February 22, 2012

From:  Kathleen Hagstrom, Principal          
Re:  Assorted Matters   

Monday, March 5 ~ No School for Students ~ Pulaski Day

- Recognition and Congratulations – This year is leap year – which happens only once in every four years.  An extra day is added to the calendar, which is recognized on February 29!  Can you believe in our entire school there is just one student, Demond Gillespie, who was born on leap year!  Let’s celebrate with Demond on February 29!

The Disney school wide Spelling Bee was held last week; the children were so excited and we appreciate all the parents who came to support them.  Congratulations to our spelling champs: (primary level): Srinitya Voora, Ms. Patel’s class; (intermediate level): Caleb Wilkerson, Mr. Beck’s class and (upper level):  Khalijawon Johnson, Ms. Thompson’s class.  Khalijawon Johnson will represent Walt Disney School at the Network level Spelling Bee – good luck Khalijawon!   Kudos also to our basketball teams who have completed their regular seasons and are advancing to the Network level playoff  round next week.  We extend our best wishes to the 5th & 6th grade boys’ team, coached by Mr. Wilsey and both the 7th & 8th grade boys’ and girls’ teams, coached by Mr. Cataldo.  Parents are encouraged to come out and support the team; students in attendance at the home games must be accompanied by their parent. 

-  Student Non-Attendance Days – Please mark your calendars for the following days when students do not attend school.
Monday, March 5 – Pulaski Day Holiday
Monday-Friday, April 2-6 – Spring Break
Wednesday, April 18 – Report Card Pick-Up Day
Friday, April 13 – Professional Development Day

- ISAT Testing – Students in grades 3-8 will be taking ISAT tests March 7-13.  It is very important that students arrive before 8:00 a.m. so that they are on time and in class when testing begins.  Parents, the students have been working hard all year and we know they are well prepared.  Please send them to school well rested and with a plastic bottle of water each day.  We will provide raisin snacks during testing.  If your child is not feeling well, please keep them home. Make up test will be done March 13-14. 

- Kindergarten CAC Performance – Pod 120 will have their CAC culminating activity, Animal Groups, on Friday, March 2, at 9:30 a.m.  Family members are welcome to attend; we remind you that no children under 5 years are admitted.  Please bring proof of child’s age for admittance.  Attendees enter the SW door of the CAC, which opens at 9:15 a.m.; parking is limited; provide extra time.

- PTA - The spring fund raiser will begin March 1.  Volunteers are needed on Monday, February 27 to come to school and put packets together.  Interested parents, please talk to Mr. Mojica or email to waltdisneyschoolpta@gmail.com.  The next regular PTA meeting is Tuesday, March 6, at 7:45 a.m.

- PAC – PAC meets Friday, March 9, at 8:15 a.m.  All parents are welcome to attend; refreshments will be served.

- LSC - LSC elections are April 18.  Parents interested in running can request a nomination form in the office; the deadline to submit nomination forms is Thursday, March 8. The next LSC meeting is Monday, March 12, at 5:30 p.m.; the LSC Candidate Forum will follow immediately after the LSC meeting. 

- Progress Reports - 3rd quarter progress reports will be sent home with the students on Wednesday, March 7.

- Report card Pick-Up Day – 3rd quarter report cards will be available for pick-up by parents/guardians   on Wednesday, April 18; you will also have an opportunity to conference with the teachers on this day.  Report card pick-up hours are 12:00 – 3:00 pm and 4:00 – 6:00 pm.  There is no school for students on this day.  Please make every effort to come on this day to discuss your child’s progress and needs with the teacher. 

- School Calendar - The last day of school this year is Friday, June 15.  The Chicago Public School headquarters has not yet published the calendar for next year.  When available it will be published on the cps website:  www.cps.edu.  As you are all aware, it is intended for all schools to go to an extended day next year;   additional days may also be added to the school year.  We anticipate that next year’s school hours may be 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. These decisions will be made by CPS headquarters, as they work through negotiations with the Chicago Teacher’s Union.    Certainly, when any firm information is made available, we will inform you.