Tomorrow marks the start of Teacher Appreciation Week! The entire week is about celebrating ALL OF YOU who influence the lives of our students. I certainly appreciate all the little things you do, but what I appreciate the most is the safe, nurturing learning environments you create for our children. I’m reminded daily of how hard you work to make a difference in your students’ lives and the lives of each other.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to the children at Kennedy School. I continue to be both inspired and empowered by your dedication and passion! The children are blessed to have the experiences you provide. I hope you enjoy your special week and as we enter into the “home stretch”, please keep your eye on the children and know you have made an incredible impact on their lives.

I hope you know how much I enjoy working with you and how proud I am to be your colleague. Thank you for all that you do here at Kennedy School. You are changing lives!

Here’s our week at a glance:

Monday, May 1st
Teacher Appreciation Week!
Enjoy a Luncheon (courtesy of Dr. Boryszewski & the Board of Education)
PreK/PATS Field Trip to Brookfield Zoo

Tuesday, May 2nd
Breakfast (Courtesy of SPEA)
Volunteer Breakfast 8:45am-9:45am
Kindergarten Young Author Day @ 1:30pm
*Chipotle BOGO Free Teacher Appreciation Deal


Wednesday, May 3rd
Enjoy a Luncheon (Courtesy of ABC Parent Group)
*Please RSVP for the Retirement Party by today! Envelope/Money is in Melissa’s office
Happy Birthday Michelle Sosa 🙂

Thursday, May 4th
Room 108 Young Authors Day @ 9:00am
3rd Grade CUBS GAME trip @ 11:00am
Happy Birthday Abby Domingo 🙂

Friday, May 5th
Rooms 100, 110, 101, 102 Young Authors Day @ 9:00am
Rooms 103 and 109 Young Authors Day @ 10:00am
Happy Birthday Jenny Maier 🙂

“Just know that, even if nobody said “Thank You,” today, there’s a kid somewhere who loves you, who appreciates you, and who is wondering about something because of something you said in your classroom. Right now there might be a parent who thinks you are the best thing under the sun because you might be the very first person who has understood her child. There’s an administrator who is grateful to have you on staff at your school. At this very moment, there is a student close to graduating high school who found a photo from your classroom that she has saved all these years because you were her favorite. Tonight, a colleague of yours will go home with a smile because something you took the time to say today. One of your students that pretends not to care about his work will be working extra hard tonight, because he wants to show you he can do it.

You’re appreciated. You matter to more kids than I can count on my fingers and toes, and your message to the world will travel well into the future in the hearts of kids who will grow up with dreams and passions that all started right where you are. In your classroom.

Just in case you forget.”

*Congratulations to our Team from Kennedy who participated in the Autism Speaks walk today at New Trier HS! Your colleagues raised over $1700! 🙂 Way to go!

Here’s our week at a glance:

Monday, April 24th
Technology Committee Meeting @ 2:30pm (Project Space)

Tuesday, April 25th
Kindergarten Field Trip to Morton Arboretum
Faculty Meeting @ 2:50pm (Presentation Space)

Wednesday, April 26th
1st Grade Visits 6th Grade Buddies @ LMS
PreK/PATS Spring Feast (2-3pm) in Cafeteria
Administrative Assistant’s Day

Thursday, April 27th
9am – Kennedy Singers Rehearse @ LMS
Room 116 Family Music Showcase @ 1:30pm
Spring Choral Concert @ 6:30pm (LMS)
Happy Birthday Becky Lilovich 🙂

Friday, April 28th
Spring/Summer Birthday Breakfast (in lounge before school)
Spirit Assembly
*Go blue for Autism!

As the ABC Countdown begins this Thursday which counts down the final 26 days of the 2016-2017 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.

Here’s our week at a glance:

Monday, April 17th
Welcome Back! I hope you all enjoyed this beautiful weekend!

