happy new year!
Many people set resolutions or make goals as the calendar turns to a new year. Schools are no different. Teachers work with students to reflect on progress of goals set at the beginning of the year -- both behavioral and academic. This is an opportune time to make adjustments and refine goals and change tactics and interventions in place. Copeland teachers work very hard to tailor instructional practices to help students meet goals. Updates on these goals will be shared with parents at upcoming conferences. We pride ourselves on our ongoing communication with parents. If a parent has a particular question or concern about his/her child, no need to wait until conferences -- reach out to your child's teacher through their preferred contact method and she will be happy to answer your questions or address your concerns.
save the date -- winter conferences
Winter Parent Teacher Conferences will take place on:
Wednesday, February 15th from 5:15 - 8:15 pm
Thursday, February 16th from 3:15 - 8:15 pm
The window for scheduling conferences through PTC Wizard will be open from January 20th through February 10th. Parents can schedule a conference beginning on January 20th -- look for an email next week.
Babysitting will be available during conferences.
The Scholastic Book Fair will be open in the multipurpose room during conferences.
There will be NO SCHOOL on Friday, February 17th.
Wednesday, February 15th from 5:15 - 8:15 pm
Thursday, February 16th from 3:15 - 8:15 pm
The window for scheduling conferences through PTC Wizard will be open from January 20th through February 10th. Parents can schedule a conference beginning on January 20th -- look for an email next week.
Babysitting will be available during conferences.
The Scholastic Book Fair will be open in the multipurpose room during conferences.
There will be NO SCHOOL on Friday, February 17th.
5 Essential Survey
The Illinois 5Essential Parent survey is now open. Please read this letter from Supt. Dr. Guy Schumacher to understand the importance of completing the survey and making your voice heard.
To take the survey.
To take the survey.
character counts assembly
On Friday, January 13th, the District 70 Character Counts Committee brought a special assembly to Copeland. All students enjoyed "Inspector Iwannano" who delivered a message within a comedy-packed, magic-filled program. Students learned to "focus on my actions" because actions show character. Students were involved in a mystery as they attempted to uncover certain "character clues" - aspects of a good character. The character traits covered were: respect, trustworthiness, care, responsibility, fairness, and good citizenship.
caring cougars
Students who show great character are awarded "Cougie Cards." When students receive a Cougie Card, they bring them to the office, share their proud moment with the office staff, and happily place the card into a red bucket. Every few weeks, Cougie Cards are drawn by grade level, those names are read aloud over the intercom, and students get together for a group picture. These students join Mrs. Poelking and Mr. Feldman for a special Lunch with the Principal. Here are the latest celebrants. Thank you for showing great character, Cougars!
caring counts at copeland
January 20th begins our in-depth focus of the Pillar of Caring. We will continue to highlight this pillar through the month of February. In each school, teachers will promote the pillar of Caring by identifying and discussing the language and behaviors of a Caring individual.
On Friday, January 20th the district will have a Caring Pillar Friday. On this day we encourage everyone to wear RED for Caring. In the Character Counts program the color red is associated with the pillar of Caring. A Caring person is kind. A Caring person is compassionate and shows that they care. Caring people express gratitude and forgive others. A Caring person readily helps someone in need. A student can model caring by being kind to others, not being selfish and showing consideration of others’ feelings. Parents please notice the times your child is Caring and show how proud you are of his or her choice! Together, let’s help our children understand this important character trait and its affect on both your life and that of your children!
CARING THOUGHTS
WHAT YOU CAN DO AT HOME
FOR YOU TO CONSIDER
“They may not remember what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel.” -Carl Buehner
Thank you for reinforcing the Character Counts Pillars at home and helping to build a community of character.
COPELAND CHARACTER COUNTS COMMITTEE:
Mrs. Travelstead, social worker
Mrs. Chickey, speech language pathologist
On Friday, January 20th the district will have a Caring Pillar Friday. On this day we encourage everyone to wear RED for Caring. In the Character Counts program the color red is associated with the pillar of Caring. A Caring person is kind. A Caring person is compassionate and shows that they care. Caring people express gratitude and forgive others. A Caring person readily helps someone in need. A student can model caring by being kind to others, not being selfish and showing consideration of others’ feelings. Parents please notice the times your child is Caring and show how proud you are of his or her choice! Together, let’s help our children understand this important character trait and its affect on both your life and that of your children!
CARING THOUGHTS
- Care about others. Be kind, helpful, and sharing.
- Ask about other people. Be a good listener.
- Respect all people, property, animals, and the earth.
- Include others. Watch to see if anyone feels lonely or left out, and include that person.
- Never hold a grudge. Forgive others, and they will probably forgive you, too.
- Give to others. Help other people feel good, learn and grow.
WHAT YOU CAN DO AT HOME
- Declare this month as "Caring Month" at home and find ways to show caring: anonymous notes, small chores done as a surprise.
- Do something as a family that shows caring for someone in need. Take your children along with you when you volunteer.
- Set family goals. Have each member of the family complete the following sentence and post it where it will serve as a reminder: I will be caring by: ________________
- Give each youngster time, attention and affection.
- Encourage awareness and expression of feelings.
- Consistently ask how behavioral choices impact the feelings of others. Help him or her to see the relationship between their actions and the feelings of others. Do not tolerate your child doing or saying things to intentionally hurt anyone.
- Encourage cooperation and helpful behavior.
FOR YOU TO CONSIDER
“They may not remember what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel.” -Carl Buehner
Thank you for reinforcing the Character Counts Pillars at home and helping to build a community of character.
COPELAND CHARACTER COUNTS COMMITTEE:
Mrs. Travelstead, social worker
Mrs. Chickey, speech language pathologist
third grade happenings
As the third graders settle back into their classrooms following the winter break, reading lessons are beginning to focus on the skill of summarizing. In third grade, students are asked to include the conflict, major events, and the central message when writing about a piece of literature. We will be practicing this skill by reading and summarizing many fables, myths and short stories. The third graders use graphic organizers to help them organize their ideas and evidence from the story. Time is also being spent learning about figurative language, which can be beneficial as the students learn to weave the message from the story into their summaries.
Third graders are also busy during science lessons learning how force affects the motion of an object. Over the past week, they completed motion stations, which focused on exploring and testing balance and motion. They were asked to consider how the height of a ramp would affect the distance a car would travel, and how the length of a string would affect the number of times a pendulum would swing. The motion stations also offered opportunities for students to utilize the measurement skills that they had practiced during math lessons before the break.
all school field trip
On Friday, March 17th, all Copeland students and staff will be travelling to Marriott Lincolnshire to see "Madagascar." Field trip permission forms went home this week. Please return the permission form and the fee ASAP. Thank you to the CFA for sponsoring bus transportation for this trip.
4th Grade poets
Mrs. Livermore has a passion for writing and celebrating young poets. According to Mrs. Livermore, "It is an honor and privilege to encourage students to share their thoughts and ideas through their writing as well as help them to be heard by others. Help us celebrate their success and voice!" Her students have entered a poetry contest through Creative Communications, a company that has been celebrating young poets for 20 years. Here are the finalists (click on the title to read the poem):
Christmas Wonderland by Gianna
The Month of Christmas by Kendyl
Christmas by Ryan
What Is School? by Angeleis
Icy Wonderland by Morgan
Wintertime by Ryan
Long Winter Day by Avery
Christmas Winter Joy! by Brendan
Santa's Watching by Ella
Christmas Joy by Parker
Christmas Cheers by Cole
Christmas Wonderland by Gianna
The Month of Christmas by Kendyl
Christmas by Ryan
What Is School? by Angeleis
Icy Wonderland by Morgan
Wintertime by Ryan
Long Winter Day by Avery
Christmas Winter Joy! by Brendan
Santa's Watching by Ella
Christmas Joy by Parker
Christmas Cheers by Cole
volunteers needed
junior achievement
March 10th
We are still in need for volunteers for Junior Achievement taking the place the morning of March 10th. Please contact Mr. Feldman if you are interested and available to come and teach the Junior Achievement lessons.
For the past several years, Copeland has partnered with Junior Achievement to provide lessons to students in the area of social sciences (community, economics, geography, government, etc.). These lessons are taught by Copeland parents who are interested in spending time in a classroom teaching a scripted lesson. Copeland's Junior Achievement Day is scheduled for Friday, March 10, 2017, from 8:15 - 11:15 am. Junior Achievement provides training and all of the materials for the lessons. Training will take place in Copeland's cafeteria on Friday, March 3rd at 8:15-9:15.
We have been so lucky to have every class covered in past years. Hopefully, this advance notice will allow you to make plans to spend a half day in your child's class or another classroom as a guest teacher. In the past, parent volunteers have reported that they very much enjoyed this time in the classroom. We hope to add you to this list.
Contact: [email protected]
847-362-0240
For the past several years, Copeland has partnered with Junior Achievement to provide lessons to students in the area of social sciences (community, economics, geography, government, etc.). These lessons are taught by Copeland parents who are interested in spending time in a classroom teaching a scripted lesson. Copeland's Junior Achievement Day is scheduled for Friday, March 10, 2017, from 8:15 - 11:15 am. Junior Achievement provides training and all of the materials for the lessons. Training will take place in Copeland's cafeteria on Friday, March 3rd at 8:15-9:15.
We have been so lucky to have every class covered in past years. Hopefully, this advance notice will allow you to make plans to spend a half day in your child's class or another classroom as a guest teacher. In the past, parent volunteers have reported that they very much enjoyed this time in the classroom. We hope to add you to this list.
Contact: [email protected]
847-362-0240