Panther Post

January 31, 2020
Message From the Principal

Dear Sullivan Families,

Just like that, we are turning the first page on the calendar of 2020 tomorrow. Each day is a chance to make a change and move a step closer to reaching our goals for the year. When our students came back at the start of the month, teachers guided them through setting new goals for the second half of the school year. As I reflect on my progress towards my personal and professional goals for the year, I have mixed reviews on my progress towards them during the first 31 days of 2020:

  • I have succeeded in meeting my fitness goal of getting moving 3-4 days weekly.
  • I have partially succeeded in meeting my goal of disconnecting from work and social media at home, as well as getting enough sleep each night. This one still needs some additional effort and attention.
  • I am working towards meeting my goal of being present, enjoying the moment, and connecting with others both at work and in my personal life, despite the other worries occupying my mind. Again, there are some victories and some room for work.

Too often, we abandon our goals at the first sign of failure. I have not achieved 100% perfection on my own goals for this year in the first 31 days of this year. Instead of feeling defeated because I have not met all of my goals at this point, I will reflect upon what has worked and what I need to change to move forward and make progress. I will adjust my approach, keeping what works and changing what does not. Thomas Edison, in his quest to innovate, said, " I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." This statement embodies the growth mindset that we strive to model for our students and to guide them in finding the path to achieve all they are meant to achieve.

Our students have demonstrated so much growth over the first half of the year, as measured by our benchmark testing and their daily work in the classroom. We will celebrate their successes and work with them in areas where they need more support to reach their potential. The Sullivan staff looks forward to partnering with families and sharing areas of success and growth over the second half of the school year.

Have a wonderful Super Bowl weekend!

Warmly,

Traci Meziere
Principal
Anne Sullivan School
February Author Visit
We are looking forward to an author visit from Patrick Carman, the author of Towervale in February. Families are able to preorder the author's latest book if they wish. Please see the flier below for more information and a website to order the book.
Arrival and Departure Reminders
Please remember that drop off and pick up can take a little longer in inclement weather. Please drive slowly in our parking lots and follow the directions of school staff who are there to ensure the safety of our kids. Please also do not pass buses that are parked and unloading students in the turnaround between MacArthur and Sullivan. Taking a few extra minutes will help everyone arrive to and depart from school safely.
PAWSITIVE PANTHERS
Claire comes to school with a smile on her face each day. She is kind, respectful and a hard worker.
Each week, a student from each grade level is recognized for their PAWSITIVE Panther attitude and for making our Sullivan community a better place to learn.
Daniel is a role model student! He comes to school ready to learn and has an excellent growth mindset. He is kind to others and works hard.
Nell comes to school with a positive mindset. She is polite and kind to her classmates. Nell is pawsome!
Anastasiya enters the room each day with enthusiasm that she spreads to her peers. She is passionate about her learning and gives her best every day.
Sullivan Snapshots
Full STEAM Ahead!

Mrs. Yager's STEAM club created marble runs using a variety of materials during club this week.
Innovation Lab Learning

Mrs. Travis' students joined Mrs. Jasper in the Innovation Lab to play the Empathy Game and complete an activity with Spheros as a part of their novel study unit. The students had to practice their communication skills and adapt the plan for driving their robot to avoid unexpected obstacles.
Book vs. Performance

Mrs. Broms' class participates in an interactive read aloud of Frindle in preparation for their upcoming field trip to see the play.
Living Museums
Mrs. Funk and Mrs. Broms' classrooms were transformed into Yellowstone and the ocean this week. The students used research skills, writing skills, speaking skills and creativity to build their living museums.
Community Field Trip

Mrs. Nolfi's class went on a field trip to Mod Pizza last week, practicing their communication skills while enjoying a delicious lunch.
D23 Ca$h for the Cure Fundraiser
We are proud to announce that Betsy Ross School and the Bulldog Ambassadors will be sponsoring the second official District 23 Fundraiser of the school year. The fundraiser will be called Ca$h for the Cure and all proceeds will benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The fundraiser will begin on Monday, January 27th and continue through Thursday, February 13th. We have plenty of fun events scheduled throughout the fundraising window for students, staff, and families to enjoy. We encourage you to follow along with our schedule and join in the fun whenever possible. Our goal for this district fundraiser is to raise at least $3,000 to donate to our friends at the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. If we reach this year's goal, our students will have the opportunity of seeing Mr. Curtis and Ms. Meziere taped to the wall of the gym. What a treat! Please take about three minutes to click on the button included to view a video created by our Bulldog Ambassadors about the event. We thank you in advance for your continued support of all our fundraising endeavors. Below, you'll find the important highlights of our fundraiser:

  • January 27-31: Wristbands for Sale in AM for $1 Donation
  • February 3-7: Valentines for Sale in AM for $1 Donation
  • February 5: Hat Day for $1 Donation
  • February 10-13: Raffle Tickets for Sale in AM for $1 Donation
  • February 10-13: Tape for Sale in AM for $1 Donation (Limit 5)
  • To Be Determined: "Tape the Principal to the Wall" Assembly
  • To Be Determined: Pasta Party for Top Fundraising Class (per school)
Tis the season...Flu season
With the recent reporting and heightened awareness of the Coronavirus, we want to take this opportunity to share some info and a few good reminders:
First, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) shared guidelines with Illinois schools regarding the disease. There are NO reported cases of Coronavirus connected to District 23 or our surrounding Districts and the recommendation from IDPH is to continue regular best practices for preventing cold and flu season. The information shared by IDPH outlined guidance that all District 23 schools are following, including: 
  • Encouraging staff and students to wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. 
  • Asking staff and students to avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Asking staff and students to avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Instructing staff and students to stay home when you are sick or until you have been fever free for at least 24 hours.
  • Asking staff and students to cover their cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
We will continue to follow all recommendations from federal, state and local entities concerning the Coronavirus, flu and other issues and hope that you and your family remain healthy this flu season.
We're Hiring!
Looking to pick up a few hours this school year?

Sullivan is in search of lunch supervisors! Our lunch supervision is from 11:30-12:30 each day. Work one day to five days a week supervising lunch and recess with our 4th and 5th grade students. These are great jobs for parents and grandparents who are looking to pick up a few hours and a few dollars each week.

CLICK HERE for our current vacancies
Dates to Remember
2/6 BPAC Event @ PHPL 6PM
2/12: Board of Education Meeting @7PM
2/13 Valentine's Day Parties 1:15 PM
2/14: No School - Non Attendance Day
2/17: No School - President's Day
2/20 & 2/27: Parent Teacher Conferences
PTO News
Thank you to the PTO for supporting all of our D23 schools by funding projects at Ike, Ross, Sullivan and Mac! We are looking forward to the creative planning process for our murals at Sullivan.

Don't forget to mark your calendars for Family Fun Night on March 6th!
Community Partner Resources
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