Para leer las Notas Verdes en español, busquélas en la oficina de Waters. 
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waterselementary.org
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
*Bilingual Advisory Committee Meeting – Annex 8:30 a.m.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
*Cross Country Meeting – Gym Office 3:15-3:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
*5th/6th Boy’s Soccer Tryouts – Field 3:30-4:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
*Curriculum Night – 6:00 p.m. (new families) and 6:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1
*7th/8th Boy’s Soccer Tryouts – Field 3:30-4:30 p.m.


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LETTER FROM PRINCIPAL CRESPO

Dear Parents,

We are looking forward to seeing everyone this Wednesday at our annual Curriculum Night. This evening is an opportunity for you to learn about the curriculum that your children will be exploring this year. Teachers will present syllabi as it pertains to the individual grade levels. The syllabi will be available on our school website and hard copies will not be available as we honor our efforts to be a green school. While opportunities for questions pertaining to classroom instruction will be available, please note that curriculum night is not meant for individual parent/teacher conferences. You may always schedule an appointment with any staff member so we can give you individual attention. 

Our after school arts partnership with CAPE is about to begin. Information is included below. Please note that due to an overwhelming response, students will be selected by lottery for acceptance into the program offerings.  

Coffee with Crespo/Espresso with Crespo will begin in October. This year I will alternate times to accommodate parents who may be unable to attend morning coffees. I will host a morning and an evening coffee on alternating months. Please be on the lookout for sign up dates in the coming days.

On a completely different topic, I am asking for your help. We are a community school and we want to respect our community. Alderman Pawar and I have received complaints from our neighbors that drivers are honking their horns and speeding down the streets that surround our school in the morning and cutting through alleys to get to school on time. Alderman Pawar and I respectfully ask that you refrain from these types of disruptive activities.  

I look forward to seeing all of you on Wednesday.

                                    —Mrs. Crespo


STUDENTSXPRESS PUBLISHED AUTHORS
Congratulations to the students whose fall submissions to the StudentXpress newspaper—sent at end of last school year—were published. Students and their classmates will all receive a copy.

Grace R. (p. 12)  Room 209
Samantha D.(p.12)  Room 307
Anja H.(p.10)  Room 201 
Sidney L.(p.11)  Room 201
Isabela G.(p.8)  Room 209
Regan Z.(p.8)  Room 310
Mensur M.(p.7)  Room 207
Sylvie C.(p.2)  Room 201
Oscar R.(p.8)  Room 307
Anasasia T.(p.7)  Room 209
Fiona F.(p.7)  Room 207
Layla A.(p.7)  Room 207
Isabella B.(p.6) Room 209
Damir F.(p.6)  Room 201
Laelia V.(p.6)  Room 209
Sofia M.(p.3)  Room 207


FALL SPORTS
Cross Country Meeting
Tuesday, September 29 
Gym Office – 3:15-3:30 p.m.
This meeting is for any student in 5th through 8th grade interested in running cross country. We will meet by the Gym Office. Contact Coach Kurz.

5th/6th Grade Boys’ Soccer Tryouts
Tuesday, September 29 
Waters Field – 3:30-4:30 p.m.
All interested 5th and 6th boys interested in trying out for soccer are encouraged to attend. Contact Coach Kurz.

7th/8th Grade Boys’ Soccer Tryouts
Thursday, October 1 
Waters Field – 3:30-4:30 p.m.
All interested 7th and 8th grade boys interested in trying out for soccer are encouraged to attend. Contact Coach Kurz.


BILUNGUAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ELECTIONS
Tuesday, September 29 
Waters Annex – 8:30 a.m
Si quiere saber mas sobre el programa bilingue en la escuela Waters, participar en talleres y ser un proponente para nuestros estudiates aprendiendo ingles, le invitamos a participar en nuestro Comite Asesor Bilingue.  La primera reunion sera el 29 de septiembre para la eleccion de la nueva directiva.  

If you would like to learn about Waters School bilingual program, participate in workshops, and be an advocate for our English language learners, we invite you to attend our Bilingual Advisory Committee meetings.  Our first meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 29, at 8:30 a.m. to hold the elections for our new BAC members. Contact Nilsa Alvarez.

