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October 9, 2015
THE
HOFFMAN HUM
A WEEKLY NEWSLETTER MONDAY
TUESDAY 12
WEDNESDAY 13
14
THURSDAY FRIDAY 15
16
Board of
Education Meeting
7:00pm
Teacher
Conference
Day
HO PICTURE
RETAKE DAY
19
NO SCHOOL
20
21
22
23
SMILE ILLINOIS
AT HO
HE/HO
Principal
Coffee @ HO
1:002:00pm
26
27
28
29
30
2
3
4
5
6
Institute Day
NO
SCHOOL
HOFFMAN SCHOOL
2000 HARRISON STREET ! GLENVIEW ! 847-998-5040
http://ho.glen
view34.org
CHARACTER COUNTS WEEK OCTOBER 19-23
FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK…….
Dear Hoffman Family,
When a parent meets with the principal and teachers, s/he must feel comfortable asking
questions, sharing observations and even making recommendations. Both parents and
school professionals hold valuable information and insight into a youngster’s performance
at school. To unlock the full potential of each student, all must share what they observe
and know in an atmosphere of mutual understanding.
Family circumstances vary greatly. Just as each child is unique, so too is every parent and
family. Because all parent conferences may look alike does not mean they will be alike. Principals and teachers
need to hear specific parent needs, concerns and recommendations. This can only happen through two-way
dialog. But how and where to begin?
While there are no universal questions and recommendations that should be brought up at every conference, here
are some helpful suggestions involving common ground for both parent and teacher.
For a Parent To Ask:
- How do you organize your class? What are the classroom routines?
- How often is homework assigned? What are the consequences if it is not done? How is my youngster’s
homework?
- Does my youngster come to class prepared? Is s/he meeting your expectations?
- How is my child’s attitude at school and toward school? Does he seem well adjusted? Is he cooperative,
respective and responsible?
- Is my youngster well behaved both in class and around school?
- Does my youngster participate in class discussions and class activities? Does he interact positively with peers
and adults?
- How does my youngster handle criticism, suggestions, mistakes, direction and correction?
- What are my child’s academic strengths and weaknesses? What are his special skills and interests?
- How do you arrive at a student’s grade? What are the key factors and how does my child measure up to them?
- What are the extra-curricular activities, athletics, etc.
- What is expected at the next grade/level and how well prepared is my child to move on?
- How can we (student, parent, school) work more closely together?
For a Parent To Share:
- What your youngster enjoys about school – academics, special programs, activities, athletics, friends, lunch,
etc.
- Special interests, hobbies, etc. that your youngster enjoys outside of school
- At home study habits, routines, etc.
- Your youngster’s strengths and weaknesses.
- Any circumstances which might be impacting your youngster’s performance at school.
Whether a conference involves a routine meeting or solving a specific problem, prior to the meeting you may
want to jot down some of the above suggestions. During the meeting don’t be afraid to refer to your “notes”.
Remember, teachers want and need to hear what you have to say if true two-way communication is to take
place.
Sincerely,
Mark Walther, Principal
PREPARING FOR CONFERENCES
QUESTION: What should I do to get the most benefit from the
parent teacher conference?
ANSWER: Preparation is the key for a successful parent/teacher
conference. Both the teacher and parent should be fully prepared
with information, questions, and concerns to insure a productive conference.
Approach the conference with a positive attitude and a desire to create a plan of
action to benefit your child.
Some specific suggestions in preparing for and attending a conference include the
following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Talk with your child before the conference. Ask if there are any questions or
concerns he/she may have.
Decide prior to the conference what questions you would like to ask. Make a
list of these questions to take with you.
Make an appointment and be on time. The teacher may be on a a pre-set
schedule and have many conferences planned.
Approach the conference with an open mind. Both teacher and parents are
striving for the same results.
Take notes during the conference. Following the conference you can refer
back to the notes concerning suggestions and future plans.
Use the conference time to exchange information about your child. Share any
specific information which may help the teacher meet the educational needs of
your child.
Ask questions about your child and school. If you are unsure of the terms,
methods, or ideas being presented, ask for an explanation.
