Weekly Update 12/11/23-12/15/23
Upcoming Dates
Monday, December 11: Band Sectional Lessons
Monday, December 11: Virtual PTA Meeting (7:00p)
Tuesday, December 12: Orchestra Sectional Lessons
Tuesday, December 12: Draw and Paint For Life (3:30-4:30pm)
Wednesday, December 13: Student Council Meeting (lunchtime)
Wednesday, December 13: FUSION (3:30-5:15pm)
Thursday, December 14: Club Amigos (lunchtime)
Friday, December 15: 4th/5th Grade Math Club (7:45am)
Friday, December 15: Holiday Concerts (K-2: 1:00-1:30, 3-5: 1:45-2:15)
Friday, December 15: Sticky Fingers Cooking Class (3:30-4:30pm)
Monday, December 18: D101 Board of Education Meeting at McClure (6:15pm)
Thursday, December 21: Kindergarten Holiday Helpers
Friday, December 22: Holiday Helpers (9:00-9:45am)
Friday, December 22: Holiday Parties (2:30-3:15pm)
Monday, January 8: SCHOOL RESUMES
Monday, January 15: MLK Day--NO SCHOOL
Week of Tuesday, January 16: Winter MAP Testing Window Opens (Grades 2-5)
Nut Free Lunch
Please send your child(ren) with a NUT FREE LUNCH on Friday. Students will be eating lunch and having recess in their classrooms, due to the Holiday Concert set-up in the gym and because they'll be sporting their holiday best!
Holiday Concert Reminder
The students have been working hard in preparation for the Holiday Choral Concert, which is scheduled for Friday, December 15. Here are the important details for you to note:
- Students should dress in their "holiday best"!
- Students will have an all-school dress rehearsal in the morning. This is their opportunity to watch the performance in its entirety. (This is for student/staff viewing only.)
- The performance is broken into two sessions. Students in grades Kdg-2nd will perform from 1:00-1:30 and students in grades 3-5 will perform from 1:45-2:15. This brief intermission will allow parents of primary students to leave and hopefully, open up some space for parents of older students.
- Doors will open at 12:45 for spectators. Please understand, the gym is only so big and there won't be seating for everyone. Some guests may need to stand.
- Due to the number of people expected to attend, visitors won't need to check-in in the office and exchange their ID for a lanyard, but you will be directed straight into the gym and visitors won't have access to other areas of the building.
We're excited to gather together to spread some holiday cheer
Holiday Helpers--Assistance Needed!
We are excited about our upcoming school-wide service event, Holiday Helpers. This event takes place on Thursday, December 21 for Kindergarten and Friday, December 22 for 1st-5th graders. Holiday Helpers is a partnership between the PTA, Student Council and Tiny Philanthropists that provides students with an opportunity to spread joy and help others this holiday season.
Students had the service options below to choose from. In some cases, a representative from the organization will come to Forest Hills to talk with students about the organization and how their effort benefits their clients.
Cat Toys and Dog Ropes for the Hinsdale Humane Society
Watercolor Artwork for seniors
Hygiene Packs for Casa Norte
Clothing Donations for Cradle to Crayons
Non-perishable Foods for a local food bank
As we have so much to be grateful for within the Forest Hills community, this is our way of recognizing how fortunate we are and giving back to others.
From The D101 Nurses
Absenteeism has increased and we are seeing many more students in the nurse’s office with viral
and flu-like symptoms. With flu season upon us, we need to review basic good health practices to
limit the spread of infection. It is important to maintain good nutrition, personal hygiene, proper rest, and proper hydration (fluids). Hand washing is most important.
Symptoms to be aware of are: fever, sore throat, chills, cough, headache, muscle aches, vomiting,
and/or diarrhea. In order to help prevent the spread of infection to others and to protect your
child from a relapse, students should be kept home for 24 hours after symptoms have subsided.
With everyone’s cooperation we can decrease the transmission of illness and infection, reduce
absenteeism, and keep our school community healthy. Thank you for your assistance in this matter.
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.
4th/5th Graders: Science Expo
Fourth and fifth grade students had an opportunity to attend a Science Expo Information meeting recently. Information packets and registration forms were given to those who attended. Please have your student return the registration form by Friday, Dec.15, in order to participate in the Science Expo.
Email Mrs. Corcoran at jcorcoran@d101.org with questions or to obtain a packet.
Tiny Philanthropists December Charity
Please see the attached regarding Forest Hills Tiny Philanthropists next service event--Cradles to Crayons clothing drive.
INFO FROM PREVIOUS UPDATES, BUT STILL RELEVANT...
Winter Weather Apparel
Well, we've somewhat had a great run of good weather so far this school year, however, it seems our collective luck has run out. Colder temperatures have definitely arrived! Just a reminder that we do go outside for recess everyday if the temperature/wind chill is above 15 degrees.
PLEASE make sure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather, with warm coats, hats, gloves, etc. When they aren't warm enough, they stall going outside and ask to go inside to "use the bathroom" in droves. :)
Also, as a reminder, when there is snow on the ground, students must have boots and snow pants to go in the snow. Otherwise, we have cold, wet kiddos the remainder of the afternoon. Please feel free to use the red reusable snow bags!
Thanks in advance for your cooperation!
Student Ownership Attribute–GLOBAL CITIZENS
This month, we'll be reading stories about the broader world, and celebrating all the ways that understanding and appreciating other cultures and the commonalities we share can enrich our sense of community.
Our D101 definition of GLOBAL CITIZENS is: global citizens love to learn about the world, including other people and cultures, other languages, other traditions, other places, and other ways to be!
Some of the components we'll discuss at the various grade levels are:
Global citizens care about the health and wellbeing of the world, and learn more and take actions to help make the world a better place.
Global citizens view the world from different viewpoints, and appreciate the value that other people and cultures bring.
Global citizens celebrate commonalities and differences, use them to connect and engage with others.
These talking points will be in connection with the following grade level texts:
Kindergarten: Same, Same, But Different, by Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw
1st Grade: This is the Way We Go to School, by Edith Baer
2nd Grade: If Sharks Disappeared, by Lily Williams
3rd Grade: Ducks Overboard: A True Story of Plastic in our Oceans, by Markus Motum
4th Grade: One Plastic Bag, by Miranda Paul
5th Grade: 14 Cows for America, by Carmen Agra Deedy and Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah
Although this is our collective focus for the month of December, will seek opportunities to connect as global citizens throughout the year, and will be using these skills as a part of our January focus – being REFLECTIVE! Stay tuned for more information about REFLECTIVE students next month!
Spotlight on Supporters
Please see the attached information regarding our Spotlight on Supporters. Without their support, our District 101 calendar wouldn't be possible.
Culture of Appreciation Reminder
Send a message of gratitude to staff HERE!
Word From WSFEE
Do you have a Big Idea and just don't know where to start? WSFEE is here to help - contact grants@wsfee.org and we can help you through the grant writing process. Grants help support everything from school and classroom libraries to STEM supplies to buddy benches and lunch tables. Remember to visit wsfee.org or follow WSFEE on Instagram (@wsfee_d101) to hear about events, donations and sponsorship opportunities throughout the year.
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
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
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