CURRICULUM NIGHT
Wednesday, September 30.
Waters Gym – 6:00 p.m. New Families
Classrooms – 6:30 p.m.
New Waters families are invited to come to the Gym at 6:00 p.m. for a special presentation. Returning families may arrive at 6:30 pm and go directly to their child(ren)'s classroom. Please enter through the main office doors. No children are permitted to attend the meetings with their parents; please see the childcare options below.

Childcare Options
Curriculum night is a parents-only presentation. If you cannot find childcare, Waters Today and the 8th-grade classes are providing two options, at a cost of $10 per family. All proceeds from this event will help fund the 8th grade class trip to Washington, D.C.  

For the 6 p.m. new families/kinder presentation, parent volunteers will be in the Annex along with eighth-grade volunteers to help out. Sign your children in at the Annex prior to going to the gym.

For grades 1-7 (6:30 to 7:30 p.m.), parent volunteers will organize a movie and a homework station in the Annex. Eighth-grade volunteers will be on hand to help out. Drop off your children in the Annex prior to visiting your children’s classrooms.

C.A.P.E. AFTERSCHOOL OPPORTUNITES
Five Waters arts grant programs are on offer this year. Students may choose one class only. The classes meet twice a week and students must be able to attend both sessions each week. Programs start Monday, October 5, and continue until May 25. Due to high demand, a lottery will be held on Friday, October 2 for interested students who turn in the individual permission forms by Thursday, October 1. 

Multicultural Dance Class (1st-3rd Grades)
We’ll research and learn different dances from around the world such as jazz, tango, Bollywood, folk dance, and hip-hop. Students will: help choose which dance styles to research and develop body awareness and confidence. Students will perform the dances they’ve learned in a presentation at the end of each semester. 
 
Constructed Photography Class (3rd-6th Grades)
Learn how to use a digital camera, studio lights, create portraits and landscape photographs. Also share your camera creations with your classmates and learn about famous photographers.

Drama and Culture (1st – 3rd Grades)
If you are interested in acting, movement, mask making, and learning about the wonderful world around you then this is the program for you. We will be learning about different cultures (through children’s literature) and then adding drama, movement, and voice to bring the stories to life. 

Costume Creations
Learn how to make dazzling costumes.

Movie Magic
Performing in and with movies, experimental animation, green screens, poetic adaptation and object lessons. Students will work collaboratively and independently on a series of movie magic projects. 


ECOLOGY 
Friday, October 2, 8:15 a.m.
Waters Conference Room
Mr. Leki will host the Mighty Acorns parent workshop (especially for the new third-grade classes) to continue the preparation of the Mighty Acorns journals. We will also be preparing trip journals for 2nd and 6th grade river studies, and 7th grade Lake Michigan studies. See the entire week’s schedule on Mr. Leki’s blog.

ANNUAL GIVE TO WATERS
The Annual Give to Waters (formerly Flower Power) is one of Waters’ largest fundraisers and provides funding for programs not supported by the CPS budget. Our goal for this year is to raise $100,000 for Waters Elementary School. Your support provides essential funds for:

•    A full-time Ecology position (Mr. Leki) – in fact our whole Ecology program
•    A half-time Music position – to match the half that CPS pays to make a full-time position
•    Right At School lunchtime/recess supervision
•   Other enrichment programs, curriculum and instructional materials, technology upgrades, school-wide supplies and other school-wide initiatives.

We would love for all members of our community to donate at any amount that best suits their family. Everyone can be a part of supporting our school, and every dollar makes a difference in the educational experience of our children. Get involved today!


HEALTH FORMS
Due October 15
Please help Waters meet the 100% compliance mark for submission of health data. The medical information already received is being entered, and letters will go home to parents whose child is still not in compliance. Health and immunization requirements and have been updated for 2015-16, so please be sure to double-check. (Spanish)  Parents of new students or 6th grade students should have their health care provider complete this form and return to the main office.


CPS PARENT PORTAL
The Parent Portal is a link to information about your child’s teachers, grades, absences and other records. A pin is required that you can get from the office (in person) and then you create a login so you can keep track of your child’s academics. Parents are strongly encouraged to sign up and use the system. Questions, check with the office or your child’s teacher.


ONLINE STUDENT ART GALLERY
New families: You should have received a permission form to display your child's artwork on Artsonia, an online “student art museum” that showcases artwork from students all over the world. Parents, grandparents, and family members can order prints, mugs, jewelry, and more with your child's creative inspirations on them, and 20% of the proceeds comes back to support our art program! Learn more.


QUICK LINKS
The Waters website, provides most, if not all, school-related information you may need, including Green Notes and Mr. Leki’s blog. If you can't find what you are looking for, contact LSC Communications Chair, Erica Smith.

Sync the Waters Google Calendar to your own Google calendar. A snapshot of the calendar can be found on the home page.

Waters Today has a new website with fundraising information and volunteer opportunities. Stop by Waters Today. ________________________________________
For up-to-date news and events about the Waters community, check out the Waters Community and Events Facebook page.

Want to volunteer? Email Kathleen Matuszewich 

Have a pledge or donation to make? Email Rick Bolliger

Want to Receive Ecology updates? Email Peter Leki

Have school-related news to share or want to subscribe to Waters Green Notes? Email Cookie Silvia 

Have ideas, time or funds for Waters fundraising efforts or just want to keep up on fundraising volunteer opportunities? Email Sandi Barlow Stone 

For general questions or concerns, email the Waters Today Board 

Para leer las Notas Verdes en español, busquélas en la oficina de Waters.

*WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
*Parent Leadership Network Meeting – Sulzer Library 9:30-11:00 a.m.

*WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
*Girls Volleyball Tryouts – Waters Gym 3:30-4:15 p.m.

*THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
*Picture Day (by class) – 8:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
*Curriculum Night – 6:00 p.m. (new families) and 6:30 p.m.

 

LETTER FROM PRINCIPAL CRESPO

Dear Parents,

It's hard to believe we are already in our 4th week of school!  

A very special thank you to the 5/6 grade teacher team. On Monday, September 14, teachers, chaperones and 150 students went to Camp Duncan in Ingleside, IL for an educational outing to work on various team building exercises. It was a day filled with new learning experiences and getting to know each other. Thank you Mrs. Del Campo for organizing this annual trip. Check out the photo!

Thank you to Mr. Raman for presenting on Executive Functions this past week. The workshop was informative and provided helpful tips on how to manage time and organize oneself. Students are utilizing these tools in grades five to eight to develop organizational skills that will help not only with their daily academic routine but with life. The top three takeaways from the workshop are highlighted in an article below.  

Please join us at our annual Curriculum Night, next Wednesday evening September 30 at 6:00 pm for new families in the Gym. And for returning families, please go directly to your child's classroom at 6:30pm. This is a PARENTS ONLY event.  Come and hear what your child will be learning this school year. Childcare will be available (if needed) at $10 per family. Please see below for more details.  

If you have not already done so, please turn in all medical forms. Remember October 15 is the deadline. All students whose medical information is not current WILL BE EXCLUDED from school per CPS policy.  Do not let this happen to your child.  

CPS has unfortunately cut all elementary school sports funding. The Waters administration is committed to funding and continuing the sports program at Waters as best we can. After school electives are extremely important and beneficial for children. Waters will continue to keep athletics as a priority after school program. More information will available soon.

CPS is in the process of developing the fall season schedule for all sports. Not all CPS schools will be involved so creating the schedule has been challenging. More information to follow. 

        --Mrs. Crespo

 

5th/6th GRADE SCIENCE FAIR PACKET
Tuesday, September 22nd
If you have not received an email regarding a 5th or 6th grade Science Fair Packet, please email Deb Del Campo (room 305) a.s.a.p. We are asking families to print this packet so your child can bring it to class this Tuesday.


PARENT LEADERSHIP NETWORK MEETING
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Sulzer Regional Library – 9:30-11:00 a.m.
The CPS Office of Family and Community Engagement (FACE) is working to engage parents through the Parent Leadership Network, which holds monthly meetings on different topics.  At this meeting, there will be a discussion of Parent Leadership, Title I, Parent Portal, and the CPS School Locator map.  View more info.


FALL SPORTS
5th /6th Grade Girls Volleyball Tryouts
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Waters Gym – 3:30-4:15 p.m.
Tryouts are on Wednesday. Please see or email Mrs. (Griffin) Barta in room 306 if you have any questions. Be sure to wear athletic clothing and gym shoes.


PICTURE DAY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Thursday, September 24, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Would you like to spend an hour or so at school helping classes go down together to get their pictures taken? If so, please sign up. We need volunteers from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. If you sign up for the last time slot there is a possibility that all pictures may already be taken. Please sign in at the Main Office right before you begin your volunteer shift.


BILUNGUAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ELECTIONS
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Waters Annex – 8:30 a.m
Si quiere saber mas sobre el programa bilingue en la escuela Waters, participar en talleres y ser un proponente para nuestros estudiates aprendiendo ingles, le invitamos a participar en nuestro Comite Asesor Bilingue.  La primera reunion sera el 29 de septiembre para la eleccion de la nueva directiva. 

If you would like to learn about Waters School bilingual program, participate in workshops and be an advocate for our English language learners, we invite you to attend our Bilingual Advisory Committee meetings.  Our first meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at 8:30 a.m. to hold the elections for our new BAC members. Any questions, contact Nilsa Alvarez


CURRICULUM NIGHT
Wednesday, September 30. 2015
Waters Gym – 6:00 p.m. New Families
Classrooms – 6:30 p.m.
New families are invited to come to the Gym at 6:00 p.m. for a special presentation and returning families may arrive at 6:30 pm and go directly to their child(ren)'s classroom. Please enter through the main office doors. No children are permitted to attend the meetings with their parents.

Childcare Options
Curriculum night is a parents-only presentation. If you absolutely cannot find childcare, Waters Today and the 8th-grade classes are providing two options, at a cost of $10 per family. All proceeds from this event will go toward the 8th grade class trip to Washington, D.C.  

  • For the 6 p.m. new families/kinder presentation, the kindergarten teachers are organizing an activity in their classrooms to occupy the children with two eighth-graders per room to help out. Parents can sign their kids in to their classes before going to the gym for the presentation.

 • For returning families, (6:30 to 7:30), parent volunteers will organize a movie and a homework station in the Annex. Five 8th-graders will be on hand to help out. Drop off your child in the Annex before going to visit with your children’s teachers.

 
ANNUAL GIVE TO WATERS
The Annual Give to Waters (formerly Flower Power) is one of Waters’ largest fundraisers and provides funding for programs not supported by the CPS budget. Our goal for this year is to raise $100,000 for Waters Elementary School. Your support provides essential funds for:

•    A full-time Ecology position (Mr. Leki) – in fact our whole Ecology program
•    A half-time Music position – to match the half that CPS pays to make a full-time position
•    Right At School lunchtime/recess supervision
•    Other enrichment programs, curriculum and instructional materials, technology upgrades, school-wide supplies and other school-wide initiatives.

We would love for all members of the Waters community to donate at any amount that best suits their family. Everyone can be a part of supporting our school, and every dollar makes a difference in the educational experience of our children. Get involved today!


HEALTH FORMS
Due October 15, 2015
Please help Waters meet the 100% compliance mark for submission of health data. The medical information already received is being entered, and letters will go home to parents whose child is still not in compliance. Parents should bring this form to the office and pediatricians should fill out and return this form by Thursday, October 15. Health and immunization requirements have been updated for 2015-16, so please be sure to check the school website home page.


CPS PARENT PORTAL
The Parent Portal is a link to information about your child’s teachers, grades, absences and other records. A pin is required that you can get from the office (in person) and then you create a login so you can keep track of your child’s academics.Parents are strongly encouraged to sign up and use the system. Questions, check with the office or your child’s teacher.


ONLINE STUDENT ART GALLERY
New families: You should have received a permission form to display your child's artwork on Artsonia, an online “student art museum” that showcases artwork from students all over the world. Parents, grandparents, and family members can order prints, mugs, jewelry, and more with your child's creative inspirations on them, and 20% of the proceeds comes back to support our art program! Learn more.


EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS
Mr. Raman held a workshop that focused on habits/life skills kids of all grades should learn in order to improve their current and future schooling experience. Top action items below. Review presentation slides.

• Help your child plan ahead by using a family calendar and hold a weekly meeting to review upcoming events and assignments.
• Help kids visualize the passage of time by employing a time timer clock or app when carrying out time sensitive activities.
•Break down homework tasks into smaller chunks to help kids feel a sense of accomplishment.


