Sunday, March 1, 2026

Monday Morning Memo 3/2/26

March is...

School Social Worker Month!!!

Thank you to Ashley Brown and Kim Mack for all you do!

Tip of the Week

Every student, every day

How are you answering these 3 questions for ALL our students each and every day?

I popped this in Chat and asked for practical ways to answer the questions...here's what I found for Question 2:

2️⃣ “Do you believe I can succeed?”

Belief = High Expectations + Support + Feedback

Daily Practices:

Replace “This is hard” with
→ “This is the kind of hard your brain grows from.”

Say:

“I’m not lowering the target. I’m adjusting the support.”
“You haven’t mastered it yet.”

Provide specific feedback tied to standards, not behavior.

Celebrate growth, not just proficiency.

Instructional Moves

Model thinking out loud (the HOW — which you’ve noted your staff needs).

Provide scaffolds that fade.

Use small groups aligned to IEP goals AND grade-level standards.

Show exemplars and unpack them.

👉 Language Shift

Instead of:
❌ “Some of you won’t get this.”
Say:
✅ “Everyone is capable of growth here.”

Kudos to our amazing interventionists—Joseph, Joan, and Caitlyn!

Thank you so much for all of the behind-the-scenes work you do to gather math and ELA Tier 3 data and for collaborating so thoughtfully with teams during SST meetings. Your dedication and preparation truly make a difference for students and teams.

-Erica Barraza-Associate Principal at Lotus

Sam Mock for the pick me up muffin this week and the coffee last week. I love having you in my classroom and you just go above and beyond for teammates and students.

Stanton PBIS Team for the Stanton Fun Fair to celebrate trimester 2 ending.

Meghan Reimers for working with me to support a kiddo on the scholastic bowl team.

Cynthia Tsarpalas for being a great co-coach for scholastic bowl, happy to have you here.

-Dayja Wydzierzecki--6th Grade ELA Teacher

Thank you to Melissa M. for helping me transition smoothly into Mollie's position! I'm so grateful that you can answer all of my questions and share many resources with me! I'm so happy to work with you!

Thank you Erica B. for problem solving with me for a few of our students so I can service them better! You are so helpful!

Thank you Abbey and Kelly for letting me invade your room to borrow some things for some of our students! I'm so glad I didn't have to repurchase anything!

Thank you Stephanie S. for helping me problem solve as to how to help one of our students get on the bus safely!

Thank you Nicole M., Kendra, Cary, and Teri for being so flexible so I could change the schedule a little bit to help service some of our students better! You are great to work with!

Thank you Amanda L. for making some visual task cards for some of our students! I really appreciate you!

Thank you to old friends and new! Thank you for welcoming me back to Lotus! I'm so happy to see everyone everyday!

-Kim Leable--Long Term Sub for Mollie Crow

Kudos to Cara Creager for stepping in to support our 5th grade special education students, you are doing an amazing job implementing needed support. Thank you for partnering with me!

Thanks for all you do!
Lynn Smolen--District Student Support Coordinator

Huge shout out to Lynn Smolen for filling a few holes in the transportation routes while we were down drivers this week.

-Jeff Fewell--District Head Bus Driver

-Whoever has been stocking the upstairs bathrooms with lovely soaps and air fresheners... YOU'RE THE BEST!!!

--Thank you Ms. Courtney for being in the hallway with the fourth grade students each morning, making sure they are safe, and being one of the first teachers they see each day! I appreciate all you do!

Serene Madison-4th Grade Teacher

Thank you to Russ and Don for gluing my rocking chair back together! I appreciate you!!

-Anna Morris-4th Grade Teacher

Kudos to Karen Skorup for continuously sharing her immense wisdom!

Kudos to Kendra Smeigh for not being phased at all when she got hit in the face with a ball.

-Dan Miller--PE Teacher at Stanton

As we get ready to wrap up another athletic season, I want to say thank you to the many people who make it all possible. It truly takes a village — and in our case, a whole team behind the scenes — to create a successful season for our kids.

To our coaches, administrators, bus drivers, gatekeepers, scorekeepers, timers, concession stand workers, maintenance staff, and Burgy — thank you. Your willingness to step in, stay late, adjust schedules, solve problems on the fly, and do whatever it takes does not go unnoticed. The patience, flexibility, and support you show week after week make a huge difference for our athletes and their families.

There are so many moving pieces to every game, match, and meet, and as the Athletic Director, I could not do this work without all of you. Because of your teamwork and commitment, our student-athletes have the opportunity to compete, grow, and represent Stanton with pride.

Thank you for being all-in for our kids and for each other. I’m grateful to be on this team with you!

Jill Becmer-Athletic Director at Stanton

Thank you Sammie for helping support one of our more challenging behaviors lately. It has given the child more support and more adult love that they need! :)

-Laura Faro--Blended PreK Teacher

Kudos to Karen Brnot, Karen Lobo, Becky Hiles, Mark Perlman, Dan Miller, and Tom Cardamone for all the help and fun at the Valentine Dance! Our students seemed to have a very fun time. Thank you so much!

-Renee Evans--Math Teacher at Stanton

Kudos to the PTA, their families, handful of staff, and every person that helped in any way for the Family Fun Fair. This event was AMAZING again for the 2nd year just like last year and I know it takes A LOT of planning, time, and dedication to pull this off. I have been here like 19ish years give or take LOL and I really wish we could see more support for the PTA helping out even if it was for 30 min. The PTA does such a great job with these events that it truly runs itself besides just being there to help make sure activities run smoothly. It was awesome just to see the kids smile seeing a staff member there for the fun times. It's free, there's food, fun and they even give us rewards for helping out. You can even bring your family. There are still more events this year---please consider giving just a little time to make a big difference.

-Kim VanHoorelbeke--Library Paraprofessional at Lotus

AND...

To Abbey, Kelly, and Oner for everything ACCESS...and getting every single test DONE on time! WOWOWOW!!!

To Jeff, Natalie, and the Transportation Team for all the flexibility and to Lynn for being our Super Uber last week!

-Heather 💙

Calendar Updates

On Tuesday night, the Board approved:

1. The change for this year's calendar to be IN SESSION on 3/2/26--update linked here

2. Our proposed 26-27 calendar--linked here

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

Good morning, District 114!

Happy March!! Hopefully, we'll be ushering in warmer, spring-like weather soon.

Mark your calendars for the following dates:
March PTA Meeting
Date: Monday, 3/9/26
Time: 6:00 pm to ~7:00 pm
Location: Lotus Library or Google Meet
March Eat Out to Help Out
Date: Tuesday, 3/10/26
Time: 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Location: Culver's in Fox Lake
Make sure to say you're with District 114 when you order!
Day of Service
Date: Wednesday, 4/22/26
Our annual Day of Service fundraiser is coming soon!
Day of Service is a unique event that combines fundraising with hands-on community service, where students complete projects like cleaning community gardens and creating care packages for nursing home residents.
This year, our fundraising goal is $25,000 to sustain the PTA's annual programs:
Teacher Conference Dinners
Stanton Halloween Dance
Santa's Breakfast
Book Buddies
Holiday Dinners for Familys in Need
Family Bingo Night
Family Fun Fair
Teacher Appreciation Breakfast
Teacher Grant Money
School Assemblies
8th Grade Funds
Family Rocket Launch
Additionally, any funds raised beyond this goal will go toward a dedicated account for the future construction of a new playground at Lotus Elementary School—an investment that will benefit students and the community for years to come!
We're currently seeking sponsors for this year's Day of Service! If you have or know of a small business that is interested in supporting the PTA's work, please visit our Givebacks site or email us at pta@foxlake114.org
Help us reach our goal of 90+ members this school year! We currently have 81 members, including 40 teachers and staff, and 41 parents/guardians. Thank you, Don Olson, for being our newest member!

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 UPDATED D114 25-26 Calendar

THIS WEEK

Monday, March 2--Casimir Pulaski Day--SCHOOL IN SESSION!

Looking Ahead...

March 23-27--Spring Break

April 22-DAY OF SERVICE

May 22--Last Day of School for PreK

May 26--8th Grade Promotion Ceremony

May 27--Last Day of School

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:

https://edtomorrow.beehiiv.com/subscribe

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

2025-26 Updated 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

Governors State University will be hosting a few virtual informational sessions to discuss the LBS1 endorsement and the Master of Arts in Multicategorical Special Education program. The master’s program has initial licensure and advanced licensure options.

The session will begin promptly at the scheduled time and will include detailed information about the completely online programs and how to apply by the program coordinator, Dr. Sara Jozwik. Questions will be encouraged!

