Fairmount Families Week END Report
11.22.2024
Happy Friday, Fairmount Families!
As we approach Thanksgiving, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for our Fairmount Families. Our school community is truly special, and I am thankful for the partnership we share in supporting our students’ growth and success.
This is a quick reminder that school will be in session on both Monday and Tuesday next week (11/25 and 11/26). We look forward to seeing all of our students as we wrap up our learning before the holiday break.
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to reflect on the things that bring us joy. I hope you and your family find moments to relax, celebrate, and create memories together. Please note this week's newsletter carries us through the end of next week and the holiday break. The calendar section includes all items through December 6th.
A friendly reminder that Trimester 1 Report Cards will be available in Power School today, November 22nd. Please see additional information within this newsletter on how to access your child's report card on that date.
Sincerely,
Lisa Niforatos
Be sure to follow me on X/Twitter @Fairmount58.
Quick Links
Important and Updates
Weather Reminders
As we enter the month of December and have now experienced our first snowfall of the year, we wanted to share a few important reminders regarding outdoor gear to help support students during their recess and playtime outside.
Students will go outside, weather permitting, each day. In the event of inclement weather or the combined temperature and wind chill is below 0 degrees and/or if the conditions outside do not support safe play (e.g. extreme ice) students will take part in indoor recess.
It is important that students come prepared for outdoor weather each day. We certainly know that the weather can vary significantly at this time of year, so students are encouraged to have a “gear bag” that includes hats, gloves, snow pants, and snow/winter boots. Thank you, in advance, for writing your child’s name on all of their gear to support finding lost items.
In the event of snowfall/accumulated snow on the ground, students MUST have both snow pants and snow boots to play in the snow. This includes being on the field/grass area. While students do not need snow pants to play on the playground equipment, they do need to have snow boots in order to access the playground area.
If your family faces hardship in purchasing/securing winter gear, please contact Jen Mejdrech (jmejdrech@dg58.org) or Lisa Niforatos (lniforatos@dg58.org) for assistance.
Student Council NAWS Collection
In an effort to get closer to our fundraising goal, we are going to extend the collection for NAWS animal shelter into next week! Please see the flyer below for information on what items we are collecting. Thank you for your support! -The Fairmount Student Council
Congratulations - PTA Reflections
Congratulations to the following students for advancing to the Reflections Council Level competition:
Zelda A. – Primary - Visual Arts - "Perfectly Imperfect Coconuts"
Rachel C. – Intermediate – Photography - "Weed in a Field of Flowers"
Sophie T. – Intermediate – Visual Arts – "Natural Beauty"
Will L. – Intermediate – Visual Arts - "The Great Pyramid"
Elizabeth L. – Intermediate – Visual Arts – "Anxiety"
These students will be formally recognized at the District 58 PTA Reflections Ceremony on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at O’Neill Middle School. The public viewing of artwork will begin at 6:30 p.m., and the program starts at 7 p.m.
Please note: this week’s issue of Communicate 58 newsletter mentioned that all students who participated in Reflections would be recognized at the Reflections ceremony. The newsletter meant to say that individual school PTAs will recognize all student participants, but the Dec. 3 Reflections ceremony is intended specifically to celebrate students who advanced to the Council level. We are sorry for this mixup.
Through the Reflections program, young artists can create original artworks in a variety of mediums. Artwork submissions are judged and the finalists will advance to the regional level. Beyond the regionals, the top artworks advance to the state and national levels.
This year's Reflections theme is "Accepting Imperfection."
District 58 Winter Weather Procedures
If winter weather requires schools to close, District 58 will promptly email and call all families and staff. The District will also post school closure information on the website, www.dg58.org, and social media channels.
District 58 has the option to use an e-learning day or an emergency day (also called snow day) during bad weather.
This year, District 58 will likely use e-learning days. E-learning days do not need to be made up at the end of the school year. District 58 needs to maximize the summer for referendum construction, so e-learning days would allow District 58 to keep on its construction schedule.
Lost & Found
Our Lost and Found is overflowing! Please take a moment to take a look at the items in the Fairmount Lost and Found (located in the entryway vestibule) for any and all missing items. Students can also check the lost and found before and after school.
