Sunday, September 25, 2022

Monday Morning Memo 9/26/22

  




The second grade team would like to make a shout out to Misty. You are truly a blessing to us all. Thank you for being so flexible, taking care of all the little things and being a partner in all that we do! You are AMAZING!

Kudos to Sonia Miller for ALWAYS going above and beyond for the kids and staff. From washing out a kids backpack to just giving a hug to a child that’s having a bad day. You do it all with a smile on your face. I’m so lucky to get to work with you. 
-From Penny Brown (Lotus Kitchen Staff)

Thank you to Misty Madula and Christine Spittler for their support in 2nd and 3rd grade respectively. They both give it their all each and every day. Misty's enthusiasm with the students is genuine. Christine strives to make positive connections with kids. Both are conscientious and instinctively know what needs to be done. 
and
Thanks to Joe Fernandez and Russ Xhemaili for each helping a student. You each went out of your way to accommodate when it was needed.
and
Thank you to Kim Rauchfuss, who did a wonderful job leading a meeting. You showed diligence by your explanations and attention to detail.  
From Mary Santi (Second and Third grade Case Manager)

Victoria Miller, thank you for stepping in to help 2 Kindergarten classes out with keyboarding so they fit into their schedule purposeful play on Wednesdays.  We appreciate all  you do.   
and
A shout out to Don, Russ & Kent for helping in the the transition of the library renovation from end of last school year until now.  Lots of side jobs and shuffling but it helped knowing we could count on you.  :)
and
Thanks Ellie for ALL you do!!!   it's always with patience and a smile.  
-From Kim VanHoorelbeke (Library at Lotus)

Thanks for your skilled response to my SOS! Our team worked swiftly and effectively to remedy the situation.  Shout out to Deb Marienau, Sue Pinkawa, Paula K, Nicole Brinkman, and Gayle McManamon who came to my rescue and helped me talk through my de-escalation! And Ryan Lilla who is always adjusting things to work better.  Thanks and Peace 
And Heather, I really was thankful and impressed by the way our team handled this.  I was running out the door after Christian and Nicole and Sue with the walkie talkie were by my side under a minute.  It took a skilled team to handle this situation, and we have one!
-From Chris Brown (Lotus Paraprofessional)

To Michele B. for helping organize all of the Amplify materials, labeling books for students, and delivering them to the teachers. I do not know when I would have gotten to it, so your help with this is appreciated more than you know!!!! 
-From Stephanie Kaye (Stanton Instructional Coach)


To my D114 colleagues. I LOVE coming to work each day, and it's because of the kids and YOU! Thank you for making each day bright!
and 
To everyone who contributed for "Likes for Ike"...

-From Heather (Your very grateful and blessed Superintendent)

Please send me your kudos for colleagues each week! I'll happily post them in this section!




Here's a link to all the ideas gathered for the HOW and WHY of the Friz 5...I'll keep adding as great ideas come forward. 


Because CLEAR IS KIND, here's some info the Administrative Team would like you to know about classroom walk-throughs:
*We'll be looking for the Friz 5 in action. We don't expect to see all 5 and know that we will see different elements depending on when we come in the room.
*We will stay a maximum of 15 minutes (unless something amazing is happening and you want us to stay or to help!). 
*We all have our way of giving feedback. I use a hand print that's a note (and can stick to anything you like!), but each of us has our own style that we're comfortable with. 
*If you EVER have any questions or suggestions for any of us, please reach out! 




Thanks to everyone who is making sure to do the Personal Greeting at the door. If you watched the Friday with Friz video, you know it's making a positive impact on kids!




WELLNESS SCREENINGS!
It's time for our annual Wellness Screening Event through NIHIP!

Empower Health Services will be at Lotus on Friday, October 14, 2022 from 6:30am - 10:30am. The event is available to ALL staff.

The wellness screenings will consist of three components:
  1. The Screening package (see attached for more information)
  2. Seasonal Flu Shot
  3. Additional Test Options
Screening package and Flu Shots are available at NO COST to employees and spouses on any district health plan. 

Additional test options are available and covered for all BCBS PPO members and on a self-pay basis for all BCBS HMO members. 

