Please read the attached calendar carefully. Some changes have been made to the last week of school.  Please plan accordingly for the following:

Thursday, June 7th:  
*  This is the last day of school (not the 8th).
* The clap out will happen during the morning at 8:30am in the front hall (not in the afternoon). A reminder to fifth grade moms whose last child is leaving Central: we hope to see you there!
*  School will start as usual at Central. Field trips will leave from Central according to the times on the attached calendar.  Pickup after the school field trips will occur in the St. Mary parking lot in the back of the building on Burlington.  A big thank-you goes to Principal Diane Simonaitis for her cooperation and gracious courtesy in working with us on this change in location. Pick up times will be staggered and are listed on the attached calendar.

* Fifth Grade pick-up ONLY will be @ 2:00 @ the Scout Cabin in Indian Gardens at Fairbanks and Barrypoint Rd.

*  Report cards will be handed out at the end of the day.

Friday, June 8th:
*  There is no school this day. 

Monday, June 11th:

* Beginning today the Central school office is located at Blythe Park School till June 15th. Please use our current telephone number to get in touch: 447-1106. Dr. Limperis can be reached at the same e-mail address: limperisj@district96.org  Registration is at the District Office in North Riverside: 447-5007.

Last Week of School Schedule

If your child participated in the Raging Waves fitness log program, be on the lookout for their free ticket to come home in their backpack in the next few weeks.  The ticket is blue and about 1/3 sheet of a 8.5″ x 11″ sheet of paper.

This attached flyer explains how any Central family can purchase discounted tickets.  Have fun this summer!

Discounted Raging Waves Tickets

When discussing nominees for the 2011-12 Central PTO Volunteer of the Year, one name was repeatedly brought up.  It should not surprise anyone to learn that this year’s award goes to Molly Carl. Her enthusiasm for culture and the arts is enormous and she passes that passion along to our many parent volunteers and to our children.  Many of us have experienced first hand Molly’s devotion to Central and our students.  She has been the driving force behind our fantastic Cultural Arts program for the past few years overseeing the reframing and dedication of our entire collection as well as revamping the program to make it easier for our parent volunteers to present. She recently played an integral role in documenting every single PTO owned piece of artwork in a hardcover photo album that will serve as a resource for future PTO members.

Molly wasn’t even signed up for the artist in residence committee this year.  But, she saw something interesting and dove right in to assist Dawn Gmitro with this huge undertaking.  This artist in residence was originally going to just involve Muntu working with our students.  Molly saw a great opportunity and decided that we should pair this residency with our first ever hugely successful Cultural Heritage Festival.  Very few of us know how many hours and hours she devoted to ensuring that this event was such a hit.  She even painted all of those country signs outside of each of the classrooms hosting a country.  Her husband saw her final artwork and declared that she would make a great 4^th grader! We heard over and over again from our Cultural Heritage Festival country volunteers that she made running their rooms so incredibly easy that they would definitely do it again.

Molly is dedicated, detail-oriented and incredibly organized. She follows through on whatever she says she is going to and usually does more than she promised and even better than you imagined. Molly sees a need and she quietly fills that role and never seeks any accolades.  She magically appeared during the evening of our book fair this year during the busiest time ready to pitch in and help where needed.  She also recently devoted many hours packing and moving our PTO belongings due to the upcoming capital improvements.  Molly makes our school a better place and we are so lucky to have her!

Teacher of the Year 2012:  Mr. Steve Elgeness

Albert Einstein once said:  It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge. Central has many wonderful educators, but there is one who truly embodies Einstein’s words.  The PTO is honored to introduce Mr. Elgeness as this year’s recipient of the Teacher of the Year Award.

Parent/Teacher/PTO Comments

The PTO is happy to share their thoughts about Mr. Elgeness.  There is a lot to say, because there is a lot to say about Mr. Elgeness!

Mr. Elgeness inspires imagination and creativity in his students, while maintaining their focus to obtain success.   For example, under Mr. Elgeness’ guidance, the 5th grade Student Council thrives.  He avidly recruits students to become involved in the student council.  There are no elections; the only prerequisite to be a member is the desire to become involved.  From this seed, Mr. Elgeness empowers the student council to problem solve creatively and encourages them to implement their ideas.  Through this process, they realize that they can have an impact on Central School, take pride of ownership, and garner the resulting satisfaction in a job well done.

