In The Laidlaw Loop
Weekly Newsletter: September 30, 2022
Dear Laidlaw Families,
This week was a special one for me. I got to spend 30 minutes in every single 1st through 5th grade classroom talking about something I am very passionate about: maintaining healthy friendships. This was the first of two conversations I will have with all students at Laidlaw about this topic during the school year. Though I approached the conversations differently in 1st and 2nd grade classrooms than I did with 3rd through 5th graders, the message was the same: conflicts are a natural part of friendships. And, when appropriately resolved, we can continue to be friends with one another even after a conflict has occurred. However, when conflicts escalate and become a recurring problem in which one person is making another person feel powerless or "small," then it is vital to get a trusted adult involved to help.
In 1st and 2nd grade classrooms, I read the book One by Kathryn Otoshi. In this picture book, "Blue is a quiet color. Red is a hothead who likes to pick on Blue. Yellow, Orange, Green, and Purple don’t like what they see, but what can they do? When no one speaks up, things get out of hand — until "1" comes along (and stands tall) and shows all the colors how to stand up, stand together, and count." Then, as a class we worked together in groups to complete a friendship sort and made sure we identified tangible ways that we can be a REAL FRIEND and specific examples of ways when we are NOT A REAL FRIEND to one another. We concluded by talking about the differences between being "rude," "mean," and "bullying."
In 3rd-5th grade classrooms, I discussed the metaphor of a friendship sometimes being like a rollercoaster. As a class we talked about the "up-hill," "downhill," "flat road," and "twists and turns" moments that exist in both friendships & rollercoasters. We collaborated in small groups and talked through specific scenarios that might occur with peers that might be "rude," "mean," or "bullying." Most importantly, we discussed strategies to resolve issues when conflicts occur.
These push-ins to 1st-5th grade classrooms were in preparation for the fall student climate surveys, which students will take next week. More details on the fall climate survey can be found in the newsletter below.
In other news this week, Student Council kicked off as well as the Animal Avenger Club. Our Student Council is working hard on some upcoming student-initiated fundraisers and Animal Avenger Club enjoyed a visit with the Hinsdale Humane Society. Our Fusion participants worked hard during this after school experience to build and race rubber band racers. It was a treat to see them fly by my office after school hours!
I hope to see you all at the 1st annual Laidlaw Fun Run tomorrow! I'm bringing my whole family out for the affair. It looks like it is going to be a beautiful day for a 5K.
Have a relaxing weekend,
Renee
Fall Student Climate Surveys
1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders will take the survey at home with your guidance, and 4th-5th graders will take it at school during their tech class. The survey helps us gauge and measure what matters most to us -- our students' wellbeing and thoughts/feelings about school. Parents of 1st-3rd graders, please watch for more information regarding the survey on Monday, October 3.
Upcoming Safety Drills
Tuesday, Oct 25th (Lockdown Drill): 10:30AM
WSFEE INFO
Western Springs Foundation for Educational Excellence (WSFEE) is excited for the 2022 - 2023 school year. WSFEE is an all-volunteer Board made up of parents in District 101 from all four schools. Our goal is to bring parents, teachers and the community together to enhance the education of D101 students. We do this by raising funds through special events and donations and allocating those funds to bring ideas to life through grants submitted by teachers, administrators, parents, and students. Be sure to stop by our table at the WSBA Fall Festival to learn about some of our recent grants, including the results of last school year's student Big Ideas Contest. Visit wsfee.org or follow WSFEE on Facebook or Instagram (@wsfee_d101) to hear about events and sponsorship opportunities throughout the year.
Notes of Appreciation for Teachers
Laidlaw Family Fun Run Oct 1
Attention all runners, walkers and Leopards in training! HELP US REACH 200 RUNNERS BY SIGNING UP FOR OUR LAIDLAW FAMILY FUN RUN!
On Saturday, October 1st Laidlaw School will be hosting their first ever Family 5K and Fun Run. Events kickoff at 4PM. Register Here.
This event will include a 1 mile fun run, and an official chip-timed 5K through the Leopards' home of Old Town North. Following the race we will have a Kids 100 yard dash and a post race celebration.
To volunteer at the fun run. Click here.
PTO's Casino Night
Fire Prevention Event-Oct 10
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 3: Fall Student Climate Survey Window Opens
Monday, Oct 3: Fire Drill: 2:30PM
Tuesday, Oct 4: Spirit Day
Monday, Oct 10: No School