Weekly Update 11/20/23-12/1/23
Upcoming Dates
Monday, November 20 & Tuesday, November 21: P/T Conferences (NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS)
Wednesday, November 22-Friday, November 24: NO SCHOOL THANKSGIVING BREAK
Monday, November 27: Band Sectional Lessons
Tuesday, November 28: Orchestra Sectional Lessons
Tuesday, November 28: Draw and Paint For Life (3:30-4:30pm)
Wednesday, November 29: Band & Orchestra Morning Rehearsal at McClure (7:30am)
Wednesday, November 29: FUSION (3:30-5:15pm)
Friday, December 1: 4th/5th Grade Math Club (7:45am)
Friday, December 1: Sticky Fingers Cooking Class (3:30-4:30pm)
Wednesday, December 6: LATE ARRIVAL (10:00am) (Kdg: 10-12; 1:30-3:30)
Blue Ribbon Festivities
The District 101 Entourage (Drs. Barnhart and Coffey; 3rd Grade Teacher, Mrs. Gentile; Instructional Coach, Mrs. McGrath and I had an incredible time in Washington DC, representing Forest Hills at the Blue Ribbon Ceremony. It was inspiring to be surrounded by other dedicated and talented educators who are also doing their best to serve students. We couldn't be more proud of our Forest Hills and D101 community!
Parent Teacher Conferences/Report Cards
We're so excited to meet with families next week during Parent Teacher Conferences. It's a wonderful opportunity to connect and share progress so that we can partner together to support students' growth. Here are a few details/reminders about the two days:
- Conferences on Monday are IN PERSON and Tuesday are VIRTUAL.
- If you are meeting in person, please enter the building through the main entrance.
- For virtual conferences, you should have or will receive a link from your child's teacher to access the virtual conference session.
- Many staff members are booked back-to-back with sessions, so please be respectful of your allotted time. When conferences run over, it cuts into the next student's time, and often parents are also booked back-to-back.
Report cards and progress reports were sent home yesterday with students. Please ask your child to share them and let us know if you did not receive this information.
As always, thank you for your partnership and support!
Calling All 4th & 5th Grade Scientists!
The new date of the D101 Science Expo is Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024 from 8:45am-12:00pm.
There will be informational meetings for students:
5th graders: Dec.1 during their lunch recess in the library
4th graders: Dec. 4 during their lunch recess in the library
Information packets will be handed out during those meetings. The registration form to participate in the Expo is due on Dec. 15. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs. Jenny Corcoran (jcorcoran@d101.org).
Ms. DiGiulio--Absence
Bags For Winter Gear
Last year, the PTA graciously purchased reusable tote bags for students to use to transport winter gear. The hope is to help students better organize and manage their winter gear and keep the hallways more passable. They're coming home today with students and optional to use, but we do hope they'll help everyone out as colder weather approaches.
Our three elementary schools and McClure Junior High need YOUR help, as we often need more engaging, effective subs than we have available to support our students. With the phenomenal students in our community, subbing in D101 is a highly fulfilling, lovely way to connect with and support our schools and all of our children!
What are the benefits of subbing?
It’s flexible! We often book subs (where we can) in advance, so you can pick and choose when the dates/times/assignments work for YOU. You can choose whether or not to be “on call” for unexpected needs and/or to let us know that you’re always available on x days and at y times.
It’s simple! Some of our subs do not come to us with a background in education, and that is okay! A successful sub is someone who will work hard to follow clear, simple plans from the experts (our teachers!) and - most importantly - who will take care of our students at a high level. That’s it!
It’s connected! We appreciate subs from within our parent community, as you know our students and are already invested in our school community. We generally place parent subs in buildings that are NOT their “home” building, which gives a great chance to learn more about all of our schools -- and doesn’t fluster your kids to see you in the hallway ;)
It pays well! Reach out to inquire more about sub pay; we are at or above the daily average pay for subs in the area!
What does the job entail?
Subs can fill all kinds of positions, depending on our needs:
General classroom teacher (ie “I’m teaching third grade today!”)
Specials teachers (ie “I’m in PE today!”)
Classroom teaching assistants and/or 1:1 aides to support student needs (ie “I’m helping out in first grade today,” or “I’m supporting John Doe in the classroom today!”)
Subs can work for a full day or a half day, depending on need and availability.
Lesson plans and support to understand the role are provided for every sub role and position, and our warm and welcoming teachers and staff are here to support YOU as you support our students.
How do I sign on to become a sub?
Just give a call to your home building’s Administrative Assistant, and they will be excited to help get you started with this opportunity!
Field Park: Denise Stetler - (708) 246-7675
Forest Hills: Erin McLaughlin - (708) 246-7678
Laidlaw: Cricket Walker– (708) 246-7673
McClure: Kelly Fuhr–(708)246-7590
Click here to see the basic requirements to gain sub licensure.
After you are registered on our sub list and ready to go, we’ll help match you to the best fit for schools and positions.
INFO FROM PREVIOUS UPDATES, BUT STILL RELEVANT...
Student Ownership Attribute: Collaboration
It has been WONDERFUL to spend time in each of the classrooms this month, as we continue our launch of our Student Attributes with students and staff. Together, we’ve learned what it means to be “collaborative”!
Our D101 definition of COLLABORATIVE is: collaborative people are able to work together to produce or create something, and to work with someone else on a project or to solve a problem.
Some of the components we discussed at the various grade levels were:
Collaboration is all around us - in our partner work, our group work, team sports, families, EVERYWHERE!
Collaboration helps us put together strengths and skills from different people - we are stronger when we think and work together!
Collaborative people are open to ideas and often learn new things and have great experiences working in new ways.
We’ve discussed these talking points in connection with the following grade level texts:
Kindergarten: The Little Red Fort, by Brenda Maier
1st Grade: Officer Buckle and Gloria, by Peggy Rathmann
2nd Grade: Up the Creek, by Nicholas Oldland
3rd Grade: The Little Red Pen, by Janet Stevens
4th Grade: Boxitects, by Kim Smith
5th Grade: Someone Builds the Dream, by Lisa Wheeler and Loren Lang
Although this is our collective focus for the month of November, we’ll always be practicing being COLLABORATIVE throughout the year, and will be using these skills as a part of our December focus – being a GLOBAL CITIZEN! Stay tuned for more information about GLOBAL CITIZENS next month!
Culture of Appreciation Reminder
Send a message of gratitude to staff HERE!
Word From WSFEE
The Grinch is coming to D101. WSFEE is partnering again this year with the Grinch to bring your family BB's Donuts. Be on the lookout for information and sign-up from your elementary PTA and the Grinch can deliver donuts to your house too! Remember to visit wsfee.org or follow WSFEE on Instagram (@wsfee_d101) to hear about events, donations and sponsorship opportunities throughout the year.
IMPORTANT: School Attendance
Clubs/Activities Sign-Up
Chess Wizards--Winter Enrollment
Sticky Fingers Cooking
See attached flyer.
2023-24 School Calendar
I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and break with loved ones!
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