Monday (Tuesday) Morning Memo 9/3/24

 

                                             

As we turn the calendar page to September, we shift to

                         the next wellness dimension...MENTAL                                                    WELLNESS! 

Some things to consider making decisions about for your own mental wellness...

This Week's Wellness Invitation: Track Decisions

Track how many decisions YOU make during the school day to get a baseline. TIP: Make tally marks on a post it or in a note on your phone. Remember, research shows...

Thank you Norm, for your help and patience as Kim and I hastily set up our offices on Monday! 

With the construction it was our first opportunity to get in and get it done by 1 - and you helped

us make it happen.  You're the best!

Thanks to the best partner ever - Kim Mack - for partnering to present to staff about the new

Courageous Classroom and all the work you put in on the front end to prep the slideshow!

Thank you to our new "neighbor" Collette for stopping by our office with a sweet treat.  It was

a much needed pick me up!

-Meghan Reimers-Counselor at Stanton

Megan May for offering to ride on the hottest day of the year when we needed extra bus support. 

Best first day of Pre-K ever!  Thank you to everyone on the preschool team, you truly are all rockstars 

Haley Baum for taking on any new schedule change with a smile for the greater good of our students, it is so appreciated. 

Ellie and Nicole for stepping in to help us with everything and anything. 

Amanda and Erica for helping to facilitate SST meeting for staff. 

Joan Kantenwein, Abbey Kadera and Kim Leable for helping transition PreK!

-Natalie Udstuen--Assistant Principal at Lotus

Karen, Oner and Leah (ILP-B Team) for their extra efforts in working with a student this week.  Your hard work is already paying off - BUFFALO MINDSET!!!

Liz Plemmons for bringing back the STANTON CHOIR!

Meghan and Kim for their teamwork in implementing Courageous Classroom, our new SEL curriculum.

Allison Schiavone for partnering with me on "dealing with a difficult class".  Your hardwork today will pay off for the days ahead!

-Jeff Sefcik-Principal at Stanton

I would like to give a shout out to Matt Peters for going above and beyond to help a student to join Band.  Seeing the smile on this student's face was such a reward.  Thank you, Matt, for caring personally for our students!

-Abbey Kadera--EL Teacher at Lotus 

Thanks to all the teachers at Stanton and Lotus for making scheduling smooth.  

Thanks to Ellie for getting me connected to access needed data!  You made my work life more streamlined.

Thanks to Betty Cwaik for your amazing sense of humor.

Thank you Yvette for brainstorming and coming up with a way to help a student in need.

Thank you Niccole Culbertsertson for filling me in on something that was difficult for a student.

-From Karen Lobodzinski--Speech Language Pathologist at both schools

I want to say thank you to Mike Szotek for helping me last week with some computer issues. He was so fast at responding. He was like superman coming to save the day! I really appreciate his professional commitment and all of his expertise in this area. What would we do without him?

-Joan Kantenwein--Literacy Interventionist at Lotus

HUGE shoutout to Karen Skorup for always lending a helping hand and giving me lots of ideas to try out in my room! 

-Jillian Rejczyk--Special Education Teacher at Stanton

I would like to give kudos to Cathy Jawnyj and Katy Gardner for helping encourage me after I felt down because of a tough day this week. 

-Dayja Wydzierzecki--6th Grade ELA Teacher

I have so many kudos this week! Erin Donovan, Lumi, Mandi, Mary Fisher, Kim V, Sonia, Paula, Sue, Matt, Natalie, Allie, the on-call nurse, thank you so much for coming to my aid when I went down like a ton of bricks in the classroom. I am so grateful for you all. I’m so blessed to work with such an amazing group of people. I love you all! 

-Monica McCollom--Paraprofessional at Lotus

We really appreciate Courtney and all she does to help our students who need some extra help during specials!! 

THANK YOU Courtney!!

-Erin Connolly-Jordt (Music Teacher at Lotus) and Gayle McManamon (Art Teacher at Lotus)

Kudos to Ms. Michelle for gently letting me know that my key opens ALL the doors. Sorry to all the teachers I interrupted this week! Oops!

-Karen McMurphy-Special Education Teacher at Lotus

Nurse Sharon for being such a CARING individual!!!

For supporting our students!!! THANK YOU, Colleen R. for your continued assistance and support in the Classroom.

THANK YOU, Brittany L.  for your continued assistance and support in the Classroom.

THANK YOU, Chris B. for your friendly disposition and your assistance with transporting students to and from classes.

THANK YOU, Sherry for continuing to be a wealth of information and knowledge!!

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

Kudos to Kaitlyn Goorsky, Liz Andersen, and Walter Nickles for working through some technology hiccups with our new Social Studies resource! I appreciate your willingness to jump right in and learn as we go.

Kudos to Collette de Oliveira for helping Stanton staff find ways to connect with two of our Spanish speaking students!

-Natalie Molidor--Instructional Coach at Stanton

A big shout out to Kim VanHoorelbeke for all of your help over the summer with student chromebook preparation!!!  Kim helped to prepare the chromebooks for Summer school and those needed for all grade levels at the start of the school year.  Kim is always willing to step in and help someone.  You are a Lotus Rock Star!!!

-Mike Szotek-Technology Coordinator at Lotus

A very BIG THANK YOU to my ECSE team, Mary, Mandi and Lumi who displayed outstanding empathy and professionalism during an unexpected medical event within our classroom. Your hearts are HUGE!  You did an amazing job assisting during a difficult time. 

A BIG THANK YOU  to our Admin--Natalie, Matt and Allie--for assisting and providing privacy when necessary. You shared your calm when tension was high. Thank you for being such an amazing support system. 

A BIG THANK YOU to Kim V. Your expertise as a medical professional was amazing to witness. Lotus is incredibly blessed to have your talents available, especially during an unexpected medical event. Saying “thank you” doesn’t seem enough for the amazing care you provided in a moments notice. 

A BIG THANK YOU to Sonia, Paula and Sue,  as well as our on call nurse on Thursday. You each stepped in to assist in various ways when we needed you the most. Thank you all so much! 

A BIG THANK YOU to Ben for working with me to put up our shared bulletin board space and other items on Friday afternoon. I appreciate you! 

-Erin Donovan-ECSE Teacher

Thank you to the EAFL board for putting together a wonderful articulation meeting. Your dedication, creativity and positive attitude are so wonderful to work with!

Thank you to Sonia, Penny and the Lotus kitchen staff for washing all of our delicious fruit for the meeting!

-Maureen DeVoss--2nd Grade Teacher and EAFL President

Kudos to Natalie and Matt for being an amazing team especially when it comes to crisis! I was impressed with our ability to work so cohesively with minimal vocal communication. It felt like we were a well oil machine. And kudos to all who helped with the crisis on Friday. I am grateful to have such strong and amazing group of professionals that have welcomed me w open arms 

-Amy Stotland--District BCBA

Mary Fisher, Mandi Otte, Luminita Pavel, Kim VanHoorelbeke, and Erin Donovan: Thank you for your quick thinking and teamwork during a recent situation. Your responsiveness is deeply appreciated and reflects the strong sense of care and community we have at our school.

A big thank you to our Pre-K team for your flexibility and patience during dismissal. Your adaptability and positive attitude make a big difference in ensuring everything runs smoothly. 

Misty Madula, Ashley Arff, Amy Stotland, and Ellie Seyfert: Thank you for your calm and compassionate handling of a challenging situation. Your professionalism and care made a significant difference, and we appreciate all you do to support our students.

Allie Mixon and Natalie Udstuen: A heartfelt thank you for being such amazing colleagues. Working with both of you is truly a pleasure, and I’m grateful for your support and the positive energy you bring to our team every day!

Yesenia Flory, Abbey Kadera, and Kimberly Leable: Thank you for all your collaborative planning with me for the upcoming year with BPAC.

Paula Kvacik: Thank you for your help with a tricky family situation. You handled it with such professionalism and grace.

-Matt Peters--Principal at Lotus

A BIG thank you to my official mentor, Erin Donovan. I am sure it will shock no one that she has gone above and beyond to make me feel welcome and comfortable here at Lotus. She is as wise as she is welcoming and continues to check in with me to make sure I get what I need as a new teacher to district #114. Erin, I am so lucky that we were put together. Your enthusiasm is contagious. Thank you for your kindness and willingness to share materials, strategies, and data collection ideas. My students and families will benefit from your generosity  

Now a BIG thank you to my unofficial mentor, Sherry Tietjen. Sherry did not ask to be my mentor, but I think just because our classrooms are so close and we both have ILP classrooms, my extra bonus questions just naturally came to her. She has a lot on her plate right now... a new beautiful baby girl, working on her National Boards, and adventures with getting her wisdom teeth out, yet she could not be more kind or helpful. Sherry, the time you take to answer questions or share ideas is so very appreciated. It is nice to have such a strong teacher and devoted Bears Fan so close by!   

Kristine Gumm. How lucky the kids in our classroom are to have you in it!!  You are a unique balance of  thoughtfully observant, gentle, a problem solver, optimistic, and tech savvy!  The way you are enchanted with how our students think and what motivates them to learn, makes me just as curious and inspires me to think outside the box. You are also the walker/stander whisperer. You make setting up our equipment look easy when it is not and I am thankful that I get to learn from you (and our magical Stephanie)!  Thank you for all you do my friend! It does not go unnoticed!  

Haley Baum.  Who knew that when we attended the CPI training before school started that we would end up in the same class!  I am so thankful that you are in our room. Your positivity, kindness, and gentle approach fits right in with our students. They respond so well to you because of how you interact with them and notice what they need. Your tech savvy skills are also helpful as well! Thank you for all you do my friend! It is fun to have another Formula 1 fan in the school! 

-From Pam Enright--Special Education Teacher at Lotus

Thank you Lisa Shannon for collaborating and training new staff on easyCBM with me!  Also, thank you for all the support you have provided me this year. I appreciate you. 

 Thank you Dayja Wydzierzecki and Katy Gardner for being so welcoming and collaborative with me in your classrooms! 

Thank you Lynn Smolen for always checking in and supporting me! 

Thank you Dayja Wydzierzecki for all of your support and help navigating a new team this year. You are awesome!

Thank you Katy Gardner for being my Chicago Bears twin on Friday for twin day!

Thank you Rachelle Peters for always being willing to help and helping me figure out solutions when I need it. 

Thank you to the sixth grade team for the great communication we have with each other. Our collaboration is awesome.

and

Thank you to Erica Barraza for always being there for me both personally and professionally. You are amazing and I appreciate you so much!

-Cathy Jawnyj--Special Education Teacher at Lotus 

A BIG thank you to Matt, Mary F and Ben for donating coffee to the staff lounge coffee bar. “Because a morning without coffee is like sleep.” 

-Sonia Miller--Kitchen Lead at Lotus

Just wanted to say THANK YOU to all Lotus Classrooms for working with me to get your students time for library.  I know it was not EASY.  Books are a powerful thing and as the image describes below just how "the POWER of Books stimulates children's imagination and lifts them out of whatever situation they may find themselves in" (Mary Pope Osborne).  I'm sure we can ALL connect on that belief.  

-Kim VanHoorelbeke--Library Paraprofessional at Lotus

Thanks to..

Natalie Udstuen for all the hard work to establish the Birth-3 program. Tuesdays are even more magical with this program at Lotus!!!

EVERYONE who helped save the food in the Stanton freezer this weekend when it went down! Huge thanks to Russ, Sue and Al, and Mary for moving the food to Grass Lake and back again and a special shout out to Russ for being there to make sure the freezer was repaired...and then heading to Lotus when the alarm went off there! RUSS--WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT YOU!!!

To everyone who stayed calm during crisis situations last week. Your help for each other, flexibility, teamwork, and care for our kids and each other truly blows my mind.

From Heather 🧡💛🖤

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

 

Try this...

Jeff Sefcik found and shared this AMAZING daily resource. Each day, the site provides different READY TO USE ways to connect with kids and build community, including:

*A funny meme 

*Questions to ask (at a variety of levels)

*Personal Greeting at the Door

*Quick connection

*Visual check in to self-select how they are feeling

*Mindfulness idea

*Quotes

*A purposeful video

I'm telling you, I use something from this site EVERY SINGLE DAY...and I bet you will, too. If automating decision making is something you're working on for mental wellness, this is a FABULOUS tool. Check it out...

For Primary, use: https://www.edtomorrow.com/428p

For Secondary, use: https://www.edtomorrow.com/428s

eLearning Plan

We are required to have our eLearning Plan approved every 3 years...and this is our year. We'll have to do a public hearing for this at the September Board meeting. Please see the updated plan linked here. This plan shifts any remote day to an EARLY RELEASE schedule, which the EAFL Board and I agree makes a LOT more sense. If you have input or questions, please reach out! 

Health/Life Safety Inspection

Representatives from the ROE will be onsite at both schools on September 18 to conduct the annual inspection. We'll be doing a "dry run" of this on September 11 to get ahead of any issues and give guidance in advance on any shifts that need to be made before the formal inspection. 

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!

Start the new school year off right by joining the PTA!

Join the PTA this school year and make a difference in our children's education! By getting involved, you’ll help create a supportive community, enhance school programs, and ensure our kids have the best opportunities to thrive. Your voice matters—let’s work together to make this year amazing!

The first PTA meeting of the year will be Thursday, September 12th at 6:00pm in the Lotus Library.

Become a member here! Dues are just $6 for the year! 

Keep up to date on everything the PTA is up to by joining our Facebook group here!

Key 2024-25 Dates

April 22

Day of Service

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

October 21-25 Book Fair

Family Reading Night (Lotus)

October 23

Santa's Breakfast and Stanton Book Fair--TBD

February 22

Family Fun Fair (Lotus)

May 2

Rocket Launch (Stanton)

Possible Star Wars Theme

Rain date May 9

*Thank you to all that were able to attend the articulation meeting on Wednesday. It is such an honor to work with all of you and I love all of the great information that was shared.  Please remember if you have any questions or concerns to feel free to reach out to any of your board members.

*Steve Podgorski, our NEA Investment Adviser Representative will be holding virtual meetings for anyone who would like to meet with him. He is able to help you with loan forgiveness, retirement services and other financial planning. Our meeting date will be Thursday, October 10. The link to sign up is below: 

Link for Steve Podgorski meeting 10/10

*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

IRS Reminder for School Teachers: Up to $300 in Classroom Expenses Deductible for 2024

As educators gear up for the new school year, the IRS reminds schoolteachers that the maximum deduction for classroom expenses in 2024 remains at $300. This deduction allows educators to offset the cost of supplies, materials and other classroom essentials, providing some financial relief for those who spend their own money to improve their students' learning experience. Under federal law, this $300 cap is unchanged from 2023, continuing the adjustment for inflation that began in 2022 when the limit was raised from $250. Further details can be found here.

CURRICULUM NIGHTS

Thursday, September 5 (PK-1)

PK: 6:00-6:45

K: 6:30-7:15

1: 6:45-7:30

Tuesday, September 10 (Stanton 5-8)

6:30-7:40

2024-25 Early Release Plans--DRAFT--work in progress

2024-25 Final Approved Calendar

2024-25 Assessment Calendar

2024-25 Stipend Documents

Social Emotional Learning Pacing Guide 2024-25

Work Order Request--please use this to ask for help with anything facilities, room, cleaning related!

2024-25 Certified Staff Evaluation Documents--Coming soon!

Business Office Shared Drive

    

Heather

Monday Morning Memo 8/26/24

 

You are amazing. Just know that! 😎

                                             

Repeat as needed this week...

This Week's Wellness Invitation: Incorporate Purposeful Rest

Incorporate purposeful rest into your days this week. This is any stress-reducing activity, such as going for a quick walk, doing a mindfulness meditation, or simply pausing for some deep breaths while looking away. TIP: Remember the 60 second fish breathing video we did on opening day? It's linked here! 🧡

                                  

KUDOS to all my fellow paras who helped tackle all the copies, laminating and cutting of many items last week with me!! Together, we knocked it out in no time!! 

-Gina Crosthwaite-Paraprofessional at Lotus

I would like to send kudos for Erin Donovan. She has been great with the thousand questions I ask! She is also very patient and shows me hands on how to do things bc that’s the only way I learn! She has been fabulous 

-Mary Fisher-Paraprofessional at Lotus

Kudos to Erica Barraza and Amanda Lorenz for helping the Resource Team with all things curriculum and testing!  We are ready for  the new school year!

-Karen McMurphy--Special Education Teacher at Lotus

Thank you to Adam Schafer who spent a lot of time last week to get a working phone for my office!

Thanks to everyone who worked on the Stanton Lounge.  It looks amazing!  The updated bulletin boards and plants make it feel so welcoming and calm.  

-Kim Rauchfuss--District School Psychologist

Kudos going out to Sonia, Yesenia & Hilda for being the best at their job. They go above and beyond daily. It is appreciated. It’s not just co-workers, it’s a sisterhood

-Penny Brown--Kitchen Team at Lotus

Thanks to the Stanton kitchen team for adding fresh fruit to the lounge. It was a nice surprise on Monday morning 

-Lynn Smolen-Special Education Coordinator at Stanton

Thank you to all the paras that have been working so hard getting the new teachers copied, laminated, cut-out, and hung up. You are an AMAZING group!

-Cheryl Schuck-Paraprofessional at Lotus

Kudos to Lisa Shannon for guiding us through our first week of school! 

-The 5th Grade Team

I want to shoutout Cathy, Kaitlyn , and Connor on the 6th grade team for being super flexible on the very first week of school in order to better help support the kiddos in my community building. 

It was super appreciated. 

-Dayja Wydzierzecki-6th Grade ELA Teacher

Shout out to Amber for being an amazing teammate! Thank you for making me feel welcome right away, being open-minded to my ideas, and answering all my questions! I am blessed to be learning and working with you. 

-Jillian Kilty-PE Teacher at Lotus

Kudos to Kim VanH for helping me make a kindness bulletin board after school… And thank you to Gail, Amber, and Sonia who stepped in offering us different supplies to help us get it done. Also thank you to all the teachers who have taken time to send me kindness shoutouts to hang up and send home. The kids all felt very proud and enjoyed the recognition. 

Kudos to Nicole Brinkman. You are an awesome partner and I'm so lucky to have you. Thanks for all the things you do… your list is long and you have a lot on your plate, but you make it happen. I really appreciate you. 

Kudos to Karen McMurphy, Stephanie Thiel, and Sienna Kallner. Thank you for taking time to meet with me and collaborate on functional goals and being willing to help me get things situated for our more complex kiddos. 

Kudos to Sarah Gallivan who jumped right in this week and made sure my student in her room had her accommodations available to be successful. You had a lot of information “dumped” on you this week and you rocked it. 

Kudos to Allie Mixon. I needed a lot of different things from you this week…. And I know I wasn’t the only one. I have no idea how you juggle it all. Thank you for your patience, willingness to help, and kindness. I'm so grateful we have you. 

Kudos to Misty, Devoss, and Amanda for volunteering to start CICO coaching this Monday. It’s a little bit of a learning curve for me making new sheets and getting things set up on panorama. I appreciate your patience and willingness to help these students.

Kudos to Mike for helping me get technology set up in the gym for the PBIS assembly. And Yesenia for being Rocky the Star. The kids loved it, especially the little kinders. ️

Kudos to Brittany Luther for helping me get point sheets up and running for the kids in her room. I'm so grateful for your support with this. 

Kudos to Russ for helping me move a bunch of stuff to make my office more functional, and for being an awesome teammate .

-Ellie Seyfert--Social Worker at Lotus

Paula, Sue, Andrea, Sharon and Natalie thank you for your help answering questions and support with conference related tasks for PreK this week! Erin, thanks for sharing a wealth of information and Abbey for your availability to support during PreK conferences! AND PreK TEAM thanks for answering my many questions and making sure I'm administratively prepared to help keep our program consistent across all PreK classrooms this school year (ECERS audit? We've got this!).

-Mindy Auld-PreK Teacher and Permanent Sub

Sending a big THANK YOU and WOW to Karen McMurphy for an amazing binder she created for one of my students. 

Thank you to Sue for letting me borrow some of your pens for Meet and Greet. You truly are the heart of Lotus!

Kudos to my first grade teammates for getting our center ideas together! 

 Jen Groot--1st Grade Teacher

Thank you Ashley Arff for always remaining calm and using all the tools in your toolbox even in tough situations!

Thank you to all the related service providers for spending so much time on the very tedious scheduling puzzle and making sure every student gets what they need! 

-Allie Mixon-Special Education Coordinator at Lotus

Calista Warmowski for helping the PBIS team cut and make stacks of Courageous Cash to help us start our PBIS incentives for the start of the school year. THANK YOU!  

Kendra Smeigh, Kim Husko and Chris Carvell-Wellness Team at Stanton

Thank you Adisyn & Gina for cutting and laminating our sound wall. 

Thank you Amanda & Erica for helping support all of us resource teachers! We appreciate you so much! 

-Sienna Kallner-Special Education Teacher at Lotus

Thank you Brittany, Misty, Megan, Kristine and Haley for all you did this past week to help our most challenged kiddos get off to a good start in specials. And to Pam E., your flexibility and kindness were so appreciated when we switched our wonderful kiddos scheduled days to align with the other class rotations! Big Thanks to Sonia for going the extra mile in helping us get the equipment from the cafe to specials for the last class of the day!!! 

Thank you all!  

Erin and Gayle-Fine Arts Teachers at Lotus

Allie Mixon, thank you so much for all your support and guidance and for putting up with all my random calls/visits. I'm still adjusting to you not being right next door! You were also a shoulder to lean on when I needed it and I'm so grateful for you.

Kelly Roland, you are so inspiring and truly see our students for who they are. Even if it can be a struggle. You persevere and find their strengths and what works for them! You've got this!!

PreK Team! I am so excited to get to work with you this year and truly appreciate your detailed norms and willingness to show vulnerability this year. I can't wait to see what this year brings for our littles 

-Nicole Brinkman-Counselor at Lotus

Kudos to everyone for making the first week fantastic.  Seeing all the kiddos makes my heart happy  

To the ILP team at Lotus ( Sherry, Ashley, Courtney, Megan and Misty) for making our transition smooth as we all learn our new roles.

Jackie and Brittany for open communication so I can i can walk in without too much disruption.

To all the paras especially Gina and Cheryl for laminating, cutting and copying for our amazing staff.

Paula and Sue for always knowing the answer to my questions. Sometimes before I ask.

Alli Mixon for checking in and making sure things are running smooth. 

-Colleen Robinson-Paraprofessional at Lotus

Huge thank you to the ILP paras and being so flexible! We couldn't have done it without you! This week has been such a smooth week and YOU are key to the success! I am blessed to work with such hard working and wonderful people. 

Thank you to DeVoss and Spittler for being such amazing neighbors. I appreciate the time you take to check in and reflect with me. 

Thank you to our Administration for helping me in times of need and offering support through the process.  The continuous check ins and support does not go unnoticed. One team, all in! Proud to be at Lotus! 

1st Grade team, thank you for your collaboration and amazing lesson plans to share. 

I want to give a shout out to each and everyone of you for making such a smooth transition back to school. You've all done such a great job and your hard work is rewarding to all of us and the students. This is going to be a great year! Remember your why! 

-Ashely Arff-Special Education Teacher at Lotus

THANK YOU to Cheryl Schuck for her continued assistance in prepping the classroom.

THANK YOU to Gina Crosthwaite for her continued assistance in prepping the classroom.

THANK YOU to Erica Barraza for teaching me how to use the apps to assist in planning schedules, etc. etc. 

THANK YOU  to Brittany Luther for being such a GREAT classroom assistant and for being so creative and making the classroom sparkle!!

THANK YOU to Colleen Robinson for all of your assistance and sharing of knowledge.

THANK YOU to Adisyn and Mary for supervising students back and forth to classrooms.

THANK YOU to Sharon for your willingness to support a student.

THANK YOU to Sonia and the cafeteria staff for the wonderful filling salad.

THANK YOU, ONE AND ALL!!!

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

Thank you to Sonia, Sharon, and Mindy for educating me and helping me come up with a plan for my littles with food allergies who start on Monday. So grateful to have you all as a support! 

-Ben Landmesser-PreK Teacher at Lotus

Thank you to Russ Xhemaili and Matt Peters for bringing over a desk to a student's house.

Thank you to our PBIS team, Kim Husko, Chris Carvell, and Kendra Smeigh for putting together kickoff schedules to increase team building and understanding of expectations.

Thank you to Katy Gardner for finding out why a student was sad and helping her problem solve.

Thank you to Meghan Reimers and Kim Mack for putting together our Courageous Classroom curriculum and sharing it with the staff.

-Rachelle Peters-Assistant Principal at Stanton

Thanks to everyone who helped our Kindergarten students this week. 

Special shout-outs to the following folks:

 Ben L. and Dina who took extra time to ease first day jitters for a new to Lotus student. You went the extra mile and I appreciate you!!!!

 Yesenia F. for greeting all the Kindergarteners with such joy and making sure their little bellies are full.

 Natasha P. for being a ray of sunshine and helping Kinder start their day on the sunny side.

Ellie and Alana for making some visuals.

Autumn for being very flexible and helping out in all the Kindergarten rooms. 

Adisyn for always bringing her high energy and willingness to assist. 

Kim Leable for the humor and song (yes I will now remember how to correctly pronounce a student's name).

Abbey K. for your humor and willingness to make parent phone-calls.

Lastly, Ashley W, Donna S, and Sami L. it is a joyful experience to work with such a talented, caring, creative and spirited group of ladies.  I am blessed to be a part of this team.

-Nicole Mild-Kindergarten Teacher

BIG THANKS to Sue Pinkawa for providing the class lists in a format that can be easily uploaded to Artsonia for our online gallery posting. I so appreciate how quickly you got this to me so we can get this up and running!! Thanks again for ALL YOU DO!!! 

-Gayle McManamon-Art Teacher at Lotus

Kendra Logar- loved being able to participate in your round robin, awesome engagement strategy! 
Autumn Sagel- thanks for showing our new little some extra
Ellie, Allie, Ashley, Alana- great tag team of help and support for a student situation
Sonia- always helping to organize or build, the definition of whatever it takes, thank you!
Mary H and Adisyn- going with the flow and being everywhere 

-Natalie Udstuen-Assistant Principal at Lotus

Thank you Colleen for fitting my bathroom breaks in your schedule! I greatly appreciate it!

Thank you K Team for working hard, being realistic and always making me laugh. I'm so grateful for you all!

Thank you Autumn for jumping right in and always being willing to help! 

Thank you Natalie for making sure our students were taken care of and for kicking us out of the cafeteria the first day so make sure we had our lunch. :)

Thank you to the PBIS team for the great assembly!

-Sami Lear-Kindergarten Teacher

Kudos and thank you to Kaitlyn Goorsky for putting together and sharing a great lesson on fairness and equity for the 6th graders.

Kudos to Jack Resnick and Betty Cwiak for being flexible during PBIS stations  on Friday to give the 6th graders library time.

-Katy Gardner-6th Grade Math Teacher

Lynn Smolen, Meghan Reimers and Jill Becmer for turning the Stanton Teachers' Lounge into an adult Zen Den!  Complete with games, an affirmation station, we believe statements, a hydration station and a wonderful coffee bar!

Our drivers for a smooth bus evacuation drill.

All the CB teachers for providing a safe place for breakfast and everyone else for being so welcoming in the hallways as our students arrive each morning!  The way we start our day often impacts our entire day

Kim and Meghan for leading our learning on Wednesday as we prep for our new Courageous Classroom program on Monday!

Jill and Michele for creating a welcoming office space!

To every staff member that reminded our students to use proper manners this week...I heard more thank yous this week than I've heard in a long time!

-Jeff Sefcik-Principal at Stanton

Thank you to Ellie Seyfert for helping with a student that had a rough time coming in on the first day and getting him ready to have a successful day.

Thank you Haley Baum for helping out when you saw a student having a hard time in the hallway and getting them back on track and ready to learn.

Thank you to my first grade team for helping get this year off to a great start!

Thank you to all the different paraprofessionals that have been coming in to help and also helping to make copies, laminate and cut out tactile necessities for our kiddos!

-Cary Scarpino-1st Grade Teacher

Nicole Brinkman, Ellie Seyfert, and Kim VanHoorelbeke: Thank you for organizing this year's PBIS Kick-off. Your efforts set a positive tone for the school year!

Yesenia Flory: Thank you for bringing Rocky, our school's mascot, to life! Your enthusiasm added a special touch to the event.

Russ Xhemaili: Thank you for going the extra mile to ensure a family in need received a desk. 

Sonia Miller: Thank you for your assistance in putting together a cabinet. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Sue Pinkawa: Thank you for all your hard work during the transition to your new desk. Your dedication does not go unnoticed!

A Big Thank You to the entire Lotus Staff: I want to extend my deepest gratitude to every member of our team for starting the school year off on the right foot. Your hard work, positive energy, and commitment to our students have set the tone for a successful year ahead. 

-Matt Peters-Principal at Lotus

Huge huge shoutout to Gina and Cheryl for helping me cut lots of lamination and laminating with me;)

Thank you so much to our amazing kitchen staff as always they do amazing work.

Congratulations to all staff on finishing week one

Thank you to Paula for always checking in on me making sure i’m ok! It always means a lot to me!

-Adisyn Illg-Permanent Sub at Lotus

Thanks to..

Jeff Fewell for making the kids (and families) feel bus ready by letting them practice on Monday!
The Lotus Kitchen "Dream Team" for all the help before Meet and Greet to make sure Lotus was shining clean!
The anonymous angel who left me amazing Autism stickers. I truly appreciate the TLC. 

EVERYONE for the positivity and energy! I truly love working with you all. 

From Heather 🧡💛🖤

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

 

Try this..

Choose SEL learning targets that will help kids be successful with your Engagement Task. 

If students will be working together to discuss something as the task, then some SEL targets that could help them know the expected behavior might be:

I will make eye contact when others are talking. 

I will use whole body listening. 

I'll listen to really understand what the person talking is saying. 

I will let people finish their thoughts before I start talking. 

Mandated Trainings

Be on the lookout for an UPDATED memo from Maddie Mercado about this year's mandated trainings. We'll be adding an additional Early Release time for completion since there are so many we are required by ISBE to complete. 

Maddie Out

FYI, Maddie will be out of the office Wednesday-Tuesday on a much needed family vacation. Please contact me with any pressing questions, or email Maddie knowing that she will respond when she's back in office on Sept 4. 

eLearning Plan

We are required to have our eLearning Plan approved every 3 years...and this is our year. We'll have to do a public hearing for this at the September Board meeting. Please see the updated plan linked here. This plan shifts any remote day to an EARLY RELEASE schedule, which the EAFL Board and I agree makes a LOT more sense. If you have input or questions, please reach out! 

Health/Life Safety Inspection

Representatives from the ROE will be onsite at both schools on September 18 to conduct the annual inspection. We'll be doing a "dry run" of this on September 11 to get ahead of any issues and give guidance in advance on any shifts that need to be made before the formal inspection. 

IF YOU TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID...

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. 

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

Please let me know if you have any questions!

Be on the lookout for key information from our fabulous PTA!

Key 2024-25 Dates (so far)

August 19th

Meet and Greet 

Lotus 12 - 2

Stanton 1 -3 

April 22

Day of Service

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

October 21-25 Book Fair

Family Reading Night (Lotus)

October 23

Santa's Breakfast and Stanton Book Fair--TBD

February 22

Family Fun Fair (Lotus)

May 2

Rocket Launch (Stanton)

Possible Star Wars Theme

Rain date May 9

We are looking forward to seeing all of our EAFL members on Wednesday, August 28 at Stanton for our first articulation meeting this year.  I am attaching the agenda for you to look at ahead of time. 

Please remember to arrive no earlier than 1:45 PM to allow for a safe Stanton dismissal. We will have small snacks, but you may want to bring your own drink.

*Don't forget to check out the IEA/NEA website to learn more about your rights and opportunities as a union member. There are discounts available under the Our Members tab as well! www.ieanea.org

August 26--FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR PREK!

August 28--EAFL Articulation Meeting at Stanton at 2:00

CURRICULUM NIGHTS

Thursday, August 29 (Grades 2-4)

2nd Grade: 6:00-6:45

3rd Grade: 6:30-7:15

4th Grade: 6:45-7:30

Thursday, September 5 (PK-1)

PK: 6:00-6:45

K: 6:30-7:15

1: 6:45-7:30

Tuesday, September 10 (Stanton 5-8)

6:30-7:40

2024-25 Early Release Plans--DRAFT--work in progress

2024-25 Final Approved Calendar

2024-25 Assessment Calendar

2024-25 Stipend Documents

Social Emotional Learning Pacing Guide 2024-25

Work Order Request--please use this to ask for help with anything facilities, room, cleaning related!

2024-25 Certified Staff Evaluation Documents--Coming soon!

Business Office Shared Drive

I would like to share a funny story I had with one of my kindergarten friends. We were talking about what he had for breakfast one morning, and he told me a chocolate pop tart. I said that sounded delicious, and that I like the strawberry ones. He looked at me and said, “Do you know who makes chocolate pop tarts?…..(long pause)….Jesus!! Jesus makes them, cause He has all the ingredients!! But, not for the strawberry ones.” 

Outta the mouths of babes!! 

Thanks, Gina Crosthwaite, for the share!

Heather