Please share the registration links below with your staff, and/or post the flyer attached to this email

Wednesday, March 4^th at 5:00 pm

https://apply.govst.edu/register/MSE030426

Thursday, March 12^th at 6:00 pm

https://apply.govst.edu/register/MSE031226

Thursday, April 23^rd at 5:30 pm

https://apply.govst.edu/register/MSE042325

Proud to be...

Sunday, February 22, 2026

Monday Morning Memo 2/23/26

Tip of the Week

Every student, every day

How are you answering these 3 questions for ALL our students each and every day?

I popped this in Chat and asked for practical ways to answer the questions...here's what I found for Question 1:

1️⃣ “Can I trust you?”

Trust = Predictability + Fairness + Follow-Through

Daily Practices

Do what you say you’ll do. If you promise to check work, call home, or follow up — do it.

Narrate fairness. “I’m holding everyone to the same expectation because I believe in all of you.”

Preview tough moments. “You may not love this task — but I won’t let you fail.”

Regulate yourself first. Calm tone, neutral body language.

Admit mistakes publicly. “I handled that wrong yesterday. I’m sorry.”

Structures That Build Trust

Clear learning targets posted and referenced

Consistent routines (bell work, transitions, feedback cycle)

Private corrections; public praise

2x10 relationship strategy for students who struggle (2 minutes a day for 10 days)

👉 Trust grows when adults are predictable, regulated, and instructionally clear.

A huge THANK YOU to Sue and Jenny for creating additional packages for the heavy work delivery system. You both rock!

Thank you to Jessica Lieber for implementing an effective in-class job system that supports student success in meaningful ways.

Thank you to Mrs. Valenziano for always being so welcoming and for creating engaging, inclusive opportunities for students to connect and share.

Shout out to our amazing teachers and paraprofessionals who support student success and behaviors each and every day. There are too many names to list, but your positivity and genuine care are felt every time I walk into a classroom. It does not go unnoticed.

Shout out to Fiona for being my co-treat partner lately! We’ve seen such incredible progress combining speech and OT—it’s been a magical experience and a wonderful opportunity to treat alongside you.

Thank you to Alana for the chai tea deliveries on the days I need them most!

Thank you to Kim R. for all the behind-the-scenes work you do. You keep this team organized, supported, and moving forward. I truly appreciate you more than you know.

Thank you to Russel, Brooke, Misty, Courtney, Corinne, Laura, Brittnay, Colleen, Mary, Monica, Mandi, Sam, Kristine, and Matt S. (and any others I may have missed) for taking the time to learn and consistently implement student-specific sensory circuits each day. Your dedication to supporting students in the classroom setting makes a meaningful difference in their success.

Thank you to Karen Lobo for your caring, fun-loving spirit. You bring so much joy to those around you. Oh and I loved racing you through the bouncy house obstacle course;)

Thank you Nicole B. for all the laughs and hangman fun!

Thank you, Dina, for constantly asking the best questions and always striving to improve and strengthen an inclusive, supportive environment for our students.

And thank you to Colleen and Fiona for an amazing experience presenting on such an important topic. I loved collaborating with you.

-Sammie Geenen--District OT

Big thanks to Pam E. for her schedule flexibility as we seek solutions for a struggling student by providing some extra Art time.

And many thanks to Kaitlyn May for thinking about the kiddos when she was given a couple of wooden Valentine's Day mailboxes. Students were so excited about the possibility of winning these and building their own mailbox. The good behavior raffle was a success, and you made some students very happy!! Thanks again!!

And a shout out of thanks to Teri for her donation of supplies and to Colleen for her ongoing generosity in donating more chenille yarn.

Thanks again!

-Gayle McManamom--Art Teacher at Lotus

Kudos to the Lotus Spirit Team for helping make sure our Lotus Spirit continues while I’m on leave. Don’t worry, they have everything planned and ready to end the year with some spirit and fun!

Thank you, Melissa McCart for everything! You have been super helpful, especially with me being in a new role this year. Thank you for all your advice, stories, jokes, and food this year!

Thank you to all the teachers I’ve worked with this year on some shared students: Teri Valenziano, Kendra Logar, Cary Scarpino, Nicole Mild, Stephanie Kolk, Lili Tosado, Adisyn Illg, Emily Reczek (and anyone else I may have missed with my ever changing caseload). You all have been flexible with my ever changing schedule and many doctor’s appointments. I appreciate you all!

Thank you, Kim Leable for taking over my wonderful group of students while I spend this special time with my growing family. I truly appreciate your support!

