Sunday, November 29, 2020

Monday Morning Memo 11/30/20

                                                               




Millions of thanks to all who contributed to our Food Drive this year! On Tuesday, Santa Sefcik delivered $888 to the Grant Township offices from the administration, teachers and staff of D114!!!! Nancy Rogers at the township was extremely grateful for the donation. You are all amazing! Thank you for allowing this tradition to continue in these unusual times! 
❤Liz and Laura and the Stanton Student Council

Thank you to Cheryl Schuck, Deb Marienau, Melanie Schlesser, Rachelle Peters, Porfirio Franco, Natalie Molidor, Andrea DeMatteo and the D114 PTA with all of help provided for the Thanksgiving Food Baskets to go to families in need.
and
Thank you to Sue Pinkawa for keeping the office decorated and bringing some extra holiday cheer to staff!
and
Thank you to Erica Barraza and Angela Morris for stepping in when needed and doing whatever it takes for students and families to be successful!
and
Thank you to ALL of Lotus staff for helping prepare for conferences and showing your care for students.  I am grateful for all of you!  
-From Natalie Udstuen

To Grant Chapman and Mike Sementa for helping me search endlessly for my phone when I lost it!
and
To Jill Becmer and Michele Burgess--Thank you for all of your help with the PBIS rewards / Materials Drop off. We appreciate all of your help with the process!
-From Stephanie Kaye

I have a staff shout out for Mr. Bressett. I want to thank him for letting me hang out in his classroom for the week and having such a fun class. He always makes the kids laugh and me too! I want to thank him for starting off my morning in such a positive way and he makes community building one of my favorite classes! :)
-From Ashley Zagozdon

Thank you to Chris Brown and Cheryl Schuck for filling my bucket with the hallway surprise. :)
-From Heather




Maddie Out
Please remember that Maddie will be out starting TODAY to welcome her baby girl! Mary will
handle payroll, and Becky Allard will come back 2 days per week to assist with all other tasks
that come through Maddie's office. Starting today, please direct HR questions to Becky Allard at becky.allard@foxlake114.org. 




COVID Updates

Health Department Update--11/29/20

Note: Due to delays with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) reporting system, incidence rate is up to date through November 23. Diagnostic testing turnaround time and positivity rate are up to date through November 10.

We know that our dashboards are an important tool for decision making and many within the community rely on this data. We are working with the IDPH to provide you up-to-date information. 

Our Data Hub will not be updated November 26-27 as our staff observe the Thanksgiving holiday. Updates will resume on Monday, November 30.

Updated dashboard data 11/29/20:

The dashboard with our most current data looks like this:


Lake County Health Department School Status Recommendation:
VIRTUAL


Coming On Site
While we do want to minimize staff onsite to protect those who HAVE to report to support the in-person students, I know that, for some people, coming in helps you keep your sanity and balance. To that end, I'm saying that if it's an option to work at home please do. If you're far more comfortable teaching from school, then you can do so but you MUST consistently demonstrate the 3W's and stick to your room as much as you can. ❤

Employee Assistance Program

Please remember that ALL employees are able to use the services in the EAP program. Any support is strictly confidential. These are DIFFICULT times, so please don't hesitate to reach out for help!!! please reach out to Maddie and she can confidentially guide you. 






New Two-Minute Tip linked here! - Google Classroom's built-in plagiarism checker: Originality Reports- Use this feature to check students' original work when they submit assignments. How-to included on the Slides. 

The next Stanton Lunch & Learn will be Wed. 12/9/2020 resuming with Hyperdocs!

  • Please remember to take the Staff Survey for the first PBIS Celebration on 12/18 (schedule to come...)
  • Staff PBIS Goals: Primary staff are the teachers who have classes throughout the day. Secondary staff are the paraprofessionals, related services, etc
  • Flowchart of PBIS Rewards Redemption (attached) This is also located in the Virtual Toolbox, under the SEL tab.


COVID-19 SAFETY PROCEDURES

Safety Protocols

*If you have any COVID-10 like symptoms at all or are not feeling well, please DO NOT come onsite. 


If coming onsite:

*You must continue to self-certify using Skyward.

