Spanish

             Congratulations to the following inductees to the National Junior Honor Society:  Taylor Adkins, Paloma Alcala, Amelia Attwood, Michael Cabahug, Teaghan Callaway, Erin Chavez, Michelle Cousineau, Camryn Cowperthwaite, Colleen Drangines, Christopher Dudek, Jessalyn Flores, Rachel Froehlich, Samantha Frost,  Isabella Fuentes, Brittany Gallarneau, Ashley Garver, Kayla Geissberger, Madison Graff, Sivani Gullapalli,         Paige Hawksworth, Sarah Heck, Sierra Herrington, Madison Higginbotham, Joseph Kizhbakkadathu, Lindsey Kumpula, Brandon LeBaron, Logan Lewis, Gabriela Lopez, Paulina Lopez, Morgan Lyon, Taylor Matusik, Quinnlin Meadowcraft, David Messmer, Madeline Moll, Joshua Moran, Olivia Muzones, Keely Napoli, Bethany Newby, Alessandra Nitti, Jenna Pozezinski, Timothy C. Ryan, Griffin Schumow, Anne Scoltock, Jack Segal, Olivia Shinners, Madison Smith, Elizabeth Sterner, Jennifer Switalla, and Jaclyn Williams.  They have excelled in the areas of scholarship, character, leadership, service, and citizenship.

Our wrestling and volleyball teams are off to a strong start.  Please support our athletes by attending a game/match or two.  We’d love to see you.

Congratulations to Michael Cabahug, our January “Student of the Month,” to Janet Reynolds, our January “Staff Member of the Month,” and to Cheryl Bengston, our “Volunteer of the Month.”

On January 31st we held our annual Spelling Bee.  Congratulations to Hanna Kherzai, our winner and Tessa Manke, our runner up.  Good luck, Hanna at the Sectional Spelling Bee.

On March 16, 2012, we will conduct our S.T.A.R.S. (Students Taking Action and Responsibility for Success) program.  It is a day dedicated to improving self concept, learning more about positive decision making, and saying “no” to drugs and alcohol.  All sixth, seventh, and eighth graders in District 41, as well as the private schools in the area, are invited to participate.  The cost is $12.00.  Please encourage your child to attend.  It is a great day for all involved.  Special “thanks” to our PTO who made a very generous donation so we could keep the program going.

Our annual Geography Bee was held on January 11, 2012.  Congratulations to our winner, Michael Maye, and to the two runners up, Ethan Unger and Evan Lee.  Good luck to Michael as he continues on in the competition.

“Thank you” PTO for providing scholarships for enrichments, and for helping to purchase the t-shirts for S.T.A.R.S.  Thanks also for sponsoring the Super Couponing 2 event on Wednesday, February 8th.  Help support the PTO by attending the Spring Carnival on March 10th, from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

We are currently working on the Character Trait “Honesty.”  Please ask your child what he/she learned in advisory concerning honesty.

Our second band concert will be held on Wednesday, February 23, 2012, at 7:00 p.m.  Show support for our bands by attending their concert.

There is no school on Friday, February 17, 2012. It is a Teachers’ Institute Day. In the morning the staff will be expanding our knowledge in the area of common core standards in mathematics and English/Language Arts. In the afternoon we will be able to select from a variety of options that are designed to meet our individual needs.

Thanks to all of our volunteers this past month.  We could not do it without you.  If you are willing and able to help out in some capacity here at Palombi, please call Barb Matusik at 847-265-7297.

The administrative team at Palombi will be presenting our progress on our annual goals at the February 17th Board Meeting at Martin School at 7:00 p.m.  Please feel free to come and hear about our growth.

We will be having a Team Day Dance on February 24th from 11:45 a.m. to 1:25 p.m.  We will be collecting $3.00 from each student to cover the cost of the dance and to raise funds to help sponsor the “Dance Heads,” sand art, and a photo booth at the PTO Spring Carnival on March 10th.  It is our way of supporting our PTO and letting them know that we appreciate all they do for us.  We will have an alternate activity for those who do not wish to attend the dance or who are ineligible.

The second trimester ends March 2, 2012.  We encourage you to check grades on line and encourage your child to turn in all work that is due and to bring up his/her grades.  With the new grading system students are given additional opportunities to show that he/she has learned the material. 

We all hope you have a great month of February.  As always, please call with any comments or concerns. 

Mary Pat Jordan, Principal 

Marguerite VanScoyoc, Middle School Coord. for Instruction

Dan McCuistion, Dean of Students

8TH GRADE NEWS

THE SPRINGFIELD TRIP is Friday, April 20, 2012 from 5:30 A.M.-10:30 P.M. COST:  $105.00

Eighth grade cap and gown pictures will be taken May 10, 2012. Girls will be in a white see through gown, so light colored blouses will make a nicer

picture.   Boys will be wearing a red gown, and should have a nice shirt on underneath as well.  Ties are optional.   Students are free to take a cap and gown picture and/or a spring picture.  If you plan on using a sibling’s cap and/or gown this year, please notify the office a.s.a.p. We need to know if you need just a tassel, just a cap, or both.

DINNER DANCE FRIDAY, MAY 11, 2012 at ANTIOCH GOLF CLUB 6:00 P.M.–9:00 P.M. COST $26.00

Graduation,  May 31, 2012 7:00 p.m. at College of lake County IN THE P.E. FACILITY.  We do not have tickets for Graduation.  We ask each family to limit their party to 4 persons.  It is first come, first serve for seating.

Does Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Tumblr, and Reddit have you perplexed?  Are you Net and mobile device savvy?  If you are a parent feeling left behind in the age of social media and texting, Grant Community High School will be hosting an educational session on February 16th at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium.  Sarah Migas from the High Tech Crimes Bureau of the Illinois Attorney General’s office will speak.  She will provide resources to parents and community members dealing with these issues.  For more information, please contact Eric Taubery at etaubery@grantbulldogs.org or 847-587-2561 x272.

