To all 5th grade Parents:

Hello every one!   We’re writing this letter to you because you have a 5th grader here at Irving.  We thought it would be fun and memorable to include two sentence Ad/Tributes to your 5th grader before they go off to Julian Middle School next year. The tribute could say anything you’d like such as:

“Great work Joe!  You’re the big kid now! Have a wonderful year!

The cost is only ten dollars and helps defray 5th grade years end expenses, such as the 5th grade send-off.  All of the tributes will be printed in the back of the Irving directory coming out this November.  Please consider placing a tribute to your fifth grader and making their last year at Irving a wonderful memory!

Barbara Metric will be collecting the tributes.  Barbara Hoffman will be collecting the $10 fee.  Please e-mail your tributes to Barb Metric at barbarametric@comcast.net.  Both tributes and the $10 fee payment should be received  by Friday October 28th in order to be included.  Tributes should be no longer than 25 words.   You can send cash or $ to school with your child in an envelope labeled ‘5th grade directory tribute’ or send payment to Irving School-Attn: Barbara Hoffman, 1125 South Cuyler, OP IL  60304 with ‘5th grade directory tribute’ in the memo.

Please let either of us know if you have any questions.  Thanks for your valuable time,

Tim McCoy                                                        Barbara Metric

(Irving Directory Ad Sales)                        (Irving Directory and Handbook)

Tmccoy805@comcast.net                         barbarametric@comcast.net

708-386-7489                                                 708-386-5973


Update on the board vacancy and district’s voicemail system
Vacancy on the Board of Education

During its meeting this evening, the District 97 Board of Education unanimously selected Amy Felton to fill the vacancy created by Jennifer Reddy’s resignation on September 30, 2011. Felton will immediately begin serving the remainder of Reddy’s term, which is set to expire in April 2013.

“Though there were a number of exemplary candidates who applied for the position, Amy’s experience, leadership in the community and vision for the district set her apart,” said Board President Peter Barber. “We believe she will be a wonderful addition to our team, and look forward to working with her on the important issues that will shape the future of our schools.”

Felton launched her own law practice in Oak Park in 2005, and works part time primarily on real estate matters. She was a member of the board of directors for the Parenthesis Family Center for seven years, including serving as the president for two years and secretary for one year. She was the co-president of the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) at Oliver Wendell Holmes Elementary School for two years; and played a prominent role on a variety of school committees during the past six years, including serving as the co-chair of the School Enrichment Committee. Amy and her husband, Thad, have lived in Oak Park for more than 13 years and have twin boys who attend Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School.

“I am excited about my appointment to the District 97 Board of Education, and look forward to working with my new colleagues to build on the academic excellence that is the hallmark of our schools,” said Felton.

A total of 14 people applied for the opening on the board. The candidates’ backgrounds included professional experience in art, law, science, world languages, technology, government, social service, and education; and associations with a variety of community and civic organizations. Each candidate submitted a completed Applicant Questionnaire and letter of interest, and participated in an individual, in-person interview with the board during the week of October 17.

Barber expressed his appreciation to everyone who stepped forward and was willing to take on the responsibilities associated with serving on the board. He also applauded the tireless efforts of the hundreds of volunteers who work in the district’s schools on a daily basis.

“We are incredibly fortunate to live in a village where residents value education, believe in the benefits of a strong school system, and dedicate their time and talents to help our children succeed both in and out of the classroom,” said Barber.

Status of the District’s Voicemail System
The replacement equipment for the voicemail system has been ordered and is scheduled for installation tomorrow morning. We will send out another e-mail as soon as the system is back online. We apologize for any inconvenience this outage has caused, and appreciate your patience as we continue our work to restore service.

WINTER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES!

Volunteering is a great way to meet other Irving families, get to know your child’’s friends and teachers, and help out your child’’s school! We have some popular events coming up during the winter—— can you help?

Look over the list of opportunities here and check off those that interest you; a committee head will contact you with more details.

PLEASE RETURN COMPLETED FORMS TO THE FRONT OFFICE OR YOUR CHILD’’S TEACHER

Any questions about volunteering? Contact PTO co-vice presidents: Julie Chyna at chyna823@gmail.com or Thomas Purrenhage at drwolf@comcast.net

Calling all CRAFTERS, ARTISTS, and MAKERS – Irving’s Best-Ever Holiday Craft Fair

Calling all CRAFTERS, ARTISTS, and MAKERS.

Yes, this means you!!

Start preparing now (and save the date) for Irving’s Best-Ever Holiday Craft Fair, December 10th*, 9 am to 1 pm.

All parents, students, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, friends-of-friends, and other members of the Irving community are welcome to sell your own handmade goods at this annual event.  Start creating now!

Cost is $25 per table.  (Irving students pay only $10!)  Table and chairs are provided.

Think stocking stuffers, holiday treats, ornaments, fine art, greeting cards, jewelry, home goods, t-shirts, toys, aprons, scarves, hair accessories, and much more!

Please email Amy at CraftFair@irvingpto.com for an application, more information, or to volunteer.

*The date for this event has changed from the one indicated in the school calendar sent home at the beginning of the school year.  New date is Saturday, December 10!