Monday Morning Memo: January 2025

January's Wellness Challenge is linked here! There's no better time to take care of YOU!!!!

January Focus--Understanding Routines

This Week's Wellness Invitation: Model Healthy Emotional Responses

1. Accept the "one sentence gratitude" challenge. Each day at some point, write about the people, places, moments, or activities in your daily life that make you happy. See the image above for some starter ideas! 🠉

2. Reflect each day on how you can model healthy emotional responses to others...This can sound like, "Let them...", then, "Let me..."

THANK YOU to Mary for spending a whole week with the ILP-SEL Classroom! We loved having you with us!

THANK YOU to my dedicated paras that show up each date with a smile, loads of patience and a beautiful smile!

THANK YOU to Ellie for taking time to discuss goals and ideas for our shared students. You are a genius!

THANK YOU Amber for the new clothes!

THANK YOU Sherry for always having the answers and helping me EVERYTHING! THANK YOU for also just being you and having one of the biggest hearts. I don't know what I would do without you.

-Ashley Arff--Special Education Teacher at Lotus

Thank you to Pam and Kristine for always keeping me posted on how amazing our student is doing even when I am not there to see it for myself. I really appreciate it and it brings me a smile every time!

Thank you to Amber for consulting about our kids. This is so helpful and I am truly grateful for you and all you are doing for adapted PE at Lotus!

Thank you to Erin, Mary, Mandi, Lumi, and Monica for working so hard to progress each and every student you have and giving them so much love and support along the way. You are truly a blessing!

Thank you to Sammie for partnering with me to create motor groups that are so beneficial for our students' success! I appreciate you and am grateful that you are our OT in D114!

Thank you to Fiona for being a great co-treating partner. I absolutely love that we can work together to progress our kids in both speech and motor skills! It is so beneficial!

- Stephanie Silverman--District Physical Therapist

I’d like to thank Nicole Mild for all she does to support a student in her classroom that we share. It’s a team effort, and I’m happy to say the student is making great strides! I appreciate all of your positivity and dedication.

I’d also like to thank my teammate, Joseph Fernandez, for being flexible with his schedule in order to make room for a kindergarten group that he will be adding to his caseload. I know your teaching will be impactful to these students. Thank you for all you do to help our students succeed!

Another person who deserves some kudos this week is Abbey Kadera. Thank you for organizing a study group for our LETRS training. I know it will help me to stay motivated and on track to complete the units. I’m looking forward to learning with you and the rest of the group!

Finally, I’d like to thank Karen McMurphy for letting me use her classroom on Wednesdays during her plan time to teach a group of students. She was so gracious and accepting of our intrusion. She even noticed a need for extra desks in her room for me and sent an email right away to request them. You are so kind!

-Joan Kantenwein--Literacy Interventionist at Lotus

I would like to give a shoutout to Lisa Zabratanski for going with a student to enrollment night at Grant High School. She gave up her family time to spend an evening with a student to not only help him pick out electives but also get him excited about his high school experience. Way to go!!! She made a difference and impact in this student’s life. He will always remember it.

-Laura Livesay--8th Grade Science Teacher

Kudos AGAIN to the team working with my special friend! It is amazing to think all of these experienced professionals are working to help 1 little girl grow up to be the best she can be: Matt, Natalie, Allison, Jackie, Brittney, Megan, Caitlyn, Ellie, Karen, Stephanie, Samantha, and everyone who encourages me with a smile in the hallway! We will keep adjusting until we make this as good as we can!

THANKS

Chris Brown--Paraprofessional at Lotus

To Rachelle Peters and Katy Gardner,

Thanks so much for helping out with some of our students who needed extra supports to be successful in Life Hacks elective class this past week! Thank you for coming in and lending a hand!

To Oner Medrano and Leah Falster,

I am so lucky to have you both supporting students in my Life Hacks classes this trimester. I appreciate you and wanted to thank you both for all you do!

To Mr. Mark,

You always put a smile on my face. Thanks for that!

-Amber Raymond--Life Hacks Teacher at Lotus

THANK YOU SO MUCH, to CHRIS Brown for her continued perseverance!!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH, to CHERYL Schuck for her assistance in the classroom.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU ,THANK YOU, to Carrie, Jen, and Kendra for the invite to the Heritage Fair, and for including the students in your celebration.

THANK YOU, Gina for sharing your meal with me.