Mr. Elgeness actively participates in PTO events.  You can see Mr. Elgeness at our PTO events, whether it’s our Fun Fair, Book Fair, Winter Social, or wearing a vest outside for Traffic Safety.   During the Striding Lion Theater group residency, he was in the circle participating in the theater games.  It was no different this year when, during the Muntu performance,  he was out there learning the dance and song with his students.  Mr. Elgeness’ willingness to jump in and participate puts the students at ease, and the children enjoyed the camaraderie of performing as a united classroom.  This speaks to Mr. Elgeness’ desire to put himself in his students’ shoes to understand more completely their experiences and perspectives.

Mr. Elgeness was remarkable when the Cultural Arts Chairs approached him about the Cultural Heritage Festival.  He included the countries of the Festival in his 5^th Grade social studies curriculum.  The students researched the facts and created beautiful travel brochures that were posted and distributed in the classrooms on the night of the Festival.  As the sponsor of the 5^th Grade student council, he devoted 2 meetings to the Festival making posters, doing research and helping prepare for the event.

Just last week, Mr. Elgeness took on two additional projects:  1) Working with the Recess Committee and the Student Council in coordinating a Survey regarding recess; and 2) Working with the PTO and the Student Council in coordinating a Time Capsule.  These are two huge endeavors, especially with end of the year 5^th Grade activities, not to mention capital improvements planning.  He consistently finds time beyond the classroom to help his students with new ideas, whether it be the Student Council, Young Authors program, PTO events, or Traffic Safety.

In the classroom, parents have recalled a project where the students were researching a certain time period in history.  Mr. Elgeness encouraged the students to wear costumes and speak in character.  This type of work makes history personal for the students.  Watching the interaction between teacher and student, it is easy to see why the kids are so creative and enthusiastic.  Mr. Elgeness encourages his students to be creative, to think, and he is receptive to their ideas.  In turn, Mr. Elgeness takes pride in his students’ ideas and accomplishments.

Student Comments

Here are what a few students had to say about Mr. Elgeness:  “He understands what 5th grade is like so he makes projects fun and still has the kids learning without even realizing it.”  Other students have commented that Mr. Elgeness is “young at heart” and does everything “with” the kids.  He “trusts” the kids and has mutual respect for each other in the classroom.  Another child remarked that for Spring Open House, he went home and baked for 2 hours for the fifth grade bake sale.

The list goes on and on…..Simply put, Mr. Elgeness goes above and beyond the call of duty, and he captures the essence of teaching at its best.  We are fortunate to have Mr. Elgeness as one of our teachers!

A Special Education Survey was recently disseminated to District 96 Special Education Parents by Dr. Polk’s office via e-mail.  Please note that the deadline for submission of the survey is Thursday, May 31.

Please contact the Department of Special Education at 708-447-0706 if you did not receive a survey, or if you have any questions.

District 96 Families,

This Friday, May 11 will be the last day for registering for District 96 summer school. If your child has received an invitation to attend Skill Building, you may send in the invitation with payment to your child’s school by Friday of this week. Classes are three hours a day for three weeks and focus on reading and math.

UPDATE ON LOCATION: All four instructional days will now take place at Blythe Park School with the fifth day being a field trip (transportation provided). Classes are no longer taking place at the library.

Sincerely,

Bob Chleboun Colleen Lieggi
Summer School Co-Directors

Central families,

We need your help!  The second Central Auction will be held on Friday, November 9th.  In order to make this event as successful as our first ever Central Auction, we are seeking donations from you.

Do you or someone you know have a special skill like photography, knitting, baking, sewing, floral arranging, interior design or landscape design? Do you offer music lessons, dance lessons or salon services? Are you willing to offer your web design services or able to clean up a slow computer?  Do you have a weekend home that you would be willing to donate?  How about professional sports tickets, play tickets or museum passes?   Are you willing to host an event in your home?

No item is too small!  We can find a way to work it into a gift basket with other items.  Please consider making a donation.  If you have questions or are willing to commit to a donation, please contact Amy Jacksic at pres-amy@centralptonews.org

Babysitting is available at no charge!  Don’t miss our last meeting of the year!

Central PTO Meeting

Agenda for May 11, 2012 (Friday, 9 am, Hauser Auditorium)                                            

Objects of Central PTO:  a. To make possible academic, cultural, and recreational opportunities which are otherwise beyond the means of the school district; b. To build a sense of community among parents, teachers, and staff;  c. To educate and support parents in their role as advocates for their child’s education, and for the education of all children in the district; and d. To facilitate communication between parents, school, and district. Art. IV, Sec. 1, of the Central PTO Bylaws.

