Happy Friday, Lil Steamer Families!

February 28, 2025

From the Desk of: Principal Hoese

Lil Steamer Families --

March is knocking on our door, and with it comes the promise of spring, a bit more sunshine, and - as us Midwesterners know - a very unpredictable mix of weather. Tomorrow marks the start of a new month, and we’re diving right in with Read Across America Week beginning Monday! This is one of our favorite celebrations because it gives us an excuse to go all out with reading fun.

At school, our students will be receiving their Books Are Fun books and prizes and plenty of moments to get lost in a good story. Families, you can join in too! Snuggle up for a bedtime read-aloud, have your child read the grocery list at the store (bonus points if they do it in a dramatic voice), or let them "read" a wordless picture book by making up their own story - future authors in the making!

And while March is packed with learning and excitement, we know what’s sitting at the finish line: Spring Break! It’s still a few weeks away (March 24-28), but we can already hear the whispers of relaxation, travel plans, and, let’s be honest, a few extra sleep-ins. Until then, we’ll be keeping things lively with great books, engaging lessons, and just the right amount of silliness to keep everyone smiling. Thanks for your continued support in making our school a wonderful place to learn and grow - we couldn’t do it without you!

Have a fantastic weekend!

JAGH

From the Desk of: AP Parsons

Calling all Parents!!

We need your help with the 5Essentials Survey starting on February 18 – until March 28. This survey collects data on five indicators that can predict student achievement: effective leaders, collaborative teachers, engaged families, supportive environments, and ambitious instruction. Your opinion is important to us! We will use your feedback to help develop our School Improvement Plan.

Remember:

• The survey is anonymous

• You can use any device that connects to the internet

• It will only take about 10 minutes to complete

• You can take the survey once for each student in your home

• Staff will review data to guide improvement

Take the survey here:

http://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/survey/parent/

From the Desk of: Counselor Meumann

Meaningful conversations with our children are important. Meaningful conversations build trust and develop your child’s confidence. Your child learns that you care about them, you know them, and you are interested in what they think, feel, and do.

Here are some ideas for conversation starters:

1. Who did you help today?

2. Did anyone help you today?

3. Did you notice anyone struggling today? How did you help?

4. Why is it important that friends, teachers, and students help each other during the day?

5. Is there anything that you wish you would have done differently today?

Leadworthy Lil Steamers!

Congratulations to the following students who were recognized as our Leadworthy Lil Steamers for the month of February! These students went above and beyond demonstrating our Capturing Kids' Hearts monthly character trait of Kindness!

KA Violet M., KB Landon S., KC Jude E., KD Carson S.

1A Harlow W., 1B Emryn P., 1C Scarlett M.

2A Evelyn B., 2B Grant T., 2C Tucker S.

3A Autumn R., 3B Makensley T., 3C Kathrine L., 3D Klara M.

4A Luke K., 4B Jenna R., 4C Quinn T.

5A Wesley D., 5B Norah R., 5C Kylie L.

Symphony Day 2025

Fourth grade students had a great time yesterday at the Adler Theater for the QCSO's "Symphony Day." Students from all over the QC area attended a free concert by the QC Symphony Orchestra. This year's theme was "The Orchestra Swings," and we got the opportunity to sing, dance, and play along with the orchestra to some really fun swing tunes!

FES PTO Corner

Holiday Shop Success!

A huge thank you to everyone who participated in our Holiday Shop! We had total sales of $9,135, with inventory costs $3,532, supplies of $1,202. After expenses, our net sales totaled $4,401. We had approximately 40 students that were invited to the Polar Bear Cub Club. This club continue spreading holiday cheer by making sure every student was able to enjoy and Shop at our Polar Bear Patch.

Donuts with Grown-Ups – March 18-21

Join us in the FES Gym from 7:30-8:00 AM for our annual Donuts with Grown-Ups event! Each day is designated for a House, but if your schedule doesn’t allow, feel free to attend on a different day:

- Tuesday: Bridge House

- Wednesday: River House

- Thursday: Anchor House

- Friday: Wheel House

Gift a Lucky Duck!

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a fun surprise! PTO is offering the chance to send a Lucky Duck to students, delivered at school. Flyers will be sent home soon, and orders are due by the end of the day on March 14. You can also place orders at our Family Fun Night table on March 10.

Approved PTO Action Items

- Crayons for Miss Maloney’s 2nd grade classroom

- Circa 21 2nd Grade Field Trip Funding: PTO approved $9 per student, reducing parent costs to only $5 per ticket. In addition we approved to cover the complete ticket cost for teachers attending the trip.

- April Change Drive: Help us fund a new laminator or poster printer for FES—watch for details in the flyer!

- Field Day Support: PTO will provide water drinking stations and donate bubbles for the event

- Preschool Donations: Bubble blowers and sandbox toys were donated from extra Holiday Shop inventory

PTO Elections – Get Involved!

Interested in joining PTO leadership? Elections are coming up! Attend our next PTO meeting on March 4 at 7 PM in the FES Conference Room to be placed on the ballot or to nominate someone.

As always, feel free to reach out to us on Facebook at Fulton PTO, by email at fultonelempto@gmail.com, or contact a board member:

Lynne Coffey – President
Abra Richards – Vice President & Media Manager
Danielle Wilkins – Secretary
Tarah Manon – Treasurer

Thank you for your continued support of FES and our PTO initiatives!

Kindergarten Round Up Scheduled for Feb. 18 & Mar. 12

Preschool Screenings - Call to set up a Screening for March 12 or April 9!

Baseball and Softball Sign Ups!

Dutch Days Dancing Practices to Start!

Freezin' for a Reason 5K Run/Walk on March 8!

Scholastic Book Fair at Fulton Elementary - Dates and Times!

Positions Available

Starting pay is $18/hour. AM/PM Route. Up to 4 hours per day.

Paid holidays, sick, personal and bereavement time, and insurance available as well as participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund.

Come join River Bend's excellent team of transportation professionals! All of our vehicles are well maintained, newer models and are all parked indoors.

No CDL? No problem! Paid training is provided (terms apply.)

Email Transportation Director Taylor Whitney at twhitney@riverbendschools.net to apply.

Capturing Kids Hearts February Family Newsletter

Be sure to read through the conversation starters at the bottom of the newsletter for great ways to discuss how to be a kind student. Kindness is our February monthly character trait!