FUN FAIR: February 6, 2015. We need volunteers! Please consider volunteering for one of the shifts: 1st shift is 5:30-6:20 (limited spaces available), 2nd shift is 6:20-7:10, and 3rd shift is 7:10-8pm. We also need help setting up at 3:30 and cleaning up at 8pm when it is over! Or donate a baked good for the cake walk game! Baked goods can be store bought or homemade please make sure all items are labeled with ingredients. If you did not receive a Fun Fair flyer, you can find it here Fun Fair Flyer 2015.  The deadline to pre-order wristbands has been extended until the end of the school day on Monday, Feb. 2nd.  Otherwise, you can buy a wristband at the door for $15.  A photobooth, cotton candy, popcorn, pizza, hot dogs, chips, candy and drinks will be available – all for purchase with cash only.  MANY volunteers are needed to make Fun Fair a success, so please volunteer!  Please e-mail Suzanne Krause at svkrause@hotmail.com with any other questions.

CHESS CLUB: It’s not too late to sign up for chess club. Return your completed registration form no later than Monday, February 2nd.  It’s important for the committee to have an accurate number of students so that we can assign rooms.  No chess playing experience is necessary to participate.  For exact dates and details, please click Chess Club permission slip.
We are in need of parent volunteers (no chess knowledge or experience is necessary).  If you are interested in volunteering, please indicate so on the permission slip.  Questions?  Contact Amy Hoffman amye_hoffman@wowway.com or Alix Calderaro (alixchrisc@gmail.com)

BOX TOPS COMMITTEE: Keep your eyes peeled at school for a peek at the brand new TOWES Blackhawks Jersey that the Box Tops Committee is raffling off!  You will get one raffle entry for every ten Box Tops/Labels that you submit.  The winner will be selected on February 25th!  Good luck and go HAWKS!

CULTURAL ARTS FAIR: *Deadline extended to Feb. 6^th
March 4, 2015 6:00-8:30 pm at Thomas Middle School. SD25 students/families/departments are invited to share their cultural arts/heritage through performance or display. We are looking for performers, presenters, & volunteers. Reflections will also be on display with an Awards Ceremony.
Country/Cultural representation can include things like: traditions, maps, clothing, pictures, videos, recipes, games, crafts, etc. All performances will be limited to 5 minutes each & presentations/displays will last throughout the event. Go to SD25.org by for more info and online registration.

Save the Date!  The All School ROLLER SKATING PARTY is February 12th, 6:30 – 8:30 at Orbit Roller Rink.  This is always a fun night and is a free family event sponsored by the PTA.  Mark your calendars and plan to join us! More info to follow. For more information please contact Dina Oberman dina.oberman@ccsd21.orgSave the Date!  The All School ROLLER SKATING PARTY is February 12th, 6:30 – 8:30 at Orbit Roller Rink.  This is always a fun night and is a free family event sponsored by the PTA.  Mark your calendars and plan to join us! More info to follow. Two Parent Volunteers are still needed to work the sign in/out desk from 7:45-8:30. For more information please contact Dina Oberman dina.oberman@ccsd21.org

NOMINATING COMMITTEE: It’s time… the nomination process to elect the 2015-2016 IVY HILL PTA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE starts now!  Please seriously consider who you know that might be qualified to serve in the following positions: Co-President, 2nd VP (volunteer coordinator), 3rd VP (ways & means) and Secretary. WE NEED YOUR NOMINATIONS!! Please nominate your friends, neighbors, or even yourself for these rewarding PTA positions that directly impact and benefit our children at Ivy Hill.  You can nominate candidates by filling out a nomination ballot (copies available in the school office) and placing it in the nomination box in the school office OR by completing nominations online at this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/6TS7ZB9 or click 2015-2016_officer_nomination_ballot The Nominating Committee will start meeting in late February to determine the slate of officers based on your feedback.  Any questions, contact Lynn Feder at 847-253-3805 or lynnfeder@hotmail.com.  Thank you for your participation!

