Monday Morning Memo 12/18/23

            

I would like to send out kudos to Georgette and the kitchen staff at Stanton for putting together some snacks for our cheer team before we left for the Cheer Expo. Also, to the basketball and wrestling teams that helped, by sharing or giving up space for us to practice on certain days. It was appreciated by all of us.

and

I would like to also send special kudos to our fantastic kitchen staff at Lotus and EVERYONE that made our staff luncheon so deliciously amazing and filled with love. Thank you so much!! It was wonderful!!

-From Gina Crothswaite (Paraprofessional at Lotus)

Thank you to all who fed the Lotus crew Thursday for lunch. As always it was so delicious! You really take good care of us! Enjoy your holidays. 

-From Cheryl Schuck (Paraprofessional at Lotus)

Karen Brnot and the NJHS for collecting and delivering dozens of toys to the Toy for Tots program at the Fox Lake Public Library

and

Laura Livesay, Jen Leazer and the Student Council for warming everyone up this week with hot cocoa

and

Kim VanHoorelbeke for training me and a colleague in CPR / AED

and

Molly Monk for partnering on developing more efficient procedures

and

the Guiding Coalition for another great meeting discussing important work as we continue to do what's best for our kids

-From Jeff Sefcik (Principal at Stanton)

To Katie Gardner:

Thank you for the Celsus!! It gave me the much needed energy to make it through our 6:30pm Conference tournament game :)

-From Oner Medrano (Paraprofessional at Stanton)

A big thank you to Erica for setting up my MAPS sessions and testing my class. Thank you also to my first grade team for making the SEL craft copies! Finally thank you to Lisa Huck for being an amazing CICO coach to one of my students who really needs it! 

-Jen Groot (1st grade Teacher)

This week I am extremely grateful to the many staff members who stepped up to assist/teach and check in on the ECSE crew during my extended absence. Apologies if I missed anyone below. 

To Kristine, Linda, and Mia-I know the classroom is always in good hands with you ladies. Your love, positivity, humor and kindness make our classroom what it is-a beautiful safe space for learning. Thank you for being such an outstanding team.

And, 

Sienna for taking your free moments to check in with the ECSE crew even though you were pulled in your own direction. We love you and your kind heart!

And,

Allie, Fiona, Ellie, Lisa and Stephanie: you all are the glue that holds our classroom together. Thank you for keeping everything in motion and checking in. The ECSE crew is beyond blessed to have your talents!

And,

Victoria M, Cheryl, Brittany, Joe, Ellen and Joan for your teaching support, love and kindness this week! Knowing you were in to assist put my heart at ease.

And, 

Natalie and Sharon: I appreciate you both checking in. I felt like I got a written or verbal hug every text or phone call. You make our school feel like family, and I’m beyond appreciative of you

And, 

Mary S: thank you for being you!  I appreciate you and your kind words more than you’ll ever know

-From Erin Donovan (PreK Teacher at Lotus)

Christine and Mia, wow you guys are super. Thanks for going above and beyond this week. You all made sure everyone had what they needed when they needed it. All week, you set the stage for a calm and love filled learning space.

and

Shout out to Victoria Miller for stepping in and helping cover for Erin in ECSE. Those kids are complicated, and you did great. 

and

Sue- one day I'm going to have to track how many ‘situations’ you deal with in a day. It’s honestly mind blowing. I wish i could thank you for everyone individually…. Thanks sue I'm so grateful for you!

and

Natalie U- everytime I saw you this week you were managing a behavior. But I also know this week Nicole and I were able to see almost all of our groups! Thanks for taking all those punches (literally).

and

Kim R- Thanks for all the time and effort you put into your evaluations. We have some really tough and complicated kids in eval status right now and you are handling it with and making it happen.

and

Sami H.- No words cover the thanks I have for you. You have done so much 2 of our neediest kids this year. I'm amazed by your calm, kind, and needed stern demeanor . It works

and

Kim V- the time and dedication you put in to PBIS is 

makes such a difference across our entire building. Thanks for always being on top of the “logistics” and all the things I would never remember to do.

and

Sherry and Colleen- Welcoming my friend with open arms into your classroom. You even remembered to give him a mitten with his name on it the first day, and he loved it! 

