EARLY RELEASE THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2012
1st-5th 8:40-1:00 PM
AM-Kindergarten attends 8:40-11:26 AM
NO PM-Kindergarten
*Students should bring their own lunch. NO HOT LUNCH on this day. Please make sure your child knows his/her plans to getting home at 1:00 PM on this day. Thank you!
PTA MEETING
Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at 2:00 PM in the Teacher’s Lounge.
To all 5th grade moms with daughters. Please make sure and RSVP (to those of you that haven’t) to the mom and daughter event at Oak Terrace this Saturday, May 19th from 1:00-3:00pm. It is going to be a great time with a wonderful host/speaker. Hope you can join us.
RSVP to mfleishman@sbcglobal.net. Thank you. Marla Fleishman.
EARLY RELEASE THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2012
1st-5th 8:40-1:00 PM
AM-Kindergarten attends 8:40-11:26 AM
NO PM-Kindergarten
*Students should bring their own lunch. NO HOT LUNCH on this day. Please make sure your child knows his/her plans to getting home at 1:00 PM on this day. Thank you!
PTA MEETING
Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at 2:00 PM in the Teacher’s Lounge.
Future NW 6th Grade Parents:
As you know, there have been several 5th to 6th grade transition events thus far in preparation for your children to have a successful start to their middle school experience. You will find a link here that will provide you with resources to review and discuss with your children prior to next Fall. A copy of the course selection packet is also included in the link and due back on Monday, May 21 to your child’s 5th grade teacher. We’re excited to welcome in the next sixth grade class! We hope to see your children at the incoming 6th grade mixer this Friday at 6:30 p.m. at Northwood in the multipurpose room. Go Huskies!
An open letter from second grade teacher, Mr. Meekhof
Dear Wayne Thomas Families,
I have always felt that I do not simply teach at a school – I am part
of a community. You, the families that make up the community
surrounding Wayne Thomas Elementary School, have been overwhelmingly
supportive of my journey with the Golden Apple Foundation and I wanted
to provide you with an update.
Last November I received word that I was nominated for a Golden Apple
Award for Excellence in Teaching. Fast forward to this spring where I
learned I was one of 32 finalists out of 560 nominations. I was
recently notified that I am one of six teachers being recognized by
the Golden Apple Foundation as a Teacher of Distinction. While you may
hear of 10 Golden Apple Awards being presented throughout the area in
the coming days, my name will not be part of this group. To be
recognized by such an esteemed organization as a Teacher of
Distinction, however, is truly an honor.
I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher. My career path led me to
work in the corporate world for 15 years before I completed my masters
in teaching and reclaimed the career that I had put on hold. I feel
that I use the experiences from my past corporate life to help my
students realize the value of working on teams, solving problems,
communicating, making connections, and using technology. I know that
in most careers, these are underlying requirements. I strive to make
learning an active, engaging endeavor. I also realize that some of the
most profound teaching comes from my students as they share ideas,
question, investigate, and collaborate.
The 1995 film, “Apollo 13” has always been a reminder to me of the
importance of this foundation. The movie chronicled the troubled 1970
space flight where carbon dioxide was increasing to levels of danger.
The square C02 filters were not compatible with the round openings of
the equipment. How do you fit a square peg into a round hole? While
the spacecraft orbited 200,000 miles above the earth, NASA engineers
worked to build a modification system using plastic tubing, cardboard,
plastic bags, canisters, and duct tape. Using available technology,
engineers worked as a team, solved a problem, made connections and
communicated to bring the crew of Apollo 13 safely back to earth. I
can’t help but think that in order for an experience of this magnitude
to blossom and unfold in the lives of adults, the seeds needed to be
planted long before in the lives of children.
This spring students came in from the playground excited to share
handfuls of seeds that they had collected from outdoors. “Plant these,
Mr. Meekhof!” they said. The seeds now sit in a jar on my desk waiting
for warmer weather. I have no idea what will sprout. To me they have
taken on a new symbol – that my journey as an educator is not the
known outcome, not always the prize of the harvest, but every year
planting the seeds, nurturing, individualizing attention and
celebrating growth.
It is this process that has provided me with seven years of golden
moments in room 108 and the promise of untold golden moments yet to
come. As an educator, this is an incredible reward.