THANK YOU, Kendra for introducing me to Pizza Soup!!!

THANK YOU, Mr. Russell, for your patience and tenacity working with a student.

THANK YOU, Erica B., for your continued support; your time, and your willingness to work with the students!!!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH to Kim L. for spending the time with a student so he can complete MAP testing.

-Jackie Gorden-Platek--Special Education Teacher at Lotus

Thank you to Kim Rauchfuss for being flexible and detail oriented. She is a pleasure to work with and a great team player.

Thank you to Kim Mack for being there in a pinch when a student is not regulated and following up with the outcome of the situation in a confidential way.

Thank you to Mark Perlman, you seem to bring light to any chaotic situation and you are a breath of fresh air. You crack me up, even when I think it is not possible to even chuckle at the moment.

Thank you to MIchele Burgess for friendly reminders, super helpful when school life becomes busy.

Lisa Zabratanski - Special Education Teacher at Stanton

To Calista Warmowski for hanging in ILPB while 1/3 of us transitions to student teaching. We really appreciate you + everything else she does for the school <3

-Leah Falster--Paraprofessional at Stanton

Mr. Mike Szotek, thank you for assisting with student IPads over the past 2 weeks. We keep you busy, and are so thankful for your help at a moments notice! Thank you for making sure our students devices are safe, and the cases are in perfect condition. With your assistance and quick action, our students have access to their communication devices. Your help is greatly appreciated!

To the ECSE paras Mandi, Mary, Monica And Lumi-thank you for a fantastic week with a new student! With your assistance, we were able to prepare for his arrival in advance. Each transition went smoothly and it was a great experience. Thank you again for working as a great team.

Don and Russ, thank you for all your hard work keeping the parking lot clear and safe for students and staff. You both work diligently to make sure that the school is ready each day.

Karen, our fabulous van driver, thank you for having open communication during new transitions and student schedules for arrival and dismissal. I appreciate you!

Allie and Natalie, thank you for assisting with our new student as they transitioned into the classroom. You both were on top of specific details that made his day run smoothly, and I am so grateful to have your support, check-in’s and guidance.

-Erin Donovan--Special Education Teacher at Lotus

Thank you to Lisa Zabratanski who attended Grant’s 8th grade enrollment night to help out a student.

-Rachelle Peters-Assistant Principal at Stanton

Calista Warmowski and Oner Medrano guiding the 7th Girls basketball team to a season-opening victory!

-Mark Perlman--Long Term Sub at Stanton

Thank you Anna Morris for allowing us to visit your classroom during math on Friday. It provided us with some great insights! You and your class did a great job!

-3rd Grade Team

Natalie Molidor- Thank you for allowing me to use your office space while I had my release day. I appreciate you!

Connor Macko & Leah Falster- Thank you for subbing for me while I was in a meeting and for all you two do! I appreciate all the help!

Calista Warmowski- Thank you for subbing for me on Wednesday while I had my release day.

-Kaitlyn Goorsky--6th grade Social Studies Teacher

To Caitlyn and Anna, for helping to get my room ready last minute for a sub when I was sick this week. You girls are the best!

-Stephanie Kolk--4th Grade Teacher

Kudos to Adysin Illg for the baskets. Thanks so much!

Kudos to Melissa McCart for making a student feel special and included in first grade’s Heritage Fair. What a great reminder of my “why”!!

-Karen McMurphy--Special Education Teacher at Lotus

Kudos Jillian for helping 8th grade team support a former student who has hit a rough patch! One Team All In.

-Lynn Smolen--Special Education Coordinator at Stanton

A BIG thanks to Adam for helping me with alllll my tech questions/issues this past week!!!!

Lots of pats on the back and big hugs to our 7th Grade Team (Liz, Karen, Renee, and Aidan) for all the good discussions, endless support, and never-ending laughs!!!! I'm always thankful for our team, but especially this very short, yet long past week!!

-Niccole Culbertson--7th Grade ELA Teacher

Thank you to all the staff and classes that came to see the first grade heritage fair. The first graders were amazed by all the guests and really felt special.

The First Grade Team

Shout out to Bryan Bailey for creating fun and engaging experiments for our PLTW students.

-Betty Cwiak--Library Paraprofessional at Stanton

Thanks to Jack Resnick and Jaime Smeigh for helping clean up after the PBIS breakfast on Friday! We appreciate you!