-Mollie Crow--Special Education Teacher at Lotus (and soon to be Mama to Baby Charlotte)

Kudos to Karen Lobo for inc

edible support, patience, and partnership during a situation in which both a student and adults needed some extra care.

Kudos to Renee Evans and our chaperones who gave up a Friday night, for putting together and supporting a WONDERFUL dance on Friday night!

Kudos to our 5th Grade team for coordinating and partnering with many parents for the super fun 5th Grade Valentine's parties. The smiles on the faces of EVERYONE was an awesome way to end a week!

Kudos to the entire Stanton family for their proactive planning in supporting all students and colleagues for an event that did not come to fruition on Thursday.

Kudos to our basketball coaches; Cindy Hamilton, Oner Medrano, and Cara Creager for making an awesome experience for our students this year...both in wins and losses.

Kudos to Cara Creager for jumping into a new role with enthusiasm, care, and grace.

Kudos to Jill Becmer for flexibility and patience while scheduling, and re-scheduling, 8th Grade Transition meetings.

-Tom Cardamone--Principal at Stanton

Kudos to Cara Creager for jumping in and helping out 5th grade. You are doing amazing work and we love having you back downstairs with us!

Kudos to my amazing team for rallying after some unexpected things!

Kudos to Nicole Culbertson for subbing for me while our 5th graders did their Michelangelo "ceiling paintings" under their desks! I hope it was entertaining for you, haha!

Kudos to Meghan Reimers and Kim Mack for all you do! You ladies are amazing!

Kudos to Tyler Fish for working hard to get me a new promethean board! After almost a month, I'm so excited for Monday morning!

-Danielle Donelli - 5th Grade Teacher

Big kudos to Cara Creager!!! You’ve taken on so much this year and I hope you know how amazing you’re doing!! I love being able to laugh at all the craziness that’s happens day to day with you

Kudos to Jenny, Danielle, Jackie, Cara, Oner, Lynn, Mack, and Meghan for being the best basement crew!!

Kudos to Jillian and Jamie for the much needed laughs on Friday. I’m still cracking up

-Jessica Lieber-5^th Grade Teacher

The 5th grade team (and parent volunteers) for organizing some fun Valentines parties! It was such a joy to watch the students play games and enjoy each other!

Lynn and Tom for jumping in to lead a meeting when other team members were unable to attend.

Kim Mack for joining us on our SNN broadcast to help lead the mindful moment every Friday, for being such a huge supporter of our team and also for co-hosting the No Drama Lunch Bunch with me!

Oner - Thank you for letting us borrow chairs for our lunch bunch when we were short so everyone had a place at the table!

-Meghan Reimers--Counselor at Stanton

Mandi, Monica, Kristine, Mary, Russell, Sam -

I want to say thank you for all of the time and care you’ve been putting into collecting data for our students. Because of your consistency, we’re able to make meaningful, informed decisions that truly support their needs. Your work matters and it does not go unnoticed. I appreciate you!

Sherry, Colleen, & Mary -

I appreciate your openness and flexibility as we’ve made adjustments and tried new approaches. Your willingness to try all the things makes a positive impact on our students. Thank you for all you do!

-Amanda Lorenz--Instructional Specialist at Lotus

Kelly and I want to say thank you to all the teachers who have been so flexible as we have been powering through ACCESS testing, managing absences and makeups. Thank you for making our job easier through your collaboration!

We also want to give a huge shout out to Mike for being willing to help on a dime to make sure that students' chromebooks were working for testing. Not sure how you can magically fix things so quickly, but we so appreciate you, Mike!

-Abbey Kadera--Bilingual Teacher at Lotus

Thank you to Adalia Tate for taking my students into her classroom at the end of the day when I had to leave early :)

-Serene Madison--4th Grade Teacher

AND...

Everyone who helped make the PTA Family Fun Fair happen! Especially Matt Shannon, who was covered in cotton candy for the rest of the day!

To Danielle, Jenny, Jessica, Cara, and Leah for moving mountains when yet another bump in the road hit!

To Abbey, Kelly, and Oner for everything ACCESS!

To everyone who made the Valentine Dance at Stanton happen!

-Heather 💙

Calendar Updates

On Tuesday night, the Board approved:

1. The change for this year's calendar to be IN SESSION on 3/2/26--update linked here

2. Our proposed 26-27 calendar--will share ASAP