A Note from the Superintendent
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Greetings, Parents,
As you know, we have been working hard to support teachers as they
 use technology as a learning tool in their classrooms. Over the course of the year, our Technology Advisory Team (made up of parents, teachers, and administrators) have been meeting and guiding our work. This committee helped implement and analyze the BrightBytes survey that was given to teachers, students, and parents in November and has revamped the District's technology plan.
At our last meeting, we determined that our work is really less about technology and more about great teaching and learning. With that said, the team has decided that rather than being solely a technology group, we would change our focus to planning a learning initiative. Our plan, which we have named
C4 Learning,
seeks to have our teaching focus on Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity. The goal was to create a plan that was easy to implement and simple to follow. You can
CLICK HERE
to read the full (one-page) plan.
Now that we have a plan in place, we need to begin to manage and implement it with integrity. That means providing teachers with training and professional development that is differentiated for our staff's various readiness levels. We also need to celebrate experimentation and innovation in our classrooms. Likewise, we will host several parent workshops to help parents manage devices at home and how to support their child's learning.
I would like to recognize the members of our C
4
Learning team: Eric Woltman, Karyn Lisowski, Tony Madsen, Rikki Steinmetz, Joe Peloso, John McAtee, Mary Rockrohr, and Kim Payne. I would especially like to recognize Mr. Madsen for his creative
logo design (see above). It is an exciting time in Pleasantdale and I am proud to be a part of these meaningful changes.
Thanks, and have a great weekend,
Dave
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Author Bob Shea Visiting Pleasantdale!
Bob Shea, author of
I'm
a Shark, Dinosaur vs. Bedtime, Unicorn Thinks He's Pretty Great
amongst others, is coming to Pleasantdale on
February
16th
. His new series, Ballet Cat, will be featured and it's proving to be a huge hit with our students! We've read Ballet Cat: The Totally Secret Secret. It's the very funny
story of friendship, encouragement and compromise. We are looking forward to Mr. Shea's visit.
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To celebrate Valentine's Day, Ms. Halusek's class wrote love similes. Here are a few of their thoughts.
Love is like a detective. It finds you wherever you are. Justin
Love is like a river that flows all around. Blakely
Love is like the sun. It brightens our day. Karina
Love is like a diamond because it sparkles. Lily
Love is like an eagle because it soars around.
Peter
Love is like a dove. It brings peace and joy. Josie
Love is like a soccer ball because you can pass it around. Jakub
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Have Your Children Outgrown Their PANTS?
Occasionally students tear, spill or soil their pants during the day and having extras on hand is very helpful. Nurse Lisa will gladly accept boys and girls styles in all sizes of gently used pants for preschool through 2nd grade!
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March 14, 2016
Preschool screening to determine if a child is developing within expected age group limits is available
free
to all District 1
07 children between the
ages of 3 and 5 who
are not currently enrolled in Kindergarten or Bright Beginnings.
Please call 708-246-4700 for an appointment.
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Dr. Singh DDS Visits 2nd Grade
Dr. Singh, Karina's father, visited second grade in honor of February's dental health month. The students enjoyed learning about the importance of taking
good care of our teeth.
Thank you Dr. Singh!
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Save the Date!
Our Musical takes the stage on: Friday, March 4 at 7:00 pm and Saturday,
March 5 at 3:00 pm!
(To congratulate your cast or crew member with flowers or chocolate, please
click here)
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Kindness Month at Pleasantdale Middle School!
To beat the gloomy winter weather, our Sunshine Club is encouraging
 students to reach out and
share acts of kindness this February. There are
many different activities planned to encourage our students to reach out with a kind word, act or deed. They are additionally sponsoring a
"Kindness" Video Contest, inviting students to use their creative skills to share the message of kindness.
Other clubs and activities are also getting involved in the act. Our students are invited to stop by all month during open library (Mon, Tues, Thurs) to "Knit for a Cause", making small items to be shared with area services. We also are collecting pet treats and items for the Animal Welfare League, with a collection box in the Main Office. Student Council collected toiletries at our Movie Night, and other groups are considering ways to become involved.
It doesn't take much to make someone's day with a small unexpected act! We are encouraging our students to reach out and make a connection, both here and at home. Parents are welcome to get in the act as well! Perhaps try a little note of encouragement in the lunch bag, or simply an extra hug before they leave for school.
We have 29 days this February and although the Groundhog did not see his shadow, winter can be long. Let's spread some sunshine in the Pleasantdale Community!
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Students of the Month
Please join us in celebrating our students
who were selected Students of the Month for December and January!
| Grade 5 |
Grade 6 |
Grade 7 |
Grade 8 |
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Come Cheer on the Tigers!
Our Girls Volleyball Team is in season
now and they are outstanding! Please come cheer them on
at one of our upcom
ing games. We have
several home games in February, please see the schedule on the right.
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Scholastic Bowl is also in full swing this month as well, with a home contest on February 25. The competition is intense and exciting to watch! Come watch great minds at work!
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Night on the Red Carpet Adult Social and
Silent Auction Reminder
You are cordially invited to attend Pleasantdale PTA's
Night on the Red Carpet Adult Social and Silent Auction
Saturday March 5th
, 2016 at 7pm
Marriott in Burr Ridge
Hors D'Oeuvres, Cash Bar, Silent Auction, Music and Dancing
$40.00 per person, adults-only event
$100 Split-The-Pot Raffle tickets
Winner will be announced at 9pm for up to a $15,000.00 cash prize!
The PTA relies on this fundraiser to support our budget for two years. Please come out and support our school. If you are unable to attend, please consider purchasing a raffle ticket or donating an auction item.
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Stix & Stones Class of 2016 Fundraiser
On
Monday February 22nd
, Tuesday the 23rd
or
Wednesday the 24th Stix & Stones will donate 30% of your check to Pleasantdale Middle School's Class of 2016!
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2/14:
~Happy Valentine's Day
2/15:
~
Presidents Day - No School
2/16:
~
Bob Shea Visits Elementary School
~Girls Volleyball at Washington
2/17:
~School Board Meeting at Admin Building - 7 pm
2/18:
~Girls Volleyball at Willow
2/19:
~PTA Sports Night
~PTA Write Stuff Due
2/22:
~7 & 8 Grade Boys Volleyball Clinic
~Girls Volleyball at Forest Park
2/23:
~Scholastic Bowl at O'Neill
~Girls Volleyball Home vs. Westchester
2/24:
~
LTHS Jazz Festival
2/25:
~Girls Volleyball Home vs. Gurrie
~Scholastic Bowl Home vs. Westview
2/26:
~2nd Trimester Ends
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