Sheridan Newsletter - 5.3.24
May 3, 2024
A Message from the Principal
Dear Sheridan Families,
There is something so special about the Spring Sing… the cheerful tunes, playful movements, festive colors. But perhaps what is most on display is “community”. Our Shark homerooms have truly gelled into a family, and that connection is evident in the joy they have performing together. Kudos to Mrs. Balinao, Mrs. Thornton, and Dr. Rener for the many months of preparation that went into the event. You put together an amazing show!
Thank you again to all the parents who joined us for the annual ACES walk. It was wonderful to spend that time together! We also wrapped up the Spring Food Drive with a fantastic response in each grade. Many children will have food on their tables this summer thanks to you, Sheridan families. Thank you!
Next up… Exploration Day next Friday, May 10. APT has an AMAZING line-up of experiences for our Sharks. We cannot wait to tell you about it next week!
Finally, as a staff, we are looking forward to the fun of Staff Appreciation Week. We are so grateful to the APT for making this such a special time for everyone. The children love seeing their Shark Bite notes up on display. It is truly a joyful week for all! We will also be celebrating everyone’s favorite nurse, Nurse Charlene, on Nurse’s Day next Monday. We all benefit from her care and good cheer.
Up next week:
Monday 5/6 - 4th Grade Buddy Day at Deer Path Middle School
Tuesday, 5/7 - 4H Open Lands Field trip
Wednesday 5/8 - 4th Grade Orchestra Concert 7:00 pm at DPM. Rehearsal that morning - please send instruments to school
Thursday, 5/9 - 4S Open Lands Field trip
Friday 5/10 - Exploration Day 12:45 pm - 2:30 pm. Volunteers please arrive at 12:30.
Fourth Grade News
Next week kicks off our gentle transition for fourth graders to their next chapter in middle school, starting with Buddy Day on Monday! Fourth graders will spend the morning at DPM to get a first-hand look at 5th grade. On Wednesday, orchestra students will join the students from Everett, Cherokee, and Deer Path Middle School for the annual spring concert. We have listened to them advance their musical skills all year and are so proud of what they have accomplished! Fourth grade also has field trips to Open Lands next week. More to come on other year-end events shortly!
4th Grade Families - View Your DPM School Supply List Below!
Erin’s Law Lesson
As part of our personal protection and safety curriculum, students in will participate in a lesson aligned with Erin’s Law (105 ILCS 5/10-23.13) in an effort to raise awareness and prevention of child sexual abuse. The mandate reinforces the importance of empowering children in keeping their bodies safe. Erin’s Law is designed to accomplish the following:
Increase educator and parent awareness of child sexual abuse;
Provide educators and parents with valuable information regarding the signs and symptoms of child sexual abuse;
Deliver age-appropriate lessons that empower children in recognizing safe and unsafe touches and what they can do if something inappropriate or uncomfortable happens;
Teach children empowerment actions such as Say “NO”, Get Away, Tell a Trusted Adult; and
Remind teachers of their legal requirement to report all suspected abuse cases to the Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS).
For EC-4th Grade Students
Lessons will be co-taught by Mr. Brown and Nurse Charlene for grades K-4 and by Ms. Moccia for EC during the week of May 13.
The lesson will not include examples of sexual abuse, nor will it include explicit terminology. We understand this is a sensitive topic and handle it carefully with information that is developmentally appropriate to the age of the students. If you would like specific information about the lesson or to learn more about the topic, please reach out to your building social worker or school psychologist.
Requests to Opt-Out: If you prefer that your child opt-out of this prevention education session, please email your child’s teacher.
Resources for Parents:
Parent Information: Parents Protect!
Erin Merryn: The Story Behind the Law
Children’s Advocacy Centers of Illinois
Local Resource (Gurnee)- Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center
From Your Librarian
What a treat a couple of classes experienced this week! Dylan Santi and family donated a birthday book to our Sheridan Library called The Isle of Stuck Faces by family friend, Brooke Saucier! Not only did this Epic Poem arrive during Poetry Month, but the author joined us on a Google Meet to share the story! He is returning next week to finish the last two sections…at the request of the students! How awesome is that?!
Books
As we get things in order for Fall, please take another peak around your homes with your children to find those missing library books. We have quite a few still out and any support in getting them returned is appreciated. If they truly are lost, you may send in a check to Sheridan Activities to cover the cost of the book, and I'll buy a replacement copy. I appreciate your support.
Have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
Susan
Board of Education Seeks New Member - District 67
District 67 Board of Education announced the resignation of Mrs. Alice LeVert, effective April 30. The Board is grateful to Mrs. LeVert, who has served since 2017, for her contributions to the District and wish her well in her newly elected position on the Lake Forest City Council.
Following the Illinois School Code, the responsibility for filling the vacant position now rests with the remaining board members. They have a 60-day window from Mrs. LeVert's resignation date to accomplish this task. Failure to fill the position within this timeframe will shift the responsibility to the Regional Superintendent of Schools.
The Board encourages all interested and qualified individuals that wish to serve on the Board to submit an application. Completed applications must be received by 5:00 pm on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. Once the Board of Education has reviewed the applications, selected candidates will be interviewed, and an appointee will be installed at the District 67 Board Meeting on June 18, 2024.
NEW Walk Your Wheels Video From the City of Lake Forest
Walk your wheels applies to everyone, Lake Forest! Riders must dismount and walk their devices within the Central Business District boundaries to avoid a fine of up to $300 per offense. Last year, Lake Forest City Council approved an ordinance prohibiting the use of recreational powered devices (electric scooters, electric bikes, etc.) on sidewalks in the Central Business District.
View the Walk Your Wheels Video from the City of Lake Forest Below!