Be willing to discuss your concerns regarding your child's progress. Your
expectations and those of the teacher may differ.
Learn to listen. Information that the teacher is sharing is designed to help meet
the needs of your child.
Deal with facts rather than rumors.
Ask the teacher for suggestions on meeting your child's needs at home. How
can you as a parent help in your child's academic progress?
Follow-up on the conference. Make specific plans, set goals, and establish
a method to monitor your child's progress.
HOFFMAN SCHOOL
HALLOWEEN PLANS
Dear Hoffman Family,
As the autumn leaves begin to fall and the air becomes more crisp, we know that the Halloween Holiday will soon
be upon us. At Hoffman School we will be celebrating Halloween on Friday, October 30, 2015. In order to help our
students enjoy this holiday in a safe manner, we will be using the following guidelines for our celebration at school.
In helping your child choose an appropriate costume, doing a little research on historical or storybook characters and
modeling the costumes after this would be an excellent choice. Specifically, children are strongly encouraged to dress as
literary characters from a favorite book (Examples: Harry Potter, Charlotte, the spider, from Charlotte’s Web, Viola Swamp,
Harriet the Spy, Johnny Appleseed, Willie Wonka, Pippi Longstockings, and other characters with positively redeeming
qualities) or patriotic figures (Examples: Uncle Sam, George Washington, Statue of Liberty). Students who come in costume
as an appropriate literary or patriotic character, will have their name placed in a lottery drawing where five costume names
will be selected to receive gift certificates to purchase books from a local book store.
* Carrying weapons or wearing roller blades WILL NOT be allowed.
* Costumes with blood, or promoting a violent theme are inappropriate.
* Masks of any kind are strongly discouraged unless they relate to an appropriate storybook character, historical figure, or
animal. “Scream” masks are inappropriate.
* Students will be given time to put on their costumes after lunch. Please do not send your child with makeup on
his/her face to school in the morning.
* Your child is allowed to go home for lunch on this day. We will need a written permission slip from you.
Children leaving for lunch will need to sign-out in their homeroom. We politely request that if your child is going home for
lunch on this day he/she goes home ONLY during his/her regular scheduled lunch hour/recess period. Students going
home are also politely urged to go with their parents, however, we recognize that some of our parents’ work schedules
may interfere with this schedule and you may make arrangements with a friend or neighbor. For your child’s safety, you
are requested to let us know of your plans on the attached permission slip. Children going home for lunch will be
dismissed through the FRONT DOOR ONLY. Fifth grade students only may choose to be dismissed through
the doors by Johns Park.
We will begin our annual Halloween parade at 1:15 pm. We will march throughout the school and parents may
view the parade in the gymnasium.
If you have any questions, please contact me at your convenience.
During the parade, our room parents will have time to prepare for the classroom celebrations while the students
are on parade. Getting into the spirit of this celebration, let’s hope for a Boo-ti-ful day!
Sincerely,
Mark Walther, Principal
PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM
BY
Friday, OCTOBER 23, 2015
To Hoffman School
My
child
___________________________________________________
___
will go home with me during his/her regular lunchtime
will go home with a friend/neighbor during his/her regular
lunchtime (please provide name and phone number of person)
___
_____________________________________________________________
will not go home but will remain in
school
___
______________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
_____________________________
Teacher
3rd Grade
4th Grade
5th Grade
Lunch
11:00-11:25 am
11:30 -11:55 am
12:00 -12:25 pm
Recess
11:30-11:50 am
12:00-12:20 pm
12:30-12:50 pm
HOFFMAN SCHOOL
HALLOWEEN PLANS
Queridos Padres de Familia:
Tal como empieza el otoño, cayéndose las hojas y con vientos más fuertes, sabemos que la fiesta de Halloween llega
muy pronto. En la escuela Hoffman nosotros vamos a celebrar el Halloween el viernes, 30 de octubre 2015. Para ayudar
a los estudiantes a tener un día de Halloween con suficiente seguridad, vamos a seguir las siguientes reglas para nuestra
celebración de la escuela.
Sería una idea excelente de ayudar a su niño(a) a que escoja un disfraz apropiado, le sugerimos investigar un poco
acerca de personajes históricos o de libros de fantasía y disfrazarse en uno de estos personajes. Específicamente
estamos
animando a los niños a vestirse como personajes literarios, culturales o históricos con características positivas y
apropiadas. Por ejemplo: LITERARIO; Roxie of the Hooligans, Gooney Bird Greene, Tía Lola, Gylfie of the Guardians of
G’Hoole, Percy Jackson o CULTURALES/HISTORICAS: Rosa Park, Jorge Washington, César Chavez, Mahatma
Gandhi, Albert Einstein, Moon Goddess de Goguryeo y Kazimierzi Pulaski. Los estudiantes que vengan disfrazados
apropiadamente de un personaje literario o patriótico van a tener la oportunidad de entrar a una rifa en donde cinco
nombres de alumnos serán seleccionados y recibir un certificado de regalo para comprar libros en una librería local.
! Llevando armas o patines NO ES PERMITIDO.
! Disfraces con sangre o temas violentos son inapropiados
! Máscaras están prohibidas a menos que estén vestidos como un personaje literario, histórico o un animal. Máscaras de
“Grito” son inapropiadas.
! Los estudiantes van a tener tiempo después del almuerzo para ponerse su disfraz. Favor de no mandar al niño a la
escuela con maquillaje en la cara por la mañana .
! A su niño(a) se le permitirá ir a su casa para almorzar ese día. Van a necesitar firmar el permiso y devolverlo a su
maestro(a) de antemano. Los niños que van a salir ese día firmarán la salida en su salón. Queremos pedirles que si su
niño se va a su casa para almorzar este día que vaya SOLO durante su hora de almuerzo y recreo. Los estudiantes
que van a su casa también están recomendados a ir con sus padres, aunque sabemos que puede ser difícil para los
padres que trabajan y que quieren hacer planes con un amigo o vecino. Para la seguridad de su hijo(a) , le pedimos
que firmen el permiso adjunto. Los niños que van a su casa para almorzar van a salir por la PUERTA DE LA
OFICINA solamente. Solo los estudiantes en quinto grado pueden salir por las puertas cerca de Johns Park.
Nuestro Desfile de Halloween comenzará a la 1:15 pm. Desfilaremos a través de la escuela, los padres pueden ver el
Desfile cuando pasemos por el gimnasio.
Si Ud. tiene alguna pregunta favor de llamarme cuando le sea conveniente.
Durante el desfile, las mamás o papás del salón tendrán tiempo de preparar el salón para la fiesta. ¡Al sentir el espíritu de
esta celebración, esperamos tener un bonito día!
Sinceramente,
Mark Walther,
Director de la Escuela Hoffman
POR FAVOR DE DEVOLVER ESTA FORMA A MAS TARDAR EL
VIERNES 23 DE OCTUBRE, 2015
A
LA ESCUELA HOFFMAN
HALLOWEEN
Mi hijo/a____________________________________________________:
Irá a casa en la hora de su almuerzo.
Irá a casa con mi vecino o amigo, durante la hora de el almuerzo. ( por
favor escriba el nombre y el teléfono de la persona:)
Permanecerá en la escuela, no saldrá de la escuela.
Firma del padre o del guardián.
Maestra/o
El Horario de Almuerzo:
3 r grado
11:00 –11:25 am
4° grado
11:30-11:55 am
5° grado
12:00-12:25 pm
El Horario de Recreo:
11:25-11:50 am
11:55-12:20 pm
12:30-12:50 pm
http://henkinghoffmanpta.org/School-House-Rock
http://henkinghoffmanpta.org/
http://tinyurl.com/HEMonsterBookFair
http://henkinghoffmanpta.org/Book-Fair-Volunteer
http://henkinghoffmanpta.org/Pizza-Dinner
http://henkinghoffmanpta.org/PTA-Shop
http://henkinghoffmanpta.org/Schoola-Clothing-Drive
http://henkinghoffmanpta.org/eventsschedule
CHARACTER COUNTS! in Glenview
Kids Care Food Drive
to benefit local food pantries
October 19-23, 2015
The students of District 34, Our Lady of Perpetual Help and District 30
are coming together in conjunction with Character Counts week, to collect
food items to be donated to the Northfield Township Food Pantry.
