We’d like to introduce you to the Illustrative Mathematics curriculum that we have adopted in K-5. This problem-based curriculum makes rigorous mathematics accessible to all learners.

What is a problem-based curriculum?

In a problem-based curriculum, students spend most of their time in class working on carefully crafted and sequenced problems. Teachers help students understand the problems, ask questions to push their thinking, and orchestrate discussions to be sure that the mathematical takeaways are clear. Learners gain a rich and lasting understanding of mathematical concepts and procedures and experience applying this knowledge to new situations. Students frequently collaborate with their classmates—they talk about math, listen to each other’s ideas, justify their thinking, and critique the reasoning of others.

This kind of instruction may look different from what you experienced in your own math education. Current research says that students need to be able to think flexibly in order to use mathematical skills in their lives (and also on the types of tests they will encounter throughout their schooling). Flexible thinking relies on understanding concepts and making connections between them. Over time, students gain the skills and the confidence to independently solve problems that they've never seen before.

What can my student do to be successful in this course?

Learning how to learn in a problem-based classroom can be a challenge for students at first. Over time, students gain independence as learners when they share their rough drafts of ideas, compare their existing ideas to new things they are learning, and revise their thinking. Many students and families tell us that while this was challenging at first, becoming more active learners in math helped them build skills to take responsibility for their learning in other settings. Here are some ideas for encouraging your student:

• If you’re not sure how to get started on a problem, that’s okay! What can you try? Could you draw a picture or diagram? Could you make a guess? Could you describe an answer that’s definitely wrong?

• If you’re feeling stuck, write down what you notice and what you wonder, or a question you have, and then share that when it’s time to work with others or discuss.

• Your job when working on problems in this class is to come up with ideas and share them. You don’t have to be right or confident at first, but sharing your thinking will help everyone learn. If that feels hard or scary, it’s okay to say, “This is just an idea . . .” or “I’m not really sure but I think . . .”

• Whether you’re feeling stuck or feeling confident with the material, listen to your classmates and ask them about their ideas. One way that learning happens is by comparing your ideas to other people’s ideas.

We are excited to be able to support your student in their journey toward knowing, using, and enjoying mathematics.

Hi, we had an amazing kick-off to a new school year. Dr. Morris graciously invited a few PTA representatives to speak at the New Parent Welcome event. We had a wonderful turnout and it was great to meet new members of our community. Please help us welcome them as we continue to cross paths. We encourage all members both new and old to get involved by volunteering alongside our vibrant executive and committee members. With over thirty executive and committee positions there truly is something for everyone. Please bring your talents forward and let us know how you would like to help.

We personally feel grateful for how welcoming our staff and faculty made us feel at Meet the Teacher Day. There is something energizing about seeing students fill their desks with supplies, watching them reunite with each other and hearing exchanges of summer stories. It is also a time of introductions of all sorts. As a PTA we cherish this day and were happy to help everyone celebrate by providing a sweet treat at the end. If you missed it, don't worry; there is more to come!

Make sure to save the date for our Back to School picnic, Tuesday, August 30th. Bring a picnic dinner and enjoy the entertainment provided by the PTA.

If you have been thinking about becoming a room parent please do not hesitate to check out our sign-up genius on our website. There are still open spots that need to be filled. Our room parents are a link between the teacher and parent by coordinating special attributes and planning festive activities for our classroom celebrations. Every classroom needs at least one room parent to help support our teachers. You will find the sign-up genius under the Sign Ups tab which can be accessed by PTA members only. Our room parent meeting is scheduled for Monday, if you would like to become a room parent please make sure to sign up before the weekend is over.

Please make sure to become a member of the PTA. Your membership allows us to continue to coordinate more functions to bring our community together, show thanks to our school and provide enrichment. You can join by visiting our home page, follow the links or use the QR code. https://phepta.membershiptoolkit.com/home

Finally we would like to highlight that our Staff Appreciation committee has been busy all week to ensure that our staff would be welcomed with a special back-to-school breakfast. Please help us thank them for their hard work in showing our appreciation to our staff on behalf of our PTA community.

Thanks again and don't forget to sign up!

Julie Boldt and Rick France

PTA President and President Elect

phpta15@gmail.com

Doors Will Open at 8:18 each morning.

Thank you for your support!

Grades 1&2 - Door #3 (located By The Bike Racks)

Grade 3/4- Door #10 (Back of the school, middle entrance)

Grade 5/6- Door #11 (Back of the school east entrance)

Kindergarten AM - Door #7 (Back of the school, top of the stairs)

Kindergarten PM - Front Entrance of The School

Students Riding The Bus Will Enter and Exit The Front Doors

-During the posted time on the sign by the back lot entrance. No left turn is allowed during drop-off heading north on Ceder.

-During the posted time on the sign located on the corner of Ceder and Michigan, no left turn is allowed heading south onto Cedar from Michigan.

-Drop off allows for one SINGLE file line in the circle drive in the morning. Please be patient as cars are stopping frequently to drop off students.

-Pick up allows for cars to park (not left unattended and running) along the curb. Double parking is not allowed.

-Students should not be crossing Cedar or Illinois to get to a vehicle without using he designated crosswalks. (A crossing guard is at Illinois and Birchwood, A crosswalk is at the corner of Michigan and Cedar)

-Students should ALWAYS exit a car on the passenger side while in the circle drive.

-If you are dropping off or picking up and decide to park in the parking lot, students must be escorted by an adult to the schools entrance. Students should not be going through the parking lot without an adult. This is extremely important.

It is important to remain patient and not be on any electronic devices to assure our students and your safety. Please think of the safety of all of our students and families during these times of the day.

Every year, many children in the Palatine area lack proper clothing for the Illinois’ winter weather. District 15 has a long-standing partnership with the PATH Community Closet. The Community Closet serves the Palatine area by providing donated clothing to children and families in need. The impact of COVID has left the Community Closet with less donated clothing than in past years. We are hoping you can help by donating any unwanted clothing items at your school’s yellow clothing donation bin. The bin is located in your school’s lobby. Parents or children can place clothing items into their school’s yellow bin during regular school hours. This is a great way to put your children’s gently used and outgrown clothing to good use! All clothing, especially winter wear, is much appreciated and will be put to good use.

Infinite Campus' Campus Parent is designed to provide parents real-time access to student information. The easy-to-use design displays what is currently happening in the classroom so you can understand, monitor, and participate in your child’s educational experience.

This portal also provides parents access to check for teacher placement and student schedules once their student is registered. District 15 has also used IC to gather parent survey responses. Make sure you have your account set up for the new school year! To learn how to set up your account, watch tutorials, or access a help center, please visit our website.