In The Laidlaw Loop
Weekly Newsletter: October 14, 2022
Dear Laidlaw Families,
I hope everyone enjoyed their long weekend and had some good family time together! While your kiddos were home on Tuesday, our staff participated in a very engaging inservice that focused on innovative technology in the classroom. Our feature speaker was Carl Hooker, an ed tech guru who has such amazing ideas for incorporating technology into the classroom. We look forward to incorporating some of our learning with your students, soon!
On the classroom front, I had such a blast seeing a 4th grade PE class in action this week! I learned a thing or two from our 4th graders and Mr. Miller about the correct way to throw a football. My son will be impressed when I test out my skills on him this week. My monthly attribute push-ins continued. I've spent a lot of time with 1st graders, specifically, this week, and had great discussions about how to be a good "talker" and an equally good listeners. As a reminder, our monthly attribute focus is: Effective Communicators
And, finally, our students earned their first Laidlaw Loot reward! The winner for this month is: Build a Fort & Bring a Stuffy Day! Grade level teams will communicate out their chosen day for the reward. All grade levels will be celebrating by next Wednesday! The students were very engaged in this new initiative and we have been so impressed seeing how students are being safe, respectful, and responsible.
Have a great weekend!
Renee
Student Attributes Principal Push-In
For the past decade or so, the focus in District 101 has been on Student Ownership of learning. We have both systematically and individually worked to better our core instructional practices in a variety of ways that allow for students to take on a more meaningful, authentic and active role in their learning. Additionally, we are constantly focusing on our learning environments so that all students and staff can thrive.
Another component of our work towards greater Student Ownership is the identification of seven (7) attributes of the types of students (and adults too!) that over time, we hope our system cultivates.
Each month this year, we will focus on a specific Student Ownership attribute. This will be accomplished through principals in D101 visiting classrooms and introducing each attribute via a different children's book at each grade level. We’ll introduce the attribute, its definition, read the book and have a short discussion about what this looks like in their lives. School staff will be making connections and reinforcing these concepts as natural opportunities arise. Additionally, school-wide activities and events may align to further reinforce these attributes.
While we are looking forward to launching these attributes with students this year, we are even more excited about the impact this work will have on them cumulatively as they move through our District 101 school system over the course of their educational careers.
Stay tuned for more parent information on these attributes in the months ahead! October's Focus is on: Effective Communicators.
Upcoming Safety Drills
Tuesday, Oct 25th (Lockdown Drill): 10:30AM
Chess Wizards Signup Information
If your student is interested in joining the Laidlaw Chess Wizards club, please take a look at the details here. Session 1 will be offered beginning Oct 28th and will run 6 weeks. Chess Wizards takes place on Fridays from 3:30-4:30 at Laidlaw. Chess Wizards is run by an outside vendor, so please direct specific questions about this offering to Chess Wizards directly. If you are interested in Chess Wizards, but can't make the dates work for session 1, we plan to offer a second session in the Spring as well.
WSFEE INFO
Student Council Fundraiser
Notes of Appreciation for Teachers
PTO's Casino Night
Gingerbread House Decorating Night- Dec 15th 6:00-8:00PM
Lunch Volunteers Needed
Laidlaw is looking for recess volunteers to support at lunch. As we did last year, we will be setting up a weekly schedule and pairing parent volunteers with grade levels during recess. The time commitment is 11:40-12:25, and we are looking for a weekly commitment (for example every Tuesday, or every Monday/Friday). One option that worked well last year for some parents was to split a day with another parent. Volunteering in our lunch room is a fantastic way to connect with the school community. Please contact Emily Haight (ehaight@d101.org.) if you are interested!
Right At School (Before & After School Care)
Elementary School Handbook
Important Dates
Monday, Oct 31: Halloween Celebrations and Parade (details coming)
Tuesday, Nov 1: Late Arrival (10AM)