The Principal's Pawprint
News You Can Use, Straight From the Fox Den!
Dear Isaac Fox Families,
This past week, we celebrated the 100th Day of School in style! Our 2nd grade team — Mrs. Burton, Mrs. Gorman, and Mrs. Matras — had everyone smiling as they dressed up as 100-year-olds to mark the occasion. Beyond the fun, students took time to reflect on how much they’ve grown and learned over the past 100 days.
Milestones are everywhere at Isaac Fox! Our Fox Tracker is climbing the Positive Paw bulletin board as we work toward our collective goal of 75 class goals met by earning Positive Paws for being Kind, Safe, and Responsible. Another celebration is just around the corner if we reach this target — and I wonder what’s in store for our Foxes!
Lastly, I’m filled with principal pride after watching the courage and talent on display at our recent talent show Friday night, and I continue to be inspired by the many ways our students are growing — academically, socially, and as true global citizens.
Keep up the great work! This is what makes our Isaac Fox Community a special one!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Kelly Olivero
Principal, Isaac Fox Elementary
Our Foxes Have Talent!
What a night for our Foxes! This year’s Isaac Fox Talent Show truly amazed us by the numbers — 64 student performers (up from 49), 39 acts (up from 28), and an incredible 28 fifth-graders eager to serve as emcees (up from 7!). From piano and clarinet to singing, dancing, gymnastics, and comedy, our Foxes lit up the MSS stage. A huge shout out to our teacher liaisons, Ms. Duke and Ms. Buttitta, whose long week included multiple 12+ hour days to make this event possible. What an incredible display of talent, teamwork, and Fox pride!
High Touch High Tech Comes to First Grade!
Recently, our 1st graders had a blast with their PTO-sponsored enrichment program, “Sounds Like Fun” from High Touch High Tech! As part of the STEAM initiative, this hands-on workshop takes a scientific approach to technology, engineering, and mathematics and is aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Students explored what sound actually is, learned about different types of sound, and discovered how sound travels through different materials. The highlight? Creating a model eardrum where salt danced and water droplets jumped! Thank you to our wonderful PTO for helping to bring these opportunities to strengthen science education through exciting and interactive exploration.
Congratulations to Aleksandra Galazka, IF's Student of the Month!
Congratulations to Aleksandra Galazka, Isaac Fox’s Student of the Month for January! Aleksandra exemplifies all of the qualities a portrait of a graduate should be. She exemplifies a hard work ethic while challenging herself and her fellow students. Aleksandra is willing to take chances to challenge herself in all facets of her learning. She is a global citizen who cares not only about her personal success but the success of her classmates. Her kindness builds bridges within the walls of our classroom as well as our school. Aleksandra is a kind hearted child that brings happiness, joy, and laughter into our classroom. Throughout the year, she has grown academically, socially, and emotionally. Proud of you, Aleksandra!
Starting tomorrow, Tuesday, February 3, 2026, parents/guardians, students, and teachers across Illinois are invited to share their thoughts on the important elements of school effectiveness. This survey is a key tool in ongoing efforts to improve student learning and school conditions at Isaac Fox.
District 95 highly values the insights and perspectives of parents/guardians; please complete the survey to assist in shaping the educational environment and experience for students.
Survey Participation Details:
- Survey Period: February 3, 2026 - March 13, 2026
- Who Will Participate at IF: All teachers and 4th & 5th grade students
- Parent/Guardian Participation: All parents/guardians are encouraged to complete the survey. A 20% or higher response rate will generate a specific parent/guardian report.
