Monday Morning Memo 1/29/24

           

How have you done on the January challenges? 3 days to go! Please send me your finished challenges to be entered in the gift card raffle...and to get your stickers for your Challenge Tracker! 

Click here for the January Happiness Challenges. 

And--NEW!!!--you'll earn a sticker for each challenge you complete. You can put the stickers on this Award Board! Fun, right?!?

And I have LOTS of fun ORANGE YOU GLAD IT'S 2024 things planned...be ready! 🧡

Shout out to the first-grade team for making their UFLI review interactive and engaging with Shoutout to Natalie Udstuen for always being flexible and doing anything she can to help! You are very much appreciated! 

and

Thank you Sherry for being flexible and understanding!

- Amber Mysliwiec (Lotus P.E.Teacher)

Lauren Plescia for positively impacting our ILP-A program!  Best of luck during your student teaching!!  

and

Laura Livesay and Jen Leazer for providing a wonderful service learning opportunity (FMSC) for our Student Council students!

and

Kim Mack for digging in on some tough work that is going to transform Stanton School. She’s got me all fired up! 

-From Jeff Sefcik (Principal at Stanton)

Huge thank you to all those that were involved with double checking and or changing accommodations last minute due to technical platform errors, to better meet the need of your students.

and

Paula, you are the MVP of IAR! Your hard working, diligence, eye to see details, and constant communication are phenomenal. 

and

Huge thank you to Allie for jumping right in with IAR stuff and really making sure things are done!! 

and

To Mike, for always being there when I can't when it comes to anything testing related. Going above and beyond and know where I'm getting at before I do. Always one step ahead and so much appreciated. 

-From Victoria Miller (STEM Teacher at Lotus)

Thank you to Ellie for subbing for the Dream Team! We appreciate you and your time! 

and

Thank you to Ms. DeVoss for welcoming our 2nd grade student to trial Math full time. Your patience and collaboration is greatly appreciated! 

and

Paula Kvacik and Victoria Miller for helping make sure our students' accommodations are all set and ready to go for IAR :) 

-From Ashley Arff (ILP Teacher at Lotus)

Thank you to Ellie, Lisa, Fiona and Stephanie for partnering together to create some classroom changes as a team. I love brainstorming with all of you! 

And 

Allie, thank you for supporting my classroom layout while providing input. I’m so happy you have an eye for reorganization! I appreciate you!

And

Thank you Don for all your assistance and expertise in putting up our new classroom swing! Your attention to detail is incredibly beneficial! 

And 

Russ, thank you for ALL you do! You salted in the icy rain to make all staff and students were safe in yucky conditions numerous times this week. You are so valued at Lotus! Also, thank you for being so quick to come assist with classroom cleanup to assure our littlest learners have a safe environment. 

And

My pre-K team, Mary, Ben and Michelle, it’s so wonderful to be able to share ideas, resources and adaptations with you. Thank you for sharing great open communication and being a great team to work with! 

And 

Kristine, Mia and Monica, thank you all for being super amazing and jumping in all kinds of crazy (sometimes stinky experiences) at any given moment. You ladies are absolutely amazing, and make coming to school each day an absolute joy! 

-From Erin Donovan (ECSE Teacher at Lotus)

This week taught me that friendship is like a guardian angel and comes forth to make an appearance  when it is needed the most. You know who you are and the friendship and kindness you showed me  made my bad week better. So thank you!  

Also.......

To David Roat and Matt Shannon coming in early to help a science nerdy friend with a science lab. Thank You!  

-From Laura Livesay (8th grade Science Teacher)

Thanks to everyone for your flexibility and covering all the things so I could be out on Friday!

-From Heather 💓

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

I came across this article and LOVE it...who is doing the thinking in your learning space???

Click here to read more...

February 16 Institute Day

We are still planning for Institute Day, and I got some AMAZING suggestions last week!  It's going to be a differentiated day, so please let me know if you have priorities or request for how to make this time as meaningful and effective as possible for you.

Summer School!

We are still planning for summer school. We will be building the enrollment lists via SST in the next couple of weeks and then will assign staffing after the class lists are built. To ensure that we meet the goal of CLOSING LEARNING GAPS, we will NOT open this up to the full community. Rather, we will limit to only the students you recommend as the most in need based on their benchmark data. 

HOWEVER, I do want to know who will be interested in teaching/working as a paraprofessional, so here are the details:

PreK-8 Program

July 8-August 8

Monday-Thursday

8-11 am daily (plus one hour of plan)

Certified rate: $52/hour

Para rate: TBD

We are blessed to have unexpected grant funding to allow us to keep the hourly pay rate for this summer! 

