to EVERYONE who navigated the crazy weather last week! Special thanks to :

-Don, Russ, Norm, and Tim for keeping our grounds safe and ready to go

-Our D114 drivers and bus paras for being out in the snow getting everyone to and from school safely

-The Lotus paras who stuck around to ride on Wednesday:

Bus 1 Cheryl

Bus 4 Chris Brown

Bus 7 Kristine

Bus 8 Haley

Bus 9 Courtney

-Karen Lobo and Amber Mysliwiec for being willing to jump on a bus had we not had staff who stepped up

-EVERYONE who shared a kind word of understanding or support with me about navigating and communicating in weather situations. I realize that you may not like or support the decisions made, but I do the best I can to factor in all the things and make the best call I can.

To those of you who took time to say thank you for the communication or for pretty much anything, know that you filled my bucket. I appreciate you all more than you know!

Thank you to everyone who made Institute Day happen and to everyone who leaned in to learn!

From Heather 🧡💛🖤

Please send me your kudos for colleagues each week! I'll happily post them in this section!

Check out this message from students. Which Friz 5 does this video highlight for you? What is one thing you'll try this week after watching?

BIG Tuesday Events for Stanton

Two big things are happening for Stanton at Tuesday's Board meeting (which is AT STANTON)!

First...

We will also be making our recommendation for the new Stanton principal! They will be there to meet everyone, too!!!!

Family Fun Fair

It's time for some Fun! We are reaching out to ask you to support the PTA Family Fun Fair event by volunteering.

The event is scheduled for:

Saturday, February 22nd 11am-3pm

We will have carnival games from Bellas as well as some of our own creation, a photo booth, Book Fair and carnival food.

The Fun Fair will have Free Entry for families!

Please let us know if you have any questions at all. We look forward to sharing some fun times together!

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Mindy Auld at Mindy.Auld@foxlake114.org or or the PTA at pta@foxlake114.org.

Calendar Change

Just making sure everyone knows...we will now be IN SESSION on Monday, March 3! Since we needed to close on Tuesday, we will now be open for Casimir Pulaski Day. Moving forward, we'll do our best to send home devices and plan for remote learning when there's the possibility of a snow/cold closure.

Remember the Employee Assistance Program!

The EAP is typically a great place to start when you need care and aren’t sure what support you or a family member might be needing. They can guide you to specific care and even set up the appointment for you. Take advantage of this confidential and supportive service to address any

personal or work-related challenges you may be facing by calling Perspectives at 800.456.6327.

THIS SATURDAY! The annual Family Fun Fair will be this Saturday, February 22nd from 11am to 3pm in the Lotus gym! Admission is FREE!! Join us for:

Carnival-themed food!
Inflatable obstacle course!
Exciting games!
Face Painting!
Get your picture taken in the Library!
Visit the book fair in the Library!

Mark your calendars for our next PTA meeting! It will be on Monday, March 10th at 6:00 pm in the Lotus library!

Can't join in person? Join us on Google Meets!

Don't forget to join our Facebook group to see the meeting highlights and more, and while you're at it, join the PTA here! Membership dues are only $6 for the whole year!

YOUR PTA Board

Key 2024-25 Dates

February 22

Family Fun Fair (Lotus)

April 22

Day of Service

We'll be forming a committee of parents and staff to plan this event for the SPRING of 2025

May 2

Rocket Launch (Stanton)

Possible Star Wars Theme

Rain date May 9

Date to Mark Down:

Tuesday, February 18th- EAFL Spirit Day and BOE Meeting @ Stanton

Wednesday, April 23rd- EAFL Articulation Meeting @ 2:00 PM at Stanton

Interested in getting more involved on the Union Board? We would love to have you. At the April Articulation meeting, we will be looking for nominations for some new board members. If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to any current board member with questions. It is a great way to know what is going on with your district and your union and a great group of people to work with.

**Don't forget about your NEA no cost benefits! To check them out, you should go to Deals and Discounts: www.neamb.com/start

*Additional benefits and deals can be found at ieanea.org

Region News:

Want to know what is happening in the Region? Check out the Region 49 Newsletter!

**Get your SCORE GRANT applications in!! Grants for up to $1,000 are available for IEA members and their local associations to collaborate and create opportunities for community service or school projects APPLY HERE

PD Calendar: Take a look at all the PD trainings we lined up here at IEA by clicking here : The IEA is an ISBE approved provider for Professional Development Clock Hours. Clock hours are offered at trainings that meet the PD requirements set by ISBE. Events on the calendar are hosted by IEA or vetted by IEA

February 18--Board of Education Meeting at STANTON or via Meet

March 3--SCHOOL IN SESSION (calendar change)

March 6--The Let Them Theory book chat and coffee talk for anyone interested

ICE and D114 Plans

Please see the document linked here, which outlines exactly how we will respond should ICE come onsite.