Unclaimed items will be donated to a local charity/organization following the Thanksgiving Break.
Reminder: Report cards will be posted on PowerSchool on Friday (11/22)
District 58 posted first trimester student report cards on the PowerSchool Parent Portal on Friday, Nov. 22. Printed report cards will no longer be sent home. Please use these instructions to learn how to find and view report cards.
Early Dismissal Monday
Monday, November 25th is a Professional Learning Monday. All students are dismissed at 2:00 p.m. according to their regular dismissal plan. Please be sure you have made arrangements for your child to be picked up from Fairmount at 2:00 p.m. each Monday.
PTA Fun Lunch
The first December lunch will be on Friday, December 6th from Cozzi Corner. Order at https://fairmount.h1.hotlunchonline.net/ by Sunday, December 1st if you haven't already! For a list of all upcoming lunches, or answers to frequently asked questions about Fun Lunch, visit https://www.fairmountpta.com/events/fun-lunch .
Home Connection to Learning
Fairmount School is focused on a handful of school improvement goals this year that involve our ELA curriculum implementation, a supportive focus on the Zones of Regulation as well as targeted goals centered around ELA/Literacy for K-2 and 3-6. Each month we will provide information in our "Home Connection to Learning" section of the newsletter focused on one of these goal areas.
ELA/Literacy Goal: KIndergarten, 1st and 2nd Grade
In an effort to strengthen literacy foundational skills in Kindergarten through 2nd grade, we will focus on further developing students’ reading and writing proficiency through refining and enhancing direct phonemic awareness and phonics instruction.
You can support this important goal by completing the weekly UFLI homework practice with your child.
Looking for more information on how to support this practice at home?
Click here to watch a video guide on how to work through the homework together.
Outside Clubs at Fairmount
We are fortunate to offer a variety of clubs at Fairmount. These include both teacher/staff sponsored clubs (see above) as well as clubs offered by outside organizations. Clubs will occur at various points throughout the school year, so please watch for sign-up/enrollment opportunities in future newsletters as the school year progresses. In addition to some returning clubs, we will have new clubs offered throughout the year as well. Please see information below regarding two Winter Club offerings.
Lens into Learning
Our Kindergarten students had an exciting week of learning! From their Creepy Carrots, to phonics work, marvelous math and more... our youngest learners are doing a wonderful job!
Talk about Tuesday
Hooray for our Excellent ESPs!
Learnin' & Lunchin"
Marvelous Musicians
Always impressed with our students' talents... these fantastic 4th graders worked with Mr. Edwards on the violin during Orchestra.
Celebrating our Students
From Birthdays (or half-birthdays), Lost Teeth, Positive Behaviors and More... we love celebrating our Falcons!
Teacher (& Staff) Feature
Teacher (& Staff) Feature
We are so glad you are part of our school community! Whether this is your child's first or seventh year at Fairmount, we wanted to provide a fun way to get to know the many members of our teaching and school staff. We started this section two years ago and look forward to continuing it during the 2024-2025 school year. This year we have added a "school twist" for our staff.
Meet Mrs. Mejdrech
Role at Fairmount: Social Worker
Years at Fairmount: 3 Years
Favorite Subject in Elementary School: Science- specifically Chemistry & Anatomy
Least Favorite Subject in Elementary School: Math & Reading
Favorite Grade in School: Senior year of my undergrad program- that is the year that I met my closest friends & got to do my first school social work internship!
A big part of why I became a teacher... My high school counselor- He had a major impact on my life during a very difficult time and I knew I wanted to be a social worker just like him some day. Fun fact: When I got the job at Fairmount, I called to tell him the news & thanked him for everything he did for me.
A memorable moment of my time in school was...Any of the "dress-down" days! I had to wear a uniform every day from Kindergarten- 12th Grade.
If I wasn't a teacher/didn't work in a school I would... If I wasn't a social worker, I would probably own/and or run a wedding venue :)
Important Dates
Mark your Calendars!
Week of November 25th:
11.25: Wear Orange!, Student Dismissal 2:00 p.m.
11.26: School Wide Spirit Day! - Each class has decided on their own class spirit day... classroom teacher's will provide details.
