To The Unsung Hero!
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
In the whirlwind of daily life, amidst the demands of work, household chores, and the constant needs of our children, it can be easy to feel unseen, unappreciated, and perhaps even like you're falling short. There are days filled with complaints, moments of misunderstanding, and times when the sacrifices you make seem to go unnoticed by the very little humans who share our spaces, dirty the bathrooms, mix the reds with the whites in the laundry, and forget to walk the dog and now there is more mess to clean. If you've ever felt this way, please know this: you are doing an amazing job.
Parenting, in its truest form, is arguably the most challenging and often the most thankless job on earth. It demands unwavering patience, boundless energy, endless love, and a constant willingness to put another's needs before your own. The highs and lows are enough to make you want to lie on the floor and scream. Yet, in the loud or quiet moments of doubt, it’s crucial to remember the profound impact you are having. Where would the world's greatest leaders have come from without the guidance of a nurturing hand? Where would the most brilliant minds have found their footing without the encouragement of a caring voice? Where would the most innovative creatives have discovered their passions without the unwavering support of a dedicated caregiver? The answer, in so many cases, lies with you.
And let us not forget that the title of "caregiver" extends far beyond biological ties. It encompasses the incredible individuals who step into a child's life, by choice, and offer the same boundless love and unwavering commitment as any parent. To the aunts, uncles, grandparents, foster parents, mentors, those who have adopted, and all those who have opened their hearts and homes to a child who didn't come from them but who they love without pause, without restraint, with every sacrifice imaginable – your role is equally vital and deeply cherished.
There will be days, perhaps many, when your child doesn't fully grasp the extent of your efforts. They may not see the sleepless nights spent worrying, the careful budgeting to provide for their needs, or the countless small acts of love that shape their world. They may even voice frustration or dissatisfaction. But please hold onto this truth: one day, I promise, your child(ren) will see and understand the immense love you have poured into their lives. They will recognize the lengths you went to protect them, the values you instilled, and the unwavering support you provided.
Ultimately, what every caregiver desires is for their child to surpass their own achievements, to live a life where their cup pours over with freedom and joy, and to navigate the world with confidence and compassion. The late nights, the early mornings, the days filled with worry, the tears of pride and happiness, the constant work – all of it is a testament to this profound hope for their future.
So, to every caregiver reading this: I see you. I acknowledge the sleepless nights, the days of worry, the tears of joy, and the immeasurable effort that goes into the toughest, most rewarding job on earth – raising a child. You are shaping the future, one loving act at a time. Keep going. You are doing an amazing job.
MAP and iReady Testing is Upon Us
Spring is in the air — and so are our assessment dates!
Please mark your calendars for the following important days as we gear up to showcase all the amazing growth our students have made:
May 5th & 6th – NWEA MAP: MATH
May 8th & 9th – NWEA MAP: READING
May 12th–16th – iReady Math Spring Diagnostic
May 12th–16th – Teacher-led MAP Makeups for MATH & READING
There is nothing for your scholar to "study for." All we ask is that you:
1. Establish Healthy Routines:
- Prioritize Sleep leading up to and during testing to make sure that scholars are alert.
- Provide Nutritious Meals or get your child to school for breakfast. Energy drinks, Starbucks, snd sugary snacks make children "crash" and they do not have the energy to fully engage into testing.
2. Foster a Positive Mindset:
- Reduce Anxiety by reminding your scholar to focus on effort, not just results: Praise their hard work and preparation, regardless of the outcome. Let them know you are proud of their effort.
- Build Confidence: Remind them of their strengths and past successes. Encourage them to do their best and trust their abilities.
3. "De-Stress" Test Day:
- Know the Schedule: Be aware of the test dates and times to avoid any last-minute rushes or confusion.
- Ensure a Calm Morning: Help your child have a relaxed start to the day with a nutritious breakfast and by avoiding any stressful situations.
- Offer Encouragement: A few words of support and confidence can go a long way in easing any nervousness.
- Let Them Know You're There: Reassure them that you are there for them, no matter the outcome.
Remember, your role is to support and encourage your child, not to add pressure. By focusing on preparation, positive reinforcement, and a healthy mindset, you can help them approach testing with greater confidence and perform to the best of their ability.
Saebrs Screener
The SAEBRS screener is scheduled to be completed by teachers to rate students in the areas of social, academic and emotional behaviors. The window opens April 21. All ratings will be done by April 30tth, including the student self-screener that allows students to self-assess with the same focuses on social, academic, and emotional behaviors. This takes students about 3-5 minutes to complete. We use this date to determine levels of SEL support for our students.
We Need Your Help!
Our annual Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Celebration is coming up on Thursday, May 29th, and we need your help to make it an enriching experience for our students!
How to help: event planning committee members, crowdsourcing food/decoration or commitment to help on the day of the event. Please contact Mr. Kim at kimy@district65.net.
Chaperones Needed!
Let's bike our graduates to ETHS safely. We will show them the ABC check, rules of the road, and then practice the best routes. We will meet at C&W Ice Cream for a cone. We are then invited next door to Youth Opportunity Unlimited (Y.O.U.) for an orientation, use of their 3D Print Lab, or hanging out on their patio. We need parents to ride with small groups of grads on April 25th, May 30th, and June 6th. Meeting at 3PM by the Bike Cage, Biking by 3:30PM and home by 5PM~ish. Contact Jason Orloff < jjorloff@gmail.com > or (312) 515-7195.
If your child needs a bike, then Sarah FioRito of the City of Evanston has purchased 10 bikes, locks, and helmets for the Y.O.U. Earn-A-Bike from the Recyclery. Please fill out this: Interest Form. See you on the Path!
