Monday Morning Memo

THIS WEDNESDAY IS APPRECIATION DAY FOR ALL PARAPROFESSIONALS!!!! Please be sure to say THANK YOU to all of our amazing support staff!!!!

The November Wellness Challenge is linked here. Remember, you just need to do ONE thing each day! I cannot WAIT to see who all takes on this challenge!!!!

Paste the URL below into your browser:

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

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

November Focus--Efficacy Routines

This Week's Wellness Invitation: Create a Vision Board

Create a vision board by thinking about what you want to accomplish in your life. It would be anything related to your health, finance, relationships, career, education, or travel. Then, set specific goals for yourself to help you begin working toward achieving them!

Thank you Georgette for the kind words.

Thank you Amber for the beach ball and bowling equipment.

Thank you Colleen for always going above and beyond to help me with the kids and listening to me vent about my crazy home life.

-Sherry Tietjen--Special Education Teacher at Lotus

Kudos to Amy McKendry, who spent time reading with a student on Wednesday after dismissal as the student's parent pickup was delayed for almost an hour. Amy's enthusiasm was evident with all the different voices she used for the different characters and the student enjoyed listening to the story. Way to build relationships!

-Michele Burgess-Administrative Assistant at Stanton

Kudos to Natalie Udstuen and Erin Donovan for their support with Wrap Around presentations!

-Karen McMurphy--Special Education Teacher at Lotus

Kudos to Renee Evans for being my lunch walking buddy. Definitely an awesome 'reset" in the middle of the day to enjoy the fresh air and laughter!

Kudos to Heather's dad for speaking to our school on Veterans Day!

Kudos to the 8th grade team for being supportive, knowledgeable, fun and committed to being the best educators.

-Lisa Zabratanski--Special Education Teacher at Stanton

Big thanks to all of our amazing paraprofessionals, with special shoutouts to Chris and Sarah for popping in to help prep materials when you can, and for the amazing attention and engagement of Misty, Courtney, Colleen, Megan, Kristine, Haley and Brittany during Art classes. You Rock!

Special thanks to our lunch ladies for always saving cardboard or strawberry/tomato boxes, etc. for Art Class. It’s put to good use!

Thanks to Russ for often stopping on his way to the dumpster in an effort to repurpose “garbage”. Your efforts help our environment and community.

To Matt for going above and beyond in helping with an order that I’d goofed up by not pushing it all the way through. I appreciated your attention, follow up and quick handling after hours!

For everything all of you dear people do, a huge THANK YOU!!

-Gayle McManamon--Art Teacher at Lotus

I would like to give BIG kudos to Ms. Sue for helping me with a project for one of our Stanton cheerleaders. I appreciate you so much!

Gina Crosthwaite--Paraprofessional at Lotus

I would love to give kudos to the whole staff at Stanton. I am truly blessed to work with such amazing professionals that are always encouraging and supportive. The pep rally was wonderful thanks to all of you.

Sending a huge amount of thanks for the toleration and cooperation with the pep rally on Friday. Special thanks to the fall sport coaches for bringing your energy and positivity to the gym floor. I know the students love it.

One pep rally down two more to go!!

-Laura Livesay--8th Grade Science Teacher

Shoutout to my PreK teams members for all the work we are all doing to get through an audit window, report writing, conference prep, and juggling new student needs. I truly appreciate how we are all in this together!

Thanks to Natalie and everyone who stepped up and checked in on me when I really needed it on Monday. It really speaks to how people-first D114 is and I appreciate it!

-Ben Landmesser--PreK Teacher

A big thank you to Sarah for all of your one on one time with one of our little guys who needs so much extra support. It is definitely not an easy task as he keeps you moving and always having to find new things to keep him busy. But, you keep him safe and let him know he is loved. Dina and I appreciate you!

To Erica, Kim L., Sarah and Fiona who all happened to be in my room at the same time! Your extra support allowed us to try out a new activity before the auditors arrived. It also led to a truly meaningful center time, where the children were able to extend their pretend movie theater play. It was a beautiful moment of learning through play and language.

To Dina, an extraordinary assistant in my classroom, who is going above and beyond to take care of so many needs in our classroom. All of your hard work is being seen and appreciated. Your love and dedication to our students is heartwarming!

