The Weekly
Elizabeth Ide Elementary School
A Message from Your Principal, Mrs. Katie Johnson
Prior to parent-teacher conferences, I wanted to explain the transition CCSD66 is making from the Fountas & Pinnell (F&P) Text Level Gradient to Amira Learning to support our K-5 reading growth. Amira is a digital reading tool that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to assess students’ reading fluency and coach them through new reading skills. Through Amira, we can assess students’ reading proficiency levels and identify individual student’s areas of need or additional support. It provides a comprehensive assessment of students' reading abilities, allowing us to gain a deeper understanding of their strengths and areas for improvement. The program also offers personalized, adaptive instruction that is tailored to each student's individual needs, ensuring that they receive targeted support to help them progress. Where F&P provided a specific reading level, Amira provides educators with a comprehensive overview of an individual student's reading abilities with skill based reports.
Change can sometimes be challenging, both for students, families, and teachers. However, we are committed to providing the necessary support and resources to ensure we are utilizing Amira Learning to impact our student reading growth. While our teachers have received some training on Amira Learning and the various data reports, it continues to be an area for ongoing professional development. Much like our students, our teachers learn at different paces. Throughout this year, our teachers will become more knowledgeable and skilled with utilizing Amira data/reports to guide instruction and impact student growth.
While we have administered the beginning of the year benchmark assessment, we continue to learn more about the information gained through this assessment. As we enter parent-teacher conferences next week, it is important to remember that we use multiple measures to assess students' reading abilities. This approach allows us to gather a comprehensive understanding of their strengths and areas for growth. The body of evidence we have collected includes a variety of information that may include grade level common assessments, AIMS Web, and observations of reading behaviors.
Our teachers are looking forward to sharing with you the specific reading skills your child has mastered and/or the specific skills that require further development. If you have not signed up for a parent-teacher conference, please see the link below to access all sign-ups.
Respectfully,
Katie Johnson
Principal
Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences
Principal Student Leadership Team
I'd like to thank each and every student who submitted an application to join the Principal Student Leadership Team. We had approximately 40-50 students apply, and I am impressed with their thoughtfulness, ideas, and willingness to be a leader. Every application was reviewed by the principal and then grade level teams worked collaboratively to select five students (one from each classroom) to represent each grade level. The 15 students below will serve as the 2023-2024 Principal Student Leadership Team to advise the principal on a variety of school related issues, ideas, and topics that affect their school community. The goal is to capture the student perspective on different issues and ideas.
Lunch/Recess Volunteer Sign Up
Land of Smiles
Smiles are shining brighter at Elizabeth Ide after Captain Super Grin’s visit today! Thanks you, Delta Dental IL, for helping educate students about oral health!
6th Grade Band Concert
Intramural Basketball at IDE: 1st and 2nd Grade
1st Grade Parents
Mr. Pitassi and I would like to offer an intramural basketball opportunity for your child. This will be for two weeks Monday through Friday, starting on December 4th through the 15th . Intramurals will take place before school from 6:55 AM until 7:35. If your child is interested you can just drop your student off as we will open the doors at 6:55. Students will need to be here no later than 7:05. During these sessions, we will have open shoot around, focus on different basketball skills, and have a few smaller competitions based on the number of students that show up. No need to sign up or anything, just show up bright and early! Any questions feel free to reach out to either myself or Mr. Pitassi. (bkukulski@ccsd66.org, ppitassi@ccsd66.org)
Thank you,
Mr. Kukulski & Mr. Pitassi
2nd Grade Parents
Mr. Pitassi and I would like to offer an intramural basketball opportunity for your child. This will be for two weeks Monday through Friday, starting on November 6th through the 17th. Intramurals will take place before school from 6:55 AM until 7:35. If your child is interested you can just drop your student off as we will open the doors at 6:55. Students will need to be here no later than 7:05. During these sessions, we will have open shoot around, focus on different basketball skills, and have a few smaller competitions based on the number of students that show up. No need to sign up or anything, just show up bright and early! Any questions feel free to reach out to either myself or Mr. Pitassi. (bkukulski@ccsd66.org, ppitassi@ccsd66.org)
Thank you,
Mr. Kukulski & Mr. Pitassi
CCSD66 is hiring...and IDE has positions open!
Position
Lunchroom Supervisor
Hours
Approximately 2 hours per day on student attendance days/5 days a week during the school year approximately 10:40 a.m. - 12:40 p.m.
Description
Supervising students in a lunch setting
Assisting with opening and closing of lunchroom set-up
Sanitizing/Cleaning tables
Interested? Please email Katie Johnson, Principal
Upcoming Events at Elizabeth Ide Elementary School
PTO Message
Ide’s Cookie Exchange for Teachers & Staff on 12/13
Are you famous for your cookies?
We are looking for donations of cookies/desserts, appetizers & beverages.
If you are interested in signing up please sign up here: https://ide-2023-cookie-exchange-for-teachers-staff.cheddarup.com
Please remember to check out even though you are NOT purchasing anything. Keep clicking until you reach a THANK YOU confirmation page. You should also receive a confirmation email.
Ide’s Holiday Shop is 12/6 to 12/8!
If you are interested in signing up please use the link below. We have included the Teachers Shopping Times in the sign up. Please remember to check out- even though you are NOT purchasing anything. Keep clicking until you reach a THANK YOU confirmation page. You should also receive a confirmation email.https://2023-ide-holiday-shop.cheddarup.com
Next PTO Meeting: Wednesday, November 8th @5pm at IDE
Our Next PTO Meeting is Wednesday, November 8th @5pm at IDE. We hope to see you there.
Thanksgiving Pie Fundraiser
Skip the crazy line at Bakers Square - and grab a fresh baked pie from Fasano Pie Company! The ordering window will be open thru October 31st… select from Dutch Apple, Pumpkin, Cherry, Pecan and Chocolate Cream!
All pies will be baked fresh to order by Fasano Pie Company and be available for a curbside pickup at Lakeview on Wednesday, November 22 - just in time for your Thanksgiving gatherings! You will be all set for your holiday dessert - or buy extra to freeze and enjoy later! Not a pie fan? Consider donating one to our local Police and Fire Department.
Take a look and make your selections here: https://thanksgiving-pie-fundraiser-team66.cheddarup.com
Technology Support
If you or your child needs help with any CCSD66 related technology (iPads, Chromebooks, CCSD66 email etc) please use this link: CCSD66 Remote Tech Support Request to submit a request, and a member of the technology department will get in contact with you ASAP. All requests are handled in the order that they are received.