-From Ellie Seyfert (Social Worker at Lotus)

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

THANK YOU for working so hard in the first semester to bring these 5 things to live each day! It matters!!!

Linquist Family Information

I know many of you are aware of the difficult times the Linquist family, one of our own D114 families, is facing. Mr Linquist just set up a GoFundMe to ask for financial support and to share details of what's happening in their family. 

*You can still contribute to the envelopes in the offices!!!! I honestly forgot to grab them Friday, so I will do so Monday and take over to them later this week!

Financial Updates

In alignment with our priorities identified for the 2020 referendum dollars, we are NOW able to move forward with securing our schools through improved vestibules. This was a focus identified by multiple stakeholder groups during our priority studies conducted in 2019. Attached to the Monday Memo email are the concept drawings for Lotus and Stanton. I'll be sharing with the Board on Tuesday night, and will put forward the Stanton plan in 3 big "chunks": the vestibule, the nurse's office, and the offices.  The plan is for all vestibule work to take place this summer, along with replacement of the Lotus sloped roof. Because of this:

1. Summer school will be held starting after July 4 AT LOTUS. More plans to come after Winter Break. 

2. The Stanton office will be out of commission for most of the summer.

Additionally, as we have budgeted, we have been able to purchase a new D114 truck at a very reasonable price from Ray Chevrolet. Our current truck is on its last leg and looks so bad I won't even put a D114 logo on it...

December Fun Challenges

Linked here are the three different December challenges! I'm trying to offer some variety! 

 The 12Ks of Christmas (lots of choice on this one, but it ends at the end of the day on 12/25!--you can pick your "K", change it up each time, or just move for a total number of miles you set)

 December Full Body Challenge (this one is each day in December but rest days are built in)

 December BINGO (you have all of December to get 5 in a row)

I've gotten a couple of questions...

Q: Can I do more than one of the challenges, or even all 3?

A: ABSOLUTELY!!! Do as many as you like!!!!

Q: The 12Ks of Christmas ends on 12/15...do the others?

A: Nope, the other two last until the end of December. 

Q: Is the District using its funds to pay for the gift cards?

A: No, I am paying for them myself. 

Thanks for playing, and--if this all feels like one more stressful thing to do--then ignore!  The goal is fun, not more stress during this busy season!

Reporting Absences

All employees are expected to enter all absences in Frontline, even if you text/call/email others to let them know you will be out. This is a professional responsibility! 

Medicaid Billing

You know who you are...please be sure to document your billable hours. This generates a TON of funding for our Special Education programming! 

In addition, we will be sure to clearly allocate time so you can complete this documentation within the contract day! 

January PTA Meeting

Thursday, January 11th at 6:00pm

Lotus Library or Virtual

Use the link to join: https://meet.google.com/rps-xjos-qnn

Antioch Pizza Fox Lake-Battle of the Grades

Eat Out 2 Help Out Event

Wednesday, January 17th, 2023-All Day

*Dine In, Carry Out, Delivery, or Drive Thru

Come on out to support the D114PTA. Mention your grade level and the grade with the most money raised, receives

a pizza party!!! 

Skate on Grand FUNdraiser

Sunday, February 4th 3:30-5:30pm

More information to come. 

**We are looking for ANYONE interested in helping us plan our NEW event in February, Family Fun Fair!

 If you are interested, please email us at pta@foxlake114.org we plan to have a meeting this month to gather some ideas!! 

Mark your calendars for the next BOE meeting on December 19th. We will be skipping the EAFL spirit day this month due to school spirit days for the last week of school. Come to see kids celebrated and then stay to be informed. Remember, you can come in person or log in virtually to participate.

New holiday apparel designs! Shop IEA’s Holiday Collection.

AND....don't forget to check out the deals on the IEA website....especially while you are doing some shopping.

Tuesday, December 19--Board of Education Meeting

Wednesday, December 20--Early Release

Thursday, December 21--Early Release

Friday, December 22- Sunday, January 7--Winter Break

Monday, January 8--Back to School!!!

