DREAMS AND WISHES

Every year I hear people talking about what they want for Christmas. This year I didn't really want anything; this summer my lifelong Christmas wish of owning a horse came true and I am so happy and grateful for everything I have I truly didn't want anything for Christmas. My life always felt very complete except for one thing and yesterday that dream came true; after a year's worth of hard work, Gary and I received our fostering/adoption license from the state of Illinois - I have never been so happy. We could receive a phone call at any time that a little one is moving in - what a change in life style - we don't get nine months to prepare! So don't be surprised if you see me around town with a little one in tow!!!! I hope all of your Christmas wishes and dreams come true this year and that you all have a wonderful and relaxing holiday break!

RUN TO THE HOLIDAYS

I'd like to thank all of the parents and staff for a wonderful week full of conferences. Working together will strengthen your students'/child's educational experience. I hope you all enjoyed the three day weekend and are ready for the run to the holidays.

There will be many friend, family and social events to go to as well as lots of last minute shopping and running around. Just remember to breathe and take time to relax. Look at the faces of the children sitting on Santa's lap (not how long the line is). Imagine a loved one's face when they open the perfect gift (instead of stressing about a parking space). Remember the love this season represents and share that with your family, friends and loved ones!

THANKSGIVING IS UPON US

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Thanksgiving Day is one of those joyous events we celebrate with lots of love and gratitude. Be thankful for the time spent with family (even if it's a little stressful). Don't sweat the small stuff, take time to appreciate the people in your life and the things you have. Remember the good times when you're going through the rough times; friends and family will help you through.

I am thankful for so many things this year:

My husband for putting up with all of my work and hobby hours and for fulfilling my dream of a horse - THANK YOU!!! My friends and family for all of their love and support. My staff and co-workers for giving me a place I love to come to everyday. We have our moments, but overall you are my second family. The students at Elizabeth Ide for making me smile each and everyday. And finally, my pets for their unconditional love.

The link below will take you to a fun fact page at TheHolidaySpot. This site is happy to bring you facts associated with Thanksgiving celebrations such as Thanksgiving turkey trivia, pilgrims, and Thanksgiving as a national holiday. These facts and trivia will not only enhance your knowledge about Thanksgiving Day, but will also let you share them with everyone you enjoy the day with. I hope you and your families all of a wonderful Thanksgiving!



http://www.theholidayspot.com/thanksgiving/trivia.htm

A HOWLING HALLOWEEN

HALLOWEEN FUN

I would like to thank all of our parent volunteers for helping the students have such a wonderful Halloween. The huge smiles could be seen all day, from our parades to the classroom parties, as a good time was had by all. Below are some pictures that prove what a fun day we all had!!

OCTOBER POSITIVE PAW WINNERS


On Thursday, we also drew our Positive PAWS winners for October.
Congratulations!!!!!!!
Romaan, Jordan, Aisha, Tommy, Nuvia and Erkan

ANOTHER LEARNING EXPERIENCE

IPA CONFERENCE

When you are young, you think that once you are done with school you will know everything! However, as an adult you realize that life is a continuous learning journey. At the beginning of this week, I attended the Illinois Principal Association conference in Peoria. Each session I attended gave me new ideas and perspectives to implement at Elizabeth Ide. I enjoyed sharing the weekend with my colleagues and bouncing ideas off of peers. The school ran smoothly in my absence and I thank my staff for being so wonderful!!!

GYM NIGHT

Last Friday, October 16th, Ide had Gym Night to raise funds for our Character Counts/Positive PAWS program. Thanks to the efforts of Mrs. Tran and many staff members and parents we raised $700.00. Thank you to all of you who participated in this wonderful evening!

HALLOWEEN PARTY

Tomorrow, Friday, October 23rd we will have the Halloween Fun Night from 6:30 - 8:30. There are many families attending this event so please take advantage of our shuttle bus service from Prairieview. I will see many of you tomorrow for a "ghoulish" time!