Paste the URL below into your browser:

For Primary, use: https://www.edtomorrow.com/439p

For Secondary, use: https://www.edtomorrow.com/439s

2024-25 Certified Staff Evaluation Documents

2024-25 Early Release Plans--DRAFT--always a work in progress

2024-25 Final Approved Calendar

2024-25 Assessment Calendar

2024-25 Stipend Documents

Social Emotional Learning Pacing Guide 2024-25

Work Order Request--please use this to ask for help with anything facilities, room, cleaning related!

Business Office Shared Drive

Heather 🧡

Sunday, February 9, 2025

Monday Morning Memo 2/10/25

The February Wellness Challenge is linked here!

CONGRATS to the January Challenge winners:

Alana Carlson

and

Niccole Culberson

Let me know your favorite gift card spot!

Thanks to EVERYONE who participated!!!

February Focus--Mindfulness Routines

This Week's Wellness Invitation: I Owe You...I'm in Austin writing this and forgot to pack the book! SORRY!!!!!

Big thanks to Sue!! It was a joy to see my supplies waiting in my room today!! How thoughtful to make sure I had them early so I could get them organized before the start of my busy Friday! Thanks again Sue!!

Thank you Matt and Andrea for always getting my supplies processed so quickly. I appreciate it!

Thanks to Chris Brown for all you do to help our kiddos transition from lunch to specials. Your thoughtful approach is so appreciated!

-Gayle McManamon-Art Teacher at Lotus

Thank you Michelle Magness for subbing for me and being tortured with the read aloud.

Thank you Colleen for changing your breaks or lunches a few times again this week for my meetings. The kids and I are so lucky to have you!!

-Sherry Tietjen--Special Education Teacher at Lotus

To the 6th Grade Team - Thank you SO much for my National School Counseling Week Banner (and for not only creating it once... but TWICE). It was so thoughtful and kind. It really means a lot.

To Laura Livesay - Thank you for your big heart and continuing to share concerns with me so we can be sure we are caring for our kiddos as best we can.

To Renee Evans - Thank you for meeting with me last minute, thoughtfully listening to the information I had to share and taking action IMMEDIATELY to help support a student in your class. A smile is worth 1000 words

To My ILP Team: Karen, Oner and Leah - You're simply the best (insert Tina Turner strut here). You pour your heart and soul into our kids every day and I just don't tell you enough how amazing you are.

-Meghan Reimers--Counselor at Stanton

Thanks to Ellie Seyfert and Ashley Arf for passing on information to me that FILLED MY BUCKET! You have my respect as special education professionals and friends which is why I value working with you!

Chris Brown

Thank you Sonia Miller for stepping in as one of my student's CICO coaches and responding to my after school texts to adjust goals :) Thank you for your understanding and flexibility!

-Mollie Crow

Thank you Stephanie Kolk for taking time after school to collaborate on math. It was really helpful being able to discuss how we can adjust our teaching to help 3rd graders succeed in 4th grade.

-3rd grade team

THANK YOU to AMBER for offering an extra skating time for the students and for allowing the staff to skate.

THANK YOU to ASHLEY for conducting an e-learning practice session with my class!!

THANK YOU To BRITTANY for making pre-made crafts for the students, and for teaching the students how to make the craft.

THANK YOU to ERICA for administering testing to a couple of the students!!!

GREATLY APPRECIATE YOUR ASSISTANCE AND TIME, AS ALWAYS!!!

THANK YOU to KIM V. for allowing us to utilize the library during unscheduled times.

THANK YOU to MEGAN for continuing to compile spreadsheets for the class.

THANK YOU to SONIA and the Kitchen staff for a delicious lunch on Friday.

I APPRECIATE all the TIME you took to prepare the luncheon, and for your continued dedication.

-Jackie Gorden-Platek-Special Education Teacher at Lotus

To Adam Schaefer

Thank you for always jumping in to help when I need it. Anytime I have a problem or a question you are right there. Thank you!

To Liz Andersen

Thank you for your constant support and encouragement. You have taught me so much the past few months.

To Lisa Zabratanski

My workout buddy and walking partner. You have been a light and joy to hang with. I enjoy and look forward to our lunch breaks everyday.

-Renee Evans--7th Grade Math Teacher

I would like to shout out the 6th grade team for all their hard work. Such a wonderful team to be a part of!

Another shout out to our amazing kitchen staff for that excellent Super Bowl meal on Friday. Delicious!!

A shout out to Niccole Culbertson for always putting a smile on my face and being willing to chat during 3rd hour when I stop by.

A thank you to Lynn Smolen for the kind comments from the day you visited class last week, made my day.

-Dayja Wydzierzecki-6th Grade ELA Teacher

A big thank you to Cheryl Schuck for helping get my first graders E-Learning ready on Wednesday. You kept me sane!

Thank you to Gina C. for always being so helpful in the first grade world. We love you!

Thank you Kim Leable for jumping in to teach writing on Friday when I had no voice and wasn’t feeling the greatest. The break was more than appreciated!