Work Order Request--please use this to ask for help with anything facilities, room, cleaning related!

2023-24 Certified Staff Evaluation Documents 

2023-24 D114 Calendar

Business Office Shared Drive

Second Step Pacing Guide 23-24 

  

(OR GREAT STUFF WE HEARD OR SAW LAST WEEK!)

I was in 2nd grade at the end of the day at dismissal and laughed sooooo hard when I heard a teacher casually tell a student, "Stop meowing." It was delivered so calmly that it MUST be a regular occurrence...but it made me really laugh!

-Heather

Please email me to share your funny stories, moments, and quotes (from kids or adults) so I can include them!!! (Ask permission first, please!) 

Thanks for all you do! Have a great last 4 days until BREAK!!!! 

-Heather 💝

Monday Morning Memo 12/11/23

           

Thank you to Megan and Misty! They're so good with the kids. We had the best week EVER!
-From Adisyn Illg (Paraprofessional at Lotus)

Thank you Sue Pinkawa for your above and beyond work this past week! You are truly a superhero in my book.

                                                                        and

    Thank you Kim VanHoorelbeke for coming down and helping out in the office on Friday. 

                                            -From Matt Peters (Principal at Lotus)

As 2023 comes to a close, I wanted to say some special Kudos to those that have made my                           year brighter and have helped the students of D114:

Thank you to all of the D114 staff that had a part in discussing, ordering, installing, and making safe/accessible the two new adapted swings on the Lotus Playground. It is finally complete and I am so HAPPY! I am so thankful this D114 team of people made it happen for the kids! This includes, but is probably not limited to: Matt, Natalie, Lynn, Allie, Mary Taylor, Don, Erin, Lisa W., Fiona, Ellie, Colleen, Lisa H., Michelle M., Mary F., and Ben). If I forgot someone or if I did not realize someone was involved then please come find me or email me so I can thank you personally. It is definitely not intentional. Also, words alone don't express how much gratitude I feel, but the smiles on the kids' faces when they are on the swings and the feeling in my heart as I push them says it all! So, feel free to come outside and play with the students and see for yourself what the swings have done! Thank YOU ALL!

From- Stephanie Silverman (Physical Therapist in D114)

Thank you to those who were my sub on Monday. I heard there were many, so I appreciate it whoever you are!! 

and

Kudos to Erin Donovan, Amia Bush, and Kristine Gumm for being so amazing. I was in their room this week and they work so well together and with the kids. Having so many different people coming and going, they are always welcoming to everyone, guiding, and helping them! Thank you!  :) 

and

Kudos to Sonia Miller and doing the work in the lunchroom with the kiddos. Sonia just steps in and helps out with the kids if they're being loud, lining them up, cleaning up, and more. Thank you for all you do. 

-From Victoria Miller (STEM Teacher at Lotus)

Thank you Jeff and Rachelle for working with me being out unexpectedly for family and the "day by day" updates!!  To the team that "took over" for me and working on day of lesson plans to connect the day before to the next, Meghan R and Kim H for checking in on my class and to Heather for her Thursday visit to help check in with students to see what they did complete and what they owed for work that week!!  It's a huge help and low stress when you know you have people to count on!!!  Appreciate you all!!! 

-From Veronica Kretz (5th grade Teacher)

Shoutout to Ashley Arff for sharing your amazing resources for students! I love how you advocate for ALL kids!

Thank you Jeff Sefcik for sharing grant opportunities with me!

Amanda Lorenz for always being there for any National Board Questions I have and for the whole cohort for being a great support during this strenuous, but rewarding process!

- Amber Mysiwiec (P.E. Teacher at Lotus)

Don Ukleja for fixing the scoreboard in the Stanton gym prior to our double header sweep of the Alden-Hebron Giants Tuesday evening!!

and

All of our Community Building parcilitators for welcoming our students every morning and creating an environment that builds relationships while preparing each student for their day!

our kitchen staff and lunch supervisors for making a change in our practice to better serve our kids!

-From Jeff Sefcik (Principal at Stanton)

Shout out to Chris Brown for creating a Christmas riddle wreath in our hallway!  Each day she puts out a new Christmas riddle for students to answer as they are waiting in the morning.  Today is the first day and already the kids are excited!  You're awesome Chris!