IDE EXCITEMENT

Teacher in the News

Miss Terri Smeltzer, the art teacher at PV and Ide, has a very busy weekend ahead of her. She is one of thousands of people running in the Chicago Marathon. Two years ago she tried surfing for the first time in Hawaii and now this! If anyone is going to the race be on the lookout for #13123 wearing a hot pink skull or stocking cap with a crocheted pink or black flower on it! This is Terri's first marathon and she has been training extremely hard; we are all very proud of her!!!!

Preview of Next Week Monday, October 12th -NO SCHOOL - Columbus Day

Friday,October 16th - PreSchool Screening - entire school day; by appt. only

Friday, October 16th - GYM NIGHT - reserved guests only

Sunday, October 18th - Family Photo Fundraiser

ANOTHER BUSY WEEK

This week our students completed their magazine drive, had their pictures taken and will participate in the "Kids on the Block" assembly tomorrow. This assembly focuses on accepting differences and the affects of bullying.

Remember if you ordered from Market Day the pick-up is Saturday at LV from 9:30 - 10:30.

Today I reached into the "PAWS" bucket and drew our September "PAWS"-itive behavior winners;

Capri, Derek, Jacob, Abby, Chase, Dakota

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!!

PAWS-itive BEHAVIOR

Positive PAWS

This year Elizabeth Ide is continuing its Positive PAWS (Positive Amazing Wonderful Students) program. Our students can earn pawprints for demonstrating the Pillars of Character (Trustworthiness, Responsibility, Respect, Fairness, Caring, Citizenship) anytime during the school day. The paws are brought down to the office and six lucky students are drawn each month to win a certificate and other "pawsitive" items. One student each month wins a Character Counts t-shirt. All of the paws are hung on the Positive PAWS bulletin board at the end of the month.

In my September monthly visits to the classrooms, I read books that taught lessons about good character. We discussed whether or not we would give the characters paws and why. Students did a wonderful job explaining how to be kids of character.

We've also begun a "Paws-itive Behavior" pledge that all of the students will say after The Pledge of Allegiance.

I PLEDGE TO HAVE

PAWS-itive Behavior

I Promise to:

Be responsible, respectful, caring, trustworthy, fair and a good citizen.

I will do my best at school and be a helpful classmate too!

Please reinforce these pawsitive messages at home so that together we can help our children reach their fullest potential in everything they do!

RESPONSIBLE READERS

Reading is High Priority for Elizabeth Ide students

Thirty students from Elizabeth Ide participated in the "Be Creative: Read at Your Library" summer reading program at the Indian Prairie Public Library. Some of these students read for over 70 hours! Good job everyone.

Last night we held our book fair / ice cream social. The students enjoyed eating their ice cream, but I think they enjoyed picking out their own books even more! Many of them couldn't wait to show my the books they purchased and were eager to go home to read. I'd like to thank everyone who attended and supported our PTO and a GREAT BIG thank you to all of you who volunteered to work this event! We couldn't have done it without you.

RtI BEGINS

On Monday, September 14th RtI will begin for our first and second graders. Letters went home today stating who your child's reading teacher will be. Our entire teaching staff works together to make this education initiative as productive as possible for our students. Therefore, your student may have a classroom teacher or one of our specialists as their reading teacher. Who the teacher is does not reflect on your child's abilities, but enables us to have teachers work with smaller groups of students to enhance the educational experience at Elizabeth Ide. Kindergarten RtI will begin on Wednesday, September 23rd and the teacher letters will be sent home next week. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and if you have any questions please feel free to email me at jhansen@ccsd66.org or call me on Monday at 630-783-5200.