LABELS FOR EDUCATION

Mrs. Witte’s advisory is collecting Tyson Labels for Education.  We are hoping to collect enough labels to purchase a mascot outfit for our school and purchase an outdoor box and fill it with playground equipment.  Please save your labels and bring them to

Mrs. Witte’s classroom!  The advisory who collects the most labels between now and May 1st will win a pizza and pop party!  We want to collect at least 5,000 labels.

ON TRACK WITH MR. MAC

It is hard to believe, but we have reached our ascent to the mountain top and are slowly beginning the downward trek to the end of the 2011-2012 school year.  There is still a lot to be done and your help is needed to make sure your child is staying on track to finish the year successfully.  Please work with your child to help him/her maintain a homework routine; discuss appropriate    behavior expectations you have with his/her interaction with adults in and out of this building; and lastly, make sure you know where your child stands academically by using the PASS system to monitor their academic standing within all of his/her classes.  If you have questions or concerns with your child’s progress, make sure you are contacting his/her teachers via e-mail or phone to get a clear understanding of how your student is progressing as we near the end of this school year.  Thank you.

S.T.A.R.S.

S.T.A.R.S. (Students Taking Action and Responsibility for Success) is a program for 6th through 8th graders, held at Palombi Middle School.  This year it will be March 16, 2012, from 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.  S.T.A.R.S. is a self-esteem building program that provides an anti-drug message by living a healthy lifestyle, in a fun-filled and caring way.  The cost of the program is $12.00, which includes a t-shirt, a light breakfast, a pizza lunch, snacks throughout the day, bus transportation, and two assemblies. 

Permission slips were sent home in sixth grade midterm report cards and are available in the Middle School Office.

Yearbook

Yearbooks are still for sale at a cost of  $40.  They are chock-full of memories from Palombi Middle School.  Books are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis so get yours before they are gone.  Please turn in your order forms to Mrs. H. Jones or Mrs. Jeserig ASAP to ensure you receive a book when they are delivered in May!

♫  Band Dates for the Remainder of the School Year ♫

February 23, 2012 – 7:00 p.m. Second Trimester Concert

March 17, 2012 – All Day, Northwestern University Solo & Ensemble Festival

March 19, 2012 – 6:00 p.m. Music in our Schools Rehearsal at Grant HS

March 21, 2012 – 7:00 p.m. Music in Our Schools Concert at Grant HS

March 22, 2012 – 7:00 p.m. Jazz Night at LCHS

May 1, 2012 – 7:00 p.m. District 117 Band Festival at ACHS

May 22, 2012 – 7:00 p.m. Third Trimester Concert

May 31, 2012 – 7:00 p.m. Graduation Band at Graduation

Practice records can now be submitted online!  Access the school’s website; click Directory; find the website link next to Brown, Renee; User Name & Password are Parent.  Please read the directions carefully when you fill out the practice record to allow for accurate record keeping.

Band Boosters meetings are every third Tuesday at Palombi.  Wendy’s Night is February 9th, from 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at the Round Lake Beach Wendy’s.  Fifteen percent of all profits are given to our group!

NJHS

We had a wonderful Induction Ceremony that invited 50 new students to join.  Our first meeting with the joint group was Friday,

January 27th.  Many charity and service projects are in the works for all the students.  “Jeans for Teens” is happening right now. 

Students bring in an old pair of jeans and will receive a gift card for 25% off at Aeropostale.  This is a way for us to do something for others.  In February we will be having a Book Drive!  Drop off gently used books and we will be donating them to students that have none.  These are great charities for our students to help out.

Virginia Trip

The Virginia/DC Trip is getting closer and plans are being finalized.  Excitement is in the air!  There will be a parent meeting before the trip, sometime in March.

PALOMBI SPORTS

Wrestling Coaches Coon & Moyer 

Wrestling has begun.  We want to welcome a new coach to our staff, Mr. Aaron Moyer, who is the former Palombi head wrestling coach before leaving the district.  We also want to say “thanks” to Mr. Schuyler, for all of his hard work and dedication over the past years.  The team is looking to repeat as conference champions this year in our home gym.  Come out and support our wrestling program as we compete against a wide variety of opponents.  GO LANCERS!

Seventh Grade Boys’ Volleyball-Coach Matenaer

Congratulations to Kale Bloomfield, Michael Edwards, Preston Tabit, Cole Pelegrino, John Hayman, Jack Critzer, John Kerr,  Brandon LeBaron, David Messmer, Danny Yates, Tommy Jones, and Evan Schneider for making the team.  Go Lancers!

Seventh Grade Girls’ Volleyball-Coach Guido

Congratulations to the members of the 7th Grade Girls Volleyball team:  Taylor Adkins, Cammy Cowperthwaite, Shannon David,   Morgan Gudella, Paige Hawksworth, Taylor Johnston, Morgan Lyon, Taylor Matusik, Hanna Mehnert, Keely Napoli, Lauren Olsen, Jenna Pozezinski, Meghan Sullivan, and Olivia Shinners; Manager: Aeriana Bowman; Assistant Coach: Annalisa Roncone.  Go get ‘em Lady Lancers!

Eighth Grade Boys’ Volleyball-Coach Schneider

Congratulations to the 8th grade boys who made the team:  Colton Jewell, Jacob LeBaron, Joe Kizhakkadathu, Wilfredo Najarro, Lucas Kuzmanovich, Matt Heerema, Corey Higgins, Marko Novakovic, Tito Protasio, Zach Schaefer, JD Pelegrino, Jake Emerson, and Colin Welsh.  Please come out and support the teams as we strive to win.  Go Lancers!

Eighth Grade Girls’ Volleyball-Coaches Poe and Johnson

Congratulations to the following girls who made the 8th Grade Girls’ Volleyball Team:  Brett Aichholzer, Ciara Atkinson, Tristan Clark, Taylor Drake, Lexi Gerdes, Jordynn Hundley, Izzy Huntington, Morgan Moran, Sami Sandecki, Jasmine Sangster, Kaitlyn Smith, Kayla Smythe, Jennifer Switalla, and Kelly Varney. Go get ‘em Lady Lancers!

CURRICULUM UPDATES

Seventh Grade Language Arts Team Update

* Each team has begun the writing process for the expository writing unit.  Students will write a compare/contrast essay.