*All staff must enter through the main entrance at each site.

*You must sign in using the sign in sheet, mark that you self-certified, and take and record your temperature. IF YOU HAVE A FEVER ABOVE 100.4 YOU ARE ASKED TO LEAVE IMMEDIATELY AND REACH OUT TO YOUR PRINCIPAL AND HEATHER.

*Once Sharon/Marc are onsite, they will review the sign in sheet and cross check with the self-certification report. If anyone is NOT cleared or did NOT self-certify, they will meet with them to ensure they are safe to be onsite. If not, they'll refer that employee to Heather. 

*If you arrive after Sharon/Marc are onsite, please will report to the Health Office to check in so we know you have self-certified. Your temperature will also be taken and recorded. Employees will know to do this because, when Sharon/Marc arrive, they will pick up the sign in log and put out a sign that says "Please come to the Health Office to check in". 

 


When you come onsite, you can work in your classroom/workspace.  Please feel free to use it as your own. I'd just ask that you work in that space as much as possible and not travel out much. You can,  of course you can use the bathroom, lounge, copiers, etc. as needed. Please do not congregate in the hallways or in other spaces. We simply want to keep you safe.

 

If you are alone in your workspace and the door is closed, you may remove your mask. If anyone enters that space, everyone in the space MUST wear a mask and stay 6 ft apart at all times. 

 

When you DO leave your room, I'd ask that you strictly follow the 4 W's to help keep yourself and others around you safe:

1. Wash your hands.

2. Wear your mask.

3. Watch your space.

4. Wait your turn.


If you are concerned that you have COVID-19 or have been exposed to COVID-19 and have been

or are scheduled to be onsite, please let your principal, Maddie Espinoza, and/or me know

immediately so we can partner with you for your safety and for the safety of others.

You can trust that we will keep all this information confidential, balancing staff privacy and system

safety needs. 


All staff MUST wear masks AT ALL TIMES

when onsite and in public spaces. 

If you are working in an office/classroom

with the door closed, you may remove your

mask. It must be worn when anyone enters

that space with you. 



Have Student Loans???
You can use the IEA Degrees Not Debt page to see if you may qualify to lower your monthly payments and/or apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Access the IEA Degrees Not Debt page: HERE.

Shop for IEA Gear
The shop is open now through November 30th. Shop HERE.


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

Michelle Serini, Stanton School Representative

Tiffany Tardio Weber, Lotus School Representative










FUN OPPORTUNITIES SIGN UP!
Don't forget to RSVP to Jill Becmer to join in any of the fun opportunities to relax and 
take care of YOU! 




TREAT YO SELF TO SELF CARE

I'm going to use the book 180 Days of Self-Care for Busy Educators by my friend Tina Boogren to

share weekly nuggets of self-care ideas

for all of us.


Week 15: Help Requests

Often, we avoid asking for help because we don't want to look weak, but here's the deal: asking

for help isn't weak. It's a sign of STRENGTH--strength because we know our own limits and we know

we can't do all of it all by ourselves. Turn the tables...when someone asks for help, do you see them as

weak or do you feel honored to help when you can????


This week's invitation: Ask for help.

*Change your mindset--Let go of the notion that you have to do it all. You are worthy of the

gift of receiving help. Period.

*Reassess your priorities--Do you need to rearrange some things to give more

attention to the things and people that matter most to you?

*Be specific--Make sure you're clear with your helper about why you're asking for help and

exactly what you need.

*Seek out learning that aligns to what you need...and ask for help in finding it if you need it. 

*Take advantage of your employee assistance program! See above for more info! 



 2020-21 Wednesday CTT Planning Calendar

SEL COMMITTEE HUB

D114 Virtual Toolbox

PreK-8 Flash Back Standards

Exploratories Flash Back Standards

Case Manager Flash Back Reflections

D114 Family Update

Classroom Management Links


MTSS Ongoing Q and A


D114 Curriculum Resources


Link to D114 Business Office Share Folder

*check here for documents most frequently used/requested

Please let Heather know of suggestions for any documents to add to this

folder!