WHAT'S COMING UP

Saturday, September 12th - Market Day Pickup - LV 10:00 - 11:00

Thursday, September 17th - Ide Book Fair/Ice Cream Social - 6:30 - 8:00

Friday, September 18th - Magazine Post Card turn in

Tuesday, September 22nd - Magazine Turn - In

Early Dismissal @ Noon

Friday, September 25th - Magazine Turn - In

Tuesday, September 29th - Magazine Turn - In

WELCOME BACK

Wow! I can't believe we are in the middle of our first day of school - summer just flew by. I really enjoyed Open House yesterday and seeing all of the new and familiar faces smiling as they entered the building. I hope you all enjoyed visiting Ide and I look forward to working with your families this year.

Some upcoming September events are listed below - mark your calendars!

Wednesday, September 9th - 1st (6:30) / 2nd (7:00) Grade Curriculum Night

Friday, September 11 - Magazine Drive Begins

(Turn in Dates - 09/22, 09/24 and 09/29)

Thursday, September 17th - Ide Fall Book Fair / Ice Cream Social - 6:30 - 8:00

WE'VE REACHED THE END

Another year has gone by! During this year, we implemented a new learning initiative (RtI) and watched our students grow both academically and physically. As we look to next year, Ide will be going through even more changes. Mrs. Cornfield will be joining the second grade team and sharing her knowledge and expertise with them. Mrs. Beseth will be moving to PV and joining fourth grade. We will miss her at Elizabeth Ide, but we know that the fourth grade students are very lucky to be getting her.

Thank you again for all of your support throughout this year. My second year is behind me (whew) and I am looking forward to year three. They say "the third is the charm" so next year should be wonderful! I hope you all have an enjoyable and relaxing summer!

WHAT'S GOING ON......

Picnic

Last Friday's picnic was a huge success due to all of the volunteers who shared their time with our students. All of the children enjoyed the day thanks to you!

Principals for the Day

Maddelena and Marina were principals for a day on Monday, June 1st. Maddelena happily greeted students as they entered the building, talked to the bus drivers as they enjoyed their special breakfast, delivered important papers to teachers, announced the May Positive PAWS winners and caught up on current events.

Marina joined us at lunchtime and helped shred papers, copied important documents and hosted a project in Mrs. Amish's room. They were very hard workers and have promising futures ahead!

PREVIEW OF WHAT'S TO COME.....

As we wind down towards the end of the year, there are still many more things to come.

MONDAY, MAY 25TH - MEMORIAL DAY - NO SCHOOL

If you attend the Woodridge parade at 9:30, you may see some familiar faces

TUESDAY, MAY 26TH - SCHOOL BOARD MEETING 7:00 @ PV

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27TH - INDIAN PRAIRIE LIBRARY VISITS IDE

FRIDAY, MAY 29TH - OUR PICNIC DAY

MONDAY, JUNE 1ST - BUS DRIVE BRUNCH

TUESDAY, JUNE 2ND - JIM GILL VISITS KINDERGARTEN

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3RD - LAKEVIEW 8TH GRADE GRADUATION

THURSDAY, JUNE 4TH - KINDERGARTEN GRADUATION - 10:00 AND 2:00

FRIDAY, JUNE 5TH - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

FIRST AND GOAL

First and Goal School Program:

How To Score A Touchdown For A Healthy Life!

The Chicago Bears presented the most informative, hands-on, educational school health show in the NFL and Chicagoland to Elizabeth Ide students today! First and Goal was created by Staley Da Bear, the teams official mascot, to educate today’s youth about the benefits of living a healthy life. Staley and his MC will jumpstart your child’s desire to begin living a smarter and healthier life by combining education, comedy and a high energy show!

The Message: How to score a touchdown for a healthy life!

A one hour fun-filled school program teaching elementary students the 4 downs to scoring a healthy touchdown in the game of life. The 4 downs are as follows:

1st Down: Eat Healthy
2nd Down: Drink Plenty of Water
3rd Down: Get Plenty of Rest
4th Down: Keep Physically Active

Mrs. Vaisnoras caught with orange pop in our healthy assembly!!!!!

Wait a minute Staley brought it and has to apologize.

