Culture Night Co-Chair Needed!

9/28/2024 6:37 am

We are looking for a co-chair to help bring Culture Night back to Monroe this winter! If you are interested in volunteering or want to learn more, please email Jen and Catey at president@monroeschoolpto.com

Last Chance! Show your Monroe Spirit!

9/28/2024 6:35 am

Bring your Monroe spirit with new gear for the year! The last day to purchase is this MONDAY, September 30th. Click here to order: https://patriciasspiritwear.tuosystems.com/stores/monroeschool

Items will be delivered to school and sent home with your child approximately 2-3 weeks after the sale closes.

Orange Ruler Run - Turn in Day 10/2, Fun Run 10/4

9/28/2024 6:33 am

Thank you to the Monroe parent community for all the support you've shown the Orange Ruler! We only have a few days left before turn-in day on 10/2, and it's not too late to still signup at www.orangeruler.com/signup.

You are also welcome to come to Monroe on 10/4 to watch kiddos run and participate in the fun. More details for 10/4 will come in the next day or so, but the schedule is:
1:05-1:40 K - 2
1:45-2:10 "Pig Race" for the whole school - more details to come!
2:10-2:45 3 - 5

As a reminder, this is a Monroe PTO Fundraiser used to support things like:
Our PTO budget is used to fund things like:

- Assemblies throughout the year
- Events like Family Fun Fest, Science Fair, Culture Night, Newcomers Night, Welcome Back Coffee
- Teacher requested items like Heart Rate Monitors for Gym Class, new Library Books and new resources for the Sensory Corner
- Student requested items like greater inclusivity of country flags in the building
- Items for classrooms like Reading Club support, Decodable Reading Books, supplemental Science books and news subscriptions for kids
- Support for 5th Grade Outdoor Ed, Class Field Trips, Monroe Green Club, Field Day and the Living Classroom
- Staff Appreciation monthly lunches to make our teachers feel loved and appreciated
- Our first ever Monroe Movie night last Friday
- And so much more all made possible by our generous Monroe parent community!

Holiday Greenery Fundraiser

9/28/2024 6:32 am

The annual Holiday Greenery Fundraiser Sale is here! Led by our 5th Graders, this fundraiser helps to reduce the cost of the Outdoor Education field trip this October as well as fund other 5th grade activities. Our Monroe families and community members have the opportunity to support this fundraiser and order holiday wreaths, poinsettas and greenery supplied by Vern Goers. The sale runs from Sunday September 29th through Monday November 4th.

Thank you in advance for the support! Please use this form to order: https://www.monroeschoolpto.com/form/m/307821 All items will be available for pickup at Monroe Sunday, December 1st, from 1-3pm. Reach to Leslie Lee or Jeannine Kearney with any questions.

Charleston Wrap Sale

9/28/2024 6:29 am

Catalogues from Charleston Wrap were sent home in students' Friday folders.

Charleston Wrap is our annual sale for all things wrapping paper, gift bags, and home goods. There are over 1,000 items to choose from! All information about the sale can be found in the catalogue or on the attached FLYER.

To get started, simply scan the QR code, register your child for the sale, and then easily send texts and emails to family and friends inviting them to purchase. By registering your child for the sale, they can receive prizes based on sales made. It's a fun way to get the kids involved! Sale officially runs Sept 30 - Oct. 21, but shopping can start now! Thank you for supporting Monroe School!

Community Speaker Series Announces 2024-25 Season Lineup

9/28/2024 6:26 am

Announcing the Community Speaker Series lineup for the 2024-25 season! We are thrilled to welcome these top experts to our community this school year. Please mark your calendars:

Dr. Aliza Pressman
The 5 Principles of Parenting: Your Essential Guide to Raising Good Humans
Tuesday, October 29, 2024
7:00-8:30pm, The Community House
Wednesday, October 30, 2024
9:00-10:30am, The Community House

Dr. Michele Borba
Empathy and the Unselfie Revolution
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
7:00-8:30pm, The Community House
Thursday, February 6, 2025
9:00-10:30am, The Community House

Harlan Cohen
Win or Learn: The Naked Truth About Turning Every Rejection Into Your Ultimate Success
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
7:00-8:30pm, Hinsdale Central Auditorium
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
9:00-10:30am, The Community House

The Community Speaker Series is committed to fostering a sense of community through hosting in person events that inform and inspire. CSS is funded jointly by District 86 and District 181 and is supported by the D181 Foundation. Our events are free and open to the public. We encourage everyone to come out to connect and learn together.

