GARDEN CLUB: Thank you to all the students and teachers for participating in our Gardening Day at Ivy Hill on Thursday, May 21^st.   Because of all your hard work Ivy Hill now has garden plots of tomatoes, three different types of peppers, onions, garlic and cilantro!  Look for our school “Garden Tasting” in the fall.  Scroll to previous post  for some of the great photos of the students gardening.  A special thank you to Vice Principal Natalie Jiminez for all her help.

ATTENTION 5Th GRADE FAMILIES: you can find the flyer here and order form here for the Thomas Middle School Summer Reading Program. Forms and money need to be returned by Monday, June 1.

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE: Recycle all your old used markers and turn them into energy – clean fuel!  Drop off old markers including dry erase and highlighters in the recycle box located in the Commons area June 1^st – 8th . The flyer  with more details about the Marker/Colorcycle program can be found here.

ABC/25 FOUNDATION Membership Drive Begins Now! Please support Ivy Hill‘s  chance to earn a $2,500 grant from the ABC/25 Foundation – the fundraising partner of School District 25!  All you have to do is join ABC/25 with a $40 donation when you register your child online for the 2015-16 school year.  We only need 25% of Ivy Hill ‘s families to join ABC/25 in order to receive the grant money.  If you have children at more than one school in the district, your membership will count toward both schools’ membership tallies.ABC/25 Foundation –  Join the Board and IMPACT the District 25 learning environment!   ABC/25 Foundation is a volunteer organization that since its inception has raised and contributed more than $1 million in teacher and school grants for District 25. The Foundation strives to foster innovation, creativity and excellence for all students of District 25. We have the following open positions on the Board of Directors and the Just Move it! Challenge Team:
ABC/25 Director at Large
JMI Race Co-Director
JMI Registration Coordinator
JMI Volunteer Coordinator
JMI Marketing/Social Media

For more information click here or contact Doris Downing or Laura Ryerson at abc25president@gmail.com

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: This school year is coming to an end, but we need volunteers for all of our PTA events for next year! Please fill out the form to volunteer for the 2015-2016 school year. Committee members will contact you when needed.

REIMBURSEMENTS: Deadline for this year’s submissions is Monday, June 15^th. You will not be eligible for reimbursement after that date. Contact Debbie at Dcgags@comcast.net

I FIVES go to:
School Supply Committee: Jenny Sadowski

Video/Music Productions Committee: Amy Beaton, Darcy Moder, Lynette Nimmo, Lucy Block, Praveena Aradhy, Emily Morrison, Judy Newman, and Soumya Subash

Garden Club: Michelle Derochowski and Lisa Nason

Field Day Committee: Louann Benbow and Sherri Kontos

Does your committee have volunteers you would like to thank? If so, send the names to Ivypacket@gmail.com!

Ivy Hill gets down and dirty on Gardening Day!

On May 21 the PTA Garden Committee helped students and teachers to plant the ingredients for a zesty salsa for all to taste when school begins again in August. As part of this Farm to Table experience, students in each grade planted tomatoes, peppers, garlic, onions, and cilantro. Thanks to the PTA Garden Committee for planning and organizing this valuable (and yummy!) learning experience for our kids!

FIELD DAY:  Field Day is Friday, May 29.  The morning session will be for K(AM), 4 and 5 and will run from approximately 9:00 -12:00.  The afternoon session is for K(PM), 1, 2 and 3 and will run from approximately 12:30 – 3:00 (Please note the new start time for the afternoon session).  The kids will be outside and weather permitting, will be playing lots of games with water, so don’t forget your bathing suits (optional and should be worn under clothes for the girls, during class) and sun screen (the school staff/parent volunteers cannot put this on for the students).  If you are able to volunteer with the activities or supply water balloons, go to http://www.SignUpGenius.com/go/8050F49ACAB2DA13-20151/.  Questions? Contact Sherri Kontos sherri.kontos@pepsico.com or Louann Benbow at benbowunit@gmail.com.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES: There is still time to purchase the school supplies your child will need for the 2015-2016 school year. School supply kits may be purchased on-line through May 26^th by going to http://www.shopttkits.com: account number 1249.  Please be sure to purchase the kit for the grade your child is entering.  Also, please note, the price for the school supply kits is not included in the school registration fee.  Kits are purchased separately.  If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer (847)924-9087.

PTA BY-LAWS: are posted in the case outside of the school and in the PTA box in the office. Changes were made and will be voted on at the first meeting of the next school year. Go to Ivyhillpta.org for more information on the changes and the rationale for the changes. Questions? Contact Luanne Eisenhardt at Lbeisenhardt@yahoo.com

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: This school year is coming to an end, but we need volunteers for all of our PTA events for next year! Please fill out the form to volunteer for the 2015-2016 school year. Committee members will contact you when needed.