Employees and spouses not on the district's insurance plan can also participate on a self-pay basis. 

For those only interested in the Seasonal Flu Shot, you must register online and select the "Flu Only" option when creating an appointment . Flu Shots will only be provided to those with an appointment.

Registration is now open! Please follow these steps to sign up:
  • Visit the Empower Health website by clicking here
  • All participants must create a new account
  • Complete "New User" fields and enter
    client code: foxlakedist114EHS
Flyers will be posted in the lounge at each building.

Please reach out to Maddie Mercado if you have any questions or concerns.

WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO HOLD THESE AT STANTON NEXT YEAR!!!!







I love Brene Brown, and this week she posted a quick 20ish minute podcast that absolutely said it all. If you like her and/or are looking for an "I needed that!" blast, check out the podcast!





Thanks to everyone for your feedback! Erica and Stephanie are sending out Lotus- and Stanton-specific supports, but I'll also post the link to a folder containing them all here so they are easy to find, everyone can see everything, and you're reminded to check them out! 






Thank you to everyone who attended the Fall Articulation Meeting. It was wonderful to get to see everyone. If you were unable to join us, please feel free to check out the agenda and to ask any board member if you have any questions or are looking for updates. 

Don't forget to check out https://ieanea.org for discounts and other offers available to union members.

Also, if you are interested in meeting with Steve Podgorski, look for a google form sign up to be sent out this week. These will be virtual meeting and will take place on 10/25 and 10/26 at your convenience.  The service is completely free and not required.

Have a wonderful week and thank you to all of you for all of your hard work and dedication to the kids of D114.







October 6--Day of Service--details coming soon!

October 7--Institute Day--Plans coming later this week!

October 10--No School--Columbus Day

October 11--Board of Education Meeting

October 14--NIHIP Wellness Screenings!








PBIS World--This site is awesome for identifying strategies to use to support challenging behaviors! 


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!


D114 Family Update

Work Order Request


Technology Support Request





Ohhhhhhh...I love this one! Hope you do, too! 
-Heather 💗

Sunday, September 18, 2022

Monday Morning Memo 9/19/22

 




I wanted to say thank you to Lisa Shannon for always helping me and collaborating with me about our caseloads.
And thank you to the 8th grade team for being so welcoming and helpful!
-From Maddie Hansen (7th and 8th grade Case Manager)

Thank you First grade and Kinder teams for being amazing and accepting me. I am so lucky to be a part of both your teams. 
and
Thank you Nicole Mild for being you. You are amazing.
and
Thank you Lynn Smolen for problem solving with me on a student that has complex needs; I really appreciate your time and help.
and
Thank you Cheryl Schuck for being my teammate this year. I could not do what I do without you. I am so grateful for you. Your compassion and dedication to ALL students is amazing: I consider you a role model, and I look up to you.
-From Cathy Jawnyj (K and 1st grade Case Manager)


Our PBIS Core Team for all they do for our kids...they are planning what looks to be a great field trip opportunity...more to come!!
and
Our Guiding Coalition for continuously leading!!
-From Jeff Sefcik

Many thanks to staff new and old who make Fox Lake #114 wonderful to work in! I’ve worked in more than two dozen schools in my 23 years as an OT and Lotus and Stanton top as the friendliest. I SO appreciate that and have many wonderful hallway moments with staff. Thank you!
and
Because specificity is often where the jam is:

* Thank you to Sue, Paula, and Sharon, Michele, Jill, and Lora for your greetings and your help on many occasions
and
* A huge thank you for your many skills and willingness to help with a variety of requests goes out to Don, Eddie, Kent, Norm, Russ, and Tim! You’re all so good at what you do. 
and
* To Matt, Natalie, Jeff, Rachelle, and Lynn for your leadership and direction as we all day-to-day strive to help all our learners learn! 
and
* Erin, you are rocking PreK! So much joy was on display from ear-to-ear as a young three-year-old played with playdoh and later ate their lunch. Melanie, Deb, and others have a huge had in there and are so invested.
and
* Chris Francke, you are a classroom whisperer! What good you do!!! Same goes for you, Colleen!!
and
* Ryan and Chris, your dude ranch is dynamite! And you two are a dynamic duo!! 
and
* Sherry, thank you so much for collaborating with me on our weekly groups from gingerbread Oreos to apple stamped art to a no longer living cicada in a Tiffany like box. That was some jump scare three of us had when your student felt its tree grabber hook on its leg :)
and
* To Stephanie Silverman, Cathy Jawny, Kim Raufuss, Mary Santi, Cortnee Snell, Michelle Magness, Fiona Wisniewski, Alana Carlson, Karen Lobodinski, Molly Monk, Ellie Seyfert, Nicole Brinkmanship, Meghan Reimers, Erin Donovan, Kim Mack, Ryan Lilla, Lisa Shannon, Ryan Hochman, Tim Powers, Maddie Hansen, and Jill Reychek for being such wonderful special education co-workers! And too all our amazing paras, we couldn’t do what we do without you. You are masters at knowing when to step in as well as to step out. 
and
* Mike and Brittany, thanks for all your help gathering materials and seeing to your students’ success.
and
* Jaclyn, Leah, and Betty, you are so responsive and provide the “just right” amount of support to students. 
and
* To all the amazing cafeteria staff, you fuel our learners with healthy offerings and are such smile spreaders…who wouldn’t love a smiley face on a salad container?!
and
* Oner, you bring calm optimism to learners at an age in need of that.
Each and every one of you makes both schools such a positive place to be. Many, many thanks!!!
-From Lisa Werner (Occupational Therapist)

Thank you Nicole Brinkman for stopping and helping me with a student until admin came to assist. 
and
Thank you third grade team for always including me with any meetings, groups or outings. 😊
and
Thank you Fiona for working with me on core boards and providing other visual ideas for my classroom. In addition, thinking of me for a workshop that may better me as an educator. 
and
Thank you Matt and Natalie for working to make the best situation happen for everyone and having my back. 
and
Thank you to my specials/pe team for making me feel loved on my birthday! *3rd grade you too!! 
-From Victoria Miller (STEM at Lotus)

Thank you to the Georgette, Penny, Sonia, Yesenia, and Hilda. You never fail to brighten my day when I need it most. Whether it’s a bright smile, or accommodating the needs of our picky preschoolers; I appreciate it!
and
 Erin, Melanie, and Deb- thank you for warming my heart every time I come into your room. I sometimes leave feeling frustrated, but I never leave feeling unappreciated.
and
Way to go Chris Francke. You have stepped into an incredibly hard role and are doing an amazing job. I know that every student in your class (and many others) feel genuinely loved and cared for.
and
Thank you to Matt and Natalie. I appreciate all the times you swapped out or tag teamed with me in crisis last week!
and
Thank you to Alana, Fiona, Kim, Nicole, and Molly for helping me in small ways and big ways. most importantly, making sure I don’t eat alone.
and
Shout out to Sherry, Mike, and Brittney. Thank you for all the hard work you have put into getting your classroom running smoothly. I appreciate  you implementing my ideas even when they led to more work. 
and
KUDOS to Everyone at Lotus. I’m so grateful to work with such amazing people. I have never felt more cared for, appreciated, and respected. 💕
-From Ellie Seyfert (Social Worker at Lotus)

Kudos to Norm & Don for helping continuously fix and do things with our offices downstairs! 
-From Stephanie Kaye, Kim Mack, and Meghan Reimers

To Kendra Logar for being a true class act in a sticky parent situation.
and
To EVERYONE for all you did for Curriculum Nights!!! GREAT WORK!
and
To the Stanton staff for MAJOR improvements in Office Discipline Referrals. In the first 3 weeks of last year, there were 20 ODRs and this year there have only been 8!!!! This takes effort from everyone, and it's so exciting to see!! Can't wait to see how many kids are eligible to go on the PBIS reward trip to Richardson's!!!!
-From Heather (Lucky Superintendent) 



Please send me your kudos for colleagues each week! I'll happily post them in this section!




Here's a link to all the ideas gathered for the HOW and WHY of the Friz 5...I'll keep adding as great ideas come forward. 


