The Ludwig Ledger

I would like to welcome all of our students and staff back from winter break! I hope everyone had time to relax, enjoy family and friends, and make memories during the holidays. Here’s to a healthy and happy 2024 for everyone!

As we look ahead on the calendar for the second half of the school year, there are lots of events to be excited about! In the coming weeks and months, look for more information to be released about this year's St. Baldrick's Podcast-a-Thon, Ludwig's Career Day, Ludwig's Variety Show, and our Spring Family Night. Add in our yearly IAR state testing (April) and ISA testing for 5th graders (March), and the year is certainly going to fly by.

That said, please continue to remain in contact with your child's teacher regarding his/her academic progress during the second semester. The Ludwig Virtual Backpack is a great way to remain in the loop with events happening across the district, and our FaceBook and Twitter/X pages continue to highlight happenings at the school. As always, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher or Ludwig's main office.

Sincerely,

Mr. Kulik

January 8th - NO SCHOOL (Teacher Institute)

January 9th - Classes resume for all students

January 9th-12th - PFA Penny Wars Fundraiser (See Below for more information)

January 10th - Ludwig Spirit Day (Pajama Day)

January 15th - NO SCHOOL (MLK Day)

January 16th-18th - Winter FastBridge testing

January 16th - January Board of Education Meeting @ 7pm

January 22nd - ACCESS testing begins for EL students

January 22nd - PFA Meeting at Oak Prairie @ 6:30pm

January 23rd - Band Concert at Ludwig @ 7:00pm

January 26th - Trimester 2 progress reports available in the Parent Portal

Last year's Penny Wars fundraiser helped to fund much of the PFA's early '23/'24 school year programming. This fundraiser is a critical opportunity for the PFA to raise funds and be able to continue to support the D92 community! We look forward to having a great, friendly competition between homeroom classes the week we return from break!

This year's FastBridge winter benchmarking window will begin on Tuesday, January 16th and run through Thursday, January 18th.

We administer the FastBridge tests to determine students' instructional levels and to measure academic growth throughout the school year, and from year to year, in the areas of reading and math. The reading and math tests are given each fall, winter, and spring. These computer-based screeners provide a brief snapshot of skills in addition to their classroom performance, which can help staff make decisions on any needed academic support.

Family score reports will be available in February, after all testing sessions and makeup tests are completed. Please ensure your child brings his/her fully charged iPad and headphones to school for each day of testing, and encourage him/her to give their very best effort on all testing sessions! We know that all of our scholars are up for the challenge, and we look forward to celebrating their growth!

Ludwig’s 5th Grade Beginning Band gave a short performance for the Ludwig Staff right before winter break. The band played Jingle Bells, Good King Wenceslas, and “Slide Hero.” All their hard work is paying off, as the band readies for their first big concert on Tuesday, January 23, at 7pm in the Ludwig Gym. Special guest, the Oak Prairie Jazz Ensemble, will also perform! We hope to see you there!

Thank you to our amazing room parents who helped plan and host our classroom room parties before winter break! Here's a brief snapshot of the fun our students had...

The winter session of Club 92 after-school programming has been busy! Here's a glimpse into what our students have been doing during after-school clubs...

During our December 4th Monday Morning Meeting, Ludwig's Dance Club performed on stage in front of their peers and teachers. They did a wonderful job!

Students in both 4th and 5th grade were able to go to Strike and Spare II to showcase what they learned during their bowling unit in PE. The Pictures below are from the 5th grade trip. Click HERE for pictures from the 4th grade trip. (Thank you, again, to Mrs. Martinez for snapping these amazing pictures!)

Ludwig's 4th grade choir, 5th grade choir, and combined 4th/5th grade choir performed "Hot Chocolate", "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree", and "A Holiday Road of Carols", respectively at their Winter Concert. All singers did a wonderful job and should be proud of their performance!

Helping to spread some festive cheer, Ludwig's Sunshine Club students sang holiday carols at Ludwig School. Staff members in the kitchen, the teacher's lounge, the workroom, and the main office enjoyed being serenaded! They even visited our District Office. Way to go! You sounded amazing!

In an overwhelming show of support, Ludwig's families, students, and staff donated over 3,000 books to Bernie's Book Bank. Thank you for helping to empower children to gain knowledge, explore new ideas, and enhance their love of reading. Today's readers are tomorrow's leaders!

As part of Ludwig's Culture Goal this school year, we continue to strive to provide a positive feedback loop to both our students and staff. When students go above and beyond at school, they have the opportunity to earn a "Golden Ticket" and enter the Principal's 200 Club. Students are then recognized in Ludwig's main office, on the bulletin board outside the main office, and during our afternoon all-school announcements. Parents also receive a positive phone call home!

If you have a Ludwig staff member who has gone above and beyond for your child or your family, please take a brief moment to recognize them on our "Caring, Compassionate, Community Recognition Form." This form will be active all school year long, and feedback will be provided to the staff members who were recognized. Thank you to everyone who has already submitted someone for recognition!