Work Order Request


Technology Support Request


Blue Cross Blue Shield:

www.bcbsil.com




Image result for mark your calendar

Tuesday, 12/8--PTA Eat Out to Help Out @ McDonald's (4:00-8:00PM)

Saturday, 12/12--Santa Drive Through Event...thank you, PTA! (9:30-11:00AM)

Tuesday, 12/15--December Board of Education Meeting (details TBD)


             

ONE TEAM...ALL IN...ALWAYS!

Heather


Sunday, November 22, 2020

Monday Morning Memo 11/23/20

                                                              




Bobby Warneke for his willingness to help in our ILP A classroom!
and
Oner, Tristant, and Mike for making things work in our ILP B classroom!!
-From Jeff Sefcik 

Kudos to John Norris for taking a special delivery of materials to a couple of families.
THANK YOU!!!!
-From Andrea DeMatteo

Kudos to Fiona and Lynn for leading very efficient yet thorough IEP meetings!
and
Kudos to the K team for our frequent data discussions that drive us to be better teachers and do what's best for students! #PLCatwork
and
Kudos to Bridget for tackling ALL the new things (including report cards)! 
and
Kudos to Erica and Amanda for their hard work testing our students on the IRLA and problem solving with us during out MTSS meeting. We are so grateful for you both!
and
Kudos to Nicole Mild and Kimberly Jacobs-Leable for problem solving a GREAT solution for one of my kiddos during our MTSS meeting!
and
Kudos to Kristine for teaching one of my live calls while having spotty internet. The KIDDOS were excited to see you again/meet you.
and
Lastly, thank you to admin and Heather for the countless hours/organization/calls/hard decisions/etc. that happen behind the scenes.
-From Sami Harshaw

To Mike Szotek for his quick responses over the last few weeks as students have been joining my remote classroom to assist in getting them up and running!
-From Mary Foersterling

To Matt Shannon and Gizelle Wells--Your Wiki Buddies program is so awesome! It's very cool to see students interact with students in Mexico. Thank you for letting me share in that experience.
and
To Molly Goodsite--For giving her students a safe space to talk to be themselves. I was able to observe Molly and she and her students have such an open and honest respect for one another. The conversations and laughter in her class was awesome to witness!
-From Stephanie Kaye

Thank you Cheryl Schuck for helping me with math both remote and in person
-From Sherry Tietjen

Thank you to Samantha, Molly, and Renee for your help in my health classes! It is nice to have an extra set of eyes, ears, and hands!
-From Melissa Jakstas

To Erica Barraza, Cathy Jawnyj, Amanda Lorenz, Stephanie Kaye, and Mike Semesnta for helping with data slides for Tuesday's BOE meeting. 
and 
To PTA for the shirts for all of us. So kind!!! 
and
To Kim VanHoorelbeke and Natalie Molidor for leading the way on an awesome Virtual Family Reading Night. 
and
To everyone who gives 110% each day to our District. So many people give and do so much, and I truly appreciate you for all you do for kids, our families, and each other. As we head toward Thanksgiving, I could those of you who do so much as a true blessing. 
Heather




PTA Shirt Order

If you have not done so already, please add your name and size to this spreadsheet by Monday, November 30th to receive a D114 t-shirt from the PTA. This is for ALL staff members. You can also email your size to natalie.molidor@foxlake114.org. Thank you!



Maddie Out
Please remember that Maddie will be out starting 11/30 to welcome her baby girl! Mary will
handle payroll, and Becky Allard will come back 2 days per week to assist with all other tasks
that come through Maddie's office. 
Supply Money Reimbursement
If you chose to be reimbursed for supply money purchases, please get your receipts to Andrea DeMatteo BY 12/1/20!

Conferences

As we get ready for Parent Conferences, here are a few reminders/updates given our virtual context:


Conferences Fall 2020

Stanton--DONE!!!!

Lotus

November 5

*Stanton conferences 2:00PM-9:00PM

*All support staff work REGULAR hours


November 23

*Lotus conferences 1:00PM-8:00PM

*All support staff work REGULAR hours

*PreK follows Wednesday schedule

November 6

*Conferences 8:00AM-12:00PM

certified staff may “leave” at 12:00PM

*All support staff work REGULAR hours

November 24

*Conferences 8:00AM-12:00PM--

certified staff may “leave” at 12:00PM

*All support staff work REGULAR hours



A few notes:

*Conferences can be done onsite or remotely.