LOCAL SCHOOL COUNCIL
New Parent Representative Position
Congratulations to Darian Martyniuk, who was selected by the LSC at the September 8th meeting to fill the vacancy for a parent representative. The next LSC meeting will be October 13th at 6:30 pm. Learn more about the LSC.


SCHOOL MEAL PROGRAM
CPS changed food service vendors this year and they now have a drop-down menu for each school to view breakfast, lunch, and after-school snack menus. Initial glitches in the Waters menu appear to have been fixed. Access the menu. Also, note that breakfast and lunch are free to all students, but there are fees for seconds and extras – for example, if your child brought a lunch from home and wants to purchase milk, they must pay for the milk. View the fee schedule. After-school snacks are free to all students enrolled in an after-school program. Get more information on the CPS meal programs.


MS. NISSIM APPRECIATES YOUR SUPPORT
A huge thank-you to those generous parents who have donated to Ms. Nissim’s Donors Choose projects. She would appreciate any size donation to obtain the balance still needed for a document camera. View the request. Thank you!

 

QUICK LINKS

The Waters website, provides most, if not all, school-related information you may need. If you can't find what you are looking for, contact LSC Communications Chair, Erica Smith.

Sync the Waters Google Calendar to your own Google calendar. A snapshot of the calendar can be found on the home page.

Waters Today has a new website with fundraising information and volunteer opportunities. Stop by Waters Today.

For up-to-date news and events about the Waters community, check out the Waters Community and Events Facebook page.

Want to volunteer? Email Kathleen Matuszewich

Have a pledge or donation to make? Email Rick Bolliger

Want to Receive Ecology updates? Email Peter Leki

Have school-related news to share or want to subscribe to Waters Green Notes? Email Cookie Silvia

Have ideas, time or funds for Waters fundraising efforts or just want to keep up on fundraising volunteer opportunities? Email Sandi Barlow Stone

For general questions or concerns, email the Waters Today Board

Para leer las Notas Verdes en español, busquélas en la oficina de Waters.


MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
*CPS and Waters Elementary School Forms Due

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
*Parent Workshop – Waters Annex 6:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
*Curriculum Night – 6:00 p.m. (new families) and 6:30 p.m.


LETTER FROM PRINCIPAL CRESPO

Welcome to a new year! Welcome back parents and a special welcome to all our new families. We had a great first week of school. Our classrooms look wonderful and the learning that took place this week, looked even better!  

A huge thank you to our summer custodial staff for preparing our beautiful school for opening day – Gerardo, Reinaldo and Pete! You guys are the best team to have in a school. Thank you for all that you do.

We would like to officially recognize and welcome:

Mr. John Gaytan as our Office Manager
Mr. Gerardo Servin as our Security Officer
Ms. Laura Mota as our Lunch Room Manager

and say Best Wishes:

Ms. Taureen Whiteman, who secured a teaching job in another CPS school
Ms. Amanda Carson who also secured a teaching job
Mr. Jorge Gonzalez who was promoted to Manager in another CPS schoo
Mrs. Cecibel Amerson who moved to St. Louis, MO with her family

Welcome Packets went home this week. There are multiple forms that need to be returned to your child's classroom teacher. Please return them Monday, September 14.  

Please join us this week Wednesday at 6 pm- 7pm for a workshop on "Executive Functions" led by Mr. Raman, one of our middle school teachers. He will share with you so valuable techniques for your child and their organizational skills. These are tips that will benefit your child for life. 

Waters created a scholarship fund this year. This fund is to help provide resources for students whose families may not be able to afford the fees that are requested at Waters. This includes but is not limited to the annual student/family fee. This fund can help to pay for a student’s field trip, supplies and materials, etc.  If you are able, please help all of our students at Waters. Thanking you in advance for your generosity.  

We are monitoring our attendance and registration closely. As you may know, every student's absence impacts our school rating.  If your child is absent from school, please follow the absence protocol found in the welcome packet.  Also, every student in attendance counts towards financial resources for FY16.  If you are planning on your child attending Waters but your child has not been in school yet, please contact the main office to inform them. If you know of anyone who still has not registered at Waters and lives in the attendance boundaries, please let them know that school is in session.   