11.27 - 11.29: No School, District Closed
Week of December 2nd:
12.02: Wear Orange!, Student Dismissal 2:00 p.m.
12.03: Yearbook Club - Editors Meeting 3:00-3:40 p.m.; Student Council Lunch Meeting
12.04: Chess Wizards for Registered Students 3:00-4:00 p.m.
12.05: BAM Theatre for Registered Students 3:00-4:00 p.m.
12.06: Fun Lunch, 2nd Grade Girl Scout Meeting 3:00-4:00 p.m.
A Look Ahead...
12.21.24 - 01.05.25: Winter Break
01.20.25: No School, District Closed
02.17.25: No School, District Closed
2024-2025 DG58 School Calendar (PDF)
Important Calendar Highlights:
Thanksgiving Break: Nov. 27-29, 2024
Winter Break: Dec. 21, 2024 -Jan. 5, 2025
Spring Break: March 31-April 4, 2025
Last Day of School: Friday, May 23, 2025 (if no emergency days are used)
Fairmount PTA
PTA Information
If you are looking for any information from our amazing Fairmount PTA, please visit their website:
Information regarding upcoming events, spiritwear, membership and more can be found throughout the site.
Below the Line
Below the Line
Please note that information BELOW this point is repeated information that has been shared in a previous newsletter(s), but is still made available here for your reference.
Veteran's Day 11.11.2024
Fairmount students and staff held a short program on Monday honoring our country's veterans. Fairmount is honored to acknowledge the devotion and sacrifice our men and women have given to our country. Thank you to all our family members and friends who have served or are currently serving in the Armed Forces.
Illinois Report Card
District 58 is proud to share that all District 58 schools earned either an "Exemplary" or a "Commendable" designation from the Illinois State Board of Education on the 2024 Illinois Report Card on Oct. 30.
Fairmount and Whittier schools earned an Exemplary rating, which is the state's highest rating and awarded to the top 10% of schools. All other schools earned a "Commendable" designation, the state's second highest rating.
In addition to designations, the 2024 Illinois Report Card also includes metrics on every Illinois school, including student growth, school funding and demographics.
Sign up for The Reading Games!
It’s time to form your teams and start reading, because The Reading Games competition is returning! The Reading Games is an annual trivia-style reading competition for District 58 and District 61 students in grades 3-8. It will take place Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025 at O'Neill Middle School. Registration is open now through Friday, Nov. 15.
To participate, complete the following:
1. Form a team and complete the team registration OR complete an individual registration and The Reading Games will do their best to find a team for your child. Teams must have between five and eight students. They can represent a mix of grade levels and schools, but must attend District 58 or District 61.
2. Collaborate with your team to read nine books from one of two book lists. List 1 is geared for readers in third and fourth grade. List 2 is geared for readers in fifth and sixth grade. To prepare, students can meet to discuss the books and quiz each other.
3. Participate in The Reading Games on Feb. 22, 2025! During The Reading Games, students will face other teams to answer questions about the books they've read. Teams are encouraged to dress up and have fun, and prizes are awarded.
The Reading Games is sponsored by the Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58 and the Grove Express Foundation.
Learn more about The Reading Games registration process. Visit The Reading Games website.
Thank a Fairmount teacher or staff member with a Green Apple!
The Education Foundation invites you to thank a special District 58 staff member with a Green Apple Award and donation to the Foundation, which supports many student and staff programs. Learn more. Give a Green Apple.
Student Change in Dismissal
If your child's dismissal plan will be different (e.g. not taking the bus), please communicate this to both the school secretaries and classroom teacher as promptly as possible. This is especially important for our younger students, so we can support their dismissal process. In the event of a last-minute change (anytime after 11:30 a.m.), we ask that you please call the school office (630.719.5830) as staff members may not check their emails prior to daily dismissal.
Fairmount Office Contact Information
Lisa Niforatos, Principal lniforatos@dg58.org
Jillian DeRango, Secretary jderango@dg58.org
Andrea Laama, Secretary alaama@dg58.org
Website: www.dg58.org/fa/
Location: 6036 Blodgett Avenue, Downers Grove, IL, USA
Phone: 630.719.5830
Twitter/X: @Fairmount58