DON''T GIVE UP YOUR DREAMS

When we're growing up, I think we all visualize what our life will become. We'll be famous movie stars, singers, firemen, doctors, rich, etc. Sometimes that vision doesn't coincide with what happens and we give up on our dreams. When I was younger I wanted to be on the Olympic Equestrian team, I took lessons until I was about 13 and the financial reality of horseback riding took over and I had to stop. 2 years ago I started riding again and this past weekend was in a horseshow for the second time in 28 years. I was nervous but just tried my best and received 2 first place ribbons and 1 second place ribbon. I was overwhelmed and could not believe it. This accomplishment made me realize that it is never to late to rekindle some of your dreams. If I can do it anyone can! I may never be in the Olympics but I can still enjoy competitive riding.

As your children grow up, encourage their dreams as much as you can. If you have something you want to try for the first time or take up again - Go For It!!! Show them that anything is possible!

MANY RAINY DAYS

At this time of the year we experience many rainy days and varied temperatures. Unfortunately, many times this means indoor recess. The news is inundating us with information about "Swine Flu". While this is a new strain of flu, it is still the flu. You and your child can take the following precautions to try and prevent illness.

1) Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and throw it away after use.

2) Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol based hand cleaners are also effective.

3) Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

4) Try to avoid contact with sick people.

5) If you do get sick, the CDC recommends that you stay home from work, school and public gatherings to prevent infecting others and to help yourself get better.

Teachers have reiterated good hygiene habits with their students. The best thing we all can do is to remain calm, but alert to what we can do to prevent illness. Thank you and have a good week!

OUR BUSY WEEK WAS A SUCCESS

Last week was a success, thanks to the parents, staff and students of Elizabeth Ide.

OPEN HOUSE/BOOK FAIR

Last Thursday, many of you came and visited our school for the Spring Open House and Book Fair. The staff worked hard decorating their rooms and creating many projects, while students completed work to show off to their parents. A good time was had by all. The Book Fair would not have been possible without many volunteers - a BIG THANK YOU - goes to all of you.

DISTRICT FUNDRAISER

Wow! I didn't know our moms knew how to dance so well! The Friday night Fundraiser at Cornerstone's was a complete success. From the fantastic music provided by the Paul Windsor Orchestra to the terrific prizes the night was filled with fun! Thank you to all of the volunteers who made this evening possible.

MOTHER/DAUGHTER MUSICAL TEA

Sunday was the Ide musical tea. This event provided moms, daughters, aunts, and grandmas with food, tea, and fun. The girls walked the runway like top models and danced the day away. All of those who attended really enjoyed themselves. The volunteers for this event went above and beyond the call of duty and the day was beautiful - THANK YOU!! Also, thank you for the rose plant and the kind words you said to me. I truly enjoy sharing my days with your children and you!

THE SCIENCE DETECTIVE COMES TO IDE

Today, thanks to our wonderful PTO, our students were treated to a fun and educational assembly. "The Science Detective" came to our school today and helped our students solve scientific mysteries and questions. Students learned about the states of water, the properties of air and gravity during these interactive sessions.

Ronny, Justin and Jessica all helped to solve the mystery of water and gravity!

Preview of Next Week!

Monday and Tuesday, April 20th and 21st - OLSAT Testing 2nd Grade

Wednesday, April 22nd - EARTH DAY - WEAR GREEN

Thursday, April 23rd - OPEN HOUSE - 6:30 - 8:00

Friday, April 24th - EARLY DISMISSAL - Noon

PM KINDERGARTNERS ATTEND

ALL PICK-UPS ARE AT NOON

THE IDE FAMILY KEEPS ON GROWING

Congratulations to Mrs. Hull and family on their latest addition. Reagan Rebecca Hull was born on Saturday, April 11th at 8:32am and is a healthy 8 pounds 15 ounces!!! What a beauty!!!

A baby girl - her smile beams like sunshine, which fills our hearts with love.-- Birgit B.

