Monday Morning Memo: May 2022

Sunday, May 22, 2022

Monday Morning Memo 5/23/22---THE LAST ONE FOR 21-22!

Thank you to Katie, Trina, Katy, Lisa, Cassie, Maddie, Dan, and Makaila for allowing Rachelle, Stephanie Roberts from Ready, and myself into your classrooms on Monday. It was amazing to see all that you're doing with Ready Math!

-From Stephanie Kaye

Eli Panchi and the Grant Township BPAC Board for a wonderful event on May 13th.

and

Bryan Bailey for riding the bus to provide additional adult support.

and

Renee Kanari for filling in for Kendra while she begins her leave.

and

Samantha Maentanis/Ana Smith for filling in for Jamie while he’s on leave.

and

Oner, David, Dani, and Bryan for a great track season.

and

Andrea DeMatteo for coordinating transportation for all of our students.

and

Hallie and Bob for always getting our coaches and athletes to their extracurricular activities.

and

All of our bus drivers that are getting our students safely to and from school and taking on additional routes when we need the extra support.

and

Karen Brnot for running the very successful Fox Closet.

and

Erica Barraza and Stephanie Kaye for organizing the 4th graders coming to Stanton and for presenting to the Board of Education. Thank you Stephanie for all the behind the scenes work with Amplify and putting together all the materials and professional development we need for it.

and

Jill Becmer for planning all of the end of the year 8th grade festivities and Michele Burgess for entering data, updating attendance reports, and tracking tardy data.

-From Jeff Sefcik and Rachelle Peters

Erica Barraza and Jeff Sefcik for leading “Be You”.

and

Thank you to Erin Connolly Jordt and Emily Armbrecht for performing with their choir at the Lakefront Building on Saturday for the community. They did such a great job representing our schools!--

Rachelle Peters

Georgette and Lunch Crew: Thanks for all your prep and helping make lunch on Field Day a smooth transition. We appreciate you everyday.

and

A big thanks to Don and Russ for helping in the library.

and

To Cheryl, Misty, Deb, Christine and Brittany: greatly appreciated all your sorting of the PBIS grade level prizes this year to the students every week.

and

Victoria, thanks for all your assistance, keeping me on the ball, and sharing of your space.

and

A gigantic KUDOS to Amazing Amber for all her dedication and help planning Field Day Stations. It was a pleasure working with you.

-From Kim VanHoorelbeke

Kudos to Miss CJ for stepping in to help us make breakfast when we were short handed and always a huge help during lunch every day. You are loved & appreciated!!

-From the Lotus Lunch Ladies

Kudos to Sonia, Yesenia & Hilda for the best year of work I’ve ever had! What an amazing team we all make.

-From Penny

Sending kudos to everyone who helped organize and facilitate the 4th grade trip to Stanton! The fifth-grade students did a phenomenal job presenting their adaptation projects. Did you know that the smallest penguin in the world is called the Fairy Penguin?! The fourth-graders were very convincing while sharing all the reasons to visit the state they researched and even created brochures! Thank you, Stanton, for being so welcoming and easing some of the anxiety our 4th graders have been feeling. It's not easy to leave what you've known for so many years but they feel better knowing they are in good hands at Stanton

-From Stephanie & Erica

Could I please give a shot out to Andrea for all the hard work she does with the transportation department. Without her we would be lost. She keeps us a track each week!!

-From Karen Simon

A special thanks to Kim Leable for all her support this year. Kim, I appreciate your willingness to jump right in and lend an extra set of hands whenever possible. Your enthusiasm and love for each of the students shines bright.

and

Thanks to Joan Kantenwein for always taking the time to brainstorm with me as to the ways in which I might help my struggling readers. I appreciate your expertise and your tireless efforts to help students feel successful and to gain a love reading.

and

Lisa and Amber thanks for handing out PE passes--the students absolutely love being able to have some extra time in PE.

and

Thanks to Deb Marineau for getting my Kinders on the right track every morning by greeting them with a smile and kindness. Also, thanks for reading and practicing power words with our little learners---this extra attention has really paid off in a big way! Your efforts have been most appreciated!

-From Nicole Mild

THANK YOU to the Food Service team for preparing and serving 109,946 meals to our students! This makes such a huge difference for them and for their families!

and

Thank you to Erin Connolly Jordt and Emily Armbrecht for bringing our choirs to the Mayor's Lasagna Lunch!
and

Thank you to the Administrative Team. I have no idea how I would do my job without you. You make me better every day.

and

To the entire D114 family. I couldn't and wouldn't do this anywhere else. You are family, and I'm so proud to work with you.

and

THANK YOU FOR ALL THE KUDOS THIS YEAR! I know they made my heart smile, and I'm guessing everyone who got a kudo smiled, too!

