From Mrs. McCoy: January 2009

Dear McDole Families,

Happy New Year and welcome back to school! I am glad to be back and see our students full of enthusiasm for learning! I would like to remind you of a few important things.

Students will go outside for recess if the wind chill is above zero; please send students with appropriate winter wear.

I’ve noticed the stores are already preparing for Valentine’s Day – so as a reminder, please do not send any candy with the Valentines cards and continue to send treats that are aligned with the wellness policy. I ap-preciate and acknowledge the efforts our families have made to adhere to the district’s wellness policy.

The end of the semester will be January 14, 2010. At the end of the semester, students are released 1 hour early. Please mark your calendar for one hour early dismissal on the 13th and 14th of January. Teachers will be working on our School Improvement day (January 15th). Teachers at McDole will work collaboratively to assess student’s second extended response probe that was administered re-cently. Teachers will use this information to guide their instruction and provide insight on how students are applying the strategies they have been learning.

I would also like to take the opportunity to point out an exciting opportunity for parents in our Kaneland community. Parent University was able to sponsor Sean Stephenson on January 26th at 6:00 at the KHS auditorium. Sean is a motiva-tional speaker who is absolutely worth the time on a cold night to venture out! His message is one of self renewal and doing what you need to achieve the goals you set for yourself.

Enjoy the winter months to cozy up with a good book either for yourself or with your children! It is a wonderful time together!

Martne McCoy

Calendar of Events Jan. 5 Market Day Pick-Up

Jan. 13 Early Release at 2:30

Talent Show Parent Meeting

6:30 in Multi-Purpose Room

Jan. 14 Early Release at 2:30

District Spelling Bee

6:00 in the KHS Auditorium

End of Second Quarter

Jan. 15 School Improvement Day

No School

Jan. 18 Martin Luther King Day

No School

Jan. 19 Fun Lunch

Talent Show Rehearsal in Gym

3:30—5:00 p.m.

Jan. 20 Talent Show Rehearsal in Gym

3:30—5:00 p.m.

Jan. 21 Talent Show Rehearsal in Gym

3:30—5:00 p.m.

Jan. 22 Report Cards Sent Home

Family Fun Night

7:00—9:00 p.m.

Jan. 25 Young Rembrandts

3:35 - 4:35 p.m.

Jan. 26 Parent University presents

Sean Stephenson at KHS

Auditorium 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Health Fair at KHS

4:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 27 PTO Wendy’s Night

Messages from McDole

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On December 6th, fifth grade students from Mrs. Kunstman and Ms. Plattos’ music classes performed at the Village of Montgomery’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. McDole was one of seven schools that par-ticipated in the event. In addition to singing three Christmas carols, the students each made an ornament in art class to hang on the village’s Christmas tree. The kids did a wonderful job!

VILLAGE OF MONTGOMERY’S ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

On Wednesday, December 16th, students and staff gathered in the gym to cheer on the top 30 spellers in grades 3-5. The competition was tough, but in the end we were able to declare our champions and a top ten to represent McDole at the Kaneland Elementary Schools Spelling Bee at Kaneland High School on Thursday, Janu-ary 14 at 6:30 p.m. The top ten spellers from McDole are: Taylor Heiser, Bryan Zollinger, Marielle Aromin, Tyler Ledone, Isabelle Wimberger, Sabeen Rahman, Joie Obrock, Matthew Burht, Matt Zoppa, and Brant Chiesa. Our third place winner was Matt Zoppa, Our second place winner was Matthew Buhrt. The champion was Bryan Zollinger. Congratulations to all students who par-ticipated in the bee! We are so proud of you!

SPELLING BEE

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K N I G H T S

of the

R O U N D T A B L E

The names below are the students that were honored to sit at the Knights of the Roundtable during the month of De-cember. These students joined Mrs. Moeller and classroom teachers for lunch at the table after they were presented with a sash. Following lunch, students got their picture taken as the rest of the classes clapped for them.

Please note that PAST Knight winners can ALWAYS wear their sashes again on the Knight lunch days. They should be proud that they have earned a sash because they worked hard for it and if they choose, they can wear it on the days of the Knight of the Roundtable lunch. Students can ask their teachers for the specific date if they are interested!

First Grade

Kenneth Payton

Rocco Bastone

Second Grade

Paige Beattie

Lesley Viveros

Third Grade

Allison Webster

Leo Espinosa

Fourth Grade

Alexis Martinez

Madi Ocasio

Fifth Grade

Brant Chiesa

Ben Lycan (November winner) Grace Lindgren

CORRECTION: In the last newsletter, the first and third grade names were reversed. We are very sorry for the mistake.

School Improvement Goals for 2009-2010 School Year Goal 1: During the 09-10 school year, use established rubric and probes (from 08-09 SIP) to develop grade level base-lines for measuring student improvement of comprehension skills on the reading extended response for the purpose of facilitating student learning.

Goal 2: Increase student awareness of consistent school-wide behavioral expectations to promote a safe and positive learning community measured by the completion of the following activities: expectation walks, knight tickets, and the use of a safety patrol during the 2009-2010 school year.

Goal 3: Maintain community awareness of student successes at McDole during the 2009-2010 school year by communi-cating monthly with the district, parents and the local community.

Kaneland Parent University is proud to announce our winter keynote speaker…..

SEAN STEPHENSON!

Sean is a motivational speaker who uses his experience with his own challenges to inspire and

motivate others to overcome obstacles. He will be presenting:

A Time to Stand When: January 26, 2010 Where: KHS Auditorium Time: 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Cost: Kids are free, $10 for adults

For a preview of Sean’s keynote please log onto: www.timetostand.com

The first 50 community members to RSVP will receive a free t-shirt. RSVP to Ginny Thomas at ginny.thomas@kaneland.org

(limit one per family)

EAST GYM Open to the Community 4 - 6 p.m.

Make your plans to join us and learn more about HEALTH AND WELLNESS with our six strands: Fitness, Nutri-tion, Safety, Social/Emotional, Substance, and Sexuality. Come and interact with over 50 vendors from our com-

munity and learn how you can be inspired to lead a healthy lifestyle!

PLEASE COME EARLY AND JOIN IN OUR FIRST ANNUAL

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