*Instructional support staff should partner with teachers to determine what needs/projects can be done during conference times. Please take home materials to do tasks if working remotely.

*All staff welcome to work onsite.

*Kitchen/Transportation teams follow schedules as assigned.


Questions? Please reach out. :)



COVID Updates

Updated dashboard data 11/22/20:

The dashboard with our most current data looks like this:




Lake County Health Department School Status Recommendation:
VIRTUAL

Coming On Site
While we do want to minimize staff onsite to protect those who HAVE to report to support the in-person students, I know that, for some people, coming in helps you keep your sanity and balance. To that end, I'm saying that if it's an option to work at home please do. If you're far more comfortable teaching from school, then you can do so but you MUST consistently demonstrate the 3W's and stick to your room as much as you can. ❤

Employee Assistance Program

Please remember that ALL employees are able to use the services in the EAP program. Any support is strictly confidential. These are DIFFICULT times, so please don't hesitate to reach out for help!!! please reach out to Maddie and she can confidentially guide you. 







Travel Guidelines

As you may know, the Lake Co Superintendents meet each week with the Lake County Health Department. We are all encouraged to STAY HOME and stay within our "bubbles" for Thanksgiving.  
*No matter where you are, strictly follow the 3 W's:
  • Wear a mask
  • Wash your hands...A LOT
  • Watch your space---stay 6 ft apart
*Continue to use our self-certification protocol daily upon your return. 
*Notify your principal and me of any COVID contacts or new symptoms immediately. 

All this means that--as of today--we will NOT have to ask you to quarantine if you travel out of state BUT within the US. However, please CAREFULLY consider out of state travel and, as or more importantly, be sure you are following safety precautions no matter where you are!!!! 


REPEAT REMINDERS...

Wednesday Calendar

I'm sharing the Wednesday CTT calendar with you here. It's a work in progress, but you can check back in to see how times are added. Please note that there will almost always be a mini-lesson and then time for your teams to work.




Coaching Corner

Updated New Two-Minute Tip linked here! - how asking students to "slant their screen down" can work wonders for accountability! (courtesy of Erica B.)

Stanton Lunch & Learns will start up again after Thanksgiving Break!

  • The PBIS Store will be open on Tuesday, November 24 during Community Building. However, please inform students they will not receive their items until the following week! 
  • Please remember to take the Staff Survey for the first PBIS Celebration on 12/18 (schedule to come...)
  • Staff PBIS Goals: Primary staff are the teachers who have classes throughout the day. Secondary staff are the paraprofessionals, related services, etc. 




  • Flowchart of PBIS Rewards Redemption (attached) This is also located in the Virtual Toolbox, under the SEL tab.


Here is a graph of points given per grade for the week of 11/16/20-11/20/20 (as of 11/20/20 1:40pm)




COVID-19 SAFETY PROCEDURES


EFFECTIVE 10/26/20

Safety Protocols

*If you have any COVID-10 like symptoms at all or are not feeling well, please DO NOT come onsite. 


If coming onsite:

*You must continue to self-certify using Skyward.

*All staff must enter through the main entrance at each site.

*You must sign in using the sign in sheet, mark that you self-certified, and take and record your temperature. IF YOU HAVE A FEVER ABOVE 100.4 YOU ARE ASKED TO LEAVE IMMEDIATELY AND REACH OUT TO YOUR PRINCIPAL AND HEATHER.

*Once Sharon/Marc are onsite, they will review the sign in sheet and cross check with the self-certification report. If anyone is NOT cleared or did NOT self-certify, they will meet with them to ensure they are safe to be onsite. If not, they'll refer that employee to Heather. 

*If you arrive after Sharon/Marc are onsite, please will report to the Health Office to check in so we know you have self-certified. Your temperature will also be taken and recorded. Employees will know to do this because, when Sharon/Marc arrive, they will pick up the sign in log and put out a sign that says "Please come to the Health Office to check in". 

