In The Laidlaw Loop
Family Update- October 20, 2023
I had the opportunity to spend time in 1st, 3rd, and 5th grade classes this week observing math centers as part of our new iReady curriculum. In 1st grade specifically, Students rotated through stations that included small group time with their teacher to REFINE this week's focus. They had the chance to engage in small groups and play math games to make the learning COME ALIVE for them. And, they utilized the digital platforms available on iReady that truly DIFFERENTIATE the curriculum to meet the individual levels that the students are at. I was so impressed in all the classes I visited with the stamina that our students had for the work.
Also, today was especially fun as our amazing PTO organized our Fall Fitness Fundraiser for our students. Our Leopards had a BLAST rotating between the DJ run freeze dance station, tug of war, and the relay races. Huge shoutout to all of our parent volunteers who made today possible. Here are a few pics of the endless smiles.
Have a beautiful weekend,
Renee
Halloween Parade & Parties
We look forward to Halloween FUN here at Laidlaw on 10/31. Please click here for all of the details.
Sign-up for Parent/Teacher Conferences
Monday, November 20th 9:00-12:00, 1:00-5:00, 6:00-8:00 (20 minute sessions) In-Person
Tuesday, November 21st 9:00-1:00 and 2:00-6:00 (20 minute sessions) Virtual
Kindergarten Fera Only - Friday, November 17th 12:30-3:30 (20 minute sessions) In-Person
Again this year, Laidlaw will be using PTC Wizard, an online Parent Teacher Conference sign up system.
The scheduling window opens Wednesday, November 1st at 8:00am and will close Friday, November 17th at 12:00pm
Please refer to the instructions below to schedule your conference.
Access PTC Wizard: https://app.ptcwizard.com/laidlawes When the window opens November 1st at 8 am, follow the wizard to complete your conference schedule.
If you have already registered for PTC through another building, you do not need to create a new login.
You may change your conference times up until the window closes on
Friday, November 17th at 12:00pm
Please Note Group Conferences:
· If your child sees a Resource or Intervention teacher and you would like a One on One conference please schedule through the PTC Wizard. If you want multiple staff members to sit in on your child’s conference, please call the office at 708-246-7673 to schedule. (before calling the office, please confirm with your child’s teacher exactly who needs to sit in on the conference. Due to busy schedules it is not always possible to add teachers at a later time.)
Please contact Mrs. Walker with any questions at ewalker@d101.org or
708-246-7673. Thank you.
Veterans Day Assembly
Veteran's Day Assembly: November 10th at 10AM
Every year one of our D101 schools hosts a Veteran's Day Assembly in honor of those who have served. I'm excited to share that this year is Laidlaw's turn. We are honored to have the opportunity for our students to show appreciation to our Veterans. The theme of this year's assembly is: Home of the Free, Because of the Brave. Beginning next Monday, we'll be kicking this event off with our students in a variety of ways:
1). Whole school announcement about the assembly and an overview of what Veteran's Day is and why we take time to remember these heroes.
2). Students will complete a project in their technology class (with either Mrs. Swanson or Mrs. Freer) and will utilize creative digital programs to answer to the question: What does bravery mean to me? Their work (and answers to that question) will be weaved into the assembly on November 10th.
3). In art, all students will learn about the red poppy flower and how it came to be a symbol of remembrance on Veterans Day. Each grade level will complete a red poppy flower project in art class and projects will be presented to Veterans at the assembly.
4). In music, our 4th and 5th grade students will learn and prepare a Patriotic song to perform at the assembly.
We look forward to gathering together as a whole school along with representatives from Forest Hills, Field Park, and McClure and our Veteran guests at the assembly on November 10th to celebrate together.
How can YOU get involved?
1. If you are a Veteran yourself OR have a family member, neighbor, or close friend who is a Veteran, we would love to honor them on November 10th by inviting them to attend. Please share THIS RSVP to attend link with Veterans to attend (details within). Alternatively, interested honorees can email me at repstein@d101.org to RSVP as well.
2. I am seeking out parent volunteers who would be interested in helping me decorate our Laidlaw gym for this event on Thursday, November 9th from 3:30PM-5:00PM. All supplies will be provided. I just need a few extra hands. If you are available to help me with this, please signup HERE.
3. I am seeking out parent volunteers who would be interested in helping with the Veterans Day Breakfast (which is from 9:00-10:00AM) immediately proceeding the Veterans Day Assembly. The breakfast is a small gathering of student representatives and the Veteran honorees. It is held at Laidlaw. All breakfast items are provided. We just need hands to help. Please click HERE if you are interested in helping with the breakfast.
*Please note, due to space constraints, the assembly is limited to the following: Laidlaw staff & students, the student representatives from other D101 schools, Veteran honorees (and one guest each) and parents who volunteer for the event in one of the ways above.
Club Amigos
CLUB AMIGOS is an extracurricular club for fourth and fifth graders. Club Amigos is a great way for your child to continue to learn about Hispanic Culture. We meet during the recess portion of lunch* and each club meeting has a different activity. Some activities we have done in the past include making piñatas, learning the Samba, Navidad ornaments, día de los muertos máscaras, y más! Your child can attend any or all of the Club Amigos meetings. We usually meet about once a month during the school year. The Club Amigos dates for Laidlaw are as follows (all Tuesdays):
October 24
November 14
December 12
January 23 (5th graders only)
March 12
April 16
May 14
*Since our meetings are during lunch recess, students do not need parent permission since they are at school during the lunch hour. If the student usually goes home for lunch, then he/she will need to make sure they pack a lunch and sign up to stay that day.
If you have any questions, please email your child's Spanish teacher at awilkin@d101.org , kdavey@d101.org, or jelder@d101.org .
¡Gracias!
The Spanish Team
Señorita Wilkin, Señora Davey, & Señora Elder
Sticky Fingers Cooking Class- WINTER
Please click here if you are interested in signing up for the winter session of Sticky Fingers.
Laidlaw Loot Reward: October
During the month of October, classrooms will be competing against one another (at their grade level) to see which room can earn the most Laidlaw Loots for displaying their very best Laidlaw Way. Winning classes at the end of the month will have a special class picnic during lunch with Mrs. Epstein at the very end of the month (before the weather turns!).
Notes Regarding Morning Drop Off on Hampton Ave.
Now that we are a few weeks into the school year and the weather has turned a bit, the traffic is heavier at drop off and pickup. We are committed to ensuring a smooth drop-off each morning on Hampton for our Kinder, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students. A few specific notes:
1. We have ordered clear signage to create a student drop off "zone" on Hampton. After assessing the morning drop off this week, we realize that a clear student drop off zone is necessary. While we wait for the signage to arrive, there will be staff out directing traffic in the meantime.
2. Please DO NOT PARK on Hampton in front of the blacktop and get out of your car. This clogs up the car line. This should be a student drop off line. Please pull up as far as you can to the student drop off zone before letting students out of the car. Again, we will ensure there is clear signage moving forward.
3. Please be patient at drop off and at pickup as we perfect the drop-off and pickup process. We prioritized student safety by closing Maple Ave this year. We realize that has added some additional traffic to Hampton Ave and we are actively seeking out improvements for all families.
THANK YOU for your understanding and cooperation with the above.
Right At School Opportunities
If you would like more information about the Right At School before and after care program, please see the included flyer or visit their website at https://rightatschool.com/.
2023-24 School Calendar
Please find the 2022-23 calendar HERE
D101 Student Services Parents Night Out
Please click here for details on the Student Services Parents Night Out.
D101 Special Services Parents Night Out - This special event is held to introduce the parents of students that have special needs to one another. This opportunity is to help parents throughout the District connect in order to build community relationships and support. Please purchase tickets prior to Monday, October 23rd. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Fredericks, the Director of Student Services, at 708-485-2850 or D101 parent, Carrie Pinkham, at carrietruck@gmail.com.
Upcoming Dates
Oct 23: 9:30AM/Lockdown Drill
Oct 31: Halloween Parade and Class Parties (details TBD)
Nov 1: Late Arrival For Students (10AM arrival)
Nov 8: Picture re-take day
November 14 - Book Fair (AM)
Book Fair w/ Loved Ones Open House (PM)
November 17 - Fun Lunch
Laidlaw PTO Information
Casino Night - November 11th (7-11 pm)
Don’t miss out on a fun night out with neighbors while supporting our school. Click here to purchase tickets!
Fun Lunch - November 17th - Volunteers needed!
The next PTO Fun Lunch will feature entertainment by the famous Jesse White Tumblers and pizza for all students. Two volunteers/classroom are needed. Click here to volunteer!
Box Tops
The days of clipping & collecting Box Tops are behind us, but you can still earn cash for Laidlaw when you purchase participating items. Click here to learn more & download the app today.
Upcoming PTO Events
Wednesday, November 1- Lou Malnati’s Fundraiser
Saturday, November 11 - Casino Night
Tuesday, November 14 - Book Fair (AM)
Book Fair w/ Loved Ones Open House (PM)
Friday, November 17 - Fun Lunch
Word From WSFEE
Do you have a Big Idea and just don't know where to start? WSFEE is here to help - contact grants@wsfee.org and we can help you through the grant writing process. Grants help support everything from school and classroom libraries to STEM supplies to buddy benches and lunch tables. Remember to visit wsfee.org or follow WSFEE on Facebook or Instagram (@wsfee_d101) to hear about events, donations and sponsorship opportunities throughout the year.
Western Springs Community Happenings
Please click here for a list of Western Springs community happenings.