- Stanton Kitchen Staff

A huge shoutout to Caitlyn Fenton for answering all of my questions about her students and curriculum. Your support during my national board process, especially allowing me to work with your students, has meant the world to me! Learning from you has been so rewarding and I have gained so much knowledge that I never would have known without your help! Thank you for being an amazing colleague and incredible support to me!

- Amber Mysliwiec

A big thank you to Gayle McManamon for letting Jillian and me record you on skates so we can turn them into awesome GIFS! Since we are still progressing on our own skate skills, having these visuals for our students is incredibly helpful. PLUS, I'm sure the students will be excited to see you in action showing off your moves!

Thank you Russ for helping us bring our roller skates inside and for clearing off the stage for the few students who won't be participating in roller skating. Now those students will have something fun to do and not feel left out! We truly appreciate all of your help!!

HUGE shoutout to Sue Pinkawa for everything you did to help get skate sizes, permission slips, and money from students. You truly are one of a kind and there is no way we could have done this unit without you!

- Amber Mysliwiec & Jillian Kilty--PE Teachers at Lotus

Kudos to our AMAZING kitchen crew for another A+ health department visit!

I am blessed to work with the BEST!!!!!!

Sonia Miller--Kitchen Lead at Lotus

1st Grade- hosting a Heritage Fair to celebrate our families nationalities and cultures. Love when we get to have our families come and visit!

Amber and Jillian-skating week is almost upon us! Thank you for all of your hard work to organize this for our kids and invite volunteers to come and help facilitate!

-Natalie Udstuen--Assistant Principal at Lotus

Thank you to Don and Russ for coming in on the cold days to get things up and running!!!

Thanks to Matt and Natalie for coming in on Tuesday morning to make sure no students were dropped off.

Oh, my heart. Thank you to my Lotus family for the sympathy card for Taylor's hamster. That act of kindness meant so much to her...and to me.

Thank you to Christine Spittler for welcoming me to your class each week. It is an absolute DELIGHT to be with you and your students. It's the best part of each week!

From Heather 🧡💛🖤

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

A student asked to use the bathroom in the middle of a lesson. I asked if he could wait or if it was a dire need emergency. He said "a diarrhea emergency?" I had to rephrase and just ask if it was an emergency.

-Thank you, Katy Gardner (6th Grade Math Teacher) for this one...I laughed 'til I cried! 😂

What is engagement in learning REALLY and why does it matter?

ICE and D114 Plans

Please see the document linked here, which outlines exactly how we will respond should ICE come onsite. It's my greatest hope that we never have to use this, but, given recent events and guidance from ISBE and our legal counsel, I want to make sure we have a plan for our kids. Please let me know if you have any questions or wish to discuss.

Calendar Change

Just making sure everyone knows...we will now be IN SESSION on Monday, March 3! Since we needed to close on Tuesday, we will now be open for Casimir Pulaski Day. Moving forward, we'll do our best to send home devices and plan for remote learning when there's the possibility of a snow/cold closure. Andrea is updating the District calendar, and I'll send it out later this week.

Winter Weather

Let's be ready for when winter weather comes our way! Please review our procedures below.

Remember, for the first snow/cold day, our three options are:

1. Regular day

2. Late start

3. Snow/cold day, makeup on March 3 (Casimir Pulaski Day) ✅

Now that we have had a closure day, we'll be in session on Pulaski Day! We will now do our best we can to switch to a virtual day should we need to close. PLEASE be ready for this just in case and make sure kids are ready, too.

As always, I'll let you know any changes just as soon as I can!

Here are the details shared with families and what is posted on our website.

Fully Funded Educator Impact Grants Available at Erikson Institute for ECE Teachers

The Erikson Institute has five (5) fully funded Educator Impact Grants available for staff in Lake County School districts (Lake County residents) who are interested in pursuing their Professional Educator License (PEL) in Early Childhood Education through their MS in Early Childhood Education, Triple Endorsement program.

This opportunity provides full funding for educators to earn endorsements in early childhood, special education, and English as a Second Language (ESL) through our flexible online program. In return, grant recipients commit to obtaining or retaining employment within a divested community for at least four years post-graduation, ensuring that this investment directly benefits the communities that need it most.

Fall applications are now open, visit at www.erikson.edu or Apply Now.

Lake County Rising Annual Event

Join us for an impactful event: Lake County Rising 2025: Empower. Educate. Advocate.