Items of great need are: pancake mix and syrup, pasta sauce, juice/juice
boxes, coffee, tea, kid’s snacks/snack packs, cookies, crackers, macaroni &
cheese, instant mashed potatoes, peanut butter, jelly, paper products,
cereal, oatmeal, canned spaghetti, ravioli, chili, and corned beef hash.
(Please check expiration dates.)
Drop boxes will be located in each school. Daily collection tallies will be
listed by grade level. To find out how your grade is doing visit:
http://he.glenview34.org/cans
For more information call:
Cathy Freidinger (Dist.34) at 847/657-0271, Karen Booker (Dist. 30) at
847/644-7855, Beth Engels (OLPH) at 847/502-2261, Mark Walther
(Dist. 34) at 847/998-5042
Show that your grade cares!
Dear Hoffman Family,
The Glenview Education Foundation (GEF) is an all-volunteer, parent-run fundraising
organization that believes incremental private funding is essential to a high-performing public
school district. GEF will be running its Annual Fund Drive 10/12 - 11/6, and I am writing you
to encourage your participation.
Last year, $253,000 was donated back to District 34 schools in the form of advanced
technology and educational programming. The following is a list of grants that received
funding from GEF during the 2014-15 school year (a complete description of each grant can be
found at the GEF website at www.gef34.org):
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Middle School Makers: A STEM PILOT Financial Literacy: Grades 6-­‐8 Financial Literacy: Grades 3-­‐5 Northwestern University Engineering and Local Manufacturer Field Trip 10th Annual GEF Recital Night Springman Band and Orchestra Update The Use of Stability Balls in the Classroom Universidad de Baile / Dance University Second Step Resource IXL Language Program Outdoor Learning Environment Lyon School LRC Redesign Buildout Science Olympiad Henking Family Literacy Program. We are extremely grateful for the support GEF provides; however, GEF is only able to continue
to make these investments in our schools as a result of your financial support. Your contribution
can help GEF provide the highest quality public school education to all children in District 34.
Please consider donating during the Foundation’s Annual Fund Drive. Donations can be made
by visiting the GEF website at www.gef34.org.
Thank you,
Mark Walther
Principal, Hoffman
OCTOBER 12 - NOVEMBER 4
donate at www.gef34.org
THE ANNUAL GLENVIEW EDUCATION
FOUNDATION FUND DRIVE KICKS OFF THIS
WEEK!
The Glenview Education Foundation’s (GEF) Annual Fund Drive officially kicks off this
week, and will run through early November with a parent Phone-a-Thon on
Wednesday, November 4. Last year GEF raised over $213,000 to help cover the
gap between the District’s budget and educators’ great ideas. This year the
Foundation’s goal is $150,000.
GEF’s Annual Fund Drive is a key
component of the Foundation’s Reach
for the STARs campaign, which
focuses on four key areas of funding
(distributed via educator grants)
known as the "STAR Initiatives:"
Science Enrichment – Engage students
with hands-on learning and new
technology.
Teacher Investment – Help teachers to
innovate and share strategies for
success.
At-Risk Support – Bolster efforts to
help academically at-risks students to
ensure all students learn to their
potential.
Readiness Skills – Improve executive
function skills (organization,
communication, etc.).
Could You or Your Company
Be a Blue Ribbon Donor?
If you, your company – or you in combination with your company’s
matching funds program – are able to make a donation of $500 or
more to GEF, there are extra benefits.
Blue Ribbon donors receive special recognition. They are kept up to
date on donors' investment in District 34. Blue Ribbon Business Donors
also receive additional recognition throughout the year, including a
presence in GEF e-newsletters, on
the GEF Web site and at GEFsponsored events.
