Lyon & Pleasant Ridge Newsletter
November 1, 2019
Glenview District 34
Our Mission
Aspire. Explore. Discover. Connect.
Lyon School
1335 Waukegan Road
Glenview, IL 60025
(847)998-5045 Phone/(847)998-9701 Fax
(847)657-2894 Absence Calls/Health Office
Website: https://ly.glenview34.org
Pleasant Ridge School
1730 Sunset Ridge Rd.
Glenview, IL 60025
(847) 998-5050 Phone/(847)998-5532 Fax
(847) 657-2794 Absence Calls/Health Office
Website: www.pr.glenview34.org
Lyon/Pleasant Ridge & District 34 Calendar
Monday, November 4
Holiday Helper Food Drive Begins
Tuesday, November 5
NO SCHOOL - Institute Day
Gelfand Fundraiser at Culvers
Thursday, November 14
Book fair at Lyon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Friday, November 15
D34 ParentConnect - Raising Digital Natives with Dr. Devorah Heitner at Attea 7-9pm
Book fair at Lyon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Saturday, November 16
Book fair at Lyon 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Monday, November 18
Board of Education Meeting 7:30-9pm @ 1401 Greenwood
Tuesday, November 19
PTA Meeting at Lyon 9:15 am
Friday, November 22
End of 1st Trimester
Wednesday, November 27
No School - Institute Day
Thursday, November 28
No School - Thanksgiving Break
Friday, November 29
No School - Thanksgiving Break
Friday, December 6
Lyon School Spirit Day
View the full calendar at the District website (www.glenview34.org -- Parents -- Calendar).
From the Lyon School Principal's Desk
“All parenting turns on a crucial question: to what extent parents should accept their children for who they are, and to what extent they should help them become their best selves.
- Andrew Solomon (Far from the Tree)
This quote immediately resonated with me, both as a parent and an educator, the first time I read it. I have shared it a few different times with Lyon staff, and some of the comments I shared back at our Curriculum Night touched upon a similar theme. While Mr. Solomon’s book deals more specifically with parents’ experiences raising exceptional children, the reflection that these particular words can foster is relevant for all parents and educators.
Our job at school is challenging and multifaceted, and so much of it is based on decisions we make related to the two different concepts in the quote. There is often no clear cut choice between the two. Engaging in our work of teaching and learning, facilitating children’s holistic growth, includes learning about the strengths and areas for improvement that our students bring, developing instructional experiences that match these needs, continuously building on our knowledge of students and strengthening relationships, and so much more. At the heart of all of this work is recognizing and respecting the fact that no two children are alike. Every child is truly unique.
Our conferences with you in early October gave us the opportunity to exchange information and build one another’s understanding about the young person for whom we are all working together. We have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know each of these young characters thus far, and as we approach the end of the first trimester of our school year, we are pleased with the growth we are seeing to this point. As our work continues, it’s helpful and important for us to thoughtfully consider Solomon’s crucial question.
From a parenting perspective, Solomon shares that “… we must love them for themselves, and not for the best of ourselves in them, and that is a great deal harder to do.”
Thank you for your support of our recent Halloween festivities at Lyon. We hope to see you at school again soon!
From the Pleasant Ridge Principal's Desk
Well November is really coming in with a bang!
These temps are a wake up call that winter is on its way (or already here as I look out the window). I sadly put my golf clubs in the basement the other day, as this is always an admission that the seasons have changed. I hope for all of our sakes that winter is short and mild so we can all get back to enjoying life outdoors.
Each November I’m prompted to think about what I’m thankful for in my life. It’s an important ritual for me as I tend to get caught up in the daily demands of being a Principal and the father of two young, cute, personality filled, and energetic girls. So I’m appreciative of the various moments in the year that remind me to pause and reflect on what’s important. I hope you all find the time in the coming weeks to slow down, and reflect on all that’s good in our lives and the people that matter the most to us.
