Welcome Back! I hope you enjoyed your time off, spending time with family, friends & those you love. It’s crazy to think we only have 15 days with our Kennedy Kubbies before Winter Break. In these 15 days, we have a lot of work to do & lots of wonderful learning experiences to provide our students. Things to keep in mind:

• For some of our students who will say “it’s almost Winter break” and lack motivation, it is time to push them & keep them excited and eager to learn.
• For our students who come from challenging circumstances at home and are feeling anxiety about not being at Kennedy for over two weeks (and acting out because of it), it is time to show them how much you care & make the most of these next 15 days.
• For our students that just keep smiling & working hard each day, it is time to pull them aside and tell them how much you appreciate them (Positive Postcard?)

Be proud of what we’ve accomplished with our students so far this year, but please keep the focus on learning in your classrooms as we return from Thanksgiving Break. In addition, I’d encourage you to:

• Take a second and tell a colleague that you’ve noticed how hard they are working and that you appreciate them working so hard. Gratitude and appreciation are also essential for a healthy work environment. A simple thank you and a show of appreciation can make all the difference.
• Make time to reflect on some of the positives that we’ve had this year that may have been overlooked as we have overcome the challenges of not having enough time.
• Set a tone for your students that regardless of how much time is left before a long break that all of us will work hard and make the most of our school days.
• Celebrate being a member of our Kennedy School family

Here’s our week at a glance:

Monday, November 30th
Happy Birthday Barbara Zawadzka 🙂

Tuesday, December 1st
Winter MAP Testing Begins <—click for schedule

Wednesday, December 2nd
PATS Field Trip to Schiller Park Fire Department
Santa’s Secret Shop (Browse Day) <–click for schedule
PreK/K/1st TAPS Meeting (schedule will be emailed to Kennedy Conference by Mandy)

Thursday, December 3rd
Santa’s Secret Shop (Buy Day)
Kennedy Singers Rehearsal @ LMS (8:40am)
SLT Meeting @ 3:00pm
SD81 Choral Concert @ 6:30pm (LMS)

Friday, December 4th
Pre School Screening (No PreK for Students)
Santa’s Secret Shop (Buy Day)
Happy Birthday Michelle Miro 🙂

(12/05) Happy Birthday Becky Zora 🙂

This week we have some changes to our usual routine — Hearing & Vision screenings, Thanksgiving Feasts and sharing holiday wishes. Then on Friday, we all head home for Thanksgiving Break where our celebrations continue with our family and friends.

True for some, not for all. As Thanksgiving & Winter Breaks draw near, along with all of the excitement, it is not uncommon to see an increase in undesired behaviors and regression to previous behaviors in our students. For many of our students, home is a place where relationships are unhealthy, meals are not prepared, and drugs/alcohol or violence are part of daily life. For these students, many of whom we may not even be aware of their circumstances, the most consistent, positive and secure part of their life is time at school. No wonder they are exhibiting some stress. When these students walk out of our doors on Friday, there may be no breakfast or lunch, no counseling services, no celebrations, no gifts, and no one to encourage and support them.

So we support our children. We collaborate with our community to provide basic necessities (food, coats, meals). We give our kids books from our classrooms to read over the break. We express that we are thankful for each other and look forward to being together again as a school community soon.

And even though we are tired and looking forward to a much-needed break ourselves, we keep an eye on those who are acting out more than usual. We give them structure and routine. We give them a break. We give them encouragement. This may not be their favorite time of the year.

Thank you for ALL YOU DO for our kids EVERYDAY 🙂

**From Jennifer Dinielli’s Blog

How often do we pause & think why we are grateful? I challenge each of you to take some time each day this week to reflect on the things, events, or people you appreciate. Better yet….if it’s a person, let them know how thankful you are for their role in your life. THANK YOU are two simple words that have the power to transform our health, happiness, performance, and success. Grateful people are happier & more likely to maintain good friendships. Gratitude and appreciation are also essential for a healthy work environment. A simple thank you can make all the difference. Be sure to say thank you to those around you each and every day!

