In The Laidlaw Loop

Happy New Year! It's wonderful to be back in action with the students. It has been an incredibly smooth transition back from winter break. Our students did not miss a beat this week!

There are two exciting, upcoming "happenings" that I want to share with you all!

First of all, Laidlaw has been chosen by STARNET (a division of the IL Board of Education) as an exemplary model of providing inclusion services for students with special needs within a general education environment. As such, STARNET will be featuring Laidlaw as part of a documentary series called Apple Slices for the work we are doing to ensure that all students' needs are met in our general education classrooms. The Apple Slices documentary series will be used to educate pre-service teachers at Universities across the country on strategies to use to support special education students and for parents of special education students to learn more about what inclusion can look like in a general education setting. There will be a film crew on site on Wednesday, February 5 to film snippets of the AM Kindergarten experience and to capture interviews with members of our Laidlaw staff. I am so very proud of our outstanding student services and teaching teams for this wonderful recognition and accomplishment. I'm so proud to be the Laidlaw Principal everyday, but particularly today as I share this news with all of you. Unless your student is in Mrs. Fera's AM Kindergarten class, they will NOT be captured within the documentary itself; yet, this is still an amazing accomplishment and you should feel so proud, too!

Second, (& in this same spirit), our Laidlaw All Abilities Fair is quickly approaching (February 12). This is an extraordinary event where each 1st-5th grade student gets to rotate through different stations in our gym to experience what it might be like to be differently-abled. It's a wonderful opportunity to experience empathy & compassion in action. Please see the details below for how to volunteer for this meaningful experience. It's just as impactful for our parent volunteers as it is for our students. I hope everyone takes the opportunity to "have an in" for this wonderful day.

Stay warm this weekend!

Renee

Due to a conflict in McClure gym availability, the Laidlaw Variety Show Practice date has changed from Tuesday Feb. 4 to Wednesday Feb. 5. The variety show is organized by our Laidlaw PTO. Please contact them directly with questions.

Get excited, D101 families: it's time for the 2025 D101 FAMILY STEAM NIGHT. Back by popular demand, this interactive and hands on family-friendly experience is presented compliments of WSFEE and in partnership with our D101 administration and staff. Please save the date on your family calendars (Thursday, February 6 from 5:30-8:00PM at McClure) and stop by. STEAM Night is an open house format. Come by for a short bit or stay a long while! Calling for volunteers! We need parent volunteers to make STEAM night a success. *NEW* this year: For every parent who volunteers an hour of their time at STEAM night, they will receive two tickets at a time of their choosing for the highly anticipated mobile escape rooms for their D101 student(s) to use. Click HERE to volunteer.

In an effort to continue to cultivate positive relationships between the Western Springs Police Department (WSPD) and the District 101 community, police officers from the WSPD will be regularly visiting schools on Wednesdays during the lunch hour. They'll be talking with students and staff and overall, just being a regular presence in our schools. Hopefully, this will normalize the experience of having officers at school and foster some positive connections for all! We have the names of all officers and will have them check-in as we do all school visitors.

I wanted to share this information in case your child comes home and shares they've been seeing police officers at school--nothing is wrong or dangerous, but rather this is a good thing. How wonderful that we're in a community where this is even possible!

Laidlaw will be hosting its 4th annual All Abilities Fair and we need parent involvement to make it happen! The fair allows our student body to engage in various activities that promote inclusion and understanding about disabilities and differences. This year's stations will include fine motor, visual impairment, sensory planning, learning differences and emotional regulation. If you're able to volunteer it would be much appreciated. Sign up here for either AM, PM or both! If you have any questions reach out to Karen Weckman at keb424@hotmail.com.

It is already time to think about Kindergarten Registration for next school year! In order to kick things off, I'm hosting two upcoming VIRTUAL Kindergarten Registration Information sessions (identical information will be shared at both):

Tuesday, January 28 at 9AM

Tuesday, January 28 at 7:00PM

During these times, I'll overview some basics about Kindergarten and walk you through the Registration process--including necessary paperwork, health requirements, timelines, etc.

Click HERE to sign-up for one of the Laidlaw Registration Information Sessions. (A meeting link will be shared with those who registered!)

We're excited to be thinking about welcoming our next crop of Laidlaw Leopards.

***Please feel free to forward this information along to anyone within the Laidlaw attendance area who will have an incoming Kindergartener next year. Field Park and Forest Hills principals will be sharing their information with families as well.

Are you ready for it? Get ready to join BAMtheatre at Laidlaw this spring, where we're bringing the magic of theatre to your after-school routine! This term, unleash your inner star in “In my BAM Era: Taylor’s Greatest Hits," featuring all your favorite songs from the world renowned pop star! Save the date - classes kick off on Mondays starting February 24. BAM's comprehensive structure features a blend of captivating activities, games, and rehearsals, all culminating in a showcase on the final day for friends and family to enjoy. Secure your spot pronto—availability is limited, and this class is known to fill up fast! #AfterSchoolTheatreMagic #BAMera #afterschoolenrichment

REGISTER HERE.

Register for art classes here:

Tues - https://www.hisawyer.com/maureen-claffy-art/schedules/activity-set/1058203

Thurs - https://www.hisawyer.com/maureen-claffy-art/schedules/activity-set/1058215

There are a few additional spots that have opened up for STEAM Academy classes.

Click here for 1st-3rd grade registration.

Click here for 4th and 5th grade registration.

If you would like more information about the Right At School before and after care program, please see the included flyer or visit their website at https://rightatschool.com/.

Please find the 2024-25 calendar HERE

January 13: MAP testing begins for 2nd-5th graders (see details above)

January 16: Marla's Lunch Day

January 20th: No School (MLK Day)

January 28th: PTO Learning Fair (evening)

January 29th: Late Arrival for students (10AM)

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.

Exciting news - the D101 STEAM Night is coming back to McClure on Feb 6th! Sponsored by WSFEE, STEAM Night will captivate students with hands-on activities fostering enthusiasm for the interlocked disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math. Come out and experience connections between all STEAM disciplines with an emphasis on hands-on, fun and creative activities. It's truly an event for the whole family!

Laidlaw Learning Fair

Tuesday, January 28th

6:30-7:30 pm, Laidlaw Gym

ALL interested Laidlaw students are invited to participate to tell others about something that interests you. It can be about anything: history, art, music, science, math, language, one of your hobbies, a model you built, your favorite author, or one of your collections. Be creative! The most important part is to have fun learning and sharing. It’s okay to work with your parents, other family members, or to partner with friends.

Click HERE for more information!

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Variety Show

Wednesday, February 12th

6:30-8 pm

We can't wait to see all the amazing performances from students on Wednesday, February 12. Students in Grades 2-5 are invited to participate in either a 2 minute group or solo act. DJ Maximus will return as emcee to get the party started in the McClure Gym. All performers are required to participate in rehearsal on Tuesday, February 4th at 4:30 pm. More details will be shared next week. Please contact Kelly Clifford with any questions.

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Stock the Staff Lounge

Looking for a low time commitment way to help out at Laidlaw? Help stock the staff lounge!

Click HERE to contribute!

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Mark your Calendar!

Tuesday, January 28th - Learning Fair, 6:30-7:30 pm

Friday, January 31st - Fun Lunch (entertainment provided - order Marla’s Lunch for food)

Wednesday, February 12th -

All Abilities Fair

Variety Show, 6:30-8 pm