With warm regards and overwhelming gratitude for your steadfast
support and encouragement,
David Meekhof
Ice Cream Day Correction…The Butterscotch Dilly Dar is vanilla ice cream dipped in butterscotch. If you already ordered this and would like to change your order, please email Margi Bordo at margibordo@sbcglobal.net
PTA MEETING
Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at 2:00 PM in the Teacher’s Lounge.
Congratulations to first grader Jimmy A. Whose artwork was chosen for the 2012-13 Buzz Book.
Dear Parents of Students in Second Grade,
Students in 2nd grade will be participating in a pilot test for Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) testing between May 14 and May 25th. These tests measure your child’s academic growth from year to year in the areas of Mathematics and Reading. Each of the tests takes about one hour.
MAP is just one indicator of your child’s growth or skill level. It is used in conjunction with multiple assessments to differentiate and drive instruction for your child. A main objective of our district’s strategic plan is for every student to achieve personal academic excellence by demonstrating growth measured by district standards and assessments. We look forward to sharing the results with you in the fall.
North Shore School District 112 continually seeks the best information to inform the educational decisions we make with each child. As always, if you have questions, please feel free to contact me at 224-765-3900.
Sincerely,
Maureen Deely
ATTENTION 5TH GRADE PARENTS- BAKERS NEEDED!
Please help us out and bake or buy a peanut free dessert for the 5th grade mixer this Friday night. The event starts at 6:30 pm but you can drop off a goodie in the multi-purpose room of Northwood any time after 5pm. Please enter at the East entrance in the parking lot. This will also be the drop off and pick up location for your children. Thank you in advance.
Laura Blumenau, Stephanie Orsi & Judy Plonsker
Dear Parents,
Wayne Thomas will be administering the MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) achievement test on May 14-28, 2012. Students in second, third, fourth and fifth grade will be taking these tests on the computer. The classroom teacher will communicate the specific dates and times for your child’s class. The tests will include Reading, Language Usage (grades 3, 4 and 5 only) and Math. The MAP assessment is administered three times a year in September, December and in May.
MAP tests are adaptive and adjust to match the skill level of each student. As such, it is very likely that each student will take a slightly different test. As a result, each student has the same opportunity to succeed and maintain a positive attitude toward testing.
MAP testing is a powerful tool for measuring a student’s learning over time and for developing instruction that meets the learning needs of our students.
Sincerely,
Maureen Deely
Principal
TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK MAY 7-11
Dear Wayne Thomas Parents,
Teacher appreciation week starts on May 7th and continues until May 11th. Please take this opportunity to let our staff know how much Wayne Thomas administrators, students, and parents appreciate their dedication to our children. Every day, each staff member works hard to help every child become an inspired learner, a well-rounded individual, and a contributing member of a global community.
The following poem is dedicated to all of them:
Number One Teacher
I’m happy that you’re my teacher;
I enjoy each lesson you teach.
As my role model you inspire me
To dream and to work and to reach.
With your kindness you get my attention;
Every day you are planting a seed
Of curiosity and motivation
To know and to grow and succeed.
You help me fulfill my potential;
I’m thankful for all that you’ve done.
I admire you each day, and I just want to say,
As a teacher, you’re number one!
By Joanna Fuchs
www.poemsource.com
Teacher Appreciation Week is celebrated nationwide May 7-11, 2012. Thank you to the Teacher Appreciation Committee and our wonderful PTA for coordinating a week of appreciation for the staff.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Deely
Principal
Our second Breakfast Bash with Dads is coming up this Friday, May 11th!
Another reminder, please consider walking or carpooling to this event as there will be NO PARKING available in either the Wayne Thomas or Northwood lots. You may park on the west side of Summit, on Auburn, or on Priscilla behind the school. Spaces in the Wayne Thomas lot are reserved for teachers and staff. Parents, please share this information with the adult attending the breakfast with your child. Thank you for your cooperation.
All Lake County residents recently received their property tax bills in the mail. If you have questions about the school district’s portion of your tax bill, this article on the district website may be helpful.
TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK MAY 7-11
Dear Wayne Thomas Parents,
Teacher appreciation week starts on May 7th and continues until May 11th. Please take this opportunity to let our staff know how much Wayne Thomas administrators, students, and parents appreciate their dedication to our children. Every day, each staff member works hard to help every child become an inspired learner, a well-rounded individual, and a contributing member of a global community.
