The Olive Branch

What's Up At The Nest...

3.1.19

Our 2nd and 5th grade science fairs were a huge hit today. Focused on solids, liquids & gases, the students explored everything from bouncy polymer balls and a co2 shower, to a dry-ice-in-water cloud, to overflowing surface tension with pennies. Check out a few more pics below. Thanks to our parent scientists that helped make it happen!

Becky & Erin

Check out our Twitter feed (@ahsd25Olive) and previous editions of The Olive Branch archived in the NEWS section of our website.

zoom_out_map

Cultural Arts Assembly

Thanks to the PTA Cultural Arts Committee, our students enjoyed a performance by the Chicago Folklore Ensemble.

The show, "Follow the Butterfly", included a string ensemble and storyteller that presented international folktales with themes of respecting nature and caring for the Earth. Each tale was accompanied by traditional music from its respective region: Nigeria, Thailand, the United States, India, and the Amazon Rainforest.

zoom_out_map

5th Grade Band Concert

So proud of our 5th grade band students that performed on Wednesday night. Despite having 3 of their 6 rehearsals canceled due to cold weather day, these musicians rocked it!

zoom_out_map

OMS Senior Walk

Save the Date...The 2nd annual OMS Senior Walk is planned for Thursday, May 23rd. Our students will line the hallways to cheer on the seniors in their caps & gowns. The seniors will then catch up with former teachers. Last year's inaugural Senior Walk was a huge success. Help get the word out to former owls that are seniors in HS this year!

zoom_out_map

Author Visits

Over the last couple of weeks, we had two authors visit the nest. Author/Illustrator Mike Wohnoutka shared his story about how he was inspired by his high school art teacher and a college professor to pursue a career in art with our K, 1, & 2 students. In the week leading up to his visit, students practicing drawing characters like the ones created by Mr. Wohnoutka during their LMC lessons. They learned how to change a character’s eyes to show expression.

Mr. Allan Woodrow told the story of how he became an author during his presentation to third, fourth, and fifth-grade students. OMS students excitedly participated in Mr. Woodrow’s presentation by sharing their favorite books and writing topics.

Click HERE to check out photos and videos from both author visits on the LMC website.

zoom_out_map

ABC/25 Get Burbed Challenge! Registration

Register today for the 8th Annual ABC/25 Get Burbed Challenge! Choose the 5k or 1 mile and walk or run with friends and neighbors who are coming together to support the ABC/25 Foundation. All proceeds are returned directly to the schools via teacher grants for innovative teaching methods and materials. Register by Friday 3/22/19 to receive early registration perks including a $5 discount on the entry fee, a guaranteed race t-shirt and the option to have your race packet delivered to your D25 school. Race day is Saturday, April 13th - register now at you can find more information about the race at abc25challenge.org.

Olive currently has 11 people registered. Only 150 before we reach our participation goal!

If you are part of a team or organization that wants to participate together in the ABC/25 Get Burbed Challenge on Saturday, April 13th, you can receive 10% off your registration fees! Scouts, running clubs, athletic teams - we're talking to you! Email the Race Directors at abc25challenge@gmail.com for more information and to receive your promo codes. Groups must be 10+ people and must register by 3/22/19.

The ABC/25 Get Burbed Challenge planning team wants to ensure that all students can participate in the 5k or 1 mile run/walk on Saturday, April 13, 2019. If your family is experiencing financial difficulties, the race fee for the student(s) will be covered by a generous donor in our community. Interested families can contact our Race Directors at abc25challenge@gmail.com for a code to utilize this donation on the registration page.

We are looking forward to seeing lots of students and their families at this great community event!

Picture Books That Teach Kids How to Stop and Think, Handle Emotions, and Be Mindful

Talking with and teaching your kids about self-control, regulation, and mindfulness is sometimes made easier through literature. When looking for kindness books for our winter storytime with the principals, we came across this list which led us to one of our read alouds, "I am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness."