Weekly Update 2/5/24-2/9/24
Upcoming Dates
Monday, February 5: All Abilities Fair
Week of February 5: Winter Student Climate Survey Window (Grades 1-5)
Monday, February 5: Band Sectional Lessons
Tuesday, February 6: Orchestra Sectional Lessons
Tuesday, February 6: Draw & Paint For Life (3:30-4:30pm)
Wednesday, February 7: 5th Grade AM Band & Orchestra Rehearsal at McClure (7:30-8:15am)
Wednesday, February 7: Half Day Early Dismissal (11:40am) PM Kindergarten attends in the AM
Friday, February 9: Math Club (7:45am)
Friday, February 9: 4th & 5th Grade Choir (lunchtime)
Friday, February 9: Sticky Fingers Cooking (3:30-4:30pm)
Friday, February 9: Winter Assessment Report Distribution
Saturday, February 10: D101 Science Expo
Week of February 12-16: Student Council Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) Week
Monday, February 19: NO SCHOOL--PRESIDENTS DAY
Tuesday, February 20: NO SCHOOL--INSTITUTE DAY
Half Day Early Dismissal
Please note that Wednesday, February 7 is a HALF DAY EARLY DISMISSAL/Teacher Institute Day.
- School ends at 11:40.
- There will be regular bus service to and from school.
- There is NO SCHOOL FOR AM Kindergarten. PM Kindergarten attends in the morning (8:40-11:40am)
- Please ensure that your child knows the plan for dismissal and all details are coordinated in advance of dismissal.
Author Visit & Monday's All Abilities Fair
We were THRILLED to welcome Malena Heath Lindburg, author of "Hi Max" to Forest Hills in advance of Monday's All Abilities Fair. Malena is a child author, who wrote a book about her brother Max, who has a physical disability and uses a wheelchair. She shared her story with students in 1st-5th grades with the hope of cultivating a culture of belonging and inclusion for her brother Max. It is our hope that this special event sets the table for Monday's All Abilities Fair and follow-up conversations at home.
If you would like to purchase Malena's book, please look for the order form that came home with your child today or see the attached form below.
Club Amigos Pulsera Project
Club Amigos will be selling pulseras and bolsitas to support the efforts of The Pulsera Project. Bracelets are $5 and bags are $15. We will be selling bracelets and bags during lunch on February 6th, 8th and 9th. Kindergarten will be sold in their classrooms. If you are interested, please bring in your money that week! Gracias!
Winter Student Climate Survey
As is our practice three times a year, students in grades 1-5 will take the Winter Student Climate Survey the week of February 5. Students in grades 1-3 will take it at home with parents. Please watch for an email with the survey link first thing Monday morning, February 5. Students in grades 4 and 5 will take it with Mrs. McLaughlin during tech class. Collective results will be shared back with you as soon as they're available, and as always, we follow-up with individual students/families as needed!
Winter Assessment Distribution
Be on the lookout for the following assessments to come home in Friday Folders on Friday, February 9:
1st Grade: Snapshot
2nd Grade: Winter NWEA MAP
3rd Grade: Winter NWEA MAP & CogAT
4th Grade: Winter NWEA MAP
5th Grade: Winter NWEA MAP & CogAT
As always, if you have questions about your child's assessment results, please reach out to their classroom teacher, specialist or me.
MONDAY: NUT FREE LUNCH & PE
Due to the All Abilities Fair taking place in the gym, students will eat lunch in their classrooms on Monday, February 5. Please send your child with a NUT FREE lunch.
Also, if your child has PE on Monday, please make sure they're dressed accordingly, as they'll be headed outside for class, due to the gym being in use. Luckily, the weather looks wonderful next week!
Valentines at Forest Hills
Please watch for more detailed information next week regarding Student Council sponsored "Random Acts of Kindness Week (RAK)" the week of February 12-16. It is our way of celebrating Valentine's Day and spreading kindness throughout Forest Hills.
On Valentine's Day, your child is welcome to bring in Valentine's to share, with the following parameters:
NO CANDY/FOOD should be a part of the Valentine.
There should be one for everyone in the class.
Thanks in advance for your cooperation!
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...
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.
Arrival/Dismissal Reminder
As we've had some challenging weather these past few weeks, it's been even more important for EVERYONE (this means you too!) to follow the established ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL procedures. They are in place to create as SAFE and EFFICIENT process as possible. I REALLY don't want to have to correct/remind people of the procedures, as that's uncomfortable for us both, but necessary in order to make the procedure run smoothly. Thank you in advance for doing your part so that we don't have to have an awkward encounter! :)
- 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.
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!
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
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