Weekly Update 1/29/24-2/2/24
Upcoming Dates
Monday, January 29: Band Sectional Lessons
Tuesday, January 30: Orchestra Sectional Lessons
Tuesday, January 30: Draw & Paint For Life (3:30-4:30pm)
Wednesday, January 31: 5th Grade AM Band & Orchestra Rehearsal at McClure (7:30-8:15am)
Wednesday, January 31: Virtual Kindergarten Registration Informational Meetings (9:00am & 7:00pm)
Wednesday, January 31: Superintendent Office Hours at Forest Hills (3:00-5:00pm)
Wednesday, January 31: 4th Grade PM Band & Orchestra Rehearsal at McClure (3:45-4:30pm)
Wednesday, January 31: FUSION (3:30-5:15pm)
Friday, February 2: Math Club (7:45am)
Friday, February 2: 4th & 5th Grade Choir (lunchtime)
Friday, February 2: All Abilities Fair Kick-Off Author Visit (1:00-1:30: Gr. 1-3; 1:45-2:15: Gr. 4&5)
Friday, February 2: Sticky Fingers Cooking (3:30-4:30pm)
Monday, February 5: All Abilities Fair
Week of February 5: Winter Student Climate Survey Window (Grades 1-5)
Wednesday, February 7: Half Day Early Dismissal (11:40am) PM Kindergarten attends in the AM
Saturday, February 10: D101 Science Expo
Monday, February 19: NO SCHOOL--PRESIDENTS DAY
Tuesday, February 20: NO SCHOOL--INSTITUTE DAY
Arrival/Dismissal Reminder
As we've had some challenging weather these past few weeks, it's been even more important for EVERYONE (this means you too!) to follow the established ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL procedures. They are in place to create as SAFE and EFFICIENT process as possible. I REALLY don't want to have to correct/remind people of the procedures, as that's uncomfortable for us both, but necessary in order to make the procedure run smoothly. Thank you in advance for doing your part so that we don't have to have an awkward encounter! :)
- Central Ave. is ONE WAY (north to south) during arrival/dismissal.
- Vehicles should only be stopped on the WEST side of Central Ave. Please DO NOT stop on the east side as we do not want students crossing the street in front of traffic that is moving down the street.
- Drivers need to REMAIN IN THEIR VEHICLES at all times.
- When dropping off or picking up, think "Kiss n' Go" airport-style approach. This allows the traffic line to keep moving and all children to be dropped off and picked up in a timely manner. At dismissal, we will happily supervise children at their designated dismissal door until their vehicle pulls up to pick them up.
- Please share these procedures with caregivers who also may be dropping off or picking up, so they are familiar with the expectations too.
- DO NOT pass the school bus when the stop sign is extended and the red lights are on. It is a $500 fine and quite unsafe.
- Lastly, please exercise patience. Everyone is busy and has places to be. If we all work together, everyone will get where they need to go safely and more quickly.
Club Amigos Pulsera Project
Club Amigos will be selling pulseras and bolsitas to support the efforts of The Pulsera Project. Bracelets are $5 and bags are $15. We will be selling bracelets and bags during lunch on February 6th, 8th and 9th. Kindergarten will be sold in their classrooms. If you are interested, please bring in your money that week! Gracias!
Winter Student Climate Survey
As is our practice three times a year, students in grades 1-5 will take the Winter Student Climate Survey the week of February 5. Students in grades 1-3 will take it at home with parents. Please watch for an email with the survey link first thing Monday morning, February 5. Students in grades 4 and 5 will take it with Mrs. McLaughlin during tech class. Collective results will be shared back with you as soon as they're available, and as always, we follow-up with individual students/families as needed!
Kindergarten Registration for 2024-25
It is already time to be thinking about Kindergarten Registration for next school year! In order to kick things off, I'm hosting two upcoming VIRTUAL Kindergarten Registration Information sessions--Wednesday, January 31 at 9:00am and 7:00pm. During these times, I'll overview some basics about Kindergarten and walk you through the Registration process--including necessary paperwork, health requirements, timelines, etc.
Click HERE to sign-up for one of the Forest Hills Registration Information Sessions. (A meeting link will be shared with those who registered!)
We're excited to be thinking about welcoming our next crop of Forest Hills Falcons!
***Please feel free to forward this information along to anyone within the Forest Hills attendance area who will have an incoming Kindergartener next year. Field Park and Laidlaw principals will be sharing their information with families as well.
All Abilities Fair
Last year, Forest Hills hosted our inaugural Abilities Fair. It was created to try and help expose students to the various learning differences or disabilities that many of our children face everyday. By providing hands-on, age-appropriate activities, our hope was that we could create a strong D101 community of support for those students who might receive services or learn differently.
We are excited for this year's event and once again, need volunteers to help make it happen! We will need parents to help lead either morning or afternoon stations. The morning sessions would be roughly 8:45 – 11:30, while the afternoon ones would be around 12:45 – 3:25. Each class will be given a 30-minute time slot to attend the fair and participate in the various stations.
If you’d like to help, please reach out by. to your home school coordinator and let them know if you’d be able to do the AM session or PM.
We look forward to the opportunity to work with you to make the All Abilities Fair another success!
The Abilities Fair Parent Committee
Forest Hills – Monday, February 5
Parent Volunteer Coordinator: Gina Fitzpatrick – ginafitz25@gmail.com
District Calendar 2024-25
The District 101 Board of Education will officially approve the 2024-25 school calendar at it's January meeting, however, it is "public" as of today. I know a number of families are anxiously awaiting the release as those summer vacation itches are already happening! Please find the calendar attached below.
INFO FROM PREVIOUS UPDATES, BUT STILL RELEVANT...
Attendance Matters!
Help your student AND their classmates!
Did you know that research shows that one student’s absence negatively impacts the learning of an entire classroom? How you might ask? Student absences require teachers to teach/reteach missed academic content, thus often slowing the pace for everyone. Additionally, absences take teachers' time away from lesson planning and providing feedback to students that better facilitates academic growth.
Ensure that your student is in class everyday they're not sick in order to support the success of all students.
January Student Ownership Attribute--REFLECTIVE
We are kicking off the new year this month by delving into what it means to be “reflective” -- and how to set goals (not just New Year’s Resolutions!) to be and show our best selves.
Our D101 definition of REFLECTIVE is: to think about something deeply, which may cause us to change our actions or behavior.
Some of the components we discussed at the various grade levels were:
- This is an opportunity to look within ourselves (like at our reflection in the mirror!) to think about how we can be the best possible versions of ourselves.
- It is important to pause and stop and think about ourselves and how our feelings, actions and behaviors impact others.
- We can reflect upon many different aspects of our own lives--school, relationships with friends/family, sports, etc.
We’ve discussed these talking points in connection with the following grade level texts:
Kindergarten: Beautiful Oops, by Barney Saltzberg
1st Grade: We Don’t Eat our Classmates, by Ryan T. Higgins
2nd Grade: The Bad Seed, by John Jory and Pete Oswald
3rd Grade: It Came in the Mail, by Ben Clanton
4th Grade: So Few of Me, by Peter H. Reynolds
5th Grade: The Couch Potato, by John Jory and Pete Oswald
Although this is our collective focus for the month of January, will seek opportunities to reflect meaningfully throughout the year, and will be using these skills as a part of our February focus – being EMPATHETIC! Stay tuned for more information about EMPATHETIC students next month!
Science Expo Feedback Sessions
If your child is participating in the D101 Science Expo and would like feedback on their project, Mrs. Corcoran will be available in the LLC during lunch recess on the following dates:
January 16
January 23
January 30
February 6
Encourage them to stop by and check-in!
Culture of Appreciation Reminder
Send a message of gratitude to staff HERE!
Word From WSFEE
SAVE THE DATE - WSFEE's Casino Night is coming April 27th at the Marriott Burr Ridge! Want to be part of the fun? Consider donating a silent auction item such as an experiences, sporting events or memorabilia, music tickets, or gift cards. Please reach out via contactus@wsfee.org or finance@wsfee.org. Visit wsfee.org or follow WSFEE on Instagram (@wsfee_d101) to hear about events, sponsorship, and donation opportunities.
Clubs/Activities Sign-Up
BAM Theatre--At Forest Hills
CALLING ALL VKs AND DISNEY VILLAIN FANS We're thrilled to share that BAMtheatre will be at Forest Hill Elementary this spring, bringing an extra dose of After School Theatre Enrichment excitement! This term, join us for a villainous good time where students will channel their wicked charms in “Rotten to the Core: Songs of a Disney Villain” featuring songs from the Descendants and other iconic villains. Mark your calendars - this class will be held on Thursdays after school beginning February 15th. BAM's comprehensive structure features a blend of captivating activities, games, and rehearsals, all culminating in a showcase on the final day for friends and family to enjoy. Secure your spot pronto—availability is limited, and this class is known to fill up fast! #AfterSchoolTheatreMagic
Chess Wizards--Winter Enrollment
Sticky Fingers Cooking
See attached flyer.
Draw And Paint For Life--Winter Session
Please click HERE to register for the Winter Session of Draw And Paint For Life.
Virtual Backpack
2023-24 School Calendar
Have a wonderful, long weekend and stay warm!
Rachel
Rachel Corrough
Email: rcorrough@d101.org
Website: www.d101.org
Location: 5020 Central Avenue, Western Springs, IL, USA
Phone: (708)485-5184
Twitter: @corrough