Because CLEAR IS KIND, here's some info the Administrative Team would like you to know about classroom walk-throughs:
*We'll be looking for the Friz 5 in action. We don't expect to see all 5 and know that we will see different elements depending on when we come in the room.
*We will stay a maximum of 15 minutes (unless something amazing is happening and you want us to stay or to help!). 
*We all have our way of giving feedback. I use a hand print that's a note (and can stick to anything you like!), but each of us has our own style that we're comfortable with. 
*If you EVER have any questions or suggestions for any of us, please reach out! 


THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU ARE DOING TO BRING THE FRIZ 5 TO LIFE!!!!  

I also love and appreciate how we are all putting focus into goal setting with kids as a clear target for them as they take MAP and iReady!

Hattie's research on this indicates that this has the potential for HUGE impact on student learning:





WELLNESS SCREENINGS!
It's time for our annual Wellness Screening Event through NIHIP!

Empower Health Services will be at Lotus on Friday, October 14, 2022 from 6:30am - 10:30am. The event is available to ALL staff.

The wellness screenings will consist of three components:
  1. The Screening package (see attached for more information)
  2. Seasonal Flu Shot
  3. Additional Test Options
Screening package and Flu Shots are available at NO COST to employees and spouses on any district health plan. 

Additional test options are available and covered for all BCBS PPO members and on a self-pay basis for all BCBS HMO members. 

Employees and spouses not on the district's insurance plan can also participate on a self-pay basis. 

For those only interested in the Seasonal Flu Shot, you must register online and select the "Flu Only" option when creating an appointment . Flu Shots will only be provided to those with an appointment.

Registration is now open! Please follow these steps to sign up:
  • Visit the Empower Health website by clicking here
  • All participants must create a new account
  • Complete "New User" fields and enter
    client code: foxlakedist114EHS
Flyers will be posted in the lounge at each building.

Please reach out to Maddie Mercado if you have any questions or concerns.

WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO HOLD THESE AT STANTON NEXT YEAR!!!!


Board of Education Vacancy
I'm sad to let you know that the amazing Nannette Kiesgen has decided to step down from the Board of Education. Nannette gave so much time and energy to D114 in many roles but especially as a Board member. We'll formally accept her resignation at the September meeting then move forward with seeking a candidate. HOWEVER, if you know of a D114 resident who may be a good candidate, please let me know so I can informally reach out to them. Candidates must, on the date of their appointment, be citizens of the United States of America, 18 years of age or over, residents of the State of Illinois and the school district for at least one year immediately preceding their appointment, and registered voters.  Please reach out with any questions! 





I absolutely LOVE digging in on John Hattie's research related to impact of specific strategies/factors on student learning (mentioned above as related to the Friz 5 and goal setting). If you'd like to dig in on strategies to see their research based impact, here's a link to search pretty much ANYTHING to see what the impact has been found to be! 






Thanks to everyone for your feedback! Erica and Stephanie are sending out Lotus- and Stanton-specific supports, but I'll also post the link to a folder containing them all here so they are easy to find, everyone can see everything, and you're reminded to check them out! 






Please remember:
Union Articulation Meeting  
Wednesday, September 21
Time: 2:00
Place: Stanton Cafeteria

You will be receiving an agenda for the meeting Monday, September 19.  PLEASE remember, we want the students to be able to get out of the parking lot safely at dismissal, so you should arrive after 1:45 to avoid the dismissal crowd. Be very careful in the parking lot when you do arrive. 

As a union, we are given this time to meet together, so it is the expectation that this is where the union members are at this time on this date. It is a great time for us to get together, celebrate and learn a little bit of new information. If you have any questions, please ask one of the union board members.





September 20--Board of Education Meeting at Lotus at 7PM

October 6--Day of Service--details coming soon!

October 11--Board of Education Meeting

October 14--NIHIP Wellness Screenings!








PBIS World--NEW ADD! This site is awesome for identifying strategies to use to support challenging behaviors! Thank you to Nicole Brinkman for this share! 


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!


D114 Family Update

Work Order Request


Technology Support Request





I seriously love this. Seriously. 💓


Have a week full of inspiration! 