TODAY FEELS LIKE SPRING

Spring is definitely in the air today. I hope those of you who celebrate Easter have a wonderful holiday. Our first graders have begun their "infamous" chick unit, which brings to mind eggs - and at this time of year Easter eggs. Do you know where this tradition came from?



The Easter Egg predates the Christian holiday of Easter. The exchange of eggs in the springtime is a custom that was centuries old when Easter was first celebrated by Christians.
From the earliest times, the egg was a symbol of rebirth in most cultures. Eggs were often wrapped in gold leaf or, if you were a peasant, colored brightly by boiling them with the leaves or petals of certain flowers. Today, children hunt colored eggs and place them in Easter baskets along with the modern version of real Easter eggs -- those made of plastic or chocolate candy.


So over this long weekend celebrate the season of rebirth (the blooming of flowers, the budding of trees) and take some time to relax with your family!!!

SPRING BREAK IS HERE

Although the weather hasn't proved it, Spring Break has arrived!!! I hope you are all taking some time to have fun and relax.

Last week our first grade "Moosical" was amazing!!! Miss Wyse created a wonderful production for all of us to enjoy. The students had a great time practicing and performing. Thank you Miss Wyse for an entertaining evening!

When we return next week, please keep these important dates in mind.

Mon., April 6th - School Resumes / WHITE SOX HOME OPENER

(The real start of the spring season)

Tues., April 7th - NO SCHOOL - Teacher's Institute

Fri., April 10th - NO SCHOOL

BUS SAFETY

This morning there was an incident on one of our buses that caused an injury to a student which required a trip to the hospital and some stitches. The injury was caused by a number of students not following the district bus safety rules and not listening to the bus driver. Please reiterate bus safety to your children by reviewing the rules listed below.

Students must sit in their assigned seat at all times.

Students will remain seated at all times.

Students may not change seats once they board the bus.

Students will obey the bus driver at all times.

Students will keep all limbs and head inside the bus.

Students may talk to those around them but may not shout, scream or sing on the bus.

Students will be courteous and respectful to other students on the bus.

Students may not engage in conduct that interferes with the safe operation of the bus.

No food or drink on the bus.

A GREAT MESSAGE

The Elizabeth Ide PTO treated us to a wonderful assembly today - "Ease the Tease". This assembly, put on by Imagination Theater of Chicago, taught the students some wonderful ways to handle being teased, as well as showing how teasing hurts others. They role played incidents that frequently occur on the bus, at recess, in the lunchroom and even took ideas from our students. They gave our students 8 ways to handle someone teasing them and I have outlined them below.

See the future Ide actors at work (Berkay, Emily, Adrian, Samantha and Jordan).

1) IGNORE- Ignore the tease and walk away

2) TAKE IT AS A COMPLIMENT - Say "Thanks!" and walk away.

3) ANSWER WITH A COMPLIMENT - Wow! You're good at that!

4) AGREE WITH THE FACTS - Yes I am bad at basketball.

5) USE AN "I" MESSAGE - I feel sad when you tease me.

6) SAY "SO" - Say so without emotion or anger.

7) USE SELF-TALK - Think "I know I'm being teased"; "I'm not going to let the teaser know I'm upset"; "I'm smart and I can handle this."

8) REPORT IT TO AN ADULT

BUSY WEEK AT ELIZABETH IDE

Although last week was busy, there were many fun things that took place.

FRIENDLY VISITORS

Mrs. Tran and Isabella and Mrs. Olsen and Evalina came by to say hi to everybody. Everyone was all smiles and had a great time.

SNOWFLAKE BALL

Saturday night the gym was transformed into a magical, snowy place for the annual Snowflake Ball. The girls looked very beautiful in their dresses and the boys were handsome in their outfits. A big thank you to all of the volunteers especially Mrs. Tumbali who chaired the event and made the night possible. Also, thank you to Mrs. Amish, Mrs. Hull and Miss Smeltzer for coming out and sharing the evening with us.

