In The Laidlaw Loop
Weekly Newsletter: October 7, 2022
Dear Laidlaw Families,
What a joy it was to see so many families during Saturday's Laidlaw 5K! Whether students and parents came out to run themselves or to cheer others on, it was a GREAT EVENT. Thank you to all the PTO parents and volunteers who made this event happen.
I started my monthly push-ins for the student attributes experience. Read on below for more details on that.
Our first month of Laidlaw Loot wraps up TOMORROW. Ask your students on Monday what the official winner of our all school reward is! Stay tuned for details early next week on any logistical information you need to know about that reward.
Wishing everyone a relaxing and safe long weekend. As a friendly reminder, we do not have school on Monday and Tuesday is a teacher inservice day. We look forward to seeing students again next Wednesday.
Fall Student Climate Surveys
Student Attributes Principal Push-In
For the past decade or so, the focus in District 101 has been on Student Ownership of learning. We have both systematically and individually worked to better our core instructional practices in a variety of ways that allow for students to take on a more meaningful, authentic and active role in their learning. Additionally, we are constantly focusing on our learning environments so that all students and staff can thrive.
Another component of our work towards greater Student Ownership is the identification of seven (7) attributes of the types of students (and adults too!) that over time, we hope our system cultivates.
Each month this year, we will focus on a specific Student Ownership attribute. This will be accomplished through principals in D101 visiting classrooms and introducing each attribute via a different children's book at each grade level. We’ll introduce the attribute, its definition, read the book and have a short discussion about what this looks like in their lives. School staff will be making connections and reinforcing these concepts as natural opportunities arise. Additionally, school-wide activities and events may align to further reinforce these attributes.
While we are looking forward to launching these attributes with students this year, we are even more excited about the impact this work will have on them cumulatively as they move through our District 101 school system over the course of their educational careers.
Stay tuned for more parent information on these attributes in the months ahead! October's Focus is on: Effective Communicators.
Upcoming Safety Drills
Tuesday, Oct 25th (Lockdown Drill): 10:30AM
Chess Wizards Signup Information
If your student is interested in joining the Laidlaw Chess Wizards club, please take a look at the details here. Session 1 will be offered beginning Oct 28th and will run 6 weeks. Chess Wizards takes place on Fridays from 3:30-4:30 at Laidlaw. Chess Wizards is run by an outside vendor, so please direct specific questions about this offering to Chess Wizards directly. If you are interested in Chess Wizards, but can't make the dates work for session 1, we plan to offer a second session in the Spring as well.
4th and 5th Grade Parent Offering
Join D101 on October 11 at 7pm in the McClure gym for a presentation by Carl Hooker.
Carl Hooker is a nationally recognized technology expert, keynote speaker, author, district administrator, teacher, and podcast host. His expertise in the crossroads of technology and education brought him to District 101 several years ago as he led a group of teacher leaders as they pioneered tech integration in classrooms.
Mr. Hooker's presentation on October 11 is titled "Parenting in the Digital Age: An interactive discussion around digital wellness, balance, screen time, social media, and more." The topic of our digital lives and how to navigate this as parents is an important one in this day and age.
Parent Event Offering
WSFEE INFO
Notes of Appreciation for Teachers
PTO's Casino Night
Fire Prevention Event-Oct 10
Gingerbread House Decorating Night- Dec 15th 6:00-8:00PM
Lunch Volunteers Needed
Laidlaw is looking for recess volunteers to support at lunch. As we did last year, we will be setting up a weekly schedule and pairing parent volunteers with grade levels during recess. The time commitment is 11:40-12:25, and we are looking for a weekly commitment (for example every Tuesday, or every Monday/Friday). One option that worked well last year for some parents was to split a day with another parent. Volunteering in our lunch room is a fantastic way to connect with the school community. Please contact Emily Haight (ehaight@d101.org.) if you are interested!
Right At School (Before & After School Care)
Elementary School Handbook
Important Dates
Monday, Oct 10: No School
Tuesday, Oct 11: Teacher Inservice. No School for Students