Michael Pikowski, the parent of two current Julian students, died by suicide on January 30, 2013. Michael had an Oak Park based bookkeeping business, he was very involved in the community and he was the PTO Treasurer for Longfellow. On Saturday, October 26 his wife (Jennifer), daughter (Celia) and son (Samuel) will walk in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) community walk in his honor. Michael struggled with depression most of his life; he tried to find medications that worked and went to therapy on and off for years. He was frustrated with the lack of support from insurance and the lack of knowledge in the medical field. His mental illness was the source of severe levels of shame and anger.

AFSP funds research to help find solutions for people who struggle with all types of mental illness and they are working to remove the stigmas and dispel the shame. The Pikowskis need donations to help support the foundation and to help the cause. All donations are 100% tax deductible. Links to both of Michael’s children’s donation pages are included below. Any donation will help and is greatly appreciated. Let’s bring light to this darkness.

Thanks for your consideration.

The Pikowskis.

http://afsp.donordrive.com/participant/SPikowski

http://afsp.donordrive.com/participant/CPikowski

LETTER

September 2013

Dear Irving Parents and Guardians,

It is time once again for those who qualify to sign up for the Holiday Food and Gift Basket Program (HFGB). This program provides families who reside in Oak Park and River Forest with a gift card for food around Thanksgiving time and gifts during the December holiday season.

The criteria used to determine who qualifies for HFGB are similar to the guidelines set up by the federal government for free/reduced school lunch. In addition, all applicants must be part of the Irving community (if this is no longer the case the social worker must be familiar with you). If you know of a non-Irving resident who may want to apply, the social worker can direct them to other community locations.

If you are the head of your household and want to apply for this program please contact Kila Bell-Bey at the Irving Social Work office. Scheduling an appointment is the easiest way to ensure that your application gets completed and turned in on time. Stop by or call 708-524-5630. You may also leave a message at 708-524-5830 ext. 6150. I look forward to seeing you and I promise it will be a quick process!

All applications must be completed in a face to face meeting with the social worker by Friday October 18, 2013! Only one application is allowed per household/family and the applicant must sign off as the head of household!

Kila Bell-Bey, MSW
Washington Irving Elementary School Social Worker/D97 Oak Park
kbell-bey@op97.org
708-524-5630 (office)
708-524-5830 ext. 6150 (voicemail)
708-524-3090 (main office)

School Picture Day is Tuesday, October 1st.

To order online, please visit ttps://www.inter-state.com/store/preorder/?sfc=194544 and use Flyer Code: 194544

FLYER

Irving Pacers is a recess activity for students who choose to walk or run around the block. This is an optional activity for the Friday recesses during the fall and spring.

Weather permitting, we will be offering this activity on the following Fridays: September 20, 27, October 4, 18, 25 and November 1,8, 15,and 22. We will have adults stationed at several spots around the block to supervise and cheer students on. We will also have water cups available in front of the school at the punch station. Students are invited to bring their own water bottles. This is a great activity to promote exercise and wellness.

We are looking for 12 volunteers for each week from 11 AM 12 PM. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact me at hanoconnor@gmail.com. Please contact myself or Mr. Hodge if you have questions.

FLYER

Architecture Adventure will be at Irving TODAY in the 3rd grade classes from 1:15-2:45. Third grade students will be given a 30-minute powerpoint presentation of the features of several house styles found throughout Oak Park. They will be taught what makes a house style unique and recognizable.

After the presentation, (1:45), kids will go back to their classrooms to design their own house on a large piece of corrugated cardboard. Volunteers architects will be in each classroom guiding the students as they design and draw. The houses will eventually be painted, and we plan to display them at Red Hen.

Thanks.

Lisa Sorensen
Volunteer Coordinator
Architecture Adventure
http://www.opef.org