The Weekly: October 4

October 4, 2024
A Message from your Principal, Mrs. Katie Johnson
This week, I'd like to shed some light on the restorative practices we're implementing to cultivate a positive and supportive learning environment. These practices prioritize rebuilding relationships and repairing harm, fostering a sense of community and responsibility among our students.
Restorative practices are particularly effective for our younger learners in kindergarten through second grade, as they are still developing essential social and emotional skills. By engaging in restorative practices, our students learn to express their feelings, resolve conflicts peacefully, and take ownership of their actions.
One of the core components of restorative practices is restorative conferences. These meetings provide a safe space for students to discuss and address conflicts. Facilitated by staff, these conferences focus on understanding the harm caused, developing strategies for repair, and preventing future misunderstandings. Students are encouraged to share their perspectives and collaborate on solutions that promote healing and reconciliation.
Restorative practices play a vital role in creating a harmonious and supportive school climate. When our students learn to resolve conflicts peacefully and take responsibility for their actions, they are better equipped to succeed both academically and socially.
Sincerely,
Katie Johnson
Principal
Custodian Appreciation Day
This past week we celebrated Custodian Appreciation Day. Our custodians, Mr. Charlie and Ms. Eugenia, work tirelessly to keep our school clean, safe, and welcoming. They often go above and beyond to ensure that our environment is conducive for learning. It's never too late to take a moment to stop, recognize, and thank Mr. Charlie and Ms. Eugenia for their hard work and dedication!
Author Visits IDE!
First graders recently had the opportunity to meet with local author Hafsa Mahmood and learn all about how she wrote a book with her sons, who are students in our district! Second graders will be meeting her soon.
For more information about their book, please read below:
Little Birdies Lose their Colors is a story that encourages self identity, diversity, individuality and eating healthy. These topics can be difficult to discuss. By joining the little birdies on their journey, everyone can talk about important issues openly and honestly. This children's book simplifies complicated topics and brings everyone back to the basics of peacefully embracing and appreciating each other.
The book was a young boy's bedtime story he made up with his mom. He had a dream for his story to be in his library. After his mom first told him it was just in their heads, he insisted. To bring the boy's vision to life, the mom and son duo formally wrote out their story, created all the artwork via scrapbooking, and self-published the book that's now at the young boy's library, along with many other libraries and schools. Mission accomplished and kudos to the then 7-year-old author who's now at Lakeview Junior High!
If you'd like to learn more about the book or get a copy for yourself, please visit www.little-birdies.com ! Book proceeds go to a few charities including Fist Book, LitWorld and Unicef USA.
Attention: 2nd Grade Families
Dear 2nd Grade Families,
The PTO is hosting a t-shirt design contest for our 2nd Graders!
Information about the contest with students this week during Art. Students have until October 31st to turn in their t-shirt designs by the 2nd Grade Art Room Door.
The winning design will be voted on by students at Elizabeth Ide. The winning design will be used to create this year’s Elizabeth Ide School t-shirt for field day and other events.
Any questions, please contact tsmeltzer@ccsd66.org.
Thank you,
Terri Smeltzer, Art Teacher
October Fun
We have a fun filled day planned for our K-2 students at Elizabeth Ide School on Thursday, October 31st! All students are invited to participate in a parade and a classroom party. Below you will find helpful information regarding this exciting day! Our 3 and 4 year Old PreSchool Classrooms will also have this opportunity; please watch for more communication from your preschool teacher regarding specific dates and times.
COSTUMES: K-2 students may wear a costume or fall themed outfit to school on October 31st. Please note the following: Costumes may not depict any form of violence or gore that may scare other children. Toy weapons or weapon look-alikes are not allowed at school. Masks can be worn during the parade, but must not impede the student’s vision.
PARADE: We are thrilled to invite our families and community to our school-wide parade. Weather permitting, the parade will be outside starting at 8:15am. Our morning Pre-K starts at 8am, so please do not arrive prior to 8:05am. The parade will begin at the green star and end at the red star (see image below). Families and community members may line up along either side of the parade route to cheer our students on during the parade! Please leave sidewalks clear for our students. While families and community members are encouraged to walk, if able, we are also working on possible options for overflow parking. Details will be communicated prior to the event. A revised plan will be communicated if weather does not permit.
CLASSROOM PARTIES: K-2 classroom parties will be hosted by PTO room parents. There will not be any food provided to students to consume during the party.
We appreciate your support and willingness to contribute these exciting experiences for our students.
If you have any questions, please call the main office at 630-783-5200.
As always, thank you for everything you do and we hope to see you October 31st!
PTO Corner
TEAM66 Community Discount Card
The Community Discount Card is your ticket to exclusive savings at your favorite local businesses while supporting our foundation and district students. For just $20, this card gives you access to fantastic discounts at a variety of popular spots from August 2024 to August 2025. The card is easy to use—just show it at participating businesses to receive your discount. Plus, a portion of the proceeds goes directly to TEAM66, helping to support our local community. Cards will be delivered to the school to go home with students. Click HERE to purchase.
TEAM66 Trunk or Treat - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
We are still looking for volunteers to help get goodies to trunks when they run out, traffic support and help to check in everyone. The volunteer slots are for 1-hour, so you can still enjoy the event with your family. This event cannot happen without our volunteers. Please help us fill our volunteer slots so we can open up ticket sales. Thank you!
TEAM 66 Community Arts & Craft Festival - Save the Date!
We are excited to announce our upcoming TEAM66 Community Craft Fair, and we want YOU to be part of it!
When: Saturday, November 16th 9:00am - 2:00pm
Where: Lakeview Junior High School
Are you a talented crafter or know someone who creates handmade goods? We are currently seeking crafters to showcase and sell their unique creations at this event! Click HERE to register.
Have a student crafter? We have a limited number of student tables available – student registration is free! Click HERE to register.
PTO Calendar of Events
Upcoming Team66 Events
- Friday, 10/18 6-8pm: Trunk or Treat
- Saturday, 11/16: Craft Fair
What day is it? Encore Schedule
Day 1: Red
Day 2: Yellow
Day 3: Green
Day 4: Blue
Day 5: Purple
Oct. 31: Special Schedule