* Students have taken trimester pre-tests in the areas of expository/research and types of sentences (syntax.)

* The spelling program stresses the importance of writing everyday words correctly in our writing.

Please urge your child to practice his/her individualized spelling list as well as proofread all writing in homework

Technology

7th Grade just finished a major research project which included researching someone famous they look up to, putting all of their information into Word and finally creating a PowerPoint about the person’s life.  The students did a great job!

8th Grade just finished their video project.  This was a very extensive project where the students had to create, shoot and edit their own movie.  The topic was bullying/cyberbullying.  All of the movies were great!

Eighth Grade Language Arts Team Update

The students have finished their narrative essays and have taken the narrative post test.  As an 8th grade, we  increased the students’ proficiency by 48%.  The students are now beginning their career research project where they pick a career topic and find sources to begin to research their topic.  Rough drafts should be done by mid-February and the essay is due in mid-March.

Seventh Grade Social Studies Team Update

We are studying the Constitution, the Federal Constitution, and soon will study the Illinois Constitution.  The students are doing a wonderful job so far.

8th Grade Social Studies Team Update

Students are examining American Imperialism and exploring the tragedy of World War I.  Students are examining how U.S. diplomacy resulted in the  acquisition of an empire.  Students will collaborate with language arts and   complete a writing assignment for the second trimester.  Teachers will implement new strategies in vocabulary and reading with the assistance of the Reading Specialist.

Art Update

Seventh grade students have just completed a project focusing on a modern form of Victorian-style quilling.  They have just begun learning about monochromatic color schemes and grid drawing in order to create their own painting on canvas in the upcoming weeks.

Eighth grade students have completed their marker Pointillism project and have begun their “stacked pattern cubes.”  Students are creating a series of heavily-textured and patterned cubes and have even created their own cube pattern.  Next, students will be creating submissions for this year’s “Doodle 4 Google” contest where winning entries will be featured on the Google Website.

Seventh Grade Math Team Update

• We have been working on developing the Chapter 4 test to correctly  assess the students in the areas of fractions, decimals, and percents.
• We have also been working on creating lessons on the Smart Board for this  chapter that will enhance the students’ learning.
• Chapter 3 pre-test data showed that only around 5% of the students were  proficient before instruction, but at the end of instruction around 70% were proficient.
• We are looking at the changes the state of Illinois is making to the National Common Core Standards and the impact this will have on the math curriculum.

Eighth Grade Math Team Update

• Discussing preparations for the ISATs
• Collecting and reviewing Chapter 7 pre-test data for pre-algebra
• Collaborating and sharing Smartboard review activities
• Discussing students’ high school math placements

Spanish

Eighth Grade students are progressing to advanced  language concepts.  In this unit they will be learning about weather, winter and summer sports, and the past tense.  Eighth grade students who will be attending Grant next year will have their Spanish placement test administered at Palombi on February 28th at 1:00 p.m.

Seventh graders have learned so much since the year began.  They are able to write in paragraphs to describe their friends and their classes at school.  They have just begun a new unit about shopping for school supplies and clothing.  In this chapter they will also be introduced to “AR” verb conjugations, three and four digit numbers, and colors

P.E./Health Team Update

The PE Department has gotten the new year off to a great start!  The 8th grade Dance Units have been a big success and the  students have worked hard and have enjoyed them.

The Volleyball Tournaments have been spirited with some great teams and some great games!

We will be testing students on the Pacer Fitness Gram Test for the second trimester.  The Pacer test is an indoor running test that measures cardiovascular endurance.  We ask that you encourage your child to do their best on the fitness tests and take ownership of their health everyday!  Our upcoming units will include Floor Hockey and Recreational Games which will include Bowling, Baggo, Table Tennis and Shuffle Board.

Seventh and Eighth Grade Science Update

Seventh grade science has wrapped up their study of force and motion.  Now they are branching into another area of physics with an astronomy unit.  Students are studying the celestial bodies and the universe as a whole. 

Eighth grade science is continuing with their human body systems unit.  They studied the skeletal, muscular, integumentary  systems and demonstrated remarkable effort with their pasta skeleton creations.  Currently, they are examining the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.  Soon students will need a plain white t-shirt for the digestive system.

Seventh Grade Reading Update

Five Ways to Get Your 7th Grader to Read:

1. Let your child choose what to read.  While you may cringe at his/her preferences, he/she may never touch a title if it is force fed.
2. Talk about what he/she reads.  Ask him/her what he/she thinks of a book and make connections with ideas or issues that are relevant to his/her life.
3. If he/she is struggling or bored with a book, let him/her put it down.  Forcing him/her to stick with a difficult or dull book that is intended for pleasure will reinforce the idea that reading is a chore.
4. Subscribe to magazines that will interest him/her.  Ask him/her to choose one or two titles and put the subscription in his/her name.
5. Read the newspaper together.  Whether it’s for 15 minutes, over breakfast, or on weekends, establish a routine and discuss what you each read.

Seventh Grade Orientation

Incoming seventh graders and their parents are invited to Orientation Night at Palombi Middle School on Tuesday, February 7, 2012, from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.  More information will be available on the District Website, www.district41.org.

Attention 6th grade parents:  It is that time of year when we start to plan for the upcoming school year.  Team requests for 7th grade  placement may be made until March 1, 2012.  This is a firm deadline.  It is NOT possible for us to honor requests after that date.  While we do our best to honor requests, please remember it is a request, not a guarantee.  Also, making a request for a team is not a requirement.  Please make requests in writing to Dr. M. VanScoyoc at Palombi Middle School.                                                      

Eighth Grade Reading Update

• We continue working on the alignment of the curriculum to the National Common Core Standards.  The Poetry unit is currently being examined and aligned.
• ISAT preparation is continuing in the classroom.  Written response is the focus for the month of February.
• The assessment tool for character development is the character analysis.  Classes will be writing and finishing this assessment by the beginning of February.
• Bloom’s Taxonomy questioning is the strategy students are using to create meaningful questions to guide the     discussion of their book clubs.

