Happy Friday, Lil Steamer Families!
December 20, 2019
From the desk of: Principal Hoese
HOLIDAY TRADITIONS.
One of my fondest memories of the holidays has always been Christmas Eve. My family gets together in the late morning and early afternoon for quality family time. Like most families, we have our traditional dishes (seven layer dip, cheese soup, carrot casserole) that are unique to our family. And for the longest time, my Aunt Beverly (commonly known as Aunt B) was with us.
After Christmas Eve dinner and opening presents, we would then venture up to Aunt B's house where she would open her gifts. Aunt B was born in 1928 (she is one of Pops' older and wiser sisters, haha) and she had a wonderful collection of Lladro figurines and Waterford Crystal. I would see her receive these gifts each year from older family members and cousins. As a young pup without a job, I couldn't possibly afford those types of gifts.
Fast forward to my first year teaching when I finally had a steady income. I always felt "less than" seeing her receive those amazing gifts. I finally had my chance and I went BIG. I had ordered a very expensive Waterford crystal lamp for her (she was an avid reader who read several books per week). One Christmas Eve with family all gathered around to watch her open her gifts, I knew this was the year that she was going to ohh and ahh over my gift.
The family asked who wanted to go first and nobody spoke up. Barely able to contain my excitement, I eagerly volunteered. I hauled the giant box over to her seat and she began to open it. As she got through the layers packing and through the bubble wrap, she did not ohh or ahh. She gasped. I did it! I was finally able to give her a gift she loved! No more silly trinkets or cheap gifts; something monumental!
She cried at the sight of it as we removed it from the box. I teared up from joy as well. It was the perfect moment that I had waited 20+ years for. The moment shifted when my older brother then exclaimed, "Great! Now the gift card to Walmart I got Aunt B looks like crap!" Ahhh, family :)
Several years ago, Aunt B passed away. As I went through several things at her home I found a couple of odd items on a shelf next to the expensive Lladros and Waterford crystal. They were these cheap balancing silver wire trinkets. They were so out of place next to these beautiful items I couldn't help but wonder... and then it hit me. I had bought these at the Secret Santa fair in elementary school for her. I bet they didn't even cost a dollar. But here they sat, next to these expensive pieces of art. I never knew that the thoughtfulness of a child could have a bigger impact than an expensive gift of an adult. WOW.
Today, my Christmas Eve tradition has changed. After family dinner at my parents house, I now spend it with close "framily" laughing, playing games, and caroling. And while I miss the old tradition, I understand that time goes on and new traditions begin. Perhaps you are reading this and thinking of your own family traditions. Perhaps you, too, miss some of your older traditions. Or, perhaps you would like to start some new ones of your own. Whatever it is, I assure there is no wrong answer. Start a new silly or sentimental tradition that meets the needs of your family dynamic. Because in the end, it's all about the memories you are creating in the moments that you have.
Merry Christmas, #SteamerNation
SRO Leitzen's Tip of the Week!
From the desk of: Counselor Mrs. Meumann
Make time to talk with your child every day so he or she knows that what goes on at school is important to you. When kids know that parents are interested in their academic lives, they will take school seriously as well. Here are some questions we can use to start conversations with them:
Who did you help today?
Did anyone help you today?
Did you notice anyone struggling today? Did you do anything to help them?
Why is it important that friends, teachers, and students help each other during the school day?
From the Desk of: Kitchen Manager Stacey Collachia
5 Essentials Survey
The overall parent response rate is 12% from River Bend CUSD 2 for the 2020 Illinois Parent Survey. As a reminder, schools need 20% of their parents to respond in order to receive a report.
Here are the parent response rates for schools in River Bend CUSD 2:
Early Step Pre-School: 8% -- WE ONLY NEED A HANDFUL MORE!
Fulton High School: 7%
River Bend Middle School: 15%
Fulton Elem School: 15% -- WE ARE ALMOST TO THE 20% MARK, PLEASE HELP!
Please take a few moments to complete the 5 Essentials Survey if you have not done so.
Kindergaten PE
In Kindergarten PE with Ms. Ketelsen we have learning about offense and defense by playing scooter hockey. First we learned about scooter safety and passed a scooter drivers license test. Afterward we learned about teamwork while working with hockey blades. Our classes have been amazing!!
Grinch Day!
Virtual Reality
Spreading cheer in 2A!
Free Day!
"Unlock the Box"
Thank You 5th Graders!
Thank you to the 5th Grade students for assisting 2nd graders while they shopped at the Book fair for Secret Santa gifts.
A Visitor in 2C!
A snowy wish from some 5th graders
Merry Christmas from all of us to all of you!!
Holiday Fun!
Thank You CF Industries!
10% Donation at Buffalo Wild Wings
Dine at Buffalo Wild Wings anytime in December and show them this card or tell them Team F and 10% of sales will go to FES PTO!
PTO Seeks Bake Sale Help!
PTO would like your help with a Bake Sale at the Eric Ottens Shootout basketball tournament. Follow the link below and sign up today. All proceeds go to the playground fund.
Amazon Wishlists
Teachers Pay Teachers Wishlists
UPCOMING EVENTS
WINTER BREAK DEC. 23 THRU JAN. 5
Students resume school on Tuesday, January 7
Monday, Dec 23, 2019, 08:00 AM
Fulton Elementary School, 7th Avenue, Fulton, IL, USA
TEACHER INSERVICE DAY - NO STUDENT ATTENDANCE
Monday, Jan 6, 2020, 07:45 AM
Fulton High School, 12th Street, Fulton, IL, USA
SCHOOL RESUMES
Tuesday, Jan 7, 2020, 08:00 AM
Fulton Elementary School, 7th Avenue, Fulton, IL, USA
Fulton Elementary School
Email: jhoese@riverbendschools.net
Website: riverbendschools.org/fes
Location: 1301 7th Avenue, Fulton, IL, USA
Phone: (815)589-2911
Twitter: @FultonSteamers