REIMBURSEMENTS: Deadline for this year’s submissions is Monday, June 15^th. You will not be eligible for reimbursement after that date. Contact Debbie at Dcgags@comcast.net

I FIVES go to:
The incoming and returning PTA Executive Board members: Louann Benbow, Lucy Block, Luanne Eisenhardt, Nikki Wolverton, Emily Morrison, Suzanne Krause, Debbie Gagliano and Jennifer Sadowski.

Third VP’s: Carla Kim & Lynn Feder for organizing the Dining for Dollars fundraiser at Chipotle. A big thanks to all the families who participated! Together we raised $817 (a 40% increase from last year)!

Market Day Committee: Kelly Nix & Jennifer Sadowski. The Committee would like to thank the Ivy Hill Families of Allaire/Roberts, Nix, Sadowski, Schreiner, and Shalett for all their orders throughout the school year.  All money raised helps to fund the many PTA sponsored events that are offered throughout the year.

ATTENTION 5Th GRADE FAMILIES: you can find a flyer about the Thomas Middle School Summer Reading Program here.

ABC/25 FOUNDATION Membership Drive Begins Now! Please support  Ivy Hill‘s  chance to earn a $2,500 grant from the ABC/25 Foundation – the fundraising partner of School District 25!  All you have to do is join ABC/25 with a $40 donation when you register your child online for the 2015-16 school year.  We only need 25% of Ivy Hill ‘s families to join ABC/25 in order to receive the grant money.  If you have children at more than one school in the district, your membership will count toward both schools’ membership tallies.

FIELD DAY: is Friday, May 29.  The morning session will be for K(AM), 4 and 5 and will run from approximately 9 – 12.  The afternoon session is for K(PM), 1, 2 and 3 and will run from approximately 12:45 – 3:00.  The kids will be outside and weather permitting, will be playing lots of games with water, so don’t forget your bathing suites (optional and should be worn under clothes for the girls, during class) and sun screen (the school staff/parent volunteers cannot put this on for the students).  If you are interested in volunteering to help with the activities or are able to supply some water balloons, please follow this link  www.SignUpGenius.com/go/8050F49ACAB2DA13-20151/.  If you have any questions please contact Sherri Kontos at sherri.kontos@pepsico.com or Louann Benbow at benbowunit@gmail.com.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES: There is still time to purchase the school supplies your child will need for the 2015-2016 school year. School supply kits may be purchased on-line by going to http://www.shopttkits.com: account number 1249.  Please be sure to purchase the kit for the grade your child is entering.  Also, please note, the price for the school supply kits is not included in the school registration fee.  Kits are purchased separately.  If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer (847)924-9087.

PTA BY-LAWS: are posted in the case outside of the school and in the PTA box in the office. Changes were made and will be voted on at the first meeting of the next school year. Click here for more information on the changes and the rationale for the changes. Questions? Contact Luanne Eisenhardt at Lbeisenhardt@yahoo.com

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: This school year is coming to an end, but we need volunteers for all of our PTA events for next year! Please fill out the form to volunteer for the 2015-2016 school year. Committee members will contact you when needed.

REIMBURSEMENTS: Deadline for this year’s submissions is Monday, June 15^th. You will not be eligible for reimbursement after that date. Contact Debbie at Dcgags@comcast.net

It’s time for Dining for Dollars$$!!  We invite you to dine at Chipotle in Arlington Heights (at Northpoint Shopping Center, 338 E. Rand Rd.) this Monday, May 18 from 4-8 pm.  Chipotle will donate 50% of your total bill to Ivy Hill PTA.  This is our ONLY Dining for Dollars event this school year, and the 50% that goes to Ivy Hill is an amazing percentage — so hope you will consider participating!  Click here for the flyer.   Please bring the flyer with you, or show it on your phone, when ordering.  If you forget the flyer, that’s ok, just tell them you are there for the Ivy Hill PTA fundraiser, and we’ll still get the credit!  Don’t forget to tell your family& friends to come support us, too!   Any questions-please contact Carla Kim, cmk17@sbcgobal.net or Lynn Feder, lynnfeder@hotmail.com.

I FIVES go to:
The outgoing PTA Board members: Denise Schreiner, Kara Janus, Dina Oberman, Carla Kim, Lynn Feder & Judy Newman. Thank you for all your years of service (past & future) to the PTA. For those of you leaving Ivy Hill, you will be missed!!

THANK YOU to all of our Ivy Hill teachers and staff for making Ivy such a great place for our kids!

THANK YOU to Julie Soderna for teaching a fantastic exercise class for the teachers as part of teacher appreciation week!

THANK YOU to all of the parents who brought such delicious food for the teacher appreciation breakfast.  The teachers and staff appreciated everything and enjoyed a special breakfast thanks to you!

THANK YOU to all of the room reps for coordinating your classroom activities for teacher appreciation week!  Your contributions helped make it a special week for our teachers!

THANK YOU: Hospitality Committee members Gail Esler, Suzanne Krause, Lucy Block and Lori Ann Oyen for putting together the appreciation breakfast!

