Week 34: 04/27/15 – 05/01/15

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Here’s our week at a glance:

Monday, April 27th
MAP MakeUps (Monday & Tuesday)

Tuesday, April 28th
Multiage Field Trip to Kohl Children’s Museum
KONICA Key Card Training <—every staff member must click the link & sign up for a slot
*No Faculty Meeting*

Wednesday, April 29th
TAPS <–click for schedule

Thursday, April 30th
PATS Field Trip to Navy Pier Children’s Museum @ 3:45pm

Friday, May 1st 
PreK Screening
Last Day of Reading Room
Last Day of Pull-Out Interventions (Ms. Barcas/Ms. Munoz)
*Classroom Teachers will receive Spring AIMS Benchmarking copies in their mailboxes.
Spring Benchmarking 2015 Instructions Can be Found here.
RSVP’s due for the District Retirement Celebration

(05/02) Happy Birthday Cano! 🙂

Articles Worth Reading
26 Fun and Memorable End of the School Year Celebration Ideas

What Having Twins Taught Me About Teaching

Not Just Another Student…That’s My Baby

What Will Your Students Remember About You?

Week 33: 04/20/15 – 04/24/15

As the ABC Countdown begins this Thursday which counts down the final 26 days of the 2014-2015 school year, remember to look to the end of the year as setting the stage for next year. A strong finish helps build for a successful year to come. To ensure a strong finish and a positive launch to the next school year, keep the following in mind:

*Have high expectations for all. The end of the school year is not only about celebrations. It’s about learning. Focus on what is important and find the balance between keeping learning at the forefront of your classroom and enjoying those “end of the year” celebrations.

*Be well planned. Act with intention and purpose each day. Students thrive on routine and consistency. Just because the weather is getting warmer and field trips are blooming, the last thing you want to do is lose focus. It’s important to ensure that the learning process continues to bloom and that students are engaged!

*Keep a positive and hopeful attitude. This time of the year can be emotional and exhausting for all. Remember to find the good stuff. It’s there if you take time to look for it.

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Here’s our week at a glance:

Monday, April 20th
ELL Committee Meeting @ 3:45pm (LMS)

Tuesday, April 21st
1st Grade Field Trip to Kohl Children’s Museum
Happy Birthday Anna Kaminska (Yellow Bus) 🙂

Wednesday, April 22nd
PreK/PATS Spring Feast (2-3pm)
Happy Administrative Assistant’s Day!
Earth Day <–click for Earth Day Resources courtesy of Technology Rocks, Seriously

Thursday, April 23rd
ABC Countdown Begins! “A” Day
Kindergarten Field Trip to Morton Arboretum
Spring Choral Concert Rehearsal @ LMS (Kennedy Singers) @ 9:20am
SLT Meeting @ 3:00pm
Spring Choral Concert @ 6:30pm

Friday, April 24th
Spirit Assembly
PreK Field Trip to North Park

Articles Worth Reading
Fix?

Free iPad App Reviews Arranged by Grade

Week 32: 04/13/15 – 04/17/15

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Here’s our week at a glance:

Monday, April 13th
SPRING MAP TESTING BEGINS <—click for schedule
*Art on a car begins
Buddy Committee Meeting @ 2:45pm

Tuesday, April 14th
Faculty Meeting @ 2:50pm (cafeteria)

Wednesday, April 15th
CPR Class in gymnasium @ 2:00pm
Board Meeting @ 7:00pm

Thursday, April 16th
4/5 and 5/PreK Buddy Visits @ Kennedy & Washington Schools
Baby/Bridal Shower @ 3:00pm (see invite)

Friday, April 17th
Spring Picture Day

(04/19) Happy Birthday Jacklin Vargas & Chris Gonzalez 🙂

Week 31: 04/06/15 – 04/10/15

It is my hope that you all had a restful, relaxing Spring Break. As we enter the final 8 weeks of school, I realize this can be a challenging time for us, as both students & staff get Spring Fever. We have been working hard for 7 months and we’re getting closer to the end of the school year. Now is when we must do our best work. The cliche of “it’s not how you start, but how you finish” is so true! We must finish strong and carry out our momentum until the end of the school year. Keep in mind, the more you stray from your classroom routine/schedule, the more antsy your students will get. If you keep focused, they will follow your lead.

As we approach the final 8 weeks of the school year, it is easy for many teachers to get into that familiar habit of wishing that the year would end. I want to encourage you not to fall into that rut and make the last 8 weeks enjoyable and productive for your students.

Each and every day our students need us. Remember that you may be the only constant presence in some of our students’ lives. Make a choice each day for your presence to be a positive, constant factor. It is a great opportunity that we have to come to school and have an impact on students’ lives from day to day. We all became educators because we care about kids. When the students feel that their teachers care about them, when they feel safe in our classes, optimal learning will take place.

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Here’s our week at a glance:

Monday, April 6th
NO SCHOOL

Tuesday, April 7th
Teacher Institute Day – See the Kennedy Conference for Agenda (sent by Christa)
Happy Birthday Mirta Cruz 🙂

Wednesday, April 8th
Classes Resume for Students
Happy Birthday Sharon Muntova 🙂
PERA Presentation (*Certified staff only) @ 2:10pm in Cafeteria

Thursday, April 9th
SLT @ 3:00pm

Friday, April 10th
Pre School Screening

Articles Worth Reading:

Homework Help DesK: Free Interactive Resource for Kids & Parents

Seesaw Gets Helpful Updates

I Just Want to be Normal, Daddy