I FIVES go to:
Juvenile Protection Committee: Thank you Stephanie Horvath and Kathy Thompson for planning a great Red Ribbon Week!

Next PTA Meeting : Feb. 4, 2015

Board of Education Meeting: Feb. 15, 2015 @ Greenbrier

Click HERE to visit Mr. Kaese’s Blog!

Cultural Arts Fair Deadline has been Extended!

The Cultural Arts Fair will be held at Thomas Middle School on Wednesday, March 4, from 6 to 8:30pm.

The deadline to sign up for the Cultural Arts Fair has been extended to February 6! If your family would like to perform, present or volunteer to showcase your culture, please see the ENGLISH or SPANISH version of the flyer by clicking on the desired language. The district will also be sending out translated flyers to ELL families this week.

RED RIBBON WEEK: will be observed Jan. 26^th – 30^th. The purpose of RED RIBBON WEEK is to present a visible commitment to living a safe, healthy, and drug-free life.  This year’s theme is  “Love Yourself. Be Drug Free.” 

Mon. 26^th – Wear Red! Support Red Ribbon Week
Tues. 27^th – Put A Cap on Drugs! Wear your favorite hat.
Wed. 28^th – Put a Sock on Drugs Day! Show off those crazy socks
Thurs. 29^th – Be on a Drug Free Team Day! Wear your favorite sports team gear.
Fri. 30^th – Doing Drugs is Crazy! Crazy hair day.

CHESS CLUB:  To sign up, please complete the attached Chess Club Permission Slip and return it to school by Friday, January 30th. No chess playing experience is necessary to participate.  For exact dates and details, please see the attached permission slip. Chess Club permission slip
We are in need of parent volunteers (no chess knowledge or experience is necessary).  If you are interested in volunteering, please indicate so on the permission slip.  Questions?  Contact Amy Hoffman amye_hoffman@wowway.com or Alix Calderaro (alixchrisc@gmail.com)

CULTURAL ARTS FAIR: March 4, 2015 6:00-8:30 pm at Thomas Middle School. SD25 students/families/departments are invited to share their cultural arts/heritage through performance or display. We are looking for performers, presenters, & volunteers. Reflections will also be on display with an Awards Ceremony.
Country/Cultural representation can include things like: traditions, maps, clothing, pictures, videos, recipes, games, crafts, etc. All performances will be limited to 5 minutes each & presentations/displays will last throughout the event. Go to SD25.org by for more info and online registration. Register by Jan. 30^th

BOX TOPS COMMITTEE: is excited to announce an exciting raffle to prepare for our final official submission of the year!  A BRAND NEW, adult small, official licensed, TOWES NHL Blackhawks Jersey will be the big prize!  One lucky winner will be selected on February 25th.  Each family will receive 1 raffle ticket for every ten Box Tops submitted.  To see a picture of the Jersey, check out our announcement on the Ivy Hill PTA Facebook page!  Good luck!

FUN FAIR: Mark your calendars for February 6, 2015!  Again this year: buy a wristband for unlimited access to as many games as you want to play for the whole night!  Each wristband costs $12 if you pre-order ($15 if you buy at the door).  A photobooth, plus cotton candy, popcorn, pizza, hot dogs, chips, candy and drinks will be back at Fun Fair this year, too – all for purchase with cash only.  To pre-order wristbands, use Fun Fair Flyer 2015 and send it back to school no later than Friday, January 30th  A hard copy of the order form was sent home via backpack mail last week. The other side of the form also offers you the chance to volunteer at Fun Fair and/or donate food items (including soda, water, ice, or a baked item for the cake walk).  MANY volunteers are needed to make Fun Fair a success, so please consider volunteering!  Please e-mail Suzanne Krause at svkrause@hotmail.com with any other questions.

