Parent/Guardian Issue 1 August 20, 2020

Welcome Welcome to AViAtor Airlines. This is your captain speaking. The fact that you are reading this means you are part of a maiden voyage that we are on together. This year, the field of education may be the ultimate example of “building the plane as we are flying it” but I know our trip together is going to be AMAZING. Amazing because of our phenomenal, dedicated, and innovative AVA staff and amazing because of YOU. The support, gratitude and passion during this difficult time that we have felt from our parents and students has been extraordinary. While we don’t know what the world holds for us right now, your commitment to the AVA program will hopefully give you and your family peace of mind. Additionally, I can promise a journey where I will work tirelessly to make everything as full of joy as possible. Despite some turbulence and potentially a shaky take-off, I assure you I will be there alongside all of you with a drink cart and some pretzels. There will be more information to come soon, but I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself and begin the boarding of our flight.

A Little About Me

My name is Renée Fitzsimmons and I will be your AVA principal on this journey. You may know me as the Director of Innovation for the district, but you may also remember that I began my journey at Cherokee in 2015 as the Inquiry Science Specialist. Your children may know me as the Olympic Chairwoman, EP, an earthquake victim, a thought partner for their teachers or simply a classroom visitor. I am proud to say that I have been a part of all of the innovative curriculum work over the last 5 years in District 67, primarily in our engaging science and social studies inquiry units. I have my Masters degree in Education and also in Educational Leadership from National-Louis University and I am currently pursuing my doctoral degree from Western Illinois University. I have been a passionate educator since 1997 while taking a small hiatus for nine years to raise my own girls, Hailey and Riley, as well as to help with medical education for a family biotech business. This experience gave me insight into the importance for creating authentic learning experiences and the application of knowledge for our most beloved commodity...our children. I carry this passion and belief into every second of my work. I am your neighbor to the south in the New Trier district and I love gardening, being outside, fitness and incredibly aromatic cheese. I am committed to ensuring your families and your children have the most meaningful and exciting experience together this year. Never hesitate to reach out to me with any questions, feedback or even just a little hello text! My cell phone number is 847.721.8376.

Things to Know

– We are going to be our own little school. This does not mean we are isolated from our schools, but we are a special team. Please stay dialed into your homeschool and stay on your regular Constant Contact email list as well as your APT. I am just an extra connection under these unique circumstances. – I am your contact person/virtual principal (I am here for whatever you need PLUS I can bridge any questions, or support you from the district office). – We don’t have class lists to share yet but as soon as we do, you will be the first to know. – I will be sending a survey form to you soon to collect information on you and your families to get to know you better. – Information about a virtual parent meeting is coming soon.

To Do List

1) Read this helpful article from Lisa Damour on managing stress during COVID. 2) Think of questions you have and don’t feel bad about asking them because I may not have thought about them. 3) School supplies for the AVA will be the same as those in the classrooms, but just keep in mind that you will not need 10 glue sticks all at once. You won’t be contributing to the class supplies, so you should only purchase what you need at the time for yourselves. 4) Don’t stress about the details of how everything will work. There will be more information coming soon. For right now, simply think about enjoying this last week of relaxation with your children. There is nothing you can do right this second so just enjoy the calm skies for now. 5) Search 432 Hz on YouTube and breathe deeply. This is a wonderful YouTube channel to play relaxing music every morning to center ourselves. 6) Laugh. If 2020 Was an Ice Cream Truck

Lastly, please be patient with me and with yourselves. Our intent is really good but we have just never “done a pandemic before” and we are all going to make mistakes. Thank you in advance for your grace.

Renée Fitzsimmons AVA Principal Lake Forest School District 67 cell 847.721.8376 rfitzsimmons@lfschools.net