The Wildcat Monthly
February 12, 2021
Principals' Monthly Message
Dear Komarek families,
We hope that your February is off to a good start, and that you enjoy the long holiday weekend. Hopefully we can get a little bit more snow this weekend, seems like we can use it, right?!
February is Black History Month. Our staff works hard all year to learn about all cultures and backgrounds, and our teachers are excited to share that with you on their Dojo and Classroom pages throughout the month.
As always, thank you for your collaboration in learning and growing together as a community.
Caitlin DiLallo and Diane Michelini
Black History Month
A Black History Month celebration of books!
Komarek staff has been recording themselves reading books written by, illustrated by and about African Americans for Black History Month 2021.
The first read alouds are available on ClassDojo and Google Classroom, so be sure to head over there for the link!
More will be added throughout the month of February - Check back often!
Enjoy the recordings as often as you'd like, but we ask you to NOT share beyond the Komarek family. We would like to respect the intellectual property of the authors and illustrators, please.
These books CAN be checked out from the Komarek Library. Many were obtained through a generous grant from the nonprofit organization Young, Black & Lit.
5Essentials Parent Survey
This survey is designed to generate a detailed picture of the inner workings of Komarek school. As a parent, this opportunity will allow you to share your thoughts on the important elements of school effectiveness in a survey about your child’s school. To take the survey please visit https://survey.5-essentials.org/Illinois/ and select the appropriate survey to begin.
Home to School Connection
This year has been a learning experience and probably the most challenging for some of our students. One thing that has remained consistent is research shows that praise in general is underused across settings. With learning happening at home in so many cases, this is a piece that students may not be getting enough from their teachers. We encourage you to praise your children for their efforts! Even if the end product is not quite where it needs to be, giving specific praise to a child for their efforts plays a huge part in guiding students to be motivated to achieve. One way to do this is simply by sharing with them pieces of the lesson that went well, because reinforcing positive behavior decreases negative behavior. Here a few examples!
- I saw that you were very focused during your class today, I'm so proud of you!
- You reached your goal almost every day this week, that is awesome!
- I love how you sat nicely in front of your device for almost the whole class today, let's see if we can add one more minute to how long you can stay in class tomorrow!
- Great job having all of your stuff set up and ready to start before class began today.
- I like that you waited until your friend was done speaking before you raised your hand and unmuted yourself, that was so respectful!
- I noticed that you got right to work after your class session today, instead of waiting until after dinner to get started, nice work!
Winter Weather
General Reminders...
Parents: If your child is going to be absent for any reason please call into the attendance.
- Please complete the COVID survey prior to dropping off for AM and PM sessions.
- Guests entering the building will also need to complete the COVID survey.
- Please remember to call the office at 708 447-8030 (option 2) if your child will be absent and not participating in remote or hybrid learning for the day.
8th Grade Reminders
The $30 Graduation Fee is due by Friday, March 5th. The best option is to ePay via the Komarek website, however, you can also write a check payable to Komarek School or cash in an envelope marked with the graduate's name and "8th Grade Grad Fees" to Mr. Bedalow (or his mailbox in the District Office).
Meals
Important Upcoming Dates
- 2/12/21 Quarter 3 Progress Notices Viewable on Powerschool (grades 3-8 only)
- 2/15/21 No Student Attendance
- 3/9/21 PTA Meeting at 6:00
- 3/19/21 Fannie Mae Fundraiser
- 3/22/21 - 3/26/21 Spring Break - No Student Attendance
Preschool Screening
We are holding our next preschool screening on Friday, April 9th. Preschool screening is designed to assess a child's development and assist in identifying children who may require further evaluation to determine eligibility for special education services or those who may be eligible for a state-funded preschool program. The screenings are by appointment, and at no cost to families.
Participation in the screening process does not guarantee a spot within the preschool program, but may put your child on the list of potential preschoolers for this year and/or next year. Your child must be at least two and one half years old to attend a screening. If you would like to sign your child up for a screening, please contact Gail Anderson at ganderson@komarek94.org or 708-447-8030 extension 101.
**If you have a child currently receiving early intervention services, you are not required to attend a screening. Please work with your child's case manager to schedule a transition meeting with the school.**
Fannie May Fundraiser
North Riverside Little League
North Riverside Little League Registration ends Sunday, February 28th!
Summer will be here before you know it, so now is the time to sign up for boys baseball, girls softball, or T ball. Precautions and safety protocols will be firmly in place this season, but that doesn't mean the kids won't get to have a great summer playing ball. Registration is all online this year, and you can sign up at:
https://tshq.bluesombrero.com/northriversidellbil
If you registered last year and saved your credit for the next season, YOU STILL HAVE TO RE-REGISTER!
Any registrations received after February 21st will also incur a $25 late fee.
Don't wait! Baseball will be starting before you know it!
If you have any questions, please email North Riverside Little League at nrlittleleague@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NorthRiversideLL/
See you on the diamonds!
Broadview Public Library
North Riverside Parks & Recreation
PTA
Membership News – If you haven’t joined the PTA yet this school year, please consider joining! Your $20 membership fee serves as the basis for all of the PTA’s activities for the year. Events like our Halloween Meet & Greet and the Teacher Appreciation week are just two events, of many, that your membership dues make possible. And remember, becoming a member does NOT mean you need to volunteer for anything.
You can join online at https://komarek.new.memberhub.store/ , or you can pay by cash or check by filling out our membership form and sending in your payment to the school office. Download the membership form from our website at:
https://www.komarekschool.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=354569&type=d&pREC_I D=1274720 .