Cherokee Newsletter 1.27.23
Sept 16, 2022
January 27, 2023
A Message from the Principal
Dear Cherokee Families,
On Monday, all K-4 students were in awe at the Mousetrap Machine science assembly. The students learned how simple machines worked through the use of balloons. Ask your students what they learned through this engaging experience. Thank you to the Spirit of 67 for the Visiting Scientist grant!
Winter is finally here with multiple days of snow. The students were so happy to be outside playing in the snow and building snowmen and forts. I know it is a lot of laundry at home each night to get clothes dried and packed for the next day. We appreciate you sending your students prepared each day for the weather so they can partake in the fun in the snow.
We have fun activities coming up in February with Valentine’s Day and the APT “Spread the Love” card-making event, which will be shared with local community service workers. This is part of the APT’s Social-Emotional programming and an authentic way for our students to bring joy to others. Also, Valentine’s Day party plans are in the works - be on the lookout for information coming from your room parents. Just a reminder that any Valentine’s that have candy attached to them need to be free of any allergens in the classroom. We love non-food activities and games that can be enjoyed by all!
On another note, I have had multiple calls about people driving way too fast down Timber Lane before and after school. Please make sure to slow down for the safety of our students.
Have a wonderful weekend!
~Dr. Cavanaugh
A couple of highlights for special attention:
Review the schedule for Wellness Week
Review the guidelines for the use of Smartwatches
Learn about our upcoming All School Field Trip
Wellness Week
Just a reminder that next week we will be having Wellness Week in partnership with the Cherokee APT. Please see the flier with all of the great events planned for that week. All of our Cherokee Community is encouraged to wear comfy/ athletic clothing all week!
Use of Smartwatches
Smartwatches are becoming more popular amongst students at Cherokee. Many smartwatches have similar capabilities to smartphones (game, voice, and text capabilities). We have had students texting or calling each other or family members during the school day. In addition, we have had students playing games on their watch during instruction. If a smartwatch becomes a distraction, it may be confiscated and placed in the office to remove the distraction from the learning environment. Essentially, we will treat the smartwatch like a cell phone. Confiscated equipment may be picked up in the office at the end of the day by the student(s). If a pattern of distraction occurs, parents may be asked to pick up the technology. We will review these procedures at school, and we appreciate it if you can do the same at home so that we can make sure that smart watches do not become an issue at Cherokee.
All School Field Trip
Cherokee students and staff will be taking an all school field trip on March 3rd to see You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire. Throughout this school year we have been providing school-wide celebrations and opportunities to build connection and togetherness, which go far in building our community at Cherokee. Please read and complete the attached permission slip and return to school by Friday, February 10th. We are using our cross town funds from last year from the Spirit of 67 to pay for part of the costs of this trip.
World Language Week
In honor of World Language Week, we invite all district families to join us at Deer Path Middle School on Wednesday, March 8th, for a night to travel around the globe and visit the different cultures that D67 represents. We are looking for families or groups who are willing to set up a table and make a poster board (here are some table ideas) to share your heritage culture. Please respond on this Google form if you would like to participate. Questions? Please contact Vail Kieser, Director of teaching and learning, vkieser@lfschools.net.
World Language Selection Deadline: January 30
Attention Fourth Grade Parents
Students in 4th grade need to commit to studying a world language for 5th – 8th grade. That chosen language will become a key part of his/her overall Deer Path Middle School experience. This year, your child either studied Spanish or Mandarin (Cherokee only). You have the option of continuing in that language or selecting another language (current options are Spanish, French, Latin or Mandarin).
We are asking that you make your selection using the World Language Selection Form by Monday, January 30. If you do not respond, your child will be placed in a language based on availability. We truly believe all of our languages will provide a rich, valuable and intercultural learning experience. Please use this link for additional information.
District Updates
LET’S TALK | Resources for Struggling Learners
Please join us for our next LET’S TALK presentation on February 2, 2023 at 7:00 pm in the Board Room, hosted by Superintendent Dr. Matthew Montgomery.
All students have different strengths and areas for growth specific to learning styles and academic achievement. During our presentation, we will explain the available resources that all students can access through our Multi-Tiered Systems of Support framework for times when they struggle to make friends, understand a new concept, have trouble concentrating, are unsure how to start a project, need help studying for an exam or lack organization and time management skills. We will be available to answer questions about resources to support your child will also explain the process if your child may need additional assistance through a 504 Plan or an Individualized Education Plan.
