In The Laidlaw Loop
Family Update- September 29, 2023
Another busy week in the books! As much as I love sharing out each week about all of the exciting happenings inside our classrooms, I want to focus my message this week on a timely topic: the upcoming Veteran's 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.
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.
Fun Lunch Excitement
Introducing Marla's Lunch (Optional!)
On October 11th we will be having our first "Marla's Lunch" at Laidlaw. What is Marla's Lunch? This is a once a month lunch program starting at Laidlaw, using a variety of district approved vendors (the month of October is Jason's Deli) with a few pre-set menu items. This is a completely optional opportunity for parents to take advantage of for their students and a small portion of the lunch profits is used as a fundraiser for the PTO. In addition, parents have the ability to order any staff member a lunch as well (as a thank you for all of their hard work, if they wish). The lunches will be labeled and delivered to Laidlaw. Our Laidlaw lunch staff will pass out the lunches to each student.
First Marla's Lunch is: October 11th. We will continue with a Marla's lunch once per month this year. This is IN ADDITION to our monthly PTO Fun Lunches.
Ordering Deadline is every Wednesday at 12pm NOON for the following week (deadline Oct 4)
GET STARTED HERE (optional and only if interested):
Go to: marlaslunch.boonli.com (bookmark this page)
1. Click on Create an Account
2. Click on "New to Boonli" and enter One-Time School Password: LE427 (case sensitive)
○ IMPORTANT NOTE: Please enter YOUR information for the account registration and enter the
STUDENT information for the profile(s)
PAYMENT INFORMATION: The program accepts payment by Debit Card or Credit Card: Visa, MasterCard &
Discover and ACH/ECheck Program
● QUESTIONS: email marlaslunchinfo@gmail.com or call 224.269.0068
● TECHNICAL SUPPORT (help navigating the site): email support@boonli.com or call 800.381.6511
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
Upcoming Dates
Sept. 30: Family Fun Run
Oct 11: Marla's Lunch
Oct 6: District Inservice Day (no students in attendance)
Oct 9: No School
Oct 11: Marla's Lunch (optional to order lunch-details above)
Oct 12: Bus Evacuation Drill (time TBD)
Oct 20: Fall Fitness Fundraiser
Oct 23: 9:30AM/Lockdown Drill
Oct 31: Halloween Parade and Class Parties (details TBD)
Nov 1: Late Arrival For Students (10AM arrival)
Laidlaw PTO Information
Laidlaw Family Fun RUN
Our 2nd Annual Laidlaw 5k and Fun Run will be on Saturday, September 30th. Registration is now closed but will open again at 2pm before the race. The 1 Mile Fun Run will start at 3pm, followed by the 5K start at 3:30pm. The 100 yard dash will run after the 5K race just before awards.
Packet pick up is today at the Laidlaw Pavilion from 2:30 - 4 pm.
Please take the time to look at the map attached and race information. Runners will be going by your home that afternoon and there will be some disruption of traffic either directly on your street or on nearby streets. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility! Also, for anyone who is interested in volunteering (this includes teens with service hours to fulfill), please sign up here.
Nabizada Family Winter Clothing Drive
Click here for more information.
Art Appreciation Volunteers
The Laidlaw Art Appreciation program provides a hands-on opportunity for students to learn about important artists and their works. It’s also a great chance to spend time in your child’s class. Sign-up genius links went out in this weeks PTO blast. For more information email artapplaidlaw@gmai.com.
Fall Fitness Fundraiser - Friday, October 20th
Click here for more information on pledges!
Click here to volunteer!
Charleston Wrap fundraiser is ongoing, click here for more information!
Upcoming PTO Events
Saturday, September 30 - Laidlaw Family 5K & Fun Run, 3 pm
Friday, October 20 - Fall Fitness Fundraiser
Saturday, November 11 - Casino Night
Spotlight On Sponsors
Please read below to learn more about the businesses that generously sponsored the 2023-24 district calendar!
At Clarity Physical Therapy our goal is simple:
We work to improve your physical health and quality of life through evidence-based treatments delivered in a professional and compassionate atmosphere. We will make you a partner in your own recovery by teaching you to make good health decisions, maintain optimum physical function and reduce your chances of re-injury.
Clarity has a licensed physical therapist administer an individualized treatment plan for each patient and our approach ensures each person receives the highest quality of care, returning you to your regular, active lifestyle while also addressing all of the underlying causes to prevent reinjury.
The orthodontic office of Dr. Joseph Kizior accepts patients of all ages. Early Intervention (Phase 1), habit appliances, and palatal expanders are used for younger patients. For comprehensive treatment, clear or metal brackets and clear aligners are used. We have convenient hours, flexible payment plans, and accept most insurance plans. Refer a patient and you will receive a $100 gift card.
Mattix Music Studio provides fun and enriching musical education for students of all ages and abilities in Western Springs. Conveniently located at the Grand Avenue Community Center, the teachers at Mattix Music Studio work with students every week to help them become excellent musicians and thoughtful artists. Join the fun with lessons and classes for every musician in your family!
Spring Orthodontics is a modern orthodontic practice located in downtown Western Springs. Dr Mathrani specializes in orthodontics for both children and adults. Our services include aligner treatment, braces, retainers, tooth whitening, and we offer complimentary consultations. We work with a variety of insurance companies and pride ourselves on excellent results and customer service. Give us a call at (708) 505-2525 or visit our website to book an appointment at www.SpringFamilyOrtho.com
From beginner students to advanced yogis and everything in between, Yoga by Degrees, welcomes everybody. Located in Garden Market in Western Springs, there is a place for everyone inside our studio and it’s our goal to make each and every student feel at home. We have a wide variety of class formats which range in temperature from 78 to 105 at all studio locations. We strive to create a space that provides modern comfort for an ancient practice. As both a yoga studio and a community, we honor the tradition of the practice while respecting the diversity and individual beliefs of our students.
Word From WSFEE
Western Springs Foundation for Educational Excellence (WSFEE) is excited for the 2023 - 2024 school year. WSFEE is an all-volunteer Board made up of parents in District 101 from all four schools. Our goal is to bring parents, teachers and the community together to enhance the education of D101 students. We do this by raising funds through special events and donations and allocating those funds to bring ideas to life through grants submitted by teachers, administrators, parents, and students. Be sure to stop by the WSFEE sponsored petting zoo at the WSBA Fall Festival Visit wsfee.org or follow WSFEE on Facebook or Instagram (@wsfee_d101) to hear about recent grants, events and sponsorship opportunities throughout the year.
Western Springs Community Happenings
Please click here for a list of Western Springs community happenings, including:
-Fall Fest
-Lions Fall League