Monday Morning Memo: Monday Morning Memo 9/8/25

Tip of the Week

KUDOS to Dan Miller for jumping right into our small but mighty, crazy, loud, chaotic, fierce TEAM!! You are the perfect fit!

You are the S*@!

Kim Husko & Kendra Smeigh--PE Teachers at Stanton

Thank you to Tom and Matt for being supportive and present these first few weeks. You are both awesome, and I appreciate all of the help, support and problem solving needed to navigate special ed. You guys rock!

Thank you to the seventh grade team: Karen, Niall, Niccole and Renee for being an amazing and supportive team. You guys are great!

Thank you to the sixth grade team: Cynthia, Dayja, Kaitlyn and Katy for the continued communication and for the support you give the sixth graders I am supporting.

Thank you Meghan Reimers and Kim Mack for all your support with kids. I appreciate that I can go to you both

Thank you Averie Schultz for everything you do for our kids. You are amazing!

Thank you Brian Dungan for the support you provide sixth and seventh grade. I appreciate all your help.

Thank you Kim Husko for helping me problem solve on a student that needs to get to his next class after lunch on time. I appreciate you!

-Cathy Jawnyj--Special Education Teacher at Stanton

Thank you to Melissa McCart and Samantha Geenen for going above and beyond to help our new student get set up to have a successful school year. I could not do it without you both!

Thank you to Mary Honea for helping the 2nd grade team get the Bridges Work Places set up.

-Christine Spittler--2nd Grade Teacher

Kudos and big thanks to Colleen Robinson for jumping right in to be there for a student who needed a one on one in order to be successful in Art Club! As always, Colleen's assistance is invaluable!!

Kudos and thanks to Sue for her attention to detail in coordinating the forms and placing kiddos in clubs. It's a big job to make all the pieces fit, and she makes it look easy! Thanks again, Sue!

Thank you to Russ who always goes the extra mile in helping, whether it's setting up tables or getting cleaning supplies, your help is greatly appreciated!

Thank you to Erica for not only coming quickly, but sitting with a Kinder friend who was struggling to stay regulated from the moment he got to Art class. Appreciated you sitting with him so he could have some success!

-Gayle McManamon--Art Teacher at Lotus

Kudos to my outstanding 5th grade team (Jenny, Jessica, Melissa, Meaghan, Jackie, and Cara) for surviving two weeks of testing, helping support all of our students in all of the ways, giving advice when there was some "what should we do" moments, and just being rockstars down in the dungeon. Thank you all so much for your support and love!

Kudos to Meaghan Reimers for helping me each and everyday with several different students! I greatly appreciate you! Sometimes I don't know how you do it!

Kudos to Cara for filling in for me Friday afternoon, so I could go take care of some things! Thank you!!!!

~ Danielle Donelli - 5th Grade Teacher

Sherrie, Colleen, and Mary for welcoming a new kiddo into their classroom with open arms. You all made him feel so welcome and part of the room right away!!!

Thank you to everyone who stepped in this week to cover for absent staff members – your flexibility keeps things running smoothly.

Shout out to Gayle, Jillian, Sarah, and Nicole for such a thoughtful and collaborative SST around Specials and PE.

Appreciation to Gina and Caitlyn for jumping in to help with the stairwell at the end of the day – teamwork at its best!

A special thank you to Nicole Brinkman for supporting some of the complicated and unexpected situations that arose this week. Your professionalism and compassion are truly appreciated.

Huge thanks to Kim R for being so on top of all things Special Education and juggling everything with grace and a positive attitude. Your steady leadership makes such a difference!

Shout out to Sam G and Ashley B for always jumping in to help whenever asked. Your willingness to support makes a big impact!

Thanks to Kim V for creating community partnerships with Antioch Pizza. Not only are they partnering with us on PBIS incentives, but Kim also brought by pizza — what a treat!

-Matt, Erica, and Chad--The Ad Team at Lotus

I am grateful for all the kindness I have experienced from staff since I started. The Sped and 8th grade teams in particular have been especially spectacular. Thank you so much!

-Christina Gardner--Special Education Teacher at Stanton

Shoutout to my amazing first grade teammates on another successful curriculum night! It's basically summer now haha. Also, thank you to Erica and Matt for helping solve some last minute technology glitches.

Kudos to Anna Rivera for being such a wonderful nurse, you are so appreciated!

Jen Groot-1st Grade Teacher

Kudos and shout out to Kim Husko for jumping in and supporting a colleague in a different classroom because she just felt it was the right thing to do. The selflessness and care for others does not go unnoticed! Also...she makes an AMAZING sourdough bread! Thank you, Kim!