Your donation to GEF matters! State funding for education is down,
educational programming costs are up, and the challenge of
If you would like more information
preparing our children for an information-intense world continues to
about becoming an individual or
grow. GEF needs your financial support in order to add to the list of
business Blue Ribbon Donor,
successful developmental initiatives listed below:
please send an email to
*Middle School Makers: a STEM Pilot
[email protected]. or visit the GEF
*Financial Literacy grades 3-8
*GEF Recital Night
Web site at
*Lyon School LRC ReDesign
gef34.org/business_support.htm.
*Springman Band and Orchestra Update
Does My Donation Really Matter?
*The Use of Stability Balls in the Classroom
*Science Olympiad
*Every Child Can Ride
*Universidad de Baile / Dance University
*Second Step Resource
*IXL Language Program
*Outdoor Learning Environment at Westbrook
*Henking Family Literacy Program
Please take the time to donate today, and avoid the call….
If you donate now, it’s a win-win – you
won’t receive a phone call from one of our parent volunteers during the
November 4 Phone-A-Thon and our volunteers will have one less call to make!
Donate online at www.gef34.org - click DONATE NOW. All major credit cards accepted.
_______________________________________________________
_
_
Yes, I will Reach for the STARs with GEF. (Please make checks payable to Glenview Education Foundation, P.O. Box 373, Glenview IL 60025.)
Name: _____________________________________________ Phone: _________________ Contribution level: ____$500
Address: _________________________________________________
E-mail: _______________________________
____$250
____$100
____$50
Other $_______________
____ Enclosed is my signed Employer Matching Gift Form
GEF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Hoffman Conference Times
Fall 2015
If you have questions or wish to set a time for a conference, please contact the specific teacher from this list.
Teaching Position
Teacher Name
Dates and Times Available
Technology Facilitator
Jackie Kemper
10/12-10/15 7:00-7:45 am
Speech-Language
Pathologist
Nicole Lewis
10/9 2:30-3:30, 10/12-10/13 2:30-5:00 p.m.
LRC Director
Paula Smeltekop
10/12-10/16 7:00-8:00
Band Director
Sue Dobias
10/12-10/14 7:00-8:00, 10/15 2:30-3:30
Art
Linda Schober
10/12 (7:00-8:30 am), 10/13 (2:45-4:15), 10/15 (2:453:45)
Orchestra
Tracie Tatz
10/15 (2:30 - 5:30)
General Music
Amy Banas
10/13-10/15 (7:00-8:00)
Physical Education
Lauren Pagone
10/12-10/15 (7:15-8:00 a.m.) & 10/15 (2:30-3:15 p.m.)
PE
Drew Russell
10/12-10/15 (7:00-8:00)
PE
Andrew Mayer
10/13-10/15 (7:00-8:00)
Drama
Kristen Cone
10/12-10/13 (7:00-8:00 a.m)
10/14-10/15 (2:45-3:45 p.m.)
Resource Teacher
Lisa Hild Walsh
10/12 ~ 2:30 - 4:00
10/13 ~ 2:30 - 3:30
10/15 ~ 2:30 - 5:00
Resource Teacher
Marissa Prodanovic
10/12 (7:00-8:00 a.m.)
10/13 (2:30-6 p.m.)
10/15 (2:30-4:45 p.m.)
Orchestra HO
Andrew Babcock
10/14 (7:10-7:55 & 2:30-3:00)
10/15 (7:10-7:55 & 2:30-3:00)
10/16 (7:25-7:55)
Parent/Principal
Coffee
You’re Invited
Please plan on attending a highly informative and engaging
Parent/Principal Coffee on Tuesday, October 20 from 9:15-10:15
am at Hoffman School! Our Principals, Mark Walther (Hoffman)
and Irene Villa (Henking) will be leading a fun discussion of the
book
entitled,
How
To
Raise
an
Adult-Break
Free
of
the
Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success by Julie
Lythcott-Haims (2015).
All participants are strongly encouraged to purchase and
read this helpful book offering practical strategies that underline
the importance of allowing children to make their own mistakes
and
develop
the
resilience,
resourcefulness,
and
inner
determination necessary for success!