The following poem is dedicated to all of them:
Number One Teacher
I’m happy that you’re my teacher;
I enjoy each lesson you teach.
As my role model you inspire me
To dream and to work and to reach.
With your kindness you get my attention;
Every day you are planting a seed
Of curiosity and motivation
To know and to grow and succeed.
You help me fulfill my potential;
I’m thankful for all that you’ve done.
I admire you each day, and I just want to say,
As a teacher, you’re number one!
By Joanna Fuchs
www.poemsource.com
Teacher Appreciation Week is celebrated nationwide May 7-11, 2012. Thank you to the Teacher Appreciation Committee and our wonderful PTA for coordinating a week of appreciation for the staff.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Deely
Principal
Because it is expected to be so warm on Wednesday, May 2, fifth grade students may wear capris or khaki shorts that are longer than their fingertips to the Spring Sing if they choose. They should still dress nicely, meaning no t-shirts with large logos, ripped pants, etc. Thank you for your understanding. Please contact Mrs. Crutchfield if you have any questions.
Because it is expected to be so warm on Wednesday, May 2, fifth grade students may wear capris or khaki shorts that are longer than their fingertips to the Spring Sing if they choose. They should still dress nicely, meaning no t-shirts with large logos, ripped pants, etc. Thank you for your understanding. Please contact Mrs. Crutchfield if you have any questions.
CALLING ALL ARTISTS
It is once again time to search for the artist who will create the cover art for the 2012-2013 Wayne Thomas Buzz Book. This contest is open to all K-4 students.
Submit a design for the cover of the Buzz Book in black and white on 8 1/2″ x 11″ paper. Place first and last name on the BACK of the submission.
The deadline for the contest is Friday, May 4. Please drop off your design in the PTA mailbox in the office. The winner will be chosen by the PTA executive board.
If you have any questions, please contact Jen Stahlberger at jenstahlberger@comcast.net.
5th Grade Fine Arts Night - Wednesday, May 2
Spring Sing @ Wayne Thomas – 7:00 pm. Doors will open at 6:40.
School supply order forms and the list for the 2012/2013 school year have been sent home with each student. Please submit your orders no later than Friday, May 18th in an envelope marked “school supplies”. A copy of the order form and the school supply list have been posted to the PTA website. Please contact Laura Foxman (laura@thefoxmans.com) or Debbie Jaffe (dsjaffe@comcast.net) with any questions.
http://www.waynethomaspta.com/
FOR ALL 5TH GRADE MOMS WITH DAUGHTERS
Together with Oak Terrace, we will be hosting a special afternoon for moms, (or grandmas, aunts, etc) and their daughters. This is a program designed especially for 5th grade girls and held around the time the girls have their in school health education course. The factual information they learn in school is not repeated. Instead the girls and moms join together to listen to Pat Garrity, our guest speaker, that keeps topics light hearted with stories that will make them laugh and feel more comfortable about the changes that are coming their way.
It is also a discussion about respect and how changes can affect friendships, schoolwork etc. As these girls move their way into middle school, this is a perfect time to discuss these important topics.
The afternoon will be fun, informative and also a great way for Wayne Thomas girls to meet some of the Oak Terrace girls who they will be going to school with next year.
The date is Saturday, May 19th from 1:00pm-3:00pm at Oak Terrace School. This program is completely funded by both school’s PTA. All that we ask of moms is that they bring a treat for the refreshment portion of the program.
Please look for more information and an invitation in your daughter’s backpack in the weeks to come.
Thank you and we really hope you can attend this worthwhile event. Any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact either person below:
Marla Fleishman – Wayne Thomas contact 847-681-2806 mfleishman@sbcglobal.net
Denise Tiemeyer – Oak Terrace contact 847-924-5390 dktiemeyer@comcast.net
Reminder! Breakfast Bash with Dads is coming up on May 4th and May 11th!
Please consider walking or carpooling to this event as there will be NO PARKING available in either the Wayne Thomas or Northwood lots. You may park on the west side of Summit, on Auburn, or on Priscilla behind the school. Spaces in the Wayne Thomas lot are reserved for teachers and staff. Thank you for your cooperation.
5th Grade Fine Arts Night - Wednesday, May 2
Spring Sing @ Wayne Thomas – 7:00 pm. Doors will open at 6:40.