Tuesday, April 18th
3rd Grade Field Trip to Field Museum

Wednesday, April 19th
1/2 Day – SIP Agenda Coming Soon
Happy Birthday Chris Gonzalez 🙂
Board of Education Meeting @ 7:00pm
(Congrats to Heather Longo, Alanna Mixter & Britney Jeskey – we will be recommending these stellar educators for tenure)

Thursday, April 20th
ABC Countdown Begins!  – Animal Day
SLT Meeting @ 3:00pm
BPAC Meeting @ 4:00pm (Kennedy School

Friday, April 21st
5 Positive Connections by Friday! 🙂
Bubble Day

I challenge each of you to look at the number of days remaining this school year as the number of days you have to MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

 Instead of saying you have ____ days left of school until summer break, think of it as:

____ days together to make lasting memories
____days left to share this adventure
____days left for us to grow together

Each and every day our students need us. Remember that you may be the only constant presence in some of your students’ lives. Make a choice each day for your presence to be a positive, constant factor. It’s a great opportunity that we have to come to school and have an impact on students’ lives from day to day.

Here’s our week at a glance:

Monday, April 10th
Note Date Change*Faculty Meeting @ 2:50pm (Presentation Space)

Tuesday, April 11th
STORYBUS visits PreK Students
PATS Field Trip to Trailside Museum
Student Handbook Review Meeting @ 3:45pm (LMS Conference Room)
ART SHOW @ 6:00pm (Art Room & Media Center)

Wednesday, April 12th
2nd/3rd Grade TAPS Meeting

Thursday, April 13th
2nd Grade Pen Pals from New Trier HS Visit Kennedy
Baby/Bridal Shower @ 2:30pm (Cafeteria)
Spring Band Concert @ 6:30pm (LMS)

Friday, April 14th
5 Positive Connections by Friday!
GO BLUE FOR AUTISM!

It is my hope that you all had a restful, relaxing Spring Break. As we enter the final 7.5 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 7.5 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 7.5 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.

Here’s our week at a glance:

Monday, April 3rd
School Resumes

Tuesday, April 4th
Teacher Institute Day (see Kennedy Conference for Agenda)

Wednesday, April 5th
Common Plan Time

Thursday, April 6th
SLT Meeting @ 3:00pm

Thursday, April 7th
Happy Birthday Beata Dering 🙂

(04/08) Happy Birthday Sharon Muntova & Mirta Cruz 🙂

Spring Break always arrives at the perfect time of the year! As we head into the final five days of school prior to break, I’m hopeful that students & staff will take full advantage of their time away from Kennedy. For some, it will give them time to recover from feeling under the weather, and for others it is time to spend with family & friends. Regardless of how you plan on spending the break, I hope you soak up every single second and come back re-energized for the home stretch!

Have a wonderful and relaxing Spring Break! Safe travels for those of you who are flying or taking a road trip. We look forward to seeing everyone as we welcome the students back on Monday, April 3rd.

Here’s our week at a glance:

Monday, March 20th
PARCC Testing Resumes for our 3rd Graders….
2nd Grade Rehearsal @ LMS (9:00am)

Tuesday, March 21st
2nd Grade Music Performance @ LMS (9:00am)
Mentor Meeting @ 3:45pm (Kennedy Project Space)

Wednesday, March 22nd
PreK Field Trip to Field Museum
TECHNOLOGY Common Plan

Thursday, March 23rd
Spirit Assembly @ 9:00am
Kindergarten Information Night @ 6:00pm (Starts in Cafeteria)

Friday, March 24th
Spring Pictures in Gym

03/25 – 04/02 SPRING BREAK
(03/25) Happy Birthday Diane Serio 🙂

04/03 SCHOOL RESUMES

Here’s our week at a glance:

Monday, March 13th
Book Fair Browse Day (Room 112)
PARCC Testing Begins for 3rd Grade
Yearbook Committee Meeting @ 2:30pm
Talent Show Committee Meeting @ 2:45pm (Room 106)

Tuesday, March 14th
Book Fair Browse Day (Room 112)
Faculty Meeting @ 2:50pm (Presentation Space)

Wednesday, March 15th
Book Fair Buy Day (Room 112)
7th Grade Buddies Visit 2nd Grade (9:00am-9:40am)
SCOTY Awards @ West Leyden (4:00pm)
Board of Education Meeting @ 7:00pm

Thursday, March 16th
Book Fair Buy Day (Room 112)
Talent Show Dress Rehearsal (@ Lincoln Middle School) *Will be streamed live via Google Hangouts On Air — LINK will be emailed to the Kennedy Conference for any classrooms that want to “tune in” on their SMART Panels at any point during the rehearsal. 
Talent Show @ 6:30pm (Lincoln School)

Friday, March 17th 
March Buddy Activity
5 Positive Connections by Friday
Second Grade Music Performance Practice

(03/19) Pancake Breakfast @ LMS (9am-12pm)

Thank you to everyone who helped contribute to the success of Dr. Seuss Night 2017! It was a wonderful evening filled with smiles and and incredible love of reading! Enjoy the photos on the sidebar of the blog, or click this link (All photos can be downloaded).

