YIPPEE!!!!! It's a week to celebrate each of YOU!!!!
THANK YOU, Liz Andersen for making and sharing this Spotify list of the May Wellness Challenge songs!!!
🌼 Here's the link to the May Wellness Challenge!🌼
Congrats to April Challenge winners:
Caitlyn Fenton
Tasha Pfau
Please let me know your choice of gift card!
May Focus--Purpose Routines
This Week's Wellness Invitation: Discover Who You Are as an Educator
Consider who you are as an educator this week. Use your mindfulness routines to pause and reflect. Pay attention to any sensations, images, feelings, or thoughts that come to you. Then, write who you are as an educator in 10 words or less!
Connor Macko- Thank you for helping me grade projects this week in Social Studies — it was a big help! I really appreciate you always being willing to step in whenever needed.
-Kaitlyn Goorsky 6th grade Social Studies
Thank you Pam for the measuring cup!
Thank you Kim V for accepting us coming up late to library!
Thanks Colleen for getting messy to start our Mother’s Day gift!
Thanks national boards ladies (Mo,Emily,Amber, & Amanda) for allowing Ellie to crash multiple meetings this year! I’m so thankful to have done this process with you ladies!!
-Sherry Tietjen-Special Education Teacher at Lotus
Sue Pinkawa - THANK YOU for the amazing Honey Bee presentation you did for our students.
We so appreciate you EVERYDAY!!!
Thanks everyone for all your donations for the PBIS Store. The students greatly appreciate it!!
-Kim VanHoorelbeke - Lotus Library Paraprofessional
Jen Groot-Thank you for recognizing a student's strengths and highlighting them to a parent! It's easy to forget that as educators we need to relationship build with students and parents ALL the time, not just at the beginning of the year. You are appreciated!
-Natalie Udstuen-Assistant Principal at Lotus
Big thanks to Donna Saranzak for stepping in and helping a student from another class by taking the student for a walk. Your help made all the difference and is so appreciated!
Big thanks to Chris Brown for all her help in the art room the past couple of weeks. Very much appreciated!
Ashley Wydra, major kudos to you on helping those in need at the site on an accident (State Park Road) after work last week. Ashley not only witnessed the whole thing, she was the first one out of her car providing help. She quickly coordinated everything at the scene, until help came. The pedestrian who was hit will be fine, some broken bones, but thankfully nothing life changing. Well done Ms. Wydra!!
-Gayle McManamon--Art Teacher at Lotus
Thank you Kelly Roland for your encouraging and kind words!
Thank you Misty for your spirit and willingness to help with anything, including pet sitting!
-Emily Reczek-2nd Grade Teacher
Sending a huge THANK YOU to Marla for stepping in to sub for me so I could be with my grandma in the hospital!
Sending a big thank you to my 5th grade team (Lisa, Natalie, Jenny, and Jessica) for helping me out and keeping me in the loop with everything while I was out for a few days!
Sending another thank you to Kim Mack for coming in to do an SEL lesson with our 5th graders!
Sending another thank you to everyone that has wished me a happy birthday!
~ Danielle Donelli - 5th Grade Teacher
A BIG, BIG, thank you to some amazing women who came to the rescue in our classroom this week when Ms. Kristine and Ms. Haley both had to be out at different times.
Adisyn Ill-Thank you for being so flexible and meeting our kids right where they are at. You are so kind and have a comfortable way of interacting with our students that helps to make them more successful! Thank you so much for your help!
Sarah Gallivan- Thank you for helping our class this week. You are so good at looking at a situation and giving what is needed. Thank you for figuring out how to make your schedule fit more than one class when it was needed. You do what is best for the kids and that helps everyone! Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness and time.
Jackie Gordon-Platek- Thank you for joining us this week. It was so nice to have your support. It was exciting that you noticed some growth that has been made since the last time you worked with us and thank you for mentioning the changes you saw in our students! That makes me smile!
Colleen Robinson- Thank you for helping us on the playground when we realized we needed an extra hand. You were just the right fit! It was a pleasure to share their favorite place with you!
Last but not least- Kristine Gumm and Haley Baum- Simply put, nothing makes me realize how important and talented and needed and wise you both are then on the days when you cannot be at school. You are both valued and appreciated and I feel lucky to be a part of this team that gets to serve our extraordinary students! Thank you for all you are and all you do!
From: Pam Enright- Special Education Teacher at Lotus
Thank you Megan and Rachelle for being my “back up” on home visits for our outplacement students. Thank you for helping them stay connected.
Thank you Kim M. For helping one of our most complex students find support and structure for the summer time, you always go above and beyond for kids.
Lynn
Thank you to:
Sue Pinkawa and Paula Kvacik for going above and beyond to do all the things for Lotus and ALSO fill our vacant Nurse spot when we couldn't find a sub.
Karen Brnot for including me on butterflies, blooms, and baby zebra baby news
Sonia Miller and Georgette Franco along with ALL of our kitchen staff for helping will allllll things for Staff Appreciation Week.
From Heather 🧡💛🖤
Please send me your kudos for colleagues each week! I'll happily post them in this section!
_
And since we are ALL teachers in our own way, I think this one means A LOT!
Remember that all the steps you take...Friz 5 or not...MATTER...
NEEDED--Summer School Teacher and Paraprofessionals!
Please let me know if you are interested in teaching summer school or working as a paraprofessional! You can also share this with others outside D114 who may be looking for summer work! Please have anyone interested reach out to me ASAP! THANKS!
Summer Sealcoating
Our lots will be patched, sealcoated, and striped this summer:
Stanton - Monday June 2nd sealcoat and Tuesday June 3rd for striping.