Ide Events

I always think things are going to slow down after the holidays, but as I look at the events happening this week I realize it never slows down!

Here's a reminder of what is going on:

Tuesday, February 24th - Board Meeting at PV 7:00

Thursday, February 26th - Spring Picture Day

Thursday, February 26th - RtI Parent Link at PV 7:00

Saturday, February 28th - Snowflake Ball at Ide 6:00 - 8:00

I hope to see many of you at this special event!

FEBRUARY IS A BUSY MONTH

Wow I didn't realize how much is packed into the shortest month of the year!

Monday, February 2nd - Groundhog Day - Oh no 6 more weeks of winter

Saturday, February 7th - Market Day Pick-Up at PV - 9:30 - 10:30

Monday, February 9th - 13th - IOWA Week (PTO provides snack on the 12th)

Friday, February 13th - Valentine's Day Parties 2:00 - 3:00

Party volunteers may arrive at 1:50 and are the only ones allowed down to the room

Monday, February 16th - NO SCHOOL - President's Day

Thursday, February 19th - PTO Meeting @ 3:45

Thursday, February 26th - Spring Picture Day

Saturday, February 28th - Snowflake Ball - 6:00 - 8:00

There's not enough room to put in pictures for all of those events!!!!

Well we definitely won't be bored.

I will be out of the office until Friday the 13th in order to babysit my nephews in Michigan while my brother and sister-in-law fly off to England and France (who got the better end of the deal)? Please call the office if you need anything and if need be they can get hold of me. I hope you all have a wonderful week and find some time to relax!!!!

ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL ADDITION

Ten tiny little fingers that always want to play,That never stop exploring the wonder of today.Ten tiny little fingers that from the very start,Will reach out for tomorrow yet always hold your heart.-- Author Unknown

Our Elizabeth Ide family welcomed another beautiful baby girl on Wednesday!

Mrs. Tran and her husband Tuan are the proud parents of Isabella Mai Tran;

A 6lb 10oz 19 inch bundle of joy! Congratulations!

PREVIEW OF NEXT WEEK

Tuesday, January 27th - Board Meeting @ Ide 7:00

Friday, January 30th - Ide Movie Night @ PV 6:45

Wallace and Grommit: The Curse of the Were Rabbit

Reading Classroom Changes

RtI Update

Last week we completed our winter reading benchmarking and this week the data was reviewed and analyzed. Beginning Tuesday, January 20th many students will be changing reading classrooms. If your child is changing rooms, a letter is being sent home with them today. Students needing more interventions will receive two letters. The changes are based on the progress and/or needs of the students. As the work becomes more difficult, there are students who need extra interventions and small group instruction to help them comprehend the new strategies being taught. Other students have made enough progress to stop receiving interventions. However, all students are receiving the same curriculum and have the same reading expectations. In each grade level, the weekly newsletters explain what will be worked on in reading and language arts and that is what you should focus on at home. Please feel free to call me with any questions or concerns.

Preview of Next Week

Monday, January 19th - NO SCHOOL - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Friday, January 23rd - Reading with Ronald Assembly

WELCOME BACK

January is Here!

I hope you all had a wonderful and relaxing break. Our break started early due to the snow day on Friday, December 19th. Fortunately, the students got to enjoy a day playing in the snow; unfortunately we did miss our holiday parties. We will not be rescheduling the parties. The midyear benchmarking and other curriculum issues this week prevent us from doing so. I'm sure the students all had a wonderful holiday season filled with fun and treats and they can all look forward to our Valentine Day parties in February! Thank you for your understanding.

Also, thank you for all of the wonderful gifts and treats. I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness and generosity.

UPCOMING EVENTS

01/10 - Market Day Pickup @ LV 9:30 - 10:30

01/13 - School Board Meeting @ PV 7:00

01/16 - Vision/Hearing Screening

01/19 - NO SCHOOL - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

01/27 - School Board Meeting @ PV 7:00

01/30 - Ide Movie Night @ PV 6:45