Save the Date!  The All School ROLLER SKATING PARTY is February 12th, 6:30 – 8:30 at Orbit Roller Rink.  This is always a fun night and is a free family event sponsored by the PTA.  Mark your calendars and plan to join us! More info to follow. For more information please contact Dina Oberman dina.oberman@ccsd21.orgSave the Date!  The All School ROLLER SKATING PARTY is February 12th, 6:30 – 8:30 at Orbit Roller Rink.  This is always a fun night and is a free family event sponsored by the PTA.  Mark your calendars and plan to join us! More info to follow. Two Parent Volunteers are still needed to work the sign in/out desk from 7:45-8:30. For more information please contact Dina Oberman dina.oberman@ccsd21.org

I FIVES go to:
Lunchtime Readers Committee: Shanin Trivanovic for all her hard work in getting the program up and running!

Next PTA Meeting : Feb. 4, 2015

Board of Education Meeting: Feb. 15, 2015 @ Greenbrier

Click HERE to visit Mr. Kaese’s Blog!

Upload photos for the 2014-15 Yearbook!

We are still seeking photos for the Ivy Hill yearbook. If you have photos of the 1st Grade Show from December, or any previous events, please upload to the Yearbook website for consideration when the Yearbook Committee designs the book.

Here is how you can submit photos online:

• Go to: https://images.memoryebooks.com/login
• If it does not automatically log you into the site, enter username: 401853939
• Browse to select the photo(s) you wish to upload.
• Enter information about the photo – Name of Event, Names of people pictures, etc. Also provide contact information in case the yearbook committee needs additional information.
• Click “Save Details”.

Fun Fair 2015 – Fun Fair is almost here — mark your calendars for February 6!  Again this year: buy a wristband for unlimited access to as many games as you want to play for the whole night!  Each wristband costs $12 if you pre-order ($15 if you buy at the door).  A photobooth, plus cotton candy, popcorn, pizza, hot dogs, chips, candy and drinks will be back at Fun Fair this year, too – all for purchase with cash only.  To pre-order wristbands, use Fun Fair Flyer 2015 and send it back to school no later than Friday, January 30.  A hard copy of the order form was sent home via backpack mail today. The other side of the form also offers you the chance to volunteer at Fun Fair and/or donate food items (including soda, water, ice, or a baked item for the cake walk).  MANY volunteers are needed to make Fun Fair a success, so please consider volunteering!  Please e-mail Suzanne Krause at svkrause@hotmail.com with any other questions.

RED RIBBON WEEK: will be observed Jan. 26^th – 30^th. The purpose of RED RIBBON WEEK is to present a visible commitment to living a safe, healthy, and drug-free life.  This year’s theme is  “Love Yourself. Be Drug Free.” 

Mon. 26^th – Wear Red! Support Red Ribbon Week
Tues. 27^th – Put A Cap on Drugs! Wear your favorite hat.
Wed. 28^th – Put a Sock on Drugs Day! Show off those crazy socks
Thurs. 29^th – Be on a Drug Free Team Day! Wear your favorite sports team gear.
Fri. 30^th – Doing Drugs is Crazy! Crazy hair day.

Save the Date!  The All School ROLLER SKATING PARTY is February 12th, 6:30 – 8:30 at Orbit Roller Rink.  This is always a fun night and is a free family event sponsored by the PTA.  Mark your calendars and plan to join us! More info to follow. Two Parent Volunteers are still needed to work the sign in/out desk from 7:45-8:30. For more information please contact Dina Oberman dina.oberman@ccsd21.org

BOX TOPS COMMITTEE: is excited to announce an exciting raffle to prepare for our final official submission of the year!  A BRAND NEW, adult small, official licensed, TOWES NHL Blackhawks Jersey will be the big prize!  One lucky winner will be selected on February 25th.  Each family will receive 1 raffle ticket for every ten Box Tops submitted.  To see a picture of the Jersey, check out our announcement on the Ivy Hill PTA Facebook page!  Good luck!

