Lyon & Pleasant Ridge Monthly News
February 5, 2021
Glenview District 34
Our Mission
Aspire. Explore. Discover. Connect.
Lyon School
1335 Waukegan Road
Glenview, IL 60025
(847)998-5045 Phone/(847)998-9701 Fax
(847)657-2894 Absence Calls/Health Office
Website: https://ly.glenview34.org
Pleasant Ridge
1730 Sunset Ridge Road
Gelview, IL 60025
(847)998-5050 Phone/)(847)998-5532
(847)998-2794 Absence Calls/Health Calls
Website: https://pr.glenview34.org/
Calendar of Events at Lyon and District 34
No School - President's Day Observed
Friday, February 19
Picture Re-take Day at Lyon and Pleasant Ridge
View the full calendar at the District website (www.glenview34.org -- Parents -- Calendar).
Message from Principal Dorken
Social-emotional learning is a prominent part of our District 34 Strategic Plan, and it continues to be a high priority to make our school environment at Lyon safe, welcoming, and conducive to learning for ALL students. There are many actions we take as a school staff, on a daily basis, that support these aims. With the unique school year that we’ve experienced thus far together because of the pandemic, you are partners with us in this work to an extent like never before! Many of the approaches that we take at school have relevance for parents and caregivers as well, and I thought I would share a few of the most salient.
With all of our staff, we stress the importance of reinforcing the things we want to see more of from children, because, whether we intend it or not, the behaviors that we respond to the most will be the ones we see the most. In other words, constantly responding to an undesired behavior can frequently increase the behavior as it provides attention. Granted, undesired behaviors can often be difficult to ignore completely, so we emphasize (based on research) the importance of a 3 to 1 ratio of positive to negative or corrective interactions. A positive interaction need not be a compliment necessarily (e.g., “You have such great manners. You always remember to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’…”), and can simply mean an interaction with a child that demonstrates genuine interest in them (e.g., “What were some interesting things you learned in school today?”, “What was your favorite part of your day?”, etc.). When positive attention is provided to children to a much greater extent (again, minimally 3 times more) than the negative/corrective attention, the impact is really significant.
Another point we stress is the importance of phrasing. We should always attempt to describe for children what we expect rather than what we don’t want. A few simple examples would be: “please walk” as opposed to “don’t run”; “please use a quiet voice” as opposed to “you are speaking too loudly”; “please keep your hands to yourself” as opposed to “stop touching …”. Again, the emphasis is on the positive framing of a situation rather than negative.
At the heart of all of this important work is relationship building. If we’re not building positive and caring relationships with children, then none of our other concepts and strategies will work. Positive relationships alone will not solve all of the challenges we face, as educators or family members, but they are essential to moving forward - all the more so during this school year like no other! We sincerely hope that you experience, firsthand and through your children, our school-based efforts to continuously build positive relationships with our students and your family.
LY/PR Conference Info - February 2021
As our second round of parent/teacher conferences approaches (to be held online via Zoom), we wanted to share again some information that we hope will help make your experience a productive and positive one. We thank you in advance for making every attempt to schedule your conference during the designated conference times as shared by your child’s teacher. Your child’s teacher will be in touch with sign up information. We hope you find conferences at Lyon and Pleasant Ridge to be informative and enjoyable.
Conferences are important milestones in our school year, but hopefully serve as a confirmation of information you have gathered thus far about your child’s growth and progress (e.g., from ongoing conversations with your child, your child’s teacher, classroom newsletters, student work samples, etc.). As you look ahead to these conversations with your child’s teacher(s), we hope you find the following questions and answers helpful.
What is the main purpose of the conference?
These meetings are primarily intended to provide information related to your child’s growth and progress relative to where they were at the beginning of the school year. If there is specific information you would like to receive or address at the conference, please let your child’s teacher know in advance.
How long will the conference be?
This will vary a little from teacher to teacher, but a typical conference will be scheduled for 20 minutes. This amount of time adequately allows for a focused discussion to occur and creates a manageable conference schedule for teachers.
How can I make the most of my conference time?
Arriving promptly for your appointment (via Zoom) helps ensure a smooth start. Coming with questions prepared in advance and taking notes to share later with your child are helpful strategies as well.
What should I do if I’m running late or can’t make the conference?
Please email your child’s teacher. They will follow up to reschedule.
We value this time for reflection and celebration. Conferences, combined with ongoing communication between home and school, help us to strengthen our collective effort to meet the needs of every child at Lyon and Pleasant Ridge and to work in genuine partnership with you.
Message from Principal Friedman
Pleasant Ridge Families,
We’ve turned the corner and we’re headed into another month. In the Pandemic world we are currently living in, I see that as a victory! Every day we have health and can look forward to the next day as a gift. I hope you and your family are healthy and doing well as the calendar keeps turning.
The return to Hybrid in person instruction went rather smoothly. Both the students and staff fell back into our routines without skipping a beat. There was a lot of positive energy and smiles upon our return. Thank you for your continued support as we navigate the back and forths of this school year. It’s exciting to have our students back in person!
