Bobcat Bulletin
March 2025
Principal's Message
Dear Bannes Families,
I hope this message finds you well! It is hard to believe that March is tomorrow! We continue to see our students grow, and we appreciate your ongoing partnership to make Bannes the best place it can be to allow our students to thrive.
We use the 5Essentials Survey to help set our school goals, understand how our community prefers communication, and continuously improve our learning environment. Your feedback is incredibly important to us! In order to receive a detailed report, we need at least 20% of our community to participate, and we are currently at 13%.
If you haven’t already, please take a few minutes to complete the survey. Your input helps us grow and ensures that every voice is heard. You can access the survey here: http://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/survey/parent/
Upcoming Dates to Remember
No School – Monday, March 3rd: We will be observing Casimir Pulaski Day. Enjoy the long weekend!
Read Across America Week - March 4-7th: We will be celebrating Read Across America Week. See below for our theme days next week!
Illinois Science Assessment (ISA) – Week of March 10th: Our fifth graders will be taking the ISA. It has three sections and will be given on March 10th, 11th, and 13th first thing in the morning. Please encourage a good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast to help them do their best!
“Kindness Quest” Assembly – March 12th: We are thrilled to host Prismatic’s laser assembly, “Kindness Quest,” thanks to the generosity of our amazing PTO! Students will be on an exciting quest to fill the world with thoughtfulness and positivity, learning that it’s totally cool to be kind!
Safe Kids: A Parent's Guide to Navigating Digital and Real-World Risks- March 19th: See information below on this informational parent night on Wednesday, March 19th at 6:30 PM at Grissom Middle School.
Spring Break – Begins after school on March 21st: We wish all our families a safe and restful break!
If you ever have questions, feedback, or just want to share a celebration, please don’t hesitate to reach out. At Bannes, we value the partnership between home and school, and we are committed to keeping you informed and connected. Thank you for your continued support and partnership. We are grateful for our wonderful Bannes community!
Sincerely,
Ms. Folliard
Principal, Bannes Elementary
Please take the Illinois 5Essentials Parent Survey by March 28!
If you have not done so already, please be sure to take the Illinois 5Essentials Parent Survey by March 28. We must get a 20% parent response rate for our results to be reported.
This survey assesses a school’s culture and climate and provides insight into strengths and weaknesses on the five key factors that research shows are predictive of school success - effective leaders, collaborative teachers, involved families, supportive environment, and ambitious instruction.
Your participation in the parent portion of the survey will help us understand the conditions at your child’s school and guide improvement. Your identity and survey responses will be kept completely confidential and will never be connected to you or your child.
Thanks for your support!
Read Across America
D140 students and staff are invited to celebrate Read Across America Week by participating in our theme days, March 4 - 7.
Tuesday, March 4: Reading is relaxing!
Wear your pajamas, onesies, or the color blue.Wednesday, March 5: Dress for success!
Wear your very best outfit or the color yellow.Thursday, March 6: You got this! Reading is no sweat!
Wear your favorite sweats or the color green.- Friday, March 7: School Spirit Friday!
Wear your best school gear or school colors.
Safe Kids: A Parent’s Guide to Navigating Digital and Real-World Risks
Join us at Grissom Middle School on Wednesday, March 19, at 6:30 pm for Safe Kids: A Parent’s Guide to Digital and Real-World Risks, an informative presentation by the Tinley Park Police Department.
This parents-only event provides essential information on cyberbullying, online enticement, internet safety, tobacco, vaping, and marijuana prevention, juvenile law, and the dangers of underage drinking.
Parents are invited to submit questions or topics of interest by Monday, March 17, so our presenters can tailor the presentation to attendees' interests and come prepared with answers to the questions.
Grissom Middle School is located at 17000 S. 80th Avenue, Tinley Park.
A Message from your PTO
"Lucky to Have You" Teacher Luncheon – Let’s Make It a Hit!
March 6th! We need your help to make it even sweeter!
We need:
Pre-baked desserts like cookies, brownies, or your favorite treat to add a little sweetness
Drinks like pop, sparkling water, or coffee pods to keep the teachers refreshed
Monetary donations (just send in an envelope marked “Lucky PTO” so we know it’s for the luncheon)
Everything else has been taken care of.
Sign up and then drop-off your donated items on March 4th or 5th between 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Click the link to sign up, and let’s make this Lucky to Have You luncheon unforgettable!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F044FA9AF2BA7FA7-55263522-lucky
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Get ready for the coziest night of the year! Join us for the PTO Pajama Party on March 7th, 2025, from 6-8 pm in the Bannes Gym featuring the movie Inside Out. Bring your fluffiest pillows and comfiest blankets for an evening full of fun, laughter, and a great movie. (But please, no outdoor chairs!)
Pre-Registrants and receive free popcorn and a bottle of water at check in!
Light concessions available for cash purchases.
Pre-order your pizza before March 5th at 2 pm. Pre-Orders Only!
Register here and order pizza here: https://forms.gle/cCWBnp6enWRD4W8Y6
Space is limited! Be sure to secure your spot early! $10 family tickets will be available at the door if space allows, but no popcorn or water will be included.
This is a family-friendly event—adult chaperones must stay!
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We’re excited to invite you to our next Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) meeting on March 12th at 7:00 PM in the Conference Room.
This isn’t just any meeting – it’s a chance for us to come together, share ideas, and have fun while making our school an even better place for our children!
What to Expect:
Exciting Updates: Hear what’s happening at the school and what’s coming up!
Engaging Discussions: Share your thoughts and help shape future events.
And More Surprises! We promise it’ll be a good time!
We can’t wait to see you there! Let’s make 2025 the best year yet for our school community.
Don’t miss out – join us for a night of fun, community, and all things school spirit!
Sincerely,
Your PTO Team
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Save the Date - Bobcat Ball - April 4th
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Now Hiring - Hot lunch - Board Members - chairpersons - box tops
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Spiritwear Link
3/3 - 3/9: This week only, save 25% on windbreakers. Don't miss this opportunity to save on stylish Bannes Elementary School apparel! Shop at https://1stplace.sale/28843
Bannes PTO
Health & Wellness
D140 prioritizes comprehensive strategies to support students' mental, emotional, and physical health. Please click Health Information to review our resources. Together, we can create a nurturing environment where every student can thrive.
Bannes Elementary School
16835 S. Odell Avenue, Tinley Park, IL 60477
Phone: 708-532-6466
Website: ksd140.org/bannes