Reflections at Pierce Downer
Reflections is a nationally acclaimed PTA sponsored student recognition program to encourage artistic creativity. The National PTA Reflections Arts Program invites all Pierce Downer students (grades K–6) to create an original creative work in response to this year’s theme: Show Your Voice! Students choose from one or all of the below categories and create an original artwork based on this year's theme.
Categories:
Dance choreography
Film production
Literature
Music composition
Photography
Visual arts
Special artist (student who receives IDEA or ADA services)
How to Submit:
Students choose a category, read the guidelines carefully, and create their piece!
Complete the entry form sent home with your child or here and get your submissions in by Friday, October 28th!
Put the creative work (physical art or file saved on a USB drive) and attached submission form in the Reflections box in the main office.
NOTE: STUDENTS CANNOT PUT THEIR NAME ON THEIR WORK — only on the submission form. (Signed paintings will not be accepted.)
Entries will be professionally judged using these criteria: interpretation of the theme, creativity, and technique. School winners will advance to the district competition, followed by regional, state, and national levels. National awards range from recognition to scholarships! Everyone who enters will be recognized!!
We visited the classrooms this week to gain excitement for this amazing program. Please ask your students about our visit and see what they brought home! All participants will be recognized at a pizza party AND will earn a coupon for a small ice cream at Every Day’s a Sundae!
Questions? Email Kara Morrissey at piercedownerreflections@gmail.com
Pave the Way to PLAY! October Brick Challenge!
Brick sales for the playground’s Legacy Path are a great way to support our efforts and a memorable way to honor your time at PD. The decorative brick path will be next to the new play equipment. If you are hoping to recognize your students (past, present or future) with this unique opportunity, it is TIME to place your order!
To date we have sold 38 bricks. We have set a goal to reach 100 bricks sold by the end of October!!
** Thank you to Pierce Downer former parent and playground Silver Sponsor, Joanna Matthies, for including our brick push in her local mailing. We appreciate your continued support for our community! **
October Focus is being Respectful!
Every day this week give a sincere compliment to someone. Create a weekly planner that will help you track your behavior. Each day you must write who you gave the compliment to and describe their reaction.
District 58 Informational Referendum Open Houses
Please consider attending District 58's upcoming Informational Referendum Open Houses to learn more about the District 58 referendum.
Open House #2:
Monday, Oct. 17 from 6:30-8 p.m.
Herrick Middle School, 4435 Middaugh Ave.
The open houses will include a brief presentation, tour and a question-and-answer opportunity. To learn more, please visit District 58's referendum information website at www.dg58.org/referendum. This website includes links to the Master Facility Plan, facility presentation, videos, frequently asked questions and much more.
Pictured: Herrick’s boiler room (see it in person if you attend the Oct. 17 open house!)
PD Cup SPOTLIGHT
Our latest recipient of the PD Cup is Mrs. Waughop. Mrs. Waughop goes above and beyond to support students. She is a great person to collaborate with to support all of the students at Pierce Downer. Staff and students enjoy getting to know Mrs. Waughop and partnering with her to find success.
Thank you Mrs. Waughop for all that you do!
Safe2Help Illinois
District 58 has partnered with Safe2Help to give students a safe and confidential way to report potential threats or crises. Safe2Help was launched by the State of Illinois in December 2020 and aims to help prevent suicide, bullying, school violence and other threats to school safety.
With Safe2Help, students can connect with a trained crisis professional during their own crisis, or to report a potential threat. Students can submit a Safe2Help alert via the following ways:
- Website: https://app.safe22helpil.com
- Text: SAFE2 (72332)
- Phone: 844-4-SAFEIL (844-472-3345)
- App: "Safe2Help Illinois" app available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store
- Email: HELP@Safe2HelpIL.com
All alerts are responded to by a trained Safe2Help crisis professional. Safe2Help is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
District 58 staff are not the initial responders to the alert and will receive each alert after the Safe2Help professional provides support. District 58 staff will review alerts sent by Safe2Help during regular school hours, unless the nature of the alert necessitates immediate school action.
October 18 & 20
Parent Teacher Conferences (evening)
October 21
Parent Teacher Conferences (morning)
October 24-28
Red Ribbon Week (spirit days listed above)
Leland Wagner, Principal