Stay tuned for further details, and for more information about registration visit https://d181foundation.org/community-speaker-series. Please reach out to speakers@d181foundation.org if you have questions or are interested in getting involved. We are looking forward to a great season!

The Community Speaker Series Committee

Follow us on social media!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/commspeakers/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/D86CommunitySpeakerSeries

Save the Date

9/21/2024 2:12 pm

Friday, September 27
Monroe Cafe - Culvers

Monday, September 30
Charleston Wrap Begins

Sunday, October 6
Rotary Run

Thursday/Friday October 9/10
5th Grade Outdoor Ed

(see full calendar at the end of this newsletter for more...)

Thank you for a wonderful Movie Night!

9/21/2024 2:07 pm

What a fun first annual Family Monroe Movie Night!! It was great to see so many Monroe families come out to enjoy the evening. Thank you to the Monroe school community for showing up and making it a huge success. We hope you had a wonderful time! Thank you also to Mrs. Wodka and Mrs. Eder for making the after hours book fair and community event available to all!

We'd also like to give one more thank you to our amazing event sponsors - Petty & Dragstrem Orthodontics (presenting sponsor and glow sticks), Anthony Chiarito & Associates Inc. Agency (popcorn), and Seasons Therapy Group (cotton candy)! This night would not have been possible without their support!

Finally, huge thanks to our Movie Night committee for planning such an amazing event!!

Charleston Wrap Sale is Back!

9/21/2024 1:52 pm

It's that time of year again...the Charleston Wrap sale is here! Catalogues will be sent home in students' Friday folders this week. Take a look at all of the cool holiday wrapping paper, bags, and ribbons, occasional wrapping paper, home goods like candles and kitchenware, and more! Sale officially runs September 30 - October 21, 2024. Proceeds benefit Monroe School PTO. Register your child(ren) for the sale, send the link to family and friends, and your child can earn prizes! Thank you in advance for your support!

Chess Club at Monroe is here!

9/21/2024 1:48 pm

It's not too late to join chess club! No experience is needed and beginners are welcome. The club is run by Illinois Chess Teachers and is on Tuesdays from 3:05pm to 4:15pm.

Email Paul@IllinoisChessTeachers.com for a prorated rate or to try 1st week free! Please include School, student name, and grade. Hope to see you there!

Crochet Club Interest/Sign Up

9/21/2024 1:45 pm

Students have been asking for a crochet club, but we need 10 students to sign up before it's official!
Some students have asked for a Crochet Club and I am happy to oblige! However, we need to have a total of 10 students sign up in order to get this club off the ground.

This club will take place during lunch and recess on most Thursdays: 10/3, 10/17, 11/7, 11/14, 11/21, 12/5, 12/12, 12/19.

Students will receive a crochet kit with all the supplies they need including a variety of hooks, stitch markers, safety needles, and a skein of yarn. We will begin with the basics of a daisy chain and build on skills of increasing, decreasing, binding off, and tying in loose ends. If students work outside of our meetings, they could end up with two finished products. Our goal is to end with the basic skills to build upon for more complex projects if the students would like.

If more than 10 students sign up, we will have a lottery for the 10 spots. We need to keep this club small for more 1:1 assistance. If we need to go to a lottery system, students and parents will be notified by 10/27 by Mrs. Wodka.

This interest/sign up form will close on 10/26 at 5pm. Link to sign up HERE

Sponsors will be Mrs. Wodka and Mrs. Leinartas

Join us in the Library!

9/21/2024 1:44 pm

The Library is the hub of Monroe School. We'd love your help to make everything happen--shelving books, helping with displays, working with STEM resources and more!

Sign up for volunteer shifts HERE. 

There is a mandatory meeting on Wednesday, October 2 at 10 in the Library.

Any questions? Reach out to Sara Clary or Colleen Napleton.

