Farewell From Ms. Nissim
​I want to take this opportunity to thank the Waters administration, staff, parents and students for an amazing send-off as I began my retirement. The beautiful bouquet sent by 5th grade parents on my last day took my breath away and I so appreciate the other gifts I received from individual 5th and 6th grade students and their families. My position as literacy coach and writing teacher provided me with a chance to interact with many very special people and collaborate with an exceptional group of teachers. More than anything, I treasure the time I spent with your precious children.
 
Thank you again,
Vicki Nissim

​Summer Edition of StudentXpress
Congratulations to the students whose submissions to the summer edition of the StudentsXpress newspaper were published. Several of these students were also invited to read their pieces at The Printers Row Lit Fest held at Burnham Pointe on Sunday, June 12. I hope those who attended had a wonderful experience!
 
Published authors:
Josile D., Samantha D., Ellison B., Enesa G., Liliana A., Dylan S., Emilio H., Noah O., Sylvie C., Nicole M., Sydney K., Lucille F.P., Nicole B., Daniel G., Addison W., Leila H., Aya B., Kaia G., Amy S., Fiona F., Sofia M. (from Rm. 207), Sofia M. (from Rm. 310), and Sophie K.
Congratulations to Nina M.I. who was also invited to read her submission at the event.
 
I have truly enjoyed having a role in encouraging students to write for the StudentsXpress over the last few years. -Ms. Nissim
 

New Student Registration 
Waters School Office, 9 a.m. to noon every weekday

Do you have an incoming kindergarten student for the 2016/17 school year? Know of neighbors and friends within the Waters boundaries who are planning to send their children to Waters this coming school year? Get the word out and encourage any family with new students to officially register for Waters right away.

​Registration is vital in helping the administration plan for classroom and staff assignments. The school's budget is based on a per registered student allocation. You will need to bring proof of your child's age and two documents showing your current address. Learn more about required documentation and health requirements.

STEAM Project Fully Funded!
July 2016
One of the new curricular goals introduced by the Waters' instructional leadership team (ILT) for the 2016-18 curriculum plan is a Science Technology Engineering Arts & Math (STEAM) component, taking our arts integration to a new and exciting level. Teachers have participated in STEAM-focused conferences and Mini-Maker Faires. Most recently, Mrs. Vecchioni's DonorsChoose project was fully funded, thanks to many generous donors and a special award for the project with the most votes at the 2016 Summer Arts Integration & STEAM Online Conference! This project funds the creation of a fully equipped Maker Space in the art room, will all the necessary maker materials for students to engineer their own creations. Learn more about STEAM here.

Wednesday July 20, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
The 2016-18 Waters Local School Council will have its first meeting this week, a combination organizational meeting and budget review/approval meeting (tentative agenda).

Forum on Chicago Public Schools Budget
Monday, July 18 – Amundsen High School 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Raise Your Hand is having a CPS budget forum on July 18 at Amundsen High School to hear from policy experts and elected officials on what happened in Springfield and what we can do moving forward to push for better funding. 

The panel includes Ralph Martire of CTBA, Sarah Karp, Alderman Pawar, Alderman Rosa, Representative Greg Harris and Representative Ann Williams; Alderman O'Connor has also been invited. More information and extra flyers about the event on the CPS Budget Forum Facebook page.

In a letter to the community, Principal Crespo shares good news from Springfield and what to expect in coming months regarding our school budget and more. You can read it on her blog, or download here for both English and Spanish versions.