As we enter the season of thankfulness, I wanted to take a minute to express how thankful I am to "get" to work with wonderful students, staff and families every day. A friend of my recently shared that she frames her responsibilities in terms of what she "gets" to do versus what she "has" to do. I know that I am fortunate to get to dance with students on Friday mornings, to get a voice in district-wide decision making, to get the opportunity to share celebrations of learning through a variety of platforms and to get to work in a building where students and staff demonstrate mutual respect for each other and a passion for learning. While the job of an elementary school principal certainly brings its challenges, its blessings are many. I don't have to serve the students, staff and families of John Stewart Elementary School, I get to and I am very grateful for the opportunity!
~Mrs. Laura Garland
Principal
Important Dates & Information
November 2nd- Spirit Wear Orders Due
November 7th- Parent-Teacher Conferences 4-8pm
November 8th- Parent-Teacher Conference 10am-8pm
November 9th- Non-Attendance Day
November 7th- Parent-Teacher Conferences 4-8pm
November 8th- Parent-Teacher Conference 10am-8pm
November 9th- Non-Attendance Day
November 13th- PTN Meeting 6:30pm
November 14th- Fun Lunch Burger King
November 16th- Flag Raising Ceremony 8:50am
5th Grade Veteran's Day Performance 2:45pm
November 19th/20th- No School Institue Days
November 21st-23rd- Thanksgiving Break
November 21st-23rd- Thanksgiving Break
November 28th- Fun Lunch
Halloween Reminders
5 Essentials Survey Parent Survey
The State of Illinois is once again requiring the 5 Essentials survey. This survey, if unfamiliar, consists of 3 aspects- a parent survey, a student survey, and a staff survey. The parent survey is ready. Select the following link: https://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/ and follow the prompts. You are able to take the survey now, information will also be available during Parent-Teacher conferences for you to take it while you are waiting. All 4th and 5th graders will be taking the survey. We plan to have them take it in November, and it will be done during homeroom time.
Book Fair
Fall Book Fair Information
Book Fair dates: Monday, Nov. 5 – Thursday, Nov. 8
Preview dates: Monday, Nov. 5 and Tuesday, Nov 6 (school hours)
Shopping hours: Tuesday, Nov. 6 (9:30 – 3:15) Wednesday, Nov. 7 (9:30- 3:15 and 4-8
pm), Thursday, Nov. 8 (Parent Teacher Conferences 10am-8pm)
If you are unable to attend the Fair in person, we invite you to visit our Online Fair at
scholastic.com/fair. Our Online Fair is available from Oct. 28 to Nov. 10.
We've barely hit hat and glove season and our Lost and Found is already growing. If you're looking for a lost sweatshirt, hat or even a shoe, stop by the Lost and Found table when you're here for conferences.
Lunchroom Reminder
Please remember to pack utensils in your child's lunch. We do not stock forks or spoons in the lunchroom. You may also want to write your child's name in his/her lunchbox as several have found their way to our Lost and Found table.
Thank you to all of our wonderful families for supporting the collection for Cosley Zoo! The students enjoyed learning more about the humane treatment of animals and how the staff at Cosley meets the animal's needs. The Zoo received many items from their wishlist and we were able to pass along an additional check for $255.45! A special thank you to the following 4th and 5th graders for organizing the collection: Nick K., John S., John H., Sophia M., Ellie O., Paige F., Maggie D., Aidan M., Mackenzie J., JJ P., Morgan O. and Jack W. Student leadership at its finest!
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Our Parent- Teacher Conferences are right around the corner. We will hold them on Wednesday, November 7th from 4:00-8:00 pm after a full day of school and on Thursday, November 8th from 10:00 am - 8:00 pm. There is no school for students on Thursday, November 8th or Friday, November 9th.
Student Conferencing
Recently we had a professional learning morning with our staff and discussed conferencing with students in the classroom. As a parent, I know it can be frustrating when students aren't eager to share how their day went or what types of things they learned. Below are some good questions to ask to get those conversations started.
Recently we had a professional learning morning with our staff and discussed conferencing with students in the classroom. As a parent, I know it can be frustrating when students aren't eager to share how their day went or what types of things they learned. Below are some good questions to ask to get those conversations started.
Student Leadership
Our students are showing their leadership potential in so many ways! Most recently we had several 4th and 5th graders organize the collection for Cosley Zoo, 4th grader Paige F. organized a bake sale to benefit Hurricane Michael victims, 2nd graders Aiden C. and Madison P. volunteered to read to kindergarteners, 5th grader Loreli F. wrote a letter to our maintenance department, successfully advocating for a new flag for the school and 2nd grader met with our Director of Buildings and Grounds to discuss the importance of emergency lighting during power outages. Our students never cease to amaze me with what they are able to accomplish when given the opportunity.