Palombi Players

Our production of “Little Red Riding Hood (and the Power Mutants)”…Colossal Triumph!!

Our trip through the woods to Grandmother’s house led us into some scary, yet funny situations.  Our actors and stage crew did an amazing job with our production of “Little Red Riding Hood (and the Power Mutants.)”  After three and a half months of rehearsals, constructing the marvelous sets, creating costumes for Little Red, her friends, and the evil wolves was challenging.  However, by using student managers we are proud to say that our play became more of a success than we could have ever thought.  “Little Red” took our audience into Grandma’s house and the woods as though they were sometimes part of the story.

 We held three student performances and received wonderful reviews from both teachers and students of Palombi Middle School.  Our Friday evening presentation was a sellout show and the Saturday matinee left us with very few seats left for any latecomers.  Thanks again to all of our student officers, actors, tech crew, parents, photographers, costumers, and stylists.  Without each and everyone of you, our show would not have had the resounding success that was achieved!  Also, a big “thank you” to our beloved principal, Dr. Jordan, for her unending interest and support of the Palombi Players Theatre Troupe.  Sue Follansbee and Andy Flaker

Thompson School Talent Show

Get ready for the Talent Show!  Students in kindergarten through sixth grade have been working hard to prepare for the Talent Show!  During the month of January students have been practicing their acts.  Students will show off their talents to fellow students, staff, and family members on February 6th.

ISAT Testing

ISAT testing is just around the corner!  Students in 3rd through 6th grades will participate in the state-wide assessment during the first two weeks of March.  Students in 3rd, 5th, and 6th grades will be tested in the areas of reading and math.  Students in 4th grade will be tested in the areas of reading, math, and science.  Let’s go Thompson Tigers! 

Student Placement for 2012-2013

It’s that time of year again!  ‘Parent/Guardian Input Forms’ are available in the school office for students entering kindergarten through 6th grades.  Forms are due Thursday, March 15, 2012.  Requests for 7^th will be accepted until Thursday, March 1, 2012. Please make requests in writing to Dr. M. VanScoyoc at Palombi Middle School.  

Thompson School Points of Pride

Congratulations to our Student of the Month,  Emily H. from Mrs. Mattson’s 2nd grade class! 

715 Tiger Stripe have been distributed to students this school year.  

82 students earned a Citizen of the Month award for the theme Self-Control.

Character Corner

Second grade students show ‘Self-Control’ by:

~Following hallway rules while transitioning in the hallways from class to class

~Raising their hands in class to share ideas

~Using appropriate voice levels in the lunchroom

Notes from the Office

7th Grade Orientation

Incoming 7^th graders and their parents are invited to Orientation Night at Palombi Middle School on February 9, 2012 from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. More information is available on the district website.

Dental Exams Due May 15th

Students in Kindergarten, 2nd, and 6th grades are required to have a Dental Examination.  Examinations must be performed by a licensed dentist, and he/she must sign the Proof of School Dental Examination form.  Dental Exam Forms must be within 18 months prior to May 15 (Nov. 15, 2010– Present).  Dental Exam Forms can be obtained from the Nurse’s Office if needed.

Kindergarten Registration

Kindergarten registration will be held on March 15th from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Yearbooks

Full-color yearbooks are now on sale!  Books will be sold on a first come, first serve basis. Books will be delivered to all students at the end of the school year.  

Featured Teacher:  Dr. Forman

Dr. (or Mr.) Forman, whichever you prefer, is your friendly neighborhood school psychologist here at Thompson. He has worked in District #41 for the past 11 years. Dr. Forman consults with teachers and works directly with students who are experiencing academic, social, or behavioral difficulties.  He lives in Grayslake with his wife (Paula), daughter Kylie (11), son Hudson (9) and dog Aggie (13).

Dr. Forman is a living example of the District #41 mission statement that indicates we should continue to be life-long learners.  As the fancy title denotes, Dr. Forman completed his Doctorate in Education from the Loyola University Chicago in 2009. He earned a Master of Arts in Educational Administration a few years back.  He graduated with a Master of Science degree in School Psychology and a Bachelors degree in Psychology from Illinois State University.  In fact, Dr. Forman is still currently in school completing some additional graduate coursework to further his skills and  meet state certification requirements.  

Dr. Forman is originally from Central Illinois, and you should be happy to know that our school psychologist graduated from “Normal” Community High School.   When not working at Thompson with the teachers and students, Dr. Forman enjoys hanging out with his own kids playing (i.e., laser tag, soccer, basketball, watching movies, playing video games, and running).  In the summer Dr. Forman and his children love to go boating (i.e., skiing & tubing), swimming, reading, bike riding, and going to Six Flags.

Featured Grade Level:  First Grade Highlights

The first graders at Thompson School are having fun learning about expository writing.  As a part of the hands-on experience and as a pre-writing activity, students have participated in making treats such as root beer floats, hot chocolate, sandwiches, ice cream sundaes, and even pizza!  Once they made their treats, they wrote a ’how to’ paragraph.  Within the paragraph the students were expected to write an introduction sentence, use transition words, and write a conclusion sentence.  The students loved having hands-on activities and eating yummy recipes!

In the area of reading the first graders are working on the seven comprehension strategies, as well as the differences and similarities in fiction and non-fiction.  The students are learning to use their background knowledge to help them understand the stories they read.  They are working on making inferences, summarizing, and determining the important parts of a book.  The students are focusing on visualizing and asking themselves questions as they read books. 

In first grade they use the Smart Board every day in math.  They flexible group the students into ability groups with different teachers in order to meet the students’ math needs.  The students have learned number sense, counting, patterns, geometry, addition, subtraction, and place value.  The first graders will continue to learn in units to come! 

Character Education

During the month of February and March, Thompson School students are focusing on the positive character trait, “Honor.”

