Author: eakocs

Update regarding iLearn 97 information nights

NOTE: These sessions are for 5th Grade parents/guardians. Additional dates will be set for other grades as this rollout continues.

Dear Parents/Guardians,

We will be holding the first of our required iLearn 97 information nights tomorrow at Mann Elementary School from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Prior to this session, we wanted to resend the full schedule of upcoming events, the outline of activities for each evening and a reminder about fees. We also wanted to provide you with an electronic version of the handbook we created for the iLearn 97 initiative.

Schedule of Events

Below are the dates for each of the required information nights, which will all take place from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Any parents/guardians who are unable to attend the information night at their child’s school can attend a session at one of the other buildings. The content offered at each event will be the same.

Outline of Activities

Each information night will feature the following activities:

Fees
The prorated iLearn 97 fee for the 2013-14 school year will be $15. The fee for families who qualify for the reduced lunch program will be $4. This fee will be collected during the information nights. However, parents/guardians may pay it in advance by clicking here.
Handbook
We have created a comprehensive handbook about the iLearn 97 initiative that features information about a variety of topics, including acceptable use of the devices, usage guidelines, and care and maintenance of the equipment. You can access the handbook by clicking here.

For general information about iLearn 97, please visit our website at http://www.op97.org/ilearn97/.
Sincerely,

Lisa Schwartz                                             Michael Arensdorff
Director of Teaching & Learning                 Interim Director of Technology

iLearn 97 Parent/Guardian Information Night
Dear Parents/Guardians,

We are excited to move forward with the next phase of iLearn 97. As you are probably aware, our fifth grade students are the first to participate in our 1:1 technology program. Currently the students have been using iPad minis in the classroom and the next step will be for the students to bring the devices home on a daily basis to extend their learning experiences.

As a part of this initiative we are hosting a parent/guardian information night that is required for all fifth grade families before students are able to bring devices home. During this event we will share expectations and details about the iLearn 97.

The format for the evening will be as follows:

– Overview presentation

– Questions and Answers

– Required technology fee payment  (link to document – can be paid in advance at:)

– Student demonstrations

Again, it is required that parents/guardians attend one of these information nights prior to students being able to bring the iPads home. If you are not able to attend the session at your home school, you can attend one of the other sessions. The content will be the same.

iLearn 97 Information Nights (all 7:-8:00pm)

Tuesday, February 25 – Mann

Thursday, February 27 – Lincoln & Holmes

Tuesday, March 4 – Hatch

Wednesday, March 5 – Beye & Irving

Thursday, March 6 – Whittier & Longfellow

For general information about iLearn visit our website – http://www.op97.org/ilearn97/

Thank you.

Lisa Schwartz Michael Arensdorff

Director of Teaching & Learning Interim Director of Technology

Some Spots Still Open for Teacher and Parent Hosted Parties!!
Parent and Teacher hosted parties were a HUGE hit at the Silent Auction this year. So for a limited time we have extended the offer to purchase tickets to these parties. Don’t miss out! Spots are first come / first served. The price listed below is a flat fee per ticket – no bidding on these items.

If you are interested in purchasing a spot go to the Irving Silent Auction  blog at:

LINK:         http://irvingsilentauction.wordpress.com

To purchase a ticket, click to view the party you’re interested in, then click on “leave a comment” or “leave a reply.”

Then reply to that post with your first and last name. You will notice that some people have signed up for some of these parties already. The number of remaining spots is effective as of Monday, February 24th. For example, if the party has 10 spots available ONLY the first 10 names receive the ticket for the party.   (In the event that there are more bids than spots available, the auction committee will determine the winning bids.)

These parties will only be open until Friday, February 28th at 9pm.

Payment is due no later then Friday, March 7th to the PTO mailbox in the main office. Payment can be cash or a check made out to the Irving PTO. Please put exact change or a check in an envelope with your name and the name of the party you signed up for written on the outside of the envelope. See below list for parties that still have openings:

Parent Hosted Parties

Saturday Night Sewing Social (and Skirt-Making Workshop): Hosted by Amy Struckmeyer and Laura Crawford on Saturday, April 5, from 6:30 – 9:30 pm. Learn to draft a pattern for an A-line skirt based on your own measurements, just in time for spring in a fun social environment. Then sew in darts and a side zipper for a perfect fit! This is an advanced beginner project, and we will walk you through each step. You should have at least some experience with a sewing machine, and be comfortable sewing a straight seam. Guests will need to bring their own sewing machine, and a supply list will be sent out a few weeks prior to the event. Tasty treats will be provided. You are encouraged to bring your own wine or beer to share with the group.

