PANTHER PRESS
Dear Ogden Avenue Families,
This year, our school theme, "Got Grit? Embrace the Struggle," is all about building grit and perseverance in our students. At Ogden Avenue, we believe that the ability to face challenges head-on, push through difficulties, and stay engaged in the learning process—especially when things get tough—is essential for success both in school and in life. Our goal is to create an environment where students feel safe to struggle and are encouraged to keep going when tasks are challenging. By doing so, we aim to help them develop the resilience and determination needed to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
Recently, I finished reading The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, which reminded me of how technology, particularly personal electronic devices, has rewired our brains in many ways. When thinking about this in relation to grit and perseverance, I realized how significant the impact of these devices can be.
Instant Gratification vs. Delayed Reward: Smartphones and tablets often provide immediate rewards through notifications, entertainment, or instant information. This can create a habit of seeking quick answers, which may reduce students' ability to tolerate struggle and persevere through difficult tasks. In contrast, developing grit requires working through challenges and delays before achieving success.
Distraction from Challenging Tasks: Devices can easily pull students away from focused effort. When they interrupt their work for entertainment or social interactions, they may struggle to build the deep concentration needed to complete difficult tasks—an essential part of developing perseverance.
Reduced Problem-Solving Opportunities: Relying on devices for quick answers can cause students to miss out on the benefits of trial and error. Grit and perseverance often develop through the frustration and eventual success that comes from working through problems independently.
If you're looking for an insightful read, I highly recommend The Anxious Generation. It’s a thought-provoking book that connects well with the challenges we face today in fostering resilience and perseverance in our children.
Sincerely,
Regina Leeberg
Principal
OCTOBER
10/24/24 - Marla's Lunch (Potbelly)
10/24/24 - PTC Boosterthon Fun Run
10/31/24 - Halloween Parties and Parade (Outdoor costume parade begins at 2:40 p.m.)
NOVEMBER
11/4/24 - Parent/Teacher Conferences
11/5/24 - No School - Election Day
11/6/24 - Direct to D102 with Dr. Covino - Ogden 6 p.m.
11/6/24 - PTC Meeting 7 p.m.
11/7/24 - Marla's Lunch (Billy Brick Italian)
11/11/24 - Veterans' Day Luncheon
11/21/24 - Marla's Lunch (Bacci Pizza)
11/25/24 - 11/29/24 - Thanksgiving Break
Ogden Avenue Elementary School will be hosting a special lunch reception to honor the Veterans in our community. We would love to have as many Veterans as possible joining us for lunch, so they may be honored and recognized for their selfless and valued service to our country.
WHO: Veterans
WHEN: Monday, November 11, 2024 from 11:00 -12:30
WHERE: Ogden Avenue Elementary School MPR, 501 Ogden Avenue, La Grange, IL 60525
If you or one of your family members is a Veteran and would like to attend, please RSVP to Mrs. Brown at brownke@dist102.k12.il.us by October 25, 2024. Please include the following information in your RSVP email:
Name of Veteran with contact information
Name and grade of Ogden Avenue student family member (if applicable)
Any dietary restrictions
Branch and rank in military
If they fought in a war, please tell us which one
Picture of Veteran in uniform (optional) - Scanned/emailed pictures preferred
Mrs. Brown will be in touch about food options and final reminders, once the date gets closer. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. We can’t wait to honor the many Veterans in our community!
Sincerely,
The Students and Staff of Ogden Avenue Elementary School
I’m excited to share with you important information about our upcoming Halloween activities, as we gear up for a memorable and safe celebration.
COSTUMES
On Thursday, October 31st, after lunch, 1st - 6th grade students are invited to wear Halloween costumes. (Kindergarten students may wear their costumes to school.) However, it is crucial that these costumes are safe and appropriate for a school environment. We want our students to enjoy themselves while ensuring their safety. Please make sure that costumes do not obstruct your child's view and are manageable for staircases. Absolutely no weapons, celebrations of violence, or gore will be allowed. If any part of a costume is deemed inappropriate or unsafe, the teacher will hold it until the end of the day. 1st-6th Grade students should not wear their costumes to school; they should bring them in a bag to change into after lunch (or they can go home at lunch to change into their costume).
LUNCH ARRANGEMENTS
If you prefer that your child go home for lunch to change into their costume, in PowerSchool, you will need to indicate they are leaving the building for the lunch period. We will not release your child unless you have checked them out as instructed in the attached directions. Students who will be going home for lunch will exit through their typical dismissal door at 11:20. (If your child typically rides the bus in the morning, they will exit through the front door.) They are required to return to school by 12:10 when attendance will be taken. Students should enter the building through their typical morning arrival door. Bus riders will enter through the front door.
STAYING FOR LUNCH
Students who stay for lunch should bring their costumes to school and will have the opportunity to change into their costumes during the lunch period. You do not need to indicate in PowerSchool that they are staying at school for lunch.
CLASSROOM PARTIES
We're excited to announce that our Parent-Teacher Council (PTC) has organized parent support for each classroom to have a Halloween party in the afternoon. These parties will be an exciting addition to the day's festivities and create memorable experiences for our students. (Other than the room parents, parents/guardians will not be in attendance at the classroom parties.) Please DO NOT send in any treats, edible or non-edible. Although we appreciate the desire to share and celebrate, we want to keep the students healthy and safe, so any unexpected treats will be returned home.
ALL-SCHOOL PARADE
One of the highlights of our Halloween celebration is the all-school parade! The parade will begin promptly at 2:40, and students and staff will be parading on both sides of the school along Spring and Waiola to Richmond. Here are some important details:
Children in grades K, 1, 2, and 3 will start the parade heading north on Waiola. (Kindergartners are invited to come back to school in the afternoon for our parade. Please meet Mrs. Robertson at the kindergarten door as she will escort her class along the parade route.)
Children in grades 4, 5, and 6 will parade north on Spring Ave.
All children will go around the block 1.5 times, cutting through the main entrance of the school to get to Waiola.
In case of rain, the parade will take place inside the school. Due to limited space, all observers should arrive before 2:30, as we won't be able to admit anyone after that time.
ALTERNATE ARRANGEMENTS
If you prefer that your child does not participate in the Halloween parade or activities, please notify your child's teacher, and we will make alternate arrangements.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to ensure a fantastic Halloween for all.
