The Eagle Express

Dear Sward Families,

The past few days have been a lot of fun for me talking to students about the traditional ways you and your children celebrated Thanksgiving. During my Thanksgiving break, I also enjoyed family traditions and quality time with my husband and children. During this quality time, an interesting thing happened with my daughter that that led me to wonder how well I prepare my own children for the fast paced world we live in. My daughter decided to email her boss about a pay raise and asked me if I could proofread her message before she sent it. I read the email and instantly knew that it was not her writing. When I asked her who helped her with it she replied “ChatGPT.” Whether we realize it or not, our very young children are exposed to artificial intelligence tools on a daily basis from asking Siri or Alexa a question to using a chatbox in an online game. Technology is absolutely amazing; however, it can have risks if not used properly. My experience at home with my daughter was a simple teaching lesson and quick conversation but it also opened my eyes to the fact that as parents we need to engage our children in conversations about how to use AI because it is transforming the nature of the way we do things and the future of our children. Here are a few articles that can help you start conversations with your children at home to prepare them for a tool they will definitely be using or are already familiar with:

The A.I Chatbots Have Arrived. Time to Talk to Your Kids.

Helping Kids Navigate the World of Artificial Intelligence

Sincerely,

Suzanne Amra

Sward School Principal

A big congratulations is very well deserved to our amazing Sward teachers, students, and families. Last Monday, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) released data used to evaluate all K-12 public schools in Illinois. This year Sward received the highest designation status of “Exemplary”', awarded to Illinois Schools performing in the top 10% of all schools within the state. We are very proud of our achievement at Sward and hope to continue to lead the state in performance!

ATTENTION CHORUS MEMBERS!
You have been invited to sing at this weekend's event called SANTA ON THE GREEN. On Saturday if you're able, please arrive at the village green by the veterans' memorial stone wall a few minutes before 2PM and meet Mrs. Glikis to prepare for our performance! Please CLICK HERE for more information and invite friends and family to see you perform!!!!

This year, the Sward PTA is inviting you and your children to participate in an upcoming

"Holiday Gift Shop" program at Sward school. This program makes it possible for children

to experience the joy of choosing their own special holiday gifts for family and friends. The

"Holiday Gift Shop'' program will be set up for the children to view during the school day on

December 15th, where they can make notes of gift ideas and costs for various family

members. The PTA encourages families to return later that evening, along with cash or check

only, to help the shopping experience run smoothly. Please CLICK HERE for more information

Our students love their recess time where they are able to run around and enjoy being outside with their peers. Please make sure your child has a coat and is dressed appropriately for the weather to ensure their warmth during recess.

Enjoy a guys night out on Friday, December 1st from 5:00pm - 7:00pm at In The Game Hollywood Park in Crestwood, Il. All boys are welcome with an adult. Please CLICK HERE for RSVP information.

Join Sward families and friends for a night of fun at a Chicago Wolves

hockey game. All attendees will receive a FREE Chicago Wolves knit hat and be seated together in the same section. Please CLICK HERE for more information.

Please remind your children that their phones and smart watches need to be off and away during school hours.

• Student wraps will not be available on Wednesday, 11/29
  

A great way to help promote kindness, service, and generosity is by joining our teachers and students in D123's Meal Packing Event where we will create meals of hope together for hungry children and their families in our community. For more information please click here.

Please click here for baseball and softball opportunities for boys and girls ages 4-14.

Safety is always our Priority at District 123. Please use this quick and easy registration link to set up your visitor information that allows you to visit Sward.Once you complete the registration, you will receive a QR code via text or email that allows you to enter the building. Thank you in advance for your cooperation in our safety first procedures.

Email: samra@d123.org
Website: d123.org/sward
Phone: 708-423-7820
X: @SuzanneAmra

Website: d123.org/sward
Location: 9830 Brandt Avenue, Oak Lawn, IL, USA
Phone: 708-423-7820
Twitter: @d123sward