Here’s our week at a glance:

Monday, March 6th
Pennies for Patients continues this week
Yearbook Committee Meeting @ 2:30pm

Tuesday, March 7th
Kindergarten & 1st Grade to LMS for Washington Musical (8:45am)
2nd Grade Field Trip to Adler Planetarium (8:30am)

Wednesday, March 8th
2nd & 3rd Grades to LMS for Washington Musical (8:45am)

Thursday, March 9th
Code Red Drill (morning: time unannounced)
Author Visit: Alice McGinty Visits
*Andrew’s Last Day (Student teacher in PE)
Talent Show Practice After School (2:30pm-4:00pm)
PATS Field Trip to Navy Pier (3:45pm-7:45pm)

Friday, March 10th
Kindergarten Field Trip to Field Museum

(03/11) Happy Birthday Erin Moza 🙂

Blog Posts Worth Reading:
Blank Pages #KidsDeserveIt via Todd Nesloney

Pick Your Battles

How to Insert Google Keep Notes into Google Docs via Richard Byrne

The Fear of Sharing via George Couros

Here’s our week at a glance:

Monday, February 27th
Oh, the Places You’ll Go Day (A different teacher will come read to your class)
Online Registration Opens – letter going home with students today!
Dr. Seuss Committee Meeting @ 2:50pm (Teacher’s Lounge)

Tuesday, February 28th
Green Eggs & Ham Day – Wear Green to School
1/2 Day of School: Spring Parent/Teacher Conferences <—click for schedule
Happy Birthday Alicia Peccatiello 🙂

Wednesday, March 1st
Wacky Wednesday (Show off your Wacky Hair)
Happy Birthday Tami Ericksen 🙂
Pennies for Patients Begins….<—flyer will go home with students’ collection boxes
Dr. Seuss Night! 6:00-7:30pm  *Hope to see you all there*
Cake Cutters should report at 5:30pm, all other volunteers report at 5:45pm

Thursday, March 2nd
Cat in the Hat Day (Wear your favorite hat to school)
Happy Birthday Bonnie Bricker 🙂
PATS State Monitoring Visit
Talent Show Practice (After school from 2:30pm-4:00pm)
Project Unify Game @ 3:45pm (LMS)

Friday, March 3rd
Fox in Socks Day (Wear silly socks to school)
Happy Birthday Natalie Barcas 🙂
PreK Screenings
Summative Evaluation Meetings for Non-Tenured Teachers (Scheduled by administrators)
(03/04) Happy Birthday Stephanie Orsa 🙂

(03/05) Happy Birthday Debi Cesario 🙂

Looking for Dr. Seuss Activities for Read Across America Week? Click the hat below for some Pinterest Ideas:

Keep in mind we will have many visitors in our building on Wednesday for the big event! Please give your classroom spaces some extra TLC. Please also have your students organize/clean their Kubbies in the hallway. This is our opportunity to shine! Let’s continue to make Dr. Seuss Night a memorable event for our students, families and the community of Schiller Park!

Blog Posts Worth Reading:
10 Messages Every Teacher Should Send to Parents

“Families want teachers to teach their child, but they want even more for teachers to love their child. The whole child.”

Find Your Marigold: The One Essential Rule for New Teachers

Teach Like a Barista…Personalization Matters

Are We Innovating, or Just Digitizing Traditional Teaching? 

Wonder what HR 610 is all about? Watch the video below:

I hope you all enjoyed the beautiful weather over this long 3-day weekend! Congratulations to Shannon David who tied the knot this past weekend!

Here’s our week at a glance:

Monday, February 20th
NO SCHOOL: President’s Day

Tuesday, February 21st

Wednesday, February 22nd
6th Grade Buddies visit 1st Grade (9am-10am)
Technology Common Plan

Thursday, February 23rd
Digital Learning Day <–check out this presentation that Washington teachers Sara Kash & Rachel Cole made explaining DLD
Yearbook Committee Meeting @ 2:30pm
Talent Show Committee Meeting @ 2:45pm (Room 106)

Friday, February 24th
Spirit Assembly @ 9:00am
Happy Birthday Shannon David 🙂