Tip of the Week
Trigger Warning!
Let's dig in on triggers (for us and for students!) using infographics to learn together...
1. What are TRIGGERS?
2. Why do triggers impact us?
3. What are some things that can trigger us...or others?
4. What are a few ideas for coping with triggers?
Reflection QuestionsWhat are your triggers? What are things that "fry your bacon"?
What's one of your most effective strategies for coping when you are triggered?
What's one of your most effective strategies for helping students who are triggered cope?
Check it out...Everyday People. This video makes my heart and soul smile no matter what's going on around me!
Thank you to Mary L. for always thinking of me and bringing me some delicious peanut M&Ms to brighten my day.
Thank you, Melissa, for being a wonderful person to collaborate and problem-solve with.
Thank you, Michelle, for saving the day and leaving your cozy fireplace to come help me get my forgotten documents. You are always kind, thoughtful, and a rockstar teacher.
Thank you, Fiona, for some amazing co-treat sessions. It’s beautiful to see what can happen when we put our brains and expertise together.
Thank you, Kim R., for always having the answer to any question. You are AMAZING at what you do, and we are so lucky to have you.
Thank you, Stephanie, for always having an answer or being a listening ear. Your continuous support for me never goes unnoticed.
Thank you, Russel, for taking on a new schedule of morning sensory breaks—and rocking it! You learn and adapt so quickly, and it is truly impressive.
Thank you to our amazing SPED team. The care and compassion are so evident.
-Sammie Geenen--District Occupational Therapist
Big thanks to my thoughtful team while I struggled with no voice, and to our super engaged professional assistants that consistently give 110% to make our most challenged successful - including voiceless teachers!
Kaitlyn, thank you for stepping in two separate times while I’ve been out ill. And Sherry, Pam and Erin D. thanks for your flexibility. Sending Love to you all! 
-Gayle McManamon--Art Teacher at Lotus
What a fantastic time being able to work with Kendra, Dan and of course the kiddos, when I have the opportunity to lend a hand with 4th period PE. It's always fun and enlightening for one and all.
-Mark Perlman Long-Term Substitute at Stanton
Thank you Mike for moving my phone before I even realized that it needed to happen. You were on top of it!
Thank you to Russ for rolling my desk and chair up to the new room, as well as, bringing up my filing cabinet!
Thank you Don for finding a U table for the new space and unlocking my desk when I was messing with the key and accidentally locked the key in the drawer
Huge thank you to my helpers Brooke, Kaitlyn, Mary H, Dina and Gina for taking things off the wall, packing and unpacking boxes, and offering to help in any way you can with the transition!
Thank you Melissa for moving all the things so that I had a space in our room :) Thank you for the treats and all the help! Also, thank you for tag teaming the afternoon in 3rd grade. It was super helpful!
-Mollie Crow--Special Education Teacher at Lotus
Karen Brnot-thanks for the ride!!! You gave me back my freedom.
Ms Gina- the cheerleaders look great! I so enjoyed seeing them!
-Karen Lobodzinski--District Speech/Language Pathologist
Katy Gardner: You are a great friend, support system, adn coworker. I am thankful to have you across the hall.
Kaitlyn Goorsky: For all the hard work you have put in for Veteran's Day planning, the way you support our kids in the best way you can, and I love your notes that you put up for being thankful for them.
Cynthia Tsarpalas: For all the effort you put into making science fun for the 6th grade!
Leah Falster: You are so flexible and will make sure that your kids are getting their supports, love talking with you.
Averie Schultz: Thanks for being a great friend and co-coach. I love our talks and you just get me.
Sam Mock: Thank you for always making sure that I always have copies. I also appreciate your kindness and positive attitude.
Meghan Reimers: I just again wanted to say how much I love the Stanton News Network every week. You are doing a great job. I also wanted to thank you again for going above and beyond and helping me make changes and parts so that drama club could include everyone.
Brian Dungan: Thanks for subbing for me!
Mark Perlman: Thank you for stepping up and helping out with the drama club. It's going to be a fun time.
