It has been an unimaginable past two weeks for our school community. I am continually in awe of the amount of support that our community and school district has provided us in this trying time.
Our teaching staff is incredible and resilient in the face of tragedy and I can’t commend them enough for all of their efforts to be there for our students in every way possible.
As I stated previously, our Ivy Hall and District 96 staff will continue to support students and staff in the days and weeks ahead. We have also identified resources that are helpful in supporting grieving children and helping children cope with grief. We know navigating these past few weeks has not been easy for anyone, but there is comfort in knowing that we are in this together - every step of the way.
Mrs. Heinrich and I are honored to lead this school. We have felt an incredible amount of support and we can’t thank you all enough. As we begin to heal as a school community, we will be very intentional and thoughtful about how we honor and remember our dear students, Vivian and Aliyan.
Please do not hesitate to reach out for anything, your partnership is greatly valued.
Respectfully,
Mike Senatore
*Upcoming Dates*
- Thursday, December 22nd - PTO Winter Parties
- Friday, December 23rd - NO SCHOOL - 1st Day of Winter Break
NEW *Spirit Week Next Week*
The Student Council will host a Countdown to Winter Break next week with a spirit week.
Monday, 12/19 - Winter Hat/Headband Day!
Tuesday, 12/20 - Winter sweater day wear!
Wednesday, 12/21 - PJ Day!
Thursday, 12/22 - School Spirit Day!
NEW *PTO Blog*
Our PTO maintains a weekly blog that has useful information for opportunities to get involved in the Ivy Hall School community. Their latest blog post can be found here, below are this week’s highlights.
- Winter/Holiday Gifting Made Easy
- Winter Party Volunteers Needed
- Donate for Indoor Recess Games
REPEAT *Half Birthdays for Birthday Book Vending Machine Coupon*
Our Birthday Book Vending Machine that was donated by the PTO has been a huge hit with our students this school year. Students receive a coupon for a free book from the book vending machine in our library.
Students who have June and July birthdays when school is not in session will receive their coupon in December (June birthdays) and January (July birthdays). I did my best to explain what a half birthday was over the morning announcements, but I would encourage you to explain this concept to your child as well so they are not confused when they receive a coupon. =)
REPEAT *Lost and Found*
Items are piling up in our Lost and Found which is located in our cafeteria. Gloves, hats, shirts, you name it, we have some in our Lost and Found! Please encourage your child to check the Lost and Found if they are missing items. All items will be donated during Winter Break. Please remember to label all clothing items with your child’s name as well.
REPEAT *Recess During the Winter*
For students to play in the snow, they must have snow pants, boots, gloves and jacket. This ensures that their clothes, hands and feet are dry for lunch and the remainder of the afternoon. Students who do not have snow pants and boots can still play on the blacktop and playground area. Having a spare set of clothes (socks, shoes, pants, shirt, etc.) is a must during the winter season!