2015 Cultural Arts Fair: 6:00-8:30pm at Thomas Middle School. SD25 students/families/departments are invited to share their cultural arts/heritage through performance or display. We are looking for performers, presenters, & volunteers. Reflections will also be on display with an Awards Ceremony. Country/Cultural representation can include things like: traditions, maps, clothing, pictures, videos, recipes, games, crafts, etc. All performances will be limited to 5 minutes each & presentations/displays will last throughout the event. ***PLEASE RESPOND BY JANUARY 30TH***

SUMMER U: For more information, please visit www.sd25.org and click on summer U. A link to the flyer can also be found in the online version of the PTA Happenings.

I FIVES go to:
Lunchtime Readers Committee: Shanin Trivanovic for all her hard work in getting the program up and running!

Next PTA Meeting : Feb. 4, 2015

Board of Education Meeting: Feb. 15, 2015 @ Greenbrier

Click HERE to visit Mr. Kaese’s Blog!

Parent Volunteers are needed ASAP for Lunchtime readers. 3-5 parents volunteers are still needed to run reading groups for 3^rd and 4^th graders. PLEASE consider volunteering to be a group leader. It is only a half hour time commitment, one day a week, for 6 weeks. Questions? Contact Shanin Trivanovic sjtrivanovic@gmail.com or (630)453-8292

Save the Date!  The All School ROLLER SKATING PARTY is February 12th, 6:30 – 8:30 at Orbit Roller Rink.  This is always a fun night and is a free family event sponsored by the PTA.  Mark your calendars and plan to join us! More info to follow. Two Parent Volunteers are still needed to work the sign in/out desk from 7:45-8:30. For more information please contact Dina Oberman dina.oberman@ccsd21.org

MARKET DAY: January is about healthy living and Market Day has many healthy options to choose from.  FREE Salad cup to go with a $40 purchase.  Market Day staff has been pre-packing orders for us to make the process easier.  Going forward our cut-off date will be one day earlier. Paper order forms now need to be turned into school on Thurs 1/15 and internet orders are due by Saturday, 1/17.  Pick up will be on 1/22.

BOX TOPS COMMITTEE: will be ringing in the new year with exciting new raffle prizes! The Fun Fair Committee has generously offered TWO fun fair bracelets to be raffled off before the big event. Bring in those Box Tops! Two lucky winners will be drawn on January 14th!

NOMINATING COMMITTEE MEMBERS NEEDED: To help determine who will fill the vacant Executive Board positions for the 2015-2016 school year.
The nominating committee consists of five (5) members: three (3) board members (i.e., current committee chairs) and two (2) general members who are not board members. There also needs to be one alternate board member and one alternate non-board member. To volunteer, please contact Judy Newman (ivyhillsec.judynewman@gmailcom) by Monday, January 12th Wednesday, January 14th. *Please note that the date has been amended since the printing of the PTA Happenings.

Next PTA Meeting : Feb. 4, 2015

Board of Education Meeting: Feb. 15, 2015 @ Greenbrier

I FIVES go to:
The Environmental Awareness Committee:
Michelle Derochowski and Angela Zulaski . Thank you for organizing the holiday lights recycling and the gently used board game drives. The teachers are putting the games to good use during indoor recess!

The Sign Committee: Gail Esler and Lynette Nimmo for keeping the sign updated all year and especially during these cold winter months!

The Video/Music productions Committee: Amy Beaton and Lynette Nimmo for filming the 1^St grade Music show!

Click HERE to visit Mr. Kaese’s Blog!

Lunchtime Readers needs Parent Volunteers!

The Lunchtime Readers committee advises that LTR is being pushed back to start the week of January 26th due to a shortage of volunteers to run the reading groups. At this time, we need at least eight (8) parent volunteers in order to facilitate all of the Lunchtime Reader groups that have registered to participate. Anyone who would like to volunteer can contact Shanin Trivanovic via email at sjtrivanovic@gmail.com or via phone at 630-453-8292