 


When you come onsite, you can work in your classroom/workspace.  Please feel free to use it as your own. I'd just ask that you work in that space as much as possible and not travel out much. You can,  of course you can use the bathroom, lounge, copiers, etc. as needed. Please do not congregate in the hallways or in other spaces. We simply want to keep you safe.

 

If you are alone in your workspace and the door is closed, you may remove your mask. If anyone enters that space, everyone in the space MUST wear a mask and stay 6 ft apart at all times. 

 

When you DO leave your room, I'd ask that you strictly follow the 4 W's to help keep yourself and others around you safe:

1. Wash your hands.

2. Wear your mask.

3. Watch your space.

4. Wait your turn.


If you are concerned that you have COVID-19 or have been exposed to COVID-19 and have been

or are scheduled to be onsite, please let your principal, Maddie Espinoza, and/or me know

immediately so we can partner with you for your safety and for the safety of others.

You can trust that we will keep all this information confidential, balancing staff privacy and system

safety needs. 


All staff MUST wear masks AT ALL TIMES

when onsite and in public spaces. 

If you are working in an office/classroom

with the door closed, you may remove your

mask. It must be worn when anyone enters

that space with you. 



Shop for IEA Gear
The shop is open now through November 30th. Shop HERE.

Region 49 Election
Thank you to Cathy Jawnyj for organizing the mail in voting for the Region 49 election! If you requested a mail in ballot, please return it asap as it must reach the Region office by December 2nd in order to be counted.

Unemployment Fraud, Insurance Fraud, & Identity Theft on the Rise
The IEA is cautioning members that reports of unemployment and insurance fraud, and identity theft are on the rise.  If you or someone you know is a victim, you must either contact the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) by phone at (800) 814-0513 OR use the contact form to promptly report it. Using both methods of reporting may cause delays in reviewing your case. Get more information at: Reporting Unemployment Insurance Fraud

Book Study for 8 Professional Development Hours
Applying Learning Science in the Remote Classroom
January 4 - March 1: The book study is asynchronous so you can complete the work on your own schedule to earn the 8 CPDUs. No cost for IEA members!


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

Michelle Serini, Stanton School Representative

Tiffany Tardio Weber, Lotus School Representative









FUN OPPORTUNITIES SIGN UP!
Don't forget to RSVP to Jill Becmer to join in any of the fun opportunities to relax and 
take care of YOU! 




TREAT YO SELF TO SELF CARE

I'm going to use the book 180 Days of Self-Care for Busy Educators by my friend Tina Boogren to

share weekly nuggets of self-care ideas

for all of us.


Week 14: Inspiration

Seek inspiration even in the most mundane days. When we feel inspired, we feel full of possibility

and hope. We feel motivated and propelled to act.


This week's invitation: Inspire yourself!

*Change your environment--try a new store, website, or app this week.

*Try a brand new recipe for Thanksgiving.

*Learn something new--Ten words in another language? Some astronomy? How to juggle?

*Create a vision board!

*Try a new art form or listen to a new type of music. 

*Keep an inspiration notebook. 

*Follow 10 people on social media who inspire you. 

*Read/listen to an autobiography of someone who inspires you. (Try Wolfpack by Abby Wambach if you're looking for an idea--H.F.)

*Watch an inspiring TED talk or movie. 



 2020-21 Wednesday CTT Planning Calendar

SEL COMMITTEE HUB

D114 Virtual Toolbox

PreK-8 Flash Back Standards

Exploratories Flash Back Standards

Case Manager Flash Back Reflections

D114 Family Update

Classroom Management Links


MTSS Ongoing Q and A


D114 Curriculum Resources


Link to D114 Business Office Share Folder

*check here for documents most frequently used/requested

Please let Heather know of suggestions for any documents to add to this

folder!


Work Order Request


Technology Support Request


Blue Cross Blue Shield:

www.bcbsil.com




Image result for mark your calendar


November 23 and 24--Lotus Conferences

November 25-27-School Closed for Thanksgiving Break

             

ONE TEAM...ALL IN...ALWAYS!


Heather