-From Heather

END OF YEAR and Help Needed!! (repeat info from Sunday email)

As we head closer to the end of the year, I wanted to clarify expectations and make a request...

LOTUS

The last day of school is a FULL WORK DAY, but an early release for students. Please use the time to complete all check out processes. If you are unable to check out on 5/27, please turn in your check out sheet when you are finished.

STANTON

The last day of school is a FULL WORK DAY, but an early release for students. Please use the time to complete all check out processes. If you are unable to check out on 5/27--including all room moves needed for the HVAC project-- then you are asked to report on 5/31 to complete the work. All spaces MUST be ready by the end of the day 5/31. If you need to come in to finish on 5/31, you can complete a timesheet for up to 6 hours of time. Since construction starts on 6/2, you will be unable to access the building until further notice.

EVERYONE...

On 5/31 and 6/1, we will need a moving crew similar to what we used for the furniture installation to make sure we are ready for HVAC construction to begin on 6/2.

Time: 7:00AM-appx 2:00 PM

Our fabulous custodial crew will be onsite at Stanton, but if you're willing to be part of this effort, we will pay $15/hour to those who are willing to help make the plan happen. Please note that, if you are a Stanton staff member working on your room, you have to complete a different timesheet for your personal room clean out and helping with HVAC prep for the building.

Let me know if you are interested!

Supply Money (repeat info from Friday email)

The form to indicate how you'd like to get your supply money for next year is shared here. Please make your selection, and we'll take it from there! :)

Please note that you need to make your selection by MAY 27. If you do not select by then, we'll automatically set you up with online ordering using Amazon.

Thanks--please let Andrea or me know if you have questions!

Insurance Open Enrollment--Updated Date

Our annual open enrollment for the 2022-23 school year will begin on May 2, 2022 and run through May 27, 2022. Benefits will be effective September 1, 2022 through August 31, 2023. All open enrollment changes/updates will be handled electronically. Employees returning for the 2022-23 school year MUST complete the enrollment process online, even if coverage will be waived.

During open enrollment you can enroll, waive coverage, add family members or make necessary changes. It's also a great time to review beneficiary, address and other personal information for accuracy. Note: You must re-enroll into your Flexible Spending Plan, if you would like to continue the plan.

Dental/Vision Coverage:

Employees are no longer required to have Dental/Vision Insurance through the district. If you do not use our Dental and/or Vision insurance plan, feel free to waive coverage.

Please reach out to Maddie Mercado with any questions or concerns

Coursework Pre-Approval

Please remember that all coursework for reimbursement and/or lane changes must be pre-approved by me. If you are requesting reimbursement for a course, this approval MUST happen before July 1 for budgeting purposes. Please see the Business Office Share File for the forms you need, and reach out to Maddie with any questions.

Current Local COVID Data
Current D114 Daily Data

5/20/22
CDC thresholds and local data for Lake County
Indicator
Low Transmission
Moderate Transmission
Substantial Transmission
High Transmission
Current Status

Incidence Rate:
Total new cases per 100K persons in the last 7 days
0-9
10-49
50-99
100 or greater
424.53
7 Day Average Test Positivity Rate
Less than 5%
5.0%-7.9%
8.0%-9.9%
Greater than 10%
9.71

D114 Local Zip Codes Data from Northwestern University COVID Dashboard--ALL DATA INCLUDES ACTUAL AND PROBABLE CASES!
Indicator
Low Transmission
Moderate Transmission
Substantial Transmission
High Transmission
Current Status

Incidence Rate:
Total new cases per 100K persons in the last 7 days
0-9
10-49
50-99
100 or greater
365.4

7 Day Average Test Positivity Rate
Less than 5%
5.0%-7.9%
8.0%-9.9%
Greater than 10%
No data found

Oh my goodness, look at all that growth!!! What a fabulous way to end the school year!

District

Stanton

Lotus

Thank you all so much for providing feedback in our end of the year

surveys! We have requests to move Coaching Corner to a different

platform and great ideas on what to incorporate. Stay tuned for changes

coming next school year!

VIDEO

We are sending you into this final week with a collection of student

responses to the question, “What would life be like without teachers?”

Remember that your impact is lifelong and for some, has been life

changing. Your love, light, dedication, and compassion have made all

the difference in a year that felt really, really hard. Take time this summer

to celebrate, reflect, laugh, rest, heal and do what makes you happy!

