PRINCIPAL UPDATE
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9TH
IRVING RELATED: NEW
REPORT CARDS
NOTE FROM MS. NOONAN
Hello Irving families! The Irving Library has been busy this week with our Maker Month stations (grades K-4), and 5th grade just finished a 7 week unit using Lego Mindstorm robots (which have recently been discontinued). Kids have been using robots and STEM materials in group stations. I've had multiple students inquire about the materials because they want to put them on their holiday gift lists. If you are interested in any educational STEM activities, take a look at this list! Happy holidays, everyone.
Ms. Noonan
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL, PBIS, & SECOND STEP
SECOND STEP
This week our students learned about feelings during their Second Step lessons. Kindergartners learned about accidents and how to show care and concern when accidents happen. Our first graders learned that feelings change over time. How they feel about something now might be different from how they feel about it later. Our second-fourth graders focused on showing compassion. We’ve worked hard to help students develop empathy over the past trimester and now students can put empathy into action by showing care and concern with compassionate words and actions. And finally, our fifth graders began a unit devoted to emotions. In this unit they’ll learn what triggers strong emotions for them, how emotions affect your brain and body, and how to manage their emotions. Check out the home links below to extend what’s being learned in school!
Kindergarten- No Home Link
First Grade- No Home Link
Second Grade- Showing Compassion
Third Grade- Showing Compassion
Fourth Grade- Showing Compassion
Fifth Grade- Introducing Emotion Management
IRVING RELATED: REMINDERS
OUTDOOR RECESS DURING WINTER MONTHS
District 97 believes it is important for students to have opportunities for physical activity and play time during the day—even during the cold winter months. This winter, students will be permitted to go outside for recess when the wind chill or temperature is 15 degrees or higher. The district utilizes the Wind Chill Chart developed by the National Weather Service.
- It is important that students dress in warm layers when cold temperatures are expected. Students should remember to bring hats, gloves/mittens, scarves, coats, snow pants and boots. It is recommended that families label these items with their children’s names,
- Our staff will carefully monitor students while outside and take the necessary steps to ensure students are appropriately clothed/prepared for the cold weather, watching out for signs of frostbite and other cold-related issues.
PROCESS FOR REPORTING POSITIVE COVID-19 CASES TO D97 SCHOOLS
If a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19, they must complete the following steps:
2) Families must continue to report student absences via the school attendance line, and staff must enter their absences in Frontline.
To see the rules for isolation and quarantine, click here. Additional resources are linked below.
PTO RELATED
IRVING SPIRIT WEAR
IRVING WORLD LANGUAGE PROGRAM IS RETURNING
World Language is a program running during lunch or after school where your child can sign up to learn the basics of a new language. We have some great options so far but would LOVE a couple more offerings. (Spanish and ASL specifically would be great!)
Teaching these classes is a PAID position and we are flexible on the time of the classes. Interested? Comment below or email lvanderberg@gmail.com.
DISTRICT & COMMUNITY RELATED
D97 TO HOST VIRTUAL ERIN'S LAW SESSION FOR FAMILIES ON JAN. 10TH
"Erin's Law," or Illinois Public Act 097-1147, requires all public schools to implement a prevention-oriented program that teachers students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade age-appropriate techniques for recognizing sexual abuse and ways to tell a trusted adult.
The program also includes training for school personnel, and provides education and resources to parents and guardians.
The virtual parent session will be facilitated by the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center. Virtual meeting details will be available closer to the meeting date at www.op97.org.
OAK PARK LIBRARY PROGRAMS
The Oak Park Public Library has some FABULOUS STEM programs for students in all grades! TechGirlz is for girls in grades 5-8. See the links below for information and to sign up!
December 15: TechGirlz: Lights, Camera, Action: Storytelling & Video Production
December 16: TechGirlz: Explore What's Inside a Computer
January 5: TechGirlz: Snow Molds: Slicing + Dicing Using CAD
January 12: TechGirlz: Lights, Camera, Action: Storytelling & Video Production
January 16: TechGirlz: Programming Edison Robots Using Python
Feb 2: TechGirlz: 3D Printed Little Boxes: Slicing + Dicing Using CAD
Feb 10: TechGirlz: Programming Edison Robots Using Python
They also offer STEM programming for elementary students in the children's services area of the library. Upcoming Tech Wednesday Programs for elementary students include the following:
December 14: Tech Wednesday: 3D Printing in the New Creative Studio for Grades 3-5
January 18: Tech Wednesday: Code a Robot for Grades K-2 in the Children's Department
January 18: Tech Wednesday: Code a Robot for Grades 3-5 in the Children's Department
UPCOMING DATES
Saturday, December 10th
Irving Cookie Crumble and Craft Fair, 9-12
Tuesday, December 13th
Board Meeting, 7pm
Thursday, December 22nd-January 6th
School Closed for Winter Break & Teacher Institute Day
Tuesday, January 10th
Board Meeting, 7pm
Monday, January 16th
No School, MLK Day
Thursday, January 26th
DivInC PTO Event: Taste of Irving
Tuesday, January 24th
Board Meeting, 7pm