Monday Morning Memo: Monday/Tuesday Morning Memo 1/20-21/25

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

An example of how to NOT demonstrate this week's Wellness Routine...

January Focus--Understanding Routines

This Week's Wellness Invitation: Commit to Healthy Emotional Responses

Monitor situations that cause you to experience unpleasant emotions, such as driving (ARGH!!!), reading social media comments, or hearing certain words or phrases said by a student, family member, or friend ("Bruh", eye roll followed by, "Uh, mom...really??"). Make it a challenge to NOT overreact in the moment. Maybe say, "Let them...", and then say, "Let me..." and identify a way you can control your own situation...

Thank you to Kelly Roland for always advocating for students needs!

Thanks to the Kindergarten team, Michelle Magness and Paula Kvacik for an early start on planning for Kinder Roundup! It’ll be here before we know it!

-Natalie Udstuen--Assistant Principal at Lotus

Thank you to Allison Mixon for her ongoing support and direction!

Thank you to Erica Barraza for the excellent training, guidance, support, and encouragement she has given us newbies throughout the year!

A special thank you to Karen McMurphy for being great at communicating, collaborating, and

and being an all around great colleague!

-Stephanie Thiel--Special Education Teacher at Lotus

Thank you Russ for taking time out of your day on Friday to move our bulletin board lower and fix the lock on Amber's storage container. You are amazing and we appreciate you always being willing to help us with whatever we need in the gym! You rock! - Jillian and Amber

Thank you, RUSSELL for riding the bus on Friday when we needed someone .You’re amazing!!!

-Cheryl Schuck--Paraprofessional at Lotus

A huge shoutout to my first grade teammates for a successful field trip to the Kohl Children’s Museum on Friday! Thank you also to our lovely ladies in the kitchen, Gina, Colleen, Ellie and Courtney for being a part of our day as well. It takes a village!

Thank you to Erica Barraza and Melissa McCart for going above and beyond their duties to provide a student with the resources they needed. I have already seen a huge improvement in the child’s work!

-Jen Groot--1st Grade Teacher

I would like to send kudos to Calista, for helping handle a student that was shutdown so I could get to a meeting. Thank you for all your help!

-Danielle Donelli--5th Grade Teacher

I would like to give kudos to my whole 6th grade team for their flexibility and grace and just all around amazing teamwork as we support our 6th graders each day.

I would also like to thank Marla W for subbing for me while I had my dental procedure.

-Dayja Wydzierzecki--6th Grade ELA Teacher

Thank you Renee Evans, Liz Andersen, Niccole Culbertson, and Jack Resnick for your support last week. I am grateful to have you as teammates.

-Karen Brnot--7th Grade Science Teacher

Calista Warmowski who always has a smile on her face and brightens everyone’s day.

Thank you Kendra for making a PE substitutes time so easy and enjoyable.

-Mark Perlman--Long Term Sub at Stanton

Don U. Thank you for fixing the heat in the SPED office, we really appreciate it!

Gayle M- thank you for being so kind and letting me use your space for my crafting club.

-Ellie Seyfert--Social Worker at Lotus

I would like to give a shout out to the 8th grade team; Matt Shannon, Dan Olson, Walter Nickles, Lisa Zabratanski and Jackie Mathew’s for always giving the students their all. (Even when it is frustrating and difficult at times) I am grateful to be working side by side with all of you.

-Laura Livesay--8th Grade Science Teacher

THANK YOU to Adisyn for assisting in the classroom, and for her patience and tenacity working with a student.

THANK YOU to Mary H. for assisting in the classroom.

THANK YOU to Mr. Russell for his assistance in the classroom and for his patience working with a student.

THANK YOU to Chris Brown for her never ending patience and perseverance for working with a student.

THANK YOU to Joan K. for providing her time and resources.

THANK YOU to Kim R. for making time to meet with me to discuss concerns pertaining to a student.

Welcome Back Paula, you were missed!!!! So good to see your smiling face!!!

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

Thanks to Alana Carlson (and Fiona W.) for subbing in Kindergarten so I could attend LTRS training. I truly appreciate it!!!

Thanks to everyone who pitched in to cover classrooms on Wednesday, January 15th with special thanks to Ashley Wydra and Sami Lear for helping Alana navigate lesson plans and setting up for the day! You ladies are wonderful and I am glad to work beside you!

Thanks to Matt and Joan for taking time out of their day on Friday to listen to my students read decodable sentences. I appreciate the enthusiasm and support!

Thanks to Ellie (in advance) for checking in with a sensitive student.