Honor:  Letting someone know you see how valuable they really are

Books to read about honor:

The Most Important Gift of All by David Conway

Arthur’s Birthday Party by Lilian Hoban

Pablo’s Tree by Pat Mora

H is for Honor: A Military Family Alphabet by David Scillian

Incredible Me! by Kathi Appelt

Samantha’s Special Talent by Sarah Masters Buckey

Hero Dogs: Courageous Canines in Action  by Donna Jackson

Have You Filled a Bucket Today? (A guide to daily happiness for kids!)  by David Messing

Extra-Curricular Activities

Upcoming Activities:

 February 2012-Talent Show (Kindergarten-6th Grades)

 February 2012-Co-Ed Volleyball (5th-6th Grades)

 February 2012-Drama Club (5th-6th Grades)                         

 April 2012-Track and Field (5th and 6th Grades)

Attention 6th Graders! 

S.T.A.R.S. is a program for 6^th through 8^th graders, held at Palombi Middle School. This year it will be held on March 16^th from 8:30-4:00. S.T.A.R.S. is a self-esteem building program that provides anti-drug and anti-bullying messages in a fun-filled and caring way. Permission slips and more information will be available in the school office in February.

A Spotlight on Specials:  Band

We have had a good, but busy year so far with the band program.  The 6^th grade band had to hit the ground running as they prepared for an early concert.  The concert was held in conjunction with a school board meeting and hosted here at Thompson Elementary School on October 11^th.  Soon after, the beginning band members prepared for their first concert.  This was held the week before Thanksgiving.   Their concert was also a huge success!  In December, our sixth grade band joined Hooper and Martin School toperform a holiday concert.  It was nearly 90 players strong!  It was one of the most exciting concerts that I have ever conducted! 

I encourage all band members to get their practice time in at home each week.  They are asked to practice 3 to 5 times per week for approximately 20 minutes.    I am very excited about our new fundraiser for our band students.  You can participate by signing up for the encore rewards program on the Music and Arts website:  www.musicarts.com.  Every time you pay a rental fee to Music & Arts, purchase equipment and/or purchase books from Music & Arts, a portion of the proceeds goes toward our band program.  This is a great way for us to raise more funds for band equipment!

PTO NEWS:

~Join the Parent/Teacher Organization!  Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, February 21st at 6:30 p.m. at the District Office.

~The PTO will be sponsoring a Valentine’s Day Family Dance on February 16th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.  Come and join the fun! 

~Lou Malnati orders will be accepted between January 27th though February 10th.  The pick-up will be on February 22nd from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Pleviak.

Laura Romig is the PTO Vice President for Thompson School.  Laura Romig can be contacted at:  ThompsonTiger.PTO@gmail.com

Upcoming Events

February 6th-Talent Show; 9:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 5:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m.

February 7th-7th Grade Orientation

February 13th-Board of Education Meeting at Martin; 7:00 p.m.

February 14th-Valentne’s Day Party; 2:20 p.m.

February 16th-Valentine’s Day Family Dance; 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

February 17th-No School, Teachers’ Institute

February 19th-No School, Presidents’ Day

February 21st-PTO Meeting at Administration Building; 6:30 p.m.

February 22nd-Girls’ Basketball Tournament at Palombi School; 4:00 p.m.

February 27th-Tornado Drill; 10:00 a.m.

February 28th-5th and 6th Grade Band Concert

March 2nd-Trimester Two Ends

March 5th-March 15th-ISAT Testing

March 9th-Report Cards will go home with students

March 15th-Kindergarten Registration; 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

March 15th-Early Dismissal and Parent/Teacher Conferences

March 16th-No School

HAPPY NEW YEAR!  As we leap into the new year there are many projects on the horizon.

The students are well rested and eager following their extended winter break and easing back into the routine of school.  Achievement testing will be taking place in terms of MAP testing for part of Hooper’s population, DIBELS screening for all students, and midterms will be coming home on January 20th that will reflect your student’s progress up to this point for the 2nd trimester.

Hooper is getting ready for the next year’s kindergartners!  Kindergarten registration is March 15th.  March 15 is also the date for Spring Conferences so we will be at the school between 7:30 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. to receive new registrations.  We would also like parents who have used private Kindergarten facilities to register incoming first graders who will be attending Hooper for the first time.  It is exceedingly important to get students registered so that we can make appropriate staffing plans for next year.

To prepare for registration, please make sure you have a government issued birth certificate and save a bill (gas, electric or water only) showing location of service and current within 30 days.  Payment can be made at the time of registration or a payment plan can be arranged.  Waivers will be available.  Please do not delay registration because of payment!

HOOPER INFO

Thank you to all the parents who came to the Parent-Principal meeting in December!

The Hooper Happenings newsletter is published monthly this year.  We are sending home a paper copy today, but you should be receiving it by email also.  Please be sure to contact Anne Vaughn at 847-245-8008 to update your email address.

Lake Villa has a new website!  Check out the new format at:  www.district41.org

SIXTH GRADE PARENTS!

S.T.A.R.S.

S.T.A.R.S. is a program for 6th through 8th graders, held at Palombi Middle School.  This year it will be held on March 16th from 8:30-4:00.  S.T.A.R.S. is a self-esteem building program that provides anti-drug and anti-bullying messages in a fun filled and caring way.  Permissions slips and more information will be available in the school office in February.

7th Grade Orientation

Incoming 7th graders and their parents are invited to Orientation Night at Palombi Middle School on February 9, 2012 from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.  More information will be available on the website.

Attention 6th Grade Parents

It is that time of year when we start to plan for the upcoming school year.  Team requests for 7th grade placement may be made until March 1, 2012.  This is a firm deadline.  It is NOT possible for us to honor requests after that date.  While we do our best to honor requests, please remember it is a request, not a guarantee.  Make requests in writing to Dr. M. VanScoyoc at Palombi Middle School.

Hooper Featured Staff Members:  1st Grade

Mrs. Kathy Lillig has been teaching at Hooper for 11 years.   Mrs. Lillig is the 1st grade team leader.  She is married to George and has two children, Kimi, 21 and Nick 19.  Both of her children attended Hooper School!  Mrs. Lillig has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois and a master’s degree in teaching and leadership from St. Xavier University.  Mrs. Lillig loves to go camping with her family!  Before she became a teacher at Hooper, Mrs. Lillig was a kindergarten assistant and substitute teacher.  Did you know she also taught drawing classes?

