In The Laidlaw Loop
Family Update- November 17, 2023
Today we had some special guests: The Jesse White Tumblers! The kids (and parent volunteers!) LOVED seeing this outstanding performance during fun lunch! As always, thank you to our wonderful PTO parent volunteers for making today possible!
Also, I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with 1st graders this week during their library time. I saw some outstanding strong group collaboration skills in action during a group assignment analyzing public art wall murals.
Finally, I wish you all a very happy & healthy Thanksgiving holiday. We look forward to welcoming parents next week at our parent/teacher conference opportunities.
Warmly,
Renee
Interested in Subbing?
Our three elementary schools and McClure Junior High need YOUR help, as we often need more engaging, effective subs than we have available to support our students. With the phenomenal students in our community, subbing in D101 is a highly fulfilling, lovely way to connect with and support our schools and all of our children!
What are the benefits of subbing?
It’s flexible! We often book subs (where we can) in advance, so you can pick and choose when the dates/times/assignments work for YOU. You can choose whether or not to be “on call” for unexpected needs and/or to let us know that you’re always available on x days and at y times.
It’s simple! Some of our subs do not come to us with a background in education, and that is okay! A successful sub is someone who will work hard to follow clear, simple plans from the experts (our teachers!) and - most importantly - who will take care of our students at a high level. That’s it!
It’s connected! We appreciate subs from within our parent community, as you know our students and are already invested in our school community. We generally place parent subs in buildings that are NOT their “home” building, which gives a great chance to learn more about all of our schools -- and doesn’t fluster your kids to see you in the hallway ;)
It pays well! Reach out to inquire more about sub pay; we are at or above the daily average pay for subs in the area!
What does the job entail?
Subs can fill all kinds of positions, depending on our needs:
General classroom teacher (ie “I’m teaching third grade today!”)
Specials teachers (ie “I’m in PE today!”)
Classroom teaching assistants and/or 1:1 aides to support student needs (ie “I’m helping out in first grade today,” or “I’m supporting John Doe in the classroom today!”)
Subs can work for a full day or a half day, depending on need and availability.
Lesson plans and support to understand the role are provided for every sub role and position, and our warm and welcoming teachers and staff are here to support YOU as you support our students.
How do I sign on to become a sub?
Feel free to reach out to us here at Laidlaw if you are interested in this opportunity!
Click here to see the basic requirements to gain sub licensure.
After you are registered on our sub list and ready to go, we’ll help match you to the best fit for schools and positions.
Shop on the cart returns!
Our Laidlaw Loot incentive for the months of November and December will focus on individual student earnings. Students may earn PINK Laidlaw Loot(s) by displaying their very best Laidlaw Way (being safe, being responsible, and being respectful) during November and December combined. Pink loot may be used to "buy" items from our Laidlaw Loot Shop On The Cart, which I will bring around to all classrooms the week of December The cart has been loaded with all new goodies ranging in "cost" from 3 loots to 20 loots.
Attendance Matters
Attendance matters and we want your students in school. Make the most of classroom opportunities! When students are not in school, they miss opportunities to participate in classroom activities and socialize with their peers. By attending school each day they are not sick, students are more engaged in learning. Please use the guidelines below to help you determine when it is appropriate to keep your student home. If your student is well, we want them in school.
November Student Ownership Attribute: Being Collaborative
Our D101 definition of COLLABORATIVE is: collaborative people are able to work together to produce or create something, and to work with someone else on a project or to solve a problem.
Some of the components I will be discussing when I push into each classroom this month are:
Collaboration is all around us - in our partner work, our group work, team sports, families, EVERYWHERE!
Collaboration helps us put together strengths and skills from different people - we are stronger when we think and work together!
Collaborative people are open to ideas and often learn new things and have great experiences working in new ways
We will discuss these talking points in connection with the following grade level texts:
Kindergarten: The Little Red Fort, by Brenda Maier
1st Grade: Officer Buckle and Gloria, by Peggy Rathmann
2nd Grade: Up the Creek, by Nicholas Oldland
3rd Grade: The Little Red Pen, by Janet Stevens
4th Grade: Boxitects, by Kim Smith
5th Grade: Someone Builds the Dream, by Lisa Wheeler and Loren Lang
Although this is our collective focus for the month of November, we’ll always be practicing being COLLABORATIVE throughout the year, and will be using these skills as a part of our December focus – being a GLOBAL CITIZEN! Stay tuned for more information about GLOBAL CITIZENS next month!
Sticky Fingers Cooking Class- WINTER
Please click here if you are interested in signing up for the winter session of Sticky Fingers.
Art Enrichment Class: WINTER
Please click here to signup for the WINTER Draw & Paint class at Laidlaw.
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
Upcoming Dates
Wednesday November 22-Friday November 25: No School (Thanksgiving holiday break)
Tuesday, December 5: Spirit Day
Wednesday, December 6: Student Late Arrival (10AM)
Thursday, December 14- Holiday concerts (9:30AM & 1:30PM)
Thursday, December 14 - Gingerbread House Night (PM)
Thursday, December 21 - Holiday Shop for students (during school)
Friday, December 22 - Classroom Holiday Parties & last day before winter break
Laidlaw PTO Information
Upcoming PTO Events - Details coming after the break
Thursday, December 14 - Gingerbread House Night
Thursday, December 21 - Holiday Shop
Friday, December 22 - Classroom Holiday Parties
Word From WSFEE
The Grinch is coming to D101. WSFEE is partnering again this year with the Grinch to bring your family BB's Donuts. Be on the lookout for information and sign-up from your elementary PTA and the Grinch can deliver donuts to your house too! Remember to visit wsfee.org or follow WSFEE on Instagram (@wsfee_d101) to hear about events, donations and sponsorship opportunities throughout the year. Details HERE.
Western Springs Community Happenings
Please click here for a list of Western Springs community happenings including:
-Library Night