-Dayja Wydzierzecki--6th Grade ELA Teacher
I may sound like a broken record but I just cannot thank Sammie Geenen and Melissa McCart enough for supporting our students. They have the biggest hearts and I just love working with them! Thank you ladies for all you do!
-Christine Spittler--2nd Grade Teacher
Russ - Helping in the pickup and drop off line. Specifically helping jump someone's car last week.
Russ & Sonia - Staying extra late to help clean up the building.
Everyone who helped support Friday by stepping in and covering classrooms, and supporting students.
Mary H - Helping a student who was choking in the cafeteria
Mary F - Always being willing to jump on a bus and help out.
Colleen - For loving and caring for our kiddos through even the most difficult times.
- Matt, Erica, and Chad
Thank you Ashley Arff for your help with the curriculum questions I had.
Thanks Sue & Jenny for working with me on report cards.
Thank Amanda & Pam for checking in on me.
Thanks Mary MP for being flexible and willing to change her schedule last minute a few times this week.
Thank you Colleen for rolling with the "punches". I love you so much.
Thank you Sammie for hanging out with a student.
-Sherry Tietjen--Special Education Teacher at Lotus
I am so grateful for Amanda Lorenz's tech savvy and willingness to share her expertise at the drop of a hat. Thank you, sister!
-Joseph Fernandez--Literacy Interventionist at Lotus
Kudos to Kim Husko for another great pancake celebration for my Community Building class reward. The students LOVE your pancakes. Thank you!
Kudos to Samantha Mock for always checking-in in the morning to do copying. I really appreciate it.
-Katy Gardner--6th Grade Math Teacher
Mary F for taking my bus on Thursday
For absolutely everyone who checked in on me the past few days to make sure I was good. It takes a village and I love mine!!
Jillian, Sarah, Gayle and CJ for always making sure our kids have the right equipment to make them successful
Sherry for knowing me so well that we can switch places without saying anything, and sometimes the kids don't notice.
Anna and Dina excepting our friend and always open for new ideas with her. She's doing so well.
Hallie and Tammy for your amazing communication with us on bus issues.
-Colleen Robinson--Paraprofessional at Lotus
SUPER Kudos to Jamie Smeigh for stepping in and stepping up to support students across all four grade levels in math intervention and support. Additionally, thank you to our 5th grade and math team for the collaboration and partnership with Jamie as he facilitates these learning pathways for our students!
KUDOS to Dan Olson who crushed the Whitney Houston Challenge at our recent staff meeting. And thanks to all of the brave individuals who volunteered to test their rhythm!
KUDOS to Lynn Smolen for being a SUPERHERO on Thursday when we had some extra afternoon energy!
-Tom Cardamone--Principal at Stanton
Kudos to Kim and Meghan!!! I appreciate your guys' love for our kids and all the time you take out of your day best help them. You guys rock!!!!
-Jessica Lieber--5th Grade Teacher
A HUGE shout out to Samantha Mock for always going above and beyond to help each and every student! Having you in this trimesters 6th grade health class has been awesome! The way you just jump in and do what needs to be done to assist the kids has made a great impact!
A HEARTFELT thank you to Megan and Kim for being the BEST active listeners I have ever known! Your patience, empathy and kindness is much appreciated by all of us here at Stanton!!
Kudos to the entire Stanton Family for the day to day grind that we all love and signed up for BUT can get brutal at times! There is no other place I would rather be! (I mean no other school....of course I would rather be at a beach... but if I have to go to work,,,this is the place
)
-Kim Husko--Wellness Teacher at Stanton (and also sourdough bread queen of the universe!)
Thank you
Kim Rauchfuss for all the hard work you do and collaboration. You truly are an amazing colleague and I love working with you.
You are such a great leader and you are deeply appreciated!
Thank you Sherry for helping me Alternative Report Cards! Thank you for also hosting our combined Halloween party and ensuring the kids had a great time! You are valued!