Ms. Monica Heifner has been teaching for 18 years and has been at Hooper for 8 years.  Students love Ms. Heifner’s outfits, especially on theme days!  She has a bachelor’s degree from Carthage College and a master’s degree from Silver Lake College.  Ms. Heifner is an enthusiastic teacher and likes to share stories with her class.  Some of those stories are about her cat, Meow-Meow.  In her free time, Ms. Heifner likes to run, garden, and cook.  In the past, she has coached cheerleading and even coached Mrs. Planic’s daughter!

Mrs. Michele Hawksworth has been teaching for 15 years and has been at Hooper for 2 years.  She has a bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University and a master’s degree from Concordia University.  She and her husband, Dave, are involved in the Lake Villa community with their 4 children, Mallory, 17, Nathan, 16, Paige, 13 and Jarod, 12 and their dogs, Sadie and Chance.  Mrs. Hawksworth loves to read and collect children’s literature.  A fun day for Mrs. Hawksworth is spending the day at book stores!

 Mrs. Laurel Williams has been teaching for 11 years.  This is her 2nd year teaching at Hooper.  She has a bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University and an ESL endorsement from National Louis University.  She has been married to her husband, Tom, for 18 years and they have 3 children:  Alexandra, 15, Jaclyn, 12 and Daniel 10.  Fred, a yellow Labrador, is a special part of their family also.  Fred is a certified therapy dog!  Mrs. Williams likes to spend her free time going to the movies, traveling with her family and taking walks with Fred.

Mrs. Elaine Morley has worked as an instructional assistant at Hooper for 24 years!  She has been married for 36 years to her husband, Mike.  They have 3 children:  Nadine, Stacie and Ryan, and 4 grandchildren: Kaden, 7 (who attends Hooper School), Derek, 4, Nolan, 4 and Brooke, 1.  Mrs. Morley is a Chicago Bears fan and wishes they were in the playoffs.  She enjoys walking and biking and loves being a grandma!

Mrs. Jayne Peterson just began working as an instructional assistant at Hooper this year.  But she has worked in the field of education for 7 yars.  She has a bachelor’s degree in Food & Nutrition/Business from Rosary College, Master’s of Art in Teaching and an MBA from Dominican University.  Her hobbies include reading and spending time with her family.  She is married to Jerry and they have two children:  Julianne, 15 and Jacqueline, 11.  They also have 2 dogs; an Irish setter named Kelly and a Black Lab named Max.

Hooper Highlights:  1st Grade

First graders are busy!  They have just finished the expository writing unit and have now started to learn to write narrative paragraphs!  This is incredible progress as they were writing single sentences at the beginning of the year.

In reading, 1st graders learned about ficition and non-fiction books.  Now they are ready to tackle Traditional Literature.

For Social Studies, students learned much about “Holidays around the World” in December.  Now they are working on Weather and Seasons unit in Science.

Our 1st grade ”mathletes” are progressing in learning their addition and subtraction facts.  They have started a new unit on addition and subtraction story problems.

The teachers and students love starting every Math lesson on the SMART board!

PTO News:

January 13 – Twisted Cow Night

January 14 – Market Day Pick-up, 9:30 – 11 a.m., Pleviak School

January 17 – PTO Meeting

January 19 – Family Night, Hooper School, 6-8 p.m.  This free event will offer family fun with board games for all ages.  Free refreshments will be available and open to all District #41 families.

January 21 – Scrapbooking at Thompson School

January 27 – Lou Malnati’s sale starts

January 28 – Bounce Night at Bounces R Us, K-8

If you wish to contact our Hooper PTO Vice President, Michelle Bratzke, please email her at:  hooperpto@sbcglobal.net or call, 847-265-9686

Forms for PTO projects can be found on their website at:  www.lakevilladistrict41pto.com

Important Dates

January 16 – Martin Luther King Day – No School

January 20 - Midterms sent home with students

January 23 – Board of Ed meeting 7:00 p.m. Palombi Middle School

February 17 – Teacher Institute, No student attendance

February 20 – Presidents Day – No School

Spring Break – March 26-30, 2012.  Classes resume April 2nd.

March 15 – Early dismissal, 1:55 p.m., Spring Conferences by teacher and parent request, 2:30-7:15 p.m.;  Kindergarten Registration! 7:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Thanks to everyone that donated a toy for Toys for Tots.  We collected over 200 items!  

Martin Staff Adopted 12 Children…

This holiday season, Martin Staff adopted 12 children for Christmas through The Open Arms Mission in Antioch, IL.  They collected over $500.00 from staff members and shopped for items that these children needed.  Items that were purchased were winter coats, jeans, shirts, socks, undergarments, boots, dolls, hats, etc.  The children ranged in age from 1 year old to 17 years old.  We also had a variety of boys and girls.  Martin Staff in return were able to participate in “The 10 days of  Winter Break” countdown.  They were able to wear jeans each day.  Martin staff is proud to give back to our community!!!

5th Grade Music Concert

Our 5th grade students will be participating in their music concert here at Martin School  on Tuesday, January 17th at 6:30.  Please join us for this fine event.

Special Students

Martin School had some very special students recognized at Board Meetings recently. 

 Cristela Montesinos is a fifth grader in Mrs. Lill’s class.  She is a hard worker.  Cristela is a very responsible student.  She helps first graders at the end of each day get to their appropriate bus lines.  She is a Marvelous Mustang!

Another student that was recognized in December was Kyle Kunde.  Kyle is a third grader in Mrs. Block’s class.  He is kind and compassionate to others.  He works hard in class and always tries his best.  Way to go Kyle!

We are very lucky to have such wonderful students here at Martin School!

2nd Grade Rocks!!

During the 2011-2012 school year, Martin School students are focusing on the positive character traits, “Respect, Responsible, and Ready to Learn.”

Our theme this year is “Martin School Rocks!”  Students and classrooms have been earning Backstage Passes since the start of year. For the first trimester, the winning grade level was Second Grade.  They have earned a special “Rock Concert” (party) with Mr. Santopadre.

It will be held on Thursday, January 19!     Awesome job!  Keep Rockin’ it Out at Martin School! 

