THANK to everyone! To show our appreciation and--hopefully--brighten everyone’s spirits
--LUNCH ON THURSDAY is on Jeff, Matt, and Heather. We’ll have sandwiches, chips, desserts,
and soft drinks/water.
--LUNCH ON THURSDAY is on Jeff, Matt, and Heather. We’ll have sandwiches, chips, desserts,
and soft drinks/water.
To Mary Foersterling, Kelli Kuehn, Sue Pinkawa for helping me with getting a bead out of a
student’s nose last week.
student’s nose last week.
-From Colleen Robinson
Kudos to Samantha Rusciolelli for taking action to improve math for her students, including
changing her schedule and creating engaging slides for her students AND for sharing them with
our team to try out too!
changing her schedule and creating engaging slides for her students AND for sharing them with
our team to try out too!
and
Thank you Razz (Linda Rasmussen) for taking on laminating! It is much appreciated.
and
Thank you Colleen Robinson for removing a piece of glass from my eye Monday! (yep, only me)
-Tiffany Tardio
Thank you Erin Connolly-Jordt for working so hard with our littles to put on the cuteness that
is their holiday show. You make it look easy, and we know it's not at all!
is their holiday show. You make it look easy, and we know it's not at all!
-From the Kindergarten Team
Thank you to Beth Rendon and Sarah Ferens for presenting at every agenda meeting and
sharing their knowledge and useful strategies with the staff! We enjoy learning with you!
sharing their knowledge and useful strategies with the staff! We enjoy learning with you!
and
Thank you to the FLEX committee for coming up with a plan that is going to help build more
consistency with our FLEX schedule. Thank you to Cathy Jawnyj, Walter Nickles, Rich Bressett,
Beth Rendon, Melissa Jakstas, Colleen Hitzler, Greer Lally, Matt Shannon, Connie Lancaster,
and Jeff Sefcik for presenting the FLEX plan to the staff.
consistency with our FLEX schedule. Thank you to Cathy Jawnyj, Walter Nickles, Rich Bressett,
Beth Rendon, Melissa Jakstas, Colleen Hitzler, Greer Lally, Matt Shannon, Connie Lancaster,
and Jeff Sefcik for presenting the FLEX plan to the staff.
and
Thank you to Joesph Fernandez, Oner Medrano, Rich Bressett, Paige Shaffer, David Roat,
and Chris Carvell for being so flexible and sharing the very limited space that we have at
Stanton for extracurricular activities. Thank you!
and Chris Carvell for being so flexible and sharing the very limited space that we have at
Stanton for extracurricular activities. Thank you!
and
Thank you to Joseph Fernandez for putting his heart and soul into Stanton's drama performance
of "Us and Them". You have established such a wonderful program!
of "Us and Them". You have established such a wonderful program!
-From Rachelle Peters
I would like to thank Erica Barraza, Maureen DeVoss, Theresa Kovach, Tiffany Tardio, Kally
Kibitlewski and Linda Rasmussen for helping out with Math University Night. We had a good
turnout and thought the parents really appreciated the information.
Kibitlewski and Linda Rasmussen for helping out with Math University Night. We had a good
turnout and thought the parents really appreciated the information.
and
Thank you Tegan Maybrun, Amanda Lorenz, Maureen DeVoss, Erica Barraza and Jamie
McCormick for hosting a Grant student and having them shadow you for the day.
McCormick for hosting a Grant student and having them shadow you for the day.
and
Thank you Lynn Smolen for stepping in for Erica Bender on Friday. That was a nice gesture to
help keep consistency of the program.
help keep consistency of the program.
-From Matt Peters
To bus aide Tammy Littleton and driver John Norris, who noticed a student's winter coat had a
broken zipper and purchased a new one!
broken zipper and purchased a new one!
-From Maureen Koenig
A huge thanks to Cathy Jawnyj, Tiffany Tardio, Maureen DeVoss, Theresa Kovach, Kally
Kibitlewski, and administration for all of your help and support with the Stanton and Lotus Math Night for parents. The speakers were OUTSTANDING and spoke in a way that was so relatable for parents. You are truly appreciated!