I’m thankful for the staff at Pleasant Ridge that has been working hard to implement new writing and reading curriculum, create more opportunities for inclusion, develop positive and engaging classrooms for children to learn, and for always putting kids first. They are a fantastic staff so please let them know whenever you have a chance. I’m also thankful to have the support and partnership that Mrs. Chin has brought to Pleasant Ridge. In her short time here she has developed positive rapport with students, staff, and families. I’m thankful to be part of the Pleasant Ridge Pleasant Ridge community, and the staff and students affirm that every day.
On a personal level, I’m thankful for the health and well being of my family. They sacrifice much for me to do what I do every day and it wouldn't be possible without their daily support. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving this year with your family and friends.
Happy November,
Erik Friedman
Pleasant Ridge Principal
Important Notes and Reminders:
Successful Character Counts Food Drive- We surpassed our goal to collect 1,000 items for the Northfield Food Pantry! Thank you to all our families for supporting this local resource in our community. I appreciate your actions that teach our children empathy and further build on their understanding of community, and supporting those in need.
Dressing for the Weather- The colder days are here. We make every effort to get outside for recess. It’s an important break during the day for students and being outdoors allows children to get increased movement and fresh air. Please make sure you’re sending your children to school with all the necessary outerwear for the elements. We appreciate your support and thank you for preparing your children to enjoy outdoor recess comfortably.
Social Skills from the Lyon School Social Worker
Dear Lyon Families,
As a part of our culture of promoting positive social interactions among all children and enriching social-emotional learning, Lyon Staff offer a variety of opportunities for students to practice expected social skills. Throughout the year, we may arrange for a student to invite a schoolmate(s) to participate in game playing or lunch in a small group setting, join a group discussion on a social emotional learning topic, or join a conversation during a walk for a break. These opportunities for social development are coordinated among our staff, and we are very thoughtful about their implementation (i.e., student academic schedules, rotation of children, duration of activity, etc.).
Participation in any social activity is optional. Invited students are always given a choice as to whether or not they would like to join. Our experience has been that children who have participated have benefitted from and enjoyed these social opportunities. However, if for any reason you do not want your child to be included in any of these staff-facilitated activities, please call our main office (847-998-5045) to let us know. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
As always, thank you for your support of our school-wide efforts!
Help make everyone's holiday special!
We are currently seeking Lyon/Pleasant Ridge SPONSORS for the Holiday Helper Program. We are also in need of gift cards for families. We have created the below sign up genius to make it easier to express your interest in helping the 60-65 local Lyon/Pleasant Ridge families in need this year! THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!
Holiday Helper
It’s that time of year again! We are kicking off our annual Holiday Helper program! The Holiday Helper program assists families in need within Lyon and Pleasant Ridge by providing children with outerwear and holiday gifts. Each family also receives a grocery store gift certicate and box of food collected during our Holiday Helper food drive.
We are now seeking child and family sponsors! Sponsors provide outerwear for each child during the first week of November. Then, during the first week of December, sponsors provide a book and holiday gifts for each child, and a grocery store gift card for the entire family. Sponsor a child, family, or consider teaming up with your friends or neighbors to sponsor a large family! Look for other Holiday Helper updates in the coming weeks for more ways to help!
For questions or interest in sponsoring a child or family, contact:
Andrea Downing at: andreadowning@me.com
Ramie Robbins at: ramie@ramierobbins.com
REMINDER.....Fall Book Fair at Lyon
Reminder that the fall book fair will be at Lyon from Thursday, November 14 to Saturday, November 16. Join us on Thursday when principal Dorken will read to the crowd and stick around for some pizza! Saturday morning we will have donuts for all, so come by and get some holiday shopping checked off the list!
Pleasant Ridge Art Carts DONATIONS & SUPPORT
Items in Need:
Colored Paper - any size & any weight including Origami
Pipe Cleaners
Mad Libs
Playing Cards
Stickers, Stickers and more Sticker
Please do not send the following: paint, stamps, glue, glitter or board games - THANK YOU :)
Lyon School Winter Program
December 19, 2019 is the Lyon School Winter Program. Show times are at 10:00am and 1:30pm. Each family will receive two tickets. There will be more information to follow in the coming weeks.