Here’s our week at a glance:

Monday, November 16th
American Education Week

Tuesday, November 17th
2nd Grade Field Trip (104/106) to Mitchell Museum
Faculty Meeting @ 2:50pm

Wednesday, November 18th
2nd Grade (207/208) Field Trip to Mitchell Museum
Technology Common Plan (team leaders will share agendas)
PATS/PreK Thanksgiving Feast (2-3pm)
Dr. Seuss Committee Meeting @ 2:50pm (Room 110)

Thursday, November 19th
Staff Thanksgiving Potluck in Lounge
SLT Meeting @ 3:00pm

Friday, November 20th
Spirit Assembly
PreK Field Trip to Shedd Aquarium
Happy Birthday Rosa Worwa

(11/21) Happy Birthday Emily Kronlage
11/23 – 11/27: Thanksgiving Break
(11/25) Happy Birthday Emily Moran
(11/27) Happy Birthday Shannon Luster

Blog Posts Worth Reading:

I Was Wrong by Benjamin Gilpin <–reflective post about using recess as a consequence

We Draw Closer by Jon Harper

Interactive Thanksgiving Resources by Technology Rocks, Seriously

Challenge for the week~Make every student in your class feel like a star!

Parent-Teacher conferences offer teachers & parents the opportunity to see, celebrate and support each individual child. Just as we all appreciate praise for our efforts, parents appreciate praise for their efforts & their child’s progress. As you offer information about the students in your room, always remember that you are speaking about someone’s ‘whole world’ and remember to be mindful of how that information will be received by your audience. I’m confident you will exude professionalism and confidence this week as you inform parents about curriculum, assessment, grading/reporting, strengths & opportunities for growth. I know you will continue to develop a working relationship with your families and deepen that home-school partnership. Thanks for all that you do in preparation for this very busy week! If Donna, Tiffany or I can offer you any support this week with conferences, please do not hesitate to ask.

Making the Most of Parent-Teacher Conferences

7 Ideas for Meaningful Parent-Teacher Conferences

Here’s our week at a glance:

Monday, November 9th
Parent/Teacher Conference Week
Hearing & Vision Screenings (in conference room)

Tuesday, November 10th
Happy Birthday Gloria Reyes 🙂
2nd/3rd Veterans Day Rehersal @ LMS
Faculty Meeting Today – RESCHEDULED to next Tuesday, November 17th due to conferences

Wednesday, November 11th
Happy Birthday Julie Fister & Becky Shoufer 🙂
2nd/3rd Veterans Day Performance @ LMS (9:00am)
Board of Education Meeting @ 7:00pm (LMS Little Theater)

Thursday, November 12th
Happy Birthday Sarah Mixa 🙂
NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS: Parent/ Teacher Conferences

Friday, November 13th
Hearing/Vision Screenings (in conference room)
NO Reading Room (ACCESS Testing Training)

(11/15) Happy Birthday Sandy Montes de Oca 🙂

Blog Posts Worth Reading:
I’ll Never Resign by Krissy Venosdale

Phonics Strategies for Young Learners Using the iPad by Kristi Meeuwse

Looking for ideas for Parent/Teacher Conference Week? Check out my board on Pinterest here.

Here are some Veterans Day Ideas, too!

November is officially upon us as we are surrounded by beautiful warm colors & cooler weather. I hope you had a refreshing, relaxing Halloween weekend and are ready for the week ahead (I hear it’s going to be a 70 degree week ahead!)

As parent-teacher conferences are upon us, I wanted to share a blog post (an oldie but a goodie) with some tips to keep in mind. Parent-Teacher Conferences offer teachers and parents the opportunity to see, celebrate and support each child. Conferences have provided me with some of my most rewarding moments in teaching. Just as we appreciate praise for our efforts as educators, parents appreciate praise for their efforts & their child’s progress. Our school calendar sets aside days for parent-teacher conferences each year; however, I believe great teachers like all of you at Kennedy know that parent-teacher conferences are held throughout the entire school year. A great teacher keeps the student, the team, and the parents informed at all times! Let’s make sure we reach our weekly goal of 5 positive connections by Friday!