- For More Information: Visit https://www.5-essentials.org/illinois
- Monday, February 2nd: Chess Club after school
- Monday, February 2nd: Sticky Fingers after school
- Tuesday, February 3rd: 4th grade Orchestra (@IF) & Band Rehearsals (@ MW) before school
- Tuesday, February 3rd : Sticky Fingers after school
- Tuesday, February 3rd : IF Musical Rehearsal after school
- Wednesday, February 4th: Young Rembrandts, Announcments Club & Amigos Club after school
- Wednesday, February 4th: Kindergarten Registration @ 6:30pm
- Thursday, February 5th: 5th grade Orchestra before school
- Thursday, February 5th : IF Musical Rehearsal after school
- Friday, February 6th: Chorus Rehearsal before school
- Friday, February 6th: Piper the Therapy Dog Visits IF
- Monday, February 9th: Student Council Meeting before school
- Monday, February 9th: Chess Club after school
- Monday, February 9th: Sticky Fingers after school
- Tuesday, February 10th: 4th grade Orchestra (@IF) & Band Rehearsals (@ MW) before school
- Tuesday, February 10th: Sticky Fingers after school
- Tuesday, February 10th: IF Musical Rehearsal after school
- Tuesday, February 10th: 3rd Grade Musical @ 6:30pm
- Wednesday, February 11th: Young Rembrandts , Announcments & Amigos Club after school
- Thursday, February 12th: 5th grade Orchestra before school
- Thursday, February 12th: IF Musical Rehearsal after school
- Friday, February 13th: NO SCHOOL - Institute Day
- Monday, February 16th: NO SCHOOL - President's Day
- Tuesday, February 17th: Students Return to School
Flu Season Information
As we continue into flu season, please see below for important reminders from the Health Office Team:
Please be sure to monitor your student for flu-like symptoms (e.g., persistent cough, sore throat, fever, body aches)
If your student is experiencing any exclusionary symptoms (such as a fever above 100.4, vomiting or diarrhea), please do not send them to school
During this time, preventative measures such as covering your cough, hand-washing, and others can prevent the spread of illness; please be sure to review these strategies with your child at home
For more information on the flu, families can access the Lake County Health Department resource HERE (Spanish version HERE).
Crossing Deerpath - Please use crosswalk!
No Left Turn During Drop Off TIme
There have been an increase in the number of cars that have been avoiding the car drop off line and turning left to drop off directly in front of the main entrance. It is vital that our bus line remains open during this time. As you enter through the front entrance off Cuba Rd., please turn right and follow the drop off line. Our supervisors ensure that the line moves with efficiecy and also remains safe. Your cooperation is appreciated!
Car Pool Lane Drop Off and Pick Up Procedures
When dropping off or picking up your student in the car lane near MSS, it is important that you remain in your car at all times. Students need to be exiting the vehicle on the side nearest the sidewalk and schools. If students need help unbuckling, buckling, gathering and carrying items, then it is best to park in a spot in front of MSS or alternatively use the back lot near the soccer field and walk your child into school. Following this procedure helps maintain safety and efficiency as we get our students from home to school and back again each day. Thank you for your cooperation!
Thank you for your cooperation!
When visiting Isaac Fox, you will need to bring your license or ID in with you each time you enter the school for use with our Raptor system located in our vestibule. Please have patience while all visitors to our community check in and out. The office staff is always available to help if needed. Thank you for doing your part to help keep our school and safe and inviting environment for all!
Pick up Time and Change in Transportation Method
We strongly discourage students from being dismissed between 2:30-2:50 pm due to the dismissal lines and buses at that time. If you need to pick your child up early, please arrange for a time prior to 2:30pm.
Understand that no changes in student transportation will be made without a written or verbal request from a parent or guardian.
Once we have established your designated travel, you must notify your child’s teacher and the office in writing or via phone call each time a change is made from that routine. If a change in transportation is necessary please adhere to the following guidelines: Notify the office of the dismissal change via note or phone call prior to 2pm.
If you'd like to volunteer this year at any time as Isaac Fox you must do the following:
- Complete a volunteer form and return a paper copy with signature to the front office.
- Watch the volunteer video.
- Complete this form that serves as your verification that you've complete steps 1 & 2.
- Look for opportunities throughout the year to volunteer at Isaac Fox and sign up!
If you need to communicate with your child during the school day, please contact the school office. This includes times such as lunch and recess. Our office staff will make sure your message is delivered or will connect you with your child if it’s necessary in the moment.
We also remind students that if they need to reach you, they should always ask an adult in the building for assistance. Please take a moment to talk with your child about what to do if they need to contact you during the school day and model appropriate communication practices.
By following this process, students can stay focused on learning, and our staff can best support them if a need arises. Thank you for your cooperation and partnership!
Parent Student Handbook: 6.80 Student Use of Electronic Devices
Parent Communication Guidelines
School staff work diligently to create environments that foster learning with minimal distractions. A personal electronic device (i.e., cell phone, smart watch) can be a distraction for a student during the school day. District 95 seeks to partner with parents/guardians so that we can minimize distractions during class time. To this end, parents are discouraged from communicating to their student's personal electronic device during school hours – apart from exceptional/emergency situations.