-From Cortnee Snell (SpEd Teacher at Lotus)

A BIG THANK to Colleen for helping me with some friends. Greatly appreciated!

-From Cheryl Schuck (Paraprofessional at Lotus)

Thank you to Gayle McManamon and Mary-Kate for helping me put my idea into action in the 4th grade hallway!

-From Chris Brown (Paraprofessional at Lotus)

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

You know how I love a good visual! I found this one about LEARNING TARGETS (any kind!) and thought it was spot on! What do you think???

Linquist Family Information

I know many of you are aware of the difficult times the Linquist family, one of our own D114 families, is facing. Mr Linquist just set up a GoFundMe to ask for financial support and to share details of what's happening in their family. 

I'm happy to share this link with all of you, but I cannot share it district wide. We have lots of families who have complex needs, and I just can't advocate for one or set a precedent that I send requests out to all our families. I hope you can all understand and support that decision. 

HOWEVER, there are things we can do...

*If you wish to share this GoFundMe using your personal email or social media, please feel free to do so. 

*We'll put a donation envelope in each school office should you wish to make a cash contribution. We can get this directly to the family without the GoFundMe fees/taxes coming out. This money will be taken to the family next Friday, December 15 to help alleviate financial concerns ASAP. 

*You can donate to GoFundMe if you wish. 

*The girls are both included in District holiday gift events, and our team is reaching out about providing a holiday meal or other materials ideas that can help at this time. 

*If you have other ideas, please feel free to share them!!!! 

Lastly, please know that I know this is a stressful time for everyone, so I know the family appreciates positive thoughts and prayers, too. If donation is not an option for you, please do not stress about it.  

Winter Weather Procedures

The following information will be shared with families in this week's update and is posted on our D114 website:

Fox Lake D114 Emergency Closure Procedures

Updated12/5/23

Canceling school is a complicated decision that affects students, families, and school staff. Providing students with a safe place to learn is a top priority for Fox Lake Grade School District 114 and is the primary consideration in making a school closing decision. 

Making the Decision to Close, Shift to Remote, or Use a Late Start Day

When severe weather is expected on a school day, we examine many factors, including the following:

What are the predictions of several local weather forecasts?
What are the anticipated road conditions at the time students and staff will be traveling to school?
Will the actual temperature be -20° F or colder?
Will the wind chill temperature (“feels like”) be -35° F or colder? (Wind Chill Warning)
Are our building systems functioning properly? (e.g., power/heat/water)
Are our buses operating and do we have drivers?
Can our families and staff travel safely to school by car?
Will students be safe walking or waiting at bus stops in appropriate winter clothing?
What are the decisions of our neighboring districts? 

We determine whether to use a late start, shift to remote, or close school no later than 5:30 AM. If we have enough information to make a decision the evening before, we will always try to do so. 

If it becomes necessary to delay our start, shift to remote, or cancel school, we will notify parents and staff using the contact information in Skyward (e.g., home and cell phone numbers, and email addresses). If any of your information has changed, please login to Skyward and change or contact your school office.

We notify staff and families of a change via:

Email and automated phone calls
The District 114  website at www.d114.org
The District 114 Facebook and Twitter feeds

For the first closure day, we will use a “traditional” closure day and make the day up on Casimir Pulaski day, as indicated on the District calendar. 

Should we use a late start schedule, the following is key information:

Late Start Schedule:

The schedule below applies to all days of the week. If a late start is called on a Wednesday, we will NOT do an Early Release and will follow the schedule below: 

LOTUS:

9:00AM-2:20PM--K-4

No Morning PreK

10:15AM-2:20 PM--All day PreK

11:45AM-2:20 PM--Afternoon PreK

 

STANTON:

10AM-3:05PM—All students

Staff Holiday Lunch

December Fun Challenges

Linked here are the three different December challenges! I'm trying to offer some variety! 