Last week we kicked off our Kids Heart Challenge (formerly Jump Rope for Heart) with the students. Although the kickoff was a virtual event, there was lots of energy and excitement. This has been a tradition at Pleasant Ridge for 33 years. We are one of two schools in the country to have raised over a million dollars!!! The Kids Heart Challenge is an awareness campaign for heart health and a fundraiser to support research and treatment. In addition this year, funds will also be targeted to studying COVID-19 and the impact on heart health. Although some of our typical activities will be adjusted this year, we have a special surprise for students...Mrs. Chin and I have agreed to get slimed if we reach our goal of raising $36,000! We are well on our way to hitting our goal, and Mrs. Chin and I are eager to entertain our students and celebrate their accomplishments.
As I write this letter, we are looking at some cold temps coming our way. But, I can’t help but be excited by the prospect of Spring. Longer days, warmer weather, more opportunities to socialize safely outside. We are nearing the year mark since schools shut down, and we still have a ways to go...but there is some light ahead and I’m hopeful that we are moving closer to ‘normal’. I’m appreciative of our community’s endurance in these challenging times, we are lucky to have each other and I promise you that our students are growing despite all the obstacles we continue to face. Let’s all put our collective thoughts to ‘better and brighter days ahead’!
Have a great month, wishing you all health and wellness.
2021-2022 School Calendar
Registration for the 2021-2022 School Year Opens April 1
Registration for the 2021-2022 school year will open for new and returning students on April 1. So, whether you're enrolling your youngest for 8th grade, or have an incoming kindergartener, look for registration information just after spring break. The district will offer an early bird discount for those who register by May 31, 2021.
Pleasant Ridge Calendar -Calendario de Pleasant Ridge
Picture Retake Day
Picture retake day is Friday, February 19th for Lyon and Pleasant Ridge students.
Lyon/Pleasant Ridge Spiritwear
Check out the new PTA spirit wear site. You can order anytime and it ships directly to you.
There are lots of cool new logos and items to choose from.
https://humankind.shop/collections/spiritwear-lyon-pleasant-ridge-elementary-school
KIDS HEART CHALLENGE KICK OFF
Kids Heart Challenge is under way and our students are doing a great job! Your student is learning how nutrition, mindfulness and being active can help us live longer, healthier lives, while giving students the opportunity to help others who are affected by cardiovascular disease. Please be sure to ask your child about what they are learning and what they can do to make a difference.
This year we are doing all donations online- here is a virtual envelope instead of a paper one!
This year we have some really fun challenges at Pleasant Ridge!
- Tim Baetz Slime Challenge: If our school reaches our fundraising goal of $36,000 we are going to SLIME Mr. Friedman and Mrs. Chin on Zoom!! AND if 80% of students sign up to take the challenge at www.heart.org/khc you’ll get to watch your PE teachers be slimed on Zoom, too!!
- Classroom Challenge: Your classes will be competing to see who has the most students signed up to take the heart healthy challenge at www.heart.org/khc . There will be a winning class in every grade level! Will your class win!?
Here’s how you can get started:
- Go online and Register at www.heart.org/KHC or search, “Kids Heart Challenge” in your app store and take the challenge! (Your student will earn a FREE wristband!)
- Send 10 Emails or Ecards to friends and family to raise donations
- Participate in Finn’s Mission
Our National Heart Survivor Finn would not be here today if it were not for generous families like yours. Please be sure to watch Finn...is why (2 min video) to see how your school is making a difference in the lives of others.
Thanks again for being part of the Kids Heart Challenge, supporting our school and the American Heart Association. Together, we are making a difference.
PLEASANT RIDGE PICK UP
Items scheduled for pick up will be placed on a cart just outside Door A in the South Circle drive (near the PR Office).
Pick Up Days: M-F (except school holidays)
Pick Up Times: 8am-3pm.
Authorization to Administer Medication at School
If your child needs to take any medication during the school day -- either prescription or over-the-counter (including ibuprofen or other pain reliever) -- you must submit this form with a doctor's signature to the health office at school (Aquí está la forma en español.). There are no exceptions to this policy. Students should not have medication in their backpack or pocket; parents must provide the medication indicated on the form, in original packaging, to the school nurse.
All health forms are posted on the District 34 website on our frequently used forms page. If you have questions, please contact the Lyon health office at (847) 657-2894 or the Pleasant Ridge health office at (847) 657-2794.
Find Us on Facebook
Lyon School is now on Facebook. Follow @ LyonD34 to get news and views into what's happening in classrooms and around the school!
Important Forms
2020-2021 District 34 Calendar
Click this link for the following frequently used forms:
https://www.glenview34.org/for-parents/forms
Authorization And Permission For Administration Of Medication
Cell Phone Use Agreement and Permission Form
Classroom Party Menu Options
Dental Exam Form (completed for Kindergarten, 2nd, and 6th grades)
Dental Exam Waiver
District Policies/Handbook Info
Eye Exam Form
Eye Exam Waiver
Food Guidelines
Health Examination Form