Every February, Lake County Rising organizes a dynamic "rising" event, where the community converges through activities. The aim is to raise awareness about gender-based violence and foster solidarity within the community. This year, the event will take place on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at College of Lake County, Grayslake Campus, Auditorium A011. There will be a resource fair that will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. and the program will begin at 7:00 p.m.

Lake County Rising is currently seeking poem, essay, and poster contest entries from Lake County middle school students. Winning entries will be highlighted at the Lake County Rising event on February 11, 2025.

Lake County Rising Contest Forms and Rules for Middle School Students

This event is sponsored by the Lake County State's Attorney's Office, Nicasa Behavioral Health Services, Mano a Mano Family Resource Center, A Safe Place, the LGBTQ+ Center of Lake County, and the Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center.

Lake County Rising 2025 Flyer

Lake County Rising Facebook Event

Skyward

FYI, we are in process of upgrading the business side of Skyward to Qmlativ, its new version. We will NOT be upgrading the student side at this point, as there are still way too many issues and way too little support from Skyward for us to make this move at this point. Please, please, please bear with us as we're learning and launching. I am certain there will be issues, and I'm even more certain that every issue will be addressed quickly and accurately because that's how we do business!

Lotus Nurse

For now, we will have sub coverage for the Lotus Health Office. When a permanent assignment is made, I will inform you. Please see me with any questions.

Remember the Employee Assistance Program!

The EAP is typically a great place to start when you need care and aren’t sure what support you or a family member might be needing. They can guide you to specific care and even set up the appointment for you. Take advantage of this confidential and supportive service to address any

personal or work-related challenges you may be facing by calling Perspectives at 800.456.6327.

Know Anyone Who...

If you know anyone who would be interested in being a Van Driver, Sub Van Driver, or a Sub Bus Driver, please have them reach out! We can TRAIN bus drivers ourselves if they don't have a CDL, and van drivers don't need the CDL!!!

IF YOU TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID...UPDATED INFO!!! (9/3/24)

Please:

1. Email or text (847-309-3921) Heather to let her know.

2. In the communication, include proof of a positive test.

You are expected to return to work as soon as you meet the following criteria:

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

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

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. If you are out more than 3 days--as with any illness--a physician's note is required.

Masks are available in the office for all staff who wish to wear one.

Please let me know if you have any questions!

Good morning, District 114!

Thank you to everyone who attended last week's Eat Out to Help Out at Antioch Pizza! We'll have the results of the Battle of the Grades soon

Our next Eat Out to Help Out event will be on Sunday, February 9th, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Skate on Grand! The PTA will receive a portion of admission and meal deal sales. The greater the number of families who come, the bigger the percentage the PTA will earn! Come enjoy some great indoor fun!!

Urgent! We're also looking for parents, teachers, and staff to help plan and run this year’s Day of Service fundraiser to be held on Earth Day, April 22nd. Please sign up here! We're hoping to meet in early February to get started planning.

Mark your calendars!! Our next PTA meeting is on Monday, February 10th at 6:00 pm in the Lotus library!

Can't join in person? Join us on Google Meets!

Don't forget to join our Facebook group to see the meeting highlights and more, and while you're at it, join the PTA here! Membership dues are only $6 for the whole year!

YOUR PTA Board

Key 2024-25 Dates

February 22

Family Fun Fair (Lotus)

April 22

Day of Service

We'll be forming a committee of parents and staff to plan this event for the SPRING of 2025

May 2

Rocket Launch (Stanton)

Possible Star Wars Theme

Rain date May 9

**Don't forget about your NEA no cost benefits! To check them out, you should go to Deals and Discounts: www.neamb.com/start

*Additional benefits and deals can be found at ieanea.org

Region News:

Want to know what is happening in the Region? Check out the Region 49 Newsletter!

**Get your SCORE GRANT applications in!! Grants for up to $1,000 are available for IEA members and their local associations to collaborate and create opportunities for community service or school projects APPLY HERE

PD Calendar: Take a look at all the PD trainings we lined up here at IEA by clicking here : The IEA is an ISBE approved provider for Professional Development Clock Hours. Clock hours are offered at trainings that meet the PD requirements set by ISBE. Events on the calendar are hosted by IEA or vetted by IEA

Burroughs Education Scholarship - $2,500

Applicants must be graduating seniors heading to college and have at least one parent or legal guardian who is a school employee. Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, character, career goals, and potential. Learn more and apply by Jan. 31.