All students must be in compliance with medical exams per CPS policy prior to the deadline of October 15, 2015. Parents were notified of required immunizations last spring prior to school dismissing. If you have not already done so, please schedule your child for their appointment with the doctor. Any student that does not have the required documents on Oct.15 will be excluded from school. Students who are not in compliance will receive a letter in the coming weeks.  

An important reminder: School does not begin until 8:15 am. There were many students this week on the playground early in the morning with no supervision. If you are in need of early morning care, please inquire about our supervised early bird program.  You can find information on our website or inquire in the main office. During inclement weather days this is even more of a concern. Please do not leave your children outside in the rain and cold before the school day begins. Students are getting wet (especially with no umbrella) which then can lead to them getting sick. Safety is a big priority for us at Waters.  

Thank you and have a beautiful week!

 
2015/16 FORMS AND FEES
Due Monday September 14, 2015
Please sign and return the forms sent home last week by Monday. Please be sure to include the student fee as well. You can find the checklist and download forms on the website. Each family should fill out one CPS Family Income Information Form with all family members listed on it, send it to school with the oldest child and let any siblings’ teachers know that the form has been turned in. This form replaces the Free/Reduced Lunch Form. Include the School Based Oral Health Program Consent form (not listed in the checklist) only if you wish for your child to participate in that program.


CPS PARENT PORTAL
School year 2015-2016
The Parent Portal is a link to information on grades, attendance and classroom assignments. A pin is required (you can get it from the office, in person) to create a login so you can keep track of your child’s progress. Parents are strongly encouraged to sign up and use the system. Classroom assignment letters will no longer be mailed home as all of this information is available on Parent Portal. Questions? Check with the office or your child’s teacher.


SCHOOL MEAL PROGRAM
2015/2016 School Year
CPS changed food service vendors this year and they now have a drop-down menu for each school to view breakfast, lunch, and after-school snack menus. Initial glitches in the Waters menu appear to have been fixed.  Access the menu here. Also, note that breakfast and lunch are free to all students, but there are fees for seconds and extras – for example, if your child brought a lunch from home and wants to purchase milk. Fees can be found here. After-school snacks are free to all students enrolled in an after-school program. More information on the CPS meal programs here.


5th/6th GRADE CAMP DUNCAN DAY TRIP
Monday, September 14th
7:45 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
YMCA Camp Duncan, Ingleside, IL
I want to thank the 5th and 6th grade parent community for the overwhelming response to chaperoning this trip. Please make sure your child has a lunch, as dinner is provided. If you would like your child to walk home when we return, they must have a note stating so and signed by a parent. Looking forward to some great team building. Questions, contact Deb Del Campo.

 
PARENT EDUCATION WORKSHOP
Wednesday, September 16th
Waters Annex – 6:00 p.m.
Executive Functions
A parent education workshop on Executive Functions will be hosted by Mr. Raman to help parents understand the ways their students learn.
Please note: the Math Trailblazers event has been cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date.


CHICAGO HIGH SCHOOL FAIR
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Lake View High School – 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
This work_shop is for middle school parents and students to learn all about the high school admissions process, including information about scholarships and peer Q & A sessions with current high school students. Additional information can be found here. Questions, email Chicago School GPS.


CURRICULUM NIGHT
Wednesday, September 30th
Waters Annex – 6:00 p.m. New Families
Classrooms – 6:30 p.m. Returning and new families
Save the date for Curriculum Night. This is a PARENTS ONLY event.  New families are invited to come to the Annex on the south side of the building next to the parking lot at 6:00 p.m. for a special presentation and returning families may arrive at 6:30 pm and go directly to their child(ren)'s classroom.

 
KINDER MENTOR PROGRAM
School year 2015-2016
Are you new to Waters and would like to be paired up with a Waters Parent to know the in-and-outs of the school? Sign up for the Waters Incoming Parent Mentor Program and be paired up with someone to help you with any questions that you may have. From daily procedures to wanting to know more about our fundraisers, volunteer parents will help you with any questions you may have about our great school and its community. Please contact Victor Aragon with any questions.


