MES Monthly Newsletter

November, 2023

Dear MES Families,

As we dive into the beautiful month of November, I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for your ongoing support and partnership in nurturing our school community.

In October, we had an incredible month full of exciting events and celebrations that brought our school community closer together. We kicked off the month with our "Donuts with Dad" celebration, where fathers and their children shared precious moments over delicious treats from Tanner's Orchard. It was heartwarming to see so many dads actively participating in our school life.

Our Parent-Teacher Conferences provided an invaluable opportunity for parents and teachers to discuss your child's progress, strengths, and areas for growth. Your involvement in these conferences helps us work together to support your child's educational journey.

The Fall Family Fest brought fun and laughter to our school grounds, creating lasting memories for all who attended. Our Halloween Parade, with our students showcasing their creativity in costumes, was a delight to behold. And, of course, our "Trunk or Treat" event was a great success, with families coming together for a safe and enjoyable Halloween celebration.

This month, we have a range of exciting activities and events planned. From special Thanksgiving-themed lessons and projects to ongoing parent engagement opportunities, there's much to look forward to. Please stay engaged with our school's happenings and consider volunteering or attending some of our events – your involvement makes a significant impact on your child's education.

Remember that open communication is vital, and our doors are always open. Whether you have questions, concerns, or ideas, we value your feedback. Together, we can ensure that every child's educational journey is filled with growth, discovery, and success.

Wishing you all a wonderful November, filled with warmth and cherished moments with your loved ones. Thank you for being part of our Midland Elementary family.

Warm regards,

Jason Wynn

Principal

Vote for Midland Elementary to Win!

Click here to vote for Midland Elementary to win the district pumpkin design contest! Winners will receive points toward the T-Wolf Cup, an annual contest between all schools in the district!

Bridge Reopening Dismissal Times

Here are the times students will be dismissed from classrooms at the end of the day once the bridge reopens. We still haven't received word when the bridge will reopen but it is expected to be in November. Adjustments to morning bus times will be shared when they become available.

3:05 PM Varna Bus Riders
3:10 PM Sparland Bus Riders & Parent Pickup
3:15 PM Lacon Bus Riders

October Students of the Month

Our goal for the month of October was to be courageous. Congratulations to all of our students of the month! (Ms. Madl Not Pictured)

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Mrs. Bickerman

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Mrs. Gauwitz

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Mrs. McGlasson

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Mrs. Harms

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Mrs. Moore

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Mrs. Schmitt

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Mrs. Hattan

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Mrs. Gauwitz

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Mrs. Sanders

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Ms. Collins (Computers)

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Ms. Collins (Music)

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Mr. Fenoglia (PE)

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Ms. Pelphrey (Library)

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Mrs. Hoesly

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Mrs. Konczak (AM)

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Mrs. Hayes

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Mrs. Konczak (PM)

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Mrs. Geiselman

Art to Remember Fundraiser!

Our school is participating in a creative fundraiser with Art to Remember that allows you to purchase keepsake products customized with your child's art. There are over 60 products and many are less than $15. These make great gifts and a percentage of every purchase goes right back to our school by supporting students through our PBIS Celebrations and prizes on our PBIS Cart.

Click on the link below and enter the online order code shown on your child's order form or search for your child's artwork by name. Then, have fun shopping! https://arttoremember.com/school/n2ftaa

**Order forms will be going home with your child in the next week!** All orders are due by November 17th and will arrive before Christmas!

Country Financial Teachers of the Month

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Financial Representative Jonathan Krieghauser with Country Financial has partnered with MES to provide Teacher of the Month awards to teachers in our building each month during the 2023-2024 school year.

Congratulations to our August Teacher of the Month: Josh Fenoglia

Congratulations to our September Teacher of the Month: Danielle Winkler

Timberwolf Store Donations Needed

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Now accepting donations from our Amazon Wishlist!

You can donate to the Timberwolf Store by using our Amazon Wish List to purchase items directly!

