Fairmount Families Week END Report
03.15.2024
Happy Friday, Fairmount Families!
We have reached the mid-point of March and are one week away from Spring Break!
Our Monthly Matters assembly focused on kindness was a success! I am excited to share that students once again filled our Fairmount Star Jar and earned a School-Wide Movie. We will be showing this movie on Thursday, March 21st. Please see below for additional details. Going along with our theme of kindness, our Student Council has thoughtfully planned an Acts of Kindness Week. The details for each day are included below.
Thank you to everyone that joined us at our PTA BINGO Night. It was wonderful to see so many families and there was a ton of fun and excitement in the gym (please see photos below).
An important reminder to complete your 2024-2025 registration as soon as possible. If your family has moved out of the area and/or your child will not be returning to Fairmount next year, please contact the office to let us know. We appreciate everyone's support of this process it assists in planning for the year ahead.
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!
Sincerely,
Lisa Niforatos, Principal
Be sure to follow me on Twitter/X @Fairmount58.
Quick Links:
Information & Reminders
School-Wide Movie: Zootopia
We are excited to share that the students collectively earned their schoolwide reward during the month of February. They have once again filled our "Star Jar" as students continue to demonstrate respectful, responsible and safe behaviors both in and out of the classroom.
On Thursday, March 21st, students will watch the movie, Zootopia, which will be done as a grade level buddy activity. While this movie is a reward, it is also one that teaches about believing in yourself and never giving up, even when you may think you can't do it.
If you do not want your child to participate in this schoolwide viewing, please email your child's teacher by Wednesday, March 20th, so we can plan for an alternative activity during this time.
Fire Drill
On Monday, our students and staff will engage in our last drill of the 2023-2024 school year, a fire drill. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Kids Heart Challenge
Kids Heart Challenge is HERE!
Fairmount Families, Have you signed up for Kids Heart Challenge yet? Our students will feel good by doing good, knowing they made a difference for kids just like them!
• Start by downloading the Kids Heart Challenge APP or click this link HERE to sign up
• Complete Finn’s Missions: learn TWO lifesaving skills as a family TONIGHT!
• Become a Heart Hero: Send emails/e-cards on the website or texts via the
app to invite friends and family asking for support.
PLUS If 145 students sign up for Kids Heart Challenge AND if Fairmount raises $8,500 by Friday April 5, Mr Zieman will be duct taped to the wall.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER or download the Kids Heart Challenge App!
Thank you so much for supporting our school and the American Heart Association!
Contact Mr. Zieman rzieman@dg58.org with questions.
Please register now for the 2024-25 school year
District 58 opened its online registration for returning students for the 2024-25 school year. Parents are asked to please submit their child’s registration by Monday, April 8. To begin, go to https://www.dg58.org/family-resources/registration and click on “Returning Student Application” and follow the prompts in the step-by-step instructions.
District 58 encourages families to register their student(s) promptly, as early registration helps the District determine its hiring, staffing, classroom, and transportation needs for the upcoming school year. While registration is occurring in February, March and April, an invoice won’t be sent until after May 1. Thank you for your help in supporting a smooth transition to the next school year!
If you have technical questions during the registration process, please contact District 58’s Technology Help Desk by filling out a Technology Help Ticket or calling 630-719-2768. For general registration questions, please contact your school office.
New this year, all registration will be conducted online. If families cannot complete the process online, they can call or visit their child’s school and the process can be completed there. District 58’s preschool registration is also open and is accepting applications at www.dg58.org/preschool.
Nominate Outstanding District 58 Staff for Distinguished Service Awards!
The Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58 is calling for nominations for its annual Distinguished Service Awards program. The award honors exceptional District 58 staff and teachers who have positively impacted the lives of students and the community.
The nomination process seeks individuals who consistently go above and beyond in their roles, positively influence children, demonstrate sustained dedication to education, care for the “whole child,” earn respect from peers and superiors, and serve as role models for fellow employees. To nominate an staff member or teacher, please review the Frequently Asked Questions and complete the Nomination Form by March 29.