Here’s our week at a glance:

Monday, November 2nd

Tuesday, November 3rd
Mentor Meeting @ 3:45pm
101/109 Mitchell Museum Field Trip @ 9:00am

Wednesday, November 4th
103/107 Mitchell Museum Field Trip @ 9:00am

Thursday, November 5th
Hearing/Vision Screenings (in conference room)
SLT Meeting @ 3:00pm

Friday, November 6th
Picture Retake Day
Reading Room Plan Day
Hearing/Vision Screenings (in conference room)
5 By Friday! 🙂

(11/08) Maria Rodriguez’ Birthday (cafeteria)

Blog Posts Worth Reading:
Google Sheet Explore ROCKS

9 Google Apps Productivity Tools & Tips for Teachers

It’s Not a Technology Issue

Here’s our week at a glance:

Monday, October 26th
Red Ribbon Week: Remember to have your students trace their handprint and Say “Boo” to Drugs by adding their ghost hand to the pledge on the wall outside the cafeteria! 
Tune Out Drugs – Listen to music during transitions or work time
Cycle 2 Assessment Week

Tuesday, October 27th
Sock It to Drugs – Wear Crazy Socks
Faculty Meeting @ 2:50pm
BPAC Ice Cream Social 3:30pm-4:30pm (gym)

Wednesday, October 28th
Red for Red Ribbon Week – Wear Red to Show You Are Drug Free
Costco Teacher Appreciation in the Faculty Lounge during lunches

Thursday, October 29th
You Have the Power to Say No to Drugs – Wear your favorite superhero T-Shirt

Friday, October 30th
5 Positive Connections with Parents by Friday!
We are Kind Kennedy Kubbies – Wear your Kubbie gear for the Spirit Assembly
Spirit Assembly @ 8:45am
AM PreK Parade @ 9:00am
Multiage, 2nd, & 3rd Grade Parade @ 10:00am
PM PreK, Kindergarten & 1st Grade Parade @ 12:30pm
Trimester 1 Ends

**Reminder for Tenured Teachers*
Tenure teacher professional growth meetings completed before November 1st.
ALL tenured teachers must complete a Professional Growth Plan.

Looking for some Halloween Ideas? Check out my Pinterest board here !

*From my favorite blog; Venspired

School? It’s about the kids. Society loves to simplify our jobs. Make it about facts and kids knowing stuff. Make it about graphs and charts that display our school’s weak points. But what aren’t people seeing? The kids.

The kids whose parents no longer live in the home. The kids who get one meal a day, their school lunch. The kids who cry at night because they are the adult in the house. The kids who have amazing potential buried in trying to help raise a younger sibling or who have big struggles caused by the fact that they are caring for themselves. The kids whose parents have a terrible drug problem and are headed to prison. The kids who haven’t lived more than six months in the same place since they were born. The kids who don’t know what Santa visits are like. The ones who don’t have a Crockpot with warm meals filling their house when they hop off the bus.

Every teacher knows a student whose story would break your heart.

A story that would stop you in your tracks.

A story that would remind you what education is about. Education? It’s about the kids.

The charts & graphs in the paper are just numbers. Teachers? We impact lives.
Thank you for all that you do to make an impact on our Kennedy Kubbies each and everyday! They are blessed to have you in their lives. 🙂 Make some AWESOME connections with students today…..let them know you see them!

Here’s our week at a glance:

Monday, October 19th
Fire Prevention Week – SPFD Visits <—click for schedule *tabs at the bottom for each day
Happy Birthday Eva Popowska 🙂

Tuesday, October 20th
Fire Prevention Week – SPFD Visits
Paraprofessionals Meeting @ 2:45pm (Faculty Lounge)

Wednesday, October 21st
Fire Prevention Week – SPFD Visits
Happy Birthday Natalie Yorty 🙂
Compass Learning Training for 2nd/3rd/Multiage Teachers (2:00pm-2:40pm)
Board of Education Meeting @ 7:00pm (@ Washington School)

Thursday, October 22nd
Kindergarten Field Trip to Didier Farm
SLT Meeting @ 3:00pm

Friday, October 23rd
5 Positive Connections by Friday 🙂
Laura Helm from American National Insurance will be in faculty lounge
Fall Birthday Treats in Faculty Lounge
PreK Workshops

*Don’t forget to sign up for your Halloween Read-Aloud with a Principal here

See ideas below for Fire Prevention Week 🙂

I hope you had a wonderful 3-day weekend and enjoyed this beautiful October weather with your family & friends! Here’s our week at a glance:

Monday, October 12th
NO SCHOOL: Columbus Day

Tuesday, October 13th
Faculty Meeting @ 2:50pm

Wednesday, October 14th
PATS Field Trip to Heritage Farm

Thursday, October 15th
Medical Exclusion Day
Happy Birthday Rose Karas 🙂
Earthquake Drill @ 10:15am

Friday, October 16th
PreK Field Trip to Johansen Farm
Happy Birthday Rosa Worwa 🙂

Blogs Worth Reading:
Seesaw: The Ultimate ePortfolio

How to Use Voice Typing in Google Docs

3 Tricks in Google Docs to Try

Monster Math App

Four Visual Dictionaries & A Thesaurus for Kids

Here’s our week at a glance:

Monday, October 5th
Happy Birthday Barbara Brzozowska 🙂
Bring Your Parent to School Day (9-10am and 1-2pm)
Dentist Visits (Conference Room)

Tuesday, October 6th
Happy Birthday Anna Gabriel 🙂 (green bus)
Dentist Visits (Conference Room)
2nd Grade Field Trip to Goebbert’s

Wednesday, October 7th
Happy Birthday Nicole Novak 🙂
Dentist Visits (Conference Room)
Multiage Field Trip to Goebbert’s

Thursday, October 8th
1st Grade Field Trip to Goebbert’s
3rd Grade Field Trip to Goebbert’s
Think College Thursday #tct  *wear a college shirt or colors*

Friday, October 9th
Happy Birthday Mandy Vanderwaal 🙂 
NO SCHOOL for Students: Teacher Institute Day
PRE K SCREENING DAY

(10/12) NO SCHOOL: Columbus Day

Blog Posts Worth Reading:
Photo Stream in the Classroom

15 Awesome Halloween Books for Kids

Translations Are Coming Soon to Remind

Connected Educator Month, 2015

5 Google Add-Ons I Frequently Use

Create QR Codes that Talk

“Schools are not buildings, curriculums, and machines. Schools are relationships and interactions among people.”

“What makes a good school has very little to do with how rich or poor the students are, or the type of curriculum that’s taught. It has very little to do with the special programs, expansive playing fields, snappy uniforms, or whether the school is wired to the Internet. What makes a good school, whether it’s public or private, religious or nonreligious, charter or non-charter, is a feeling. A feeling shared by the entire staff that their particular school is special. The feeling that their school really belongs to them.” (Manna, 1999).

At Kennedy School, each member of our team has a distinctive character that cares deeply about each and every one of our Kennedy Kubbies. Your unique attributes and talents contribute to the feeling people get when they enter this building. As a result, our children will remember you long after they leave Kennedy.

Here’s our week at a glance:

Monday, September 28th

Tuesday, September 29th
1st Grade Field Trip to Safety Town
APPY Hour in Room 110 @ 2:30pm ~ Come learn about Adobe Voice & enjoy some appetizers! Attend the Appy Hour & enter your name for the raffle prizes!

Wednesday, September 30th

Thursday, October 1st
SLT Meeting @ 3:00pm
Happy Birthday Sarah Sicher 🙂

Friday, October 2nd
Reading Room Plan Day
Spirit Assembly @ 8:45am
Fall Spiritwear Orders Due

(10/03) Project Heart Well 5K
Sign up at the link below! There is still time to register. Check-in is at 8:00am & the run/walk begins at 9:00am. The event starts & finishes at Kennedy School. We look forward to seeing you there, as it is a great opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to community involvement. Please sign up to participate or volunteer. Please join us as we show our children that working together, we can all make a difference!   www.projectheartwell.com

Blog Posts Worth Reading:
Google Keep: It’s a Keeper
Building A Growth Mindset