-Heather 💗

Sunday, September 11, 2022

Monday Memo 9/12/22

           




Thank you Mike Szotek for always being around and helping me with every tech thing that comes our way. Also for allowing PE to use a prometheian board and being able to implement technology in our lessons! We appreciate it very much! 
and
This is LONG overdue, but shoutout to Sonia for making the staff lounge look absolutely stunning! You put in so much hard work to make that special for the Lotus staff. You truly are one of a kind! I am so honored to work with you each and every day!
and
Maureen DeVoss, you go above and beyond for everyone. Thank you for always being there to help and support everyone. You truly resemble one team all in. 
and
SPED Team, thank you for sharing all of your information with the Specials and PE team! We appreciate everything you do and everything you gave us! 
-From Amber Mysliwiec (Physical Education teacher at Lotus)

A big thank you to grade level teams for taking the time to look closely at schedules so that students receiving additional supports have everything they need to be successful! It is not easy to revamp schedules in the 3rd week of school and uproot the work you've already put in. Your dedication does not go unnoticed.  Thank you to all service providers for taking the time to collaborate with every grade level about schedules and for your creativity and flexibility! This week I was reminded of how invested every single person is in ensuring our students get exactly what they need and more💙 It truly takes a village! #oneteamallin
-From Erica Barraza (Instructional Coach at Lotus)

BIG Thank You to Michelle Magness for sharing her schedule format with me!  I love it!
-From Kim Leable (EL teacher at Lotus)

The bus drivers would like to give a shout out to Jack Resnick for being an amazing Stanton crossing guard.
Thanks for all you do!!!!!!
-From all the Bus Drivers

To my new 6th grade teammates--thanks for the warm welcome!
and
To Stephanie Kaye for always jumping in with both feet whenever asked for assistance!
and
To Miss Jalove-Filippelli well, for ALL you do!
and
Of Course NORM!
and
To Jeff and Rachelle for setting an incredible building culture.
-From Rich Bressett (6th grade Social Studies teacher)

Thank you Stephanie Kaye for offering me the use of your office to meet with a student who needed  more quiet and privacy than my office was able to provide during their moment of need.........And thank you for your insights and suggestions for improving student engagement during Community Building!

and

Thank you Karen Brnot, Lemar Wilson, Sarah Groebe, Kim Husko, Laura Livesay, Kendra Smeigh, Leah Falster,  Veronica Kretz, Liz Andersen, and Mary Taylor for bringing your student concerns to my (and Meghan's) attention. Your compassion and attentiveness to their needs is greatly appreciated. 

and

Thank you Chris Carvell for taking the time to carry down the whiteboards to our offices and to Norm Fischer for installing them. We are so grateful to have them. We promise they will be well used!!! Thank you!!!

and

Thank you Michele Burgess for your time and effort in ordering our crisis stickers and getting them out to staff. And Thank you Jill Becmer for notifying parents that this information was shared. I am so grateful to know that our students have these invaluable resources if they should ever need it. 

and

Thank you Nicole Brinkman and Ellie Seyfert for taking the time to communicate with Meghan and I mutual concerns. 


Thank you Jeff Sefcik, Rachelle Peters, and Lynn Smolen for ALL your support in navigating a variety of challenges this week.


Thank you Meghan Reimers for EVERYTHING you have brought to the table!  I am sooooo grateful to have you by my side this year as we navigate the highs and lows of this amazing year!

-From Kim Mack (Social Worker at Stanton)


A huge thank you to both Stephanie Silverman and Lisa Werner for all of their hard work to support students.  I appreciate all of the time you have each spent in making certain that the needs of students are met.  Thanks, too, for connecting with all adults (teachers and parents) to make sure that everyone is on the same page.