Completed forms can be emailed to District58DSA@gmail.com or mailed to DSA Chair Mia Churma at the District 58 Office, 2300 Warrenville Road, Suite 200NE, Downers Grove, IL 60515
The Education Foundation will host the award ceremony at 4 p.m. May 15 at O’Neill Middle School.
5th Grade Illinois Science Assessment
Our 5th graders engaged in their second Illinois Science Assessment on March 12th. They will continue the remaining session on Tuesday, March 19th.
An individual communication from classroom teachers was sent to all 5th grade parents with additional information.
Please take this survey!
As a friendly reminder, parents are invited to take the District 58 School Environment Survey here. The survey takes just a few minutes yet provides valuable information that guides our school improvement efforts. All responses are anonymous.
In addition, parents are also invited to take the Illinois State Board of Education’s 5Essentials Parent Survey. This survey gathers data related to five indicators that can predict important student outcomes. Your identity and survey responses are confidential. Thank you for your time!
Lost and Found
A friendly reminder that our Lost and Found is conveniently located in the entryway vestibule so parents/guardians can access this in the morning before school, during the school day and/or after school.
We encourage families and students to check-out the Lost and Found prior to Spring Break. We will be donating any unclaimed or unmarked items to a local charity at the end of next week.
Summer School Registration is Now Open!
Please click on the link below to access information about DG58 Summer School opportunities:
Kindergarten Information for 2024-2025
Thank you for helping us spread the word to any neighbors who have a child preparing to enter Kindergarten for the 2024-2025 school year. The information linked below was recently emailed to current Fairmount families with future Kindergarteners (based on siblings) as well as those that have contacted our office for information.
Welcome to Kindergarten 2024-2025 - UPDATED!
Grove Children’s Preschool
Grove Children’s Preschool tuition applications for the 2024-25 school year are opened. (www.dg58.org/preschool). First-priority preschool applications are due Monday, March 11.
Grove Children’s Preschool is located at Henry Puffer School and Indian Trail School (6235 Stonewall Ave.) in Downers Grove. Students attend school five days per week during either a morning or an afternoon session.
School Improvement Focus
Do you know about Dreambox?
This year our school improvement goal is focused on utilizing the Bridges curriculum and tailored small group instruction. Dreambox is an app that your child can access through their Clever account to continue working on this goal at home. Please encourage your child to access this individualized math tool at home. We understand that it can be challenging not to assist your child while they are working at home, but it is important that this application is used independently in order for your child to receive the appropriate support and instruction.
Numbers & Operations
Additionally, this year at Fairmount we are targeting improvement in Numbers & Operations in mathematics at all grade levels. A key part to this focus is looking at the delivery of small group instruction to meet the needs of all students. The photos below capture students collaborating in both pairs and small groups.
Fairmount PTA
Fairmount PTA
Fairmount is lucky to have a very active PTA. We encourage all parents/guardians to join the PTA. Please see the the PTA website for detailed information related to membership, events, and to subscribe to the weekly Falcon Flyer. We also encourage you to visit the events page on the PTA website to view all upcoming and ongoing events hosted by the PTA. As always, thank you to our wonderful PTA!
March Fun Lunch Information
The second Fun Lunch this month will be Home Run Inn on Friday, March 22nd (order deadline Sunday, March 17th). Order, as always, at https://fairmount.h1.hotlunchonline.net for these or any future lunches.
Contact Tiffany Melnyk at tiffanyjoy21@gmail.com with any questions.
Teacher Feature
Teacher Feature
We are so glad you are part of our school community! Whether this is your child's first or seventh year at Fairmount, we wanted to provide a fun way to get to know the many members of our teaching and school staff. We started this section last school year and look forward to continuing it during the 2023-2024 school year. Our teachers and staff have been asked new questions, so you can learn even more about them.
