The Olive Branch: October 2016

Friday, October 28, 2016

Drop Off - Pick Up Procedures

Now that the weather is getting colder we are seeing increased traffic in our loading zone. Please take a moment to review the following guidelines when dropping off or picking up your child.

Our highest priority is to ensure that students arrive and leave school in a safe and organized way, so we need everyone to correctly follow our arrival/dismissal procedures.

General Precautions:

Be your child’s best example. Please be courteous to each other and to the adults helping to supervise our students.

Please follow safety guidelines at all times.

Student supervision begins at 8:50 am. Students should not arrive before this time.

Please pull your car as far forward as traffic allows.

Cell phone use while driving is prohibited in school zones, including our drop-off/pick-up area.

STUDENTS MAY ONLY ENTER & EXIT CARS ALONG THE STRAIGHTAWAY ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE LOT - PASSENGER SIDE ONLY.

Students are not allowed to enter and exit vehicles along the marked yellow curve.

Thank you for your understanding and patience during these very busy times of our day.

Sign Up Genius - Time Zone Update

Please remember to double check the time zone settings in your Sign Up Genius account to ensure you have the correct conference time. Directions were previously posted on Friday, October 21st titled: Parent Teacher Conferences 2016.

Belmont Sidewalk

On Saturday, October 28th a new sidewalk will be poured connecting Belmont Street to our playground blacktop. There will continue to be a grassy walkway along the temporary fence until the sidewalk is ready for use.

Thank You! From the LMC

The Library Media Center Staff would like to thank the Olive-Mary Stitt families who visited the LMC during Open House and sponsored new books for our library collection. Our total count of donated books was 114! Also, we had some students who won autographed copies of new books. The winners were as follows. Molly of K-4 won Clark the Shark. Jack from 3-4 won Peter and the Starcatchers. Jake from 4-1 won Hank Zipzer Niagara Falls Or Does It? Maggie from 5-4 won Bliss. Thank you to all of our families for your support! We will use your donations to purchase additional materials for our library.

A Message from the Ecology Club

Please click on the video link below to watch the public service announcement created by the students in the Ecology Club for the Plastic Film Wrap Drive.

Public Service Announcement

Yearbook Flier

TWIG 10.28.16

Olive-Mary Stitt PTA - Every child. One voice.

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The Olive Twig

October 28, 2016

Attention Halloween Party Volunteers

Please plan to check in and pick up your id badge during the lunch hour on Monday before the parade starts. This will help eliminate the last minute rush to check in after the parade is over. NOTE: A drivers license will be required for those who have not had their license scanned previously.

Halloween Check-In Volunteers Needed

We are looking for several people to help check in Halloween Party volunteers over the lunch period prior to the Halloween parade and parties. Please consider volunteering for a shift. Thank you for your help in making the check-in process run smoothly. Please click here to volunteer!

Did You Order Your Yearbook?

Yearbooks were not included in the picture packages this year. Orders placed by 10/31 receive a 10% discount. Please take a look at the Yearbook post below for further details.

Garibaldi's Dine & Earn onThursday, 11/3

Does your family love pizza and Italian food? On Thursday, November 3rd, consider taking a night off cooking and order from Garibaldi's at 1960 N. Arlington Heights Road. You can do DINE IN, CARRY OUT or DELIVERY! You just have to mention you are with Olive -Mary Stitt or show them this email. Garibaldi's is donating a portion of sales to the OMS PTA. The event will run from 5:00pm-8:00pm. Thanks for supporting the PTA! Please contact Liz McDonnell with any questions.

Picture Re-Takes -Thursday, November 3rd

Everyone should have received their student pictures. If you were absent or need a retake. please bring your picture packet or new order form to school on Thursday, 11/3/16. Retakes will begin promptly in the morning after announcements. Additional forms are available in the office. PLEASE NOTE: PM Kindergarten retakes need to be done between 9:00-11:00 am.

Please contact Nina Shamoon with any questions.

Club Yearbook Photos -11/3, 8:30am

Club/Group photos for the OMS Yearbook will be taken on Thursday, November 3rd at 8:30am (picture retake day). Children who participate in any of the Clubs/Groups listed below are encouraged to come for the photo shoot.

Please drop your children off at the front door of the school by 8:30am. Parents do not need to stay. PTA volunteers will be on hand to direct students.

Camp Fit
Ecology Club
Chess Club
Service Learning Club
Morning Announcements
Science Club
Music for Youth

Please note that the group photo for Band will be taken during a Wednesday rehearsal (TBD). Contact Erika Eng or Megan Hill with any questions. Thank you!