Stock the Staff Lounge

9/21/2024 1:42 pm

Stock the Monroe Lounge is back. Who doesn't love a snack in the early afternoon? This Sign Up is for parents who'd like to donate items to the teacher/staff lounge. It's a great way to say Thank You to our teachers throughout the year!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0845AEAD29A4FC1-51346373-2425#/

How it works-
Each grade is responsible for a month to stock the lounge. Simply find your month and select items to bring to school on the designated date. Room parents will also be sending direct emails to you when it's your month. If the month for your grade doesn't work for you, feel free to select a different month.

October-Grade 5
November- Grade 4
December-Grade 3
January-Grade 2
February-Grade 1
March-Kindergarten
April-All

Thank you so much! Any questions please email Staffappreciation@monroeschoolpto.com

Come see The Wild Robot Movie with Monroe!

9/21/2024 9:01 am

Come see The Wild Robot Movie with Monroe!

One Book, One School, One Movie brings you a private Monroe School screening of The Wild Robot!

Join us to see Roz come to life on the big screen on Monday, October 14 at 10:00 am at The Classic Cinemas Theatre in LaGrange.

Tickets are $8.50 per person. Students must be accompanied by an adult.

Movie tickets on sale now! Get your tickets HERE today before they’re gone! Limited seats available.

District 181 Foundation Webinar for Parents

9/21/2024 8:58 am

District 181 Foundation Webinar for Parents
Myron Dueck
CH-CH-CH-CHANGES:
Generative AI (Chat GPT), Technology and the Road Ahead
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
7:00pm -8:30pm

Education and parenting seem to get a little more complicated with each passing year. Recently, artificial intelligence (or AI) has oozed into our lives, dominated the headlines, and raised concerns. How are parents supposed to keep informed and proactive when technology seems to change overnight?
Join international educational author, long-time educator, and parent – Myron Dueck – for an interesting and informative session that explores change, AI, learning, and screen time.

Can't attend the live webinar? Register and receive a link to the recording.

http://weblink.donorperfect.com/D181FoundationMyronDueck

Save the Date

9/15/2024 7:18 am

Monday, September 16
Orange Ruler Kickoff

Monroe Milers Run Club - 7:55am

Tuesday, September 17
Community Partners Chick-Fil-A

Wednesday, September 18

Monroe Milers Run Club - 7:55am

Friday, September 20
Monroe Cafe
Monroe Family Movie Night
Monroe Cares Canned Food Drive
Book Fair Begins!

Monday, September 30
Charleston Wrap Begins

Orange Ruler Fundraiser Starts Monday!

9/15/2024 7:14 am

A friendly reminder that Monroe's Orange Ruler Fundraiser Starts tomorrow! Please also refer to the email received from your Room Parents last week about the fundraising details for more information.

Family Movie Night - Friday 9/20, 5pm

9/15/2024 7:13 am

Please join us for Monroe's very first FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT! Mark your calendars for Friday, September 20th, beginning at 5:00pm!

5:00-7:00pm (Monroe Parking Lot)
- Shop the Monroe book fair, purchase dinner (tacos and pizza), and visit with friends!

7:00-8:30/9:00pm (Monroe Street bowl)
- Enjoy a movie on the big screen along with popcorn, cotton candy, glow sticks, and other candy for purchase!
- Our movie will begin at 7:00 or shortly after and will be announced after students finish voting!
- Bring a blanket or chairs to share with your family!

Please note - all children must have adult supervision.

Canned Food Drive at Movie Night!

9/15/2024 7:11 am

Clear out your pantries and donate to a good cause! Kids Care Club is hosting a canned food drive at MOVIE NIGHT on 9/20 in support of HCS Family Services. Each student that donates a can will receive a free yummy treat. We *CAN*not wait to see you there!

Monroe Spirit Wear Sale is here!

9/15/2024 7:08 am

Bring your Monroe spirit with new gear for the year! Purchase new items at the online store from Sept 15-30.

Click here to order. https://patriciasspiritwear.tuosystems.com/stores/monroeschool

Please include your child’s grade and teacher on the order form. Items will be delivered to school and sent home with your child approximately 2-3 weeks after the sale closes.