 The 12Ks of Christmas (lots of choice on this one, but it ends at the end of the day on 12/25!--you can pick your "K", change it up each time, or just move for a total number of miles you set)

 December Full Body Challenge (this one is each day in December but rest days are built in)

 December BINGO (you have all of December to get 5 in a row)

I've gotten a couple of questions...

Q: Can I do more than one of the challenges, or even all 3?

A: ABSOLUTELY!!! Do as many as you like!!!!

Q: The 12Ks of Christmas ends on 12/15...do the others?

A: Nope, the other two last until the end of December. 

Q: Is the District using its funds to pay for the gift cards?

A: No, I am paying for them myself. 

Thanks for playing, and--if this all feels like one more stressful thing to do--then ignore!  The goal is fun, not more stress during this busy season!

Reporting Absences

All employees are expected to enter all absences in Frontline, even if you text/call/email others to let them know you will be out. This is a professional responsibility! 

Medicaid Billing

You know who you are...please be sure to document your billable hours. This generates a TON of funding for our Special Education programming! 

In addition, we will be sure to clearly allocate time so you can complete this documentation within the contract day! 

January PTA Meeting

Thursday, January 11th at 6:00pm

Lotus Library or Virtual

Use the link to join: https://meet.google.com/rps-xjos-qnn

Antioch Pizza Fox Lake-Battle of the Grades

Eat Out 2 Help Out Event

Wednesday, January 17th, 2023-All Day

*Dine In, Carry Out, Delivery, or Drive Thru

Come on out to support the D114PTA. Mention your grade level and the grade with the most money raised, receives

a pizza party!!! 

Skate on Grand FUNdraiser

Sunday, February 4th 3:30-5:30pm

More information to come. 

**We are looking for ANYONE interested in helping us plan our NEW event in February, Family Fun Fair!

 If you are interested, please email us at pta@foxlake114.org we plan to have a meeting this month to gather some ideas!! 

Mark your calendars for the next BOE meeting on December 19th. We will be skipping the EAFL spirit day this month due to school spirit days for the last week of school. Come to see kids celebrated and then stay to be informed. Remember, you can come in person or log in virtually to participate.

New holiday apparel designs! Shop IEA’s Holiday Collection.

AND....don't forget to check out the deals on the IEA website....especially while you are doing some shopping.

Thursday, December 14--Staff Holiday Lunch! 

Tuesday, December 19--Board of Education Meeting

Wednesday, December 20--Early Release

Thursday, December 21--Early Release

Friday, December 22- Sunday, January 7--Winter Break

Monday, January 8--Back to School!!!

Work Order Request--please use this to ask for help with anything facilities, room, cleaning related!

2023-24 Certified Staff Evaluation Documents 

2023-24 D114 Calendar

Business Office Shared Drive

Second Step Pacing Guide 23-24 

  

(OR GREAT STUFF WE HEARD OR SAW LAST WEEK!)

"I remember when the dinosaurs died, the 1980’s”. ~Ms. Saranzak Class

Thanks for sharing, Kristiine Gumm!!!

. My grandma sends me cards, envelopes and stickers that we use at 'creation station'. The other day a student asked me how old my grandma is that gives us the cards, etc. I told her my grandma is 90. She got really excited and said, "That's how old my mom is!" I tried to explain to her how her mom isn't 90 and she said, "No. She really is. Call her and ask her."

(This story is from the beginning of the year but it's too good not to share!) I had a student tattle on another student for saying a bad word. In kindergarten, even "dumb" or "stupid" are "bad words" so I thanked the student for telling me, but wrote it off because the student he was telling on is SO sweet. This specific student is also receiving speech so I assumed it was a misunderstanding.  Later that day we are listening to a story and that student blurts out, "What the f***!" (as clear as day). The student who tattled on him shouted, "See I told you!" I was so shocked, it was so hard not to laugh.

To make it better, the next week we are sitting in that student's IEP meeting and Alana (without knowing the story) says, "He is really making a lot of progress with his 'F' sound!"

GREAT stories--thanks, Sami Harshaw!!!

Please email me to share your funny stories, moments, and quotes (from kids or adults) so I can include them!!! (Ask permission first, please!) 

This is so true about each one of you! 

Thanks for all you do! Have a great week!!!!

-Heather 💝