AUTHOR REMY LAI VISITS PLEASANT RIDGE
On Oct. 16, Remy Lai came to visit all the way from Australia! Ms. Lai is the author and illustrator of Pie in the Sky and Fly on the Wall. She told us about her writing process and her funny (and gross) dogs. The highlight was when she taught us how to draw the characters in her books and some of our teachers!
CHARACTER COUNTS FOOD DRIVE
Thank you to all the families that contributed to the 2019 Character Counts Food Drive.
WE DID IT!
We collected 1046 cans, which were donated to the Northfield Township Food Pantry!
Thank you so much!
Winter Weather
As the weather has started to get colder please remember to dress your kids appropriately. Children will go out for recess as much as possible (if the wind chill is above zero degrees). Please send your children in snow pants and boots if there is snow on the ground.
Lyon School Before and After School Pick Up Procedures
The following procedures have been put in place to make the beginning and end of the day safe and smooth. We ask that all parents assist us in assuring that every child at Lyon is safe by following these rules. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.
All parents are asked to remain in their vehicle and pull up alongside the canopy at the front of the building to unload/load their children on the curbside. The line for cars starts at the student loading area and continues around the outer perimeter of the bus lanes. Parents are not allowed to park and walk their children through the parking area to/from a vehicle. If a child is having difficulty and requires adult assistance, please pull your car into one of the 15 minute spaces.
All traffic should go around the bus lanes and remain in the car lane for drop-off/pick-up. Only a single lane of traffic will be allowed in the inner circle of the driveway along the front of the school. Anyone needing to enter the school for a a before/after school meeting or activity is asked to park in the outer lot and utilize the crosswalk near the building to cross. The only exceptions to this are vehicles with designated handicapped parking permits and the student services transportation vehicles.
Parents will not be allowed to park and wait in the school hallway or under the front canopy of the school for their child, but must remain in their vehicle before and after school. If your child is assigned a bus please use this service whenever possible. If you will be picking children up at the end of the day, please write a note indicating your child will be a car rider or a walker. Your signature, your child's teacher's name, along with the correct day/date, will help in making the correct changes. If on the rare occasion your transportation arrangements require a change for your child during the school day, please call the office before 3:00 p.m. This will allow the office staff ample time to notify your child’s teacher of the change.
Students are not allowed to ride any bus other than the one assigned. Thus, a child may not ride home on another bus for a play date or go to another child’s home if it requires a change from their assigned bus. Parents will need to make their own transportation arrangements for this purpose.
Finally, please observe and follow all directions of the Lyon staff. They are present to assist in a safe and efficient pick up for your children. Thank you again for your cooperation with these procedures.
Important Visitor Procedures
Please call your child’s teacher to arrange an appointment if you want to visit a classroom. Sign in at the office so that we know you are in the building. We ask that you wear a visitor lanyard when visiting. Please sign out and return the lanyard when leaving the building. If you plan to take your child out of the building during school hours, please sign him/her out in the office.
All visitors (including parents) will be asked to present valid state issued identication (drivers license or state i.d.) that will be entered into the system before gaining access to the school beyond the main office.
Authorization to Administer Medication at School
If your child needs to take any medication during the school day -- either prescription or over-the-counter (including ibuprofen or other pain reliever) -- you must submit this form with a doctor's signature to the health office at school (Aquí está la forma en español.). There are no exceptions to this policy. Students should not have medication in their backpack or pocket; parents must provide the medication indicated on the form, in original packaging, to the school nurse.
All health forms are posted on the District 34 website on our frequently used forms page. If you have questions, please contact the Lyon health office at (847) 657-2894 or the Pleasant Ridge health office at (847) 657-2794.
Find Us on Social Media
Lyon School is now on Facebook. Follow @ LyonD34 to get news and views into what's happening in classrooms and around the school!
Want to hear the latest Pleasant Ridge news? See photos of our students in action?
Here’s how.
FOLLOW PLEASANT RIDGE!
On Facebook - PleasantRidgeD34
On Instagram - PleasantRidgeD34
On Twitter - PleasantRidge34 (just a little different)
Food Service Menu and Cycle Calendar For Lyon and Pleasant Ridge
Please review this important food service information which includes the menu cycle and the cycle calendar. Click here for the Food Service Newsletter.