Joining Dr. Montgomery will be Dr. Jeff McHugh, Dr. Jenny Sterpin, Dr. Patrick Sassen, John Maher, David Hain, JoAnn Ford-Halvorsen, and Dr. John Frampton.
Dr. John Frampton is a co-founder of FPS, and is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who specializes in working with adolescents and adults with a variety of emotional and behavioral needs. Dr. Frampton has over 20 years of experience serving clients in private practice, school systems as an educational leader, and as an adjunct professor.
Please submit your questions using this form no later than Tuesday, January 31, at 10:00 AM.
Thank you!
LET'S TALK | D115 Referendum
Join Dr. Montgomery on Wednesday, February 8 for an overview and Q & A regarding the upcoming D115 Referendum. The event will be held in the Little Theater at Lake Forest High School - East Campus, 1285 N. McKinley Rd., starting at 7:00 PM.
Please submit your questions using this form by no later than Monday, February 6, at 5:00 PM.
Thank you!
District 67 Kindergarten Registration
District 67 parents/guardians of incoming kindergarten students for the 2023-2024 school year are invited to attend a Kindergarten Information Night on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, 6:30pm - 7:15pm at your neighborhood school.
Cherokee School, 475 E. Cherokee Road
Everett School, 1111 Everett School Road
Sheridan School, 1360 N. Sheridan Road
At the Kindergarten Information Night, you will meet the Kindergarten staff, learn more about programs and curriculum, and visit classrooms. Each school will also have computers set up for parents to complete online pre-registration, which is the first step in the enrollment process. If you cannot attend Parent Information Night, you can pre-register by visiting our website beginning 2/1/2023.
APT News and Events
Glow Party Volunteer Sign-up
We need parent volunteers to help at our Glow Parties on Friday, February 24th. Thank you for helping us make this a memorable night for our cheetahs!
Valentine Staff Cookie Walk
Chip Chip Hooray! We Appreciate the Cherokee Staff Every Single Day! It's time for this annual staff-favorite event....the COOKIE WALK! This fun, Valentine-themed event will take place for our staff on Wednesday, February 8th. Please see the signup below - thank you! We need lots of help to make this event a success!
https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/70a094fa5a62da6fe3-cherokee
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Wednesday, February 15th - 6:00PM - February EVENING APT Meeting in the Cherokee Gym. All parents are welcome! We are hoping for a great turnout! The meeting will take place from 6:00-7:00PM and then we’ll mix and mingle and enjoy light refreshments afterwards. Hope to see you there!
Friday, February 24th - Cherokee Winterfest! GLOW PARTY! 5:00-6:00PM for K, 1st & 2nd and 6:30-7:30PM for 3rd/4th. Remember to fill out the registration form and the waiver on the back of the form. Here’s a copy of the form and waiver:
Have a wonderful weekend!
Gillian Goodfriend
Cherokee APT President 2022-2024
(773) 294-8131
Spirit News and Events
ATTENTION District 67 Families!
Your Grant Applications are Due February 9th by 3:00pm. The quality of enrichment provided by the Spirit of 67 Foundation grants is priceless. Please consider your wishes and submit your application ASAP to help the Spirit enrich all of our students! www.spiritof67foundation.org/grants
SAVE THE DATE and “ROCK THE SPIRIT”
April 29th is the date of our spring fundraiser. A fun date night with live music, food, beverages, auction, raffles and a paddle raise! More details to come!
Join Our Board
Volunteer to serve on the Spirit of 67 Foundation Board! We have the perfect role for you! https://spirit67.wufoo.com/forms/z196qa0y1ex63x8/
Community Programs and Events
Visit the Green Backpack or the front page of your school website to view the latest programs offered in our community.
The “CROYA Bowl” Fundraiser is Saturday, February 11 from 3:00 – 5:30 pm at the CROYA Student Union.
Wild Dust Tickets Are Available!
"Yee-Haw! Come to the Wild West with your fellow pioneers to see Wild Dust! This comic romp is filled with mistaken identities, slamming doors, and one very dead body. Get your tickets soon! Performances are Thursday-Saturday 2/2-2/4. TICKETS
475 E. Cherokee Rd.
Lake Forest, Illinois 60045