Monday Morning Memo

Sunday, February 8, 2026

Monday Morning Memo 2/9/26

Tip of the Week

Lean on Each Other

February always tends to be the longest, shortest month. As we head into Institute Day (agendas below), let's all remember to lean on each other. Here are a few strategies I'm digging in on...

How can we help each other demonstrate:

Best Case Scenario Thinking

What is it?

“The deliberate practice of envisioning a positive, attainable future and aligning actions to increase the likelihood of that outcome (Bandura, 1997; Seligman, 1991; King, 2001).”

Why does it matter?

What are strategies for how to be better at Best Case Scenario Thinking?

1. Envision the Best Possible Outcome

2. Pair Optimism with Action Planning

3. Reframe Uncertainty as Opportunity

4. Shift from Avoiding Failure to Creating Success

5. Focus on Controllable Effort, Not Outcomes Alone

6. Normalize Risk While Maintaining Forward Motion

What will you try or cheer others on to try this week?

And...get ready for a true BUCKET FILLER on Friday...we have an amazing guest speaker coming to help us find our HEART, SOUL, AND JOY!!!!!

Thank you, Melissa, for your swift support with some students on Friday. I appreciate you and all your help.

Thank you, Ms Gayle, for helping me work through some technical difficulties, so music could run smoothly. Also, for checking on me periodically through the day. I appreciate you and your support!

-Mary Honea--Permanent Sub at Lotus

Joan thank you for checking in on me! I truly appreciate it.

Thank you Ms.Morris for an amazing visual tool and accepting a schedule change.

-Sherry Tietjen--Special Education Teacher at Lotus

HUGE kudos to Jacque Matthews, Matt Shannon and Tom Cardamone for their help at the end of the day when my car wouldn't start!!

Kudos to Kim Husko for keeping me well fed again and again.

KUDOS to SAM MOCK for going the extra mile during our superbowl lunch and bringing in some of the best pulled pork, everyone who tried it was raving about it.

-Dan Miller--PE Teacher at Stanton

Kudos to my AWESOME team for holding down the fort, planning, and preparing when I had an unexpected appointment! You gals rock! I am blessed to be a part of this team!

Kudos to the professionals that help with Kindergarten during any down time they may find in their schedules! Your help with WIN Folders and prep work is greatly appreciated, and the kiddos love working with you all!

Thank you to Melissa, Alana, Sammie G, Sam, and Amanda for helping support alternative testing ideas for a student in my class that learns uniquely. He and I appreciate you.

Thank you to Matt, Erica, and Chad for helping support a student in my class that struggled through and after the break. Thanks to your consistency and reinforcement, she is beginning to settle back into routine.

I appreciate Matt and Nicole B for guiding me through a sensitive situation, shouldering the burden, checking in to see how I was feeling, and offering support. I wouldn't have wanted to go through this without you.

Thanks to our Specials/PE teachers for consistently creating lessons that the kiddos love! They can't wait to visit your rooms!

-Donna Saranzak--Kindergarten Teacher

HUGE THANKS to Sue for being the Master Gatekeeper for Clubs :)

-Kim VanHoorelbeke--Library Paraprofessional at Lotus

Kudos to Jeff, Alexis, Mark, and the administration for the rearranging student bus routes when we short a driver.

-Erik Linquist--Bus Driver

Huge shout out to the 4th grade team for setting up my classroom for my subs while I was out sick this week. I couldn't have done it without you! Thank you also to Mary Honea and Caitlyn Fenton for subbing in my classroom. Thank you to all who helped welcome my new student while I was gone!! One team, all in!

-Anna Morris--4th Grade Teacher

Thank you Mike Szotek. I am grateful for the new device, installed on my computer. Your expertise and assistance is much appreciated.

-Joseph Fernandez--Reading Interventionist at Lotus

Thank you Russ for hanging up some light covers in my classroom!

-Christine Spittler--2nd Grade Teacher

Kudos to...

AND...

To Al and Sue Giandonato for loaning me the ice machine. MIRACLE for Braden's knee!!! 🧊

To our whole staff for the flexibility and care when bus changes have to happen.

-Heather 💙

February Institute Day

Please see the DRAFT schedule for Friday...a few more details coming soon. I'd invite EVERYONE to join us at Lotus for breakfast and the keynote from Dr. Tim Kanold...you will LOVE him and his message of HEART, SOUL, AND JOY!

MORNING BREAKOUT SESSION DETAILS

AFTERNOON PLANS

Opportunity!!!!

Absence Info

Please refer to this document for all things absence reporting. Please send any questions to Maddie Mercado or me.

THANKS!

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE be sure to enter absences as far in advance as possible! WE HAVE A POOL OF SUBS who can fill spots that are entered!!!! We're working on adding even more, so PLEASE enter your absences as soon as you know you'll be out.

REMINDERS

1. If you know you're sick, please put in your absence ASAP. This helps us plan for coverage more effectively. The more we have to react to in the morning, the more crazy the start to the day for everyone.

2. If scheduling personal tasks, it would be amazing if you could try to avoid THURSDAYS AND FRIDAYS whenever possible.

3. If you are asked to cover for someone, please know that you're being asked as part of a bigger plan to meet the needs of kids. Unless there's a truly extraordinary situation, you are expected to say YES when asked. We only ask when it's the best answer for kids.

Please direct any questions to me about this. Principals and Associate Principals are charged with creating the plans that best meet the needs of our students. If you have questions or issues with this, they should come to me for discussion.

Thanks!

Referral GPS--Reminder!

We are committed to creating a culture of well-being of students, staff,

parents, and community. In an effort to continuously support this

commitment, the district has entered an agreement with Referral GPS.

ReferralGPS is a web-based service focused on assisting our students,

staff, and community in finding local mental-health and substance use

related treatment. The service compliments the districts existing

systems of support as a tool for student service teams and families to

connect with treatment. Along with a searchable database of treatment

options, Referral GPS provides Care Navigation to assist families in

triage, appointment setting, and follow up care.

School families may access Referral GPS in two ways:

1) Contact Student Services (social workers, psychologists,

counselors) to seek out treatment options.

2) Visit this link at https://referralgps.com/find-help/D114 to

search for treatment resources or connect with a Care

Navigator anonymously.

ReferralGPS takes into account all types of private and public insurance

including PPO, HMO, Medicaid, Medicare, and families who are

uninsured or underinsured. The platform also filters by age, gender, zip

code, and special requests.

ReferralGPS is available for use by district students, staff, and families at

no cost. All information entered on the ReferralGPS tool is completely

confidential and securely stored.

If you are interested in seeking counseling-related services at this time,

please consider visiting https://referralgps.com/find-help/D114 or

reaching out to the Student Services team.

Field Trips

If you are planning for a field trip, please remember:

All field trip requests must be submitted to the principal no later than the 15th of the previous month of your trip.

Example: Trip is in March, Form must be in by February 15th. This allows time for approval and our drivers to select trips.

1. Complete the Field Trip Request Form.

2. Submit the form to your Principal for approval.

2. Principals, if approved, submit to NATALIE UDSTUEN to arrange transportation.

Work Orders

When you have something you need the Facilities Team to handle for you, please complete a Work Request. Be sure to include the LOCATION in the "summary" field.

Injury Reporting

If you are injured on the job, you MUST IMMEDIATELY do the following:

1. Report this injury to an administrator.

2. Report the injury to Company Nurse.

Thanks in advance!

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.

Stay informed by reading the Region 49 Newsletter

NEA Member Benefits is hosting 10 free virtual meetings to guide our members through student loan options and relief programs. If you’re carrying loans, this is absolutely worth your time. Pick a date and time that works best for you.

AND...don't forget

See what your membership has to offer! Go to ieanea.org to see all of the happenings and most up to date information on union matters. Go to ieanea.org/benefits/ to explore discounts and deals that are offered to you with your membership. Stay informed by reading the Region 49 Newsletter

Happy Monday, District 114!

The PTA's annual Family Fun Fair is scheduled for Saturday, February 21st, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, and we are requesting volunteers to help make this event a success!

This event has quickly become one of our favorites and is very well attended!

Please consider signing up for a time slot or two (or three) here.

Your help with events like these means the world to us!