Welcome Mr. Zambrano!
# of Years at Fairmount: One Week at Fairmount (over 20 Years in DG58)
Favorite Place to Go/Travel to: Home Depot
Favorite Dessert or Sweet Treat: Chocolate cake from Portillo's
A fun or unusual fact about me is... I like helping people!
Lens into Learning
Talk about Tuesday
Lots of Letters
Fun at the Field Museum
2nd graders ventured down to the Field Museum for their PTA Field Trip. It was a great day to explore!
Leprechaun Fun!
Our Kindergarten students read, "How to Catch a Leprechaun" and made their own traps.
PTA BINGO Night
Fairmount MVPs - Celebrating Students
Calendar & Important Dates
Early Dismissal Monday, March 18th
Monday, March18th is our next Professional Learning Monday. All students are dismissed at 2:00 p.m. according to their regular dismissal plan. Please be sure you have made arrangements for your child to be picked up from Fairmount at 2:00 p.m. each Monday.
Mark your Calendars!
Acts of Kindness Week (see above)
03.18: Happy Monday! Wear Orange! Fire Drill
03.19: 5th Grade Illinois Science Assessment (Session 3); Sign Language Club for Registered Students 3:00-3:45 p.m.; Yearbook Editor's Meeting for registered students 3:00-3:45 p.m.
03.20: Chess Wizards for Registered Students
03.21: School-Wide Movie (see above); 3:00-3:45 p.m. Grade 2 Mindful Club for Registered Students
03.22: Falcon Friday - Wear School Colors or Spiritwear; PTA Fun Lunch!
A Look Ahead...
03.25-03.29: Spring Break: School and Office Closed
05.27: Memorial Day - No School!
05.29: Last Day for Students (Half Day)
2023-2024 School Calendar - Updated
Spring Break: March 25-29, 2024
Last Day of School: Wednesday, May 29, 2024 (if no additional emergency days are used)
Below the Line: Repeated Information
Below the Line
Referral GPS
District 58 strives to create a culture of well-being for students, parents, staff and community. To further support this endeavor, the District has invested in an additional support service through ReferralGPS.
ReferralGPS is a service providing assistance to our community in finding local mental health and substance use-related treatment resources. The service compliments the District’s existing systems of support as a tool for student service teams and families to connect with treatment. Along with a searchable database of treatment options, ReferralGPS assists families in triage and appointment setting.
School district staff and families may access ReferralGPS in two ways:
Contact Student Services (social workers, psychologists, counselors) to seek out treatment options
Visit this link at https://referralgps.com/find-help/DG58 to search for treatment resources or connect with a Care Navigator anonymously
The platform has the ability to filter by mental health concern, clinician gender/specialty, location, and insurance acceptance. The service is available for all types of private and public insurance options including PPO, HMO, Medicaid, and families that are uninsured or underinsured.
ReferralGPS is available for use by district students, staff, and families at no cost. All information entered on the ReferralGPS tool is completely confidential and securely stored.
Safe to Help
- Click here to connect with Safe2Help Illinois. Students can contact Safe2Help Illinois to safely and confidentially report a crisis or threat involving themselves or someone they know. Safe2Help is monitored 24/7 by trained crisis professionals. District 58 staff will receive an alert after the Safe2Help professional provides support. Through Safe2Help, students can report a crisis or threat through 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
- Call or text "988" and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline will provide 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.
- Text “ACT” to 741741: The National Crisis Text line will connect you with free, confidential assistance.
Fairmount Office Contact Information
Lisa Niforatos, Principal lniforatos@dg58.org
Jill DeRango, Secretary jderango@dg58.org
Andrea Laama, Secretary alaama@dg58.org
Email: lniforatos@dg58.org
Website: www.dg58.org/fa/
Location: 6036 Blodgett Avenue, Downers Grove, IL, USA
Phone: 630.719.5830
Twitter: @Fairmount58