In The Laidlaw Loop
Family Update- October 13, 2023
This week was a special one. I had the opportunity to meet with all students in grades 1st-5th and discuss our October student ownership attribute: effective communicators. We talked about the power of positive verbal and nonverbal communication (including the written word!) AND we reflected on how using communication for negative purposes (such as making others feel badly about themselves) is not how we display our very best Laidlaw Way. In addition to some powerful picture book reads at all grade levels, we practiced our talking & listening skills with some fun classroom activities.
Next week is an exciting one! It's Wellness Week at Laidlaw! All week long we will be promoting healthy living with our students in a variety of ways (morning announcements, some fun PE activities, etc) and then we will cap the week off by celebrating together next Friday at our FALL FITNESS FUNDRAISER. Students are invited to wear their favorite college apparel next Friday for the Fall Fitness Fundraiser. This could include sporting a family member's alma mater or just wearing their favorite college team's colors! I'll make sure to send reminders next week as well.
Have a great weekend!
Renee
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.
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.
Climate Survey
Each Fall, we administer the District 101 Climate Survey to all students in 1st through 5th grades to gather information about student concerns and social-emotional wellbeing, and to offer a structured chance for students to share their thinking and for us to follow up with conversation and care. Please be on the lookout for the Climate Survey the week of Oct 16th:
We ask that 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders take the survey with a parent at some point throughout the week
4th and 5th graders will receive the link directly from their Mrs. Swanson and take the Climate Survey in their Tech class.
Thank you for your support and assistance as we ask our students to share their thoughts and feelings with us; we value this as a chance to check in on and with our kids.
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.
Upcoming Dates
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)
November 14 - Book Fair (AM)
Book Fair w/ Loved Ones Open House (PM)
November 17 - Fun Lunch
Laidlaw PTO Information
Support Laidlaw’s Fitness FUNdraiser
Friday, October 20
Next week, all Laidlaw students will participate in the American Heart Association Kids Heart Challenge. Special announcements will be made educating students about heart health. During PE, they will learn about staying strong in body and mind and get moving with fun activities.
Friday’s Fitness FUNdraiser will close out the special week with exciting activity stations and DJ. Students and staff are invited to wear their favorite collegiate gear on Friday.
We’re halfway to our fundraising goal of $6,000! This event will raise money for much needed lunchroom enhancements, including new round tables and lunch bins for each classroom. A portion of the funds will also be donated to the American Heart Association.
All optional donations* are due day of event via:
PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/LaidlawPTO?country.x=US... -
Please be sure to include the student(s) name in the notes.
By Cash/Check: Pledges may use the envelope sent home to students. Checks should be payable to Laidlaw PTO.
*Donations are NOT required for students’ participation.
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
Friday, October 20 - Fall Fitness Fundraiser
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
Have you heard about Renovation for Innovation? It is a district-wide multi-year initiative that supports D101’s instructional improvement plan, of which innovative learning spaces are a part. These renovations allow classroom designs to match innovative teaching and learning methods. WSFEE is excited to have partnered with D101 to accelerate this initiative to benefit more teachers and students sooner by supplementing District funds. These funds have been used for flexible seating and work spaces in elementary school classrooms, lighting projects like the McClure library, and other classroom and school upgrades over the past 4+ years. WSFEE has contributed over $200,000 to this remarkable program. 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, including: