Central PTA News

Sgt. Michael Gray will show appreciation and share experiences

( RIVERSIDE ) …. What began at the near west suburban Central School last year as a Valentine’s Day project has blossomed into a year-long series of activities to support U.S. military troops. It will reach a pinnacle this Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008, when Sgt Michael Gray, cousin of third grader Joseph Dudek, spends the day visiting each classroom in the school. Sgt. Gray recently completed his third tour of duty in Fallujah, Iraq. He will talk to the students about the different countries he visited while in the service.

Central mom Kathy Dudek, Sgt. Gray’s aunt and Joseph’s mother, organized the valentine effort last year. Each student made two cards; one went to Hines VA Hospital and the other to military on active duty overseas.

This inspired faculty members Barbara Margolis, William Howes, and Patricia Gill to make DVDs featuring Central and Hauser Junior High student concerts. Last spring, they sent the DVDs to soldiers who are members of District 96 (staff and student) families.

In November, the students in Mrs. Claudia Miller’s second grade class collected candy to be sent to soldiers overseas – including Sgt. Michael Gray. To express his gratitude for the thoughtfulness of District 96 children and staff, Sgt. Gray presented Central School with two flags that had flown over his unit in Iraq. Both will be on display in the school building.

Sgt. Gray’s Thursday visit does not mark the end of Central School’s good will. The faculty and students will again be making cards for active service people overseas. This year, however, Sgt. Gray will not be receiving one. He is being reassigned to a base in Oklahoma, where he and his family will be moving very soon.

–Kim Grimshaw Bolton

It is time to plan ahead for the 08/09 school year.  Take a minute to think about continuing your support of the Central students by volunteering for a PTA officer position.  The experience is very rewarding. The nominating committee is in place and their objective is to develop the 08/09 slate of PTA officers for presentation at the March 4th PTA meeting;  

• Nominating Committee;  Jeannine Glavas(Chair), Nancy Hopkins, Mary Jurgens, Michele Mendoza, Jen Sedivy, alternates; Kathy Dudek & Melinda Brom
• There are 8 PTA officer positions available; President, two (2) 1st VP’s - Membership, 2nd VP-Fundraising, 3rd VP Philanthropy, Treasurer, Corresponding Secretary and Recording Secretary (Parliamentarian is filled by the past President)
• If you are interested in a board position, please contact Jeannine Glavas or Linda LaBelle
• The PTA website has job descriptions for most of the positions.  Additional details can be provided.

2008/09 will be another outstanding year for Central School!

Linda LaBelle

Reminder, the next PTA meeting is scheduled as an evening meeting.  Meeting details;

• Tuesday, February 5th, 7:00 pm, Central School Library
• The PTA meetings are a great place to learn about all the exciting programs and activities being planned and to hear an update from Dr. Limperis about Central school 
• Stop in early at 6:45 pm for some refreshments and a chance to meet with other Central school parents
• Please click the following link for a copy of the January meeting minutes, January PTA Minutes
• Sorry, no child care is provided for the evening meetings
• I look forward to seeing you there

Linda LaBelle

Central Families,

The Read to Succeed Program is underway.  Central students that read 6 hours or 360 minutes will qualify for a FREE ticket to Six Flags theme park.  The winter time (or anytime) provides a great chance to curl up with your favorite book or magazine.  All instructions are included in the “Student Keeping Track Form”.

• Please complete your reading and return the form to your teacher by Friday 2/22
• Click the following link for a copy of the Student Keeping Track Form Read to Succeed tracking form
• Have fun reading!

 Dear Central School Families:

I am happy to announce that Ms. Noelle Serio has been hired as the long term substitue teacher for the students in Ms. McCarthy’s class and the fifth grade.  Ms. Serio has student taught in fifth grade and worked as a teaching assistant in the sixth grade in Naperville.  She is a graduate of the University of Iowa and has taught guided reading.  She is also familiar with the University of Chicago math program.  Noelle has met the fifth grade teaching team and transitioned with Mrs. Spatny this afternoon.  Ms. Serio is excited to meet the students tomorrow morning (Wednesday 1/16) and begin working with them.

Please stop in at your convenience to say hello and meet Ms. Serio. 

Have a good evening,

Dr. Limperis, Principal

Central Elementary School

Hauser PTA is sponsoring a parent education program on Thursday, January 17 at 7:00 p.m. in the Hauser Jr. High Auditorium. Clinical psychologist, professor, and author Dr. Michael Maniacci will discuss raising kids to excel without sacrificing character in a presentation entitled “Raising Children with Character in a Competitive World.” We invite all members of District 96 and neighboring communities to join us for this presentation.

Central Families ,

As a reminder, the Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 15, 7:30 pm, at Hauser Jr. High School’s Learning Resource Center.

The Board of Education requested that the following item be placed on the General Session (7:30 pm) Agenda; “Consider elimination of Kindergarten Enrichment in 2008 - 2009″.  The Board hopes to hear comments about Enrichment from future Kindergarten parents prior to a decision.  Parents of incoming Kindergarteners please feel free to attend the meeting to share your thoughts.

The Education Committee Meeting is also scheduled for Tuesday, January 15, 5:00 pm at Hauser Jr. High’s Learning Resource Center.  Following are the agenda items:

• Review DARE Program - Information
• Mission Imperatives - Discussion
• K-5 Survey - Information
• Findings - Special Education Report
• Math Program Update

The District 96 website, www.district96.org should also have the posted agendas