Call to Order/Welcome

Minutes:  Approval of April 13 PTO Meeting Minutes

Officer’s Reports:

Co-Presidents – Jeannine Glavas/Amy Jacksic/Lynda Murphy

• PTO move to storage
• Time capsule
• Matt Wilhelm performance
• PTO photo book
• Playground slate update
• Bell tower architect meeting update
• 2012-13 Directory info timing

1^st VP’s Committees/Membership – Erin Durkin/Tracy Sloan/Paula Fudacz/Amy Mooney

• Room Parent/Committee Chair Forms, 2012-13 update
• Return Committee Chair Folders & Committee Chair Evaluations
• Teacher/Staff end-of-year gifts
• Committee chair guidelines:  process and building usage confirmation

2^nd VP-Sue Pipal/Jessica Niekrasz

• Philanthropy Requests for 2012
• Target End of Year Report

3^rd VP – Jeanine Vaia/Kim Macchia

• Board of Education Meeting Highlights (4/17/12-Jeanine Vaia)
• Calendar Order Form, 2012-13
• Retirements/Memorials

Treasurer’s Report – Angela Izzo

• Audit in Summer
• Budget meeting

Parliamentarian – Patrick O’Laughlin/Aberdeen Ozga

• Update bylaws/standing rules

Committee Reports:

• Auction Planning/Student artwork:  Stefanie Dockendorf
• Cultural Arts, Field Trips:  Mary Ellen Park
• Cultural Heritage Festival:  Molly Carl
• Grants:  Jennie Hepker Royer
• School Supply Program:  Jennifer Sedivy
• Teacher Appreciation Week:  Michelle Burton/DeAnn Gruber

PTO Board:

• Installation of 2012-13 PTO Officers
• Staff of the Year
• PTO Volunteer of the Year

Principal’s Report – Dr. Janice Limperis

Teacher Representative – Mrs. Samantha Lutz

Announcements:  Thank you to the many wonderful Volunteers in April/May, including, but not limited to, Committee Chairs and other Volunteers: Birthday Boards:  Karina Esparza/Jen Gentile; Brick Pavers:  Mary Robertson; Cultural Arts: Molly Carl and Karen Foley and all the volunteers who volunteer each month for classroom presentations;  Cultural Arts Field Trips:  Kate Nessinger, Mary Ellen Park and Sue Pipal; Feedblitz: Stefanie Dockendorf and Amy Jacksic; Fifth Grade Games Night:  Patti Friend and Dorie Skiest; Grant Writer:  Jennie Hepker Royer; Library:  Jennifer Pollock, Readers, Helpers and all the Library Volunteers;Living Classroom:  Sue Pipal; PE Helper:  Erin Durkin; P.R. Media:  Katie Leander; PTO move to Storage: Molly Carl, Chris Bolton, Erin Durkin, Karina Esparza, Paula Fudacz, Jeannine Glavas, Dawn Gmitro, Angela Izzo, Amy Jacksic, Jacqueline Miller, Kim Macchia, Lynda Murphy Jessica Niekrasz, Patrick O’Laughlin, Aberdeen Ozga, Allyn Pilewski, Jennifer Pollock, and Jeanine Vaia; Read to Succeed:  Paula Fudacz;  School Supplies:  Jennifer Sedivy; Soup Label/Box Tops:  Michelle Siedlecki; Teacher Appreciation Luncheon: Maura Braun and all the volunteers who helped with staffing; Teacher Appreciation Week: Michelle Burton, DeAnn Gruber & Ingrid Nolan Screen Free Week:  Jacquie Mathis, Cyndi Robinson and the 4^th Grade Girl Scouts; Webmaster: Chris Hajer; If you have given your time as a volunteer, but have not been mentioned here, we apologize for this omission; let us know so that we can properly thank you!

May 2012

15 (Tuesday):                                    BOE Meeting, 7:30 pm (Hauser LRC West )

17 (Thursday):                                    Central Spirit Day, Pajama and Slipper Day

25 (Friday):                                     Central Flag Ceremony, 8:30 am

June 2012

1 (Friday)                                    5^th Grade Awards Ceremony, 10:15 am

7 (Thursday):                                    5^th Grade Picnic (Riverside Scout Cabin)

12 (Tuesday)                  BOE Meeting, 7:30 pm (Hauser LRC West)

15 (Friday)                  Yearbook Distribution, 11:30 am – 1 pm, Riverside Public Library, downstairs conference room

Have a wonderful Summer!

Help out Central School’s 5th grade class!  They are sponsoring a spare change drive from May 2nd-11th with all proceeds going to Water for People.  Please see the attached flyer for specifics.  Each classroom in the school should have a change collection cup.

African-Spare-Change-Relief-2012