Note: We cannot start the bulk of summer school until after July 4 so that much of the construction work can be completed. 

My goal is to have the class lists and staffing plan complete by Spring Break!

Questions--let me know!

Staff Illnesses

As you are well aware, germs and sickness continue to hit everyone. Please remember that the  following guidelines are in place:

1. Each learning space, bathroom, and lounge will be DEEP CLEANED daily, much like we did during COVID. This means:

• Disinfecting spray used
• All surfaces sanitized
• All doorknobs/sink hardware sanitized

2. All staff MUST follow the same sick guidelines we apply to students. These days are counted as sick days. The guidelines are as follows (linked here and copy/pasted below):

Sick Day Guidelines: Making the right choice!  

Dear Parents:  To help prevent the spread of illness, we would like to give you some guidelines to help with your decision on whether or not to send your child to school.  We ask that you keep your child home if he or she:  

• Has a fever of 100.4 (oral) degrees or higher 

• Has cramps and or vomiting • Has a sore throat with fever (see below) 

• Has a persistent cough (dry or productive) 

• Has diarrhea (three or more episodes in 24 hrs) 

• Has a rash or open and draining sores 

• Has symptoms that prevent him or her from participating in school, such as:  

o Excessive tiredness or lack of appetite 

o Headaches, body aches, earaches 

o Severe sore throat (could be strep-throat even without fever.  Other symptoms of strep throat in children are headache & stomach upset.  Contact your pediatrician to assess or diagnose strep throat).   

If your child has recently been ill, please be aware of the following guidelines before having your child return to school, athletic or social activities:  

• They should feel fit for at least 24 hours. 

• Be free of fever for at least 24 hours (without medication) 

• Be free of vomiting and or diarrhea for at least 24 hours. 

• If strep throat, they must be on the appropriate antibiotic for at least 24 hours. 

• If conjunctivitis, they must be on the appropriate eye drops for at least 24 hours or cleared by a physician.  

• Rash illnesses should be assessed by a doctor.  If chicken Pox is suspected, keep home for at least 5 days after the appearance of the rash or until all blisters have scabbed over. 

3. If you test positive for COVID, please let me know immediately. You may return to work as soon as you meet all the criteria above. I am not asking for a 5 or 10 day window at this point; rather, you must meet the return to school criteria listed above. You are STRONGLY encouraged to wear a mask upon your return to prevent the spread of illness to others. Please alert me as to your date of return. Any days out are sick days. 

4. Masks will be available in the office for all staff who wish to wear one. 

Please reach out to me with any questions, for clarification, or for support. Your safety and the safety of our students remains our utmost priority! 

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! 

In Case You're Interested...

POSITION VACANCY

We are currently looking for a Secretary position and are needing someone to fill it as soon as possible.

 If you have been thinking about getting more involved, like to plan events, and 

communicate information! This job is for you! Email us at pta@foxlake114.org if you are interested.

Skate on Grand FUNdraiser

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

See below flyer for more info!! 

February PTA Meeting

Thursday, Feb 8th, 2024

6:00 pm @ Lotus Library or Virtual

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

Family Fun Fair

Saturday, February 24th,2024 

11am-3pm

Lotus Gymnasium & Cafeteria

*This event is  FREE and FUN for the whole family! Come and stay as long or little as you like!! 

Join the IEA Region 49 Facebook page. This is another great way to learn about the different happenings in our region and to communicate with other educators: 

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS FACEBOOK PAGE

2024 Aspiring Educators Spring Conference RFP - If you or someone you know someone who would like to be considered to present a 1-hour professional development session to Aspiring Educators at their Spring Conference on April 5-6, 2024, please forward this link to the application. Proposals are due no later than January 31, 2024, with notifications of acceptance going out in February. Staff and members are welcome to apply!   2024 Aspiring Educators Spring Conference RFP Form

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY

BURROUGHS EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP: $2,500 for College-Bound Seniors

(Sponsored by Woodruff Johnson Evans & Haugen Law Offices)

Deadline to apply is Jan. 31  

 

The Burroughs Education Scholarship is named in honor of Dr. Stacy Burroughs, past Director of the ESP Program at the Illinois Education Association. Applicants must meet the following requirements: 

·         Be a graduating high school senior heading to college

·         Have at least one parent or legal guardian who is a school employee

The scholarship is awarded based on academic achievement, career goals, and character. www.woodrufflawyers.com/giving-back/scholarships.  

February 4--Skate on Grand (see PTA section for more details)

February 8--PTA Meeting--6PM

Friday, February 16--Institute Day

Monday, February 19--School Closed--Presidents' Day

Tuesday, February 20--Board of Education Meeting at Lotus--7PM

Monday, March 4--SCHOOL IN SESSION--Emergency Day Make Up

Second Step Pacing Guide 23-24--updated 1/16/24

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

  

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

This was an absolutely hysterical moment. If you don't love the joke, I bet you'll love the laugh!!!

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

Don't compare yourself to anyone! YOU are a work of art!

I truly appreciate each of you and all that you do!
Heather

Monday Morning Memo--1/22/24

              

I hope you had a great weekend!

For the New Year, we'll continue the monthly challenges for anyone who wants to do them. Click here for the January Happiness Challenges. 

And--NEW!!!--you'll earn a sticker for each challenge you complete. You can put the stickers on this Award Board! Fun, right?!?

And I have LOTS of fun ORANGE YOU GLAD IT'S 2024 things planned...be ready! 🧡

Shout out to the first-grade team for making their UFLI review interactive and engaging with Quiz Quiz Trade! The students were learning some very tricky digraphs so making it fun really helped their learning stick. 

and

I want to give a HUGE kudos to Cortnee Snell, Kim Leable, and Chris Brown for supporting a complex instructional model with a group of students who need some very unique supports. There has been an extraordinary amount of planning, preparation, collaboration, monitoring, and communication that has gone into making this model work. As a result, these students have shown a great deal of growth in a short period and are so excited about learning! Thank you for being amazing!

-From Erica Barraza (Instructional Coach at Lotus)

I'd like to whole-heartedly thank Russ and Sue for coming in CLUTCH with helping me change my tire!  They are the real MVPs! 

-From Molly Monk (District BCBA) 

Don and Norm for all of their work removing snow and salting this week. 

and

The entire staff for connecting and engaging with our kids during the e learning day!

-From Jeff Sefcik (Principal at Stanton)

To EVERYONE for making eLearning happen so well on Tuesday! and

To Russ, Kim, Sonia, Matt, and Mike for making sure we were set up for Tuesday’s Board meeting!

and

To Becky Laverdure for starting up the buses during the super cold to make sure they were ready to roll on Wednesday!

and

To Kristie Paul and Jill Becmer for making the staff lunches on Wednesday happen!

-From Heather 💓

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

Why focus on connections, learning targets, engagement, and formative assessment with feedback? 

February 16 Institute Day

We are starting to plan for Institute Day. It's going to be a differentiated day, so please let me know if you have priorities or request for how to make this time as meaningful and effective as possible for you.

Summer School!

We are also planning for summer school. We will be building the enrollment lists via SST in the next couple of weeks and then will assign staffing after the class lists are built. To ensure that we meet the goal of CLOSING LEARNING GAPS, we will NOT open this up to the full community. Rather, we will limit to only the students you recommend as the most in need based on their benchmark data. 

HOWEVER, I do want to know who will be interested in teaching/working as a paraprofessional, so here are the details:

K-8 Program

July 8-August 8

Monday-Thursday

8-11 am daily (plus one hour of plan)

Certified rate: $52/hour

Para rate: TBD

PreK/Kinder Jump Start

Dates TBD

We are blessed to have unexpected grant funding to allow us to keep the hourly pay rate for this summer! 

Note: We cannot start the bulk of summer school until after July 4 so that much of the construction work can be completed. 

My goal is to have the class lists and staffing plan complete by Spring Break!

Questions--let me know!

Staff Illnesses

As you are well aware, germs and sickness continue to hit everyone. Please remember that the  following guidelines are in place:

1. Each learning space, bathroom, and lounge will be DEEP CLEANED daily, much like we did during COVID. This means:

• Disinfecting spray used
• All surfaces sanitized
• All doorknobs/sink hardware sanitized

2. All staff MUST follow the same sick guidelines we apply to students. These days are counted as sick days. The guidelines are as follows (linked here and copy/pasted below):

Sick Day Guidelines: Making the right choice!  

Dear Parents:  To help prevent the spread of illness, we would like to give you some guidelines to help with your decision on whether or not to send your child to school.  We ask that you keep your child home if he or she:  

• Has a fever of 100.4 (oral) degrees or higher 

• Has cramps and or vomiting • Has a sore throat with fever (see below) 

• Has a persistent cough (dry or productive) 

• Has diarrhea (three or more episodes in 24 hrs) 

• Has a rash or open and draining sores 

• Has symptoms that prevent him or her from participating in school, such as:  

o Excessive tiredness or lack of appetite 

o Headaches, body aches, earaches 

o Severe sore throat (could be strep-throat even without fever.  Other symptoms of strep throat in children are headache & stomach upset.  Contact your pediatrician to assess or diagnose strep throat).   