Thank you Ms. Sammie for working so wonderfully with our shared students and always being so flexible. The students adore you and so do I!
Thank you Sonia for making some changes and packing our students lunches last Friday for the party! You are amazing in all that you do for our school and students!
Thank you Ms. Kolk for welcoming a new student to your class, he had a great time and enjoyed being in your room. Glad to be working closely with you again this year. You are a special person and make such strong relationships with your students. Looking forward to collaborating with you more this year.
Thank you Ms. Courtney and Ms. Misty for always being so proactive and sharing such great ideas to ensure our students are most successful. You are such an important part of this team and I couldn't do it without you!
Thank you Ms. Brittany and Ms. Honea for hosting a fun Halloween coloring activity in ILP-SEL while I was out. Your patience and support does not go unnoticed. Much love!
Thank you Ms. DeVoss for always being such a great team member and welcoming our students with open arms to your classroom. YOU are AMAZING!
-Ashley Arff--Special Education Teacher at Lotus
Shoutout to Melissa McCart for being so supportive and making me laugh daily!! Also, shoutout to all of the Lotus paras for being so welcoming the past couple of months
- Brooke Mangler--Paraprofessional at Lotus
A huge thank you to Kim Rauchfuss, Tom Cardamone, Kristie Paul, Christina Gardner, and Lynn Smolen, who've patiently answered my many questions as I learn the ins and outs of scheduling Special Education meetings. Your patience, confidence in me, and willingness to help mean a great deal. I truly appreciate the support and teamwork — I couldn't do it without you!
Jill Becmer--Stanton Administrative Assistant
Kudos to all who helped me get my new student started right away.
- Russ for getting me a desk and chair.
- Kim and Mike for his chromebook and switching it out when buttons weren't working.
- Joan-For helping me find their reading level.
- Caitlyn F. for testing for math.
- Melissa and Sam: For coming up with a schedule so quickly.
- Sue and Jenny: For getting his planner, lotus shirt, and bus tag so quickly.
- Anna- For giving me her extra student books for math.
Adalia- For helping him get acclimated to his UFLI group.
It takes a village and I appreciate you all for everything that was accomplished in the short amount of time.
-Stephanie Kolk--4th Grade Teacher
Thank you to Caitlyn Fenton, Anna Morris, and Stephanie Kolk for helping me prepare for conferences!
Thank you to Chad Ziarko for having amazing communication and always keeping me in the loop about my students throughout the day!
Thank you to Erica Barraza for encouraging me to advocate for myself as a new teacher!
-Serene Madison--4th Grade Teacher
Kudos to Sonia for helping Jillian with helping put away chairs on Halloween AND taking pictures of Jillian and I for our visuals in P.E. We appreciate you tons!
-Sarah Gallivan--PE Teacher at Lotus
Averie Schultz is a spectacular, jovial, and involved para. She's always willing to help out wherever, whenever she's needed. Thanks for making all of my copies!!!!!!!!!!!! and for laughing at ALL my jokes!!
-Niccole Culbertson--7th Grade ELA Teacher
Thank you Joan Kantenwein and Caitlyn Fenton for taking the time to test my new student, I appreciate all that you do.
Thank you Jillian Kilty and Erica Barraza for giving my friend some extra incentives to do their best. They love the extra time and attention.
-Cary Scarpino--1st Grade Teacher
I personally want to thank Ms. Arff, Ms. Courtney and Ms. Misty. They are amazing with their students, so patient and so kind. They make a great team. They also made me feel extremely welcome. I am grateful for these ladies and helping me whenever I had a question. They also are invested in Stella, often ask questions and are eager to learn. These are some special ladies. Thank you!
-Kristen Chellson--1:1 Nurse at Lotus
I want to thank the 7th grade team along with Meghan Reimers, Kim Mack, Lynn Smolen and Tom Cardamone. We had a meeting with parents of a student this past week to discuss ways to help their student succeed.
The team did a great job identifying strengths of the student while also explaining to the parents opportunities for continued growth! It was a positive meeting and the parents are appreciative to work with this great team!
-Matt Shannon--Associate Principal at Stanton
To...
Kristie and Michele for alllllllll your help with state reporting.
Matt, Lynn, and Tom for helping with a very dysregulated student.
Natalie and Jeff for literally ALLLLLLL the things.
-Heather 💙
7h
Upcoming Conference Schedule
Hi! As we head closer to Conferences and Thanksgiving Break, here is some key information on hours and expectations:
Certified Staff--work Monday, Monday PM and Tuesday AM for Conferences
Paraprofessionals--work Monday regular day, no PM conferences, off Tuesday (makes up for working Veterans Day)
Permanent subs--paid as certified staff, so they DO work conferences
Long term subs (Mark Perlman)--work Monday regular day, no PM conferences, off Tuesday (makes up for working Veterans Day)
Kitchen staff--work Monday regular day, no PM conferences, off Tuesday (makes up for working Veterans Day)
Transportation--individual schedules--see Jeff/Natalie for details
10 month Admin Assistants--work Monday regular day, no PM conferences, off Tuesday (makes up for working Veterans Day)
12 month Admin Assistants--work regular hours plus conference schedule
12 month staff--work regular hours
Admin--work allllllll the hours
12 month staff--a memo with all holiday hour information is coming soon!
I know it's a lot of moving parts, so please reach out to me with any questions. Thanks!
REPEAT INFO
Girls Basketball Coach NEEDED!!!!
We are still seeking a coach for Stanton's 7th Grade Girls Basketball team! Please reach out to Jill Becmer, Athletic Director, if you are interested or if you know someone from outside D114 who would be interested and a great fit.
Thanksgiving D114 Family Feast
We're soooo excited to start a new tradition!
Let’s Celebrate Together — Thanksgiving Potluck!
Hi D114,
As we head into the season of gratitude, we’d love to take a moment to celebrate you — our incredible staff — with a Thanksgiving Potluck! This is a chance to relax, share some delicious food, and enjoy each other’s company.
Date: Wednesday, November 19th
Time: Lotus @ 1:30 & Stanton @ 2:00
Location: Your School's Cafeteria
We’ve set up a sign-up sheet to help organize the dishes. Please take a moment to add your team to a food item. No need to worry about serving utensils — we’ve got that covered!
*This food item can be homemade by team members, store bought, catered (team split cost), etc.
Lotus Sign Up
Stanton and Transportation Sign Up
Let’s make this a fun and festive meal full of great food, laughter, and gratitude. Thank you all for everything you do — we couldn’t ask for a better team!
THANK YOU to our Kitchen and Spirit teams for putting this plan together!
Stanton Student Council Food Drive
There will be four boxes in the cafeteria each morning. Students will put their donation in their GRADE LEVEL box. Student Council members or Renee will be out there to give them raffle tickets, one per item. It would be very helpful if they know how many items they have, but we can count with them. If it happens that no one is out there, they can just come see me Renee at another time that works!
They should put their first and last name on their ticket and put them in the container that will be on the stage. This does not have to be done right when they get them. If they don’t fill them out and put them in there, though, they will not be eligible for the raffles.
PIE in the EYE raffle: ALL tickets for ALL grades will then be dumped into one box for the PIE in the EYE event the day before Winter Break! We will need staff volunteers for this event! 500 donations gets Mr. Cardamone on stage to be pied, and then we add one staff member for each additional 100 items. Sign up sheet will be in the lounge for any volunteers willing to participate.
Referral GPS--Reminder!
We are committed to creating a culture of well-being of students, staff,
parents, and community. In an effort to continuously support this
commitment, the district has entered an agreement with ReferralGPS.
ReferralGPS is a web-based service focused on assisting our students,
staff, and community in finding local mental-health and substance use
related treatment. The service compliments the districts existing
systems of support as a tool for student service teams and families to
connect with treatment. Along with a searchable database of treatment
options, ReferralGPS provides Care Navigation to assist families in
triage, appointment setting, and follow up care.
School families may access ReferralGPS in two ways:
1) Contact Student Services (social workers, psychologists,
counselors) to seek out treatment options.
search for treatment resources or connect with a Care
Navigator anonymously.
ReferralGPS takes into account all types of private and public insurance
including PPO, HMO, Medicaid, Medicare, and families who are
uninsured or underinsured. The platform also filters by age, gender, zip
code, and special requests.
ReferralGPS is available for use by district students, staff, and families at
no cost. All information entered on the ReferralGPS tool is completely
confidential and securely stored.
If you are interested in seeking counseling-related services at this time,
reaching out to the Student Services team.
Field Trips
If you are planning for a field trip, please remember:
All field trip requests must be submitted to the principal no later than the 15th of the previous month of your trip.
Example: Trip is in March, Form must be in by February 15th. This allows time for approval and our drivers to select trips.
2. Submit the form to your Principal for approval.
2. Principals, if approved, submit to NATALIE UDSTUEN to arrange transportation.
Work Orders
When you have something you need the Facilities Team to handle for you, please complete a Work Request. Be sure to include the LOCATION in the "summary" field.
Absence Reporting
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!
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.
Other opportunities to check out:
Fall Teaching & Learning Collectives - Virtual Book Study Registration is OPEN!
September 28 - November 22 | up to 26 PD Hours Register HERE
Choose a book and settle in for the fall session of IEA’s virtual book studies. With 5 titles across Collective themes of Student Wellness, Justice and Equity, Instructional Strategies, and Educator Wellness - there is a book for everyone!
All IEA members are invited to participate: Virtual Book Study
Questions? Contact Jenny Seitz.
Aspiring Educators & Early Career Fall Events - Registration Now Open!
Please help spread the word and encourage members to attend these upcoming events:
Early Career Fall Blitz/Aspiring Educators Fall Retreat
AND...don't forget
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!
We hope to see you at our meeting tonight at 6:00 pm to ~7:00 pm. Join us in the
Lotus Library or Google Meet here!
Here's what else is coming up this month:
- THIS THURSDAY- November Eat Out to Help Out
- Panera Bread in McHenry (1850 North Richmond Rd.)
- Thursday, November 13th, ALL DAY
- 20% of receipts will go to the PTA!
- Show the attached flyer or use this code for online orders: FUND4U
- Parent-Teacher Conference Dinners
- Monday, November 24th
- El Puerto's will be catering for us again this year!
- We're looking for dessert and drink donations and a couple of volunteers to help set up and clean up. Sign up here!
- Donations should be dropped off at either school office by 4:30 pm on November 24th.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
- Stanton Book Fair
- Monday, December 1st - Saturday, December 6th
- Sign-up info forthcoming
- Santa's Breakfast & Holiday Market
- Saturday, December 6th, 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
- More info forthcoming!
- Interested in being a vendor at the Holiday Market? Email us at PTA@foxlake114.org
We're still seeking nominations for secretary of the PTA. If you're interested in self-nominating or have questions about the position, please email us at PTA@foxlake114.org. We're hoping to vote in the next fabulous member of the board before the new year!
Help us reach our goal of 90+ members this school year! We currently have 79 members, including 39 teachers and staff, and 40 parents/guardians.
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 (calendars were sent home last week
check those backpacks!) - Join here today!
- Join the PTA and help enrich your child's educational experience this year!
We hope to see you tonight!
Have a great week!
YOUR PTA Board
THIS WEEK
November 11--Veterans Day--school IN SESSION with celebrations planned
November 14--End of Trimester 1
Looking Ahead...
November 18--Board of Education Meeting at Lotus or via Google Meet at 7PM
November 24--Early Release, Parent/Teacher Conferences (PM)
November 25--Parent/Teacher Conferences (AM)
November 26-28--District Closed for Thanksgiving Break
Upcoming Event...
Proud to be...
Reflection Questions
7h
Check out this flyer for the IEA's 4th Annual Fall Fest on November 15! 
Stay informed by reading the Region 49 Newsletter
