The December Wellness Challenge is linked here. I changed it up a little bit for this month, but I'm guessing you'll still see the 4 domains of wellness reflected!
The November Challenge winners are...
Mollie Crow
Dayja Wydzierzecki
and
Haley Baum
Let me know your gift card of choice, please!
Paste the URL below into your browser:
For Primary, use: https://www.edtomorrow.
For Secondary, use: https://www.edtomorrow.
December Focus--Awareness Routines
This Week's Wellness Invitation: Monitor Emotional Responses
Monitor you emotional responses to unpleasant emotions you experience or that others direct toward you this week (including students). Unpleasant emotions include sadness, fear, anxiety, irritation, or anger.
Abbey Kadera- helping translate last minute for a family in need of support, thank you for always being there for our families!
-Natalie Udstuen--Assistant Principal at Lotus
Kudos to Stephanie Thiel for being a great support and providing so much expertise! You make the Resource Team stronger! Happy Birthday on Saturday!
-Karen McMurphy-Special Education Teacher at Lotus
To Stephanie Thiel for taking time to test my student in a small group for our SFA last minute.
-Stephanie Kolk--4th Grade Teacher
Shoutout to Amber and Jillian. I internal subbed while you were at your conference and all the routines, structure, and expectations you set in place for your class is so evident. Things are able to run so smoothly because of all the work you put in.
Shoutout to Sarah for doing a fabulous job at leading PE for them while they were gone!
Big thanks to Erica for your "gift of time" and making it so productive and using it as a safety re-teach opportunity!
-Emily Reczek--2nd Grade Teacher
Hi Heather! I'd like to give a big kudos to Amber Raymond here at Stanton. She went above and beyond to help me with my formal observation (in her classroom with her Life Hacks class - a tricky situation to be in for a sub!) and it wouldn't have gone as well as it did without her help and support! Thanks, Amber! :)
-Liz Plemmons--Permanent Sub at Stanton
Sammie G for her Caring and Nurturing Demeanor
Sarah G for her easy going approach
Chris Brown and Cheryl Schuck for helping organize the classroom.
Erica Barraza for continually assisting with curriculum enhancements!!
Thank YOU, for all you do!!
-Jackie Gorden-Platek--Special Education Teacher at Lotus
I would like to return a shoutout to my EL compadre, Kim Leable. Thank you for keeping our EL department running like a well-oiled machine. I so appreciate all that you do behind the scenes. Thank you for planning ALL of our EL PT conferences this year, which was like solving a giant jigsaw puzzle. Thank you for keeping track of dates, deadlines, and always being willing to help and share resources and support. I appreciate what you do every day that makes my life so much easier!
-Abbey Kadera--Bilingual Teacher at Lotus
I would like to send out Kudos to Mike for always being there for when I am out of ideas on how to solve an issue, I also would like to send a Kudos to Clayton Walker for taking on his role head-on and really building respect and relationships with the students among the building.
-Adam Schaefer--Tech Coordinator at Stanton
Big thanks to Addison for always checking in with our little friend and being an integral part of her plan.
-Ben Landmesser--PreK Teacher
I’d like to thank Coach Carvell for sharing his practice space with me on Thursday so our cheerleaders could also have a place to practice on our mats for stunting, in preparation for our competition next week! It was greatly appreciated!
-Gina Crosthwaite & the Stanton Cheer team
A huge congratulations to Matt and Natalie for being honored with the Physical Educator Administrator of the Year award! Your commitment to supporting daily physical education is truly inspiring, and it was such a privilege to celebrate your well-deserved recognition in Tinley Park. I’m incredibly grateful to work with such dedicated and encouraging leaders. It was a night I’ll always remember!
Thank you to Sarah Gallivan for stepping in and teaching our classes while we attended our conference. We’ve heard nothing but glowing feedback—you were absolutely in your element and did an amazing job! You are amazing!
Amber Mysliwiec--PE Teacher at Lotus
Thank you to those paras who were able to ride a bus when we were short staffed. You are amazing paras and you are much appreciated!
Cheryl Schuck--Paraprofessional at Lotus
Kudos to everyone who made Santa's Breakfast possible again this year! It is always such an amazing district event.
Maureen DeVoss--2nd Grade Teacher
Thank you to our Amazing Kindergarten Team at Lotus! They have welcomed me to their hallway and cheer on my students with respect and enthusiasm. This gives their students the best example of how to interact and be welcoming to all different kinds of friends. Real relationships have formed. It is truly a beautiful sight to see. A special thanks to Ashley Wydra who has basically adopted us on days where there is indoor recess. What started as outdoor recess buddies has moved into greetings in the hallway has now also moved into another classroom sharing materials and laughter and joy. I am so thankful and the families of my students are so thankful and excited their children are getting these opportunities. Nicole, Donna, Sami and Ashley... you are all wonderful teachers with fantastic hearts! Thank you for your warmth and kindness to me and my students.
Thank you to Kristine Gumm and Hayley Baum for the support you give me on a daily basis and the detective skills that you have acquired while helping to solve the case of the mystery of how to help soothe a student who gets frustrated without the instruction booklet. We have amazing strategies from our therapists in different areas who see us each week like Ellie and Fiona and Stephanie and Sammie. Thank you to all of you who help put together pieces of the puzzle that allow us to support our students when you are not there as well. It is very emotional for the staff when we want to help a student and the best or fastest way is not clear. So again, I want to thank everyone who works with my class but especially Haley and Kristine for being brave and consistent and lovely and smart and encouraging while carrying all that off with grace and a sense of humor. Our students are so lucky to have you two wise women in their corner!
from Pam Enright--Special Education Teacher at Lotus School Thank you to everyone who subbed in the preschool classrooms so that we could attend the Florence Fischer Luncheon. Thank you to admin for inviting us to this event and for all that you did so we could relax and celebrate the completion of the state audit. It was greatly appreciated!
-Michelle Magness--PreK Teacher and PreK Parent Coordinator at Lotus
Kudos to Kim Husko for making her famous pancakes for my Community Building class, who earned a Courageous Classroom celebration.
-Katy Gardner--6th Grade Math Teacher (and amazing question asker! 😊)
HUGE kudos to Sue and Al Giandonato, first and last on the Santa’s Breakfast scene!!! Thank you for ALL you do for our District and our kids- we SO appreciate you!!
-Erin Donovan--Special Education Teacher at Lotus
HUGE THANKYOU to Michelle Magness for subbing in my room and role playing with my students for welcoming our new friend. You are so wonderful for taking the time to do that and helping it be a smooth transition.
Megan and Adi we absolutely LOVE having you in our classroom and the kids do so well with you. It is so touching watching you interact with the kids and pushing them to succeed! You have built such loving and trusting relationships with them 
Thank you Cheryl Schuck and Chris Brown for continuing to work so hard and with such ease with our shared students in gen Ed. Know that you are appreciated!
Mike the greatest tech ever for always helping me last minute and making sure programs and devices are set up. You are appreciated.
Thank you to Allie and Matt for helping make our new students transition so smooth. I'm thankful for your support and help especially with aiding in breaks!
Sherry and Colleen you are just amazing in so many ways in every aspect. You are always helping with either school or personal life and I am thankful for you
Jackie G that's for the transportation to basketball practice the other day! It was so helpful and such a joy to have someone like you offer help when needed!
I can't say thank you enough to my amazing paras that put up with me every single day! I run a tight ship and I couldn't do it without you. You both have so much knowledge and such big hearts. Our students are so successful because of you! You continue to provide structure with vigilance and compassion. You provide ideas and supports that are highly needed and successful in so many ways. I am beyond thankful to work with you both each day! Misty and Courtney you truly are a blessing!
Brittany Luther thank you for taking time to help build our winter wonderland
1st grade team and Gina, thanks you for the continuous teamwork and sharing all resources. This year has been amazingly smooth with all your support and guidance! The copies you make Gina and Cary are so helpful!
Thank you to my students who teach me something new everyday. They all have such unique qualities and contributions to our classroom that strive me to be a better teacher every day. I appreciate their presence, efforts, and contribution to our classroom and community. You are loved.
-Ashley Arff-Special Education Teacher at Lotus
Kudos to the newest addition to our transportation team Alexis Nelson and Big Hollow driver Jessica for teaming up last minute to run routes for us on Friday afternoon. Jessica finished her Big Hollow route and drove right over and met Alexis who helped her navigate the routes. They were able to get our kids home safely and on time! Amazing!!!!
Andrea De Matteo--Operations Coordinator
Sonia, Penny, Hilda, and Yesenia for always making lunch a little smoother for our kids.
Sherry Tietjen for bringing me a McDonald's diet coke when they gave me a dr. pepper (IYKYK).
Russell for joining our team and jumping in with both feet. It's nice to have more male influences for our kids.
Gayle McManamon for always having a listening ear and giving me positive feedback.
-Colleen Robinson--Paraprofessional at Lotus
Just want to shout out Marla W for always being willing to talk books with me. Puts a smile on my face. Thanks for subbing during my IEP meeting this week.
Shout out to the 6th grade team for always bouncing ideas off each other and just being there to support one another.
-Dayja Wydzierzecki--6th Grade ELA Teacher
Matt Shannon- Thank you for offering/giving me a break during one of my class periods.
Hunter Banker- Thank you for all you do for the 6th grade team and for always printing for me.
Natalie Molidor- Thank you for the birthday lunch on Wednesday! I enjoyed it! :)
Connor Macko- Thank you for helping teach Pearl Harbor on Friday during class. The kids loved when you were teaching!
Katie Jalove Filippelli - HUGE shout out to you for everything you have done. Thank you for stepping up and helping out and becoming a part of the team! I appreciate everything that you are doing and have done!
- Kaitlyn Goorsky--6th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Cheryl Shuck for riding the bus for me on Friday.
Kelly Roland for the kind gift and the heart to heart talk.
-Misty Madula---Paraprofessional at Lotus
Thank you to...
Everyone who covered for the PreK team so they could attend the Florence Fischer lunch on Thursday.
Oh, my heart!!!! Everyone who helped in any way with Santa's Breakfast on Saturday. What an amazing event for our community! A special shout out for Bryan Bailey (Santa), Mark Perlman (Elf), Amber Mysliwiec, and Sue and Al Giandonato for all the extra effort you put in for the event!
From Heather 🧡💛🖤
Please send me your kudos for colleagues each week! I'll happily post them in this section!
Just a reminder...there's a ton of research behind each of the Friz 5. It's an expectation that you are using these daily in instruction. Please reach out to me, your principals, or your Instruction Coach if you need help embedding these into your practice!
Holiday Fun
Mark your calendars!!!
Craft and Cookies with Heather
Lotus--Monday, December 16 during lunches
Stanton--Stanton, December 17 during lunches
Holiday Lunch--Thursday, December 19
Stanton Underground Spirit Week
Please check this link for events by team!
Know Anyone Who...
If you know anyone who would be interested in being a Van Driver, Sub Van Driver, or Bus Driver, please have them reach out! We can TRAIN bus drivers ourselves if they don't have a CDL, and van drivers don't need the CDL!!!
IF YOU TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID...UPDATED INFO!!! (9/3/24)
Please:
1. Email or text (847-309-3921) Heather to let her know.
2. In the communication, include proof of a positive test.
You are expected to return to work as soon as you meet the following criteria:
• Be free of fever for at least 24 hours (without medication)
• Be free of vomiting and or diarrhea for at least 24 hours.
You are STRONGLY encouraged to wear a mask upon your return to prevent the spread of illness to others. Please alert me as to your date of return.
Any days out are sick days. If you are out more than 3 days--as with any illness--a physician's note is required.
Masks are available in the office for all staff who wish to wear one.
Please let me know if you have any questions!
Happy Monday, District 114!
Thank you to everyone who joined us this weekend for Santa's Breakfast! It was so wonderful to see so many families, teachers, and staff in attendance. We hope everyone had a truly jolly good time!!
Our next PTA meeting is TODAY, Monday, December 9th at 6:00 pm in the Lotus library! Don't have anyone to watch your kiddos? Bring them with you! Members of the National Junior Honor Society from Stanton will be with us to keep them entertained while you get caught up on what's happening this month. Can't join in person? Join us on Google Meets!
Along with sharing our routine updates, we'll also be looking for your thoughts on the upcoming Family Fun Fair and our big fundraiser of the year, Day of Service!
Don't forget to join our Facebook group to see the meeting highlights and more, and while you're at it, join the PTA here! Membership dues are only $6 for the whole year!
YOUR PTA Board
Key 2024-25 Dates
February 22
Family Fun Fair (Lotus)
April 22
Day of Service
We'll be forming a committee of parents and staff to plan this event for the SPRING of 2025
May 2
Rocket Launch (Stanton)
Possible Star Wars Theme
Rain date May 9
**Don't forget about your NEA no cost benefits! To check them out, you should go to Deals and Discounts: www.neamb.com/start
*Additional benefits and deals can be found at ieanea.org
Region News:
Want to know what is happening in the Region? Check out the Region 49 Newsletter!
**Get your SCORE GRANT applications in!! Grants for up to $1,000 are available for IEA members and their local associations to collaborate and create opportunities for community service or school projects APPLY HERE
Important Survey For Our Education Support Professionals (ESP) Members
We are conducting a brief survey to assess the mentoring and professional growth opportunities available to our Education Support Professionals (ESP) members within the school district and beyond. Your feedback is crucial in helping us better support and enhance our professional and leadership growth opportunities for ESPs. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey.
UPCOMING TRAININGS/CONFERENCES: please take a look below at the trainings being offered!!
**TRS PRESENTATION: December 12th @ 5pm in the Libertyville Office RSVP: (click here)
PD Calendar: Take a look at all the PD trainings we lined up here at IEA by clicking here : The IEA is an ISBE approved provider for Professional Development Clock Hours. Clock hours are offered at trainings that meet the PD requirements set by ISBE. Events on the calendar are hosted by IEA or vetted by IEA
Burroughs Education Scholarship - $2,500
Applicants must be graduating seniors heading to college and have at least one parent or legal guardian who is a school employee. Scholarship is awarded based on academic achievement, character, career goals, and potential. Learn more and apply by Jan. 31. Share the flier.
December 17--Board of Education Meeting
December 20--Early Release to kick off Winter Break
December 23-January 3--Winter Break
January 6--Welcome back to school!
Newest info added at the top...not organized by date!
2024-25 Early Release Plans--DRAFT--work in progress
Heather 🧡
Jen Groot - First Grade Teacher