7 remaining spots left

Tickets $30 each per person

Outdoor Family Movie Night:  Hosted by the Drumm family on Saturday, July 26th from 7-10pm. Bring your folding chairs or blanket and enjoy an outdoor screening of a family-friendly movie in the backyard. Hosts will provide popcorn and movie style candy as well as adult and child beverages. What a great way to spend a summer evening! Buy it now tickets at $25 per family, open up to 50 people.

6 remaining spots left

Tickets $25 each per family

Cocktails Against Humanity Party: A cocktail/beer party revolving around the game Cards Against Humanity hosted by Meredith Farster and Kevin Johnson on Saturday, March 8th at 8pm. Hosts will provide cocktails/beer, light snacks, the game Cards Against Humanity, and you bring your sense of humor and friends who blush easily.

4 remaining spots left

Tickets $15 each per person

Tennis Social: Come to Tennis and Fitness Centre for an evening of mixed-doubles, socializing with friends, open bar and light refreshments. Arrive at 7pm for warm-up time. Round robin begins at 7:15 and runs through 9:15. You’ll have fun as we mix up the playing level and switch courts and opponents every half hour. Enjoy refreshments at the open bar until 10pm or continue open play on the courts. Balls provided, limited # demo racquets available for use. Hosted by Laurie and Steve Berggren on Saturday May 3rd from 7-10pm. All levels welcome (adults only). Minimum 16-Maximum 32 players. Enjoy pizza, snacks and adult beverages.

19 remaining spots left

Tickets $25 each

Nia Night and Pilates Night out for Women: Experience a fun cardio workout that combines martial arts, dance and healing arts followed by Pilates mat exercises designed to strengthen core muscles, enhance flexibility while stabilizing hip and shoulder girdles. You are going to feel great! Hosted by Laurie Berggren, multi-level certified Stott Pilates instructor and Andrea Edwards, a certified Nia instructor. Friday April 4, from 7-9 pm at The Yoga Centre. Please arrive by 7pm to get settled. Class begins immediately (35-40 mins Nia, 35-40mins Pilates). Then enjoy light refreshments, soft drinks and wine while socializing with friends. Party also includes access to gym facilities, hot tub, steam room and locker room. You’ll finish your fitness night socializing with partygoers in the lobby while enjoying healthy refreshments and beverages.

15 remaining spots left

Tickets $30 each per person

Teacher Hosted Parties

Rainbow Loom Party – Join Ms. Kekatos, Mrs. Heidloff, and Mrs. Pelling for a RAINBOW LOOM party! On Thursday, March 20th from 3:00-4:00PM. Juice and crackers will be provided.  Kids should bring their rainbow loom equipment and we will break into different groups.  Kids can be beginners or experts, it doesn’t matter. Available for kids grades K-2.
3 remaining spots left                                                Tickets $15 each

 

Roller Skating Party – On March 6th from 3:00-4:30 PM skating party in the gym with Ms. Browning and Ms. Ahearn. Roller skate or blade to some of today’s favorite tunes and get a snack at the end of the party. Bring your own helmets (required) and roller skates/blades.
14 remaining spots left                                                Tickets $20 each

 

Piñata Party – Ms. Munoz and Ms. Zaragoza will host a piñata party on Friday, March 7th from 3:00 to 4:30PM in the Art room for 2nd to 5th grades. All materials will be provided to make the piñatas.
4 remaining spots left                                                Tickets $20 each

 

Rio Party – Ms. Munoz and Ms. Zaragoza will host a movie party on Friday February 28th at 3:15 to 5:00 in the auditorium grades K-2nd. We will watch RIO (Disney’s movie) in Spanish. Popcorn and other snacks will be provided.
3 remaining spots left                                                Tickets $15 each

Sports Party – An after school sports party on Friday, April 4th from 4:00-7:00 PM with Mr. Dipaolo, Mr. Hancock, and Mr. Gray. There will be games in gym and outdoors. Pizza and drinks will be provided for all students.