“A life without teachers would be meaningless to me because teachers

have crafted me into the person I am today.”

It is the last week of school! We hope that everyone takes time to celebrate all of your accomplishments this year, which has been a tough one! We are so proud to work with and represent an amazing staff.

Our EAFL board is looking for two new members! If you are interested in serving on the Union board, please reach out to Maureen, Oner, Cathy, Katy, Amber or Cheryl. We would love two members to add to this great team!

Thank you to Stephanie Kaye, Sarah Syverud, Victoria Alper and Victoria Corrado for organizing a wonderful end of the year event for our staff! A wonderful time was had by those attending!

Keep an eye on the Facebook page and your email for any Union updates!

And…enjoy your summer!!

Lotus

Field day is this Thursday! Students will be receiving a prize at the Carnival Station. (just a heads up, they will all be receiving a Pokemon Card)

*Thanks to all the staff for making this a successful and positive school year for the students*

May 26--8th grade promotion ceremony at Grant High School

May 27--LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!!!! Early Release schedule!

June 9--Amplify (new 6-8 ELA resource) training

Shared folder of resources

COVID Data Hub

Daily D114 COVID Data

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!

2021-22 Early Release/Professional Development Planning Calendar

2021-22 D114 Calendar

D114 Curriculum Resources

Second Step Pacing Guide

D114 Family Update

Work Order Request

Technology Support Request

5 days left for K-7 teachers (and 4 for 8th grade teachers). Let's make each day MAGIC!

Heather

Sunday, May 15, 2022

Monday Morning Memo 5/16/22

I wanted to send a big Kudos to Cathy Jawnyj who was able to take a small group of students for MAPS testing so that they could still test today with a teacher out:)

It was so appreciated <3

~From Vicki Alper

Erin Donovan and Reading Recovery Team, Joan Kantenwein, Ellen Stirrat and Joe Fernandez- Thank you for helping us out this week with staffing. I know it is not easy to change your schedule and routine, but you all did such an amazing job fitting right in with the staff and students. Your help is much appreciated!

Gayle McManamon- I absolutely loved being in your Kindergarten weaving class. The students' attention to detail at such a young age was astounding!

-From Natalie Udstuen

Thank you to Lynn for taking time at the end of a day to verify information needed for a meeting.

And

Thank you to all who helped with testing: Brittany Luther for all of her flexibility in taking small groups; Ellie Seyfert for giving support to a student when needed; and Amanda Lorenz for being accommodating in sharing her room for students to test.

-From Mary Santi

I'd like to give a shoutout to Rachelle for always being available when I have 10,000 questions and for all their support and patience with the new ELA curriculum resource adoption.

and

Kudos to everyone working on organizing the 4th grade visit to Stanton to meet the 5th grade, ILP, and see the building!

and

To the 6th Grade team and Exploratory team for helping out with the Mayor's visit; thank you for making it a success!

and

Kudos to everyone working on all the behind-the-scenes logistics for Summer LEAPS!

-From Stephanie Kaye

Please send me KUDOS to give shout outs to colleagues! I LOVE to put them in the Monday Memo! 🎉

Coursework Pre-Approval

Summer Curriculum Work

Hello!!! Just reminding you that it's that time of year...when I ask for your ideas and proposals for summer curriculum work! THANK YOU to the teams who have already sent in ideas! WOW....amazing!!!!!

Here's WHAT:

Summer Curriculum Writing:

What do YOU want to work on this summer?

Example Projects:

*Using Flash Back (will be created during upcoming CTT time) to plan to Flash Forward for next year

*MTSS Planning

*Fencepost work, including 3-2-1 unit designs and 15 day challenge plans

*Planning for pilot projects

*Stuff YOU want to work on!

Here's How:

Email Heather:

Name(s)
Purpose of the work/intended outcomes
Proposed number of hours
Proposed schedule and plan for work

Notes:

Work must be completed onsite.

Artifacts of the work must be shared with Heather.

Timesheets must be completed, and pay rate is $34 per hour.

Looking forward to seeing your great ideas! Please send any questions my way!

Medicaid Billing

For all staff who complete Medicaid billing, I cannot stress enough how important it is that you complete all documentation before you leave for summer. The funds generated are directly allocated for special education supplies and materials, so your attention to this equals fund that benefit our students and staff.

Insurance Open Enrollment

Our annual open enrollment for the 2022-23 school year will begin on May 2, 2022 and run through May 20, 2022. Benefits will be effective September 1, 2022 through August 31, 2023. All open enrollment changes/updates will be handled electronically. Employees returning for the 2022-23 school year MUST complete the enrollment process online, even if coverage will be waived.