To everyone on our team and those who are supporting us while we are waiting for the auditors, it is a lot of work each day prepping and planning for their arrival and then resetting again everyday after school. It's gotta be this week, so good luck to all of us! Here's to getting back to a normal life by next weekend!

-Mary Foersterling--PreK Teacher

Thank you to PreK paras Mary and Dina for being flexible with break times! Thanks Dina for filling in so I could attend a meeting. Tasha, I appreciate your input, initiative (especially with borrowing the timer) and the way you connect with students having rough days in our class.

Thanks Erin D. for making time in your room available to me!

Thanks Mary and Ben for sharing tips, models and different ways to approach report writing.

Thanks Michelle for providing stellar data collection models to follow. Thanks for the wealth of information and practical ideas you have shared that continue to help PM PreK run more smoothly!

-Mindy Auld--PreK Teacher

To Jenny Reiff for letting me take over her class since August. I am so grateful you said yes and am happy with how well we worked together. They’re all yours now!

Also kudos to Oner Medrano and Karen Skorup for holding down the ILPB fort while I was student teaching. I can’t wait reconnect as a team and continue to support the boys!

Jenny, Oner, and Karen THANK YOU a million times!

--Leah Falster--Completed Student Teacher and Paraprofessional at Stanton

Thank you to everyone that helped us have a successful Girls on the Run season. From snacks, encouragement, logistics, helping us ensure safety, wishing the girls luck on their race day, running with the girls, and cheering for us. We are grateful for your support and it means the world to us & the girls!

Kelly, Mollie, Dina, Megan, & Christine--D114 Girls on the Run Coaches

Kudos to my 6th grade teammates (Hunter Banker, Kaitlyn Goorsky, Cathy Jawnyj, Conner Macko, Jamie Smeigh, and Dayja Wydzierzecki), for all of your hard work, dedication, and patience that you give daily to our students! And, welcome to Katie Jalove-Filippelli!

-Katy Gardner--6th Grade Math Teacher

Sami Lear for always including me in birthday treats with her class. I love going in there even for short segments. Also love that her kids thought my name was Ms. Queen.

Sherry Tietjen, Brittany Luther, Megan May for an amazing Friday in our combined classroom. It was amazing.

Pam E. for always showing me accomplishes of her littles. This makes my heart happy.

Amber M. Thank you for letting our class borrow your bowling stuff so we can get our kids ready for their field trip and Matt Peters for bowling with them.

-Colleen Robinson--Paraprofessional at Lotus

Thank you to Sherry T. for her flexibility and willingness to combine classes on Friday when we were low staff!

Thank you to Ellie S. for navigating a potentially tricky parent interview with grace and understanding!

Thank you to Don for moving some equipment in our ECSE bathroom super quickly to make it more accessible for students and to help them be more independent!

-Allie Mixon--Special Education Coordinator at Lotus

Sherry, THANK YOU, for offering to teach my students all day while I was attending a Workshop!! My students are so fortunate to have been taught by you!!!!

Ashley A., THANK YOU, for making the time to provide resources and training!!

Colleen, THANK YOU, for always stepping up to the plate!!

Brittany and Megan, THANK YOU for giving personal attention to the students.

Kim L, and Karen M, THANK YOU, for donating supplies to the classroom. Greatly appreciated!!!

-Jackie Gorden-Platek--Special Education Teacher at Lotus

Sherry T and Colleen R for all your flexibility! You ladies were amazing Friday….thank you!

-Natalie Udstuen--Assistant Principal at Lotus

Kudos to Amanda Lorenz and Erica Barraza for tag-teaming CICO coaching for one of my students and really working with him to succeed with it.

Kudos to Cheryl Schuck for problem-solving and adding a break for a couple of my students to her schedule!

Kudos to Christine Spittler for starting a 2x10 with one of my students and going above and beyond with it.

-Emily Reczek--2nd Grade Teacher

Thank you to...

Russ for being my LAMINATOR HERO!!!!! Even with a giant piece of cardboard put in the machine for who knows why (Not ok, by the way!), he was able to rescue it, saving the District around $1,600!

Jessica Lieber for letting me crash 5th grade ELA to do a new brain break strategy! Loved hearing the kids say, "How'd we do?" as I walked out...made my day! 😂

EVERYONE who supported the Girls on the Run Fall Teams!!! Kelly, Mollie, Megan, Dina, and Christine---you are amazing! Kaitlyn, thank you for being there Saturday. I know my heart was FULL! Guessing yours was, too!!!!

Thank you to Joan Kantenwein for all your work on the LTRS PD opportunity!!!

To our fabulous PreK team for waiting, and waiting, and waiting for the audit...ready every day. You have nerves of steel and hearts for kids, and we are all so lucky to work with you!

From Heather 🧡💛🖤

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

Thought you may LOVE seeing this about the power of the word YET!

Gratitude Lunch

Please plan to enjoy lunch...and be sure to say THANK YOU to our Kitchen Teams!

BOE Slides

As we have done annually, November marks the meeting where we share IAR data with the Board. The draft slides are linked here--please let me know if you have questions, suggestions for improvement, or need more information!
THANKS!

Holiday Market

The PTA is excited to invite you to this year’s Holiday Market/Santa’s Breakfast, where you have the opportunity to host a booth for the Holiday Market! The event will take place on Saturday, December 7th, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m at Stanton Middle School (101 Hawthorne Ln., Fox Lake, IL, 60020)

The application form with all necessary details was emailed to you from Amber Mysliwiec, including setup times and fees. Please note, to ensure a unique selection of offerings, we’re accepting only one booth per craft type. Booths will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, so register early to secure your spot. Applications are due no later than November 22nd.

To apply, simply complete the registration form. Payments can be made by check, PayPal (pta@foxlake114.org), or through MemberHub at https://d114pta.givebacks.com. If paying by check, please make it payable to Fox Lake District 114 PTA.

If you know of anyone else who may be interested in joining as a vendor, please feel free to share this information with them!

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to the PTA at pta@foxlake114.org. Looking forward to seeing everyone at this JOLLY event!

Veterans Day Reminders--THANK YOU!!!! Veterans Day was AMAZING!!!!!

Any Santas Out There???

The PTA is looking for someone to play Santa at the Breakfast on December December 7th from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. They have two Santa suits, so the time can be split up. If you're willing to volunteer, please let me know!!!!

Know Anyone Who...

If you know anyone who would be interested in being a Van Driver, Sub Van Driver, or Bus Driver, please have them reach out! We can TRAIN bus drivers ourselves if they don't have a CDL, and van drivers don't need the CDL!!!

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!

Happy Monday, District 114!

Thank you to everyone who participated in last week's EOTHO at Chipotle! We'll share how the event went at our next meeting.

Conferences are right around the corner as are Teacher Conference Dinners. The PTA will be catering dinner from El Puerto's on Monday, November 25th from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. We're looking for parents to donate beverages and desserts to round out this special dinner. Please sign up here!

Santa's Breakfast is only a few weeks away! Saturday, December 7th from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. Have a jolly good time eating a delicious breakfast, making a craft, visiting Santa, and shopping at our Holiday Market! Purchase your tickets here!

We still have spots available for vendors at the Holiday Market. If you or someone you know is interested in securing a spot, please email us at pta@foxlake114.org so we can get an application sent your way!!

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!

Mark your calendars for our next PTA meeting: Monday, December 9th at 6:00 pm in the Lotus library! Don't have anyone to watch your kiddos? Bring them with you! Members of the National Junior Honor Society from Stanton will be with us to keep them entertained while you get caught up on what's happening this month. Can't join in person? Join us on Google Meets!

YOUR PTA Board

Key 2024-25 Dates

Santa's Breakfast and Stanton Book Fair--December 7th from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm

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

Next EAFL Spirit Day is NOVEMBER 19th. Join us in wearing our union shirts and then come out to BOE meeting at 7 PM.

**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

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

Burroughs Education Scholarship - $2,500

Applicants must be graduating seniors heading to college and have at least one parent or legal guardian who is a school employee. Scholarship is awarded based on academic achievement, character, career goals, and potential. Learn more and apply by Jan. 31. Share the flier.

Punished for Dreaming Virtual Book Study (January 2025) - Registration Now Open!

Jan 22 - Feb 26 - Mar 26 - Apr 30 - May 21, 7pm-8:30pm, CST

Join IEA's RSJ/TL Department for a 5-session book study focusing on Dr. Love's account detailing the impact of 40 years of racist public school policy on generations of Black lives and the road map she offers for repair, with transformation for all children at its core! The FIRST 100 IEA MEMBERS committing at the abolitionist level will receive the book for FREE!