This Weekend in the City of Lake Forest
Come to the Deerpath Community Park Showcase tomorrow! Please see more information and the invitation by clicking on the link below. Thank you!
Deerpath Community Park Showcase
May 4, 2024, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Applications Open for 2024-2025 Parent-Teacher Behavior Intervention Committee
District 67 is currently updating the Student Handbook in partnership with the Parent-Teacher Behavior Intervention Committee. This committee comprises District 67 parents, teachers, and administrators, and focuses on reviewing policies and procedures regarding behavior management, student rights, responsibilities, and consequences, in alignment with Board policy. We invite your participation. Applications are now open until 5:00 pm, May 8, 2024, for those wishing to serve on the 2024-2025 Parent-Teacher Behavior Intervention Committee. Please contact Dr. Jenny Sterpin (jsterpin@lfschools.net) with questions.
Spring MAP Testing
District 67 students in Grades 2-8 will take the NWEA Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Test between April 29 - May 10. MAP is a Common Core-aligned, adaptive, computer-based assessment. This nationally normed assessment is designed to measure growth over time in the areas of reading and math. The District utilizes the achievement and growth data from MAP to inform instructional planning for individuals and groups of students; and measure growth from year-to-year.
APT News and Events
Thank you to everyone who donated to the food drive! Sheridan always has such a strong showing of support to help our North Chicago Community Partners. Special thank you to APT Community Service Coordinators Caroline Eimerman and Elizabeth Schwartz, and the District Coordinators Carrie Cole and Chrissy Sieman.
Staff Appreciation Week
If you would still like to volunteer to help recognize the amazing work of our teachers and staff, sign up below!
Volunteers are still needed to bring a staff member their preferred Starbucks drink - a staff favorite and Sheridan tradition! Here is the link to sign up, drinks should be delivered to the Sheridan front door on Tuesday, May 7 from 12:45 pm - 1:30 pm.
Please reach out to the APT Staff Appreciation Week with any questions: Vicky Bozic, Jillian Floriani, Julia Hudson, Perry Minter and Kristen Scheuer.
Donuts with Grown Ups
May 16, 7:15 am - 7:45 am
Donuts with Grown Ups is a new APT event for Sheridan! Each student can share a breakfast morning with one special guest on the back playground. RSVP and see more info by clicking on the button below! Sheridan Donuts with Grown ups!
Please plan your arrival this morning knowing that event parking will be on Spruce Street (East of Sheridan). The school lot is reserved for staff arriving at school. Consider walking, riding your bikes, or asking a school neighbor friend if you can park in their driveway! Thank you for understanding!
The APT will also need some extra hands in making this event a success! Please sign up here if you can help that morning: Volunteer for Donuts with Grown Ups
Please contact the APT Donuts with Grown Ups committee with any questions: Jennifer Adams, Vicky Bozic, Noel Dolan and Caroline Eimerman.
Garden Fair in Market Square with Sheridan Garden Club
May 4 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Spend some time with Gardening 2 Grow (G2G) and Sheridan Garden Club at Market Square making up-cycled floral crafts and playing some yard games while learning more about the Sheridan Garden Club and the garden clubs at all 4 District 67 schools.
If you’re available to help at the Garden Fair, please sign up here (we need parents and students please!)
Reminder - May 10 is Exploration Day from 12:30 pm - 2:15 pm! Volunteers will receive a reminder via email.
It’s time for school supply ordering for next year! Order for your child’s grade next year:
Keep up-to-date on all these year-end activities: Visit Sheridan's APT Facebook page HERE or on Instagram you can follow us @SheridanAPT67.
Have a great weekend!
Elyse Butler
2022-24 Sheridan APT President
Spirit News and Events
It's Just Another Manic May
It's hard to believe that the school year is winding down for our District 67 students! It feels like we kicked off the new school year just yesterday.
While everyone else is winding down, the Spirit of 67 is kicking it into gear in preparation for the Home & Garden Tour in September. It will be here before we know it!
Things to remember as June quickly approaches:
Mark your calendar for our 20th Home and Garden Tour on September 26!
We are seeking volunteers to join us in creating another memorable and successful Home & Garden Tour. For more information, please contact Kirstin Carruthers - kirstincarruthers67@gmail.com
Remember to make your annual donation to the Spirit of 67 when registering your child for the 2024/2025 school year!
Were you looking for a specific educational or enriching experience or opportunity for your child that is not already in place? Consider writing a grant for the 2025/2026 school year! Start planning now for submission in early 2025.
We are grateful to our District 67 families and faculty for their support throughout the year!
It shall be the mission of the Spirit of 67 Foundation to raise funds and acquire resources to provide enriching, educational and cultural experiences for the students, parents, faculty and staff of Lake Forest School District 67 that might not otherwise be provided.
Save the Date to March in the Lake Forest Day Parade!
District 67 and District 115 Lake Forest Community High School are participating in this year's Lake Forest Day parade on August 7.
We invite all students, families, and alumni to join the fun by walking in the parade with your principal. School spirit wear is encouraged!
Lake Forest High School News
There's a lot of information coming in from Lake Forest High School to you, and we want you to be informed on upcoming events, the referendum and more. Take a look at what's featured and click the button below for more information!
- LFHS Alumni Announces Employment and Mentoring Opportunities
Community Events
Loan & the Repo Men Headlining Benefit Concert for Lake Forest American Legion
Rock out with the Repo Men on May 11!
Gorton Center Event: Mother Daughter Innovation Event
May 11, 2024, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
May 17, 2024, 1:00 pm
25th Annual First Responders Expo
Show first responders some love Saturday, May 18 from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm at Gurnee Mills!
1360 N. Sheridan Rd.
Lake Forest, IL 60045