PLEASE COME!
Everything You Need to Know About Parenting…..but
might have been afraid to ask!
Listed below is a very helpful website for all Moms and Dads with loads of
research-based information and helpful advise to assist you in your efforts to be
the best parent that you can be! Among the many topics covered are
health/nutrition, friends, money, school success, sports, fitness, self-care, work and
family. The core of advice and the approach to the positive parenting guidance
supplied is built on the Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets. Enjoy!
Here’s the site:
www.parentfurther.com
Hoffman School Student Board …
Elections and Activities to Get Underway Soon!
We are excited to announce that our Hoffman School Student Board elections
and related activities will be getting underway soon. Here is a brief overview and
timeline of these upcoming Student Board events that will be very helpful for
parents to read.
What is the Hoffman School Student Board?
The Hoffman School Student Board is an opportunity for all students to participate in
our student government. The Student Board is comprised of two classroom
representatives from every 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade classroom. One boy and one girl are
elected by the children in each classroom to serve as a classroom representative. One or
two alternates may also be elected by the children in each classroom to serve in the event
that a classroom representative is absent.
The Student Board is also led by a President (5th grade student), Vice-President (4th
grade student), Secretary (5th grade student), and Treasurer (3rd grade student). All
students are eligible to run for any of these “Executive Board” positions according to their
grade level designation. Interested students must fill out an application and have it signed
by their parents and homeroom teacher before a posted deadline in order to be eligible to
participate in a “grade level” Primary Election. Primary Election candidates are required
to give a very brief introductory speech of 1-2 minutes providing their full name and a few
reasons why they are interested in running for this position. This brief speech is given to
grade level peers ONLY and is led by the teachers at each grade level. It is common for
20-40 students to run for each of the “Executive Board” positions. The grade level
Primary Election serves to narrow the field of candidates to four candidates for each
“Executive Board” position.
Each of the candidates for the “Executive Board” positions must be in
good academic standing, demonstrate strong character traits, and be
willing to lead others as a good citizen. Each of the candidates will create
six campaign posters and develop a speech that is given to the entire
student body. Every speech is practiced and reviewed by our Faculty
Advisors after school prior to their speech in an all-school assembly. A
General Election follows where every registered student and faculty
member votes for each
of the “Executive Board” positions resulting in 1 President (5th grade
student), 1 Vice-President (4th grade student), 1 Secretary (5th grade
student), and 1 Treasurer (3rd grade student).
The Hoffman School Student Board meets once a month beginning in December on
Wednesday afternoons from 2:30-3:15 pm in the Learning Center. They are led by our
Faculty Advisors:
Ms. Kate Morgan – Grade 3 teacher
Ms. Katie Mies – Grade 4 teacher
Mrs. Mara Caplan Pierce – Grade 5 teacher
Mr. Mark Walther – Principal
Monthly meetings help our students learn to serve others in a democratic studentgovernment forum. The Student Board plans for and participates in a wide variety of
opportunities focused on community-service projects, extra-curricular events,
environmental initiatives, and school procedures.
Please contact Mr. Walther should you have any questions or need further information.
_________________________________________________________________
PICTURE RE-TAKE DAY AT HOFFMAN
Picture re-take day has been scheduled for Monday, October 12 th . If your
child was not in attendance on our original photo day, your child will be
photographed on this day. To receive pictures you must turn in the Color Portraits order form
with payment. If you are requesting a retake because you are unhappy with the photo taken,
please have your child bring the entire package to the school office AS SOON AS POSSIBLE to
be added to the list. The photo package must be returned to the photographer. If you have any
questions, please call the office. Thank you.
___________________________________________________________________________
Vision and Hearing Screening
Completed Last Week at Hoffman School
Please give a hearty round of applause and an EXTRA SPECIAL THANKS to
the following parents who provided their time, care, enthusiasm, and service
to our students and contributed to a highly successful vision/hearing
screening for ALL of our students last week: Irene Sewell, Tim Sewell,
Julie Lomer, Kathy Szoke, Jenna Otwell, Karen Callagan