Martin School students are getting ready for ISAT’s!!!

Martin School continues to make progress as measured by state ISAT tests from 64% of students meeting or exceeding standards in 2004 to 89% of students meeting or exceeding standards in 2011. 

Students prepare each and every day for this state test which will be taken at the end of February/beginning of March during this school year.  The dates are the same across the entire state.  Students in grades 3rd through 6th at Martin will participate.  They will be assessed in the areas of reading, math, and science (4th grade only).  ISAT measures individual student achievement relative to the Illinois Learning Standards. Curriculum experts and Illinois teachers developed these standards in collaboration with the Illinois State Board of Education. Results are reported by subject according to four performance levels: exceeds standards, meets standards, below standards, and academic warning.

The results for this year’s testing will be available in the Fall of 2012. 

Meet our staff:  Mr. Draut

Garrett Draut, otherwise known as Mr. Garrett, has been working at Martin School for the past 9 1/2 years.  He began as the night custodian and has since moved to our full time day custodian.   Mr. Garrett is responsible for fixing things, setting up for assemblies and concerts, changing light bulbs, and much much more.     Mr. Garrett enjoys going to White Sox games at US Cellular Park.  He also enjoys going to the movies and eating bologna sandwiches. 

Featured Grade Level:  First 

Welcome to Grade 1 Fun!!  First graders are hard at work improving their reading strategies.  They work on learning consonant and vowel patterns to decode words as they read.  They can even tell you about the “bossy e”.  They also know how to add or take away letters to make new words with “Plain Jane” words. 

First graders just spent some time before break traveling around the world visiting for the holidays.  Teachers used the SMART boards to show students where they were going using Google Earth.  Students were amazed by this!!!  Mrs. Elbert taught about Israel, Mrs. Neutzmann taught about Mexico, and Mrs. Kupfer taught about Sweden.  There is so much to learn that their travels will continue in the second grade.

First graders also spend a lot of time writing.  In fact, they all wrote New Year’s Resolutions for 2012.  There are lots of things that they want to get better at or try for this new year.  You can check out the bells in the first grade hallway!

Winter is Coming (We think!!):

Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately for outside recess. We had some students without coats/jackets, gloves, hats etc. at recess this week. Check with your child before they walk out the door to make sure they are all set for recess!

FACEBOOK Precautions:

Please note that children are not supposed to have a Facebook Account until age 13.  There are reasons for this.  The site was not created with children in mind.  While Facebook has policies that forbid offensive and dangerous material, it’s impossible for the site to prevent anyone from posting something offensive. Users can post links, videos, messages and other content to their profiles and, depending upon privacy settings, the profiles of their Facebook friends. 

If your child has a Facebook Account, please monitor the content closely.  Cases of cyber-bullying are on the increase.  Please be aware of  who your child is friends with and what they are posting.

Important 6th grade Information:

S.T.A.R.S.

S.T.A.R.S. is a program for 6th through 8th graders, held at Palombi Middle School. This year it will be held on March 16th from 8:30-4:00. S.T.A.R.S. is a self-esteem building program that provides anti-drug and anti-bullying messages in a fun-filled and caring way. Permission slips and more information will be available in the school office in February.

7th GRADE ORIENTATION

Incoming 7th graders and their parents are invited to Orientation Night at Palombi Middle School on February 9, 2012 from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. More information will be available on the website.

ATTENTION 6TH GRADE PARENTS

It is that time of year when we start to plan for the upcoming school year. Team requests for 7th grade placement may be made until March 1, 2012. This is a firm deadline. It is NOT possible for us to honor requests after that date. While we do our best to honor requests, please remember it is a request, not a guarantee. Make requests in writing to Dr. M. VanScoyoc at Palombi Middle School.

PTO News:

* Join the Parent/Teacher Organization!  Our next meeting of the year will be on Tuesday, January 17, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. at the District Office. 

* Our PTO Vice President is Jennifer Harder.  If you have any questions or concerns regarding PTO, she can be contacted at  (847) 265-8954

Important Dates to Remember:

1/17-1/27 NWEA Testing for students receiving an Intervention

1/17 5th Grade Music Concert @6:30

1/20 Midterms mailed home today

1/23 Board Meeting at Palombi @7:00

2/9 4th Grade Music Concert @6:30

2/13 Board Meeting at Martin School @7:00

2/17-No School-Teacher Institute

2/20-No School-President’s Day

Get ready for the Talent Show!  Students in kindergarten through sixth grade have been working hard to prepare for the Talent Show tryouts!  During the month of January they will be practicing their acts.  Students will show off their talents to fellow students, staff, and family members on February 6th. 

Time for Testing!

Students in kindergarten through sixth grades who are enrolled in our reading resource program and/or receiving tier three interventions will be progress monitored during the month of January.  Students will be assessed using the DIBELS and/or the NWEA assessment.  In addition, students who are receiving a tier two intervention in the area of reading will be assessed using the Curriculum Based Measurement.  We look forward to seeing how our students have grown academically this school year

Girls’  Basketball

The girls’ basketball season will begin in January.  Interested 5th and 6th grade girls should see Mrs. Coia for the registration form.  Basketball games will be held throughout January and February.  The tournament will be held on February 22nd at Palombi School.  Go Tigers!

Thompson School Points of Pride

Student Achievements

Congratulations to our Student of the Month, Sofiya C., from Mrs. Socaciu’s 3rd grade class!

A special congratulations to our 176 Honor Roll students!

School-Wide Achievements

-Met our writing goal by increasing  student achievement in the area of writing

-Held 17 in-house staff development sessions pertaining to English Language Arts

-Held 30 in-house staff development sessions pertaining to integrating technology in the classroom

-100% of our classrooms are equipped with SMART  Boards

Character Corner

Third grade students show self-control:

~Raising hand and waiting patiently to share ideas

~Walking quietly in the hallway to and from specials

~Playing appropriately during physical education and recess

Notes from the Office

Lake Villa School District has Gone Green! 

Our school newsletter are sent out to parents/guardians monthly through our AlertNow automated phone/email system.  Please provide the school with your email address if we do not have it on file. 