PTA Meeting - November 9th

Please join us for our next PTA meeting on 11/9 at 7:00 in the LMC. Dr. Eric Olson, Assistant Superintendent for Student Learning and Mrs. Jen Adams, from the Department of Student Learning for District 25 will present information about district assessments. Topics will include a brief explanation of each of the types of testing the district conducts, the purpose of these assessments, and how the district utilizes the data from each. There will be time at the end for questions. We hope to see you!

LMC Volunteers Needed

Do you want to be involved at OMS? Then consider volunteering in the Library (LMC)! We have several spots still available.

Monday- 9:00AM-10:30 AM or 10:30AM-12:15PM
Wednesday - 10:30AM-12:15PM
Thursday - 9:00AM-11:00 AM or 11:00AM-12:10PM

The commitment is every other week. If you are interested, please contact Nina Shamoon.

Calling Future South Cardinals!

South spirit wear is now available. It is being sold online only. Free shipping ends 11/5. Please CLICK HERE for more information.

Cookie Dough and More Fundraiser

Cookies are only the tip of the iceberg of the offerings this year! Catalogs and order forms were sent home in backpack this week. The sale runs from Wednesday, October 26th through Wednesday, November 9th. All orders will arrive the first full week of December. For every box ordered the PTA makes over $6.00! Happy snacking!

Please contact Jo Voelker or Liz McDonnell with any questions. Thank you for participating!

Let's Warm the Nest in November!

Please send in child/adult coats & winter gear for our November Character Counts drive. Our partner, Journeys The Road Home, has indicated this as their greatest need right now. Items can be placed to the right of the stage until the first week in December. Let's show how much OMS cares about those in need in our community!

Plastic Wrap & Plastic Film Recycling Drive

Your Ecology Club is leading a Plastic Wrap & Plastic Film Recycling Drive (sponsored in part by Keep America Beautiful). Collect clean & dry: plastic produce bags (carrot bags/apple bags), Ziplock bags, plastic grocery and retail bags, bread bags, dry cleaning bags, water and soda case wrap, plastic air pillows (packing), paper and bathroom tissue plastic wrap and newspaper bags. Ask your child to drop this material in to the container in the Commons. You will be amazed at how much "nontraditional recycling" you gather. Help keep our landfills clear of reusable waste. Thank you!

Reflections Entries Due 11/4

Does your child love art? This year’s National Reflection program theme is, "What Is Your Story?" OMS students in K-5 are encouraged to tell their story through dance, a short film, a poem or story, an original song, a photo or visual work of art.

Students can create as many projects as they like, in as many arts categories as they like. From the local PTA, projects advance through a judging system through council, district, region, state and national levels of the program.

Please CLICK HERE for the Rules and CLICK HERE for the Entry Form. Please return your submission to the school by November 4th. Any questions contact Kim Hemminger or Katie Fischer.

FAMILY BINGO NIGHT,Friday, November 11th!

FAMILY BINGO NIGHT is just two weeks away...please make sure to put it on the family calendar. Bingo Night isFriday, November 11th. The fun begins at 7:00 and ends at 8:30pm. Any questions? Please contact Kris Persons312-961-0943 or Amy Barnard 312-543-8463.

Spiritwear Update

For the families that ordered spiritwear: We received an email this week from our vendor that they are behind on production timeline due to a higher volume of orders from everyone than they expected. They said to expect the shipment the first week of November. Once we get the shipment we will put the orders in backpack mail. We apologize for the delay!

New Take For This Year's Yearbook

This year, Olive-Mary Stitt is using TreeRing to make our yearbooks. We made the switch to TreeRing for two reasons:

Custom Pages: Every student gets a one-of-a-kind printed copy of the yearbook, containing two free pages that they can customize with personal photos.
Buy a Book, Plant a Tree: TreeRing plants a tree in our school’s name whenever someone from our school purchases a yearbook. (And here’s a bonus: They print on recycled paper).

Our book this year will be forty-two pages, including the two free custom pages, printed fully in color. The cost is $13.00. Orders placed by October 31 receive a 10% discount. Please CLICK HERE for flyer.

In order to buy your book and start your custom pages, visit www.treering.com and create an account. You’ll want to have our school passcode handy. That number is 1014636724843184.

We’re looking forward to a year full of great memories—and capturing them in the yearbook!