Jen Groot - First Grade Teacher

I would like to give a huge shoutout to Kim Rauchfuss She is so thorough and a great listener. We felt heard. Thank you so much for going above and beyond in helping with a student.

To the 8th grade team; Matt Shannon, Dan Olson , Walter Nickles, Lisa Zabratanski, and Jackie Mathews for always being supportive and positive. You guys brighten my day everyday!

-Laura Livesay-8th Grade Science Teacher

Thank you Mary H. for stepping in to sub for me in PM PreK knowing a pet snake was scheduled to visit, Tasha and Russell, thank you for helping maintain routine while I was out.

Abbey K and Tasha, thank you for sharing your pets in PM PreK. Michelle, thanks for subbing and helping find an alternative “hamster visit” for an over exuberant PreK friend.

Thank you Addison for stepping in to help

when the divider tipped, and to Natalie for providing the perfect squish fidget!

-Mindy Auld--PreK Teacher and Sub

Thank you Kim Husko, Kendra Smeigh, and Yvette Stauner for helping me to get the Fox's Closet sorted and organized enough to open up again! Our "Say Yes to the Dress" was a huge success Friday where we offered dresses, shoes, and accessories for the Valentines Dance. We also had many students find other clothing items to take with them. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your offers to help and the time you put in to get this amount of work done. You are all amazing!

-Karen Brnot--7th Grade Science Teacher

Thank you to D114 for the very best coworkers! Special shoutouts to Mo DeVoss, Emily Reczek, Amber Mysliwiec, Katie Jalove Filippelli, and Kaitlyn Goorsky for the all the pick-me-ups this week!

Thank you to Kim Husko for the much needed REAL talk. I appreciate you so much!

Thank you to all of Stanton staff for your flexibility around finishing MAP testing—especially Kim Husko and Jenny Reiff for letting me borrow your classrooms, and Collette de Oliveira for your communication regarding ACCESS.

-Natalie Molidor-Instructional Coach at Stanton

Thank you to Betty Cwiak for the role you play every day, and especially related to some serious MAP growth!!!
Thank you to EVERYONE who has been part of the hiring process for the Stanton principal. We're getting close...Special thank you to Norm, Kim Husko, and the 6th grade team for making sure the 6th grade hall was ready for our stations.

Thank you to our entire Kitchen team for the amazing Super Bowl lunch. Sonia--you should have kept the red and gold for the 49'ers! 😂 (Sorry, Jillian!)

From Heather 🧡💛🖤

Please send me your kudos for colleagues each week! I'll happily post them in this section!

Think about what engaging learning looks like...and doesn't look like for YOU as a learner!

Describe it.

Now, how often what works for YOU as a learner happening during your instruction?

February14 Institute Day Schedule

Family Fun Fair

It's time for some Fun! We are reaching out to ask you to support the PTA Family Fun Fair event by volunteering.

The event is scheduled for:

Saturday, February 22nd 11am-3pm

We will have carnival games from Bellas as well as some of our own creation, a photo booth, Book Fair and carnival food.

The Fun Fair will have Free Entry for families!

Please let us know if you have any questions at all. We look forward to sharing some fun times together!

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Mindy Auld at Mindy.Auld@foxlake114.org or or the PTA at pta@foxlake114.org.

Calendar Change

Lotus Kindness Week

Winter Weather

Let's be ready for when winter weather comes our way! Please review our procedures below.

Remember, for the first snow/cold day, our three options are:

1. Regular day

2. Late start

3. Snow/cold day, makeup on March 3 (Casimir Pulaski Day) ✅

Now that we have had a closure day, we'll be in session on Pulaski Day! We will now do our best we can to switch to a virtual day should we need to close. PLEASE be ready for this just in case and make sure kids are ready, too.

As always, I'll let you know any changes just as soon as I can!

Here are the details shared with families and what is posted on our website.

Remember the Employee Assistance Program!

personal or work-related challenges you may be facing by calling Perspectives at 800.456.6327.

IF YOU TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID...UPDATED INFO!!! (9/3/24)

Please:

1. Email or text (847-309-3921) Heather to let her know.

2. In the communication, include proof of a positive test.

You are expected to return to work as soon as you meet the following criteria:

• Be free of fever for at least 24 hours (without medication)

• Be free of vomiting and or diarrhea for at least 24 hours.

You are STRONGLY encouraged to wear a mask upon your return to prevent the spread of illness to others. Please alert me as to your date of return.

Any days out are sick days. If you are out more than 3 days--as with any illness--a physician's note is required.

Masks are available in the office for all staff who wish to wear one.

Please let me know if you have any questions!

Good morning, District 114!

Thank you to everyone who joined us at Skate on Grand yesterday! We'll update you with what the PTA earned during this event soon.

Our next PTA meeting is TONIGHT, Monday, February 10th at 6:00 pm in the Lotus library!