Kibitlewski, and administration for all of your help and support with the Stanton and Lotus Math Night for parents. The speakers were OUTSTANDING and spoke in a way that was so relatable for parents. You are truly appreciated!
and
Kudos to Tiffany Mihovilovich for organizing a wonderful night of service at Feed My Starving
Children. This was such a positive and heartwarming experience for me and my daughter.
Your positive energy is truly contagious and a blessing to our district!
Children. This was such a positive and heartwarming experience for me and my daughter.
Your positive energy is truly contagious and a blessing to our district!
and
Kudos to K-2 students and teachers for being flexible and working hard on the winter diagnostic.
I can't wait to see all the growth they have all made!
I can't wait to see all the growth they have all made!
-From Erica Barraza
Thanks to everyone who helped with and support of the Math Parent Universities! What an
amazing learning opportunity for our parents. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.
amazing learning opportunity for our parents. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.
and
Thanks to all special services providers for completing Medicaid billing. During the past quarter,
your hard work and commitment to documenting services created $11,000 in funds coming back
to our district.
your hard work and commitment to documenting services created $11,000 in funds coming back
to our district.
-From Heather
When you have a kudo to share for someone, please just email me and I'll include it here! The
goal is to create system celebrations--so your input is truly welcome!
goal is to create system celebrations--so your input is truly welcome!
Business Office Updates
Friday 12/21/18 Details
As has been past practice, instructional and support staff is welcome to start your Winter Break
at dismissal on Friday, 12/22. Office staff--as soon as the buses are clear, your break begins!
To our custodial staff, please leave an hour early so that you get a jump start on break, too.
at dismissal on Friday, 12/22. Office staff--as soon as the buses are clear, your break begins!
To our custodial staff, please leave an hour early so that you get a jump start on break, too.
Curriculum Updates
Math
Goal=45 minutes per week, per student. Let’s make it happen!
PIZZA PARTY CHALLENGE---pizza for all staff when we reach 80% of students meeting
the 45 minute goal!
the 45 minute goal!
SEL
Second Step: On-Demand FREE Webinars
IEA - RA Delegate Election Results
Sharon Rada from Gavin will be representing our Cluster and Delia Villalabos from Wauconda
will be the Ethnic Minority Representative at the Regional Assembly in April.
will be the Ethnic Minority Representative at the Regional Assembly in April.
Region 49 Social Media Challenge Winners!
Thanks to everyone in the EAFL who participated in the Region 49 social media challenge!
Three winners were drawn at our regional meeting last Tuesday and two of the winners were
EAFL members! Congratulations Cathy Jawnyj and Kristine Gumm!
Three winners were drawn at our regional meeting last Tuesday and two of the winners were
EAFL members! Congratulations Cathy Jawnyj and Kristine Gumm!
Melissa Jakstas, President
Maureen DeVoss, Vice President for Certified Staff
Chris Brown, Vice President for Non-Certified Staff
Katy Gardner, Treasurer
Betty Cwiak, Secretary
Cathy Jawnyj, Region Representative
Kendra Smeigh, Stanton School Representative
Tiffany Tardio, Lotus School Representative
*check here for documents most frequently used/requested
Please let Heather know of suggestions for any documents to add to this folder!
Blue Cross Blue Shield:
SEL Pacing Guides
Stanton:
Questions to Consider
How are you supporting others to be the best that they can be?
What do you need from others to be your best YOU?
With Celebration and Support, Teachers Can Help Retain Each Other
By Tricia Ebner
February 14, 2018
While driving to work a year ago, I heard a surprising spot on the radio: an ad promoting
teaching as a "next career." The narrator, addressing the listener directly, talked about how "you"
once considered teaching but then moved in another direction, and now you are again thinking
about how you might make a difference in someone else’s life. The theme of the ad was, "Make
more: teach." The message—referring to something far more important and powerful than
money—was both uplifting and intriguing.
teaching as a "next career." The narrator, addressing the listener directly, talked about how "you"
once considered teaching but then moved in another direction, and now you are again thinking
about how you might make a difference in someone else’s life. The theme of the ad was, "Make
more: teach." The message—referring to something far more important and powerful than
money—was both uplifting and intriguing.
