News From Conyers Learning Academy
November 1st, 2024
Principal's Notes
Hello ABLE and REACH Families,
October was an incredible month, filled with fun, friendship, and learning! In the ABLE program, students explored the election process and wrapped up their unit with a lively mock election, featuring a presidential parade to celebrate our winner, Emiliano Cortes.
To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, one of our amazing program assistants, Jackie Suastegui-Bustamante, organized a Día de los Muertos-themed door decorating contest. REACH students learned about influential figures in Hispanic and Latino history and culture, filling our hallways and doors with beautiful decorations. CLA staff and students voted for their favorite, with the winning door receiving a special prize from Mr. Stary. Congratulations to our winning classroom, Mrs. Busse and room 208!
We closed out the month with a festive fall spirit week! Students and staff showed off their favorite colors, hats, PJs, and, of course, some amazing Halloween costumes. The costume parade was a hit, with students proudly showcasing their outfits around the school.
October was a joyful month, and we’re grateful to be part of such a wonderful school community. Here’s to a great November ahead!
Sincerely,
Matt Stary
Principal, Conyers Learning Academy
Dates to Remember
November 5th - Election Day - NO SCHOOL
November 18th-22nd - Book Fair
November 25 & 26 - Parent Teacher Conferences - No School
November 27-29 - Thanksgiving Break - No School
December 4th - Picture Day Re-Takes
December 23rd - January 3rd - Winter Break - NO SCHOOL
School Calendar
Please click on this link for the D15 School Calendar.
ABLE and REACH End of Term
Upcoming Report Cards and Progress Reports
Grades 6-8 REACH: The end of the quarter is Friday, November 8th. Report cards and progress reports will be sent home on Friday, November 22nd.
K-5 REACH and all ABLE students: The end of the trimester is Friday, November 22nd. Report cards and progress reports will be sent home on Friday, December 13th.
Please mark these dates on your calendars!
Infinite Campus' Campus Parent is designed to provide real-time access to student information. The easy-to-use design displays what is currently happening in the classroom so you can understand, monitor, and participate in the educational process.
Announcements
Attendance
Grades & mid-term progress reports
Registration information
Transportation information
Pay fees
You can log into Campus Parent using the Campus Parent Web Portal or Mobile App.
Make sure you have your account set up for the new school year! To learn how to set up your account, watch tutorials, or access a help center, please visit the district website.
Transportation Information
All of your transportation information can be found in the My Ride K-12 App, district 15's new GPS Bus Locator. For more details and directions on how to download, follow the link to our district page.
Join the CLA PTA!
We want YOU to be part of the small, but mighty CLA PTA!
Help support our school with activities, events and so much more! Sign up today! Joining the CLA PTA does not require you to volunteer or be at meetings (but we always appreciate it!).
Sign up here: https://cla.givebacks.com/store
Follow us on Facebook at CLA PTA FACEBOOK PAGE
Any questions? Email us at conyerspta@gmail.com
Special Olympics
If you are interested in having your child join the Blue Jays this year, please see our informational flier or visit the District's Special Olympics webpage for more details.
D15 News
From the District
Please click on this link for the latest D15 newsletter!
NSSEO Parent Events
We are excited to share information about upcoming NSSEO Parent Events at PERC (Parent Education Resource Center). Please find the attached flyers for more details.
To reserve your spot, kindly register by emailing Molly Dunne at mdunne@nsseo.org. Please note that events may be canceled if we do not meet minimum registration requirements, so be sure to sign up early!
November, and December Opportunities:
Community Alternative Unlimited (CAU) @ PERC Nov 7, 2024 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Residential Options @ Kirk Gym Nov 13, 2024 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
How To Navigate the Illinois Disability System @ PERC Dec 11, 2024 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Staff Spotlight
This month, we’re shining a spotlight on our fantastic specials teachers in Art/Music, PE, Band, Library Innovations, and EL. These dedicated educators provide our students with creative outlets beyond traditional academics like Math, Reading, and Science, allowing them to express themselves and explore their interests in diverse and meaningful ways. Let’s take a moment to celebrate them for the amazing work they do each and every day.
Jeff Donatowicz - PE/Adapted PE
Mr. D has been a cornerstone at CLA, spending 12 of his 13 years in District 15 teaching PE and Adapted PE. When he's not at CLA, Jeff enjoys playing and watching sports with his friends, especially golf and basketball. At home, he loves relaxing with his family: his two cats, Bobi and Dingles.
Jeff also has a passion for traveling, hiking, and spending time outdoors, but he’s equally happy unwinding with a good movie or game. He values the strong relationships he’s built over the years at CLA and is grateful to work alongside such dedicated and caring colleagues.
Thank you, Jeff, for your years of dedication to the students at CLA!
Vanessa Thompson - Band/Orchestra
When she's not working with the next generation of musical prodigies, Vanessa enjoys unwinding with a good book, catching the latest release at the movie theater, or embracing the great outdoors with a little glamping. Some of her favorite things include her husband, Brian, her dogs, and cozying up with a warm, fuzzy blanket.
Thank you, Vanessa, for all that you do!
Anthony Vernon - Art/Music
Anthony joined CLA and District 15 this year, bringing with him a decade of teaching experience. Outside the classroom, he enjoys playing games, listening to music, and honing his crafting skills, especially creating costumes inspired by Star Wars, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and more.
What Anthony loves most about CLA is the chance to work with such a diverse group of students who continually surprise him with their joy and insight.
We’re thrilled to have you at CLA, Anthony!
Emily Strand - Library Innovations
Emily Strand is CLA’s Library Innovations Teacher, bringing her creative expertise in her eighth year in District 15 and first year at CLA.
Outside the classroom, Emily enjoys capturing moments through photography, diving into graphic design projects, and staying active with a good game of pickleball. She also loves spending time with her family, especially when they travel to new places and try out delicious foods.
Welcome to the team, Emily!
Sofia Beitia - ESL Resource Teacher
Sofia has been a part of District 15 for five years, with four of those years spent at CLA. One of her favorite memories here happened in her first year when she witnessed the beloved annual march of the ducklings from the courtyard through the building to safety—a true CLA tradition!
Outside of school, Sofia loves spending time with friends, going to concerts, and enjoying a long run. Some of her favorite things include cozy naps, a good cup of coffee, and hanging out with her dog, Toby.
Thank you, Sofia, for all you bring to the CLA community!
New CLA Website!
New Website!
Come check out our new and improved website!
Follow us on Social Media
CLA Office Team
Our wonderful administration and office team are here to support our students and families however we can. We are looking forward to connecting with you at CLA at the events we have planned for the upcoming year. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the office or email us directly.
Matt Stary - Principal (starym@ccsd15.net)
Christy Loh - Assistant Principal (lohc@ccsd15.net)
Jamin Blancarte - Secretary (blancarv@ccsd15.net)
(Se habla español)
Lynn Erdmann - Clerical (erdmannl@ccsd15.net)
Debbie Vojak - School Nurse (vojackd@ccsd15.net)
Claudia Roayne - School Nurse (ronaynec@ccsd15.net)
Matt Stary
Principal - Conyers Learning Academy - Therapeutic Day
Email: starym@ccsd15.net
Website: https://cla.ccsd15.net/
Address: 2800 Central Road, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
Phone: 847-963-3480