THANK YOU: Room Rep Committee members Suzanne Krause, Laurie Witt and Linda Boehm for organizing the Teacher Appreciation Week activities!

 SCHOOL SUPPLIES: School supply kits for the 2015-2016 school year are currently available for on-line purchase now through May 26th.  This is a great, convenient way to purchase the school supplies your child needs for his/her upcoming school year.  Simply go to http://www.shopttkits.com, and type in account number 1249.  Please be sure to purchase the kit for the grade level your child is entering.  For example, if your child is currently in first grade, you would purchase a kit for second grade (the grade they will be entering).  If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer (847)924-9087.

SAVE THE DATE: We invite you to dine at Chipotle in Arlington Heights on Monday, May 18 from 4-8 pm.  Chipotle will donate 50% of your total bill (exclusive of tax) to Ivy Hill PTA.  This is our ONLY Dining for Dollars event this school year, and the 50% that goes to Ivy Hill is an amazing percentage – please participate!  Click here for the flyer  You will also receive one  next week via email.  Please bring the flyer with you, or show it on your phone, when ordering.  Any questions-please contact Carla Kim, cmk17@sbcgobal.net or Lynn Feder, lynnfeder@hotmail.co

 MARKET DAY:  Look in backpacks for the last order form of the school year.  Orders are due in the office by 5/13, Internet orders are due 5/16 AND pick up is 5/21.    Please remember Bonus Days!  If we sell a total of 100 boxes our earnings will increase to 30%.  This is a great way to stock up on goodies for the kiddos over the summer.  For those participating in the Frequent Buyer program, don’t forget to place a $40 order to redeem the set of collapsible bowls. Questions? kelly.nix630@gmail.com

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: This school year is coming to an end, but we need volunteers for all of our PTA events for next year! Please fill out the form to volunteer for the 2015-2016 school year. Committee members will contact you when needed.

REIMBURSEMENTS: Deadline for this year’s submissions is Monday, June 15^th. You will not be eligible for reimbursement after that date. Contact Debbie Gagliano at Dcgags@comcast.net

The PTA is proud to present Teacher & Staff Appreciation week May 4^th – 8^th. Here is what we have planned:
Mon. – A high intensity/ low impact work out held after school.
Tues. –Breakfast hosted by the PTA Hospitality Committee
Wed. – Each student is to bring in one flower for his or her teacher.
Thurs. – Each student is to bring in a handwritten/handmade note of thanks for his or her teacher.
Fri. – Students to wear an item of clothing that reflects their teacher’s favorite color or sports team.

All week students will do “shout –outs” to teachers & staff during morning announcements. There will also be raffle prizes for the teachers & staff who are mentioned each morning.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES: School supply kits for the 2015-2016 school year will be available for purchase, on-line only, until May 26^th. www.shopttkits.com account # 1249. Prices reflect a new & improved headset in each kit that includes a manufactures’ grade level warranty.  Please note that you will need to order the kit for the grade level your child(ren) will be in next year (2015-2016). Do you know someone coming to Ivy Hill for the first time in 2015-2016? If so, please pass this information on to them so that they can place their order for next year too! Please contact Jennifer Sadowski with any questions . Jenjen5757@aol.com

WE STILL NEED YOU: To sign up for a committee next year! You can find the link here.
Current Committee chairs please get your events on the calendar for next year. The link can also be found here.

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS COMMITTEE: Thank you to all who participated in the Reuse A Shoe drive. We collected over 100 pairs of shoes!  A big thanks to Kate Buttita & the Environmental Awareness Committee for organizing the drive.
Thank you to the committee for a fun and productive Earth Week!

MARKET DAY:  Last Order of the school year. May = Bonus Days.  If we sell 100 boxes of cookies &/or pizzas our earnings will increase from 15% to 30%. Stock up for the summer!  There are also delicious & convenient snacks for the hungry kiddos. Again, stock up for the summer! If you have been participating in the Frequent Buyer program, this is the month to redeem & pick up your set of collapsible bowls as long as you place a $40 order.  Bring orders to school by 5/13.  Online order deadline is 5/16.  Pick up date is 5/21.  Be on the look out for the Bonus Days order form (separate from the monthly order form).  Questions? Contact Kelly Nix or Jenny Sadowski.

SAVE THE DATE!  It’s time for Dining for Dollars$$!!  We will have our first and ONLY Dining for Dollars event this year at Chipotle in Arlington Heights on Monday, May 18 from 4-8 pm.  Stop in for dinner anytime between 4:00 -8:00 and Chipotle will donate 50% of your total bill (exclusive of tax) to the Ivy Hill PTA.  This is a great and easy way to help us fundraise for our PTA. Please consider participating!  More info in the upcoming weeks.

Next PTA Meeting May 5^th @ 7PM

Board of Ed. Meeting  May 14th @ Greenbrier 7:30