PBIS stands for positive behavior intervention and support. Schoolwide support includes proactive support for all students. These are taught across the school community using our Timberwolf pledge & reinforced with our TimberBuck tickets, which can be exchanged for prizes at our school store.

The Timberwolf Store is a store provided as a reward/incentive for students caught following school rules. Each time a student is caught following school rules, they earn a ticket called a TimberBuck. TimberBucks can be earned throughout the school day. Volunteers run the Timberwolf Store each month. Students can exchange their TimberBuck tickets earned for fabulous prizes.

If you'd like to make a tax-deductible donation to help with the store's funding, please send a cash or check donation (made out to Midland Elementary School) to school with your child or drop it off in the office. Please make sure to label it "PBIS Store."

Click here to go to our Amazon Wishlist!

Erin's Law

On January 24, 2013, Governor Pat Quinn signed a law extending sexual abuse education in Illinois schools. The Illinois law went into effect immediately and schools were mandated to begin implementing “Erin’s Law” starting in the 2013-2014 school year. Erin’s Law requires all schools to provide age-appropriate child sexual abuse and assault awareness prevention education for all students in preschool through twelfth grade every year.

This letter is to inform you that on Monday, November 6th and Tuesday, November 7th, our school will again be hosting representatives from Freedom House, a social services agency located in Princeton, IL to lead students in discussions. The focus of the lesson will be to teach children to recognize and cope with potentially dangerous situations. All information will be provided in an age-appropriate manner.

The presentation will be approximately 30 minutes and the following will be addressed:

A discussion on identifying a trusted adult
A discussion of personal body safety
A discussion about "safe and unsafe touches/behavior" from a known adult and how best to react (if ever faced with it)

If you wish to opt out your child from this discussion, please email Mr. Wynn by November 3rd at jwynn@midland-7.net.

Should you choose to opt your child out of this presentation, an alternative activity will be provided during that time. As always, if you have any further questions, please feel free to contact Mr. Wynn at 309-463-8010.

Santa's Workshop Donations

We will be holding our Santa's Workshop and Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 9th from 8:30 to 11:00 AM.
Santa's Workshop provides students an opportunity to purchase inexpensive items that they can then gift to others.
Items will be priced from $1 to $10 dollars.
We are seeking donations for items in "like new" condition.
If you would like to make a financial gift, please place cash in an envelope and label it Midland PTO. All checks can be made payable to Midland PTO.

Christmas Concerts

Recess - Colder Weather

It's time to begin thinking about cooler weather. Students will go outside for recess unless the temperature or weather is below 20 degrees. Please make sure your students are able to stay warm by dressing them appropriately.

Students must be properly dressed to play in the snow. This attire requires boots, snow pants, coats, mittens or gloves, and a hat or hood.

Emergency Closings Due to Inclement Weather

Severe weather sometimes makes it necessary to close the school. Families that have up-to-date contact information in Skyward will receive a phone call and/or email stating that school has been canceled. In addition, the following radio and TV stations along with the district website and Facebook Pages can be referred to:

WHOI TV
WMBD
WEEK TV 25
WYZZ

If bad weather occurs during the day, the safety and welfare of the students will be the first consideration. Students should know what to do and where to go if they are sent home before regular dismissal time. Please set up and emergency plan for such instances.

E-Learning Plan

If school is canceled, the superintendent may declare the day an E-Learning Day. Please see the guidelines below for the procedures that will be followed in the event of an E-Learning Day. Please click on the E-Learning Plan link below to read the procedures.

E-Learning Plan

Substitute Teachers and Substitute Teacher's Aides Needed

We are currently experiencing a shortage of substitute teachers and substitute teacher's aides. To learn more about the requirements to be a substitute teacher or substitute teacher's aide click the picture below.

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The Months of November & December

November 1st

Early Dismissal

November 5th

Time Change

November 6th

Erin's Law K-2nd

November 7th

Erin's Law 3rd-4th

November 10th

End of 2nd Progress

November 11th

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Used Book Sale in Cafeteria

9:00 AM -12:00 PM Santa's Workshop Donation Drop-Off

November 13th