Congratulations to the Finley staff for achieving 100% participation in the Chicago Ridge 127.5 PTA! We are very proud of our staff for their support of the PTA and would once again like to encourage more of our parents to become involved in the PTA. Our book fair, organized by our PTA, did very well at Finley. We want to thank the parents and students that volunteered their time to work the book fair during Parent-Teacher Conferences.

Our first session of Parent-Teacher Conferences were well attended during the month of November. Parent involvement in the academic and behavioral progress of students is vital in promoting success at school. We value our parent community and welcome ideas, feedback, sug-gestions for improvement and support. Our students will continue to greatly benefit from increased collaboration between parents and teach-ers.

We want to congratulate all of our students that achieved honor roll, high honor role and straight “A” status for the first trimester. We would also like to congratulate all the students who achieved first-trimester perfect attendance. Happy Holidays, and Happy Winter Break!

A Note from the Principal

On Tuesday, November 27th, the Finley math and SIP team came together to discuss our focus (GAN), which is math, and discuss why math

is our greatest area of need. As a SIP team in collaboration with our math team, our task will be to choose school wide strategies to support

math and classroom instruction across all content areas.

In the area of mathematics, our staff continues their collaborative efforts with MCMI in-class coaching. The staff continues to be enthusiastic

about this opportunity and is looking forward to the upcoming instructional and learning benefits of MCMI coaching in collaboration with the

Finley SIP team.

Along with the multiple opportunities for professional development, the month of November has been busy with teacher observations and

conferences focused on goal-setting and data review. Individual staff and grade level teams have identified growth areas to focus on as we

approach the next session of NWEA MAP testing in January.

School Improvement Plan/Assessment Monthly Update

Ms. Laura Grachan, Principal

Mr. Geoffrey Youngberg, Associate Principal

December, 2018

Board Report

Strategic Plan Implementation Update

Curriculum & Instruction: Finley staff continues to work extremely hard in the area of Social Emotional Learning. The Finley

staff sent representatives to the Partnership for Resilience Committee Meeting on Friday, November 30th.

Culture, Climate and Public Relations: Finley teachers and staff invited veterans and community members to come enjoy a

Veterans Day Celebration and complimentary breakfast provided by Chick-Fil-A, Doughs Guys, and Jack & Pat’s. A big thank

you goes out to all the veterans and community members that made the day an extraordinary event and valuable learning ex-

perience for our students.

Members from the Finley Band and Choir performed at the Chicago Ridge Tree Lighting Ceremony on Sunday, Nov. 25th.

Mrs. Mladek’s 8th grade homeroom represented Finley at the Brookfield Zoo Tree Decorating event on Saturday, Nov. 28th.

Key Events of the Month Professional Development Update

11/12—Joint Committee Meeting

11/26—New Teacher Mentor Meeting

11/30—Partnership for Resilience

12/03—District Science Committee Meeting

12/05—MCMI Coaching Sessions

12/21—SIP Meeting (Finley)

11/06—Institute Day

11/19-11/20—Parent Teacher Conferences

11/11—Veterans Day Celebration

11/20-11/23—Thanksgiving Break

11/28—Symphonic Band Field Trip

12/13—FJH, Choir & 5th Grade Holiday Band Concert

Recent Snapshots

Pledge of Allegiance at the CR

Village Board Meeting

Finley Book Fair Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

Veterans Day Celebration

Parents supporting Mrs. Mladek’s students at Brookfield Zoo

Mrs. Mladek’s class decorated a

tree at Brookfield Zoo