Thanks to Abbey K. and Kim L. for proctoring some MAPS testing for our ELL students.

-Nicole Mild--Kindergarten Teacher

Lisa Zabratanski: Thank you for the workouts, the mental break, and the laughs so much it hurts! You are doing amazing!

Karen, Liz and Niccole: you make everyday the best day! Thank you for the guidance as I navigate through my first year. With the three of you by my side I feel so much more confident. Thank you for being such an awesome team! I am truly grateful for you!

-Renee Evans--7th Grade Math Teacher

I want to thank Kendra Logar for letting me use her classroom for a new small group that I am teaching. She also took the time to give me some lessons on how to use her smart board, and she gave me some tips for teaching UFLI with a group. I truly appreciate her kindness in sharing her space and her expertise.

I also want to thank Kelly Roland for all she does for our shared students and for finding ways to fill my bucket with her kind words. She always finds a way to touch my heart and to make me feel appreciated.

-Joan Kantenwein--Literacy Interventionist at Lotus

Thank you national board ladies: Mo, Emily, Amber, and Amanda for allowing me to have Eliana at our meeting. Thank you Natalie too! It truly takes a village!

Thank you Jackie for reaching out and looking up some information for me.

Thank you Ashley for watching my boys for a phone call.

Thank you Colleen for EVERYTHING ALWAYS but also for the pictures from Friday’s fun and all the extra clean from the cooties in our room lately!

-Sherry Tietjen--Special Education Teacher at Lotus

Kudos to Natalie Molidor for assisting me with Amplify..

Kudos to Adam Schaefer for attempting to fix a phone issue to make parent phone calls.

Kudos to Laura Livesay for taking time to assist students getting caught up on their notebooks and missing work/reorganizing day. Many students left Friday afternoon feeling refreshed and ready for a new week, as they have expressed to me how much that meant to them.

Kudos to the entire 8th grade team for supporting all students, every day..

Lisa Zabratanski -Stanton Special Education Teacher

Thank you to Andrea DeMatteo, Kristie Paul, Rachelle Peters, Lynn Smolen, and Jen Sutschek for remaining calm in a transportation situation and going truly above

and beyond for our student.

Thank you to the 6th grade team, Meghan Reimers, and Rachelle Peters for all your time in student problem solving meetings.

To my amazing team for all you're doing to launch the update to Skyward's Business platform. You're soooo fabulous!

To everyone who made it possible for the Lotus LTRS attendees to go to the training on Wednesday, and to those who went for taking the time to learn about a new approach to literacy! Can't wait to hear more!

From Heather 🧡💛🖤

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

Why are Learning Targets (academic and SEL) so important and considered one of the Friz 5?

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

January 21 Board Meeting

The 1/21/25 meeting will be held at Stanton so the Board and all other attendees can see the updates to the building, see a new sign added inside to help celebrate Stanton's roots, and see the new hallway panel TV. We'll start at 6:00 PM in the cafeteria to kick off the informal part of the meeting, and the formal meeting will start, as usual, at 7PM. We'll be recognizing LOTS of amazing students, including all participants from last spring and this fall in the Girls on the Run program!

What's Up With the Hallway Panel TVs?

Cool update!!! There's an interactive panel already up at Stanton and one coming at Lotus. What the heck are these?

Well, the Board feels strongly that we need to highlight the District's history AND celebrate as we move forward. So, they funded panels for each site to tell the story of each school, how the district came to be, and big events along the way. Additionally, everyone will be able to see announcements as well as any new info we want to add since it's all done in Google slides. Thanks to Paul Jakstas and Bill Lomas, long time Fox Lake supporters who have PhDs in oru schools. Thanks also to Adam, Mike, and Don for helping bring this idea to life.

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 day, makeup on March 4 (Casimir Pulaski Day)

Once we use/get past Pulaski Day on the calendar, we do the 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.

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!

Mark your calendars for our next Eat Out to Help Out at Antioch Pizza: This Wednesday, January 22nd, all day! Make sure to mention you're with District 114! This fundraising event will be a battle of the grades; the grade with the largest turnout will win coupons for free pizza!

Urgent!! We're looking for members to help plan and run this year’s Family Fun Fair to be held on Saturday, 2/22 from 11am- 3pm. Please sign up here!

We're also looking for members to help plan and run this year’s Day of Service fundraiser to be held on Earth Day, April 22nd. Please sign up here!

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

*The next Board of Education meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 21 please feel free to join either in person or virtually to stay up to date on happenings in our district.

**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.