SCOUTING OPPORTUNITES
Cub Scouts
Thursday, September 17th
6:30 p.m.
Interested in Cub Scouts? Missed the Back-to-School Picnic hosted by Local Pack 3894? Mark your calendars for the ‘Blast Into Scouting’ recruitment event on September 17th at 6:30 p.m. at Waters, or contact Pack leader Lyzette Austen for more information.

Girl Scouts (Daisies, Brownies, Juniors and Cadets)
Voss Building at Queen of Angels
If you have a girl who is interested in scouting, please contact Troop Leaders Colleen Herman for Daisies, (Kinder and first grades), Blair McAnany for Brownies, (second and third grades), and Geri Aston for Juniors (fourth and fifth grades). We do have higher levels of scouting; contact any of these troop leaders for info.


MS. NISSIM APPRECIATES YOUR SUPPORT
A huge thank-you to those generous parents who have donated to Ms. Nissim’s Donors Choose projects. She would appreciate any size donation to obtain the balance still needed for a projector and document camera. Any donations made during the next six days will be matched if you enter the code SPARK before submitting your gift. Donations can be made here. Thank you.


NOTES FROM MR. LEKI
For garden updates and information on Waters’ amazing ecology program, check out Mr. Leki’s blog posts on the school website.
 

GYM UNIFORMS
Due September 25, 2015
There is an OPTIONAL gym uniform available for purchase. If your student would like a Waters uniform to wear for gym class, you can order it online here. The deadline for orders is Friday, September 25, 2015. Questions, contact Coach Kurz.



QUICK LINKS

The Waters website, provides most, if not all, school-related information you may need. If you can't find what you are looking for, contact LSC Communications Chair, Erica Smith.

Sync the Waters Google Calendar to your own Google calendar. A snapshot of the calendar can be found on the home page.

Waters Today has a new website with fundraising information and volunteer opportunities. Stop by Waters Today.

For up-to-date news and events about the Waters community, check out the Waters Community and Events Facebook page.

Want to volunteer? Email Kathleen Matuszewich

Have a pledge or donation to make? Email Rick Bollinger

Want to Receive Ecology updates? Email Peter Leki

Have school-related news to share or want to subscribe to Waters Green Notes? Email Cookie Silvia

Have ideas, time or funds for Waters fundraising efforts or just want to keep up on fundraising volunteer opportunities? Email Sandi Barlow Stone

For general questions or concerns, email the Waters Today Board

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
*First day of school – 8:15 a.m.–3:15 p.m.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
*LSC Meeting – Waters Annex 4:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
*Parent Education Workshops – 6:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
*Curriculum Night – 6:00 p.m. (new families) and 6:30 p.m.


LETTER FROM PRINCIPAL CRESPO

Dear Waters Parents and Guardians;

Welcome to the 2015-2016 school year! During the summer months, Waters staff has been hard at work preparing the building for tomorrow’s first full day of school. As I enter into FY16, my passion for working with you, your children and our staff to create the best learning environment — that allow our students the opportunity to grow and develop both academically, socially and emotionally —continues to grow.

As we begin this exciting year, I want to say thank you for believing in us. After a challenging budget season, I am happy to report that we secured additional funding to provide a third kinder and third first grade classroom!

If you haven’t seen it already, be sure to stop by the main entrance of the school. A beautiful mosaic welcomes you! The entrance was transformed this summer during our Arts Camp, which was funded through Chicago Arts Partnership in Education (CAPE).

I’m looking forward to seeing all the children on Tuesday!


2015/16 WELCOME PACKET
September 2015
This school year's Welcome Packet, an up-to-date resource of information for new and returning families is available online now! Hard copies will be sent home with incoming Kindergarten students during the first week of school. This handy reference guide outlines school policies and procedures including: forms and fees, a map for where classes line up, absences, wellness program, medical requirements, food service information, school events, fundraising and volunteer opportunities.

CPS PARENT PORTAL
School year 2015-2016
The Parent Portal is a link to information about your child’s teachers, grades, absences and other records. A pin is required (you can get it from the office, in person) to create a login so you can keep track of your child’s progress. Questions? Check with the office or your child’s teacher.

LOCAL SCHOOL COUNCIL
Tuesday, September 8th
Waters Annex – 4:00 p.m.
This is the first LSC meeting of the 2015-16 school year. During the meeting, applicants for the open position may introduce themselves and the LSC will conduct a closed session to vote on a candidate to fill the position. The new member’s term begins on September 8th through the academic year (2015-16). By LSC regulations, the public does not vote for members who are filling open spots. Questions, contact Waters LSC.

5th/6th GRADE CAMP DUNCAN DAY TRIP
Monday, September 14th
7:45 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
YMCA Camp Duncan, Ingleside, IL
Students will be participating in a wide range of activities that include: archery, teams course activities, climbing tower, GPS scavenger hunt, group games, and an evening campfire. These activities will aid in building their class communities, enhancing their orienteering skills, challenging their physical and mental skills as well as enjoying the beautiful nature setting around them. The cost of the trip will be $48, which covers transportation, camp activities and dinner. Students will need to bring a bag lunch. Two adult chaperones required per class at no charge on a first come, first serve basis. Permission slips and waivers will be going out Tuesday and will need to be returned no later than Friday.
Questions, contact Deb Del Campo.

PARENT EDUCATION WORKSHOPS
Wednesday, September 16th
Waters Annex – 6:00 p.m.
Save the date for these upcoming parent education workshops on Wednesday September 16: Math Trailblazers at 6:00 p.m. and Executive Functions at 7:00 p.m. More info to follow next week!

CURRICULUM NIGHT
Wednesday, September 30th
Waters Annex – 6:00 p.m. New Families
Classrooms – 6:30 p.m. Returning and new families
Save the date for Curriculum Night! New families are invited to come to the Annex on the south side of the building next to the parking lot at 6:00 p.m. for a special presentation and returning families may arrive at 6:30 pm and go directly to their child(ren)'s classroom.

KINDER MENTOR PROGRAM
School year 2015-2016
We are looking for current Waters parents willing to partner up with incoming parents. As a mentor, your duties will include answering any questions incoming parents may have throughout the school year, giving them more information about the various fundraisers and welcoming them to the Waters community. A detailed email will be sent later in the week to interested parents. Please contact Victor Aragon with any questions or to volunteer. If you know of incoming parents who would like to participate, please have them email Victor as well.

SCOUTING OPPORTUNITIES
Cub Scouts
Thursday, September 17th
6:30 p.m.
Waters School
Interested in Cub Scouts? Missed the Back-to-School Picnic hosted by Local Pack 3894? Mark your calendars for the ‘Blast Into Scouting’ recruitment event on September 17th at 6:30 p.m. at Waters, or contact Pack leader Lyzette Austen for more information.

Girl Scouts (Daisies, Brownies, Juniors and Cadets)
First meetings this week and next week
Voss Building at Queen of Angels
If you have a girl who is interested in scouting, please contact Troop Leaders Alejandra Camacho for Daisies, (Kinder and first grades), Blair McAnany for Brownies, (second and third grades), and Geri Aston Weinstock for Juniors (fourth and fifth grades). We do have higher levels of scouting; contact any of these troop leaders for info, or if you are interested in being a co-leader!

MS. NISSIM NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT
Please consider making a donation to help fund a projector and document camera needed for writing instruction in the 5th and 6th grade classrooms. Your help would be greatly appreciated. The request can be viewed here. Thank you.

QUICK LINKS
The Waters website, provides most, if not all, school-related information you may need. If you can't find what you are looking for, contact LSC Communications Chair, Erica Smith.

Sync the Waters Google Calendar to your own Google calendar. A snapshot of the calendar can be found on the home page.

Waters Today has a new website with fundraising information and volunteer opportunities. Stop by Waters Today.

BREAKFAST AND LUNCH MENUS
CPS has changed food providers. The CPS website is displaying breakfast and lunch menus for Waters school. Please choose WATERS in the selection menu to view.

For up-to-date news and events about the Waters community, check out the Waters Community and Events Facebook page.

Want to volunteer? Email Kathleen Matuszewich

Have a pledge or donation to make? Email Rick Bollinger or go to Waters Today

Want to Receive Ecology updates? Email Peter Leki and read his blog

Have school-related news to share or want to subscribe to Waters Green Notes? Email Cookie Silvia or submit here.

Have ideas, time or funds for Waters fundraising efforts or just want to keep up on fundraising volunteer opportunities? Email Sandi Barlow Stone

For general questions or concerns, email the Waters Today Board