Contact Information

The school office is in the process of updating parent/guardian contact information and emergency contact numbers.  Forms to update such information will be sent home with your child’s midterm. 

Yearbooks

Yearbooks are now on sale!  Books will be sold on a first come, first serve basis. Books will be delivered to all students at the end of the school year.  

Featured Teacher:  Mrs. Pederson

Mrs. Pederson is a resident of Lake Villa and her children graduated from District 41. She has lived in the Thompson School neighborhood for 15 years with her family, which includes her grandson and her two dogs.

Mrs. Pederson graduated from Illinois State University with an undergraduate degree in early childhood and elementary education.  After moving to upstate New York with her family, she received her Masters Degree in early childhood education from Elmira College. Two years ago she received her Masters Degree in reading from St. Xavier University. She enjoys teaching young children and has held the position of kindergarten and 2^nd grade teacher. Most recently she became a reading resource teacher at Thompson School. 

In her free time, Mrs. Pederson enjoys spending time with her one year old grandson. We love to walk and play at the park. Her family also enjoys camping, traveling, biking, and going to hockey and baseball games. She loves living in the Thompson School neighborhood where she has made many friends with the students and their parents.

Featured Grade Level:  Second Grade Highlights

Once upon a time in a land far, far away on Thompson Lane resided four classrooms filled with hard working second graders.  The second graders were surrounded by great literature of classic Fairy Tales from all over the world.  Students studied the literary elements found in Fairy Tales.  They learned about the unique types of characters, how good overcomes evil, the special magical moments that happen in tales of such kind, the significance of numbers in fairy tales and much more.  Their days were spent writing descriptive paragraphs as well.  How detailed they were when writing and illustrating fierce or meek giants, scarecrows with gentle grins too kind to scare away crows in the field, and delicious Gingerbread Houses dripping with the sweetest of all icings.  Each child was careful to include a topic sentence, several rich details with similes, and a concluding sentence.  In math class, just as the giant from Jack and the Beanstalk did the students proudly counted their riches.  Now, the second graders didn’t have gold, but they did successfully learn how to count silver and copper coins.  Mental math strategies in both addition and subtraction were also incorporated into their daily lessons. In social studies students learned about the past and present of Pioneer Life and in science they are currently studying the different states of matter.  Second graders are very busy! You will be happy to know that the second graders of Thompson School continue to learn happily ever after…

Character Education

During the month of January, Thompson School students are focusing on the positive character trait, “Self-Control.”

Self-Control:  Choosing to do what you should do, not what you want to do

Books to read about self-discipline:

I Care About Others By Craig Strete

What If Everybody Did That? By Ellen Javernick

Mercy Watson Thinks Like a Pig By Kate DiCamillo

My Mouth is a Volcano By Julia Cook  

The Kid’s Guide to Becoming the Best You Can Be By Jill Frankel Hauser

The Story of Ruby Bridges By Robert Coles

The Secret School By Avi

Extra-Curricular Activities

5th and 6th Grade Girls’ Basketball Tournament

Join us at Palombi Middle School on February 22nd to cheer on the 5th and 6th Grade Girls’ Basketball Teams!  Go Tigers! 

Upcoming Activities:

January 2012-Girls’ Basketball (5th-6th Grades)

January-February 2012-Talent Show (Kindergarten-6th Grades)

February 2012-Co-Ed Volleyball (5th-6th Grades)

February 2012-Drama Club (5th-6th Grades) 

April 2012-Track and Field (5th and 6th Grades)

A Spotlight on Specials:  Art

My name is Matt Wawiorka and I am the art teacher at Thompson School. This is my tenth year of teaching art. I received a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design and then worked three years in an advertising department followed by eleven years as a freelance illustrator. I received my teaching certificate from the University of Wisconsin Parkside and this fall my Masters of Arts in Teaching and Leadership from Saint Xavier University. I have two children of my own, Max (20) and Jake (18).

I see the art room as a place for students to develop their imaginations and creativity. This will mean something different for each of them. I demonstrate different techniques and materials to students in an environment where they can feel safe experimenting.  As students continue in their education they will begin to have choices and for some the arts will play an increasingly important role. Others will choose a different path.  I am thankful that I benefit from the labors of engineers and scientists for whom it is important. In this same way, these people can benefit from the labors of those who were influenced by the arts, the architects, web page designers, musicians, illustrators, film makers, product designers, etc. 

I believe my job is to help build a strong foundation in the elements and principles of art. Students can use this information to help navigate their way through the vast amount of visual material available to them via technology.  Speaking of technology, the art room will soon have a functioning Smart Board which will really enhance our ability to view images of art, architecture and design.

PTO NEWS:

~PTO Volunteers of the Month:

August-Maria Guzman

September-Cathy Napoli & Stacey Moran

October-Sandy Schneider & Susan Maina

November-Carrie Harrity & Mich Walker

December-Betsy Perhacs & Britta Vettraino

~Join the Parent/Teacher Organization!  Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, January 17th at 6:30 p.m. at the District Office.

Laura Romig is the PTO Vice President for Thompson School.  Laura Romig can be contacted at:  ThompsonTiger.PTO@gmail.com

Upcoming Events

January 13th-Mid-Term 

January 16th-No School; Martin Luther King Day

January 17th-PTO Meeting at Administration Building; 6:30 p.m.

January 18th-Spelling Bee; 1:30 p.m.

January 23rd-Board of Education Meeting at Administration Building; 7:00 p.m.

January 30th-Citizen of the Month Awards Assembly; 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

January 31st-Tornado Drill; 2:00 p.m.

February 6th-Talent Show

February 13th-Board of Education Meeting at Martin; 7:00 p.m.

February 14th-Valentne’s Day Party; 2:20 p.m.

February 17th-No School, Teachers’ Institute

February 19th-No School, Presidents’ Day

February 21st-PTO Meeting at Administration Building; 6:30 p.m.

February 22nd-Girls’ Basketball Tournament at Palombi School; 4:00 p.m.

February 27th-Tornado Drill; 10:00 a.m.

February 28th-5th and 6th Grade Band Concert