We hope to see you tonight at 6:00 pm for our next meeting!
February PTA Meeting
Date: Monday, February 9th
Time: 6:00 pm to ~7:00 pm
Place: Lotus Library or Join on Google Meet
Mark your calendars for the following dates:
Family Fun Fair
Date: Saturday, February 21st
Time: 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Place: Lotus Gym/Cafeteria/Library
What to expect:
Free Admission
Food
Games
Inflatable Obstacle Course
Face Painting
Balloon Animals
Book Fair
Lotus Spring Bookfair
Dates: Saturday, 2/21 through Friday, 2/27; Set up on 2/20
Keep your eyes peeled for sign-up information!
Help us reach our goal of 90+ members this school year! We currently have 80 members, including 40 teachers and staff, and 40 parents/guardians.

Here's what you need to know:
Dues are $10 for the whole year! That's less than a dollar a month!
You'll receive a District 114 PTA Calendar featuring student artwork
Join here today!
Join the PTA and help enrich your child's educational experience this year!
Make sure to join our Facebook Group Page!

Your PTA Board

Link to the D114 25-26 Calendar

THIS WEEK

February 13--Institute Day--No Student Attendance

Looking Ahead...

February 16--President's Day--District Closed

February 17--Board of Education Meeting at Lotus

Emergency Weather Information

Field Trip Request Form

2025-26 D114 Staff Absence Reporting: Guidelines and Contacts

Transportation Q and A

2025-26 Certified Staff Evaluation Documents

Paste the URL below into your browser:

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

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

2025-26 Early Release Plans----always a work in progress

2025-26 Final Approved Calendar

2025-26 Assessment Calendar

2025-26 Stipend Documents

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Pacing Guide 2025-26

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

Business Office Shared Drive

Proud to be...

Sunday, February 1, 2026

Monday Morning Memo 2/2/26

Thanks to Meghan, Nicole, and Sam!!! We couldn't do it without each of you!!!!!

Tip of the Week

Every student, every day

As many of you know, I have been privileged to co-author two books: Yes We Can and All Means All. Both books focus on collaboration between general and special educators to make sure that ALL DOES MEAN ALL and that we challenge each other to think from the lens of what our students CAN do instead of what they CAN'T do. This mindset is hugely impactful, as research shows. John Hattie's research in Visible Learning shows that...what you believe about kids is always RIGHT. If you believe they CAN, then they WILL. If you believe they CAN'T, then they won't.

If you want to learn more, check out this link .

Said a little differently...whether it's YOU or THEM...

Kudos to...

Huge shout out to all the people that made our first wrestling tournament a success!

Thanks to our coaches, Bryan, Jack and Niall, who had the vision and our hard working AD

Jill Becmer for making this tournament happen.

It would not have been possible without all of our amazing staff willing to be at school early

on a Saturday to set up and keep things running smoothly! It was a great day for Stanton!

Kudos to Kyle Altick for creating engaging lessons that make kids think about opportunities

to improve our town. Whether it's ideas redeveloping the Mineola site or building a student

focused community center for students to have a space to go after school, Kyle does a great

job getting the kids thinking.

-Matt Shannon--Stanton Associate Principal

Thank you Sammy G for sharing your time and expertise with my daughter. She had a wonderful experience.

-Misty Madula--Paraprofessional at Lotus

Kudos to Norm for taking care of the massive spider down stairs, so Jenny and I could live, lol.

Kudos to Cara Creager and Melissa Rattner for taking on Social Studies on Thursday for me, so I could handle a situation and be there for a student.

Kudos to Cara Creager for filling in for my extra support on Tuesday and Wednesday!

Kudos to the 5th grade team for always being there for advice and help!

Kudos to Karen Skorup for all you do!

-Danielle Donelli--5th Grade Teacher

Kudos to Norm for killing the MASSIVE spider so Danielle and I could survive in the basement.

Kudos to Cara Creager for officially completing her student teaching! You're going to be a great teacher and we're so glad you're still around to check in and say hi!

-Jenny Reiff--5th Grade Teacher

Shout out to my K team for helping me with testing, printing my sub plans and even decorating my door while I was out on Thursday!

Shout out to Tasha for being so welcoming every morning to my students!

Shout out to Kaitlyn May for being a great sub! My kids loved having you as their sub!

Shout out to Nicole Brinkman for your professionalism with difficult student situations.

Shout out to Matt, Erica and Matt for walking around classrooms, checking in on students and of course, helping with tough student behaviors! Oh and of course all the things you do behind the scenes!

-Sami Lear--Kindergarten Teacher

Thank you Abbey and Kelly for using more of your time to support a new student and help get her acquainted and tested!

Thank you Kim V for bringing me some legos so my big lego fans can play with them during all this indoor recess!

-Emily Reczek--3rd Grade Teacher

Thank you Adisyn, Chad, Mary, Colleen, and Erica for day 2 of crazy schedule changes to get the students what they need!! I'm so thankful for this village!!

Thanks Arff for all your love and support.

Thank you Pam for the cheerful videos when I have not been so cheerful. Also thanks for checking on my Stepdad and David's Wrestling journey!

Thank you Erica, Mr.Russell, Mollie, & Amanda for making my Wednesday successful for all my kids without Ms.Dina's sub showing up & 2 meetings. I'm thankful for this village!

Thank you Amanda for helping with data and ALL these changes.

-Sherry Tietjen--Special Education Teacher at Lotus

Sam Mock for reading with a group during literature circles and bringing in snacks as reinforcement for how hard that class period worked on reading their novels.

Cynthia Tsarpalas for already being such a great partner working together for scholastic bowl. I am so excited for this season.

Niccole Culbertson for proof-reading an assignment before I handed it out to students.

Averie Schultz for the pick me up conversation about 90s television shows and just feeling nostalgic.

Leah Falster for everything you do to help our 4th hour be as successful as it can be.

Tom and Matt for their support during a tough moment this week. Appreciate the support you both provided. Thank you.

The whole 6th grade Team for just being them. I am glad we are who we are and can lean on each other when needed.

-Dayja Wydzierzecki--6th Grade ELA Teacher

Matt Peters - thank you so much for taking on the hard conversations. You always show up with kindness and understanding, even when it may be difficult. I appreciate your strength and leadership :)

My team - Fiona, Ashley, Sam, Alana, Kim, and Sammie - thank you for being my safe space when I need to regulate my own emotions. You guys always show me love, no matter how I show up. Thank you for the compassion and constructive feedback to help me grow and move forward. Love you all!

Kelly Roland - the compassion and understanding that you have for our kiddos is inspiring. You are so great at advocating for the students to ensure that they are getting what they need while also considering the big picture. You are amazing!

-Nicole Brinkman--Counselor at Lotus

DeVoss for presenting UFLI with LETRS. It was very helpful.

-Stephanie Kolk--4th Grade Teacher

Renee Evans - I witnessed you approach and address a student that was having a hard time with such care and compassion. A student that struggles to make connections. Whether they recognize it yet or not they found their "person" in our building. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.

Jossbielle Rodriguez - Thank you for taking the time to meet with a student and I regarding their 504 plan and being so supportive in their effort to self-advocate!

Matt and Tom - This week presented a WIDE spectrum of situations - thank you for supporting Kim and I when we needed you present, allowing us space to work when necessary and keeping the lines of communication open always!

-Meghan Reimers--Counselor at Stanton

Kudos to Erica Barraza and Mark Perlman for representing D114 at the AWESOME PTA Bingo night on Wednesday!

Kudos to the Dream Team of Kim Mack and Meghan Reimers for always being amazing thought partners and problem solvers when it comes to supporting ALL students at Stanton!

Kudos to Erica Barraza, Matt Peters, Chad Ziarko, Matt Shannon, and Lynn Smolen for the enthusiasm inre-imaging how our upcoming Institute Day!

Kudos to Jill and Michele for making Stanton GO each and every day! The daily sing-alongs each morning really are the best way to start each day!

-Tom Cardamone--Principal at Stanton

Thank you Donna and Adisyn for stepping in to help a student having a hard time in our take a break space! We appreciate you both!!

- Jillian Kilty and Sarah Gallivan--PE Teachers at Lotus

Kudos to Mark!!! I appreciate you covering my class this week when I was out. Your goofy comments on my sub plans afterwards made me laugh. We loved having you back in the 5th grade dungeon (even though you said they might've scared you away forever...).