Please contact Megan Hill or Erika Eng if you have questions.

P.S. If you run into any trouble at all while setting up your TreeRing account, they have a great support team. Please contact them at support@treering.com.

ABC/25 Yankee Candle Fundraiser

Yankee Candle Fundraiser is back!! All orders are online with free shipping on all orders over $100+. Orders will be directly shipped to your home. For deliveries before Thanksgiving orders need to be completed by October 21st and December orders need to be completed byNovember 18th. Yankee Candle fundraiser will run untilJanuary 10, 2017. Visit the www.abc25.org and click the Yankee Candle icon and follow the prompts to signup as a seller. Proceeds benefit ABC/25 Foundation Teacher Grants. Membership Drive is also still going on! Help your school Earn $2,500 - Make a donation and become a member of ABC/25 Foundation today! If you have questions, contact Megan Puzen or Liz Gabianelli.

Upcoming Events..

10/31 - Halloween Parade/Classroom Parties,1:30pm
11/3 - Picture Retakes
11/3 - Club Yearbook Photos, 8:30am
11/4 - Reflection Entries Due
11/8 - No school
11/9 - Cookie Dough Fundraiser Ends
11/9 - PTA Meeting, 7pm
11/11 - Family Bingo Night,7:00-8:30pm

Important Links

OMS CALENDAR

DISTRICT 25 E-FLYERS

TWIG SUBMISSION FORM

OMS BLOGSPOT

CONTACT THE PTA

JOIN THE PTA

CONNECT WITH US

	Friend us on Facebook
	OMS PTA Website
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Friday, October 21, 2016

Parent Teacher Conferences Fall 2016

OMS Parent-Teacher Conferences

Monday, November 21 and Tuesday, November 22, 2016

At Olive-Mary Stitt Elementary School, we value a strong partnership between home and school. Twice a year, once in November and once in March, time is provided for Parent-Teacher Conferences. Parent-Teacher Conferences are a valuable time to share information and discuss the progress of our students. Parents will be able to sign up for Parent-Teacher Conferences online, using http://www.signupgenius.com. Parents will be provided links to begin signing up for conferences on Wednesday, 11/2/16, at 10 AM. The window for signing up for fall conferences will be Wednesday, 11/2/16 at 10 AM through Wednesday, 11/16/16 at 10 AM.

The conferences are scheduled in 20-minute increments. In order to be fair and equitable to all our OMS families, each family may sign up for only one evening conference each year. Families can choose to either sign up for an evening conference in the fall or the spring, not both.

OMS Parent Teacher Conferences Fall 2016

Directions for Online Conference Scheduling

Fall Parent Teacher Conferences will take place on Monday, 11/21/16 and Tuesday, 11/22/16. The window for signing up for conferences will be Wednesday, 11/2/16 at 10 AM through Wednesday, 11/16/16 at 10 AM. You will receive an email from OMS Administration on 11/2/16 initiating the scheduling process.
If you already received an email from your teacher regarding your child’s conference time, you do not need to sign up again using these directions, as your conference time slot is already blocked out on the schedule. This priority scheduling only applies to unique situations where certain school personnel are needed for a conference.
Parents will schedule conference appointments using SignUpGenius. Use this link for SignUpGenius Directions With Screenshots.
Each teacher has a unique link, so if you have multiple children, you must login separately using the appropriate link. Hyperlinks that appear above the selected teacher’s name take you directly to SignUpGenius schedules for all of our classroom teachers and will be provided in the 11/2/16 email. If you have any difficulty using the link, please try using a different Internet browser.
If you have a SignUpGenius account, choose “I’m a SignUpGenius member.” If you do not have or want a SignUpGenius account, choose “I do not have a SignUpGenius account” and fill out your name and email address. If you have multiple conferences to coordinate, you may want to consider signing up for a SignUpGenius account as this will allow you to make changes as you go in and out of different teachers’ schedules.
If you want to create a SignUpGenius account, select “Create a Sign Up.” If you choose to create an account, you will be able to log in and edit your time slot during the conference sign-up window, if you need to make a change. If you need to make a change after the window closes, you will need to email your child’s teacher.
If you sign in, select Settings on the right-hand side, select the Other tab at the top, then confirm the time zone is set to Central (Central Standard Time). If you have to change the timezone, don’t forget to click Update Settings at the bottom.
On your child’s teacher’s conference schedule, identify which 20-minute time slot you would like to reserve. In the column labeled Available Slot, click on the SignUp button next to the time you would like to reserve, then click on the Submit and SignUp located at the bottom of the page.
If you would like to sync your conference time with iCalendar, select “Send me a confirmation email with an iCalendar (.ics) file.”
If you have a specific question/area you would like addressed during the conference, please indicate this in the “My Comment” field.
Click on the “Sign Up Now!” button.
Do not forget to add your conference time to your calendar. If you do not have a SignUpGenius account and you log on to your child’s teacher’s schedule at a later date, you will only see time slots that are “Already Filled,” not specific names.
You will receive an email reminder 4 days prior to your selected conference date.
We look forward to seeing you on 11/21/16 or 11/22/16 for your child's conference!

First Annual 4th Grade Team Building with OMS Principals

On Friday, Oct. 21st the 4th-grade classes joined Mrs. FitzPatrick and Ms. Davis for the first annual team building activity! This is the first year that the principals have expanded team building to grades other than 5th.

This morning the students were divided into groups on a deserted island. They were famished due to lack of food. Low and behold the island across the way had the much-needed food they needed. Using only their mini raft (a scooter) and a rope, teams had to find a way to get all of their members from one island to the other. If their scooter was left unattended or the rope touched the water the mean and hungry sharks (the principals) sent them back to the beginning.

Fun was had by all and we learned the value of listening to one another, communicating, sharing ideas, and being persistent in problem-solving. At the end of the activity, a few teachers decided to join in the fun!

Thursday, October 20, 2016

TASTING EVENT!

Mark your calendars now for the Tasting event of the season!

Monday, October 24

5:00 – 6:30 p.m.

South Middle School

Free Samples

All elementary families are invited to South Middle School on Monday, October 24 from 5:00 -6:30 p.m. to taste the delicious and nutritious food served in the school lunch program. This is a casual evening allowing the whole family to sample many items offered in the school meal program. Learn what the program is all about and what items your child loves.

Author/Illustrator, David Biedrzycki Will Visit OMS!

During LMC time, our students in Kindergarten and First Grade have been enjoying listening to books by David Biedrzycki and participating in activities related to the books. Students in Second Grade will also prepare for his visit. Mr. Biedrzycki has written such fun picture books as Breaking New: Bear Alert and Me and My Dragon. His book, Breaking News: Bear Alert was the Illinois Monarch Book Award winner for 2016. Mr. Biedrzycki will give a presentation to students in grades K-2 on November 1. Students in afternoon Kindergarten will be invited to attend the morning presentation with a caregiver. We look forward to welcoming Mr. Biedrzycki to OMS thanks to the support of the PTA!

If any families would like to purchase signed, personalized copies of his work, they may return the attached order form to the library media center by Thursday, October 27.

Click Here to access the LMC website where you can find a DOWNLOADABLE ORDER FORM!

Senator Rooney Visits OMS

Please CLICK HERE to view a short slideshow of Senator Rooney's visit.

TWIG 10.21.16

Olive-Mary Stitt PTA - Every child. One voice.

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The Olive Twig

October 21, 2016

What's Been Happening?

PROGRESSIVE DINNER - 104 people made this night a huge success! We would like to thank all of our attendees, host families and our wonderful chairs, Kerri Grabowski & Katie Stawicki! They did a fabulous job organizing this fun OMS community event which raised around $2500! Way to go!!!

CAMP FIT - Our club wrapped up it's Fall Session on Wednesday. We had a total of (66) kids participate and hopefully will be able to accommodate even more in the Spring. A great big Thank You to Lindsey Campion, Becky Hany & Lisa Peterson for getting the kids active and providing them with this energetic program.

CHARACTER COUNTS - This week was National Character Counts Week. Thank you to all of the kids who turned in their "What's In My Suitcase" worksheet showing what they plan to take with them to make the world a better place. We hope you got a chance to check out the wall full of the artwork outside the LMC at Open House last night. Thank you Rachael Hooker & Christine Gilbert for organizing this project.

Cookie Dough and More Fundraiser

Cookies are only the tip of the iceberg of the offerings this year! Catalogs and order forms will be in backpack the week of October 24th. The sale runs from Wednesday, October 26th through Wednesday, November 9th. All orders will arrive the first full week of December. For every box ordered the PTA makes over $6.00! Happy snacking!

Please contact Jo Voelker or Liz McDonnell with any questions. Thank you for participating!

Picture Re-Takes -Thursday, November 3rd

Club Yearbook Photos -11/3, 8:30am

Camp Fit
Ecology Club
Chess Club
Service Learning Club
Morning Announcements
Science Club
Music for Youth

Please note that the group photo for Band will be taken during a Wednesday rehearsal (TBD). Contact Erika Eng or Megan Hill with any questions. Thank you!

Plastic Wrap & Plastic Film Recycling Drive

Progressive Dinner 2016

We would like to send out a special thank you for all who participated in the 2016 Progressive Dinner. The night was a huge success and lots of fun had by all. We appreciate the support of the families who attended as well as all of the host families: Dan & Melissa Teuscher, Marc & Regan Sonnabend, Roger & Pam Phillips, Scott & Julie Talbot , Dan & Norah Muenkel, Brian & Megan Kerpec, Jeff & Karen Bersch, Jeffry & Chavon Thune, Will & Michelle Thompson, Bill & Tina Hickey, Scott & Monica Hartman, Ryan & Katie Starzyk, Will & Jen Ortman, Mike & Stacy Riggs.

We already have the committee chairs for 2017, Melissa Teuscher and Jen Ortman. If you are interested in hosting the 2017 dinner, please let us know or be sure to complete the volunteer form for next years events. Thank you in advance for your commitment and continued support of this PTA event.

Katie Stawicki & Kerri Grabowski

Calling All Coats - Let's Warm the Nest!

The PTA Character Counts program asks you to begin collecting child/adult coats & winter gear for our November drive. Our partner, Journeys The Road Home, has indicated this as their greatest need right now. Let's show how much OMS cares for those in need in our community!

Spiritwear Update

Family Bingo Night - 3 Weeks Away

PTA sponsored FAMILY BINGO NIGHT is just three weeks away...please make sure to put it on the family calendar. Bingo Night is Friday, November 11th from 7:00-8:30pm. Admission is FREE! Please have each child bring a non-perishable food item as a donation to share with those in need in our community. Any questions? Please contact Kris Persons 312-941-0943 or Amy Barnard 312-543-8463.

Congratulations, Olive-Mary Stitt PTA!

Olive PTA received the top award of Outstanding Honor at the District 37 Illinois PTA Awards Dinner on Monday night. PTA District 37 currently consists of 62 local PTA units in the northwest Chicago suburbs, including all of the District 25 schools.

We won this award based on the collaboration of all of your volunteer efforts. This included trainings our board and committee chairs attended, membership numbers, and our PTA clubs and events in the 2015/2016 school year. We could not have won this award without the support and commitment of all of the Olive volunteers. Your time and service is so appreciated.

This year we highlighted our successful Character Counts pilot program led by Christine Gilbert and Rachael Hooker in partnership with our amazing teachers, administration and students. We are so thankful to continue this wonderful program again this year.

Thanks to everyone for all that you do!

Halloween Check-In Volunteers Needed

Chess Club Starts October 28th

Olive students in grades K-5 who are interested in chess are invited to join the Chess Club. All levels are welcome — from beginner to experienced player (we’ll teach you the rules!). Chess Club will meet from 3:35 – 4:35 pm on the following dates: October 28th, November 11th,December 9th, January 13th & 27th, February 17th, andMarch 17th. Each meeting is an independent lesson; attend as many as you can. Parent volunteers are welcome during our meetings (no Chess experience required). Please CLICK HERE to sign your child up. Contact Stephanie Jennrich or Jennifer Faley with any questions.

New Take For This Year's Yearbook

This year, Olive-Mary Stitt is using TreeRing to make our yearbooks. We made the switch to TreeRing for two reasons:

Custom Pages: Every student gets a one-of-a-kind printed copy of the yearbook, containing two free pages that they can customize with personal photos.
Buy a Book, Plant a Tree: TreeRing plants a tree in our school’s name whenever someone from our school purchases a yearbook. (And here’s a bonus: They print on recycled paper).

Our book this year will be forty-two pages, including the two free custom pages, printed fully in color. The cost is $13.00 . Orders placed by October 31 receive a 10% discount. Please CLICK HERE for flyer.

In order to buy your book and start your custom pages, visit www.treering.com and create an account. You’ll want to have our school passcode handy. That number is 1014636724843184.

We’re looking forward to a year full of great memories—and capturing them in the yearbook!

Please contact Megan Hill or Erika Eng if you have questions.

P.S. If you run into any trouble at all while setting up your TreeRing account, they have a great support team. Please contact them at support@treering.com.

Reflections Program - What is Your Story?