Care/Conflict Presentation & Fall Student Climate Survey
Over the past few weeks, I've spent time in each of the 1st-5th grade classrooms defining conflict--specifically, the distinction between rude, mean and bullying behavior. I also briefly overviewed strategies for dealing with conflict and how we can take care of ourselves and one another within our Forest Hills learning community. I will return to classrooms over the course of the next few weeks to dive further into conflict resolution skills. Here are the two presentations I overviewed with students, in case you'd like to familiarize yourself with the terminology we use.
Next week, (October 7-11), all students in 1st - 5th grades will take our Fall Climate Survey; 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders will take the survey at home with your guidance, and 4th-5th graders will take it at school. The survey helps us gauge and measure what matters most to us -- our students' wellbeing and thoughts/feelings about school.
Parents of 1st-3rd graders, please watch for more information regarding the survey on Monday, October 7. Thank you for taking the time to sit with your child to complete this important survey!
Student Ownership Attribute--October
t has been WONDERFUL to spend time in each of the classrooms these first few weeks of the year, as we’ve re-launched our Student Attributes with students and staff. This month, we’re learning what EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATORS do and how we can strive to be one.
Our D101 definition of EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATORS is: Effective communicators are people who can share their thoughts and feelings with others in a simple, clear way that works!
Some of the components we discussed at the various grade levels:
Words are powerful–choose them carefully!
“HOW” you say something is often as important as “WHAT” you say.
LISTENING is a really important part of being a good communicator!
We communicate with our bodies and our words.
Words can bring people together.
Make sure what you are communicating is TRUE.
Digital communication can be tricky–think before you “speak” (5th grade)
We’re discussing these talking points in connection with the following grade level texts:
Kindergarten: Click, Clack, Moo…Cows That Type, by Doreen Cronin
1st Grade: Lacey Walker, Nonstop Talker… by Christianne Jones
2nd Grade: Quiet Please, Owen McPhee… by Trudy Ludwig
3rd Grade: Mr. Peabody’s Apples… by Madonna
4th Grade: Mango, Abuela and Me… by Meg Medina
5th Grade: Nerdy Birdy Tweets…by Aaron Reynolds
Although this is our collective focus for the month of October, we’ll always be practicing being EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATORS throughout the year, and will be using these skills as a part of our November focus–COLLABORATION! Stay tuned for more information about COLLABORATION next month!
Unity Day/Week--October 14-18
Every year on the third or fourth Wednesday in October, a very special event comes around — the Day of Unity, or Unity Day, as it is commonly called. This is the signature event of National Bullying Prevention Month, also celebrated in October. Multiple anti-bullying campaigns — of which Unity Day is one of them, are organized during this period. The key message of this month, and this day, is to unite for kindness, courage, and inclusion, to prevent students from being bullied.
The PTA, Student Council and Forest Hills Buddies have partnered to make this a week-long celebration and effort to combat bullying. We are excited to welcome the performer, Gincy , to Forest Hills as he spreads his messages of kindness and anti-bullying through song and performance.
Halloween at Forest Hills
We're already looking forward to celebrating Halloween at Forest Hills. Here are the important details you'll need to know to participate in the celebrations:
- Students should wear regular clothes to school in the morning, and change into their costumes at lunchtime. We understand that many families opt to take their children home at lunch to change. Please make sure to communicate your child/ren's lunch attendance that day to their classroom teacher, should it differ from their usual plan.
- AM Kindergarten should wear their costumes to school and are welcome to return for the parade in the afternoon. (See more details from Mrs. Barritt.)
- Costumes should be appropriate for school. (No weapons, excessive gore or blood.)
- Classroom parties will take place from 2:15-3:00pm. (Kindergarten will vary a bit.)
- The Halloween Parade will begin promptly at 3:00pm and will follow the route below, starting at the YELLOW STAR (Kdg/1st Grade SE Doors).
- Spectators are welcome to attend.
- In the event of rain, the parade will be held indoors, for students only. (Due to safety protocols, we are unable to have all spectators inside the building.)
- Families can plan to pick up students at their usual dismissal locations.
Notes of Appreciation
Did you know that practicing gratitude can not only positively impact the recipient of your kind words, but also help YOU feel better and live longer?!?! It's true!
In that spirit, I encourage you to take the time to click HERE to share a short message of gratitude to a Forest Hills staff member (or members, if you're feeling really ambitious!). I have the great fortune of seeing how hard everyone works behind the scenes and the care and concern that everyone here shows for our kids everyday. Hopefully, your kiddos feel that love and support and you do too!
I'll also always have a link to the form in my email signature for ease of access and the opportunity to send a kind note whenever the mood strikes. Thanks in advance for taking the time to brighten someone's day!
Word From WSFEE
Western Springs Foundation for Educational Excellence (WSFEE) kicked off this week and excited for the 24-25 school year. WSFEE is an all-volunteer non profit organization made up of parents from all four of our District 101 schools. We raise funds through special events and solicitations in the community and allocate those funds to support grants submitted by teachers, administrators, parents, and students. We are always looking for opportunities to support that extend and enhance the quality and depth of education, and provide students with unique learning opportunities. Have questions about us? Have an idea for a grant? Visit www.wsfee.org or follow WSFEE on Instagram (@wsfee_d101)!
IMPORTANT: Updated D101 Elementary Handbook
This summer, the administrative team spent considerable time updating the Elementary School Handbook. Please do spend some time reviewing some of the important information regarding attendance, academics, behavior/discipline, technology, etc. The handbook can be found via the link above or as a PDF below.
2024-25 School Calendar
Environmental Club
Is your 3rd-5th grader interested in developing environmental awareness and mindfulness with nature? If so, encourage them to join Environmental Club! See the attached flyer for more information and complete THIS FORM to join!
Rachel Corrough
Email: rcorrough@d101.org
Website: www.d101.org
Location: 5020 Central Avenue, Western Springs, IL, USA
Phone: (708)485-5184
Twitter: @corrough