-From Mary Santi (Special Education teacher at Lotus)

Thank you to Erica Barraza for coming in twice this week to allow the Preschool Team to have time for classroom peer observations AND for facilitating reflection time after school!  I am blessed to work with colleagues who value the amazing process of peer observations and who were ready and willing to participate in this process! Thank you to Ben Landmesser and Mary Foersterling for coming together and demonstrating that we truly are “one team, all in!”  I’m so proud of the work our team has been doing to best help our youngest learners! 💜
-From Michelle Magness (PreK teacher at Lotus)

Kristine Gumm---Thank you for your creativity in designing the Kindergarten Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Tree. We appreciate all your efforts! 
Deb Marineau and Kristine Gumm---Thank you for all your hard work making copies and organizing Kindergarten letter activities.  Kristine you are an organizational queen.
Deb M, Ellen , Linda  and Melanie thank you for greeting our Kinders with smiles, kind words and, of course, assisting with breakfast.
Thanks to all of our wonderful cafeteria staff for helping Kinders navigate the lunch room and procedures.
Amanda Lorenz---thanks for making an idea for a listening station a reality.
-From the Kindergarten Team

Thanks to Ellie S. and Cathy J. Thank you for brainstorming seating for a wiggly Kinder student.
-From Nicole Mild (Kindergarten teacher at Lotus


Thank you to:
The Evaluation Committee for all your hard work and the great staff presentations!
and
The EAFL executive board for your partnership in leading D114. I appreciate the input, questions, perspective, and collaboration more than you can know. 
and
Kendra Smeigh and Chris Carvell for quickly clearing out locker room space to create more privacy areas for students to change. 
and 
Everyone whose classroom I've visited. I'm WOWED by what's happening. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
and 
THE ENTIRE LOTUS STAFF FOR BEING AWARDED MODEL SCHOOL STATUS!!!! I couldn't be more proud of you!!!!
-From Heather (Lucky, Lucky Superintendent)



Please send me your kudos for colleagues each week! I'll happily post them in this section!




Here's a link to all the ideas gathered for the HOW and WHY of the Friz 5...I'll keep adding as great ideas come forward. 

I saw learning and SEL targets in EVERY ROOM I visited this week!!!!! Here are some examples 😍









Board of Education Vacancy
I'm sad to let you know that the amazing Nannette Kiesgen has decided to step down from the Board of Education. Nannette gave so much time and energy to D114 in many roles but especially as a Board member. We'll formally accept her resignation at the September meeting then move forward with seeking a candidate. HOWEVER, if you know of a D114 resident who may be a good candidate, please let me know so I can informally reach out to them. Candidates must, on the date of their appointment, be citizens of the United States of America, 18 years of age or over, residents of the State of Illinois and the school district for at least one year immediately preceding their appointment, and registered voters.  Please reach out with any questions! 

SPIRIT WEAR!!!
If you'd like to purchase Lotus/Stanton/D114 spirit wear, please check out this link
The store will be open until September 16, and we have been guaranteed that orders will arrive by mid-October. Please contact Kristie Paul with any questions. 
THANKS!



Found these this week and they really spoke to me. Maybe you'll like them, too!














Thanks to everyone for your feedback! Erica and Stephanie are sending out Lotus- and Stanton-specific supports, but I'll also post the link to a folder containing them all here so they are easy to find, everyone can see everything, and you're reminded to check them out! 






Don't forget that being a member of the NEA and IEA has benefits. Visit the benefits page to see what they have to offer for you!

Not sure how to access the IEA Members Only section?

  1. Go to www.ieanea.org, and click on the Members Only link (above the red banner in the upper right corner.)

  2. Login or register on the following page.

  3. If you need your IEA number, registration, or login information, use IEA Connect located in the lower right hand corner of every screen.


**Mark your calendar...we will be having our EAFL Articulation meeting on Wednesday, September 21 at Stanton. A more detailed agenda will follow.

Looking for learning opportunities? Check out these offered by the IEA:
Check out the IEA Teaching and Learning Portal on the IEA website for FREE clock hours on your own time! It is found on the IEA Members Only section of www.ieanea.org.





See below for Curriculum Night dates!

September 20--Board of Education Meeting at Lotus at 7PM

October 6--Day of Service--details coming soon!



Curriculum Nights
All from 6-7 PM

Sept 13 (Kinder & 3rd)

Sept 15 (Stanton)





PBIS World--NEW ADD! This site is awesome for identifying strategies to use to support challenging behaviors! Thank you to Nicole Brinkman for this share! 


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!


D114 Family Update

Work Order Request


Technology Support Request






-Thank you, Misty Madula, for this share!!!

Have a really, really awesome week!
-Heather 💗