If your child has recently been ill, please be aware of the following guidelines before having your child return to school, athletic or social activities:  

• They should feel fit for at least 24 hours. 

• Be free of fever for at least 24 hours (without medication) 

• Be free of vomiting and or diarrhea for at least 24 hours. 

• If strep throat, they must be on the appropriate antibiotic for at least 24 hours. 

• If conjunctivitis, they must be on the appropriate eye drops for at least 24 hours or cleared by a physician.  

• Rash illnesses should be assessed by a doctor.  If chicken Pox is suspected, keep home for at least 5 days after the appearance of the rash or until all blisters have scabbed over. 

3. If you test positive for COVID, please let me know immediately. You may return to work as soon as you meet all the criteria above. I am not asking for a 5 or 10 day window at this point; rather, you must meet the return to school criteria listed above. You are STRONGLY encouraged to wear a mask upon your return to prevent the spread of illness to others. Please alert me as to your date of return. Any days out are sick days. 

4. Masks will be available in the office for all staff who wish to wear one. 

Please reach out to me with any questions, for clarification, or for support. Your safety and the safety of our students remains our utmost priority! 

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! 

In Case You're Interested...

In case you or someone you know/love lives in Wisconsin and would benefit from respite care to support caregivers for individuals with complex special needs, please click here for more info. Val Donnan, the current SEDOL Superintendent and one of the kindest humans I know, is start this amazing business and will be SUCH a support to Wisconsin families. 

Beyond Limits has been serving Walworth since 2024. Founded by Dr. Valerie M. Donnan Ed.D., Beyond Limits provides individualized respite care to support caregivers. Through working on service projects within the county and by staying active, individuals are provided a safe and supportive experiences while caregivers get a well deserved break.

Email us today to see if we have availability!

POSITION VACANCY

We are currently looking for a Secretary position and are needing someone to fill it as soon as possible.

 If you have been thinking about getting more involved, like to plan events, and 

communicate information! This job is for you! Email us at pta@foxlake114.org if you are interested.

Skate on Grand FUNdraiser

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

See below flyer for more info!! 

February PTA Meeting

Thursday, Feb 8th, 2024

6:00 pm @ Lotus Library or Virtual

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

Family Fun Fair

Saturday, February 24th,2024 

11am-3pm

Lotus Gymnasium & Cafeteria

*This event is  FREE and FUN for the whole family! Come and stay as long or little as you like!! 

Don't forget to join us virtually at the Board of Education meeting tomorrow evening at 7PM.  

Join the IEA Region 49 Facebook page. This is another great way to learn about the different happenings in our region and to communicate with other educators: 

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS FACEBOOK PAGE

2024 Aspiring Educators Spring Conference RFP - If you or someone you know someone who would like to be considered to present a 1-hour professional development session to Aspiring Educators at their Spring Conference on April 5-6, 2024, please forward this link to the application. Proposals are due no later than January 31, 2024, with notifications of acceptance going out in February. Staff and members are welcome to apply!   2024 Aspiring Educators Spring Conference RFP Form

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY

BURROUGHS EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP: $2,500 for College-Bound Seniors

(Sponsored by Woodruff Johnson Evans & Haugen Law Offices)

Deadline to apply is Jan. 31  

 

The Burroughs Education Scholarship is named in honor of Dr. Stacy Burroughs, past Director of the ESP Program at the Illinois Education Association. Applicants must meet the following requirements: 

·         Be a graduating high school senior heading to college

·         Have at least one parent or legal guardian who is a school employee

The scholarship is awarded based on academic achievement, career goals, and character. www.woodrufflawyers.com/giving-back/scholarships.  

February 4--Skate on Grand (see PTA section for more details)

February 8--PTA Meeting--6PM

Friday, February 16--Institute Day

Monday, February 19--School Closed--Presidents' Day

Tuesday, February 20--Board of Education Meeting at Lotus--7PM

Monday, March 4--SCHOOL IN SESSION--Emergency Day Make Up

Second Step Pacing Guide 23-24--updated 1/16/24

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

  

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

I was letting one of my first grade reading students know that I was sending home extra books for her to read because I was not going to be at school on Thursday and Friday. I told her, "I am going to a reading teacher's conference."  She looked at me and said in the sweetest little voice "I think you are going to win." She thought I meant contest. She made my day and filled my bucket!

Thank you, Joan Kantenwein, for sharing!

I was wearing a striped sweater, and a student at Lotus told me I looked like I was wearing what "those people in jail wear." Misty Madula---you know the moment I'm talking about. So glad you were there, too! -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!) 

I truly appreciate each of you and all that you do!
Heather