As a career educator, the "more" is powerful. It’s in those moments when we realize with
excitement that a student’s hard work has paid off, and he’s learned a new skill or concept. It's in
watching students grow and learn. It’s what has kept me in education. I wonder how many have
heard the ad and questioned whether education—and "making more"—is the right career move
for them. Do listeners understand the power of the more we have in teaching?
excitement that a student’s hard work has paid off, and he’s learned a new skill or concept. It's in
watching students grow and learn. It’s what has kept me in education. I wonder how many have
heard the ad and questioned whether education—and "making more"—is the right career move
for them. Do listeners understand the power of the more we have in teaching?
As a new teacher struggling to find a job in the early 1990s, I heard predictions of a future
teacher shortage. Now, the shortage is a reality in some parts of the country. This is often due to
high rates of teacher turnover. Researchers at the Learning Policy Institute found that there’s a
50 percent higher turnover rate in Title I schools than those with higher-income families.
According to the same report, schools with high percentages of students of color have a 70
percent turnover rate.
teacher shortage. Now, the shortage is a reality in some parts of the country. This is often due to
high rates of teacher turnover. Researchers at the Learning Policy Institute found that there’s a
50 percent higher turnover rate in Title I schools than those with higher-income families.
According to the same report, schools with high percentages of students of color have a 70
percent turnover rate.
That kind of attrition has a significant impact on student learning and teacher satisfaction in
schools. Many proposed solutions have come from outside of our classrooms. But as educators,
there are steps we can take to help each other see the "more" we get from teaching—and
encourage each other to stay.
schools. Many proposed solutions have come from outside of our classrooms. But as educators,
there are steps we can take to help each other see the "more" we get from teaching—and
encourage each other to stay.
For one, we can cherish the positive experiences of our work. While there are plenty of
challenges in teaching, there are also moments of excitement, energy, joy, and laughter.
Celebrating those moments can help us keep a more balanced perspective on our work. It’s
worthwhile to take the time to savor the learning that happens in a class discussion, or
appreciate the shy smile of an introverted student as his classmates compliment his presentation.
challenges in teaching, there are also moments of excitement, energy, joy, and laughter.
Celebrating those moments can help us keep a more balanced perspective on our work. It’s
worthwhile to take the time to savor the learning that happens in a class discussion, or
appreciate the shy smile of an introverted student as his classmates compliment his presentation.
Another step we can take is to value and support others. It’s easy to get caught up in the daily
tasks: the ungraded papers, the constant lesson plans, the materials and resources we need
for tomorrow’s lab, the emails and phone calls, the meetings. But often it’s the smaller, positive
moments that keep us energized. Recently, a colleague took the time to write me an email,
explaining how her students had successfully used a new digital tool she learned from a
professional-development session I had led. The warmth of her words was the perfect
pick-me-up on a busy, stressful day. Those little actions may not seem like much, but they help
strengthen relationships and build the feeling of community and partnership.
tasks: the ungraded papers, the constant lesson plans, the materials and resources we need
for tomorrow’s lab, the emails and phone calls, the meetings. But often it’s the smaller, positive
moments that keep us energized. Recently, a colleague took the time to write me an email,
explaining how her students had successfully used a new digital tool she learned from a
professional-development session I had led. The warmth of her words was the perfect
pick-me-up on a busy, stressful day. Those little actions may not seem like much, but they help
strengthen relationships and build the feeling of community and partnership.
A couple of years ago, I enlisted the help of one of our secretaries to put notes of appreciation
on the mailroom door. For about two weeks, she and I posted "things we love about working with
you." Each day, a new thought appeared on the door, and by the end of the two weeks, it was
fun to watch people pause to read the positive notes before going about their business. It was a
simple gesture, but it still brightened the day.
on the mailroom door. For about two weeks, she and I posted "things we love about working with
you." Each day, a new thought appeared on the door, and by the end of the two weeks, it was
fun to watch people pause to read the positive notes before going about their business. It was a
simple gesture, but it still brightened the day.