9 remaining spots left                                                Tickets $20 each

Ipad Olympics – Compete in the “iPad Olympics” hosted by Ms. Diehl on Monday, March 3rd from 3:00-4:00 PM.  Open to students in grades 2nd-5th will compete in 4 different app “events” on the iPad, including Angry Birds, Fruit Ninja, Pearl Diver and Chicktionary. All participants will win a prize for participation.
5 remaining spots left                                                Tickets $15 each

Third Grade Lunchtime Rainbow Loom Party – For some looming fun join Ms. Browning! Bring a sack lunch and your rainbow loom equipment to Room 214. This lunch party is open to 3rd grade students on Wednesday, March 12th and will include a dessert.
1 remaining spots left                                                Tickets $15 each

Volleyball and Pizza Party – 4th and 5th graders join Ms. Wangerow, Ms. Pelling, Ms. Arroyo, and Nurse Jamie for volleyball and pizza party! Learn the fundamentals of volleyball, followed by playing a game. Friday, May 2nd from 3:00-4:30 PM. Pizza and drinks will be provided! This is the same day as the Irving sleep-over so consider attending volleyballparty and then staying for sleepover as well!
5 remaining spots left                                                Tickets $15 each

Dancing with the Stars! – Spend time with the New Beats (Ms. Collins, Ms. Noonan, Mrs. Parkinson, Ms. Ricchio, Mrs. Sakalleris, Mrs. Solomon, Mrs. Ahearn, and Ms. Kekatos) while learning original steps from their very own choreography. Have a blast dancing to fun music, learning moves and hanging out with your favorite local celebrities. Finally, join them in their “End of the Year” performance on the last day of school! This is open to up to 25 (Boys and Girls ages K-5). This will include 2-4 rehearsal times between 5-1-2014 and 6-9-2014 that will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesdays and the final performance on last day of school, June 10th.

1 remaining spot left

Tickets $20 each

Be Mr. Sak for a Night! – Hosted by Mr. Sak, in Irving School, on April 25th from 5 to 8 pm. Up to 10 students can attend and get to hang out with Mr. Sak and do all the things that he loves: 1. Watch WWE Wrestling 2. Play Sports in the Gym 3. Eat Salerno’s Pizza (and lots of it) 4. Devour lots of Pop (Mountain Dew or Wild Cherry Pepsi preferably) 5. Enjoy all you can eat Gobstoppers!

1 remaining spot left

Tickets $25 each

If you have any problems or questions, please call Hannah O’Connor 773-368-4184 or email  hanoconnor@gmail.com

Party Description Flyer

 

Animal Care League 9th Annual Baby Shower

Animal Care League Prepares for “New Arrivals” with 9th Annual Baby Shower
What could be more exciting than preparing to welcome a “bundle of joy”?  Preparing for many bundles, in the form of litters of kittens and puppies.  On Sunday, February 23rd, you too can be part of that excitement by attending Animal Care League’s 9th Annual Baby Shower.  From 12 – 3pm visitors come to 1011 Garfield, Oak Park, and drop off supply donations, visit with adoptable animals, enjoy refreshments and live entertainment, all to help Animal Care League stock up for “Kitten and Puppy Season.” Each spring, when the number of newborn animals increases significantly, ACL is there to accept as many as possible, whether they’re brought in through animal control units or as strays.

This event has gained increased support over the years from volunteers, former adopters, foster families and area locals who see first hand the amount of resources it takes to keep the shelter animals well fed and cared for.  Last year alone more than 700 animals found their forever homes.

The critical focus of this event is to acquire enough supplies to last the entire year – a goal that is as practical as it is purposeful. The Baby Shower, as an event, is the only “supply-driven” fundraiser the shelter hosts.  Howevrer, over the years the event has garnered a lot of family-friendly appeal for animal lovers of all ages.  This year’s activities include puppy training demonstrations, tours of the facilities, and baby shower-themed games.

The supplies requested reflect the wide and varied needs of an animal shelter.  From wet cat and dog food, to toys, animal carriers, office and cleaning supplies, no donation is too small or inconsequential.  (For a complete list of needs, visit ACL’s “Wish List” at www.animalcareleague.org/wish-list.html.) Last year’s event attracted more than 100 people and to date, was the most successful shower.

The Animal Care League is a non-profit corporation dedicated to providing hope and homes for companion animals.  It is a limited admission shelter located in Oak Park. We help homeless cats, dogs and small animals by providing them food, shelter, medical attention and love until we can find them a loving home.  As a not for profit 501(c)3 organization, we depend on the generosity of our communities to help us meet our goals of finding new homes for as many animals as possible each year.

www.animalcareleague.org