Lotus - Wednesday June 4th for sealcoat and Thursday June 5th for striping.
Friday June 6th will be a rain date.
FEEL FREE TO SHARE!
Summer Curriculum Work
Hello!!! It's that time of year...when I ask for your ideas and proposals for summer curriculum work! THANK YOU to the teams who have already sent in ideas!
Looking forward to seeing your great ideas! Please send any questions my way!
Open Enrollment for 25-26
Our annual open enrollment period will begin on May 5, 2025 and end on May 31, 2025. Benefits will be effective September 1, 2025 through August 31, 2026. All benefit eligible employees returning for the 2025-26 school year must complete the open enrollment process, even if you are not changing any elections or waiving coverage.
During open enrollment you can enroll, waive coverage, add family members or make necessary changes. It's also a great time to review beneficiary, address and other personal information for accuracy. Note: You must re-enroll into your Flexible Spending Plan every plan year.
Dental/Vision Coverage:
Employees are no longer required to take Dental/Vision Insurance through the district. If you do not use our Dental and/or Vision insurance plan, feel free to waive coverage.
I've attached the following Open Enrollment materials for 2025-26:
- Benefit Summary Booklet
- Self-Service Guide
- Health Insurance Rates
Please reach out with any questions or concerns.
Thanks,
Maddie
Injury Reporting
If you are injured on the job, you MUST IMMEDIATELY do the following:
1. Report this injury to an administrator.
2. Report the injury to Company Nurse.
Thanks in advance!
May 17, 2025!!!
Here's the waiver link to sign up for the Girls on the Run 5K! At the Girls on the Run event, which you can run, walk, skip, dance, or whatever you choose for FREE!
Here's the link to sign up for Jeff's event. All cash contributions directly offset costs or will be used as a donation. This is a not for profit celebration.
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.
Good morning, District 114!
Happy May! As we countdown the days to the end of the school year, we've got plenty to share with you!
Day of Service: 10-Day Principals' Challenge!!
We've raised $525 so far during our 10-Day Principals Challenge! We need to raise at least another $1,475 to see Mr. Peters and Mr. Sefcik complete the ice bucket challenge (and see Mr. Peters dye his hair)! Even more for the crazier challenges!
Donations can be made through Friday, May 9th at 5:00 pm. These can be sent to school in cash or check or donations can be made online here.
Mr. Peters and Mr. Sefcik will meet the following challenges based on how much money we raise:
- $2,000
- Mr. Peters will do the ice bucket challenge and dye his hair!
- Mr. Sefcik will do the ice bucket challenge!
- $4,000
- Mr. Peters will be duct taped to the wall!
- Mr. Sefcik will dress like a fox for the day!
- $6,000+
- Mr. Peters will dress up as the Kool Aid Man and crash through a Lego wall! Everyone one else will enjoy some Kool Aid!
- Mr. Sefcik will dress like a maid for the day and direct traffic during arrival and dismissal!
Remember, the funds earned will be going to fund the PTA's work for next year AND start a fund to build a new playground at Lotus!\
Staff Appreciation Week!
This week is Staff Appreciation Week. On Wednesday, May 7th, the PTA will be catering breakfast for our wonderful staff at each school!! We are asking parents to donate juice and pastries (especially gluten free options), and we need 2 volunteers at each school to help set up and clean up. Please consider signing up here (easier to sign up on a computer instead of a phone)! Thank you!
Family Rocket Launch: Launch Into Summer!!
Due to the weather this past Friday, we had to postpone this event to THIS WEEK!! This Friday, May 9th is the Family Rocket Launch!! Come join us at Stanton from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Bring an empty 2 liter soda bottle to decorate and blast off! We'll also have pizza, popcorn, and lemonade. Help us launch into summer!!
Next PTA Meeting!
Mark your calendars for the next PTA meeting! Monday, May 12th at 6:00 pm in the Lotus library!
Can't join in person? Join us on Google Meets!
Last Eat Out to Help Out Event for the school year: Dogs N Suds!!
Our last EOTHO event will be held on Tuesday, May 13th from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Miller's Dogs N Suds Drive in in Ingleside. 10% of all sales made between 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm will be donated to the PTA! Come join us for a final fun dining experience and you might just see Rocky the Star and Stanton's Fox make an appearance!
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
Dates to Mark Down:
**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 & their local associations to collaborate and create opportunities for community service/school projects APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2026 SCHOOL YEAR WILL OPEN APRIL 1, 2025
PD Calendar: Take a look at all the PD training 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
🛬 May 5-9--STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK 2025! 🛫
May 17
District 114 CARES
At District 114 Fox Lake, the well-being of our students and families is our top priority. Understanding the critical role mental health plays in student success, we have launched District 114 CARES—a comprehensive initiative aimed at improving access to quality mental health services across our community.
What is District 114 CARES?
District 114 CARES stands for Community, Advocacy, Resilience, Engagement, and Support. This program is specifically designed to provide essential mental health resources and support to students and families, with a focus on those facing financial challenges.
Our mission is to ensure that every student has the tools they need to thrive—both emotionally and academically. By addressing barriers to care, we aim to empower students to reach their full potential in and out of the classroom.
Our Commitment
Through District 114 CARES, we reaffirm our dedication to fostering a supportive, resilient community where every student has equitable access to the resources and support they need to succeed.
ICE and D114 Plans
Please see the document linked here, which outlines exactly how we will respond should ICE come onsite.
Paste the URL below into your browser:
For Primary, use: https://www.edtomorrow.
For Secondary, use: https://www.edtomorrow.
2024-25 Early Release Plans--DRAFT--always a work in progress
Heather 🧡