-Jessica Leiber--5th Grade Teacher

Shout-Out to Our JV Wrestling Tournament Dream Team! 🤼‍♂️

A huge, heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who helped turn the idea of hosting a JV wrestling tournament into a reality. This truly could not have happened without all of you. Shout-out to Jack Resnick, Niall Schoenfelder, and Bryan Bailey, the wrestling coaches who first brought the idea forward and believed in it from the start. To Matt Shannon and Tom Cardamone, thank you for supporting the vision and once again rolling up your sleeves to work yet another event. And to our all-stars Michele Burgess, Sue Giandonato, Al Giandonato, Connor Macko, Kendra Smeigh, Kim Husko, Averie Schultz, Kaitlyn Goorsky, and Don Ukleja—thank you for handling concessions, clean-up, picking up extra wrestling mats, the scorers tables, and jumping in wherever help was needed. Your teamwork, generosity, and dedication made the day a success. You are all amazing, and Stanton is a better place because of you and everything you do for our kids.

I am so grateful!

-Jill Becmer--Administrative Assistant and Athletic Director at Stanton

Kudos to the fifth grade team, Matt, Tom, Michelle and Jill for their kind words and support while I was in Kansas taking care of my mom who is sick.

Also to Lynn Smolen for helping me navigate a difficult IEP.

-Melissa Rattner--Special Education Teacher at Stanton

Kudos to everyone who is helping with our friend in second grade. The meeting we had on Wednesday was so helpful. So happy that we are continuing to try and find the right strategies and solutions for him to thrive at school

-Brooke Mangler--Paraprofessional at Lotus

Shannon (van driver) for getting us paras back to Lotus safely, even when other people drive like jerks. Also for the laughs we all have.

Mary Fisher for our little after school vent session on our very interesting lives.

Michelle M for our "dip Thursdays " never know what we're going to have, but always good.

Erin , Monica and Samantha for our fun conversations in the morning while waiting to unload bus 10.

Sonia, Penny and Hilda for making sure our kids are successful in the lunchroom.

Admin for letting me try something new and push my limits. I can't wait to present at the Institute Day. Can't wait to share my information on neurodivergent kiddos. Also to Sammie and Fiona for teaming up with me.

-Colleen Robinson--Paraprofessional at Lotus

Thank you to Sarah Gallivan and Jillian Kilty for allowing our students to have some extra roller skating time at the end of the day. They really look forward to earning this reward and getting their bodies moving!

Thank you Gina C. for preparing papers and copies for the fourth grade team! It is sooo helpful and much appreciated!

Thank you Sam Gatyas for making "work for" boards for a few of my students. They love them already and it really helps to motivate them!

Thank you Melissa McCart for making a plan so our 4th grade student can be a leader/helper in younger grade level classes! She is so proud to be a "boss lady" and a teacher :)

Kudos to Ashley Arff for making her monthly themed bitmoji rooms! They are so festive and fun for all students at Lotus! Love it!

-Serene Madison--4th Grade Teacher

Kudos to Maureen DeVoss for facilitating an awesome couple of UFLI lessons during early release on Wednesday! You gave great insight, tips, and fun to end my day!! Thank you!!

-Lili Tosado--3rd Grade Teacher

Thank you!! to the entire staff in ECSE. Being with you and your kiddos makes my heart so happy, and I'm grateful to each of you for your welcome, your kindness, your humor, and your grace.

-Erin Connolly-Jordt--Music Teacher at Lotus

AND...

To Jack Resnick (sorry---belated) and Cara Creager on completing your student teaching!

To EVERYONE who made Bingo Night and the JV Wrestling Tournament--brand new events for us--possible!

To Colleen Robinson for all you do and for just getting it.

To Kelly and Sonia for bringing the sunshine to my life on Friday. 🌞

-Heather 💙

February Institute Day

GAHHHHHH!!!!!! I'm excited to share that we will host a MAGNIFICENT speaker for the morning on 2/13/26 who will focus on YOU!!!! The agenda is still coming together, and input is welcome, but know that...in the morning...we will spend time pouring into our own hearts, soul, and joy!

Add...WOWOWOWOW!!! As this comes together and SO MANY STAFF are leading learning during this day, my heart is full to think of how much wonderfulness will happen!

National Board Certification

We are considering offering another National Board Certification cohort. Please let me know if you'd be interested in learning more about this. I'd encourage you to connect with Maureen DeVoss for more info!

Here are the requirements for participants to apply: