Weekly Update 1/15/24-1/19/24
Upcoming Dates
Monday, January 15: NO SCHOOL--Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Week of Tuesday, January 16: Winter MAP Testing Window Opens (Grades 2-5)
Tuesday, January 16: Orchestra Sectional Lessons
Tuesday, January 16: Draw & Paint For Life (3:30-4:30pm)
Tuesday, January 16: Erin's Law Parent Information Virtual Meeting (grades 1-4) (7:00pm)
Wednesday, January 17: 5th Grade AM Band & Orchestra Rehearsal at McClure (7:30-8:15am)
Wednesday, January 17: Student Council (lunchtime)
Wednesday, January 17: 4th Grade PM Band & Orchestra Rehearsal at McClure (3:45-4:30pm)
Wednesday, January 17: FUSION (3:30-5:15pm)
Friday, January 18: Math Club (7:45am)
Friday, January 18: 4th & 5th Grade Choir (lunchtime)
Friday, January 18: Sticky Fingers Cooking (3:30-4:30pm)
Monday, January 22: D101 Board of Education Meeting at McClure (6:15pm)
Monday, January 22: Virtual PTA Meeting 7:00pm
Wednesday, January 24: LATE ARRIVAL (10:00am) (AM Kdg: 10:00-12:00; PM Kdg: 1:30-3:30)
Wednesday, January 24: Erin's Law Assemblies (Grades 1-4)
Wednesday, January 31: Virtual Kindergarten Registration Informational Meetings (9:00am & 7:00pm)
Wednesday, January 31: Superintendent Office Hours at Forest Hills (3:00-5:00pm)
Reflective Respect Update
We had a fantastic first week (well, four days!) back after break. Everyone is nicely settling back into our familiar routines and procedures. I've had the opportunity to spend about 45 minutes to an hour in each 1st-5th grade classroom this week, for our "Reflective Respect" lesson. Each class did an amazing job of being active participants and identifying the specific unexpected behaviors that they see and we can work together towards improving. When the "What If Everybody Did That?" means following expectations, being RESPECTFUL and kind, Forest Hills is a place where more learning takes place and everyone thrives.
Kindergarten Registration for 2024-25
It is already time to be thinking about Kindergarten Registration for next school year! In order to kick things off, I'm hosting two upcoming VIRTUAL Kindergarten Registration Information sessions--Wednesday, January 31 at 9:00am and 7:00pm. During these times, I'll overview some basics about Kindergarten and walk you through the Registration process--including necessary paperwork, health requirements, timelines, etc.
Click HERE to sign-up for one of the Forest Hills Registration Information Sessions. (A meeting link will be shared with those who registered!)
We're excited to be thinking about welcoming our next crop of Forest Hills Falcons!
***Please feel free to forward this information along to anyone within the Forest Hills attendance area who will have an incoming Kindergartener next year. Field Park and Laidlaw principals will be sharing their information with families as well.
Winter NWEA MAP Testing
The window for Winter MAP testing (for students in grades 2-5 only) opens on Tuesday, January 16. Please click HERE if you would like to learn more about the NWEA MAP assessment.
Additionally, teachers will have some conversations with students about the assessment, in an effort to help them better understand what it is and why it shouldn't elicit stress from them. HERE are the talking points that teachers will use with students.
If you can also please reinforce productive approaches to taking assessments--getting a good night's sleep, eating a healthy breakfast, taking their time and putting forth best effort, we would deeply appreciate it.
All Abilities Fair
Last year, Forest Hills hosted our inaugural Abilities Fair. It was created to try and help expose students to the various learning differences or disabilities that many of our children face everyday. By providing hands-on, age-appropriate activities, our hope was that we could create a strong D101 community of support for those students who might receive services or learn differently.
We are excited for this year's event and once again, need volunteers to help make it happen! We will need parents to help lead either morning or afternoon stations. The morning sessions would be roughly 8:45 – 11:30, while the afternoon ones would be around 12:45 – 3:25. Each class will be given a 30-minute time slot to attend the fair and participate in the various stations.
If you’d like to help, please reach out by. to your home school coordinator and let them know if you’d be able to do the AM session or PM.
We look forward to the opportunity to work with you to make the All Abilities Fair another success!
The Abilities Fair Parent Committee
Forest Hills – Monday, February 5
Parent Volunteer Coordinator: Gina Fitzpatrick – ginafitz25@gmail.com
Attendance Matters!
Help your student AND their classmates!
Did you know that research shows that one student’s absence negatively impacts the learning of an entire classroom? How you might ask? Student absences require teachers to teach/reteach missed academic content, thus often slowing the pace for everyone. Additionally, absences take teachers' time away from lesson planning and providing feedback to students that better facilitates academic growth.
Ensure that your student is in class everyday they're not sick in order to support the success of all students.
Science Expo Feedback Sessions
If your child is participating in the D101 Science Expo and would like feedback on their project, Mrs. Corcoran will be available in the LLC during lunch recess on the following dates:
January 16
January 23
January 30
February 6
Encourage them to stop by and check-in!
District Calendar 2024-25
The District 101 Board of Education will officially approve the 2024-25 school calendar at it's January meeting, however, it is "public" as of today. I know a number of families are anxiously awaiting the release as those summer vacation itches are already happening! Please find the calendar attached below.
INFO FROM PREVIOUS UPDATES, BUT STILL RELEVANT...
Arrival/Dismissal Reminder
As the colder weather is definitely here and more families are driving to school, it's a good time to review expectations for Arrival/Dismissal.
- Central Ave. is ONE WAY (north to south) during arrival/dismissal.
- Vehicles should only be stopped on the WEST side of Central Ave. Please DO NOT stop on the east side as we do not want students crossing the street in front of traffic that is moving down the street.
- Drivers need to REMAIN IN THEIR VEHICLES at all times.
- When dropping off or picking up, think "Kiss n' Go" airport-style approach. This allows the traffic line to keep moving and all children to be dropped off and picked up in a timely manner. At dismissal, we will happily supervise children at their designated dismissal door until their vehicle pulls up to pick them up.
- Please share these procedures with caregivers who also may be dropping off or picking up, so they are familiar with the expectations too.
- DO NOT pass the school bus when the stop sign is extended and the red lights are on. It is a $500 fine and quite unsafe.
- Lastly, please exercise patience. Everyone is busy and has places to be. If we all work together, everyone will get where they need to go safely and more quickly.
Culture of Appreciation Reminder
Send a message of gratitude to staff HERE!
Word From WSFEE
SAVE THE DATE - WSFEE's Casino Night is coming April 27th at the Marriott Burr Ridge! Want to be part of the fun? Consider donating a silent auction item such as an experiences, sporting events or memorabilia, music tickets, or gift cards. Please reach out via contactus@wsfee.org or finance@wsfee.org. Visit wsfee.org or follow WSFEE on Instagram (@wsfee_d101) to hear about events, sponsorship, and donation opportunities.
Clubs/Activities Sign-Up
BAM Theatre--At Forest Hills
CALLING ALL VKs AND DISNEY VILLAIN FANS We're thrilled to share that BAMtheatre will be at Forest Hill Elementary this spring, bringing an extra dose of After School Theatre Enrichment excitement! This term, join us for a villainous good time where students will channel their wicked charms in “Rotten to the Core: Songs of a Disney Villain” featuring songs from the Descendants and other iconic villains. Mark your calendars - this class will be held on Thursdays after school beginning February 15th. BAM's comprehensive structure features a blend of captivating activities, games, and rehearsals, all culminating in a showcase on the final day for friends and family to enjoy. Secure your spot pronto—availability is limited, and this class is known to fill up fast! #AfterSchoolTheatreMagic
Chess Wizards--Winter Enrollment
Sticky Fingers Cooking
See attached flyer.
Draw And Paint For Life--Winter Session
Please click HERE to register for the Winter Session of Draw And Paint For Life.
Virtual Backpack
2023-24 School Calendar
Have a wonderful, long weekend and stay warm!
Rachel
Rachel Corrough
Email: rcorrough@d101.org
Website: www.d101.org
Location: 5020 Central Avenue, Western Springs, IL, USA
Phone: (708)485-5184
Twitter: @corrough