Dental/Vision Coverage:

Employees are no longer required to have Dental/Vision Insurance through the district. If you do not use our Dental and/or Vision insurance plan, feel free to waive coverage.

Please reach out to Maddie Mercado with any questions or concerns.

Summer School 2022!

WE STILL NEED PARAPROFESSIONALS!!!!!!

Pay rates:

Certified staff--$52/hour (this pay rate uses the end of our ESSR funds, and the rate is higher than other elementary districts in our area)

Support staff--hourly rate + $75 weekly bonus for each week with perfect attendance

Dates for Programs

At Lotus due to Stanton HVAC construction

Mondays-Thursdays, 8:00-11:00AM (7:00AM-8:00AM OR 11:00AM-12:00PM paid plan time for classroom teachers)

Current K-7 students:

6 Weeks:

June 6

June 13

June 20

June 27

July 11

July 18

PreK Plans

2 week Preschool Camp-any current prek students invited

June 6th-9th, June 13th-16th

4 week Transition Program for Kinder-only Kinder age (invite new Kinders from registration if room)

July 11th- Aug 5th (new dates)

COVID is still real, everyone! We have multiple staff out with COVID right now. Please remember to:

1. Keep your distance.

2. Stay home when you are sick.

3. Wear a mask if symptomatic or returning from illness.

4. Wash your hands regularly.

Current Local COVID Data
Current D114 Daily Data

5/13/22
CDC thresholds and local data for Lake County
Indicator
Low Transmission
Moderate Transmission
Substantial Transmission
High Transmission
Current Status

Incidence Rate:
Total new cases per 100K persons in the last 7 days
0-9
10-49
50-99
100 or greater
398.4
7 Day Average Test Positivity Rate
Less than 5%
5.0%-7.9%
8.0%-9.9%
Greater than 10%
20.13

D114 Local Zip Codes Data from Northwestern University COVID Dashboard--ALL DATA INCLUDES ACTUAL AND PROBABLE CASES!
Indicator
Low Transmission
Moderate Transmission
Substantial Transmission
High Transmission
Current Status

Incidence Rate:
Total new cases per 100K persons in the last 7 days
0-9
10-49
50-99
100 or greater
305.6

7 Day Average Test Positivity Rate
Less than 5%
5.0%-7.9%
8.0%-9.9%
Greater than 10%
No data found–will monitor

Thank you to Erica and Stephanie for creating this content each week! THANK YOU for making us all better at our work!

iReady Data: no numbers this week due to the final diagnostic taking place.

Want to see some of the AMAZING updates coming to iReady next year? Get ready - there are many great things coming!!! Check it out here.

-Formative Assessment (updated bi-weekly)

VIDEO

-Relationships Matter:

Check out this opinion writing piece that could be a beautiful addition to your end of the year projects! There are a variety of grade level versions linked within so there is something for everyone. Make a copy and enjoy!

The Best Part of Me Slides

-Community Builder:

Mobile Math:

-Divide the class in half to review

math problems.

-The students can stand at their

desks (paper and pencil on desk).

-Call out a math problem such as

4+5=.

-One half of the class jumps 4 times

& the other half jumps five times.

-Each student writes down answer

on paper.

-Continue with other math problems.

-Vary movements.

-Silly Cheer/Sport:

EAFL Spirit Day

Don't forget to join us in celebrating EAFL spirit day on Tuesday, May 17. Wear your EAFL shirt and then join us at the school board meeting on Tuesday evening at 7:00.

TRS Illinois: What do you know about TRS?

Created by the Illinois General Assembly in 1939, TRS has grown to be one of the largest teachers’ retirement systems in the United States with more than 427,000 active members, annuitants, and benefit recipients

They provide retirement benefits for teachers who are employed by all Illinois public common and charter school districts located outside the city of Chicago. The Illinois Pension Code contains the laws relating to our creation, benefits, and administration.

If you would like to learn more make sure to check out their website or contact Steve Podgorski to help you navigate through this resource and benefit. TRS Illinois Information

Lotus

End of year dates!

May 18, - last day to purchase in the PBIS Store.

May 20th, - winners announced for 3rd Trimester Raffle 6 winners of the Pokemon Bundle.

May 20th, - Staff winners & classroom monthly winners announced

MAY 26 - FIELD DAY

May 17--Board of Education meeting at Lotus at 7:00 PM or on Meet

May 20--End of Year Celebration