HAPPY SUMMER

Today we celebrate our last full day of school.  We celebrate with a good-bye to our wonderful 2nd graders, a can't wait to see you next year to our terrific first graders and a graduation ceremony for our adorable kindergartners.  This has been another successful year at Elizabeth Ide.  We hope you all have a wonderful summer full of relaxation and enjoyment.  Please feel free to call or email me during the summer if you have any questions or concerns.  I look forward to seeing you all again in the Fall.

ONE YEAR

This Memorial Day weekend I had a lot to think about.  Besides being grateful to all of our Veterans and current military who keep us safe and free everyday at the risk of their own lives, it was the one year anniversary of losing Gary.  I can't believe a year has gone by; I can't believe all that has happened this year.
Marc's brain surgery, my 5th year as principal, the selling of my horse Dreamy, the finalization of Marc's adoption - an emotional roller coaster ride for sure.  I have learned that with the love and support of friends and family anything is possible.  I have learned to enjoy every moment and to tell those you love how you feel everyday.

This year 6 Ide staff members are retiring; Mrs. Amish, Mrs. Bouton, Mrs. Cornfield, Mrs. Kreps, Mrs. Mazurowski and Mrs. Sis.  Each of these women brought something special to Elizabeth Ide and they will be truly missed. I thank them for their devotion and dedication to our students and to the teaching profession.  I thank them for their friendship and support and I wish them nothing but happiness and enjoyment in the "stress - free" years ahead.

Also, retiring this year is Dr. Jay Tiede, our superintendent.  I don't even know where to begin with this one.  Dr. Tiede was principal at Elizabeth Ide when I was hired as a fourth grade assistant.  I loved my job and was thrilled to be given the opportunity.  When a fifth grade teaching position opened, Dr. Tiede hired me on as a teacher.  It is because of his support and his faith in me, that I am in the Elizabeth Ide principal position today.  I will always be grateful to him for this and have enjoyed working for him these past fourteen years.  His devotion and dedication to Center Cass District 66 will be sorely missed.  I wish him many, many years of happiness with friends and family.  He truly deserves it!

Appreciation

This week we are celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week!  The teachers and staff at Elizabeth Ide truly care about our students and go above and beyond to give them the optimal educational experience.  I cannot thank them enough for all of their hard work and dedication.  I truly appreciate each and every one of them!  


We also appreciate all of the volunteers who are making this week so special by setting/cleaning up and cooking and/or sending in delicious food and beverages to make the lunches this week so wonderful.  We thank you so much - you have no idea how nice it is not to worry about packing a lunch.  

Also, don't forget about MOTHER'S DAY Sunday, May 13th.  Make sure to show your moms, grandmas, aunts and others who have represented a mother figure in your life how truly special they are.  This day was created so we could show these women how much they mean to us. 



Finally, May 9 - 11 I will be out of the district.  If you have any questions or concerns please call my office staff and they will help you or you may email me at jhansen@ccsd66.org and I will get back to you at my earliest convenience.  I hope you all have a wonderful week.   

PATIENCE PAYS OFF

The Big Day is Here

On Monday, Marc and I will be going to the Daley Center for the last court date needed before his adoption is final. The completed paperwork will take an additional four to six weeks, but then we are done. We are both so happy this day is finally here although it is bittersweet. I am definitely missing Gary right now; when I got the phone call about the court date I wanted to be able to call him with the good news. He was so excited about Marc and they shared a special bond in the short time they had together. So once again my message to all of you is - enjoy every moment you have with the people you love. Appreciate everything and don't let the little things get to you! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

What's Blooming???

April showers bring May flowers along with many happenings at Elizabeth Ide.....

Friday, April 13th - WHITE SOX Home Opener

(Just an FYI from your principal)

Monday, April 16th - Friday, April 20th

2nd Grade OLSAT testing

Wednesday, April 25th - Early Dismissal

AM Kindergarten Only Attends

Everyone is dismissed at Noon for buses

Pick-Ups are at 12:10

Thursday, April 26th - OPEN HOUSE/Book Fair

6:30 - 8:00 PM

Friday, April 27th - Reading Incentive Rain Day

Friday, May 4th - Movie Night @ PV 6:45

PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE.....

This is a saying that we have heard numerous times and it is definitely true. You need patience to survive the daily grind, as well as getting through the difficult times. It is something that is very hard to teach, but we can model it for our children and students to help them gain this skill.

With Marc's adoption taking longer than expected (now we are looking at a late May/early June date) I have learned the importance of patience. With Gary's estate account still in a mess I have learned the importance of patience. Next week your children will be off for spring break, you will learn the importance of patience. This will be a good time to practice and model patience. Count to 10, walk away (not too far) or take a deep breath when things become tough. If you do lose your cool, shake it off and move on. Don't beat yourself up for it; learn from it. Each experience you learn from makes you a better person.

I hope you all have the wonderful and relaxing spring break you deserve.

Another Successful Conference Week

This week we held our Parent-Teacher conferences. I would like to take this opportunity to thank both our teachers and parents for taking the time to meet. By working together we can provide the best education possible for our children/students. I hope you all have a wonderful and relaxing extended weekend.

Upcoming Events

Friday, March 9th - No School - P-T Conferences

Tuesday, March 13th - School Board Meeting @ PV 7:00

Friday, March 16th - Movie Night @ PV 6:45

Tuesday, March 20th - No School - Teacher Institute

Wednesday, March 21st - 1st Grade Music Concert @ LV 7:00

(Students should arrive at 6:45)

Monday, March 26th - Friday, March 30th - SPRING BREAK