In The Laidlaw Loop
Family Update- November 29, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed pushing into every classroom this week and conducting conversations and lessons for our Laidlaw students on our November student ownership attribute: group collaboration. I had awesome conversations with students about the important skills and strategies they can use to be a good teammate when they are working in a collaborative setting AND in grades 2-5, we conducted group collaboration practice activities.
I am excited to announce that for the month of December, Laidlaw is partnering with our PTO to make December's student ownership attribute (global citizenship) come alive with a composting pilot in the lunchroom. For the four Fridays in December (starting today), students will learn about composting, its benefits to the environment, and have the opportunity to put appropriate items into the composting bin. We look forward to fostering an authentic experience for students through the month of December that is tied directly to our student ownership of being a responsible global citizen.
Warmly,
Renee
*NEW* Winter Offering: Theatre Production Enrichment- Goes Live Dec 15
Laidlaw is excited for a new winter offering in 2024 (which begins in early February and runs through May): Theatre Production Enrichment Workshops. Registration will be released in the Dec 15th family newsletter.
Class Description: This class is the perfect theater experience for elementary school performers! Appropriate for beginners as well as more experienced actors, this enrichment class will provide musical theater and performance training to all involved - right at their own school! Throughout the program, students will study the foundations of musical theater: singing, acting, and dancing. Students will also apply the tools and practices they are learning to rehearse a small showcase presentation: Rotten to the Core: Songs of a Disney Villain! Family and friends are invited to view the showcase on the final class day. Enrollment is limited to guarantee the best experience for all students involved, so register beginning December 15th
Mondays, 3:00 - 4:00 pm (10 sessions & final performance)
Open to students Grades K - 5
Tuition & T-Shirt: $255
Minimum Enrollment: 18
Maximum Enrollment: 30
Draw & Paint Art Enrichment Class WINTER registration
Interested in art enrichment on Tuesdays after school? Click here for details and to register.
WINTER CHESS WIZARDS REGISTRATION IS OPEN
Sticky Fingers Cooking Class- WINTER
Please click here if you are interested in signing up for the winter session of Sticky Fingers.
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.
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
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
Holiday Shop
The Laidlaw Gym transforms into a special Holiday Shop on Thursday, December 21. Similar to the Book Fair, students will shop during the school day with parent volunteers managing the store. Small gifts (soon to be displayed in the school entrance) will be available for purchase via cash or check only. Parent volunteers will also wrap the gifts for students to take home to surprise their families. Volunteer sign up and instructions for students with cash envelopes will be shared in the coming weeks.
Upcoming PTO Events Tuesday, December 5 - Spirit Wear Day Thursday, December 14 - Gingerbread House Night Thursday, December 21 - Holiday Shop Friday, December 22 - Classroom Holiday Parties
Word From WSFEE
Please read below to learn more about the businesses that generously sponsored the 2023-24 district calendar!
Holly Carollo, @properties: Holly is a real estate professional committed to
serving the Western Springs community where she lives and works. Holly
specializes in working with sellers to prepare their homes for the market through
her staging and home improvement expertise.
Initially Ewe: Our store is a baby/children’s boutique. We carry unique baby
items (think baby shower, bringing home baby gifts), toddler toys, books, crafts,
and fun birthday gifts for babies through elementary school aged children. We
are also known for personalizing items by adding monograms.
Mattix Music Studio: We provide fun and enriching musical education for
students of all ages and abilities in Western Springs. Conveniently located at the
Grand Avenue Community Center, the teachers at Mattix Music Studio work with
students every week to help them become excellent musicians and thoughtful
artists. Join the fun with lessons and classes for every musician in your family!
Petty & Dragstrem Orthodontics: Dr. Kristie Dragstrem and Dr. Bill Perry
specialize in braces and Invisalign for the whole family. Conveniently located at
Wolf Road and 55th Street in Western Springs with hours before and after
school. Check us out on Instagram @pettydragstrem
Spring Orthodontics: A modern orthodontic practice located in downtown
Western Springs. Dr. Mathrani specializes in orthodontics for both children and
adults. Our services include aligner treatment, braces, retainers, tooth whitening,
and we offer complimentary consultations. We work with a variety of insurance
companies and pride ourselves on excellent results and customer service. Give
us a call at 708-505-2525 or visit our website to book an appointment at
Western Springs Community Happenings
Please click here for a list of Western Springs community happenings.