It’s also important to let our students know what they mean to us. A few years ago, I commented
to one of my classes that I loved working with them because I learned something new every
day. A couple of students began to ask me, "So what did you learn today?" and they looked
forward to my answer. Sometimes I learned something more about what we were reading, but
often I learned something about my students. Our community became even stronger as we all
continued to look for new learning daily.
to one of my classes that I loved working with them because I learned something new every
day. A couple of students began to ask me, "So what did you learn today?" and they looked
forward to my answer. Sometimes I learned something more about what we were reading, but
often I learned something about my students. Our community became even stronger as we all
continued to look for new learning daily.
Another time, a student asked, "Don’t you get tired of teaching the same thing every year?" She
and her classmates seemed surprised when I told them that I love teaching because I get to work
with students—with them—and that every year is different because my students are different.
The moment startled me because I always assumed kids knew I was a teacher because I
enjoyed working with them; in that moment, they taught me that they need to hear that they
matter, that I value them and their learning. Showing and telling our students that we appreciate
them is beneficial for all of us.
and her classmates seemed surprised when I told them that I love teaching because I get to work
with students—with them—and that every year is different because my students are different.
The moment startled me because I always assumed kids knew I was a teacher because I
enjoyed working with them; in that moment, they taught me that they need to hear that they
matter, that I value them and their learning. Showing and telling our students that we appreciate
them is beneficial for all of us.
Finally, we need to practice good self-care. There are times when the work seems to take over
all other aspects of our lives. Those are the moments when we need to pause, even though we
may feel like we can’t afford to do so. Sometimes all we need is a walk or a little exercise to
clear our heads, get some fresh air, and find a new perspective. At other times, taking a mental
break from the work at hand can be important, whether we lose ourselves in a good book (one
we’re reading for ourselves, and not for our students or for professional development) or go see
a movie. Sometimes we need to take a weekend "off" and not grade papers or spend too much
time planning lessons. Taking that kind of break can mean we return to our work on Monday
feeling rested, energetic, and more focused.
all other aspects of our lives. Those are the moments when we need to pause, even though we
may feel like we can’t afford to do so. Sometimes all we need is a walk or a little exercise to
clear our heads, get some fresh air, and find a new perspective. At other times, taking a mental
break from the work at hand can be important, whether we lose ourselves in a good book (one
we’re reading for ourselves, and not for our students or for professional development) or go see
a movie. Sometimes we need to take a weekend "off" and not grade papers or spend too much
time planning lessons. Taking that kind of break can mean we return to our work on Monday
feeling rested, energetic, and more focused.
The issue of teacher retention is a pervasive one, and it often involves policy makers,
legislators, and others in positions of power outside education. Those of us inside schools on
a daily basis can do something, too. Cherishing the positive moments in our days, appreciating
and valuing each other, and practicing good self-care aren’t dramatic ideas that will change
education broadly, but they are strategies that impact our attitude and the culture of our schools.
They’ll remind us that we’re making "more" than just money in our jobs, and hopefully convince
us to make our impact last.
legislators, and others in positions of power outside education. Those of us inside schools on
a daily basis can do something, too. Cherishing the positive moments in our days, appreciating
and valuing each other, and practicing good self-care aren’t dramatic ideas that will change
education broadly, but they are strategies that impact our attitude and the culture of our schools.
They’ll remind us that we’re making "more" than just money in our jobs, and hopefully convince
us to make our impact last.
December 18--Board of Education meeting at Lotus--7:00PM
May 14, 2019--Board of Education meeting--NEW DATE
We still have a few seats left to attend the PLC Institute at Stevenson HIgh School on July 22-24.
Please let me know ASAP if you are interested!
Please let me know ASAP if you are interested!
Thank you sincerely for all you!
Heather
