Peirce School Family Newsletter
February 2018
Principal's Message
Greetings Peirce Parents & Community Members!
February marks the beginning of Black History Month and Peirce students are busy at work learning more about the achievements and contributions of African Americans in the United States. Our theme for the month is "The Fight for Justice, Yesterday & Today" - a committee of teachers, led by Ms. Smith, have been working hard since the beginning of the year to connect our IB Units of Study to "The Fight for Justice" theme. While Black History Month is one opportunity for us to focus on the achievements of African Americans, we are working as a school to do more. Our staff will participate in a workshop on Friday, February 2nd which focuses on culturally responsive teaching - this workshop will be a stepping stone for us to reflect on the work we are doing and open the door to new opportunities for our students, staff and community.
I hope that you will join our students on March 1st at 8:30am or 1:00pm for the African American Heritage Showcase!
Warm Wishes,
Lori Zaimi
Principal
Below are a few highlights from the month of January:
- Members of the Chicago Futsal Academy provided futsal workshops to students in 6th-8th grades.
- Congratulations to Colleen Kompare, a Peirce 5th grader who advanced to the regional Spelling Bee!
- 15 Peirce students received free glasses and eye exams through the Princeton Vision Clinic.
- Congratulations to Ms. Delgado and the 2nd grade team for hosting a public research lesson. Ms. Delgado taught a lesson on measurement and provided Peirce teachers with the opportunity to examine student learning.
- Students participated in a week long celebration of Kindness - Kindness was scattered everywhere!
- Peirce Parents attended the Comprehensive Sexual Health Information Session, slides can be found here.
- International Dance Night was a ton of fun! A little over $1,000 was raised to support student scholarships to the Washington D.C. Trip.
- Junior Achievement worked with students in 1st and 6th-8th grades, JA teaches students skills which range from saving, investing, operating a business, career opportunities and much more!
- Peirce Parents learned more about how Peirce uses Restorative Practices to support the development of community and conflict between students. The workshop presentation can be found here.
- Playworks hosted a Playworks Play Date at Peirce on January 30th - 30 volunteers from Twelve Consulting led students through games during recess.
- Congratulations to 7th grader Emilia for representing Peirce at the network science fair!
- Peirce hosted our first ever MYP Parent Tour and Student Panel on January 31st. Peirce Parents had the opportunity to visit MYP classrooms and hear from teachers and students about their experience teaching and learning in the MYP. 5th grade students will have the opportunity to participate in a shadow day in June as a way to prepare for the transition from PYP to MYP.
Who do I contact if I have a question?
Initial feedback on the CIWP Parent Survey has indicated that parents are often unsure who to contact about questions they have. Please make sure to view our Family Handbook for important information on Peirce School. In addition, the tables below provide a quick overview on who to go to for particular questions. When in doubt, feel free to contact the main office to help point you in the right direction.
LSC Elections
Learn more about the LSC, the election and procedures for candidates in English or Spanish.
All LSC applications must be turned in to Peirce School by 3pm on March 2nd.
Local School Council - Parent Focus Groups
If you have not yet taken the CIWP Parent Survey, please do so by clicking here.
Attendance
Race & Equity Discussion Groups
The CPS Race and Equity Working Group has partnered with UIC to host parent discussion groups across the city to learn from diverse stakeholders about their experiences with equity in their children's schools in order to develop a district-wide equity action plan.
Share your experiences: (RSVP here.)
Wednesday, February 7, 2018 from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Bernhard Moos Elementary School, 1711 N. California
February 2018
Feb 1 - End of 2nd Quarter
Feb 2 - No School, Teacher Professional Development Day
Feb 7 - MYP Learning Celebrations
Feb 7 - MYP Red Velvet Social - Parent Assessment Meeting
Feb 8 & 9 - 6th Grade Indiana Dunes Overnight Trip
Feb 9 - Report Cards Distributed
Feb 9 - PYP Learning Celebrations
Feb 9 - PAC/BAC Meeting, 8:15am, Fieldhouse
Feb 9 - PSO Sponsored Valentine's Day Dance, 5pm
Feb 13 - Friends of Peirce Meeting, 6:30pm, Fieldhouse
Feb 14 - Student of the Month Ceremony, 8:15am
Feb 15 - Local School Council CIWP Focus Group, 5:00pm, Gymnatorium
Feb 15 - Local School Council Meeting, 6:00pm, Gymnatorium
Feb 16 - 100th Day of School Kindergarten Celebrations
Feb 16 - Peirce Service Organization Meeting, 8:00am, Fieldhouse
Feb 19 - No School, President's Day
Feb 24 - Chinese New Year Parade on Argyle Street, 2:00pm
March 2018
Mar 2 - Small Group Parent Tour, 8:15am
Mar 2 - 5th Grade Immigration Debate, 12:30pm
Mar 7 - Senn High School Parent Tour, 9:00am - 11:30am
Mar 8 - Jerry's Sandwiches Friends of Peirce Fundraiser
Mar 8 - STEAM Night, 5:00pm
Mar 9 - Progress Reports Distributed
Mar 9 - PAC & BAC Meeting, 8:15am, Fieldhouse
Mar 13 - Friends of Peirce Meeting, 6:30pm, Fieldhouse
Mar 14 - Student of the Month, 8:15am
Mar 15 - Local School Council Meeting, 6:00pm, Gymnatorium
Mar 16 - Peirce Service Organization Meeting, 8:00am, Fieldhouse
Mar 20 - International Day of Happiness
Mar 20 - Box Top Collection
Mar 21 - Papa Johns Fundraiser
Mar 22 - Papa Johns Fundraiser
Mar 22 - Spring Concert, 9:00am & 1:30pm
Mar 23 - Student Council Spirit Day
Mar 26-30 Spring Break
Helen C. Peirce School of International Studies
Email: lzaimi@cps.edu
Website: peirce.cps.edu
Location: 1423 W Bryn Mawr Chicago, IL
Phone: 773-534-2440
Facebook: facebook.com/peircecps