Kudos to Lynn Smolen! Lynn's care and partnership at the onset of this school year is celebrated and appreciated beyond words! Thank you, Lynn, for your listening ear and collaborative conversations when it comes to problem solving!

Kudos to the Dynamic Duo of Michele Burgess and Jill Becmer as they were presented with this month's Every Second Counts recognition at our Stanton Staff meeting earlier this week. We are ALL so much better for everything you do!

Kudos to all staff members who are supporting our IEP entitled students while making Every Second Count! The flexibility and creative problem solving does not go unnoticed and is appreciated more than words can express. Way to go, TEAM!!! One Team...All In!

-Tom Cardamone--Principal at Stanton

Kudos to Erica Barraza for helping me out with IRLA this week!! You made me feel comfortable asking all my questions about this tedious testing, so thank you!!

Kudos to Mary Honea for subbing for me while I learn how to IRLA test! You were amazing and so easy to work with, with the obstacles a 3rd-grade day can throw at you!

-Lili Tosado--3rd Grade Teacher

Kudos to Danielle Donelli and Jessica Lieber! Thank you for being my right hand gals and being there for anything from a vent session to killing spiders so I can survive in my classroom. I love working with you and can't wait to see what this year brings! #WhenThere'sOneThere'sThree

Kudos to Melissa Rattner for jumping in and helping out/being flexible. You're a great addition to the team!

Kudos to Tom, Matt, Don, and the entire Stanton custodial staff for helping make sure my classroom stays afloat (figuratively and thank the lord not literally!).

-Jenny Reiff--5th Grade Teacher

Thank you to Karen Lobo for your constant support and kindness—your bright, smiling face is such a joy to see each day. A big thank you to Stephanie for being my motor partner and giving so much of yourself to support our students.

To Fiona, Kim, Nicole, Alana, Ashley, and Sam—thank you for the much-needed laughter on the days we need it most.

Thank you to Melissa McCart for all the amazing questions and consistent collaboration to support our students. Love working with you!

And thank you to Amanda for being such a wonderful support to the life skills program. The heart and dedication you put into supporting these classrooms does not go unnoticed and is so appreciated.

-Sammy Geenen--District Occupational Therapist

Dayja W. – Thank you for checking in on the meeting time . It’s always wonderful when we can work together as a team .

Kim R. – Thank you for always having the answer I need . Your knowledge and support make such a difference!

Stephanie S. & Sammie G. – Thank you for your support and brilliant ideas . Your creativity and teamwork shine through in everything you do .

-Karen Lobo-D114 Speech Pathologist

I am so excited to work with Ashley Arff/Sherry Tietjen! What an amazing team to support. Kudos to this team for showing up every day with such commitment and drive. Their leadership and positivity have been inspiring and makes a difference in how we work together.

Fiona: Kudos to you for being such an awesome teammate in our weekly group. Fiona is always so supportive and makes the group stronger with her presence and input. I’m lucky to have her by my side :)

Our Sped Team: Kudos to my amazing teammates! You’ve been killing it lately! I appreciate all the effort, support, and teamwork you bring to Lotus!

-Ashley Brown--Social Worker at Lotus

Thank you to Tom and Matt, our amazing building Principals, to ensure we have safe buildings that are ready for our ROE inspections this coming week. It is appreciated!

-Natalie Udstuen--Director of Business Services

A huge shout out to Connor Macko for leaving the IRC better than he found it and Jackie Mathews for stepping up at recess. You are both rock stars!

-Bryan Bailey--Code and Construct Teacher at Stanton

Kudos to all the wonderful paraprofessionals that have helped me over the past few weeks as students are getting used to the expectations and procedures in the art room, while also being so encouraging, positive, and fun! Jamie Smeigh, Jackie Mathews, Avery Schultz

-Kayti Hoepner--Art Teacher at Stanton

Gina for helping with 2nd grade in the hallway before lunch and for the yummy donut.

Samantha S, Misty and Mary MP for picking up my bus coverage so I can support a student in an after school activity.

Courtney thanks for the listening ear while I needed to vent.

Ashley Arff and Sherry for always keeping us up to date on all things.

-Colleen Robinson--Paraprofessional at Lotus

THANK YOU TYLER FISH!!!! You have been such a great help with my promethean board this week and helping with any tech needs as soon as they occur. We appreciate all that you do!

-Jessica Lieber--5th Grade Teacher

Thank you Matt, Amanda, & Fenton for covering Colleen’s lunch and a Domain meeting.

Thanks Alana for the fun apple speech group!

Thank you Gina for helping in the hallway before you lunch a few times this week. Also thanks for the donut.

Thank you Arff for finding awesome dream team shirts! Can’t wait to match. Also the lovely morning note that made my day!

Thank you Colleen for the new autism shirt & getting the class ready for a new friend!

Thanks Ashley Brown for a social story to help with a new bus transition for our student.

Thank you Mary MP for being flexible and helping Pre-K a few times.

-Sherry Tietjen--Special Education Teacher at Lotus

To...

Mike Szotek and Don Ukleja for installing the projection system in the Lotus Gym! It was last year's purchase that we held off installing...and it's amazing to have it up and in use now! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!

All the kindness shown when I talked about Braden's concussion this week. He's out again this week...but hoping for the best! Not sure what I'd do without my D114 Family.

EVERYONE for getting our sites ready for Monday's Health/Life Safety Inspections!

Heather

NEW INFO

ROE Update Info

I got this update from Dr. Karner, Regional Superintendent, on Friday:

Federal Situation

I was on a call today with the governor's office and other local municipalities. Some information provided on the call is still uncertain. They are working to provide as much information as possible. They believe that activity could pick up this weekend or next week in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Below is information the governor's office shared about resources that I am sharing as many of you might already have this.

Know Your Rights (KYR) card

https://www.illinoisimmigrationinfo.org/know-your-rights#:~:text=Korean-,KYR%20CARDS,-A%20Know%20Your

KYR flyer

https://www.illinoisimmigrationinfo.org/know-your-rights#:~:text=interactions%20with%20confidence.-,KYR%20DOOR%20SIGNS,-You%20can%20also

TRUST Act 1 Pager

Attached in this email

ISBE document about immigration enforcement

Attached in this email

Immigration fact sheet from FWD.US

Attached in this email

GO Topline Talking Points

Attached in this email

Regional Office Health Life Safety Audits

Each Fall, our sites participate in safety compliance checks. This year, these official visits are set to take place on Monday, September 8. Please do not be surprised when Natalie and I come around prior to this to do a "dry run" walk through and provide feedback. The fewer findings we get on the audit, THE BETTER.

REPEAT INFO

Absence Reporting

Please refer to this document for all things absence reporting. I'll put hard copy in your mailbox and will send in email as well. Please send any questions to Maddie Mercado or me.

THANKS!

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!

Recently, some staff have questioned the need to call or the meaning of "injury". In hopes of clarifying on all counts, please see below:

If you have any questions whatsoever, please contact me so I can explain and clarify! Thanks!

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.

Welcome back to all of our EAFL members!

Your EAFL board members are (with the building that they reside in):

Co-Presidents: Maureen DeVoss (Lotus) and Kendra Smeigh (Stanton)

Non Certified Vice President: Gina Crosthwaite (Lotus)

Treasurer: Katy Gardner (Stanton)

Secretary: Tasha Pfau (Lotus)

Regional Rep: Kendra Logar (Lotus)

Lotus Building Rep: Misty Madula

Stanton Building Rep: Renee Evans

Any union questions or concerns can be directed towards any one of these people. Thank you to this wonderful team for dedicating your time and efforts towards our membership.

Date to Note:

Union Articulation on Wednesday, SEPTEMBER 24 @ 2:00 PM in the Stanton Cafeteria: This is a time for us all to get together for celebrations and to get union information. If you are a union member, your presence is expected since we are being given the time to meet. If you are not a member, you are expected to work your regular schedule in the building on this day. An agenda and more specific information will be provided in the upcoming weeks.

See what your membership has to offer! Go to ieanea.org to see all of the happenings and most up to date information on union matters. Go to ieanea.org/benefits/ to explore discounts and deals that are offered to you with your membership.

Good morning, District 114!

Join us TONIGHT for our first PTA meeting of the year!
When: September 8th, 6:00 pm
Where: Lotus Library or join us on Google Meets!
Then, join us on Tuesday for the first Eat Out to Help Out of the school year!!
When: Tuesday, September 9th, 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Where: McDonald's in Fox Lake
What to know:
Come see your favorite teachers work at McDonald's for the evening!
Make sure to say "I'm here with D114!" 20% of food purchases will be donated to the PTA!
Be sure to bring cash for Apple Pies! 100% of apple pie donations go to the PTA!
Help us meet our membership goal of 90+ members this school year!! Here's what you need to know:
Dues are $10 for the whole year! That's less than a dollar a month!
You'll receive a District 114 PTA Calendar featuring student artwork
Join here today!
Join the PTA and help enrich your child's educational experience this year!

Make sure to join our Facebook Group Page!

Have a great week!

YOUR PTA Board